Koichi Yano

Sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-$a$) are key indicators of ecosystem variability in temperate coastal-open ocean environments, reflecting both physical and biological responses. This study investigates the spatiotemporal variability of SST and Chl-$a$ in Sagami Bay using level 2 ocean color satellite data from Second generation Global Imager (SGLI)/Global Change Observation Mission-Climate (GCOMC) from 2018 to 2024. To address substantial data gaps caused by frequent cloud cover and sensor limitations such as sun glint, atmospheric interference, and land adjacency effects, we reconstructed missing values using the Data INterpolating Empirical Orthogonal Functions (DINEOF) method. Validation against randomly masked original satellite pixels and in-situ measurements confirmed that DINEOF shows significant correlation in filling gaps in both SST band Ch-$a$. Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis was conducted on the DINEOF-reconstructed monthly datasets to extract dominant spatiotemporal modes of variability. SST showed strong seasonal signals in the leading EOF mode, with subsequent modes reflecting mesoscale variability, including Kuroshio intrusions. EOF modes of Chl-$a$ revealed seasonal bloom patterns and spatially complex responses to physical forcing, particularly in nearshore and river-influenced areas. The results highlight the importance and effectiveness of satellite data gap-filling for capturing short-term events and mesoscale dynamics in coastal waters. Our findings provide an insight into the spatiotemporal variability of physical and biological parameters in Sagami Bay and demonstrate a scalable approach for monitoring coastal systems under environmental change.

Atraumatic subcutaneous rupture of the finger flexor tendon of the hand and forearm is rare. Most sites of closed and subcutaneous ruptures of the finger flexor tendon are the tendon-bone insertion and musculotendinous junction, and an intratendinous lesion is unusual. We report the case of a 76-year-old female who presented to our department with a one-month history of a soft tissue mass and limited flexion of the left middle finger without trauma. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed a soft tissue mass that caused limited finger flexion. Intraoperative findings showed an intratendinous rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon at the middle phalanx; the lesion was resected to obtain smooth grinding of the tendon. One year postoperatively, the soft tissue mass and limited flexion of the finger resolved without recurrence.

Background We surgically treated comminuted radial head and neck fractures using headless compression screws, including multiple screws for the radial head and a single oblique screw for the radial neck. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological results for comminuted radial head and neck fractures between surgery using headless compression screws with a single oblique screw for the radial neck, our new procedure, and a plate system precontoured to the proximal radius. Methods This retrospective study included 23 patients (11 and 12 in the screw and plate groups, respectively). The fractures were type 3 according to the Mason–Johnston classification modified by Broberg and Morrey. Clinical outcomes analyzed included the motion range of the elbow and forearm, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and radiological assessments. In addition, postoperative complications were also investigated. The average follow-up was 18 months. Results The bone union was achieved in all the patients, and there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes and radiological assessments except forearm supination (p = 0.02). Furthermore, additional surgical procedures were performed in one and five patients in the screw and plate groups, respectively (p = 0.16). Posterior nerve palsy was observed in two patients in the plate group. Complications were observed in one and six patients in the screw and plate groups, respectively (p = 0.07). Conclusion Both surgical procedures achieved good clinical and radiological outcomes with bone and ligament injury repair. The screw group had a greater range of forearm supination than the plate group.

Axial carpal dislocations and fracture-dislocations are rare injuries involving derangement of the carpal arches. Several surgical approaches have been reported as a means of treatment, including the use of closed or open reduction and internal fixation. However, to our knowledge, surgical treatment using arthroscopy has not been reported so far. Here we present the case of a 54-year-old man who experienced peritrapezium axial carpal dislocation while reversing his car. Minimally invasive surgery using arthroscopy was performed because of severe swelling of the hand. Reduction under arthroscopic assistance using midcarpal portals was performed based on the relationship between the trapezium and trapezoid, and fixed wires were inserted. Wires were removed at six weeks postoperatively, and range-of-motion exercises of the wrist joint were started. At one-year postoperative follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic, with no difficulties while performing daily activities and work. Computer tomography images revealed an anatomical carpal arch without traumatic arthrosis. Arthroscopy-assisted surgery enabled us to anatomically reduce fracture-dislocation of the trapezium and assess the injury path.

Posttraumatic cubitus varus deformity in pediatric patients may cause second fractures of the distal humerus. Corrective osteotomy is used to obtain good alignment and is generally performed for patients with prolonged deformity or bony union after fracture. We report the case of a 10-year-old boy who presented with elbow pain after falling. Plain radiography showed lateral condylar fracture and cubitus varus deformity. This injury was the fourth fracture of the same distal humerus. Open reduction and internal fixation for lateral condylar fracture and lateral closing wedge osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity were performed simultaneously. At the last follow-up, one and a half years after operation, plain radiography showed closure of the physis of the distal humerus, and coronal alignment was maintained. The patient was asymptomatic and satisfied with cosmetic issues. There was no fracture after two surgical procedures simultaneously.