Background/Aims: Cholecystitis can occur after the placement of covered self-expandable metallic stents for distal malignant biliary obstructions. We aimed to identify risk factors for cholecystitis following covered self-expandable metallic stent placement. Methods: We investigated risk factors related to cholecystitis following covered self-expandable metallic stent placement in 118 patients with distal malignant biliary obstructions between January 1, 2015 and April 30, 2019. Endoscopic assessments and tumor invasion to the arteries feeding the gallbladder were determined by a pancreaticobiliary endoscopist and a radiologist, respectively. Results: The median patient age was 72 years (men, 61.0%). The flow of the contrast agent into the gallbladder and tumor involvement in the orifice of the cystic duct were observed in 35 (29.7%) and 35 (29.7%) patients, respectively. During the observation period (median, 179 days), cholecystitis occurred in 18 (15.3%) patients. Multivariate analysis revealed the flow of the contrast agent into the gallbladder (p=0.023) and tumor involvement in the orifice of the cystic duct (p=0.005) as significant independent risk factors associated with cholecystitis. Conclusions The flow of the contrast agent into the gallbladder and tumor involvement in the orifice of the cystic duct are potential independent risk factors for cholecystitis following the placement of covered self-expandable metallic stents. A follow-up prospective study is warranted to validate their influence.

We report two cases of spastic cerebral palsy classified as diplegia-type complicated cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Under the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), both were classified as Level IV, defined as standing with support, but with difficultly, after the diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Paralysis in both the upper and lower limbs deteriorated and became a form of quadriplegia. In one case, there was no appeal from the patient even after the manifestation of symptoms；diagnosis and surgery were both time consuming, with no improvements in post-operative symptoms including urinary incontinence. In the other case, early diagnosis was possible and operation was scheduled early. The post-operative response was positive, and the patient was able to recover to pre-cervical spondylotic myelopathy conditions. Complications of cervical spondylotic myelopathy is well-known in the athetosis type；however, reports on the spastic type are limited. Here, we report complications of cervical spondylotic myelopathy in spastic cerebral palsy and show that early detection and surgery are important factors in mitigating long-term recovery.

We report two cases of spastic cerebral palsy classified as diplegia-type complicated cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Under the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), both were classified as Level IV, defined as standing with support, but with difficultly, after the diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Paralysis in both the upper and lower limbs deteriorated and became a form of quadriplegia. In one case, there was no appeal from the patient even after the manifestation of symptoms；diagnosis and surgery were both time consuming, with no improvements in post-operative symptoms including urinary incontinence. In the other case, early diagnosis was possible and operation was scheduled early. The post-operative response was positive, and the patient was able to recover to pre-cervical spondylotic myelopathy conditions. Complications of cervical spondylotic myelopathy is well-known in the athetosis type；however, reports on the spastic type are limited. Here, we report complications of cervical spondylotic myelopathy in spastic cerebral palsy and show that early detection and surgery are important factors in mitigating long-term recovery.

OBJECTIVE: Orthodontic root resorption (ORR) due to orthodontic tooth movement is a difficult treatment-related adverse event. Caspases are important effector molecules for apoptosis. At present, little is known about the mechanisms underlying ORR and apoptosis in the cementum. The aim of the present in vivo study was to investigate the expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), caspase 3, caspase 8, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) in the cementum in response to a heavy or an optimum orthodontic force. METHODS: The maxillary molars of male Wistar rats were subjected to an orthodontic force of 10 g or 50 g using a closed coil spring. The rats were sacrificed each experimental period on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after orthodontic force application. And the rats were subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS: On day 7 for the 50-g group, hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed numerous root resorption lacunae with odontoclasts on the root, while immunohistochemistry showed increased TRAP- and RANKL-positive cells. Caspase 3- and caspase 8-positive cells were increased on the cementum surfaces in the 50-g group on days 3 and 5. Moreover, the number of caspase 3- and caspase 8-positive cells and RANKL-positive cells was significantly higher in the 50-g group than in the 10-g group. CONCLUSIONS: In our rat model, ORR occurred after apoptosis was induced in the cementum by a heavy orthodontic force. These findings suggest that apoptosis of cementoblasts is involved in ORR.
Acid Phosphatase ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Caspase 3 ; Caspase 8 ; Caspases* ; Dental Cementum ; Eosine Yellowish-(YS) ; Hematoxylin ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Models, Animal ; Molar ; Osteoclasts ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Root Resorption* ; Tooth Movement

Background/Aims: Cholecystitis can occur after the placement of covered self-expandable metallic stents for distal malignant biliary obstructions. We aimed to identify risk factors for cholecystitis following covered self-expandable metallic stent placement. Methods: We investigated risk factors related to cholecystitis following covered self-expandable metallic stent placement in 118 patients with distal malignant biliary obstructions between January 1, 2015 and April 30, 2019. Endoscopic assessments and tumor invasion to the arteries feeding the gallbladder were determined by a pancreaticobiliary endoscopist and a radiologist, respectively. Results: The median patient age was 72 years (men, 61.0%). The flow of the contrast agent into the gallbladder and tumor involvement in the orifice of the cystic duct were observed in 35 (29.7%) and 35 (29.7%) patients, respectively. During the observation period (median, 179 days), cholecystitis occurred in 18 (15.3%) patients. Multivariate analysis revealed the flow of the contrast agent into the gallbladder (p=0.023) and tumor involvement in the orifice of the cystic duct (p=0.005) as significant independent risk factors associated with cholecystitis. Conclusions The flow of the contrast agent into the gallbladder and tumor involvement in the orifice of the cystic duct are potential independent risk factors for cholecystitis following the placement of covered self-expandable metallic stents. A follow-up prospective study is warranted to validate their influence.

BACKGROUND: The Fujiwara-kyo Osteoporosis Risk in Men (FORMEN) study was launched to investigate risk factors for osteoporotic fractures, interactions of osteoporosis with other non-communicable chronic diseases, and effects of fracture on QOL and mortality. METHODS: FORMEN baseline study participants (in 2007 and 2008) included 2012 community-dwelling men (aged 65-93 years) in Nara prefecture, Japan. Clinical follow-up surveys were conducted 5 and 10 years after the baseline survey, and 1539 and 906 men completed them, respectively. Supplemental mail, telephone, and visit surveys were conducted with non-participants to obtain outcome information. Survival and fracture outcomes were determined for 2006 men, with 566 deaths identified and 1233 men remaining in the cohort at 10-year follow-up. COMMENTS The baseline survey covered a wide range of bone health-related indices including bone mineral density, trabecular microarchitecture assessment, vertebral imaging for detecting vertebral fractures, and biochemical markers of bone turnover, as well as comprehensive geriatric assessment items. Follow-up surveys were conducted to obtain outcomes including osteoporotic fracture, cardiovascular diseases, initiation of long-term care, and mortality. A complete list of publications relating to the FORMEN study can be found at https://www.med.kindai.ac.jp/pubheal/FORMEN/Publications.html .
Aged ; Bone Density ; Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology* ; Cohort Studies ; Geriatric Assessment ; Humans ; Independent Living ; Japan/epidemiology* ; Long-Term Care/statistics & numerical data* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoporosis/etiology* ; Osteoporotic Fractures/etiology* ; Risk Factors