[A Case of Lymphoepithelial Cyst of the Pancreas for Which Malignancy Could Not Be Ruled Out Difficult Preoperative Diagnosis].

Lymphoepithelial cyst(LEC)of the pancreas is a relatively rare benign cystic disease of the pancreas. In this report, we describe a case of LEC in which a malignant tumor could not be ruled out by preoperative diagnosis and surgery was performed. The patient was a 72-year-old man. A simple CT scan of the chest and abdomen performed as a follow-up for another disease incidentally revealed a mass in the pancreatic tail. Enhanced CT of the abdomen showed a tumor approximately 3 cm in size at the pancreatic tail with no contrast effect. MRCP showed moderate signal on T2WI, high signal on T1WI, and high signal on T2WI on some cysts inside the pancreas. PET-CT showed slight uptake of FDG. Both tumor markers CEA and CA19-9 were normal. Therefore, malignant disease such as pancreatic IPMC could not be ruled out, and laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy plus splenectomy was performed. The pathology results showed a diagnosis of pancreatic lymphoepithelial cyst with slight differentiation into sebaceous gland.

Mechanical Stress Via Muscle Contractile Exercise Suppresses Atrophic Alterations of Bone-microstructure in Immobilized Rat Femurs.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine whether mechanical stress via muscle contractile exercise with belt electrode-skeletal muscle electrical stimulation (B-SES) device effectively prevents immobilization-induced bone atrophy. METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control (CON) group, immobilization (IM) group (immobilized treatment only), HES and LES groups (immobilized treatment and high or low-intensity electrical muscular stimulation through B-SES device). Bilateral femurs were used for X-ray micro-CT and biomechanical tests. RESULTS: The maximum load value was significantly lower in the IM and HES groups than in the CON group and significantly higher in the LES group than in the IM group. The maximum crushing load was significantly lower in the IM, HES, and LES groups than in the CON group, and significantly higher in the HES and LES groups than that in the IM group. In micro-CT, the mechanical stress by B-SES device did not affect degenerative microstructural changes in the cortical bone, but prevented those changes in the cancellous bone. CONCLUSIONS: Applying mechanical stress via B-SES device suppressed the loss of cancellous bone density and degenerative microstructural changes caused by immobilization, which in turn suppressed the reduction of bone strength. From these findings, muscle contractile exercise may be effective in preventing immobilization-induced bone atrophy.

Association between physical performance and bone mass in community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women: The Unzen study.

BACKGROUND: Low bone mass is an independent risk factor for osteoporotic fractures. We examined the association between physical performance and bone mass using quantitative ultrasound in community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 524 community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women who were not being administered osteoporosis medications. Physical performance was assessed on the basis of grip strength, chair stand time, and functional reach. The stiffness index was measured as a quantitative ultrasound parameter for heel bone mass. RESULTS: Physical performance, assessed by grip strength, chair stand time, and functional reach, and the stiffness index significantly decreased with age (both p<0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that grip strength (p = 0.001), chair stand time (p = 0.004), and functional reach (p = 0.048) were significantly associated with the stiffness index after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking, drinking, and exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Physical performance was significantly associated with heel bone mass in community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women.

Comparison of pathological findings and accumulation of fluorin-18 fluorodeoxyglucose on positron emission tomography/computed tomography: A case of relapsing polychondritis.

A 70-year-old woman with a hoarse voice and dry cough was referred to our hospital. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed abnormal accumulation of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) at the nasal septum, larynx, trachea, bronchus, and costal cartilages. The maximum standard uptake values of FDG accumulation in the nasal septum and costal cartilage were similar. Biopsies of the nasal septum and costal cartilage were performed. The patient was diagnosed with relapsing polychondritis (RP) based on the clinical features and pathological findings. Histopathological examination revealed progressive initial RP findings. The disease progression was different, even with the same FDG accumulation.

Prognostic Value of C-reactive Protein-to-albumin Ratio after Curative Resection in Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

Objectives: The current retrospective study aimed to evaluate the association between combined preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, which is correlated with prognosis in different types of malignancies, and prognosis after curative resection in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: This study enrolled 263 patients who underwent curative resection for stage II/III colorectal cancer. C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio was calculated within 30 days before and 7 days after surgery. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to determine the optimal cutoff values of preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio. The correlations between combined preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and prognosis were analyzed. Results: The cutoff values of preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio were 0.223 and 0.813, respectively; higher ratios were significantly associated with poor overall survival, based on the Kaplan-Meier curves (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively). Further, preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratios were correlated with poor progression-free survival (p < 0.001, p = 0.064, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, combined preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio was an independent predictor of overall survival and progression-free survival (p = 0.012, p = 0.044, respectively). Compared with low preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, high ratios of that were significantly associated with poor overall survival (hazard ratio = 3.897, p = 0.006) and progression-free survival (hazard ratio = 2.130, p = 0.029). Conclusions: Combined preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, useful for prognostic prediction, can be a promising prognostic marker after curative resection in patients with colorectal cancer.

[A Case of Retroperitoneal Leiomyosarcoma Treated with Repeated Surgical Resection].

A 55-year-old male revealed with a 5 cm-diameter mass in the lower abdomen on ultrasonography incidentally. Computed tomography showed a mass of 7 cm in size on the left side of the bladder. A malignant tumor was suspected, and surgically excised for purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Pathological examination confirmed retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma, and the resection margins were negative. Follow-up computed tomography scan was performed every 3 months. Repeated resections were performed for twice recurrences within a year after surgery. A year after the first surgery, lung metastasis was detected and chemotherapy was started. Although retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma is considered to have a poor prognosis, the present case had relatively good prognosis. This may be due to early detection and repeated surgical resection.

High Lymphocyte Count as a Significant Risk Factor for Incisional Hernia After Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: In the era of laparoscopic surgery, incisional hernia (IH) remains a common complication of colorectal surgery. Various risk factors for IH have been evaluated to reduce the incidence, but the impact of nutrition on IH has not been well discussed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between nutritional status and the development of IH after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 342 colorectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy or proctectomy between January 2012 and December 2018. Postoperative computed tomography was used to diagnose the IH. Patient characteristics, including preoperative albumin and lymphocyte counts, were evaluated for the risk of development of IH. Further investigations were conducted regarding the impact of nutritional status on the development of IH in each patient of body mass index (BMI) under and over 25.0 kg/m 2 . RESULTS: IH was observed in 37 patients (10.8%), with a median follow-up period of 48.5 months. Female [odds ratio (OR)=3.43, P <0.01], BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 (OR=2.9, P <0.01), lymphocyte count ≥1798/µL (OR=3.37, P <0.01), and operative time ≥254 minutes (OR=3.90, P <0.01) had statistically significant relationships to IH in multivariate analysis. Low albumin was related to IH in BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 ( P =0.02), but was not in BMI<25 kg/m 2 ( P =0.21). On the other hand, a high lymphocyte count was related to IH regardless of BMI (BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 : P =0.01, BMI<25 kg/m 2 : P =0.04). CONCLUSIONS: A high preoperative lymphocyte count is an independent risk factor for IH, whereas a low albumin count is limited regarding predicting IH.

[Peritoneal Recurrence of Gastric Cancer Treated with Chemoradiotherapy-A Case Report].

A 76-year-old male patient underwent a distal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. As the postoperative serum CA19-9 level was elevated, chemotherapy was initiated. Computed tomography(CT)detected a solitary peritoneal recurrence in the left subhepatic space 17 months later. Consequently, chemoradiotherapy(CRT)at a total dose of 60 Gy, combined with S-1 therapy, was administered for local tumor control. After CRT, CT scans revealed a remarkable reduction in the peritoneal recurrence. Presently, 8 months after CRT, the patient remains alive with no indications of regrowth. CRT could prove efficacious as a treatment for gastric cancer patients with localized peritoneal recurrences.

Associations between Depressive Symptoms, Work Environment, and Lifestyle in <40-year-old Male Orthopedic Physicians in Japan.

Introduction: Efforts are being made to reduce doctors' working hours and implement reforms in the way doctors work. This study aims to determine the associations between depressive symptoms and work environment/lifestyle among <40-year-old male orthopedic physicians in Japan. Methods: Participants were 1,343 male orthopedic physicians selected from a survey (N = 25,139) of all regular members conducted in 2019 by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Participants completed the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology and provided information about total working hours, number of on-call/night duties, number of patient complaints received, smoking habits, exercise habits, and sleep time. Results: Of the participants, 6.6% had depressive symptoms. Factors associated with depressive symptoms were total working hours of ≥80 h per week (80-99 h: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-4.18; ≥100 h: AOR = 3.89; 95% CI, 1.92-7.88), one or more unreasonable patient demands/complaints in the previous 6 months (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.00-2.60), current smoking (AOR = 2.98), no sweat-inducing exercise sessions of ≥30 min per week in the previous month (AOR = 2.50), and an average of <6 h of sleep per night in the previous month (AOR = 2.15). Conclusions: Work factors at the main medical institution (i.e., total working hours of ≥80 h per week) were associated with depressive symptoms. In addition, associations between depressive symptoms and unhealthy living conditions, such as smoking habits, lack of exercise, and <6 h of sleep per night, were observed.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis diagnosed during the treatment of otitis media with prednisolone in a patient with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: A case report.

A 78-year-old woman with severe auditory disturbance was referred to our hospital and was diagnosed with otitis media with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody -associated vasculitis (OMAAV). The auditory disturbance improved moderately with prednisolone 40 mg/day, but multiple pulmonary masses were detected on chest computed tomography six months later. Transbronchial lung biopsy revealed granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Administration of prednisolone 50 mg/day and cyclophosphamide 500 mg once every two weeks for 12 weeks improved the lung lesions, but no further improvement in the hearing ability was observed. Prednisolone monotherapy was not able to prevent progression of OMAAV to GPA.

Effect of exercise and/or educational interventions on physical activity and pain in patients with hip/knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of exercise and/or educational intervention on physical activity and pain in patients with hip/knee osteoarthritis (OA) using systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched randomized controlled trials that investigated physical activity and pain and compared exercise and/or educational intervention with usual care in patients with hip/knee OA in MEDLINE (PubMed), ProQuest, Scopus, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), including all those published by April 30, 2022 and written in English. Studies that newly applied analgesics after onset of the intervention were excluded. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials was used to assess the methodological qualities. The random-effects model was used for meta-analysis with standard mean differences using RevMan version 5.4. The body of evidence for each study was synthesized using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Twenty studies including 2,350 patients were included (7 exercise studies, 8 educational intervention studies and 5 combination studies). The meta-analysis demonstrated that there is very low evidence that combination therapy of exercise and educational intervention improve the physical activity level at the endpoint (4 articles; SMD 0.33, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.51, P = 0.03). Low evidence was observed for combination therapy reducing pain (4 articles; SMD -0.15, 95% CI -0.29 to -0.02, P = 0.03). DISCUSSION: The current evidence indicated that combination therapy of exercise and educational intervention leads to improved physical activity and pain reduction in hip/knee OA patients, but the risk of bias in each study, especially in allocation concealment, downgraded the evidence level. These findings support the use of a combination therapy of exercise and educational intervention to promote physical activity levels in patients with hip/knee OA. TRAIL REGISTRATION: There was no financial support for this research. The protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration code: CRD42020205804).

Muscle contractile exercise through a belt electrode device prevents myofiber atrophy, muscle contracture, and muscular pain in immobilized rat gastrocnemius muscle.

PURPOSE: Immobilization of skeletal muscles causes muscle atrophy, muscle contracture, and muscle pain, the mechanisms of which are related to macrophage accumulation. However, muscle contractile exercise through a belt electrode device may mitigate macrophage accumulation. We hypothesized that such exercise would be effective in preventing myofiber atrophy, muscle contracture, and muscular pain. This study tested this hypothesis in immobilized rat gastrocnemius muscle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 rats were divided into the following control and experimental groups: immobilization (immobilized treatment only), low-frequency (LF; immobilized treatment and muscle contractile exercise with a 2 s (do) /6 s (rest) duty cycle), and high-frequency (HF; immobilized treatment and muscle contractile exercise with a 2 s (do)/2 s (rest) duty cycle). Electrical stimulation was performed at 50 Hz and 4.7 mA, and muscle contractile exercise was applied to the lower limb muscles for 15 or 20 min/session (once daily) for 2 weeks (6 times/week). After the behavioral tests, the bilateral gastrocnemius muscles were collected for analysis. RESULTS: The number of macrophages, the Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 mRNA expression, and the hydroxyproline content in the HF group were lower than those in the immobilization and LF groups. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of type IIb myofibers in the superficial region, the PGC-1α mRNA expression, and the range of motion of dorsiflexion in the HF group were significantly higher than those in the immobilization and LF groups. The pressure pain thresholds in the LF and HF groups were significantly higher than that in the immobilization group, and the nerve growth factor (NGF) content in the LF and HF groups was significantly lower than that in the immobilization group. CONCLUSION: Muscle contractile exercise through the belt electrode device may be effective in preventing immobilization-induced myofiber atrophy, muscle contracture, and muscular pain in the immobilized rat gastrocnemius muscle.

Myonuclear apoptosis via cleaved caspase-3 upregulation is related to macrophage accumulation underlying immobilization-induced muscle fibrosis.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Although macrophage accumulation plays a key role in the development of immobilization-induced muscle fibrosis, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, we focused on the alterations of myonuclear apoptosis via cleaved caspase-3, and investigated whether these changes may be related to macrophage accumulation. METHODS: Eight-week-old Wistar rats were divided into immobilization and control groups, and the soleus muscles were selected for analysis. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein expression of collagen and the number of CD11b-positive cells were significantly higher in the immobilized rats than in the control rats at 1 and 2 weeks. TdT-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL)-positive myonuclei counts in 1- and 2-week control rats were 0.2 ± 0.1 and 0.2 ± 0.5, whereas they were 1.0 ± 0.6 and 1.1 ± 0.5 in 1- and 2-week immobilized rats. The cleaved caspase-3 protein expressions in 1- and 2-week control rats were 0.2 ± 0.1 and 0.2 ± 0.1, whereas they were 0.5 ± 0.1 and 0.4 ± 0.2 in 1- and 2-week immobilized rats. TUNEL-positive myonuclei counts and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression were significantly higher in immobilized rats than in control rats at 1 and 2 weeks. The numbers of myonuclei in 1- and 2-week control rats were 2.8 ± 0.1 and 2.6 ± 0.4, whereas they were 2.2 ± 0.4 and 2.2 ± 0.2 in 1- and 2-week immobilized rats. The numbers of myonuclei were significantly lower in immobilized than in control rats at both time-points. DISCUSSION: Myonuclear apoptosis via the upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 might induce macrophage accumulation. These alterations are related to immobilization-induced muscle fibrosis.

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and physical performance measures in middle-aged and old Japanese men and women: The Unzen study.

PURPOSE: Regarding epidemiological studies, the role of vitamin D in musculoskeletal functionality (muscle weakness and physical performance) among elderly people is still controversial. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and physical performance among community-dwelling middle-aged and old Japanese men and women. METHODS: The subjects were community-dwelling 297 men and 415 women aged 50 years and over. Data on height (m) and weight (kg) were collected. Serum 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone, calcium, and albumin levels were measured. Serum 25(OH)D was classified into deficiency group: < 20 ng/mL, insufficiency group: 20-30 ng/mL, and sufficiency group: ≧ 30 ng/mL. Physical performance was assessed by grip strength, chair stand time, and functional reach. Information on current smoking, alcohol drinking, regular exercise, any comorbidities (hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, lung disease, and stroke), and pain (lumbar and knee) was collected. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency based on serum 25(OH)D levels were observed in 15.2% and 56.9% of men and 52.0% and 43.6% of women, respectively. In men, higher serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with better grip strength (p for trend = 0.003), chair stand time (p for trend = 0.042), and functional reach (p for trend <0.001). On the other hand, these parameters were not associated with serum 25(OH)D levels in women. CONCLUSION: A higher level of serum 25(OH)D was associated with better physical performance in men but not in women.

1.2-µm-band ultrahigh-Q photonic crystal nanocavities and their potential for Raman silicon lasers.

Nanocavity devices based on silicon that can operate in the 1.2-µm band would be beneficial for several applications. We fabricate fifteen cavities with resonance wavelengths between 1.20 and 1.23 µm. Experimental quality (Q) factors larger than one million are obtained and the average Q values are lower for shorter wavelengths. Furthermore, we observe continuous-wave operation of a Raman silicon laser with an excitation wavelength of 1.20 µm and a Raman laser wavelength of 1.28 µm. The Q values of the nanocavity modes used to confine the excitation light and the Raman scattered light are about half of those for our Raman silicon laser operating in the 1.55-µm band. Nevertheless, this device exhibits an input-output characteristic with a clear laser threshold. Finally, we consider the effect of the higher scattering probability at shorter wavelengths on the Raman laser performance in the 1.2-µm band.

Association between vitamin D and bone mineral density in Japanese adults: the Unzen study.

We showed an association between serum concentrations of vitamin D and bone health among community-dwelling adults in Japan after adjustment for confounding factors, with 730 participants in a city, with concentrations of 25(OH) vitamin D, and with parameters of quantitative ultrasound. PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to examine the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and bone indicators as measured by quantitative ultrasound in middle-aged and older Japanese adults living in low-latitude seaside areas during summer and autumn. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study, the Unzen study, on community-dwelling Japanese adults who participated to periodic health examinations between 2011 and 2013 (during the months of May to November). RESULTS: A total of 301 men (mean (SD) age, 67.9 (8.2) years; range, 50-92 years) and 429 women (mean (SD) age, 67.9 (7.7); range, 50-89 years) participated in this study. Serum 25(OH)D levels and quantitative ultrasound parameters (broadband ultrasound (BUA), speed of sound (SOS), and stiffness index of the calcaneus were measured for the participants. We excluded two men and 28 women from the 730 participants because they were on medication for osteoporosis. So, 299 men and 401 women were included in the final data analysis. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (< 30 ng/ml) was very high: 71.9% in men and 95.5% in women. In women, the log(25(OH)D) positively and significantly correlated with SOS (p = 0.011) and stiffness index (p = 0.028) but not with BUA (p = 0.176). In men, the log(25(OH)D) did not correlate with the BUA, SOS, or stiffness index (p = 0.218, 0.420, and 0.262, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with SOS or stiffness index in women but not in men.

Effect of belt electrode-skeletal muscle electrical stimulation on immobilization-induced muscle fibrosis.

PURPOSE: Macrophage accumulation in response to decreasing myonuclei may be the major mechanism underlying immobilization-induced muscle fibrosis in muscle contracture, an intervention strategy suppressing these lesions is necessary. Therefore, this research investigated the effect of belt electrode-skeletal muscle electrical stimulation (B-SES), a new electrical stimulation device, to the macrophage accumulation via myonuclei decrease in immobilization-induced muscle fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 18 Wistar male rats were divided into the control group, immobilization group (with plaster cast fixation to immobilize the soleus muscles in a shortened position for 2 weeks), and B-SES group (with muscle contractile exercise through B-SES during the immobilization period). B-SES stimulation was performed at a frequency of 50 Hz and an intensity of 4.7 mA, muscle contractile exercise by B-SES was applied to the lower limb muscles for 20 minutes/session (twice a day) for 2 weeks (6 times/week). The bilateral soleus muscles were used for histological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and molecular biological analyses. RESULTS: The number of myonuclei was significantly higher in the B-SES group than in the immobilization group, and there was no significant difference between the B-SES and control groups. The cross-sectional area of type I and II myofibers in the immobilization and B-SES groups was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the cross-sectional area of type I myofibers in the B-SES group was higher than that in the immobilization group. However, Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 mRNA expression in the immobilization and B-SES groups was significantly higher than those in the control group. Additionally, the number of macrophages, IL-1ß, TGF-ß1, and α-SMA mRNA expression, and hydroxyproline expression was significantly lower in the control and B-SES groups than those in the immobilization group. CONCLUSION: This research surmised that muscle contractile exercise through B-SES prevented immobilization-induced muscle fibrosis, and this alteration suppressed the development of muscle contracture.

Association between self-reported walking speed and calcaneal stiffness index in postmenopausal Japanese women.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis and related fractures, a worldwide public health issue of growing concern, is characterized by compromised bone strength and an increased risk of fracture. Here we show an association between self-reported walking speed and bone mass among community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women aged 50 years and older. DESIGN; CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY: Setting and Participants; The survey population included 1008 postmenopausal women 50-92 years of age residing in rural communities. METHODS: Self-reported walking speed was ascertained by asking the participants: "Is your walking speed faster than others of the same age and sex?" to which participants responded "yes (faster)" or "no (moderate/slower)." Calcaneal stiffness index was measured. RESULTS: Women with a faster self-reported walking speed were younger and had a lower BMI, higher stiffness index, and higher grip strength than women with a slower walking speed. Multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for age, BMI, grip strength, comorbidity, current smoking, and alcohol drinking status showed a significant association between faster self-reported walking speed and higher calcaneal stiffness index (p <  0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that questionnaires of walking speed may be useful for predicting bone mass and that a fast self-reported walking may benefit bone health in postmenopausal women.

Validation Study of LuciPacTM A3 Surface for Hygiene Monitoring through Detection of ATP, ADP, and AMP from Stainless Steel Surfaces: AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 051901.

BACKGROUND: The LuciPac A3 Surface Hygiene Monitoring System based on the detection of total adenylate, ATP+ADP+AMP (A3), has been developed by Kikkoman Biochemifa. OBJECTIVE: This A3 swabbing assay kit was validated for Performance Tested MethodsSM (PTM) certification. METHODS: The LuciPac A3 Surface Hygiene Monitoring System was evaluated for limit of detection (LOD) for each adenylate with pure analyte solutions, detection of food residues and microbial residues on stainless steel surfaces, interference by disinfectants, and selectivity of the method response. RESULTS: Pure analyte studies performed by the method developer and the independent laboratory showed good linearity (R2 > 0.9854) and repeatability precision (RSDr < 20% for ≥2.5 fmol/assay). The LOD values for each adenylate were around 10 relative light units or 2.5 fmol/assay. The repeatability precision in the method developer laboratory for the matrix study (raw chicken breast, sliced deli ham, orange juice, yogurt, and apple pie) and the microbial study (Cronobacter sakazakii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were 8-30% and 10-35%, respectively. The repeatability precision of independent laboratory testing was 13-27% for orange juice and 16-43% for ham. Interference by several disinfectants indicate that rinsing is recommended to be performed after the use of sanitizing agents and before testing with LuciPac A3 Surface. Selectivity testing revealed that no positive interference and no inhibition were caused by adenylate analogues. Instrument variation, lot-to-lot consistency, accelerated stability (30°C, 5 weeks) were confirmed, and the method was shown to be robust against shaking time. CONCLUSIONS: The LuciPac A3 Surface has been successfully validated. HIGHLIGHTS: This A3 swabbing assay kit was qualified for PTM certification No. 051901.

Vitamin K deficiency, evaluated with higher serum ucOC, was correlated with poor bone status in women.

BACKGROUND: An increase in serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin concentrations suggests vitamin K deficiency. Clinical intervention studies suggested that the vitamin K supplementation might contribute to preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women. Evidence on the relationship between serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) levels and bone parameters of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is limited. We examined the correlation between serum ucOC concentrations and bone status as measured by QUS among middle-aged and older Japanese men and women. METHODS: The subjects were community-dwelling men (n = 358) and women (n = 503) aged ≥ 40 years in Japan. Heel QUS parameters, including the stiffness index, speed of sound, and broadband ultrasound attenuation, were measured. Serum ucOC concentrations were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Grip strength was measured in the dominant hand. Information on alcohol drinking, current smoking, exercise, and menopause in women was collected. RESULTS: Serum ucOC concentrations were significantly associated with age in both sexes. Serum ucOC concentrations in men were higher at ≥ 80 years than those in the age groups of 40-49, 50-59, and 60-69 years. Serum ucOC concentrations in women were higher in the age groups of 50-59 and 60-69 years than those at 40-49 years. Partial correlation analysis adjusting for covariates (age, body mass index, grip strength, alcohol drinking, current smoking, and exercise in men; age, body mass index, grip strength, alcohol drinking, current smoking, exercise, and menopause in women) showed that serum ucOC concentrations were negatively significantly correlated with all QUS parameters in women. Serum ucOC concentrations were not correlated with them in men. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin K deficiency, evaluated with higher serum ucOC, was correlated with poor bone status in women.