BACKGROUND: Mitochondria, which harbor their own genome (mtDNA), have attracted attention due to the potential of mtDNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) as an indicator of mitochondrial dysfunction. Although mtDNA-CN has been proposed as a simple and accessible biomarker for metabolic disorders such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, the underlying mechanisms and the causal relationship remain insufficiently elucidated. In this investigation, we combined longitudinal epidemiological data, animal studies, and in vitro assays to elucidate the potential causal relationship between reduced mtDNA-CN and the development of steatotic liver disease (SLD). METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal study using data from a health examination cohort initiated in 1981 in Yakumo, Hokkaido, Japan. Data from examinations performed in 2015 and 2022 were analyzed, focusing on 76 subjects without SLD at baseline (2015) to assess the association between baseline mtDNA-CN and subsequent risk of SLD development. In addition, 28-day-old SD rats were fed ad libitum on a 45% high-fat diet and dissected at 2 and 8 weeks of age. Blood and liver mtDNA-CN were measured and compared at each feeding period. Additionally, in vitro experiments were performed using HepG2 cells treated with mitochondrial function inhibitors to induce mtDNA-CN depletion and to examine its impact on intracellular lipid accumulation. RESULTS: Epidemiological analysis showed that the subjects with low mtDNA-CN had a significantly higher odds ratio for developing SLD compared to high (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 4.93 [1.08-22.50]). Analysis of the animal model showed that 8 weeks of high-fat diet led to the development of fatty liver and a significant decrease in mtDNA-CN. A further 2 weeks of high-fat diet consumption resulted in a significant decrease in hepatic mtDNA-CN, despite the absence of fatty liver development, and a similar trend was observed for blood. Complementary in vitro experiments revealed that pharmacologically induced mitochondrial dysfunction led to a significant reduction in mtDNA-CN and was associated with increases in intracellular lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that reduced mtDNA-CN may contribute causally to SLD development and could serve as a convenient, noninvasive biomarker for early detection and risk assessment.
Animals ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics* ; Humans ; Male ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Female ; Fatty Liver/blood* ; Rats ; Middle Aged ; Longitudinal Studies ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Adult ; Japan/epidemiology* ; Aged ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Hep G2 Cells ; Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects*

Objectives: We compared cancer patients who were discharged home from inpatients hospices (Home), and who died at hospices (PCU) as a comparison group regarding patients’ quality of life, to clarify the patients’ experience after discharge home. Methods: We send self-reported questionnaires to bereaved families of cancer patients who were discharged home from 12 Japanese nation-wide hospices and died without readmission to the hospicies during Janually 2010 and August 2014. We used bereaved families’ data of patients who died at the same hospices during the same period of J-HOPE3 study. Results: We sent 495 questionnaires (returned 47.3%) and analyzed data of 188 as Home. The data of 759 bereaved families of J-HOPE3 study were also analyzed as PCU. In Good Death Inventory, Home was associated with higher score on some items (staying at favorite place, having pleasure, staying with families and friends, being valued as a person), and PCU was associated with higher score on being free from pain or other physical distress. Conclusions: Patients who were discharged home from inpatient hospices had good environmental QOL, but hospices may be better in palliation of symptoms.

As part of U-40 activities, chapters have traditionally held sessions of lectures and hands-on as the Basic Lecture Course (BLC) to improve the basic skills and knowledge of young cardiovascular surgeons. Because of the COVID-19 epidemic, we have shifted our activities from onsite to online. This column focuses on “management of postoperative delirium and pain” in the lecture of “Postoperative Management in Cardiovascular Surgery” given by the Chubu Chapter in 2020. We summarize the lecture and report the results of a questionnaire survey of the U-40 members.

Background: Massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) with subscapularis (SSC) tears cause severe shoulder dysfunction. In the present study, the influence of SSC tears on three-dimensional (3D) shoulder kinematics during scapular plane abduction in patients with MRCTs was examined. Methods: This study included 15 patients who were divided into two groups: supraspinatus (SSP) and infraspinatus (ISP) tears with SSC tear (torn SSC group: 10 shoulders) or without SSC tear (intact SSC group: 5 shoulders). Single-plane fluoroscopic images during scapular plane elevation and computed tomography (CT)-derived 3D bone models were matched to the fluoroscopic images using two-dimensional (2D)/3D registration techniques. Changes in 3D kinematic results were compared. Results: The humeral head center at the beginning of arm elevation was significantly higher in the torn SSC group than in the intact SSC group (1.8±3.4 mm vs. −1.1±1.6 mm, p<0.05). In the torn SSC group, the center of the humeral head migrated superiorly, then significantly downward at 60° arm elevation (p<0.05). In the intact SSC group, significant difference was not observed in the superior-inferior translation of the humeral head between the elevation angles. Conclusions In cases of MRCTs with a torn SSC, the center of the humeral head showed a superior translation at the initial phase of scapular plane abduction followed by inferior translation. These findings indicate the SSC muscle plays an important role in determining the dynamic stability of the glenohumeral joint in a superior-inferior direction in patients with MRCTs.

Methods: Patients with degenerative lumbar diseases, whose MRIs detected BME, were enrolled. On a T2-weighted fat-saturated MRI, BME appeared as a high-intensity region adjacent to the vertebral endplate. We calculated the contrast ratios (CRs) of BME and normal bone marrow using the signal intensities of BME, normal bone marrow, and the spinal cord. On computed tomography, we calculated Hounsfield unit (HU) values in the same area as BME, the sclerotic endplate, and normal bone marrow to assess bone density. Results: There were 16 men and 14 women, with an average age of 73.5 years. The mean CRs of BME and normal bone marrow were −0.015±0.056 and −0.407±0.023, respectively. BME’s CR was significantly higher than that of normal bone marrow (p<0.01). The HU values in the same area as BME, the sclerotic endplate, and normal bone marrow were 251.9±24.6, 828.3±35.6, and 98.1±9.3, respectively; these values were significantly different from each other (p<0.01). Conclusions The CR on MRI is a useful quantitative assessment tool for BME in patients with degenerative lumbar diseases.

BACKGROUND: The Rugby World Cup (RWC) is one of the biggest international mega sports events in the world. This study was conducted to identify and evaluate the volume, nature, and severity of spectator medical care in the stadiums of 12 venues across Japan during RWC 2019. METHOD: This was a retrospective review of medical records from spectator medical rooms of 45 official matches of RWC 2019 between September 20 and November 2, 2019. All patients in the stadium who visited the spectator medical room and were transferred to a hospital were included. The wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) value at the kick-off time of each match, the number of visits to the spectator medical room, and the number of transfers to a hospital were reviewed and analyzed. The patient presentation rate (PPR) was calculated per 10,000 attendees. Severity categories were defined as mild or severe. Mild cases were considered non-life threatening requiring minimal medical intervention, and severe cases required transport to a hospital. RESULT: The total number of visits to the spectator medical room was 449 with a PPR of 2.63. Most cases (91.5%) were mild in severity. The PPR was significantly higher for the matches held with a WBGT over 25 °C than for the matches under 21 °C (PPR 4.27 vs 2.04, p = 0.04). Thirty-eight cases were transferred to a hospital by ambulance; the PPR was 0.22. The most common reasons for transfer to the hospital were heat illness and fracture/dislocation, at a rate of 15.8% each. The incidence rate of cardiopulmonary arrest per 10,000 attendees was 0.0059 during RWC 2019. CONCLUSION Preparation and provision of appropriate medical service for spectators is a key factor for mass-gathering events. During RWC 2019, the majority (91.5%) of patients who sought medical attention did so for minor complaints, which were easily assessed and managed. On the other hand, a higher WBGT situation contributes significantly to an increased PPR (< 21 versus > 25, 2.04 versus 4.27, p = 0.04). Careful medical preparation, management, and development of public education programs for higher WBGT situations will be required in the future for similar international mega sports events.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Ambulatory Care/statistics & numerical data* ; Anniversaries and Special Events ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data* ; Female ; Football ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data* ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Japan ; Male ; Mass Behavior ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) frequently occurs in children worldwide. However, MIH prevalence throughout Japan has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to clarify MIH prevalence rates and to consider potential regional differences throughout Japan. METHODS: A total of 4496 children aged 7-9 years throughout Japan were evaluated in this study. MIH prevalence rates among children were evaluated in eight regions throughout Japan. A child's residence was defined as the mother's residence during pregnancy. The localization of demarcated opacities and enamel breakdown was recorded on a standard code form using a guided record chart. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate whether MIH prevalence rates differed among age groups, sex, and regions. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of MIH in Japan was 19.8%. The prevalence of MIH was 14.0% in the Hokkaido region, 11.7% in the Tohoku region, 18.5% in the Kanto Shin-Etsu region, 19.3% in the Tokai Hokuriku region, 22.3% in the Kinki region, 19.8% in the Chugoku region, 28.1% in the Shikoku region, and 25.3% in the Kyushu region. These regional differences were statistically significant. Moreover, MIH prevalence rates decreased with age. No significant sex differences in MIH prevalence rates were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first MIH study carried out in several regions throughout Japan. Regional differences existed in MIH prevalence rates; particularly, MIH occurred more frequently in children residing in southwestern areas than those in northeastern areas of Japan.
Child ; Dental Enamel Hypoplasia ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Japan ; epidemiology ; Male ; Prevalence

Objectives: We developed versions 2 and 3 of the Biological Prognostic Score (BPS) for advanced cancer patients and confirmed the prediction accuracy. Methods: We conducted a parametric survival analysis using blood test data, performance status (PS), clinical symptoms, age, sex, and cancer type as variables for advanced cancer patients who completed or suspended cancer treatment, in the development of BPS2 and BPS3. We then prospectively compared the accuracy between BPS2/BPS3 and the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI). Results: We developed the BPS2 and BPS3 based on the data from 589 patients in a development cohort. While the former version was calculated based on the cholinesterase, blood urea nitrogen, and white blood cell counts, the latter was calculated based on the BPS2, ECOG PS and edema. For 206 patients in a validation cohort, the overall accuracy in prediction of survival for 3 and 6 weeks using the BPS2 and BPS3 were significantly higher than those for the PPI. Conclusion: The usefulness of BPS2 and BPS3 was suggested.

Background: The technique of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) has evolved, and artery first’ approach was considered for the intraoperative early determination of resectability for borderline resectable cases before the ‘point of no return’ and avoidance of blood congestion resulted in the reduction of blood loss. Also, active application of energy device was useful for the reduced operative time and blood loss. Recently, 3D simulation for hepatobiliary pancreatic surgery has been useful and mandatory. In this presentation, we introduced our recent refinements and advances for PD. ‘Artery first’ approach and vessel sealing system for PD: ‘Artery first’ approach were considered as six different methods as follows; 1) Superior approach, 2) Anterior approach, 3) Posterior approach, 4) Left posterior approach, 5) Right/ medial uncinate approach and 6) Mesenteric approach. A while ago, we preferably applied the mesenteric approach to PD, and also the combination of this approach with vessel sealing system (VSS) significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss (Mesenteric approach with VSS, n=21 vs. non-‘Artery first’ approach without VSS, n=78; 320±174ml vs. 486±263ml, p<0.01). Modified de-rotation method as complete ‘Artery first’ approach: Most recently, for further refinement of operative procedure, we refined a right/medial uncinate and posterior approach as modified de-rotation method. Point of view in this method was the complete clockwise rotation of small intestinal mesentery including ascending colon, in order to linearize from duodenum to jejunum and look at the direct front of superior mesenteric artery (SMA), vein (SMV) and some branched jejunal vessels originated from SMA and SMV (Fig.). Thereby, in the posterior view, the easy dissection of all pancreatic branch originated from SMA can be done. This modified de-rotation method was possible to achieve the complete ‘Artery first’ approach. Preoperative 3D simulation of arterial and venous anatomy: Until now, we applied 3D volumetery software (SYNAPSE VINCENT®) as preoperative simulation for hepatic resection. And recently, for evaluation of the position relationship between arteries and veins surround pancreas head, we adopted this software before PD. As first step, arteries and veins are automatically identified, and small vessels are manually traced on the axial CT view. After that, 3D arterial and venous simulations are combined. Grasp of detailed vessel anatomy and its relationship using preoperative 3D simulation enable to safely perform PD, even in young surgeons (operative time; young 512±49 vs. senior 445±41 min, p<0.01), (blood loss; young 353±203 vs. senior 246±109 ml, p=0.16). Conclusion: Those refinements and advances are possible to safely and easily perform pancreatoduodenectomy.

Background: The glissonean pedicle approach was introduced by Couinaud and Takasaki in the early 1980s. The key of the glissonean pedicle approach is clamping the pedicle first, secondly confirming the territory, and finally dissecting the liver parenchyma. In this presentation, we introduced our recent refinements of glissonean pedicle approach for liver resection. “Approach to the glissonean pedicles at the hepatic hilus” Couinaud described three approaches to the hepatic hilus. 1) Intra-fascial access (Control method): The conventional dissection at the hilus or within the sheath is referred to as intrafascial access However, dissection performed under the hilar plate is dangerous and surgeons have to consider any variations of the hepatic artery and bile ducts. 2) Extra-fascial access (Glissonean pedicle approach): The glissonean pedicle is dissected from the liver parenchyma at the hepatic hilus before dissecting the liver parenchyma. This procedure prevents intrahepatic metastasis of HCC, which spreads along the portal vein and improves the overall survival after surgery. 3) Extra-fascial and transfissural access: If the main portal fissure or the left suprahepatic fissure is opened after dissecting the liver parenchyma, the surgeon can confirm the pedicles that arise from the hilar plate or the umbilical plate. “Operative techniques” 1) Preoperative 3D simulation of the precise anatomy of portal vein, hepatic artery and bile duct at hepatic hilus should be performed. 2) Right glissonean pedicle: The hilar plate is detached from the quadrate lobe. The assistant pulls the liver parenchyma cranially and the operator conversely pulls the hepatoduodenal ligament caudally. Mayo scissors are inserted along the liver parenchyma between the liver parenchyma and glissonean capsule (Fig.1). Then forceps are inserted in the same way and the right main pedicle is taped (Fig.2). The right anterior and posterior glissonean pedicles are taped as well. 3) Left glissonean pedicle: The hilar plate is detached from the liver parenchyma. Then, the Arantius duct is confirmed and the left pedicle is dissected along the left pedicle at the ventral side of the Arantius duct. “Pitfall of glissonean pedicle approach” The right pedicle should be dissected in the liver side as much as possible to prevent the injury of left hepatic duct. If possible, the right pedicle is recommended to be dissected at the level of the second branches separately (Fig.3). The right posterior hepatic duct sometimes branches from the left hepatic duct and the Arantius duct is confirmed and the left pedicle should be dissected along the left pedicle at the ventral side of the Arantius duct because the right posterior hepatic duct branches from the left hepatic duct at the dorsal side of Arantius’ duct. In addition, the intraoperative cholangiogram should be used in the case with the abnormal anatomy of bile duct. Conclusions: Any anatomical hepatectomy can be performed using “glissonean pedicle approach” which allows simple, safe and easy liver resection.