Objective: Hospital treatment volume affects survival in patients with endometrial cancer;notably, initial treatment at high-volume centers improves survival outcomes. Our study assessed the effect of hospital treatment volume on cost-effectiveness and survival outcomes in patients with endometrial cancer in Japan. Methods: A decision-analytic model was evaluated using the following variables and their impact on cost-effectiveness: 1) hospital treatment volume (low-, intermediate-, and highvolume centers) and 2) postoperative recurrent risk factors based on pathological findings (high- and intermediate-risk or low-risk). Data were obtained from the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology database, systematic literature searches, and the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. Quality-adjusted life years (QALY) was used as a measure of effectiveness. The model was built from a public healthcare perspective and the impact of uncertainty was assessed using sensitivity analyses. Results: A base-case analysis showed that the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio at high-volume centers was below a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of ¥5,000,000with a maximum of ¥3,777,830/4.28 QALY for the high- and intermediate-risk group, and ¥2,316,695/4.57 QALY for the low-risk group. Treatment at the high-volume centers showed better efficiency and cost-effectiveness in both strategies compared to intermediate- or lowvolume centers. Sensitivity analyses showed that the model outcome was robust to changes in input values. With the WTP threshold, treatment at high-volume centers remained cost-effective in at least 73.6% and 78.2% of iterations for high- and intermediate-risk, and lowrisk groups, respectively. Conclusion Treatment at high-volume centers is the most cost-effective strategy for guiding treatment centralization in patients with endometrial cancer.

Objective: Hospital treatment volume affects survival in patients with endometrial cancer;notably, initial treatment at high-volume centers improves survival outcomes. Our study assessed the effect of hospital treatment volume on cost-effectiveness and survival outcomes in patients with endometrial cancer in Japan. Methods: A decision-analytic model was evaluated using the following variables and their impact on cost-effectiveness: 1) hospital treatment volume (low-, intermediate-, and highvolume centers) and 2) postoperative recurrent risk factors based on pathological findings (high- and intermediate-risk or low-risk). Data were obtained from the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology database, systematic literature searches, and the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. Quality-adjusted life years (QALY) was used as a measure of effectiveness. The model was built from a public healthcare perspective and the impact of uncertainty was assessed using sensitivity analyses. Results: A base-case analysis showed that the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio at high-volume centers was below a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of ¥5,000,000with a maximum of ¥3,777,830/4.28 QALY for the high- and intermediate-risk group, and ¥2,316,695/4.57 QALY for the low-risk group. Treatment at the high-volume centers showed better efficiency and cost-effectiveness in both strategies compared to intermediate- or lowvolume centers. Sensitivity analyses showed that the model outcome was robust to changes in input values. With the WTP threshold, treatment at high-volume centers remained cost-effective in at least 73.6% and 78.2% of iterations for high- and intermediate-risk, and lowrisk groups, respectively. Conclusion Treatment at high-volume centers is the most cost-effective strategy for guiding treatment centralization in patients with endometrial cancer.

Objective: Hospital treatment volume affects survival in patients with endometrial cancer;notably, initial treatment at high-volume centers improves survival outcomes. Our study assessed the effect of hospital treatment volume on cost-effectiveness and survival outcomes in patients with endometrial cancer in Japan. Methods: A decision-analytic model was evaluated using the following variables and their impact on cost-effectiveness: 1) hospital treatment volume (low-, intermediate-, and highvolume centers) and 2) postoperative recurrent risk factors based on pathological findings (high- and intermediate-risk or low-risk). Data were obtained from the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology database, systematic literature searches, and the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. Quality-adjusted life years (QALY) was used as a measure of effectiveness. The model was built from a public healthcare perspective and the impact of uncertainty was assessed using sensitivity analyses. Results: A base-case analysis showed that the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio at high-volume centers was below a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of ¥5,000,000with a maximum of ¥3,777,830/4.28 QALY for the high- and intermediate-risk group, and ¥2,316,695/4.57 QALY for the low-risk group. Treatment at the high-volume centers showed better efficiency and cost-effectiveness in both strategies compared to intermediate- or lowvolume centers. Sensitivity analyses showed that the model outcome was robust to changes in input values. With the WTP threshold, treatment at high-volume centers remained cost-effective in at least 73.6% and 78.2% of iterations for high- and intermediate-risk, and lowrisk groups, respectively. Conclusion Treatment at high-volume centers is the most cost-effective strategy for guiding treatment centralization in patients with endometrial cancer.

This technical note demonstrates kinematically aligned Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty using the Microplasty instrumentation system with custom-made devices. The medial joint line is evaluated preoperatively; if it is aligned and parallel with the lateral joint line, they are considered to comprise the coronal knee joint line (CJL). In this case, the coronal inclination of a spoon gauge inserted into the medial joint space indicates the CJL. Otherwise, an accessory spoon is inserted and connected to the medial spoon to refer to the posterior condylar line, which is considered the CJL. The tibial cutting block is then connected without changing the inclination of the spoon and the coronal tilt of the tibial extramedullary rod is adjusted, which is implemented with a custom-made ankle yoke. The remainder of the steps is then identical to the conventional Microplasty procedure. This technique can imitate the cutting line to the CJL, which might be considered ideal from mechanical and kinematic perspectives.

Objective: The purposes of this trial were to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the hybrid of intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy (HBT) for locally advanced cervical cancer patients in the phase I/II prospective clinical trial. Methods: Patients with FIGO stage IB2-IVA uterine cervical cancer pretreatment width of which was ≥5 cm measured by magnetic resonance imaging were eligible for this clinical trial. The protocol therapy included 30–30.6 Gy in 15–17 fractions of whole pelvic radiotherapy concurrent with weekly CDDP, followed by 24 Gy in 4 fractions of HBT and pelvic radiotherapy with a central shield up to 50–50.4 Gy in 25–28 fractions. The primary endpoint of phase II part was 2-year pelvic progression-free survival (PPFS) rate higher than historical control of 64%. Results: Between October 2015 and October 2019, 73 patients were enrolled in the initial registration and 52 patients proceeded to the secondary registration. With the median follow-up period of 37.3 months (range, 13.9–52.9 months), the 2- PPFS was 80.7% (90% confidence interval [CI]=69.7%–88%). Because the lower range of 90% CI of 2-year PPFS was 69.7%, which was higher than the historical control ICBT data of 64%, therefore, the primary endpoint of this study was met. Conclusion The effectiveness of HBT were demonstrated by a prospective clinical study. Because the dose goal determined in the protocol was lower than 85 Gy, there is room in improvement for local control. A higher dose might have been needed for tumors with poor responses.

Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) complicated by secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is associated with an increased risk of fragility fractures. Etelcalcetide (EC) is a treatment for SHPT that reduces serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. However, the effects of combined treatment with osteoporosis drugs such as teriparatide (TPTD) remain unclear. This study investigates the combined effects of EC and TPTD on bone in CKD model rats. Methods: The CKD model was established in 8-week-old male Wistar rats by feeding them a 0.75% adenine diet for 4 weeks. At 20 weeks of age, the rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 9–10 in each group): CKD group (vehicle administration), TPTD group (30 μg/kg, 3 times/week), EC group (0.6 mg/kg, daily), and Comb group (TPTD and EC combined). EC was injected for 12 weeks starting at 20 weeks of age, and TPTD was injected for 8 weeks starting at 24 weeks of age. After treatment, the followings were evaluated: bone mineral density, bone strength, biochemical tests, bone and fat histomorphometry, and micro-computed tomography. Results: In CKD model rats, the combination of EC and TPTD was more effective in increasing cortical bone thickness and bone strength and inhibiting porosity. In addition, the combined treatment decreased bone marrow adiposity and fibrosis, and it increased bone mass and improved bone microstructure in trabecular bone. Conclusions With the observed benefits such as improved bone mass, bone strength, structural properties, and bone marrow adiposity, combination therapy may be a potential way to improve bone fragility in CKD.

Background: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and second-look arthroscopic findings after intra-articular adipose-derived regenerative cell (ADRC) injection as treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: ADRCs were administered to 11 patients (19 knees; mean age, 61.7 years) with knee OA. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was harvested by liposuction from both thighs, and arthroscopic lavage was performed, followed by ADRC injection (mean dose, 1.40 × 10 7 cells) into the synovial fluid. Outcome measures included the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Lysholm score, and visual analog scale score. Arthroscopic examinations were performed to assess the International Cartilage Repair Society cartilage injury grade preoperatively and overall repair postoperatively. Noninvasive assessments were performed at baseline and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups; arthroscopic assessments were performed at baseline and at 6 months. Results: All outcome measures significantly improved after treatment. This improvement was evident 1 month after treatment and was sustained until the 6-month follow-up. Data from second-look arthroscopy showed better repair in low-grade cartilage lesions than in lesions with a greater degree of damage. No patients demonstrated worsening of Kellgren-Lawrence grade, and none underwent total knee arthroplasty during this period. Conclusions Clinical outcomes were improved in patients with knee OA after ADRC administration. Cartilage regeneration was more effective in smaller damaged lesions than in bigger lesions.

Background and objectives: The number of workers taking temporary leave due to clinical depression is increasing, and the probability that these workers will take such leave again after returning to work is high. In response to this dilemma, institutions involved in psychiatric care across Japan now implement “rework programmes,” aiming to help employees resume work without relapsing to depression. Methods: This programme has several forms. Between May 2017 and June 2019, 32 patients on temporary leave due to a depressed mood participated in group psychotherapy at our clinic. Of these patients, 21 patients who were able to return to work without a recurrence of symptoms, evaluated upon reinstatement, and followed up for 1 year were analysed in this study. The participants were divided into two groups: a continued employment group (n=16) consisting of patients who were still working one year after reinstatement and a repeat leave group (n=5) consisting of those who took temporary leave again within the first year. Differences in psychiatric symptoms, social function, cognitive function, readiness to return to work, and other factors were compared between the two groups. Results: The continued employment group was likely to have better social function, cognitive flexibility, and executive function when returning to work. Conclusion These preliminary results indicate that social functions and cognitive functions might be associated with continued employment.

As a screening tool for detecting latent pre-locomotive syndrome (latent pre-LS) in women over the age of 40, measuring handgrip strength with a cut-off value of 26 kg was proposed in a previous report. However, this screening method missed 22% of latent pre-LS. It would be beneficial to screen almost persons with latent pre-LS in community pharmacies. In this study, it was investigated whether screening using the combination of measuring handgrip strength and the questionnaire, “Loco-check,” which was proposed by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association, improved the detection of latent pre-LS in the same group mentioned above. Combining only one of the “Loco-check” questions, “I cannot put on a pair of socks while standing on one leg,” with the measurement of handgrip strength with the cut-off value of 26 kg, the detection of latent pre-LS was increased to 90.2%. The odds ratio was 9.72 in logistic regression analysis. Using the combination of the measurement of handgrip strength and the response to one question is both rapid and convenient. Therefore, in this study, this screening combination is proposed to be a useful tool in community pharmacies for detecting early latent pre-LS.

Objective: Associations between hospital treatment volume and survival outcomes for women with 3 types of gynecologic malignancies, and the trends and contributing factors for high-volume centers were examined. Methods: The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology tumor registry databased retrospective study examined 206,845 women with 80,741, 73,647, and 52,457 of endometrial, cervical, and ovarian tumor, respectively, who underwent primary treatment in Japan between 2004 and 2015. Associations between the annual treatment volume and overall survival (OS) for each tumor type were examined using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model with restricted cubic splines. Institutions were categorized into 3 groups (low-, moderate-, and high-volume centers) based on hazard risks. Results: Hazard ratio (HR) for OS each the 3 tumors decreased with hospital treatment volume. The cut-off points of treatment volume were defined for high- (≥50, ≥51, and ≥27), moderate- (20–49, 20–50, and 17–26), and low-volume centers (≤19, ≤19, and ≤16) by cases/year for endometrial, cervical, and ovarian tumors, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed younger age, rare tumor histology, and initial surgical management as contributing factors for women at high-volume centers (all, p<0.001). The proportion of high-volume center treatments decreased, whereas low-volume center treatments increased (all p<0.001). Treatment at high-volume centers improved OS than that at other centers (adjusted HR [aHR]=0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.78–0.88; aHR=0.78, 95% CI=0.75–0.83; and aHR=0.90, 95% CI=0.86–0.95 for endometrial, cervical, and ovarian tumors). Conclusion Hospital treatment volume impacted survival outcomes. Treatments at high-volume centers conferred survival benefits for women with gynecologic malignancies. The proportion of treatments at high-volume centers have been decreasing recently.