Objectives: Several studies have reported that the secretory immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) concentration in saliva is an indicator of psychological stress. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between S-IgA and the stress from academic examinations. Methods: S-IgA levels in 10 medical student volunteers from the second year course between May 4 and July 13, 2000 were examined using the ELISA method. Results: There was a tendency for S-IgA in saliva to be higher on the day before academic examinations and during them, and lower on the days between these examinations. Conclusions: It may be possible to use this measurement to monitor psychological stress in students and workers.
Upper case ess ; Immunoglobulin A measurement ; Saliva ; Stress bismuth subsalicylate ; Daily

OBJECTIVESSeveral studies have reported that the secretory immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) concentration in saliva is an indicator of psychological stress. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between S-IgA and the stress from academic examinations.

METHODSS-IgA levels in 10 medical student volunteers from the second year course between May 4 and July 13, 2000 were examined using the ELISA method.

RESULTSThere was a tendency for S-IgA in saliva to be higher on the day before academic examinations and during them, and lower on the days between these examinations.

CONCLUSIONSIt may be possible to use this measurement to monitor psychological stress in students and workers.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of cartilage degeneration at the patellofemoral joint on clinical outcomes after open wedge high tibial osteotomy and to investigate the predisposing factors for progressive patellofemoral cartilage degeneration. Methods: Seventy-two knees were evaluated on second-look arthroscopy in patients who opted for plate and screw removal at an average of 20.1 months after osteotomy. Cartilage degeneration at the patellofemoral joint was evaluated using the International Cartilage Repair Society grading system, with cases divided into progression and nonprogression groups. Radiographic parameters of the patellofemoral anatomy, knee range of motion, and clinical outcomes were evaluated from the preoperative baseline to the final follow up, on average 50 months after osteotomy. A contracture > 5° was considered a flexion contracture. Results: Cartilage degeneration progressed in 31 knees, and preoperative knee flexion contracture was significantly associated with progressive degeneration (P < 0.01). The Lysholm and Kujala scores were significantly lower in the progression group (87.9 and 85.3, respectively) than in the nonprogression group (91.6 and 93.6, respectively) (P < 0.05). The odds ratio of the flexion contracture resulting in progression of patellofemoral cartilage degeneration was 4.63 (95% confidence interval, 1.77–12.1). No association was detected between progressive degeneration and age, sex, body mass index, Kellgren-Lawrence grade, or radiographic parameters. Conclusions Flexion contracture may be associated with progression of cartilage degeneration at the patellofemoral joint and may negatively affect the clinical outcomes after open wedge, high tibial osteotomy.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of cartilage degeneration at the patellofemoral joint on clinical outcomes after open wedge high tibial osteotomy and to investigate the predisposing factors for progressive patellofemoral cartilage degeneration. Methods: Seventy-two knees were evaluated on second-look arthroscopy in patients who opted for plate and screw removal at an average of 20.1 months after osteotomy. Cartilage degeneration at the patellofemoral joint was evaluated using the International Cartilage Repair Society grading system, with cases divided into progression and nonprogression groups. Radiographic parameters of the patellofemoral anatomy, knee range of motion, and clinical outcomes were evaluated from the preoperative baseline to the final follow up, on average 50 months after osteotomy. A contracture > 5° was considered a flexion contracture. Results: Cartilage degeneration progressed in 31 knees, and preoperative knee flexion contracture was significantly associated with progressive degeneration (P < 0.01). The Lysholm and Kujala scores were significantly lower in the progression group (87.9 and 85.3, respectively) than in the nonprogression group (91.6 and 93.6, respectively) (P < 0.05). The odds ratio of the flexion contracture resulting in progression of patellofemoral cartilage degeneration was 4.63 (95% confidence interval, 1.77–12.1). No association was detected between progressive degeneration and age, sex, body mass index, Kellgren-Lawrence grade, or radiographic parameters. Conclusions Flexion contracture may be associated with progression of cartilage degeneration at the patellofemoral joint and may negatively affect the clinical outcomes after open wedge, high tibial osteotomy.

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a life-threatening disease, and in severe cases is required surgical treatment. Emergency pulmonary embolectomy using retrograde pulmonary perfusion (RPP) as an adjunct was successfully performed in 2 patients suffering from massive acute PTE. After removal of the pulmonary thrombus via incision of the pulmonary artery trunk, RPP via the right upper pulmonary vein was performed, which enabled the removal of residual thrombotic material and air from the peripheral branches of pulmonary arteries.