Neck epaxial muscles, which are differentiated for suspending the head, occupy a large space posterior to the cervical lordosis. Limited information exists regarding developmental process that determines the muscle fiber direction and bony attachment of neck epaxial muscles. We examined histological sections of 28 human fetuses aged approximately 7–18 weeks (crown-rump length, 20–150 mm). In place of the underdeveloped lordosis, the transverse process of cervical vertebrae was shifted anteriorly at the cervicothoracic junction. The semispinalis and longissimus were distinguished by the direction of muscle fibers connecting between the surface aponeurosis and transverse process. The semispinalis capitis and splenius capitis had a bulky anterior margin without bony attachments. The obliquus capitis inferior continued to both the rectus capitis posterior major and the semispinalis cervicis, but the obliquus capitis superior was consistently independent. Muscle attachments to the scapula were quite different from the final morphology: 1) the levator and rhomboidei usually extended inferiorly along the developing scapula beyond the inferior angle and 2) the splenius capitis or semispinalis cervicis rarely issued an aberrant bundle attaching to the scapula. The scaleni, rhomboidei, levator scapulae, iliocostalis and longissimus were arranged in parallel from the anteromedial to the posterolateral planes and together formed a thick oblique muscle bundle originating from the cervical transverse process and running toward the upper thoracic vertebra and ribcage. The transient oblique muscle bundle seen in early fetuses seemed to provide the so-called intermediate axial muscle between the epaxial-hypaxial muscles: a concept postulated in recent molecular neurology and embryology.

Background/Aims: To evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of patients with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) before and after treatment. Methods: This study enrolled 50 adult patients diagnosed with CIPO at 4 institutions, of whom 42 underwent therapy.Patient background, body mass index, treatment, palliative care intervention, numerical rating scale for abdominal pain or bloating, the medical outcomes study 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) and summary scores (physical component summary, mental component summary, and role/social component summary), Japanese version of the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (JPAC-QOL) and subscales (physical discomfort, psychosocial discomfort, worries and concerns, and satisfaction), and Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) and subscales (stool, rectal, and abdominal symptoms) were prospectively sampled and collected. Results: The patients (n = 50; 35 females and 15 males) had an average age of onset of 44.7 years and, body mass index of 17.3 kg/m², and 38 (76%) required palliative care intervention. Effective therapeutic interventions included intestinal sterilization (19/42), decompression therapy with percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy (PEG-J) (6/42), and dietary restriction (6/42). The numerical rating scale for abdominal distension and pain decreased significantly after treatment. All SF-36 summary scores showed improvements. The JPAC-QOL and PAC-SYM both showed improvement overall and in all subscales. Conclusions Patients with CIPO have a lower physical, psychological and social QOL, which is equivalent to or lower than that of adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease or psychiatric disorders. Sterilization of the intestinal tract and PEG-J decompression effectively improve the QOL of patients.

Objective: With the Internet serving as a major source of medical information, the abundance of pharmaceutical content across media and digital platforms raises concerns about the impact of inappropriate or misleading information on public health. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive, practical evaluation indicator to assess the reliability and quality of pharmaceutical websites, targeting general consumers in Japan.Methods: We systematically reviewed existing domestic and international criteria for health information quality to develop evaluation indicators. Based on this review, a preliminary set of indicators was drafted and refined using a modified Delphi process involving six experts in pharmaceutical and medical communications. This process incorporated established frameworks, including the Health on the Net (HON) Code, JAMA Benchmarks, and the Japanese eHealth Ethics Code. A validated set of indicators was finalized after four iterative rounds of review and feedback.Results: The final tool comprises 16 evaluation items across three categories: (1) Screening Criteria (4 items), which eliminate websites with misleading content, public indecency, or political/religious affiliations; (2) Website Evaluation Criteria (5 items), assessing operational transparency, contact availability, advertisement distinction, and policy disclosure; and (3) Content Evaluation Criteria (7 items), addressing clarity, accuracy, update frequency, source citation, legal compliance, and balanced risk-benefit information. Each item was rated using a primarily binary (yes/no) scale with intermediate options, such as “partially applicable” or “not applicable.” The tool reflects expert consensus and complies with Japan’s ethical and regulatory standards.Conclusion: This tool facilitates the appropriate dissemination of pharmaceutical information and supports users in identifying trustworthy sources. By explicitly incorporating legal compliance and editorial transparency as evaluation criteria, it encourages higher standards among healthcare professionals and information providers, potentially improving the quality of pharmaceutical communication.

Open surgery remains the treatment of choice for mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm (MAAA). However, open surgery for MAAA is often associated with a significant perioperative risk and there have been some reports in which MAAA was successfully treated with endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). We report a case of MAAA treated with EVAR. Gallium scintigraphy was useful in postoperative evaluation of infection. A 61-year-old man presented with back pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a 50-mm saccular abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA). The patient underwent EVAR for symptomatic AAA but developed a high fever 5 days after surgery. Serum C-reactive protein level was elevated and blood culture was positive for Salmonella. Intravenous antibiotics were commenced with a diagnosis of MAAA and the fever and inflammatory parameters subsided with a decrease in the size of the aneurysm. Accumulation of gallium was observed on scintigraphy 1 month after surgery. The patient received intravenous antibiotics for 8 weeks after surgery and was discharged home with oral antibiotics. At 6 months after surgery, accumulation of gallium disappeared. Oral antibiotics were ceased when CT showed disappearance of the aneurysm 9 months after surgery. At present, the patient has been doing well without signs or symptoms of recurrent infection.

Objective: Analysis of data from reports of medical device faults in drug-device combinations (DDCs) can prevent adverse events caused by errors and lead to improvements. However, there is a paucity of published articles reporting the analysis of data on faults in DDCs. The aim of this study was to analyze data of faults in these medical devices in Japan.Methods: The review summarized information from the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency data on “case reports of suspected failures of the mechanical and instrumental parts of DDCs” reported between 25 November 2014 and 31 July 2022. Information was collected from public documents on “year reported”, “age”, “gender”, “trade name”, “generic name”, “mechanical device part name”, “mechanical device part failure status”, and “hazard” and “outcome”.Results: There were approximately 1,300 reports of medical device faults in DDCs over the study period, with the number increasing year by year. Five device parts (insulin pen injectors, pre-filled syringes, drug and vaccine injectors, disposable hypodermic needles, and intrauterine contraceptive devices) accounted for 90% of the reports. We found that there was a considerable amount of missing data on reportable items such as age and gender of the patient. Our analysis also showed that 90% of the medical device fault reports involving DDCs were related to malfunction or breakage.Conclusion: In order to use DDCs more safely and effectively it is important to review reports and analyse data of faults in these devices.

Background: Common regional anesthesia approaches for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) include paravertebral block (PVB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB). PVB is considered a deep nerve block which is contraindicated in antithrombotic therapy. ESPB is effective when administered as a bolus, as well as continuously. However, the recently proposed intertransverse process block (ITPB) ensures more effective diffusion of the local anesthetic into the paravertebral space.Case: We report cases of three patients who received bolus ITPB (costotransverse foramen block and mid-point transverse process-to-pleura block in one and two cases, respectively) combined with continuous ESPB when a deep nerve block could not be administered. Opioids were not required postoperatively, and all postoperative numerical rating scale scores (0–10) at rest were maintained below 4. Conclusions The combination of bolus ITPB and continuous ESPB may be an alternative analgesic method when deep nerve blocks are contraindicated in VATS.

Background/Aims: Natural history of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO), a rare disease characterized by episodes of non-mechanical obstruction, is unclear in adults. This study evaluates the clinical course of CIPO and palliative care needs of patients. Methods: From October 2010 to September 2021, 74 patients who underwent cine MRI and had a definitive diagnosis of CIPO were prospectively included. We investigated disease etiology and outcomes, age at onset, nutritional status at consultation (body mass index and serum albumin), hydrogen breath test results, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) during the disease course. Results: Forty-seven patients (64%) were women, with a mean age of 44 years at onset and 49 years at diagnosis. Primary CIPO was observed in 48 patients (65%). Secondary CIPO was observed in 26 cases (35%), of whom 18 (69%) had scleroderma. The mean body mass index, serum albumin level, and hydrogen breath test positivity rate were 17 kg/m2 , 3.8 mg/dL, and 60%, respectively. TPN and invasive decompression therapy were required by 23 (31%) and 18 (24%) patients, respectively. Intestinal sterilization was performed in 51 (69%) patients and was effective in 33 (65%); of these, 28 (85%) were taking metronidazole. Seven (9%) patients used opioids. There were 9 deaths (12%), including 5 (56%) from infection and 2 (22%) from suicide. Of the deaths, 6 (67%) and 4 (44%) underwent TPN management and decompression therapy, respectively. Fifty-one patients (69%) wanted palliative care. Conclusion CIPO is a rare, severe, and under-recognized disease. Standardization of treatment strategies, including palliative care and psychiatric interventions, is desired.

Purpose: Accelerated atherosclerosis is a major complication in patients with end-stage renal disease and it plays an important role in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the association between aortic calcification burden and the severity of ED remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate this association in men undergoing dialysis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 71 men undergoing peritoneal dialysis and/or hemodialysis between July 2016 and May 2018 at Mutsu General Hospital. ED was assessed with the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM). Patients were divided into the mild/moderate (SHIM score ≥8) and severe ED groups (SHIM score ≤7). Aortic calcification index (ACI) was examined as a clinical indicator of abdominal aortic calcification. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the significant factors associated with severe ED. Results: The median age of the study participants was 64 years; all had ED, with 64.8% having severe ED. In the multivariable analyses, a slight association was observed between ankle-brachial index and severe ED (odds ratio [OR], 0.058; p=0.072), whereas ACI was significantly associated with severe ED (OR, 1.022; p=0.022). Conclusions Aortic calcification burden was independently associated with severe ED.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of severe erectile dysfunction (ED) on future major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in men on dialysis. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study included 71 men on dialysis. ED was assessed using the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM). Men were divided into the mild/moderate ED (SHIM score ≥8) and severe ED (SHIM score ≤7) groups. The primary endpoint was MACE-free survival. MACE was a composite of myocardial infarction, cardiovascular death, and stroke. The secondary endpoints were cardiac event-free survival and overall survival (OS). Moreover, the predictive abilities of severe ED for 5-year MACE, 5-year cardiac events, and 5-year overall mortality were evaluated. Results: The median age and follow-up period of the included men were 64 years and 58 months, respectively. The median SHIM score was 4.0; all had a degree of ED, and 64.7% had severe ED. In the background-adjusted multivariable analyses, severe ED was not significantly associated with shorter MACE-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.890; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.533–6.706; p=0.324), cardiac event-free survival (HR, 2.081; 95% CI, 0.687–6.304; p=0.195), and OS (HR, 0.817; 95% CI, 0.358–1.863; p=0.630). Severe ED did not significantly improve the predictive abilities for 5-year MACE, 5-year cardiac events, and 5-year overall mortality (p=0.110, p=0.101, and p=0.740, respectively). Conclusions ED severity was not associated with shorter MACE-free survival, cardiac event-free survival, or OS, and ED severity could not improve the predictive abilities for these outcomes in men undergoing dialysis.

Background: With improvements in the safety and stability of surgeries, the number of orthognathic surgeries is increasing. Most patients who undergo orthognathic surgeries are younger, and the number of orthognathic surgeries for patients with comorbidities is also increasing. We report a survey and clinical investigation of patients with comorbidities who underwent orthognathic surgeries at our department to improve the safety of orthognathic surgery. Results: The participants included 296 men and 712 women, with a mean age of 28 years (13–19 years, n=144; 20–29 years, n=483; 30–39 years, n=236; 40–49 years, n=102; 50–59 years, n=39; ≥60 years, n=4). In total, 347 patients underwent one-stage Le Fort type I osteotomy and sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO), 243 underwent SSRO, 287 underwent plate removal, 126 underwent genioplasty and plate removal, and five underwent other surgeries. In total, 529 patients had comorbidities (52%), including allergic diseases (n=220, 33%), respiratory diseases (n=107, 16%), neurologic and psychiatric diseases (n=69, 10%), gynecologic diseases (n=28, 4%), hematologic diseases (n=27, 4%), cardiovascular diseases (n=24, 4%), digestive diseases (n=22, 3%), metabolic and endocrine diseases (n=18, 3%), spinal diseases (n=11, 2%), ophthalmologic diseases (n=11, 2%), renal and urological diseases (n=9, 1%), and other diseases (n=117, 18%). Among the patients with comorbidities, 11 with hemorrhagic diatheses (hemophilia and von Willebrand disease), arrhythmia (atrioventricular block), psychiatric disease (adjustment disorder), and metabolic disease (diabetes) required cautious perioperative management. The patient with hemophilia was managed with regular low-dose recombinant factor VIII replacement therapy, and the patient with type I diabetes mellitus was administered continuous insulin infusion and sliding-scale insulin therapy; both patients had an uneventful course. Conclusions The study findings suggest that with the increase in orthognathic surgeries, oral and maxillofacial surgeons should adequately manage cases requiring cautious perioperative control and highlight the importance of preoperative screening. Despite the well-established safety and postoperative stability of orthognathic surgeries, oral surgeons should adopt appropriate additional preventive measures for patients with comorbidities.