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Background: Dementia involves a neuronal loss in the primary somatosensory cortex of the parietal lobe, causing dementia patients to perceive pain stimuli hardly. The function of temperature sensation declines. Studies measuring brain blood volume using near-infrared light have reported that patients suffering from dementia have less activation than healthy elderly people. However, the majority of these studies used tests related to cognitive function and the frontal lobe, and few have examined thermal sensation.Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of cold and warm stimulation on cerebral blood volume in elderly and young subjects.Material and Methods: This observational study measured changes in oxygenated hemoglobin concentrations in the frontal cortex during cold and warm stimulation in elderly and young subjects using a near-infrared light device. The mean and standard deviation of the change in oxygenated hemoglobin concentration before and after cold and warm stimulation, as well as the center-of-gravity values, were compared between the young and the elderly.Results: During warm stimulation, the younger subjects showed an increase in blood oxygenated hemoglobin levels; however, the difference was not significant. For the elderly, no change was observed during the task. The center of gravity values was lower in the young compared to the elderly which was similar to the reaction threshold. No significant changes were observed during cold stimulation. Conclusion: Thermal sensation thresholds were impaired in the elderly compared to the young; however, cerebral blood volume changes were unclear.

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) might influence fractional flow reserve (FFR) value, potentially attenuating its prognostic utility. However, few large‐scale data are available regarding clinical outcomes after FFR‐guided deferral of revascularization in patients with CKD. Methods and Results From the J‐CONFIRM registry (Long‐Term Outcomes of Japanese Patients With Deferral of Coronary Intervention Based on Fractional Flow Reserve in Multicenter Registry), 1218 patients were divided into 3 groups according to renal function: (1) non‐CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min per 1.73 m2), n=385; (2) CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate 15–59 mL/min per 1.73 m2, n=763); and (3) end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) (eGFR

Abstract The prognostic value of abnormal resting Pd/Pa and coronary flow reserve (CFR) after fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided revascularisation deferral according to sex remains unknown. From the ILIAS Registry composed of 20 hospitals globally from 7 countries, patients with deferred lesions following FFR assessment (FFR > 0.8) were included. (NCT 04485234) The primary clinical endpoint was target vessel failure (TVF) at 2-years follow-up. We included 1392 patients with 1759 vessels (n = 564 women, 31.9%). Although resting Pd/Pa was similar between the sexes (p = 0.116), women had lower CFR than men (2.5 [2.0–3.2] vs. 2.7 [2.1–3.5]; p = 0.004). During a 2-year follow-up period, TVF events occurred in 56 vessels (3.2%). The risk of 2-year TVF was significantly higher in women with low versus high resting Pd/Pa (HR: 9.79; p

Abstract Background Immune status in the tumor microenvironment is an important determinant of cancer progression and patient prognosis. Although a higher immune activity is often associated with a better prognosis, this trend is not absolute and differs across cancer types. We aimed to give insights into why some cancers do not show better survival despite higher immunity by assessing the relationship between different biological factors, including cytotoxicity, and patient prognosis in various cancer types using RNA-seq data collected by The Cancer Genome Atlas. Results Results showed that a higher immune activity was associated with worse overall survival in patients with uveal melanoma and low-grade glioma, which are cancers of immune-privileged sites. In these cancers, epithelial or endothelial mesenchymal transition and inflammatory state as well as immune activation had a notable negative correlation with patient survival. Further analysis using additional single-cell data of uveal melanoma and glioma revealed that epithelial or endothelial mesenchymal transition was mainly induced in retinal pigment cells or endothelial cells that comprise the blood-retinal and blood-brain barriers, which are unique structures of the eye and central nervous system, respectively. Inflammation was mainly promoted by macrophages, and their infiltration increased significantly in response to immune activation. Furthermore, we found the expression of inflammatory chemokines, particularly CCL5, was strongly correlated with immune activity and associated with poor survival, particularly in these cancers, suggesting that these inflammatory mediators are potential molecular targets for therapeutics. Conclusions In uveal melanoma and low-grade glioma, inflammation from macrophages and epithelial or endothelial mesenchymal transition are particularly associated with a poor prognosis. This implies that they loosen the structures of the blood barrier and impair homeostasis and further recruit immune cells, which could result in a feedback loop of additional inflammatory effects leading to runaway conditions.

BackgroundThis study compares the efficacy of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and near-infrared spectroscopy intravascular ultrasound (NIRS–IVUS) in patients with significant coronary stenosis for predicting periprocedural myocardial injury during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 107 patients who underwent CCTA before PCI and performed NIRS–IVUS during PCI. Based on the maximal lipid core burden index for any 4-mm longitudinal segments (maxLCBI4mm) in the culprit lesion, we divided the patients into two groups: lipid-rich plaque (LRP) group (maxLCBI4mm ≥ 400; n = 48) and no-LRP group (maxLCBI4mm

Background: In the resting conditions, narrowing the window of coronary pressure measurements from the whole cardiac cycle to diastole improves diagnostic performance of coronary pressure–derived physiological index. However, whether this also applies to the hyperemic conditions has not yet been thoroughly evaluated. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess whether diastolic fractional flow reserve (diastolic FFR) has better diagnostic performance in identifying ischemia-causing coronary lesions than conventional FFR in a prospective, multicenter, and independent core laboratory–based environment. Methods: In this prospective multicenter registry at 29 Japanese centers, we compared the diagnostic performance of FFR, diastolic FFR, resting distal to aortic coronary pressure (Pd/Pa), and diastolic pressure ratio (dPR) using myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) as the reference standard in 378 patients with single-vessel coronary disease. Results: Inducible myocardial ischemia was found on MPS in the relevant myocardial territory of the target vessel in 85 patients (22%). In the receiver-operating curve analyses, diastolic FFR had comparable area under the curve (AUC) compared with FFR (AUCdiastolic FFR: 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58-0.73, vs AUCFFR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.58-0.74, P = 0.624). FFR and diastolic FFR showed significantly larger AUCs than resting Pd/Pa (0.62; 95% CI: 0.54-0.70; P = 0.033 and P = 0.046) but did not show significantly larger AUCs than dPR (0.62; 95% CI: 0.55-0.70; P = 0.102 and P = 0.113). Conclusions: Diastolic FFR showed a similar diagnostic performance to FFR as compared with MPS. This result reaffirms the use of FFR as the most accurate invasive physiological lesion assessment. (Diagnostic accuracy of diastolic fractional flow reserve (d-FFR) for functional evaluation of coronary stenosis; UMIN000015906)

Abstract Assessment of coronary artery lesions using the fractional flow reserve and instantaneous flow reserve (iFR) measurements has been found to reduce the incidence of further cardiovascular events. Here, we investigated differences in terms of coronary flow velocity and resistance within the analysis interval between the iFR and the intracoronary electrocardiogram (IC-ECG)-triggered distal/aortic pressure (Pd/Pa) ratio (ICE-T). We enrolled 23 consecutive patients (n = 33 stenoses) who required coronary flow measurements. ICE-T was defined as the average Pd/Pa ratio in the period corresponding to the isoelectric line of the IC-ECG. We compared the index value, flow velocity, and intracoronary resistance during the analysis intervals of the iFR and the ICE-T, both at rest and under hyperemia. ICE-T values and ICE-T intracoronary resistance were both found to be significantly lower, whereas flow velocity was significantly higher than those of the iFR at both rest and under hyperemia (P

Background Intracoronary physiologic indexes such as coronary flow reserve (CFR) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) have been regarded as prognostic indicators in patients with coronary artery disease. The current study evaluated the association between intracoronary physiologic indexes and LVEF and their differential prognostic implications in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods and Results A total of 1889 patients with 2492 vessels with available CFR and LVEF were selected from an international multicenter prospective registry. Baseline physiologic indexes were measured by thermodilution or Doppler methods and LVEF was recorded at the index procedure. The primary outcome was target vessel failure, which was a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or clinically driven target vessel revascularization over 5 years of follow‐up. Patients with reduced LVEF

Coronary physiological assessment using fractional flow reserve or nonhyperemic pressure ratios has become a standard of care for patients with coronary atherosclerotic disease. However, most evidence has focused on the pre-interventional use of physiological assessment to aid revascularization decision-making, whereas post-interventional physiological assessment has not been well established. Although evidence for supporting the role of post-interventional physiological assessment to optimize immediate revascularization results and long-term prognosis has been reported, a more thorough understanding of these data is crucial in incorporating post-interventional physiological assessment into daily practice. Recent scientific efforts have also focused on the potential role of pre-interventional fractional flow reserve or nonhyperemic pressure ratio pullback tracings to characterize patterns of coronary atherosclerotic disease to better predict post-interventional physiological outcomes, and thereby identify the appropriate revascularization target. Pre-interventional pullback tracings with dedicated post-processing methods can provide characterization of focal versus diffuse disease or major gradient versus minor gradient stenosis, which would result in different post-interventional physiological results. This review provides a comprehensive look at the current evidence regarding the evolving role of physiological assessment as a functional optimization tool for the entire process of revascularization, and not merely as a pre-interventional tool for revascularization decision-making.

Background: The prognostic value of whole vessel plaque quantification has not been fully understood. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the clinical relevance of whole vessel plaque quantification on coronary computed tomography angiography. Methods: In a total of 1,013 vessels with fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement and available coronary computed tomography angiography, high-risk plaque characteristics (HRPC) included minimum lumen area 0.80, the number of HRVC was significantly associated with the risk of VOCO (HR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.77-3.64) and enhanced the predictability for VOCO of % diameter stenosis and the number of HRPC (P < 0.001). In a landmark analysis at 2 years, the number of HRVC showed sustained prognostic implications beyond 2 years, but the number of HRPC did not. Conclusions: Whole vessel plaque quantification can provide incremental predictability for low FFR and additive prognostic value in deferred vessels with high FFR over anatomical severity and lesion plaque characteristics. (CCTA-FFR Registry for Risk Prediction; NCT04037163)

Background In the absence of obstructive coronary stenoses, abnormality of noninvasive stress tests (NIT) in patients with chronic coronary syndromes may indicate myocardial ischemia of nonobstructive coronary arteries (INOCA). The differential prognosis of INOCA according to the presence of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) and incremental prognostic value of CMD with intracoronary physiologic assessment on top of NIT information remains unknown. Methods and Results From the international multicenter registry of intracoronary physiologic assessment (ILIAS [Inclusive Invasive Physiological Assessment in Angina Syndromes] registry, N=2322), stable patients with NIT and nonobstructive coronary stenoses with fractional flow reserve >0.80 were selected. INOCA was diagnosed when patients showed positive NIT results. CMD was defined as coronary flow reserve ≤2.5. According to the presence of INOCA and CMD, patients were classified into 4 groups: group 1 (no INOCA nor CMD, n=116); group 2 (only CMD, n=90); group 3 (only INOCA, n=41); and group 4 (both INOCA and CMD, n=40). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events, a composite of all‐cause death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or clinically driven target vessel revascularization at 5 years. Among 287 patients with nonobstructive coronary stenoses (fractional flow reserve=0.91±0.06), 81 patients (38.2%) were diagnosed with INOCA based on positive NIT. By intracoronary physiologic assessment, 130 patients (45.3%) had CMD. Regardless of the presence of INOCA, patients with CMD showed a significantly lower coronary flow reserve and higher hyperemic microvascular resistance compared with patients without CMD (P

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the predictive factors for suboptimal result in side branch (SB) in chronic total occlusion (CTO) bifurcation lesions and clinical outcomes of patients with suboptimal result in SB. Background: There is little evidence on the optimal strategy for bifurcation lesions in CTO. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 314 consecutive bifurcation lesions in CTO with SB ≥ 2.5 mm in 3 hospitals from March 2010 to June 2018. Patients were divided into the two groups based on the suboptimal SB treatment (SST) and optimal SB treatment (OST) groups. The baseline characteristics, procedural and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. This study also evaluated the predictors of suboptimal result in SB. Results: Suboptimal result in SB occurred in 47 cases. Presence of stenosis in SB, bifurcations located within the occluded segment and sub-intimal tracking at SB ostium was an independent predictor of suboptimal result in SB. The cumulative incidence of target lesion revascularization (TLR) in all lesions was not significantly different between the two groups, however, TLR in right coronary artery (RCA) was significantly higher in the SST group. In the Cox regression analysis, suboptimal result in SB in RCA and sub-intimal tracking were independent predictors of TLR for MB. In patients with bifurcations located within the occluded segment, usage of two-stent technique was significantly lower in the SST group. Conclusions: Meticulous procedures are required for SB preservation to improve not only SB prognosis but also MB, especially in RCA.

Background: Coronary angiography alone is insufficient to identify lesions associated with myocardial ischemia that may benefit from revascularization. Coronary physiology parameters may improve clinical decision making in addition to coronary angiography, but the association between 2D and 3D qualitative coronary angiography (QCA) and invasive pressure and flow measurements is yet to be elucidated. Methods: We associated invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR), coronary flow reserve (CFR) and coronary flow capacity (CFC) with 2D- and 3D-QCA in 430 intermediate lesions of 366 patients. Results: Overall, 2D-QCA analysis resulted in less severe stenosis severity compared with 3D-QCA analysis. FFR+/CFR− lesions had similar 3D-QCA characteristics as FFR+/CFR+ lesions. In contrast, vessels with FFR−/CFR+ discordance had 3D-QCA characteristics similar to those of vessels with concordant FFR−/CFR−. Contrarily, FFR+/CFR− lesions had CFC similar to that of as FFR-/CFR- lesions. Conclusions: Non-flow-limiting lesions (FFR+/CFR−) have 3D-QCA characteristics similar to those of FFR+/CFR+, but the majority are not associated with inducible myocardial ischemia as determined by invasive CFC. FFR−/CFR+ lesions have 3D-QCA characteristics similar to those of FFR−/CFR− lesions but are more frequently associated with a moderately to severely reduced CFC, illustrating the angiographic–functional mismatch in discordant lesions.

Syndecan-1 is found in the endothelial glycocalyx and is released into the bloodstream during stressed conditions, including severe diseases such as acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. This study investigated the prognostic value of serum syndecan-1 concentration in patients with heart failure upon admission. Serum syndecan-1 concentration was analyzed in 152 patients who were hospitalized for worsening heart failure from September 2017 to June 2018. The primary outcome of the study was readmission-free survival, defined as the time from the first admission to readmission for worsened heart failure or death from any cause, which was assessed at 30 months after discharge from the hospital. The secondary outcome of the study was survival time. Blood samples and echocardiogram data were analyzed. Univariate and multivariable time-dependent Cox regression analyses adjusted for age, creatinine levels, and use of antibiotics were conducted. The serum syndecan-1 concentration was significantly associated with readmission-free survival. Subsequently, the syndecan-1 concentration may have gradually decreased with treatment. The administration of human atrial natriuretic peptide and antibiotics may have modified the relationship between readmission-free survival and serum syndecan-1 concentration (p = 0.01 and 0.008, respectively). Serum syndecan-1 concentrations, which may indicate injury to the endothelial glycocalyx, predict readmission-free survival in patients with heart failure.

Background: Following the development of breakthrough techniques for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the treatment of chronic total occlusions (CTO), the initial success rate of PCI in CTO lesions (CTO-PCI) has improved; however, there are few reports regarding the effects of successful CTO revascularization on long-term mortality in Japan. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term clinical outcomes of patients with successful versus failed CTO recanalization and to identify related factors. Methods and results: From all PCI procedures performed in our hospital between 2006 and 2013, CTO-PCIs were extracted and classified into two groups: PCI success (n = 656 patients) and PCI failure (n = 82 patients). Patients with successful procedures only on a second attempt, CTO-PCI in small branches, or CTOs in more than one vessel were excluded. Survival was determined from a telephone interview or the consultation history in the outpatient clinic. Initial angiographic success was achieved in 88.9% of the patients. A Kaplan–Meier plot with log-rank analysis showed that cumulative all-cause death was significantly lower in the success group than in the failure group (p = 0.0003; average follow-up duration in success group vs. failure group was 1531.3 ± 33.5 vs. 1565.3 ± 97.5 days, p = 0.7). Moreover, the rate of evident cardiac death was significantly lower in the success group than in the failure group (3.5% [23/656] vs. 15.9% [13/82], p

Background Total atherosclerosis disease burden is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. However, the influence of sex on the relationship between total anatomical and physiologic disease burdens and their prognostic implications have not been well defined. Methods and Results A total of 1136 patients who underwent fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement in all 3 major coronary arteries were included in this study. Anatomical and physiologic total disease burden was assessed by SYNTAX (Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) score, residual SYNTAX score, a total sum of FFR in 3 vessels (3‐vessel FFR), and functional SYNTAX score. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac events, a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and ischemia‐driven revascularization at 2 years. There were no differences in angiographic diameter stenosis, SYNTAX score, or residual SYNTAX score between women and men. However, both per‐vessel FFR (0.89±0.10 versus 0.87±0.11, P

Background Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is a novel modality for physiological lesion assessment based on 3‐dimensional vessel reconstructions and contrast flow velocity estimates. We evaluated the value of online QFR during routine invasive coronary angiography for procedural feasibility, diagnostic performance, and agreement with pressure‐wire–derived fractional flow reserve (FFR) as a gold standard in an international multicenter study. Methods and Results FAVOR II E‐J (Functional Assessment by Various Flow Reconstructions II Europe‐Japan) was a prospective, observational, investigator‐initiated study. Patients with stable angina pectoris were enrolled in 11 international centers. FFR and online QFR computation were performed in all eligible lesions. An independent core lab performed 2‐dimensional quantitative coronary angiography (2D‐QCA) analysis of all lesions assessed with QFR and FFR. The primary comparison was sensitivity and specificity of QFR compared with 2D‐QCA using FFR as a reference standard. A total of 329 patients were enrolled. Paired assessment of FFR, QFR, and 2D‐QCA was available for 317 lesions. Mean FFR, QFR, and percent diameter stenosis were 0.83±0.09, 0.82±10, and 45±10%, respectively. FFR was ≤0.80 in 104 (33%) lesions. Sensitivity and specificity by QFR was significantly higher than by 2D‐QCA (sensitivity, 86.5% (78.4–92.4) versus 44.2% (34.5–54.3); P

BackgroundUnderstanding of the risk conferred by functionally insignificant lesions in multiple coronary vessels is limited. We investigated the prognostic implications of coronary artery disease (CAD) based on 3‐vessel fractional flow reserve (FFR). Methods and ResultsA total of 1,136 patients underwent FFR measurement in the 3 major epicardial arteries. We defined vessels with “Moderate CAD” as vessels with FFR, 0.81 to 0.87. Patients were classified into Group 1: No apparent CAD (FFR>0.87 in all 3‐vessels); Group 2: Single‐vessel moderate CAD; Group 3: Multivessel moderate CAD; and Group 4: Functionally significant CAD (FFR≤0.80) in any vessel. The primary end point was 2‐year major adverse cardiac events, a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and ischemia‐driven revascularization. Forty‐three percent of patients had moderate CAD (Group 2: 403/1136, 35.5%; Group 3: 84/1136, 7.4%). The 2‐year risk of major adverse cardiac events was not significantly different between patients with single‐vessel moderate CAD and no apparent CAD (2.6 versus 2.6%; HR, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.4%–2.8%; P=0.89). However, patients with multivessel moderate CAD were at significantly higher risk than Group 1 (7.4 versus 2.6%; hazard ratio, 3.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.1%–9.8%; P=0.03). The risk of major adverse cardiac events in patients with multivessel moderate CAD was comparable to that of patients with functionally significant CAD (hazard ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.5%–3.0%; P=0.67). In a multivariable regression model, multivessel moderate CAD was an independent predictor of greater risk of 2‐year major adverse cardiac events. ConclusionsGlobal physiologic assessment with FFR measurement of 3 vessels can identify multivessel moderate CAD. The prognostic implication of multivessel moderate CAD appears comparable to that of functionally significant CAD. Clinical Trial RegistrationURL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01621438.

BackgroundData are limited regarding outcomes of deferred lesions in patients with angiographically insignificant stenosis but low fractional flow reserve (FFR). We investigated the natural history of angiographically insignificant stenosis with low FFR among patients who underwent routine 3‐vessel FFR measurement. Methods and ResultsFrom December 2011 to March 2014, 1136 patients with 3298 vessels underwent routine 3‐vessel FFR measurement (3V FFR‐FRIENDS study, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01621438), and this study analyzed the 2‐year clinical outcomes of 1024 patients with 2124 lesions with angiographically insignificant stenosis (percentage of diameter stenosis 0.80 versus low FFR ≤0.80). The primary end point was outcome of major adverse cardiovascular events (a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and ischemia‐driven revascularization) at 2 years. Mean angiographic percentage of diameter stenosis and FFR of total lesions were 32.5±10.3% and 0.91±0.08%, respectively. Among the total lesions with angiographically insignificant stenosis, 8.7% showed low FFR (185 lesions). The incidence of lesions with low FFR was 2.5%, 3.8%, 9.0%, and 15.1% in categories of percentage of diameter stenosis

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonic flow ratio (UFR) is a novel method for fast computation of fractional flow reserve (FFR) from intravascular ultrasound images. The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of UFR using wirebased FFR as the reference. METHODS: Post hoc computation of UFR was performed in consecutive patients with both intravascular ultrasound and FFR measurement in a core lab while the analysts were blinded to FFR. RESULTS: A total of 167 paired comparisons between UFR and FFR from 94 patients were obtained. Median FFR was 0.80 (interquartile range, 0.68-0.89) and 50.3% had a FFR=0.80. Median UFR was 0.81 (interquartile range, 0.69-0.91), and UFR showed strong correlation with FFR (r=0.87; P<0.001). The area under the curve was higher for UFR than intravascular ultrasound-derived minimal lumen area (0.97 versus 0.89, P<0.001). The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio for UFR to identify FFR=0.80 was 92% (95% CI, 87-96), 91% (95% CI, 82-96), 96% (95% CI, 90-99), 96% (95% CI, 89-99), 91% (95% CI, 93-96), 25.0 (95% CI, 8.2-76.2), and 0.10 (95% CI, 0.05-0.20), respectively. The agreement between UFR and FFR was independent of lesion locations (P=0.48), prior myocardial infarction (P=0.29), and imaging catheters (P=0.22). Intraobserver and interobserver variability of UFR analysis was 0.00±0.03 and 0.01±0.03, respectively. Median UFR analysis time was 102 (interquartile range, 87-122) seconds. CONCLUSIONS: UFR had a strong correlation and good agreement with FFR. The fast computational time and excellent analysis reproducibility of UFR bears the potential of a wider adoption of integration of coronary imaging and physiology in the catheterization laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ackground--Postocclusional hyperemia caused by balloon occlusion is a potential alternative method of inducing hyperemia for measuring post-percutaneous coronary intervention fractional flow reserve (FFR). The aim of this study was to investigate postocclusional hyperemia as a method of inducing hyperemia. Methods and Results--FFR measured by postocclusional hyperemia (FFRoccl) caused by balloon occlusion after percutaneous coronary intervention was compared with FFR measured by drug-induced hyperemia (FFR measured by intravenous ATP; and FFR measured by intracoronary papaverine injection [FFRpap]) in 98 lesions from 98 patients. The hyperemia duration was also measured for FFRoccl and FFRpap. The correlation coefficient between FFRoccl, FFR measured by intravenous ATP (r=0.973; P<0.01), and FFRpap (r=0.975; P<0.01) showed almost identical values to those obtained for the correlation coefficient between FFR measured by intravenous ATP and FFRpap (r=0.967; P<0.01). No clear difference was observed on Bland-Altman analysis. Hyperemia duration was significantly longer with FFRoccl than with FFRpap (70±22 versus 51±25 s; P<0.01). Conclusions--Strong correlations were found between FFRoccl and FFR measured by intravenous ATP and FFRoccl and FFRpap. Hyperemia caused by FFRoccl was significantly longer than that caused by FFRpap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with left atrial (LA) remodeling caused by pressure and/or volume (LAV) overload. Increased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) represents LA pressure overload. We recently reported that pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (ePCWP) can be estimated by the kinetics-tracking (KT) index that combines LA function and volume using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), and has a strong correlation with PCWP measured by right heart catheterization (r = 0.92). Therefore, we hypothesized that ePCWP is the best echocardiographic predictor of successful AF ablation.Methods: We enrolled 137 patients with paroxysmal AF (age: 61 ± 10 years) who underwent pulmonary vein isolation. We measured LAV index, LA emptying function (EF) and LA stiffness during sinus rhythm before ablation using STE. PCWP was noninvasively estimated by STE as we previously reported. Parameters were compared between a group with AF recurrence (n = 30, age: 59 ± 11 years) and a group with successful ablation (sinus rhythm maintained for >1 year) (n = 107, age 61 ± 11 years).Results: The ePCWP was correlated with PCWP measured by right heart catheterization (r = 0.76, p < 0.01). Compared with the non-recurrence group (n = 107, age: 61 ± 11), the AF recurrence group had significantly increased ePCWP (10.6 ± 3.5 vs 14.6 ± 2.9 mmHg, p < 0.01), minimum LAV index (29 ± 12 ml/m(2) vs 37 ± 14 ml/m(2), p < 0.01) and LA stiffness (0.47 ± 0.33 vs 0.83 ± 0.59, p < 0.01), but lower total LA EF (44 ± 11% vs 39 ± 13%, p < 0.01) before ablation. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, ePCWP was the most significant independent predictor of successful ablation. Using 13 mmHg of PCWP as the optimal cutoff value, the sensitivity and specificity for successful ablation were 73 and 77% (area under the curve = 0.81), respectively.Conclusion: The ePCWP that is measured by the combination of LA function and volume before ablation was a better predictor of the successful ablation compared with LA function and volume separately. The ePCWP estimated by STE is useful to predict the successful ablation in paroxysmal AF, and could be useful to improve candidate selection for AF ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Care coordination between general practitioners (GPs) and cardiovascular specialists is expected to play a key role in establishing appropriate oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of care coordination on oral anticoagulant therapy in the management of AF in Japan. Methods This study was a multi-center, single-arm, prospective cohort study with retrospective chart and claims data review for historical controls. The study included three study periods: a 12-month pre-campaign period; a 12-month campaign period for AF screening and care coordination; and a 3-month post-campaign period for follow-up of care coordination. During the campaign period, patients aged ≥65 years who attended participating GP clinics underwent opportunistic AF screening by GPs under the campaign. At the discretion of the GP, newly diagnosed AF patients after the screening were referred to a cardiovascular specialist for care coordination. To assess the impact of care coordination and evaluate the effects of the campaign, implementation of care coordination, antithrombotic therapies, and patient-reported outcomes were compared between patients with and without care coordination, and between patients during the pre-campaign and campaign periods. Results There were 86 newly diagnosed AF patients during the pre-campaign period and 90 during the campaign period. The percentage of patients with care coordination increased from 3.5% (3/86) in the pre-campaign period to 14.4% (n = 13/90) during the campaign period. The percentage of patients who received OAC therapies, according to the definition from the Japanese AF medication guideline, increased from 55.8% (48/86) to 71.1% (64/90) during the campaign period regardless of care coordination. Younger patients were referred to cardiovascular specialists for care coordination. Implementation of OAC therapy did not differ between patients with and without care coordination. Adherence to OAC therapy was low regardless of care coordination. Conclusions This GP-targeted campaign was effective at raising awareness regarding the implementation of care coordination and appropriate OAC therapy at local clinical practices in Japan. Improvement of adherence to OAC therapy in elderly patients is a critical issue, and measures such as education programs targeted to patients and healthcare professionals should be undertaken.

Cardio-embolic ischemic stroke caused by atrial fibrillation is more severe compared with other types of stroke, such as lacunar infarction and atherothrombotic infarction in patients without atrial fibrillation. Therefore, it is important to prevent cardio-embolic ischemic stroke by detecting atrial fibrillation early in at-risk patients and administering appropriate anticoagulation therapy. This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of opportunistic atrial fibrillation screening at 12 primary clinics in Japan. The study included a 12-month pre-campaign period and a 12-month campaign period. During the campaign period, an awareness campaign was conducted to encourage physicians to be mindful of screening patients aged ≥65 years for atrial fibrillation by checking their pulses and performing subsequent electrocardiography when an irregular pulse was detected. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation. A sub-analysis focusing on first-time outpatients was performed. There were 9921 and 10,282 patients with no history of atrial fibrillation in the pre-campaign and campaign periods, respectively. In the whole population, the proportion of patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation was 0.9% throughout the pre-campaign and campaign periods. In the sub-analysis limited to first-time outpatients, the detection proportion increased from 1.6% to 1.9% during the campaign period. In terms of age stratification, a large increase in detection was observed, especially among patients aged 65-74 years (detection increased from 0.9% to 1.5%) and ≥85 years (detection increased from 2.9% to 3.3%) during the campaign period. Our findings suggest the feasibility of opportunistic atrial fibrillation screening in routine primary care practice in Japan. Of note, our findings suggest that opportunistic atrial fibrillation screening targeting first-time outpatients may be of clinical value.

A retrospective chart survey of the clinical features of indolent adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) was conducted in the Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. This study enrolled 24 smoldering-type ATLs, 10 favorable chronic-type ATLs, and 20 unfavorable chronic-type ATLs diagnosed between 2010 and 2018. Among them, 4, 3, and 10 progressed to acute-type ATLs during their clinical course. The median survival time (MST) in smoldering-type ATL and favorable chronic-type ATL was not reached, and their 4-year overall survival (OS) was 73% and 79%, respectively. Compared with this, the prognosis of unfavorable chronic-type ATL was poor. Its MST was 3.32 years, and the 4-year OS was 46% (p = 0.0095). In addition to the three features that determine the unfavorable characteristics of chronic-type ATL, namely, increased lactate dehydrogenase, increased blood urea nitrogen, and decreased albumin, the high-risk category by the indolent ATL-Prognostic Index, which was defined by an increment of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL2-R) of >6000 U/mL, could explain the poor prognosis in indolent ATL patients. The level of sIL-2R might be an indicator of the initiation of therapy for indolent ATL.

Purpose. To characterize the functional substitution of colon for the esophagus, we compared the electrogastrogram (EGG) maps and spectral frequencies and power of preoperative controls with patients who had undergone colonic replacement. Methods. Monopolar EGGs were recorded and spectrally analyzed at 27 locations on the thoracoabdominal surface. The spectral powers of five frequency groups were converted into EGG maps. Results. In contrast to the epigastric concentrations of maximal power foci in a preoperative 3-cpm (cycles per minute) group, those of the colon replacement subjects seemed not to be concentrated in the epigastric region. Power in the 6-cpm colon replacement group were significantly greater and those in the 3-cpm colon replacement group were significantly less than those in the preoperative controls. Spectral frequencies in the 1- and 3-cpm colon replacement groups were significantly higher than those in the preoperative controls. Conclusions. The colonic and gastric EGG activities had 3-cpm, and probably 6-cpm in common. However, the colonic EGG activities were significantly different from the gastric EGG activities in frequency in the 3-cpm group, and in amplitude in both the 3- and 6-cpm groups. Thus, the replaced colon seems to preserve the original colonic EGG activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employing the accelerated crucible rotation technique, we grew multicrystalline silicon by the directional solidification process. The distribution of carbon concentration determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that application of accelerated crucible rotation homogenized the carbon concentration in the grown ingot. Attempts were made to explain the effect of crucible rotation on homogenization of carbon concentration in terms of segregation phenomena. Moreover, growth striations induced by the crucible rotation were observed in the axial direction of the ingot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The FiGARO (FFR versus iFR in Assessment of Hemodynamic Lesion Significance, and an Explanation of Their Discrepancies) trial is a prospective registry searching for predictors of fractional flow reserve/instantaneous wave-free ratio (FFR/iFR) discrepancy. Methods and Results FFR/iFR were analyzed using a Verrata wire, and coronary flow reserve was analyzed using a Combomap machine (both Philips-Volcano). The risk polymorphisms for endothelial nitric oxide synthase and for heme oxygenase-1 were analyzed. In total, 1884 FFR/iFR measurements from 1564 patients were included. The FFR/iFR discrepancy occurred in 393 measurements (20.9%): FFRp (positive)/iFRn (negative) type (264 lesions, 14.0%) and FFRn/iFRp (129 lesions, 6.8%) type. Coronary flow reserve was measured in 343 lesions, correlating better with iFR (R=0.56, P <0.0001) than FFR (R=0.36, P <0.0001). The coronary flow reserve value in FFRp/iFRn lesions (2.24±0.7) was significantly higher compared with both FFRp/iFRp (1.39±0.36), and FFRn/iFRn lesions (1.8±0.64, P <0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed (1) sex, age, and lesion location in the right coronary artery as predictors for FFRp/iFRn discrepancy; and (2) hemoglobin level, smoking, and renal insufficiency as predictors for FFRn/iFRp discrepancy. The FFRn/iFRp type of discrepancy was significantly more frequent in patients with both risk types of polymorphisms (endothelial nitric oxide synthase r +heme oxygenase-1 r ): 8 patients (24.2%) compared with FFRp/iFRn type of discrepancy: 2 patients (5.9%), P =0.03. Conclusions Predictors for FFRp/iFRn discrepancy were sex, age, and location in the right coronary artery. Predictors for FFRn/iFRp were hemoglobin level, smoking, and renal insufficiency. The risk type of polymorphism in endothelial nitric oxide synthase and heme oxygenase-1 genes was more frequently found in patients with FFRn/iFRp type of discrepancy. Registration URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03033810.