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Background: From the standpoint of infection prevention, anesthesiologists need to simultaneously use a surgical mask and an oxygen mask when administering oxygen to patients. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to justify this method. We aimed to investigate a suitable method of oxygen administration when using a surgical mask in postoperative patients. Methods: This was a randomized, single-blind, cross-over study involving 42 patients admitted to the ICU. We compared three methods of oxygen administration: nasal cannula under the surgical mask, oxygen mask under the surgical mask, and oxygen mask above the surgical mask, using a cross-over design. The primary endpoint was partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2). The secondary endpoint was partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2). Results: PaO2 was higher when the oxygen mask was placed under the surgical mask (median values 197.7 mmHg), the nasal cannula was under the surgical mask (180.6 mmHg), and the oxygen mask was above the surgical mask (143.0 mmHg), in descending order, with significant differences between all groups (P < 0.001). PaCO2 did not differ between groups. Conclusions: The current standard method of administering oxygen to postoperative patients using an oxygen mask over a surgical mask results in poor oxygenation. Adopting the method of oxygen administration under the surgical mask via an oxygen mask or nasal cannula should be considered instead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The causes of perioperative hyperlactatemia vary, but they are generally associated with hypoperfusion. Here, we report the case of a pediatric patient who developed unexplained hyperlactatemia during anesthesia with propofol and sevoflurane, which recurred during a second surgery under anesthesia with remimazolam. Case presentation. An 8-year-old boy with Perthes disease and no remarkable past or family history was scheduled for an osteotomy. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and rocuronium and then maintained with sevoflurane and remifentanil. The patient developed lactic acidosis without hemodynamic instability during anesthesia, with a normal lactate/pyruvate ratio after surgery, suggesting a lack of hypoperfusion. We used remimazolam instead of propofol during the second surgery 6 months later, considering the possibility of drug-induced lactic acidosis, including malignant hyperthermia and propofol infusion syndrome, where the unexplained hyperlactatemia recurred. Conclusions: Distinguishing the causes of hyperlactatemia, particularly in the absence of other symptoms, is challenging. The lactate/pyruvate ratio during episodes of hyperlactatemia can provide insights into the underlying pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous reports have described hiccups during general anesthesia that were possibly induced by drugs, including benzodiazepines. However, there are few reports of hiccups caused by remimazolam. Case presentation A 75-year-old woman underwent corneal transplantation under general anesthesia with remimazolam. She presented with hiccups once the effects of muscle relaxants used during induction wore off, which persisted even after various treatments, such as the administration of antipsychotic drugs. However, when remimazolam administration was terminated after surgery to awaken the patient, the hiccups stopped and did not recur after extubation. Evaluation of predicted blood levels of remimazolam suggests that higher levels of remimazolam might cause hiccups. Conclusion: Remimazolam might induce hiccups during general anesthesia. Anesthesiologists should consider administering muscle relaxants or changing the anesthetic in cases of refractory hiccups under general anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Agent device consists of a semi-compliant balloon catheter, which is coated with a therapeutic low-dose formulation of paclitaxel (2 µg/mm2) blended with an inactive excipient acetyl-tri-n-butyl citrate (ATBC). AGENT Japan SV is a randomized controlled study that enrolled 150 patients from 14 Japanese sites treated with Agent or SeQuent Please paclitaxel-coated balloon. This study also includes a single-arm substudy evaluating the safety and effectiveness of Agent in patients with in-stent restenosis (ISR). Patients with a single de novo native lesion (lesion length ≤ 28 mm and reference diameter ≥ 2.00 to < 3.00 mm) were randomized 2:1 to receive either Agent (n = 101) or SeQuent Please (n = 49). The ISR substudy enrolled 30 patients with lesion length ≤ 28 mm and reference diameter ≥ 2.00 to ≤ 4.00 mm. In the SV RCT, target lesion failure (TLF) at 1 year occurred in four patients treated with Agent (4.0%) versus one patient with SeQuent Please (2.0%; P = 1.00). None of the patients in either treatment arm died. There were no significant differences in the rates of myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization and target lesion thrombosis through 1 year. In the ISR substudy, the 1-year rates of TLF and target lesion thrombosis were 6.7% and 0.0%, respectively. These data support the safety and effectiveness of the Agent paclitaxel-coated balloon in patients with small vessels and ISR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Achalasia is a rare condition characterized by dysfunction of esophageal motility and impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Anesthetic management of these patients is challenging due to the elevated risk of regurgitation and aspiration. Case presentation: A 53-year-old man diagnosed with achalasia was scheduled for renal cancer surgery before esophageal myotomy. Since his severe dysphagia suggested the possibility of vomiting and aspiration under anesthesia, a stomach tube was inserted before induction of general anesthesia. After preoxygenation, rapid sequence induction was performed and an antiemetic was administered to prevent postoperative vomiting. Although anesthetic management was uneventful, the inserted stomach tube coiled up in the dilated esophagus and substantial residue was aspirated via the tube even after a prolonged fasting period. Conclusion: Anesthesiologists should be familiar with achalasia even though it is an uncommon disease, since affected patients are at risk of regurgitation and aspiration under anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with atherothrombotic risk are at high hazard of ischemic events. Preventive medicine plays a major role in modifying their outcomes. Whether the choice of a BP-SES or DP-EES can contribute to the occurrence of events remains unclear. We sought to investigate the outcomes of patients with higher atherothrombotic risk (H-ATR) versus lower atherothrombotic risk (L-ATR) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with either bioresorbable-polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (BP-SES) or durable-polymer everolimus-eluting stent (DP-EES). Methods: Patients (n = 2361) from BIOFLOW-II, -IV, and -V randomized trials were categorized into H-ATR vs. L-ATR. L-ATR patients had ≤ 1 and H-ATR ≥ 2 of the following criteria: presentation in ACS, diabetes mellitus, previous myocardial infarction, previous PCI/CABG, or previous stroke. Endpoints were target lesion failure (TLF: cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction [TV-MI], target lesion revascularization [TLR]) and stent thrombosis (ST) at three years. Results: H-ATR patients (n = 1023) were more morbid than L-ATR patients (n = 1338). TLF rate was significantly higher in H-ATR patients as compared with L-ATR (11.6% vs. 7.0%; HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.27–2.20, p < 0.0001). With BP-SES TLF rates were numerically lower as compared with DP-EES in H-ATR (10.5% vs. 13.5%; HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.54–1.14, p = 0.20) and significantly lower in L-ATR (5.6% vs. 9.8%; HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.38–0.85, p = 0.006). Conclusion: In the era of newer-generation DES, patients with H-ATR still are at hazard for ischemic events. Patients with BP-SES had lower TLF rates as compared with DP-EES, most consistent in L-ATR whereas in H-ATR patients most probably secondary preventive strategies are of higher value. Clinical trial registration: Clinicaltrial.gov. NCT01356888, NCT01939249, NCT02389946. https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01356888, https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01939249, https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02389946. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although several guidelines recommend measuring blood tryptase and histamine concentrations to diagnose perioperative anaphylaxis (POA), tryptase measurement is more common. The appropriate timing of blood collection and the diagnostic threshold for histamine measurement are still controversial. To address these issues, histamine concentrations in patients with anaphylaxis and those with anaphylaxis-uncertain were compared in our previous study, the Japanese Epidemiologic Study for Perioperative Anaphylaxis (JESPA). However, because we could not rule out the possibility that the anaphylactic-uncertain group included anaphylactic patients, histamine concentrations were measured in patients who underwent general anesthesia with no complications as controls in the present study. Histamine levels were measured at anesthesia induction (baseline), 30 min (first point), and 2 h (second point) after the start of surgery in 30 control patients. Histamine concentrations in controls were lower than in patients with POA in JESPA at the first and second points. At the first point, a threshold of 1.5 ng/ml resulted in sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 100%. A threshold of 1.1 ng/ml at the second point resulted in sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 87%. Measurement of histamine concentrations within two hours after symptom onset might help diagnose POA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although majority of cases with chronic total occlusion (CTO) in femoro-popliteal lesion were treated with antegrade approach only, some lesions require alternative approach due to its complexity. Bi-directional approach is useful on endovascular therapy (EVT) for CTO; however guidewire passage through the lesion is impossible in some challenging cases. The present case shows a successful re-entry technique utilizing two snare catheters from an antegrade and retrograde access site (double snare piecing technique). Case presentation: A 79-year-old woman with right leg intermittent claudication (Rutherford category IV), who had undergone unsuccessful EVT for popliteal CTO, required another EVT for the worsening symptom. Following the failed conventional crossing technique (wire knuckle technique, intravascular-ultrasound-guided wiring, and controlled antegrade and retrograde subintimal tracking technique), two snare catheters were placed and the snare loops were pierced by a puncture needle percutaneously. After an 0.014 wire was inserted into the needle, the needle was withdrawn. The wire was pulled from the retrograde side and was externalized. Then, the antegrade snare catheter was pulled and externalized, to make the wire across the lesion. After that, a microcatheter was advanced along the externalized wire from the retrograde side and cross the lesion. The wire was replaced with a new wire, which completely created pull-through system. After the hemostasis by balloon inflation and lesion preparation, this procedure was completed with an endoluminal-covered stent and two inter-woven stents. The re-entry site was covered by the inter-woven stent. Her symptoms improved after the procedure, and the lesion has not developed restenosis at 2-years follow-up. Conclusions: This re-entry technique of puncturing two snare loops (double snare piercing technique) might be effective for achieving successful passage through challenging femoropopliteal CTO cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pain and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently coexist. However, the common pathology is still unclear. Attenuated noradrenergic endogenous analgesia can produce acute pain chronification, and dysfunction of noradrenergic systems in the nervous system is relevant to ADHD symptoms. Noxious stimuli-induced analgesia (NSIA) is measured to estimate noradrenergic endogenous analgesia in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) as an ADHD model and control. Recovery of pain-related behaviors after paw incision was assessed. Contributions of noradrenergic systems were examined by in vivo microdialysis and immunohistochemistry. The SHR showed attenuated NSIA and needed a more extended period for recovery from acute pain. These results suggest ADHD patients exhibit acute pain chronification due to pre-existing attenuated noradrenergic endogenous analgesia. Immunohistochemistry suggests abnormal noradrenaline turnover and downregulation of the target receptor (alpha2a adrenoceptor). Standard ADHD treatment with atomoxetine restored NSIA and shortened the duration of hypersensitivity after the surgery in the SHR. NSIA protocol activated the locus coeruleus, the origin of spinal noradrenaline, of both strains, but only the control exhibited an increase in spinal noradrenaline. This result suggests dysfunction in the noradrenaline-releasing process and can be recognized as a novel mechanism of attenuation of noradrenergic endogenous analgesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of the 2.25 mm bioresorbable-polymer sirolimus-eluting Ultimaster stent in a Japanese patient population. Treatment of coronary artery disease in very small vessels is associated with an increased risk for cardiac events. The CENTURY JSV study is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm study. Seventy patients with stable and unstable coronary artery disease with a coronary lesion eligible for implantation with a 2.25 mm stent were enrolled in this study. Patients underwent clinical follow-up through 5-year after the PCI procedure. The mean age was 70.4 ± 9.2 years. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 37.1%, all not insulin dependent. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events, defined as cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (MI), and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) at 5 years was 5.7%. A non-Q wave MI was noted in 1.4% and 4.3% underwent a CD-TLR. There was no stent thrombosis during the entire follow-up period. No cardiac events were reported between 2 and 5 years. This is the first study to demonstrate safety and effectiveness for 5 years after treatment of very small coronary disease with 2.25 mm-diameter DES. Clinical trial registration: UMIN000012928 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although chlorhexidine allergy has been shown to be mediated by immunoglobulin (Ig) E, few reports investigated the mechanism of chlorhexidine-induced anaphylaxis using basophil activation tests (BATs). Case presentation: A 79-year-old man underwent cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. Anaphylaxis was diagnosed based on the clinical symptoms and high serum tryptase and histamine levels. Skin tests showed positive results only for chlorhexidine. Subsequently, BATs demonstrated that the causative agent was likely chlorhexidine. The inhibitory effect of wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, on basophil activation suggested an IgE-dependent mechanism underlying chlorhexidine-induced anaphylaxis. An 89-year-old man underwent inguinal hernioplasty under general anesthesia. Anaphylaxis was diagnosed based on the clinical symptoms and high serum tryptase and histamine levels. Skin tests and BATs with wortmannin were performed, showing similar results to case 1. Conclusions: BATs suggested an IgE-dependent mechanism for chlorhexidine-induced anaphylaxis and might be useful for investigating the mechanisms underlying drug-induced anaphylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Administration of local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, in the perioperative period improves outcomes of cancer patients. However, its precise mechanism is still unresolved. The growth of human cancer cell lines, including HeLa cells, are suppressed by lidocaine treatment. We identified that growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) was commonly upregulated in lidocaine-treated cancer cell lines. GDF-15 is a divergent member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily and it is produced as an unprocessed pro-protein form and then cleaved to generate a mature form. In lidocaine-treated HeLa cells, increased production of GDF-15 in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was observed and unprocessed pro-protein form of GDF-15 was secreted extracellularly. Further, lidocaine induced apoptosis and apoptosis-inducible Tribbles homologue 3 (TRIB3) was also commonly upregulated in lidocaine-treated cancer cell lines. In addition, transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), which is a positive regulator of not only GDF-15 but TRIB3 was also induced by lidocaine. Lidocaine-induced growth suppression and apoptosis was suppressed by knockdown of GDF-15 or TRIB3 expression by small interference RNA (siRNA). These observations suggest that lidocaine suppresses the growth of cancer cells through increasing GDF-15 and TRIB3 expression, suggesting its potential application as cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients undergoing complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are at higher risk of adverse outcomes, but data are scarce in the era of newer-generation coronary stents. Aim: We sought to compare the clinical outcomes after complex PCI with a bioresorbable-polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (BP-SES) versus a durable-polymer everolimus-eluting stent (DP-EES). Methods: Patients (n = 2350) from BIOFLOW-II, -IV, and -V randomized trials were categorized into non-complex PCI vs. complex PCI. Complex PCI had at least one of the following criteria: multi-vessel PCI, ≥ 3 lesions treated, ≥ 3 stents implanted, total stent length ≥ 60 mm. Endpoints were target lesion failure (TLF: cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction [TV-MI], or target lesion revascularization [TLR]) and probable/definite stent thrombosis (ST) at three years. Results: Patients with complex PCI (n = 348) were older and presented more often with acute coronary syndrome than non-complex PCI patients (n = 2002). Complex PCI lesions were more often type B2/C and bifurcation lesions and required more pre- and post-dilatation. Complex PCI patients had higher rates of TLF (14.6% vs. 8.1%; aHR 1.89, 95% CI [1.31–2.73], p = 0.001), TV-MI (10.2% vs. 4.4%, aHR 2.17, 95% CI [1.40–3.37], p = 0.001), and ST (1.5% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.025) as compared with non-complex PCI. TLF was not lower with BP-SES as compared to DP-EES in complex PCI (12.6% vs 18.2%, p = 0.16). Conclusion: Patients undergoing complex PCI with the newer-generation DES still sustain a higher risk of TLF, TV-MI and stent thrombosis as compared with non-complex PCI. This adverse outcome was not significantly modified by the stent platform (BP-SES vs. DP-EES). Clinical trial registration: Clinicaltrial.gov NCT01356888, NCT01939249, NCT02389946, https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01356888; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01939249; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02389946. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a stent, high on-treatment platelet reactivity may be associated with an increased risk of stroke. This post hoc analysis of the PENDULUM registry compared the risk of post-PCI stroke according to on-treatment P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) values. Patients aged ≥ 20 years who underwent PCI were stratified by baseline PRU (at 12 and 48 h post-PCI) as either high (HPR, > 208), optimal (OPR, > 85 to ≤ 208), or low on-treatment platelet reactivity (LPR, ≤ 85). The incidences of non-fatal ischemic and non-ischemic stroke through to 12 months post-PCI were recorded. Almost all enrolled patients (6102/6267 [97.4%]) had a risk factor for ischemic stroke, and most were receiving dual antiplatelet therapy. Of the 5906 patients with PRU data (HPR, n = 2227; OPR, n = 3002; LPR, n = 677), 47 had a non-fatal stroke post-PCI (cumulative incidence: 0.68%, ischemic; 0.18%, non-ischemic stroke). Patients with a non-fatal ischemic stroke event had statistically significantly higher post-PCI PRU values versus those without an event (P = 0.037). The incidence of non-fatal non-ischemic stroke was not related to PRU value. When the patients were stratified by PRU ≤ 153 versus > 153 at 12–48 h post-PCI, a significant difference was observed in the cumulative incidence of non-fatal stroke at 12 months (P = 0.044). We found that patients with ischemic stroke tended to have higher PRU values at 12–48 h after PCI versus those without ischemic stroke. Clinical trial registration: UMIN000020332. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for calcified lesions is still a major challenge. Calcified lesions are a cause of inadequate dilatation, leading to poor short- and long-term PCI outcomes. It has been suggested that modification for calcification before stent implantation might improve outcomes by providing adequate dilation. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is available under insurance reimbursement in December 2022 in Japan. IVL is one candidate for a treatment device to modify calcified lesions in addition to atherectomy, such as rotational and orbital atherectomy, and special balloons, such as scoring and cutting balloons. Although the evidence for the indications, of these devices is insufficient, they must be used appropriately in clinical practice. In this report, we propose a method for determining an indication of these devices solely as per the coronary imaging findings with intravascular ultrasound or optical coherent tomography. This consensus document represents the collective opinion of experts on the best current indications and should be changed based on future evidence. However, we believe that it represents the optimal criteria for selecting treatment options in the current situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of morphine or morphine equivalents on the risk of bile leakage (BL) after hepatectomy. Methods: The subjects of this retrospective study were 379 patients who underwent hepatectomy without biliary reconstruction and biliary decompression tube insertion at Gunma University between 2016 and 2020. Clinical BL was defined as International Study Group of Liver Surgery post-hepatectomy bile leakage Grade B or C. Results: Intra- and post-operative analgesia comprised intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) with fentanyl (n = 58), epidural analgesia with fentanyl (n = 157), epidural analgesia with morphine (n = 151), and epidural analgesia with ropivacaine or levobupivacaine (n = 13). Clinical BL was diagnosed in 14 of the 379 (3.7%) patients. The significant risk factors for clinical BL were hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), elevated serum total bilirubin, high indocyanine green retention at 15 min, elevated Mac-2-binding protein glycosylated isomer, prolonged duration of surgery, and a large volume of blood loss. There was no significant correlation of clinical BL with intra- and post-operative analgesia and total oral morphine equivalents. Conclusion: Intra- and post-operative IV-PCA and epidural analgesia were not related to clinical BL after hepatectomy. Based on our data, fentanyl and morphine can be administered safely as epidural or intravenous analgesic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: From the perspective of infection prevention during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a recommendation was made to use surgical masks after extubation in patients in the operating room. For compliance with this recommendation, anesthesiologists need to administer oxygen to the patient with an oxygen mask over the surgical mask. However, no studies have investigated whether this method allows good maintenance of oxygenation in patients. This study aimed to investigate which method of oxygen administration lends itself best to use with a surgical mask in terms of oxygenation. Method: We administered oxygen to the study subjects using all the following three methods in random order: an oxygen mask over or under a surgical mask and a nasal cannula under the surgical mask. Oxygenation was assessed using the oxygen reserve index (ORi) and end-tidal oxygen concentration (EtO2). Result: This study included 24 healthy volunteers. ORi values with administration of oxygen were higher in the order of a nasal cannula under the surgical mask, an oxygen mask under the surgical mask, and an oxygen mask over the surgical mask, with median values of 0.50, 0.48, and 0.43, respectively, and statistically significant differences between all groups (P < 0.001). EtO2 values were in the same order as ORi, with median values of 33.0%, 31.0%, and 25%, respectively, and statistically significant differences between all groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Wearing a surgical mask over the nasal cannula during oxygen administration is beneficial for oxygenation and might help prevent aerosol dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are few cases of anaphylaxis after local application of fibrin sealant diagnosed by skin tests. Case presentation: A 49-year-old woman underwent partial lung resection under general anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced uneventfully. Shortly after applying absorbable suture reinforcement felt that contained fibrin sealant, her systolic blood pressure fell to approximately 70 mmHg, along with facial flushing. Anaphylaxis was diagnosed based on the clinical symptoms and high serum tryptase levels. Three months after the event, skin tests were performed with all agents and were positive only for fibrin sealant vial no. 2, whose main component is aprotinin. Subsequently, basophil activation tests using fibrin sealant vial no. 2 and pure aprotinin demonstrated that the causative agent was likely aprotinin. Conclusions: We diagnosed aprotinin-induced anaphylaxis using skin tests and basophil activation tests. The occurrence of anaphylaxis should be considered when changes in vital signs are observed after the use of fibrin sealant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-invasive and sensitive blood test has long been a goal for early stage disease diagnosis and treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other proteinopathy diseases. We previously reported that preeclampsia (PE), a severe pregnancy complication, is another proteinopathy disorder with impaired autophagy. We hypothesized that induced autophagy deficiency would promote accumulation of pathologic protein aggregates. Here, we describe a novel, sensitive assay that detects serum protein aggregates from patients with PE (n = 33 early onset and 33 late onset) and gestational age-matched controls (n = 77) as well as AD in both dementia and prodromal mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 24) stages with age-matched controls (n = 19). The assay employs exposure of genetically engineered, autophagy-deficient human trophoblasts (ADTs) to serum from patients. The aggregated protein complexes and their individual components, including transthyretin, amyloid β-42, α-synuclein, and phosphorylated tau231, can be detected and quantified by co-staining with ProteoStat, a rotor dye with affinity to aggregated proteins, and respective antibodies. Detection of protein aggregates in ADTs was not dependent on transcriptional upregulation of these biomarkers. The ROC curve analysis validated the robustness of the assay for its specificity and sensitivity (PE; AUC: 1, CI: 0.949–1.00; AD; AUC: 0.986, CI: 0.832–1.00). In conclusion, we have developed a novel, noninvasive diagnostic and predictive assay for AD, MCI and PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on ischemic and bleeding outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in high bleeding risk (HBR) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the association between CKD and ischemic and bleeding outcomes in HBR patients who underwent PCI. Among 10,502 patients in the four post-approval registries evaluating patients undergoing PCI, 2,300 patients presented with at least one major or two minor ARC-HBR criteria. CKD was defined as eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. These HBR patients were divided into 3 groups: eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 defined as severe CKD (N = 221), eGFR 30- < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 defined as moderate CKD (N = 970), eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 defined as no CKD (N = 1,109). The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or stent thrombosis, and the safety endpoint was major bleeding up to 4-year follow-up. HBR patients with CKD were more often female and had higher rates of comorbidities compared to those without CKD. Reduced renal function was associated with higher rates of the primary endpoint (severe CKD vs. moderate CKD vs. no CKD: 30.2% vs. 12.5% vs. 9.1%, P < 0.01) as well as major bleeding (10.3% vs. 8.9% vs. 6.4%, P = 0.03). After adjustment, severe CKD and moderate CKD in HBR patients remained independent predictors for the primary endpoint (HR [95%CI] 2.84 [1.94–4.16], P < 0.01, 1.48 [1.10–2.00], P < 0.01) compared to those with no CKD. However, decreased renal function was no longer significantly associated with major bleeding after adjustment. In conclusions, in HBR patients undergoing PCI, CKD has an important impact on major ischemic events after PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy with a predictive low glucose suspend (SAP-PLGS) feature is a remarkably progressed modality for the glycemic management of patients with type 1 diabetes. This technology avoids nocturnal hypoglycemia and severe hypoglycemia. A Brazilian woman developed type 1 diabetes at age 11 and was treated with multiple daily insulin injections. At age 20, she was admitted to our internal medicine department for her first pregnancy. Her HbA1c was 7.9% in the 6 weeks of gestation. Although the combination of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and a sensor-augmented pump was introduced, she had a miscarriage in the next week. After 6 months, she became pregnant again. Despite an HbA1c of 7.2%, she had another miscarriage. Thereafter, she returned to multiple daily insulin injections and began using intermittently scanned continuous glycemic monitoring. At age 22, she had her third pregnancy. Her HbA1c was 7.3%. SAP-PLGS was then introduced, which reduced her frequent hypoglycemic events and blood glucose fluctuations. She gave birth to a 4137 g boy at 39 weeks without significant complications. Successful delivery can be obtained in women with type 1 diabetes following repeated miscarriages after introducing SAP-PLGS. We hypothesize that the modality might contributed to our patient's miscarriage avoidance by reducing her glycemic fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis: The imbalance between maternal insulin resistance and a relative lack of insulin secretion underlies the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Alterations in T cell subtypes and increased levels of circulating proinflammatory cytokines have been proposed as potential mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of insulin resistance in GDM. Since oestrogen modulates T cell immunity, we hypothesised that oestrogen plays a homeostatic role in visceral adipose tissue by coordinating T cell immunity through oestrogen receptor α (ERα) in T cells to prevent GDM. Methods: Female CD4-cre ERαfl/fl (KO) mice on a C57BL/6 background with ERα ablation specifically in T cells, and ERαfl/fl (ERα-floxed [FL]) mice were fed 60 kJ% high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks. Female mice mated with male BALB/c mice to achieve allogenic pregnancy and were maintained on an HFD to generate the GDM model. Mice were divided into four experimental groups: non-pregnant FL, non-pregnant KO, pregnant FL (FL-GDM) and pregnant KO (KO-GDM). GTTs and ITTs were performed on day 12.5 or 13.5 and 16.5 after breeding, respectively. On day 18.5 after breeding, mice were killed and T cell subsets in the gonadal white adipose tissue (gWAT) and spleen were analysed using flow cytometry. Histological examination was also conducted and proinflammatory gene expression in gWAT and the liver was evaluated. Results: KO mice that mated with BALB/c mice showed normal fertility rates and fetal weights as compared with FL mice. Body and tissue weights were similar between FL and KO mice. When compared with FL-GDM mice, KO-GDM mice showed decreased insulin secretion (serum insulin concentration 15 min after glucose loading: 137.3 ± 18.3 pmol/l and 40.1 ± 36.5 pmol/l, respectively; p < 0.05), impaired glucose tolerance (glucose AUC in GTT: 2308.3 ± 54.0 mmol/l × min and 2620.9 ± 122.1 mmol/l × min, respectively; p < 0.05) and increased numbers of T helper (Th)17 cells in gWAT (0.4 ± 0.0% vs 0.8 ± 0.1%; p < 0.05). However, the contents of Th1 and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in gWAT remained similar between FL-GDM and KO-GDM. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was similar between isolated islets derived from FL and KO mice, but was reduced by IL-17A treatment. Moreover, the levels of proinflammatory gene expression, including expression of Emr1 and Tnfa in gWAT, were significantly higher in KO-GDM mice than in FL-GDM mice (5.1-fold and 2.7-fold, respectively; p < 0.01 for both). Furthermore, KO-GDM mice showed increased expression of genes encoding hepatokines, Ahsg and Fgf21 (both were 2.4-fold higher vs FL-GDM mice; p < 0.05 and p = 0.09, respectively), with no changes in inflammatory gene expression (e.g., Tnfa and Ifng) in the liver compared with FL-GDM mice. Conclusions/interpretation: Deletion of ERα in T cells caused impaired maternal adaptation of insulin secretion, changes in hepatokine profiles, and enhanced chronic inflammation in gWAT alongside an abnormal increase in Th17 cells. These results suggest that the ERα-mediated oestrogen signalling effects in T cells regulate T cell immunity and contribute to glucose homeostasis in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Japanese patients have shown improved outcomes after treatment with drug eluting stents compared with Western patients. Outcomes with the ridaforolimus-eluting EluNIR stent in Japanese patients are unknown. Methods and results: This was a multi-center trial in Japanese patients undergoing PCI with the ridaforolimus eluting EluNIR stent. A propensity-score matched analysis was performed with the EluNIR arm of the BIONICS trial. The matched cohort was compared with the Japanese patients for the primary endpoint of target lesion failure (TLF) in a non-inferiority study. 104 Japanese patients were compared with 410 matched patients from BIONICS. Baseline characteristics were similar except for more frequent multi-vessel disease in the BIONICS cohort. Post dilation was more likely in Japanese patients (90.4% vs. 64.6%, p < 0.001). TLF at 12 months was met by 2 patients (1.9%) in the JNIR study compared with 5.3% in the BIONICS group (Pnoninf = 0.0028). Rates of MI (0% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.03), target vessel MI (0% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.04), MACE (1.0% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.03) and TVF (1.0% vs. 6.9%, p = 0.02) were all significantly lower among Japanese patients. Conclusion: Treatment of Japanese patients with the EluNIR stent is associated with very low rates of adverse events, significantly fewer than seen in the BIONICS trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professional boxers train to reduce their body mass before a match to refine their body movements. To test the hypothesis that the well-defined movements of boxers are represented within the motor loop (cortico-striatal circuit), we first elucidated the brain structure and functional connectivity specific to boxers and then investigated plasticity in relation to boxing matches. We recruited 21 male boxers 1 month before a match (Time1) and compared them to 22 age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. Boxers were longitudinally followed up within 1 week prior to the match (Time2) and 1 month after the match (Time3). The BMIs of boxers significantly decreased at Time2 compared with those at Time1 and Time3. Compared to controls, boxers presented significantly higher gray matter volume in the left putamen, a critical region representing motor skill training. Boxers presented significantly higher functional connectivity than controls between the left primary motor cortex (M1) and left putamen, which is an essential region for establishing well-defined movements. Boxers also showed significantly higher structural connectivity in the same region within the motor loop from Time1 to Time2 than during other periods, which may represent the refined movements of their body induced by training for the match. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anesthetic management of coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) in a dextrocardia patient with situs inversus totalis is rarely encountered and seldom reported in the literature. Case presentation: A 76-year-old Japanese female patient had been diagnosed with situs inversus totalis and coronary artery disease of 3 vessels, and she subsequently underwent elective CABG. A preoperative examination showed almost normal results. ECG showed right deviation with the normal lead position. In the operating room, ECG leads were applied in reverse. Pulmonary artery catheterization was performed via the left internal jugular vein. A transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe was introduced without difficulty. A different angle was needed to acquire the desired views because of her atypical anatomy. Conclusion: Careful perioperative evaluation, intraoperative management, and inspection of multiplane angle and probe adjustments in TEE are needed for anatomically abnormal patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since perioperative anaphylaxis occurs suddenly, and it can be life-threatening, anesthesiologists need to have sufficient knowledge of the epidemiology of perioperative anaphylaxis and appropriate coping strategies to deal with it. Recent studies conducted in Western countries reported the characteristics of perioperative anaphylaxis in each country. However, there are few studies of perioperative anaphylaxis in Japan. To bridge the gap between Japan and other countries, the data of 46 anaphylaxis patients at Gunma University Hospital and 13 neighboring hospitals between 2012 and 2018 were collected and analyzed. The recently developed clinical scoring system was combined with a skin test to include only cases with a definite diagnosis. The most common causative agents were sugammadex, followed by rocuronium, cefazolin, and antibiotics other than cefazolin. Furthermore, the characteristics of anaphylaxis for each causative drug were identified. Time from drug administration to appearance of the first symptom was the longest in the cefazolin group. The incidence of canceled operation was the highest in the rocuronium group. Although it is unclear whether the results of this study can apply to Japan as a whole, the information about the agents responsible for perioperative anaphylaxis and the characteristics of anaphylaxis due to each agent would be helpful to anesthesiologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the association between postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after distal pancreatectomy (DP) and clinicopathological factors and intraoperative and postoperative epidural or intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA). Methods: We reviewed data of 116 patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy at Gunma University Hospital from October 2000 to October 2019. Clinical POPF was defined as the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula grade B or C. Results: Intraoperative and postoperative analgesia included fentanyl-mediated IV-PCA (n = 37, 32%), fentanyl-mediated epidural analgesia (n = 39, 34%), and morphine-mediated epidural analgesia (n = 40, 34%). All patients had received analgesia. Clinical POPF occurred in 34 of the 116 (29%) DP cases. Male sex (P = 0.035) and the length of operation time (P = 0.0070) were significant risk factors of clinical POPF. Furthermore, a thick pancreas was more likely to cause clinical POPF than a thin one (P = 0.052). No statistically significant difference was found between other factors, including intraoperative and postoperative analgesia (P = 0.95), total median oral morphine equivalents (P = 0.23), and clinical POPF. Conclusion: Intraoperative and postoperative epidural analgesia and IV-PCA are not associated with clinical POPF after DP. Our results suggest that morphine and fentanyl can be used as IV-PCA or epidural analgesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In endometriosis, M2 MΦs are dominant in endometriotic lesions, but the actual role of M2 MΦ is unclear. CD206 positive (+) MΦ is classified in one of M2 type MΦs and are known to produce cytokines and chemokines. In the present study, we used CD206 diphtheria toxin receptor mice, which enable to deplete CD206+ cells with diphtheria toxin (DT) in an endometriosis mouse model. The depletion of CD206+ MΦ decreased the total weight of endometriotic-like lesions significantly (p < 0.05). In the endometriotic-like lesions in the DT group, a lower proliferation of endometriotic cells and the decrease of angiogenesis were observed. In the lesions, the mRNA levels of VEGFA and TGFβ1, angiogenic factors, in the DT group significantly decreased to approximately 50% and 30% of control, respectively. Immunohistochemical study revealed the expressions of VEGFA and an endothelial cell marker CD31 in lesions of the DT group, were dim compared to those in control. Also, the number of TGFβ1 expressing MΦ was significantly reduced compared to control. These data suggest that CD206+ MΦ promotes the formation of endometriotic-like lesions by inducing angiogenesis around the lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anesthesiologists and intensivists are modern-day professionals who provide appropriate respiratory care, vital for patient survival. Recently, anesthesiologists have increasingly focused their attention on the type of spontaneous breathing made by non-intubated patients with pulmonary disease cared for in an intensive care unit, and also patients with chronic pain receiving cognitive behavioral therapy. Prior to our modern understanding of respiratory physiology, Zen meditators recognized that breathing has a significant impact on a person's mental state and general physical well-being. Examples of this knowledge regarding respiration include the beneficial effects of deep inhalation and slow exhalation on anxiety and general wellness. The classical literature has noted many suggestions for breathing and its psycho-physical effects. In the present review, we examine the effect of classical breathing methods and find an analogy between typical Yoga/Zen breathing and modern clinical respiratory therapy. Evidence is increasing about historical breathing and related meditation techniques that may be effective in modern clinical practice, especially in the field of anesthesiology, such as in improving respiratory function and reducing chronic pain. Clarification of the detailed mechanisms involved is anticipated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary artery disease is common in patients on dialysis; there is a high rate of bleeding events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in such patients. We investigated the impact of bleeding events after PCI on mortality in patients on hemodialysis. We included 386 consecutive hemodialysis patients who underwent PCI using a drug-eluting stent (DES) between September 2004 and December 2017 in our hospital, and investigated the impact of bleeding events on all-cause mortality after PCI. Bleeding events were assessed by the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) bleeding definition within 24 months after PCI. A total of 42 patients experienced bleeding events. Of these, 30 patients (71.4%) had TIMI major bleeding events and 12 patients (28.6%) had TIMI minor bleeding events. Patients with bleeding events had significantly higher mortality than patients without bleeding events (survival rate, 55.1% vs 81.5%, log-rank: p < 0.001). These results suggest that bleeding events after PCI with a DES are notably associated with all-cause mortality among patients on hemodialysis. This is the first report about relationship between bleeding events and mortality to focus on patients on hemodialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle relaxation induced by neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) is necessary for tracheal intubation and immobilization during surgery. Although acetylcholinesterase inhibitors have been successfully used as antagonists for NMBAs, they have their limitations; their effects are transient and ineffective against profound neuromuscular blockade. In the past, alternative antagonists were developed, such as germine and 4-aminopyridine, which are effective for the treatment of diseases causing muscle weakness and could potentially be used as antagonists for NMBAs. Unfortunately, these drugs did not come into practical use due to unwanted side-effects. Sugammadex is an almost ideal antagonist because it rapidly forms a rigid complex with rocuronium and produces less adverse effects. The development of novel NMBAs and antagonists, especially sugammadex, has revolutionized anesthesia practice. Recently, novel short-acting NMBAs, such as gantacurium and CW002 have been developed. Their effects can be reversed by the amino-acid l-cysteine. More recently, calabadions have been developed, which can form complexes with both steroidal and bisbenzyl-isoquinolinium NMBAs, in a similar fashion as sugammadex. Understanding the history of the NMBA antagonist's development is interesting and useful for modern anesthesiologists since it enhances their knowledge about the mechanisms involved in neuromuscular transmission and might lead to the development of ideal NMBA antagonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin tests are the gold standard for detecting the culprit drug of anaphylaxis, and should ideally be performed after an interval of 4–6 weeks after the reaction to avoid false-negative results. However, when re-operation cannot be delayed and early allergy tests are necessary, special attention is required during subsequent anesthesia, because early skin tests tend to produce false-negative results. This report presents a case of rocuronium-induced anaphylaxis in which early skin tests showed negative results for all the drugs tested. The second anesthesia was safely performed by avoiding all the drugs used for the first anesthesia. Ultimately, skin tests and basophil activation tests (BATs) performed after re-operation demonstrated rocuronium as the drug responsible for anaphylaxis. We recommend performing BATs in addition to skin tests to improve the accuracy of diagnosis of anaphylaxis. In this report, we also discuss interpretation of the results of early skin tests and subsequent selection of drugs for anesthesia. After postponement of surgery due to anaphylaxis, we are often required to perform allergy tests at an early stage if re-operation cannot be delayed. In such cases, skin test results alone should not be used to guide subsequent anesthesia management to avoid recurrent anaphylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin conductance monitoring is one of the promising methods for objectively evaluating pain. However, skin conductance might possibly increase in response to sympathetic stimulation other than pain. In this study, we aimed to test whether skin conductance monitoring can distinguish physical pain stimulation (heat, mechanical and cold stimulation) from other sympathetic stimuli (stimulation by noise and painful images). Twenty-three healthy volunteers participated in this prospective observational study. The number of fluctuations in skin conductance (NFSC) and normalized skin conductance level (nSCL) were measured and compared with pain scores on a self-reported pain scale (numerical pain scale [NPS]). Both NFSC and nSCL increased during mechanical stimulation. Further, nSCL, but not NFSC, well reflected heat stimulus intensity, suggesting its ability to quantitatively evaluate pain. nSCLs during physical pain stimulation were greater than those during other sympathetic stimulations. However, NFSC was not able to completely distinguish between the stimuli. These results suggest that nSCL could better differentiate physical pain stimuli from other sympathetic stimuli than NFSC. In comparisons between subjective and objective pain assessment in the same individual, nSCL correlated better with NPS score, indicating the possibility of being able to monitor the transition of pain. Monitoring changes in skin conductance using nSCL might be useful for objectively detecting physical pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Infrahepatic inferior vena cava (IIVC) clamping is beneficial for reducing the amount of bleeding during hepatic surgery, although the associated systemic circulatory deterioration is noticeable. The relationship between changes in the degree of IIVC clamping and postoperative renal function was retrospectively evaluated. Methods: A total of 59 patients who underwent elective hepatic surgery with surgical IIVC clamping in the two years were analyzed. In 2016, constant 80% clamping of the IIVC was performed (29 cases), and in 2017, hemodynamically adjusted IIVC clamping was performed (30 cases). Intraoperative parameters, including total blood loss and number of blood transfusions, were examined. The use of each vasoactive agents was analyzed. Renal function in the acute postoperative phase was evaluated using serum creatinine (Cr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values. Results: Comparison of the two groups showed that bolus doses of both ephedrine and phenylephrine were significantly higher in the 2016 group (P = 0.0221, 0.0017). Continuous doses of dopamine were significantly higher in the 2016 group, while those of noradrenaline were not. Postoperative serum Cr levels relative to baseline (%) were significantly higher in the 2016 group immediately after surgery and on postoperative day (POD) 1 (P = 0.0143, 0.0012). Postoperative eGFR relative to baseline (%) was significantly higher in the 2016 group immediately postoperatively and on PODs 1 and 2 (P = 0.0042, 0.0003, 0.0382). Conclusion: Hemodynamically adjustable IIVC clamping might be superior to uniformly fixed clamping in preserving renal function without compromising the desired effect on hemostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to evaluate the association between ritodrine and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and the occurrence of neonatal hyperkalemia or hypoglycemia among late preterm infants in a retrospective cohort study. We used a nationwide obstetrical database from 2014. A total of 4,622 live preterm infants born at 32–36 gestational weeks participated. Fourteen risk factors based on both clinical relevance and univariate analysis were adjusted in multivariable logistic regression analyses. Neonatal hyperkalemia and hypoglycemia occurred in 7.6% (284/3,732) and 32.4% (1,458/4,501), respectively. Occurrence of hyperkalemia was associated with concomitant usage of ritodrine and MgSO4 compared with no usage (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–2.15). Occurrence of hypoglycemia was associated with ritodrine alone (aOR 2.58 [CI 2.21–3.01]) and with concomitant usage of ritodrine and MgSO4 (aOR 2.59 [CI 2.13–3.15]), compared with no usage, and was associated with long-term usage (≥ 48 hours) of ritodrine and cessation directly before delivery. In conclusion, in late preterm infants, usage of ritodrine together with MgSO4 was associated with occurrence of critical neonatal hyperkalemia, and long-term usage of ritodrine and cessation directly before delivery were associated with neonatal hypoglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature and odors profoundly affect the behavior of animals. Transient receptor potential channel, subfamily A, member 1 (TRPA1) functions as a polymodal nociceptor for sensing both vital environmental cues in insects. Mosquitoes are recognized as disease vectors, and many efforts have been devoted to investigations of their host-seeking behaviors and repellents. However, the physiological characteristics of mosquito TRPA1 have not been systematically studied. We identified multiple alternative splice variants of the TrpA1 gene from Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens pallens mosquitoes. And we performed comparative analyses of the responses of mosquito TRPA1s to heat or chemical stimuli with calcium-imaging and whole-cell patch-clamp methods. Comparison of TRPA1 among four mosquito species from different thermal niches revealed that TRPA1 of Culex pipiens pallens inhabiting the temperate zone had a lower temperature threshold for heat-evoked activation, which was supported by the in vivo heat-avoidance test. Notably, the chemosensitivity of mosquito TRPA1 channels revealed differences not only between variants but also among species. Moreover, we discovered three novel mosquito TRPA1 agonists. Thermal niches selection and evolutionary trajectories significantly affect the functional properties of mosquito TRPA1, which represents a hallmark of the behaviors that may permit the design of improved mosquito control methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objects: There is growing evidence that sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is involved in inflammatory diseases. As endometriosis is known as an inflammatory disease, we investigated the role of S1P system in the development of endometriosis. Methods: The expression of sphingosine kinase (SphK) 1 in endometriosis lesions was examined by immunohistochemistry. The cystic fluid of ovarian cysts/tumors were obtained to measure S1P concentrations. Endometriotic stromal cells (ESC) derived from endometrioma were used for in vitro experiments. Results: Sphingosine kinase 1 was detected in epithelium and stromal cells of endometriotic lesions. The mean S1P concentration in the cystic fluid of endometriomas was higher than that in nonendometriomas significantly (98.2 nM vs less than 1.5 nM, P <.01). Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) or transforming growth factor-β exhibited 2.7-fold and 11.5-fold increase in SphK1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in ESC, respectively (P <.01). Higher dose of S1P (125nM) increased the cell number of ESC by 20%, and low dose of S1P (1.25 nM and 12.5 nM) induced IL-6 mRNA production and IL-6 secretion by ESC dose-dependently. JTE013, an antagonist for S1PR2, partially suppressed IL-6 induction by S1P (P <.05). JTE013 and VPC23019, an antagonist for S1PR1 and S1PR3, suppressed the ESC proliferation induced by S1P. Conclusion: The present study for the first time proved that the SphK-S1P-S1PR axis play a role of accelerating inflammation and growth of endometriotic cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a viable treatment option for high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. In Japan, TAVI can be performed using first-generation self-expandable Medtronic CoreValve or balloon-expandable Edwards SAPIEN-XT from 2012. Since the durability and hemodynamic outcomes after transcatheter heart valve (THV) implantation in Japanese patients have not been clearly elucidated, we assessed serial changes in post-TAVI THV performances over a-3-year period by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). From January 2012 to September 2014, among 83 patients with severe aortic stenosis, 26 underwent TAVI with CoreValve and 57 underwent TAVI with SAPIEN-XT. We assessed the serial changes in first post-implant (FPI) and 3-year post procedure THV hemodynamics by TTE. Valve performance was evaluated by serial assessment of aortic valve mean pressure gradient (PG) and aortic valve area (AVA) assessments. Three-year clinical outcomes were compared between the patients with CoreValve and those with SAPIEN-XT. Seventeen patients with CoreValve and 34 patients with SAPIEN-XT had FPI and 3-year TTEs. The AVA decreased significantly from FPI to 3-year follow-up among patients with SAPIEN-XT, but not among patients with CoreValve. The mean aortic PG decreased significantly from FPI to the 3-year follow-up point among patients with CoreValve; however, it was not significantly different from those with SAPIEN-XT. The absolute change in mean PG from FPI to the 3-year follow-up point decreased significantly among those with CoreValve compared to those with SAPIEN-XT. Clinical outcomes after TAVI were similar for both devices at 3-years after TAVI. In this study, long-term clinical outcomes for CoreValve and SAPIEN XT were similar. The 3-year THV performance of both devices was maintained after TAVI. Serial change in mean aortic PGs for CoreValve decreases significantly from FPI to the 3-year follow-up point compared to that for SAPIEN-XT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The dietary pattern of pregnant women is known to be associated with preterm birth (PTB). We investigated whether PTB was associated with intake of fermented food by using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Methods: From a data set of 103,099 pregnancies, 77,667 cases at low risk for PTB were analyzed. The primary outcome measurements were based on PTB. Fermented food (miso soup, yogurt, cheese, and fermented soybeans) consumption was assessed by using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Results: Intake of miso soup, yogurt, and fermented soybeans before pregnancy significantly reduced the risk of early PTB (< 34 weeks). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for early PTB in women who had miso soup 1–2 days/week, 3–4 days/week, or ≥ 5 days/week were 0.58, 0.69, and 0.62, respectively, compared with those who had miso soup < 1 day/week (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40–0.85, 0.49–0.98, and 0.44–0.87). The adjusted OR for early PTB in women who ate yogurt ≥ 3 times/week was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.44–0.87) compared to those who ate yogurt < 1 time/week. The adjusted OR for early PTB in women who ate fermented soybeans ≥ 3 times/week was 0.60 (95% CI, 0.43–0.84) compared to those who ate < 1 time/week. However, the incidence of overall PTB and late PTB (34–36 weeks) was not associated with fermented food intake. Conclusion: PTB low-risk women with a high consumption of miso soup, yogurt, and fermented soybeans before pregnancy have a reduced risk of early PTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in coronary artery disease (CAD) with very small vessels remains challenging. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the 2.25-mm diameter Ultimaster sirolimus-eluting stent in the treatment of Japanese patients with CAD due to lesions in very small vessels. The CENTURY JSV study is a prospective, multicentre, single-arm study. Seventy patients with lesions deemed suitable for implantation of a 2.25-mm diameter stent were enrolled at seven hospitals in Japan. Patients underwent clinical follow-up at 1-, 9-month, 1-, and 2-year after the PCI procedure. The primary endpoint was the major adverse cardiac event (MACE), a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (MI), and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) free rate at 9-month following the procedure. The MACE-free rate was 97.1%, and the lower limit of the two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) was 90.1%, which exceeded the threshold of 80% set as the performance goal. Angiographic in-stent and in-segment late loss at 9-month were 0.22 ± 0.31 and − 0.02 ± 0.34 mm, respectively. Between 9 months and 2 years, two additional TLRs occurred. Stent thrombosis, bleeding and vascular complication did not occur throughout 2 years. The 2.25-mm diameter Ultimaster® bioresorbable-polymer sirolimus-eluting stent is safe and effective for treating lesions in very small coronary arteries throughout 2 years after stent implantation.Clinical trial registration: UMIN000012928. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]