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There is an ongoing controversy regarding the necessity of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for patients with ischemic heart diseases after the publication of the results of the ISCHEMIA trial. We aimed to evaluate the association of the extent of myocardial ischemia with outcomes in patients with suspected coronary artery disease in Japan.From the data of 2780 patients with stable angina who were enrolled prospectively between January 2006 and March 2008 in Japan and had undergone physician-referred non-invasive imaging tests (Japanese Coronary-Angiography or Myocardial Imaging for Angina Pectoris Study), 1205 patients managed with SPECT were stratified by 10 % myocardial ischemia. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), including death, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for heart failure, and late revascularization, were followed-up for 1 year.Patients with ≥10 % myocardial ischemia (n = 173) were less likely to be women than patients with10 % myocardial ischemia (n = 1032) and had a significantly higher 1-year cumulative incidence of MACEs (6.9 % vs. 1.8 %, p 0.0001). After adjusting for confounders, the risk of ≥10 % myocardial ischemia relative to10 % myocardial ischemia for MACEs remained significant [adjusted hazard ratio (95 % confidence interval), 2.40 (1.09-5.26), p = 0.029]. After adjusting including treatments, the risk of MACEs became insignificant between the ≥10 % myocardial ischemia group and the10 % myocardial ischemia group [adjusted hazard ratio (95 % confidence interval), 1.04 (0.45-2.45), p = 0.92].The presence of ≥10 % myocardial ischemia at diagnosis was significantly associated with the 1-year risk for MACEs in Japanese patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

Red-crowned cranes Grus japonensis, which are an endangered species, have two separate populations, a mainland population in the Eurasian continent and an island population in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. Island cranes showed three haplotypes (Gj1, Gj2 and Gj13), whereas ten haplotypes (Gj3-Gj12) were confirmed in captive cranes and stray cranes. We found Gj5 haplotype in feathers of two cranes as well as four new haplotypes in seven wild crane feathers collected in South Korea. We also found feathers in the nest in Sarobetsu Wetland in northwestern Hokkaido. While the haplotype of female-derived feathers was Gj2, that of male-derived feathers was Gj5. The results suggest that there has been crossbreeding between cranes in the island population and cranes in the mainland population.

Background The THUNDERBEAT is a multi-functional energy device which delivers both ultrasonic and bipolar energy, but there are no randomized trials which can provide more rigorous evaluation of the clinical performance of THUNDERBEAT compared to other energy-based devices in colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical performance of THUNDERBEAT energy device to Maryland LigaSure in patients undergoing left laparoscopic colectomy. Methods Prospective randomized trial with two groups: Group 1 THUNDERBEAT and Group 2 LigaSure in a single university hospital. 60 Subjects, male and female, of age 18 years and above undergoing left colectomy for cancer or diverticulitis were included. The primary outcome was dissection time to specimen removal (DTSR) measured in minutes from the start of colon mobilization to specimen removal from the abdominal cavity. Versatility (composite of five variables) was measured by a score system from 1 to 5 (1 being worst and 5 the best), and adjusted/weighted by coefficient of importance with distribution of the importance as follow: hemostasis 0.275, sealing 0.275, cutting 0.2, dissection 0.15, and tissue manipulation 0.1. Other variables were: dryness of surgical field, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and mortality. Follow-up time was 30 days. Results 60 Patients completed surgery, 31 in Group 1 and 29 in Group 2. There was no difference in the DTSR between the groups, 91 min vs. 77 min (p = 0.214). THUNDERBEAT showed significantly higher score in dissecting and tissue manipulation in segment 3 (omental dissection), and in overall versatility score (p = 0.007) as well as versatility score in Segment 2 (retroperitoneal dissection p = 0.040) and Segment 3 (p = 0.040). No other differences were noted between the groups. Conclusions Both energy devices can be employed effectively and safely in dividing soft tissue and sealing mesenteric blood vessels during laparoscopic left colon surgery, with THUNDERBEAT demonstrating some advantages over LigaSure during omental dissection and tissue manipulation. ClinicalTrial.gov # NCT02628093.

The current World Health Organization (WHO) classification defines a new disease entity of high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements, making fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) screening for these genes mandatory. In addition, the prognostic significance of MYC expression was reported, with a cut-off value of 40%. However, interobserver discrepancies arise due to the heterogeneous intensity of MYC expression by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, a cut-off value of positivity for MYC protein in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) varies among studies at present. Here, we applied a high-sensitivity semiquantitative immunohistochemical technique using fluorescent nanoparticles called phosphor-integrated dots (PID) to evaluate the MYC expression in 50 de novo DLBCL cases, and compared it with the conventional diaminobenzidine (DAB)-developing system. The high MYC expression detected by the PID-mediated system predicted poor overall survival in DLBCL patients. However, we found no prognostic value of MYC protein expression for any cut-off value by the DAB-developing system, even if the intensity was considered. These results indicate that the precise evaluation of MYC protein expression can clarify the prognostic values in DLBCL, irrespective of MYC rearrangement.

A challenge in esophageal reconstruction after esophagectomy is that the distance from the neck to the abdomen must be replaced with a long segment obtained from the gastrointestinal tract. The success or failure of the reconstruction depends on the blood flow to the reconstructed organ and the tension on the anastomotic site, both of which depend on the reconstruction distance. There are three possible esophageal reconstruction routes: posterior mediastinal, retrosternal, and subcutaneous. However, there is still no consensus as to which route is the shortest. The length of each reconstruction route was retrospectively compared using measurements obtained during surgery, where the strategy was to pull up the gastric conduit through the shortest route. The proximal reference point was defined as the left inferior border of the cricoid cartilage and the distal reference point was defined as the superior border of the duodenum arising from the head of the pancreas. This study involved 112 Japanese patients with esophageal cancer (102 men, 10 women). The mean distances of the posterior mediastinal, retrosternal, and subcutaneous routes were 34.7 ± 2.37 cm, 32.4 ± 2.24 cm, and 36.3 ± 2.27 cm, respectively. The retrosternal route was significantly shorter than the other two routes (both p

Major hepatectomy in patients with insufficient future liver remnant (FLR) volume and impaired liver functional reserve has considerable risks for posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). The patient was a male in his 70s with an intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in left hemiliver, involving the middle hepatic vein (MHV). Although FLR volume after left hemihepatectomy was estimated to be 64.4% of the total liver volume, an indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICG-R15) value was 24.2%, thus the patient underwent left portal vein embolization. The FLR volume increased to 71.3%; however, the noncongestive FLR volume was re-estimated as 45.8% after resection of the MHV, the ICG-R15 value was 29.0%, and ICG-Krem was calculated as 0.037. We performed partial rescue Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein occlusion for Staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) for left hemihepatectomy with the MHV reconstruction. On the first stage, partial liver partition was done along Rex-Cantlie’s line, preserving the MHV and sacrificing the remaining branches to segment 8. The FLR volume increased to 77.4% on day 14. The ICG-R15 value was 29.6%, but ICG-Krem after MHV reconstruction was estimated to be 0.059. The second-stage operation on day 21 was left hemihepatectomy with the MHV reconstruction using the left superficial femoral vein graft. The usage of rescue partial ALPPS may contribute to preventing PHLF by introducing occlusion of the portal and/or venous branches in the left hemiliver before curative hepatectomy.

Background To clarify whether double-volume peritoneal lavage can decrease the risk of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Materials and Methods Forty-nine patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy and intraoperative peritoneal lavage using 6000 mL of saline before abdominal closure were studied retrospectively. Bacterial cultures of the lavage fluid were taken twice, after irrigation using 3000 mL of saline and then after an additional 3000 mL of saline. Bacterial culture of the drainage fluid was taken on day 1, and the relationship between the results of bacterial cultures and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula was examined. Results Double amount of peritoneal lavage significantly decreased the incidence of positive bacterial cultures than single amount of peritoneal lavage (45% vs. 29%, P < .05). Multivariate analysis showed that positive bacterial culture of drainage fluid on day 1 and main pancreatic duct size (Discussion A positive bacterial culture on day 1 is an independent risk factor for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula during pancreaticoduodenectomy. Double-volume intraperitoneal lavage may be effective for reducing the incidence of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Objectives The primary objective was to provide a list of effective motivational strategies based on consensus among rehabilitation experts, generated using the Delphi technique. The secondary objective was to identify the types of information that are important when selecting motivational strategies. Design Delphi study. Setting On-site survey at academic conferences and web-based survey. Participants Rehabilitation experts (N=198) including physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language-hearing therapists who had worked in stroke rehabilitation for at least 5 years. Intervention Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Panelists were asked to rate the effectiveness of motivational strategies and to rate the importance of different types of information using a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined as having been reached for items with an interquartile range of 1 or less. Results A total of 116 experts (58.6%) completed the third round of the Delphi survey. Consensus was reached on all of the 26 presented strategies. Seven strategies, such as control of task difficulty and goal setting, were considered to be very effective in increasing patient motivation. In addition, all 11 of the presented types of information regarding patient health status, environmental factors, and personal factors were deemed very important or important in determining which motivational strategies to use. Conclusions We generated a list of effective motivational strategies for stroke rehabilitation based on expert consensus. Our results suggest that experts consider a comprehensive range of patient information when choosing motivational strategies. These findings represent a group of consensus-based recommendations for increasing patient adherence to stroke rehabilitation programs, which may be beneficial to many medical professionals working in stroke rehabilitation.

Purpose Esophagectomy with extended lymph node (LN) dissection is a standard treatment for resectable esophageal cancer to prevent recurrence, but severe, potentially life-threatening postoperative complications are still important issues. Accurate diagnosis of LN metastases would enable the decision to dissect or leave the LNs in regions with high risk of complications. Advancements in intraoperative gamma probe and radioactivity detectors have made intraoperative navigation surgery possible using a radiotracer as a marker. F-FDG is one such candidate markers, and the diagnostic power of FDG through counting the radioactivity close to each LN should be elucidated. Materials and methods In 20 patients, 1073 LNs including 38 metastatic LNs were prospectively investigated. Preoperative FDG PET was performed on the same day before esophagectomy and visually surveyed in each LN station to identify abnormal uptake. The FDG radioactivity of each individual dissected LN was measured by a well-type counter, and the pathological diagnosis was compared with LN radioactivity on a one-by-one basis and with the preoperative FDG PET findings for each LN station. Results Lymph node station-based analysis showed a sensitivity and specificity of 28.6% and 96.7%, respectively. One-by-one LN-based analysis using a cutoff value obtained from the receiver operating characteristic curve showed a sensitivity and specificity of 94.7% and 78.7%, respectively, demonstrating higher accuracy compared with the use of LN weight or the shortest diameter. Conclusions The FDG uptake by each LN is a potentially useful marker for navigation surgery in esophageal cancer and has higher accuracy than LN weight or diameter.

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between shaggy aorta and embolic complications during thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR), based on a shaggy aorta scoring system.The entire aorta was assessed based on 5 mm slice computed tomography (CT) from the sinotubular junction to the aortic bifurcation using a three dimensional workstation. One shaggy point (shaggy score) was given when the following conditions were met: 1) ulcer like thrombus, 2) maximum thrombus thickness ≥ 5 mm, and 3) mural thrombus occupies more than two thirds of the circumference of the aortic diameter on reconstructed CT of the axial statue. Subsequently, each point was added to obtain the total shaggy score.The outcomes of 301 patients undergoing TEVAR were evaluated. Post-operative embolic complications including stroke, acute renal failure, and distal embolisation, were identified in 21 cases (7.0%). The average shaggy score for the entire cohort was 2.4 ± 5.6 points, whereas it was 7.9 ± 7.1 in those patients with embolic complications (E group) and 2.0 ± 5.3 in those without embolic complications (N group, p = .001). There were no statistical differences in 30 day mortality (p = .70), but overall survival at two years was significantly lower in the E group (E: 58.8%, N: 93.3%, p .001). Multivariable analysis revealed that the predictors of post-operative embolic complication were past history of cerebrovascular disease (p = .001, OR 5.90, 95% CI 2.14-16.29) and shaggy score (p .001, OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06-1.19). The area under the ROC curve was 0.77, and the cut off value of the shaggy score using the Youden index was 3 points (sensitivity: 71.4%, specificity: 81.4%).This shaggy score is a useful method to predict post-operative embolic complications following TEVAR. Because the risk of embolic complications was relatively high in patients with a high shaggy score, the indication for TEVAR in such patients should be considered carefully.

MYC-associated factor X (MAX) is a protein in the basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper family, which is ubiquitously and constitutively expressed in various normal tissues and tumors. MAX protein mediates various cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis through the MYC-MAX protein complex. Recently, it has been reported that MYC regulates the proliferation of anaplastic large cell lymphoma. However, the expression and function of MAX in anaplastic large cell lymphoma remain to be elucidated. We herein investigated MAX expression in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) and found 11 of 37 patients (30%) with ALCL lacked MAX expression, whereas 15 of 15 patients (100%) with PTCL-NOS expressed MAX protein. ALCL patients lacking MAX expression had a significantly inferior prognosis compared with patients having MAX expression. Moreover, patients without MAX expression significantly had histological non-common variants, which were mainly detected in aggressive ALCL cases. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that MAX expression was related to the expression of MYC and cytotoxic molecules. These findings demonstrate that lack of MAX expression is a potential poor prognostic biomarker in ALCL and a candidate marker for differential diagnosis of ALCL and PTCL-NOS.

Introduction: Lubiprostone is an effective treatment of chronic constipation (CC). However, as with other stimulant or osmotic laxatives, adverse events (AEs) can make it difficult to continue treatment. This article investigates AE risk factors associated with lubiprostone. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all 1,338 Japanese patients with CC treated at our hospital from October 2013 to July 2017. All patients were diagnosed with constipation as defined by the Roma III criteria. Enrolled patients received lubiprostone orally (24 or 48 μg daily), after which we investigated the incidence of AEs. The causative factors for diarrhea and nausea, the most common AEs, were examined by the backward logistic regression model. Results: Two hundred eight (15.5%) experienced at least 1 AE. No serious AEs were associated with the study drug. The AEs reported by >1% of patients overall were diarrhea (6.1%) and nausea (4.2%). We performed a multivariate logistic regression using a backward variable selection method to investigate AE risk factors. Factors associated with higher incidence of diarrhea were patient age of 65 years or more (odds ratio: [95% confidence interval]; p value) (2.09: [1.05–4.16]; 0.035). Factors associated with greater likelihood of nausea included female gender (1.99: [1.10–3.61]; 0.023), and the chief complaint was a patient complaining of abdominal pain and fullness (2.07: [1.01–4.22]; 0.046). Conclusions: Understanding AE risk factors can help avoid unnecessary AEs and promote more effective treatment.

Regressive lymphoproliferative disorders (R-LPD) after methotrexate (MTX) withdrawal are one of the specific features of methotrexate - associated lymphoproliferative disorders (MTX-LPD). Although the impact of the absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) on the pathogenesis of R-LPD has been recently emphasized, understanding relapse/regrowth events (RRE) and differences among LPD subtypes is necessary. In this study, we confirmed ALC recovery in the regressive group (R-G; R-LPD without RRE) and relapse/regrowth group (R/R-G; R-LPD with RRE). The increase in ALC lasted at least 2 years in R-G, whereas it decreased within 3 years in R/R-G, supporting the better overall survival (OS) in R-G, as previously reported. In addition, our study suggested that an ALC of 1000/µL at the time of development of LPD is a significant predictor for treatment-free survival (TFS). Furthermore, an ALC of 1000/µL at 6 months after MTX withdrawal was found to be a significant indicator of TFS and OS for R-G and R/R-G. The ALC decreased gradually before LPD development in R/R-G, whereas it decreased 6 months before LPD development in R-G, confirming the important role of ALC in the pathogenesis of MTX-LPD such as regressive events and RRE. In addition to ALC, other predictive factors, such as serum C-reactive protein and soluble interleukin-2 receptors, may be helpful in the management of MTX-LPD, including the decision making for an additional chemotherapy for regressive LPD after MTX withdrawal.

Recurrent hotspot (p.Gly17Val) mutations in RHOA encoding a small GTPase, together with loss-of-function mutations in TET2 encoding an epigenetic regulator, are genetic hallmarks of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). Mice expressing the p.Gly17Val RHOA mutant on a Tet2-null background succumbed to AITL-like T-cell lymphomas due to deregulated T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling. Using these mice to investigate therapeutics for AITL, we found that dasatinib, a multikinase inhibitor prolonged their survival through inhibition of hyperactivated TCR signaling. A phase I clinical trial study of dasatinib monotherapy in 5 patients with relapsed/refractory AITL was performed. Dasatinib was started at a dose of 100 mg/body once a day and continued until days 10–78 (median day 58). All the evaluable patients achieved partial responses. Our findings suggest that AITL is highly dependent on TCR signaling and that dasatinib could be a promising candidate drug for AITL treatment. Significance: Deregulated T-cell receptor signaling is a critical molecular event in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and can be targeted with dasatinib.

Background/aim Sonodynamic cancer therapy is based on the preferential uptake and/or retention of a sonosensitizing drug (sonosensitizer) in tumor tissues and the subsequent activation of the drug by ultrasound irradiation. In the present study, we investigated the sonodynamically-induced antitumoral effect with functionalized carbon nanotubes, such as poly-ethylene glycol-modified carbon nanotubes (PEG-modified CNTs). Materials and methods Antitumor effects were evaluated using histological observation and assessing tumor growth following sonodynamic exposure to PEG-modified CNTs. Results The combined treatment of 100 μM PEG-modified CNT and ultrasound induced a 2-fold cytotoxicity. Sodium azide, which quenches singlet oxygen, significantly inhibited ultrasonication induced cell damage in the presence of PEG-modified CNTs. This suggests that singlet oxygen produced by the combined use of PEG-modified CNTs and ultrasound is involved in the induction of antitumoral effects. The destruction of tumor tissue was observed with the ultrasonic treatment in combination with PEG-modified CNTs, while neither the treatment with PEG-modified CNTs alone nor ultrasound alone caused any necrosis. Conclusion These results indicate that PEG-modified CNT functions as a sonosensitizer and is effective for sonochemical treatment of solid tumors.

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare lymphoma characterized by the selective growth of lymphoma cells within the lumen of vessels. We describe the case of a 69-year-old male who presented with marked pain in the left facial region. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed a swollen left trigeminal nerve (TN) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography demonstrated fluorodeoxyglucose-only uptake at the same site. The patient had high serum lactate dehydrogenase and soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels. As random skin biopsy and bone marrow biopsy detected no abnormal pathogenesis, open biopsy of the TN was performed, revealing diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, ground glass opacities rapidly developed in both lung fields with severe respiratory failure. The patient died of progressive disease before the initiation of chemotherapy. Postmortem examination revealed widespread lymphoma cells in the lumen of vessels in multiple organs, including the lungs, excluding the bone marrow and skin. Lymphoma cells formed a mass in the TN and left lumbar plexus. A diagnosis of IVLBCL was made based on the postmortem pathological analysis. DLBCL of abnormal sites, such as the peripheral nervous system, should be considered in cases of IVLBCL as a differential diagnosis.

A 61-year-old man with a history of total gastrectomy for cancer with Roux-en-Y reconstruction showed severe postprandial hypoglycemia accompanied by endogenous hyperinsulinemia. Abdominal ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed no abnormal findings in the pancreas. A selective arterial secretagogue injection test showed the marked induction of serum immunoreactive insulin when calcium was injected into the splenic artery. A pathological analysis following distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy revealed a pancreatic neuroendocrine microadenoma containing insulin-producing cells in the resected pancreas. This case highlights the importance of carefully evaluating refractory and severe hypoglycemia in patients with a history of gastric surgery to exclude insulinoma.

OBJECTIVE The sit-up test is used to assess orthostatic hypotension, without the use of a tilt table, in populations who are unable to stand. The primary objective of this study was to determine the differences in blood pressure and hemodynamic responses between the sit-up and head-up tilt tests. The secondary objective was to determine the hemodynamic responses related to changes in blood pressure during each test. METHODS Nineteen healthy volunteers (nine males, aged 24.3 ± 2.4 years) underwent the sit-up and head-up tilt tests. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, and total peripheral resistance were measured. RESULTS The increase in systolic blood pressure (15 ± 9 vs. 8 ± 8 mmHg) was greater, while the increase in heart rate (8 ± 5 vs. 12 ± 8 bpm) and reduction in stroke volume (-17 ± 10 vs. -21 ± 10 ml) were smaller during the sit-up test than during the head-up tilt test (P < 0.05). Additionally, the increases in blood pressure variables were significantly associated with the increase in total peripheral resistance (P < 0.05), but not with changes in other hemodynamic variables in both tests. CONCLUSION Although the magnitudes of changes in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and stroke volume differed between the tests, the hemodynamic variable related to changes in blood pressure was the same for both tests. These results may contribute to the clinical application of the sit-up test for identifying the presence and hemodynamic mechanisms of orthostatic hypotension.

A 50-year-old man demonstrated markedly increased number of white blood cells, anemia, severe splenomegaly, and bleeding tendency. Bone marrow analysis revealed remarkable hypercellularity; dysplasia in multilineage cells, including megakaryocytes; and fibrosis. He was eventually diagnosed with triple-negative myelofibrosis. A massive hematoma developed at the bone marrow biopsy site. A similar episode recurred after the second bone marrow biopsy. The von Willebrand factor and other coagulation factor activities were within normal ranges. Platelet aggregation analyses demonstrated highly impaired aggregation induced by ADP, collagen, and epinephrine. Treatment with hydroxyurea and ruxolitinib, a JAK inhibitor, was ineffective, and he eventually died on day 144 after hospitalization. Acquired platelet dysfunction uncommonly occurs in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), without precise elucidation of the frequency and underlying mechanism. The onset of bleeding tendency in the current patient suggested that platelet dysfunction may be caused by somatic genetic events. Here, we discuss the mechanisms of acquired platelet dysfunction in MDS or MPN with a literature review.

Objectives: Resting coronary flow index (rCFI) estimated by 320-detector low-dose dynamic coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is a direct flow quantification using intracoronary attenuation. We propose modified-rCFI from new protocol combining dynamic scan and standard CCTA using dose-modulation, and validate its consistency with quantitative values and ischemia depicted by 13N-ammonia PET (NH3-PET). Methods: 46 patients who underwent dynamic CCTA and NH3-PET for coronary artery disease were evaluated using original rCFI in 21 patients and modified-rCFI in 25 patients. Two types of rCFI were calculated for three major coronary arteries. Myocardial blood flow (MBF) at rest and stress, myocardial flow reserve (MFR), and the presence or absence of ischemia for three major territories were depicted by NH3-PET. Coronary territories were categorized as territories with MFR Results: rCFI and modified-rCFI had significant positive correlations with stress MBF and MFR. The optical cut-offs of rCFI and modified-rCFI of 0.39 and 0.61 could detect territories with MFR Conclusion: Two types of rCFI correlated with quantitative values from NH3-PET, and were consistent with a high specificity in detecting functional ischemia. Advances in knowledge: rCFI can contribute as additional functional test over standard CCTA in clinical work-up.

Esophageal injury is a rare but serious complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. To minimize esophageal injury, our persistent AF (PerAF) protocol involves complete left atrial posterior wall (LAPW) and pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (box isolation), with a centerline away from the esophagus. However, there has been a concern that extensive LA isolation might deteriorate LA function. There has been a paucity of data on LA remodeling after box isolation. Therefore, we compared LA size pre- and post-box isolation with an LAPW centerline in patients with PerAF.Patients who underwent catheter ablation (CA) for PerAF between November 2016 and December 2018 were retrospectively evaluated.The LAPW, including all PVs, was completely isolated in 105 consecutive patients (75 men; mean age: 68 ± 10 years) with PerAF, including 58 patients with long-standing PerAF. During a follow-up of 660 ± 332 days, 76 patients (72%) were arrhythmia-free. The LA dimension (38 ± 6 mm versus 42 ± 7 mm; P < 0.0001) and volume index (38 ± 13 mL/m2 versus 47 ± 14 mL/m2; P < 0.0001) at 6 months post-ablation were significantly decreased in patients who maintained sinus rhythm compared to pre-ablation. In patients with recurrent AF/atrial tachycardia (AT), these parameters were also significantly decreased (P < 0.001, respectively).Box isolation with a posterior centerline has no esophageal complications and a high clinical success rate in patients with PerAF. Reverse remodeling could be achieved even when using extensive isolation of the PV and LAPW in patients with PerAF.

Objectives The bladder urothelium is not always impermeable. During sleep, the bladder might absorb urine in healthy individuals who sleep through the night. This study aimed to determine whether the bladder absorbs urine by using a method other than ultrasonic scanning and to simultaneously evaluate sleeping conditions. Methods Eleven participants (five males, six females) aged 20 to 49 years without lower urinary tract symptoms or urination while sleeping were enrolled. Bladder volume was estimated by studying the relationship between dilution and absorbance of indigo carmine dissolved in urine. A 12F Foley catheter was inserted into the bladder before sleep. Urine samples (5 mL) were extracted at 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 am sleep stages were monitored with a single-channel portable electroencephalograph device. Results The estimated bladder volume at 6 am and voided volume immediately after rising were significantly correlated (Spearman's ρ = 0.62, P = .046). Eight participants (three males, five females) showed an absorption pattern of the estimated bladder volume change. In a male participant, the blue dye's strength gradually decreased until 4 am (estimated 859 mL) and increased from 5 am (estimated 455 mL). In another, the blue dye's strength increased at 4 am (estimated 449 mL) vs at 3 am (estimated 757 mL). In all participants, electroencephalograph data demonstrated that sleep was maintained despite having a full bladder. Conclusions The bladder absorbs urine and maintains an approximate volume of functional bladder capacity during sleep to avoid incontinence and maintain sleep in adults due to an urge to void urine during the sleep cycle.

The presence of preexisting brain lesions due to previous stroke and cerebral small vessel disease has been reported to influence stroke related disability or rehabilitation outcomes. However, there is no data about the impact of such lesions on the recovery period after pusher behavior (PB). This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the influence of preexisting brain lesions on PB recovery time. Nineteen patients who were suffering from PB were included in the study. The presence of preexisting brain lesions, including previous stroke, silent brain infarcts, microbleed, white matter hyperintensity, and enlarged perivascular spaces were assessed using medical history reports, radiological reports, and magnetic resonance imaging data. The lesion score, ranging from 0 to 5, was calculated based on each preexisting brain lesion. The time to recovery from PB was assessed using the Scale for Contraversive Pushing. Based on the median value of the lesion score, we divided patients into those with a lesion score 2 and those with a lesion score ≥ 2. A Kaplan Meier survival analysis was performed between these two groups. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis was also performed using the side with hemiparesis and the score of preexisting brain lesions as covariates to determine the hazard ratio. The results showed that the group with a lesion score ≥ 2 had significantly delayed recovery from PB and the hazard ratio of preexisting brain lesions score was 0.458 (95% confidence interval: 0.221, 0.949), while the side of hemiparesis was not identified a significant covariate. Our results indicated that patients with PB having higher score of preexisting brain abnormalities might require a longer time to recover, and this might be useful in planning inpatient rehabilitation and treatment goals for patients with PB.

123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy is used to differentiate Lewy body disease from other neurodegenerative disorders. We identified 2 cases with remarkably changed pulmonary uptake between 2 metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphies; pulmonary uptake was reduced when patients were taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor/serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor and preserved during the medication-naive or withdrawal state, suggesting that pulmonary uptake involves not only the noradrenaline transporter, but also the serotonin transporter. Pulmonary accumulation may affect the heart-to-mediastinum ratio as the region of interest on the planner image is usually placed on the heart and includes part of the lung. Therefore, we should pay attention to the medication state of patients with decreased pulmonary uptake.

Spina bifida (SB) is the second-most common birth defect in Japan. In recent years, health-related quality of life measurements have been used to assess the psychosocial status of children with SB. The Quality of Life Assessment of Spina Bifida in Teenagers (QUALAS-T) is a self-reported questionnaire for subjects aged 13-17 years with SB. It focuses particularly on factors related to independence, bladder and bowel. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a Japanese version of QUALAS-T (QUALAS-T-J).Three urologists specialized in SB, two nurses, one statistician, and the author of the original version developed the QUALAS-T-J. Subjects with SB completed the QUALAS-T-J and the Japanese version of KIDSCREEN-27 (J-KIDSCREEN-27) independently from their parents.A pilot study involving seven adolescents with SB and confirmed face and content validity. Sixty-nine adolescents with SB participated in the main survey. The intraclass correlation coefficient in the retest was 0.77, and Cronbach's alpha in each domain was 0.83 and 0.79. Validity was verified on factor analysis and convergent/divergent validity. Five items converged in the one domain, Bladder and Bowel. The remaining five items converged in the concept of Family and Independence. The correlation between each domain of the QUALAS-T-J and J-KIDSCREEN-27 was low-moderate.The reliability and validity of the QUALAS-T-J were verified in Japanese adolescents with SB. The QUALAS-T-J would be a useful tool for communication between adolescents with SB and medical staff.

A 67-year-old Japanese man with alcoholic cirrhosis underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which revealed a 15-mm elevated lesion on the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). Endoscopic findings suggested that the lesion was an intramucosal cancer present on the esophageal varices. The location of the lesion at EGJ caused difficulties in endoscopic injection sclerotherapy and endoscopic variceal ligation for esophageal varices before esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Direct varices coagulation treatment was therefore selected during ESD. Coagulation of bared varices with hemostatic forceps after mucosal incision enabled performing ESD without serious bleeding. 2 months afterwards, the patient underwent EGD, with no esophageal varices or carcinoma recurrence. Direct varices coagulation was effective for ESD of Barrett adenocarcinoma with esophageal varices.

Objective To determine whether clinical evaluation reporting using the IDEAL (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment and Long-term study) framework improves a novel double-balloon endoscopic stabilization technology. Design Observational registry 6 month study with no follow-up. Using the Prospective Development Study (PDS) format recommended by the IDEAL collaboration, we report on continued refinement and optimization of an endoscopic stabilization platform during a clinical study conducted by two clinicians from the first case onwards. Key outcomes (ability to reach cecum, inflation of balloons in the sigmoid and ascending colon, and complications) were prospectively reported for each patient sequentially. All changes to technique were highlighted, showing when they occurred and an explanation for the change. Results 30 colonoscopies were undertaken using the device from April to September 2017. Two patients were excluded from the analysis for protocol deviations. Cecum was reached in 89% of the per protocol population of patients in an average time of 13.5 ± 11 min. Therapeutic zone creation was successful in 89% of patients on the right side of the intestine and 100% in those that reached the sigmoid. There were five deliberate changes in technique that occurred during the study that enabled improved device technical performance. There were no serious complications and one polyp was removed successfully using the device. Clinicians reported endoscope stability and increased visibility of the intestinal mucosa increased when using the device. Conclusion The IDEAL framework provided a structured reporting of the changes made to technique. Those changes facilitated a device that is safe, has achieved stability with improved performance.

This study aimed to assess efficacy and limitations of regional cerebral blood flow imaging using single-photon emission computed tomography (rCBF-SPECT) in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with amyloid-positron emission tomography (amyloid-PET). Thirteen patients, who underwent both rCBF-SPECT and amyloid-PET after clinical diagnosis of AD or mild cognitive impairment, were retrospectively identified. The rCBF-SPECTs were classified into 4 grades, from typical AD pattern to no AD pattern of hypoperfusion; amyloid-beta (Aβ) positivity was assessed by amyloid-PET. Four patients were categorized into a typical AD pattern on rCBF-SPECT, and all were Aβ+. The other 9 patients did not exhibit a typical AD pattern; however, 4 were Aβ+. The Mini-Mental State Examination score and Clinical Dementia Rating scale were not significantly different between Aβ+ and Aβ– patients. A typical AD pattern on rCBF-SPECT can reflect Aβ+; however, if not, rCBF-SPECT has a limitation to predict amyloid pathology.

Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the potent drugs for autoimmune diseases (ADs), especially for rheumatoid arthritis. Recent studies suggest that MTX should be immediately withdrawn when patients with AD develop lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD). However, biopsy cannot be performed for diagnosis because LPD regresses quickly after MTX withdrawal, thus making clinical MTX-LPD (c-MTX-LPD) challenging to diagnose. In this study, among the 28 patients with c-MTX-LPD, seven developed a proven LPD (p-LPD) after suspicious LPD (s-LPD) regression, six of which were Hodgkin lymphoma. Four of seven patients with p-LPD + died, whereas all patients with p-LPD- survived. The clinical manifestations indicative of p-LPD include fever, elevated serum C-reactive protein level, and soluble interleukin-2 receptor level. Anti-AD drugs did not appear to affect the pathogenesis of p-LPD development. P-LPD was not observed after 3 years from the time of s-LPD regression.

Purpose of the report This study aimed to determine the most effective metabolic index of FDG-PET and MET-PET to differentiate high- and low-grade gliomas, and then to characterize tumor metabolism according to the 2016 WHO classification. We also developed a new calculation method of potential infiltrative tumor volume to overcome the current limitations of tumor evaluation according to metabolic index, which focuses solely on tumor core area. Materials and methods Patients who underwent both FDG-PET and MET-PET, as well as surgical treatment, were retrospectively identified. All tumors were diagnosed histologically and included 44 high-grade and 19 low-grade gliomas. Metabolic indices of tumor-to-normal (T/N) ratio and maximum value within the tumor itself were compared between high- and low-grade tumors. A calculation method for potential infiltrative tumor volume was developed and compared between these 2 grades. Results T/N, calculated as tumor value divided by normal cortex value, was the most effective (area under the curve, 0.800 for FDG-PET; area under the curve, 0.773 for MET-PET) for differentiating high- and low-grade gliomas. Potential infiltrative volume effectively distinguished between high- and low-grade glioma (43.8 ± 30.2 mL vs 14.0 ± 12.6 mL; P = 0.005 [t test]). A combination of T/N, with a cutoff value of 0.9 or higher on FDG-PET and/or 3.0 or higher on MET-PET, and potential infiltrative volume, with a cutoff value of 20.0 mL or higher, provided a diagnostic accuracy of 89% in distinguishing high- from low-grade gliomas. Conclusions Evaluation of potential infiltrative volume surrounding the tumor core area, in addition to the T/N ratio of the tumor core, may help distinguish between high- and low-grade gliomas.

Objectives To evaluate the clinical benefit of bone-modifying agents and identify the risk factors of skeletal-related events in patients with genitourinary cancer with newly diagnosed bone metastasis. Methods This was a multicenter retrospective study including a total of 650 patients with bone metastasis of the following cancer types: hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (n = 443), castration-resistant prostate cancer (n = 50), renal cell carcinoma (n = 80) and urothelial carcinoma (n = 77). Clinical factors at the time of diagnosis of bone metastasis were analyzed. Early treatment with bone-modifying agents was defined as follows: administration of bone-modifying agents before the development of skeletal-related events and within 6 months from the diagnosis of bone metastasis. Results During the follow-up period (median 19.0 months, interquartile range 6.0-43.8 months), skeletal-related events were reported in 88 (20%) patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, 17 (34%) patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer, 58 (73%) patients with renal cell carcinoma and 34 (44%) patients with urothelial carcinoma. Early treatment with bone-modifying agents significantly prolonged the time to the first skeletal-related event in castration-resistant prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma, but not in hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Bone pain and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels were independent predictive risk factors of the first skeletal-related event. The subgroup analysis showed that early treatment with bone-modifying agents was associated with prolonged time to the first skeletal-related events in patients with bone pain or elevated alkaline phosphatase levels. Conclusions Early treatment with bone-modifying agents should be considered, especially for patients with bone pain and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, to prevent skeletal-related events in patients with genitourinary cancer with bone metastasis.

This study aimed to retrospectively demonstrate the growth rate (mm/year) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameters (ADs) and to analyze risk factors for AAA expansion.We retrospectively investigated the clinical data of 319 patients with AAAs who were followed up as outpatients for2 years after their initial visit and who underwent computed tomography4 times.The mean follow-up period was 3.7 ± 1.5 years. The annual average growth rates according to varying ADs were as follows: 1.9 ± 0.8 (AD 30-34 mm), 2.6 ± 1.2 (AD 35-39 mm), 2.8 ± 1.1 (AD 40-44 mm), 3.1 ± 1.3 (AD 45-49 mm), 3.4 ± 1.6 (AD 50-54 mm), and 3.5 ± 1.4 mm (AD ≥55 mm). Factors associated with AAA expansion were smoking (P = 0.017), hypertension (P 0.001), and ADs (P 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, data regarding growth rates of ≥3 mm were extracted, and a statistically significant difference between smoking status and ADs of ≥40 mm was observed.Factors associated with AAA expansion in Japanese patients included smoking, hypertension, and ADs, and a statistically significant difference was observed between smoking status and ADs of ≥40 mm.

Background Retroperitoneal tumors are an uncommon disease known to consist of a diverse group of benign and malignant neoplasms. Treatment of unresectable retroperitoneal lesions requires pathological diagnosis. Here, we report the utility and safety of retroperitoneoscopic biopsy for unresectable retroperitoneal lesions excluding urogenital cancers. Methods We analyzed 47 patients consisting of 23 (49%) and 24 (51%) cases that underwent retroperitoneoscopic tissue biopsy and open biopsy, respectively. The clinicopathological features, including postoperative complications, were compared between the two groups. Results Tumor pathology was diagnosed successfully with a single operation in all patients. Malignant pathology (68%) was more common than benign pathology (32%). The most common pathology was malignant lymphoma, which accounted for about 50% of all cases. There was no significant difference with respect to the age, sex, tumor size, presence of tumor-related symptom, histopathology, operative time, and complications. Three (13%) of 23 patients in the retroperitoneoscopic biopsy group received percutaneous needle biopsy before laparoscopic excisional biopsy because the evaluation of needle cores failed to confirm subclasses of diagnosed pathologies. One patient was converted to open surgery just after the initiation of operation due to severe adhesion of adjacent structures. We had two cases with iatrogenic urinoma due to ureteral injury after retroperitoneoscopic biopsy. Conclusions We conclude that retroperitoneoscopic biopsy is a safe and useful tool for benign and malignant retroperitoneal lesions, in comparison to open biopsy. It is critical to carefully examine the preoperative imaging for the location of tumors, especially those close to the renal pelvis and ureter.

Physical deconditioning after stroke may induce post-stroke fatigue. However, research on this association is limited. Our primary objective was to investigate the associations of post-stroke fatigue severity with oxygen uptake ($$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$$ V ˙ O2) at peak exercise and the time constant of $$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$$ V ˙ O2 kinetics (τ$$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$$ V ˙ O2) at exercise onset. The secondary objective was to examine the associations between fatigue and cardiorespiratory variables potentially affecting $$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$$ V ˙ O2 during exercise. Twenty-three inpatients from a subacute rehabilitation ward were enrolled in this study. The median (interquartile range) Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score, as a measure of fatigue, was 32 (range 27–42) points. The FSS score was not associated with $$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$$ V ˙ O2 at peak exercise during a symptom-limited graded exercise test (rho = − 0.264; p = 0.224), whereas it was significantly associated with τ$$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$$ V ˙ O2 during a submaximal constant-load exercise test (rho = 0.530; p = 0.009). A higher FSS score also significantly correlated with a longer time constant of cardiac output (CO) kinetics (rho = 0.476; p = 0.022). Our findings suggest that severe post-stroke fatigue is associated with delayed increases in $$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$$ V ˙ O2 and CO at the onset of exercise. Our findings can contribute to the development of an appropriate rehabilitation programme for individuals with post-stroke fatigue.

We demonstrated pulmonary arteriolar blood flow-mediated CO

Background and Purpose: High blood pressure increases bleeding risk during treatment with antithrombotic medication. The association between blood pressure levels and the risk of recurrent stroke during long-term secondary stroke prevention with thienopyridines (particularly prasugrel) has not been well studied. Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of the randomized, double-blind, multicenter PRASTRO-I trial (Comparison of Prasugrel and Clopidogrel in Japanese Patients With Ischemic Stroke-I). Patients with noncardioembolic stroke were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive prasugrel 3.75 mg/day or clopidogrel 75 mg/day for 96 to 104 weeks. Risks of any ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, combined ischemic events, and combined bleeding events were determined based on the mean level and visit-to-visit variability, including successive variation, of systolic blood pressure (SBP) throughout the observational period. These risks were also compared between quartiles of mean SBP level and successive variation of SBP. Results: A total of 3747 patients (age 62.1±8.5 years, 797 women), with a median average SBP level during the observational period of 132.5 mm Hg, were studied. All the risks of any stroke (146 events; hazard ratio, 1.318 [95% CI, 1.094–1.583] per 10-mm Hg increase), ischemic stroke (133 events, 1.219 [1.010–1.466]), hemorrhagic stroke (13 events, 3.247 [1.660–6.296]), ischemic events (142 events, 1.219 [1.020–1.466]), and bleeding events (47 events, 1.629 [1.172–2.261]) correlated with increasing mean SBP overall. Similarly, an increased risk of these events correlated with increasing successive variation of SBP (hazard ratio, 3.078 [95% CI, 2.220–4.225] per 10-mm Hg increase; 3.051 [2.179–4.262]; 3.276 [1.172–9.092]; 2.865 [2.042–4.011]; 2.764 [1.524–5.016], respectively). Event rates did not differ between the clopidogrel and prasugrel groups within each quartile of SBP or successive variation of SBP. Conclusions: Both high mean SBP level and high visit-to-visit variability in SBP were significantly associated with the risk of recurrent stroke during long-term medication with either prasugrel or clopidogrel after stroke. Control of hypertension would be important regardless of the type of antiplatelet drugs. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.jp ; Unique identifier: JapicCTI-111582.

We analyzed 18F-Fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and 123I-betamethyl-p-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) performed for cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) patients taking prednisolone, identified recurrence by FDG-PET, and investigated BMIPP as a recurrence and prognostic factor in CS. CS patients who underwent BMIPP and FDG-PET within 2 months were enrolled. The recurrence-free group included patients with standardized uptake value (SUVmax) < 4 in the myocardium consecutively for ≥ 2 years. The total BMIPP SPECT defect score (BDS) was used to estimate myocardial damage. The predictability of the initial BDS and SUVmax for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Overall, 73 patients and 250 BMIPP and FDG-PET sets were analyzed retrospectively (mean follow-up, 3.5 years). The BDS was significantly greater for the recurrence group (N = 21) vs recurrence-free group (20 ± 13 vs 14 ± 12, P = 0.041). Patients with BDS ≥16 had a significantly higher MACE rate than patients with BDS < 16 (log-rank test, P = 0.016). However, MACE occurrence was comparable between patients with SUVmax ≥ 4 and < 4. BDS is a predictive marker of recurrence and MACE. SUV is not related to MACE. Recurrence, defined by prednisolone treatment-induced SUV variability, was observed in approximately 30% of CS patients.

INTRODUCTION Control of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a critical consideration for patients who undergo proximal gastrectomy. This report describes a new and simple reconstruction method by esophagogastrostomy with placement of the remnant stomach into the lower mediastinum (EG-PRIME). This approach not only suppresses postoperative GER, but it can also be easily performed by total laparoscopy. Detailed herein are the methods for EG-PRIME and the results for three patients with cancer of the upper gastric body. MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE At the start of the EG-PRIME surgical procedure, a pseudo-fornix and lozenge-shaped gastric conduit were made by cutting the stomach diagonally. Next, the pseudo-fornix was inserted into the esophageal hiatus to form a new angle of His. Then overlap anastomosis was performed and the entry site was closed longitudinally. The outcomes assessed were operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications and GER according to 24-hour pH monitoring. DISCUSSION The operative times were 339, 288 and 236 minutes; in two patients, intraoperative blood loss was 260 and 343 mL, and in the third, blood loss was minimal. No postoperative complications were observed in any of the three patients. The degree of the GER resulting in fraction time pH

Background A history of preoperative obstructive pyelonephritis has been reported as a risk factor for febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) after ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL). But there is no clear evidence of risk factors for developing fUTI including the optimal timing of URSL after obstructive pyelonephritis treatment. Methods Of the 1361 patients, who underwent URSL at our hospital from January 2011 to December 2017, 239 patients had a history of pre-URSL obstructive pyelonephritis. The risk factors were analyzed by comparing the patients’ backgrounds with the presence or absence of fUTI after URSL. The factors examined were age, gender, body mass index, comorbidity, presence or absence of preoperative ureteral stent, stone position, stone laterality, stone size, Hounsfield unit (HU) value on computed tomography scan, history of sepsis during obstructive pyelonephritis, period from antipyresis to URSL, ureteral stenting period, operation time, and presence or absence of access sheath at URSL. In addition, the stone components and renal pelvic urinary culture bacterial species during pre-URSL pyelonephritis were also examined. Results Post-URSL fUTI developed in 32 of 239 patients (13.4%), and 11 of these 32 cases led to sepsis (34.4%). Univariate analysis showed that stone position, stone maximum HU value, presence of sepsis during obstructive pyelonephritis, period from antipyresis to URSL, pre-URSL ureteral stent placement, operation time were risk factors of fUTI. Stone components and urinary cultures during pyelonephritis were not associated with risk of fUTI. Multivariate analysis showed that renal stone position, pre-URSL ureteral stent placement > 21 days, and operation time > 75 min were independent risk factors of fUTI following the URSL. Conclusions F-UTI following the URSL could be avoided by ureteral stent placement period 21 days or less and operation time 75 min or less in patients with obstructive pyelonephritis.

Introduction: Elobixibat is a new laxative, but its efficacy and adverse events (AEs) are insufficiently examined compared with those of other laxatives. Hence, by propensity score (PS) matching, we compared the effects and AEs between elobixibat and lubiprostone. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1,887 Japanese patients with chronic constipation (CC) treated at our hospital between October 2013 and April 2020. Enrolled patients were divided into three treatment groups, namely, elobixibat (10 mg daily) (E10 group, n = 293), lubiprostone (24 μg daily) (L24 group, n = 772), and lubiprostone (48 μg daily) (L48 group, n = 822), as their first treatment. We then investigated the changes on the weekly average number of spontaneous bowel movements, stool consistency scores (SCSs), and AEs starting from the baseline until the end of the 2-week treatment. To adjust for patients’ background, we performed one-to-one nearest neighbor matching without replacement between elobixibat- and lubiprostone-treated patients according to the individual estimated PSs. Results: After treatment, for SCSs, both the L24 and L48 groups significantly improved compared with the E10 group (p < 0.05), but their stools were soft (Bristol Stool Form Scale: 4.8). Notably, the E10 group had less frequent AEs than the L24 group (26 [9.0%] vs. 43 [14.8%], p = 0.03). Particularly, nausea was significantly less in the E10 group than that in the L48 group (2 [0.7%] vs. 7 [2.4%], p = 0.01). Conclusion: Elobixibat is a beneficial drug for patients with mildly symptomatic CC and is safe to use, given its few AEs.

A minimized perfusion circuit (MPC) may reduce transfusion requirement and inflammatory response. Its use, however, has not been standardized for complicated cardiovascular surgery. We assessed outcomes of surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) performed with a MPC under circulatory arrest. The study involved 706 patients treated surgically for ATAAD (by hemiarch repair [n = 571] or total arch repair [n = 135]). Total arch repair was performed using selective antegrade cerebral perfusion. Our MPC, a semi-closed bypass system, incorporating a completely closed circuit and a level-sensing reservoir in the venous circuit, was used. Clinical variables, transfusion volume, and outcomes were investigated in patients who underwent hemiarch repair or total arch repair. The overall incidences of shock, organ ischemia, and coagulopathy (prothrombin time-international normalized ratio >1.5) were 26%, 35%, and 8%, respectively. Mean extracorporeal circulation (ECC) time was 149 minutes for the hemiarch repair group and 241 minutes for the total arch repair group, respectively. No patient required conversion to conventional ECC, and there were no complications related to the use of the MPC. The need for transfusion (98% vs. 91%, P = .017) and median transfusion volume (1970 vs. 1680 mL, P = .002) was increased in the total arch repair group. Neither in-hospital mortality (total arch; 12% vs. hemiarch; 7%, P = .11) nor 10-year survival (74.4% vs. 68.4%, P = .79) differed significantly. Outcomes of surgery for ATAAD performed with the MPC were acceptable. The possibility of transfusion and transfusion volume remains high during such surgery, despite the use of the MPC.

Pyogenic granulomas (PG) are lobular capillary hemangiomas mostly found in the mucous membranes of the skin and oral cavity, and rarely occur in the gastrointestinal tract. Here we describe a case of an 84-year-old patient with alcoholic cirrhosis who presented with persistent melena and progressive anemia. Endoscopy showed esophageal varices and he underwent endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) with transient resolution of anemia. However, due to worsening anemia, he underwent capsule endoscopy that revealed a bleeding tumor in the small intestine. We performed double-balloon endoscopy and found a 7-mm polyp with a white coat located in the jejunum and resected it at a later date. Histological characteristics led to the diagnosis of PG, and the patient’s melena and anemia subsequently improved.

X-ray Talbot-Lau interferometry is one of the x-ray phase imaging methods that has high sensitivity in depicting soft tissues. Unlike earlier x-ray phase imaging methods that required particular types of x-ray sources, such as a synchrotron or a micro-focus x-ray tube, x-ray Talbot-Lau interferometry enables to perform clinical x-ray phase imaging using a conventional x-ray source with a relatively compact configuration. We developed an apparatus to depict cartilage in the metacarpophalangeal joints of the hands. In addition, we examined the apparatus performance by applying it to healthy volunteers and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Cartilage deformation, which is thought to be a precursor of destruction of the joints, was successfully depicted by the apparatus, suggesting a potential early diagnosis of RA.

Hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome (HMPS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a mixture of typical and/or atypical juvenile polyps, adenomas and hyperplastic polyps, resulting in an increased risk of colorectal cancer. In HMPS, four different germline BMPR1A variants from five unrelated families have been reported. This study is the first to report HMPS within a Japanese family. The proband underwent repeated colonoscopic polypectomies over a 5-year period, since the age of 67. Histological examination of these resected polyps revealed adenomas, juvenile-like polyps and hyperplastic changes. Genetic testing was conducted to identify the causative genes for hereditary gastrointestinal cancer syndromes, including BMPR1A. We detected a germline variant, c.72_73delGA, in BMPR1A. The proband’s elder brother, younger sister and nephew have also undergone repeated colonoscopic polypectomies at other clinics. His sister and nephew underwent genetic testing, and the same BMPR1A variant was identified., We report a novel germline BMPR1A variant, c.72_73delGA, in a Japanese family with HMPS-2.

Background Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and is endemic in Latin America. In nonendemic countries, including Japan, Chagas disease is primarily a problem in the context of transfusion transmission. Approximately 250,000 immigrants from Latin America reside in Japan, and many of those individuals serve as active blood donors. This study surveyed the seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection among at-risk blood donors in Japan, defined as those who themselves (or whose mothers) were born (or raised) in Latin America, or those with a travel history to Latin America. Study design and methods Blood samples were obtained from at-risk donors in two periods, 2004-2012 and 2013-2016. Collected samples were tested for T. cruzi antibodies using both an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a chemiluminescent immunoassay. Samples that tested positive in both assays were additionally tested by polymerase chain reaction, and look-back investigation was conducted when necessary. Results Of 18,484 samples obtained from 18,076 at-risk donors, 3 (1:6,025, 0.017%) donors showed seroreactivity by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and chemiluminescent immunoassay. All antibody-positive donors were born in Latin America. One of them also was positive for T. cruzi DNA. Eleven previous donations from this donor were subjected to look-back investigation, and five recipients were tested. All five recipients tested negative for T. cruzi antibodies. Conclusion Seroprevalence of T. cruzi was 0.017% among at-risk donors in Japan. Transfusion-transmitted infection of Chagas disease has not been confirmed to date. Screening for T. cruzi antibodies by targeting at-risk donors is an appropriate strategy for ensuring blood safety in Japan.

Aim Whether myocardial ischemia identified using myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) can be an alternative target of coronary revascularization to reduce the incidence of cardiac events remains unclear. Methods and results This multicenter, prospective cohort study aimed to clarify the prognostic impact of reducing myocardial ischemia. Among 494 registered patients with possible or definite coronary artery disease (CAD), 298 underwent initial pharmacological stress 99mTc-tetrofosmin MPI before, and eight months after revascularization or medical therapy, and were followed up for at least one year. Among these, 114 with at least 5% ischemia at initial MPI were investigated. The primary endpoints were cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and hospitalization for heart failure. Ischemia was reduced ≥5% in 92 patients. Coronary revascularization reduced ischemia (n = 89) more effectively than medical therapy (n = 25). Post-stress cardiac function also improved after coronary revascularization. Ejection fraction significantly improved at stress (61.0% ± 10.7% vs. 65.4% ± 11.3%; p Conclusions Reducing ischemia by ≥5% and the complete resolution of ischemia could improve the prognosis of patients with stable CAD.

Beta-band corticomuscular coherence (CMC) observed between the sensorimotor cortex activity and contracting muscle is declaratively described as a neurophysiological reflection of sensorimotor binding. However, much remains unknown about the functional meaning of 'sensorimotor binding.' The efficacy of information binding in the sensorimotor system is assumed to be influenced by the gain of the feedback controller, which is regulated through a process that may in part be implemented in the primary sensorimotor cortex (SM1). Thus, we predicted that CMC is modulated together with feedback gains during motor learning. We examined this hypothesis using a hand-reaching adaptation task under a novel dynamical environment. CMC modulation was assessed before and after adaptation, and feedback gains were probed by long latency triggered muscle reactions. Overall, we found that CMC significantly decreased during the adaptation period, and such CMC decrease was associated with the decreased long latency reflexes. These results suggest that CMC has a related function to modulation of feedback gains. Our findings provided an electrophysiological hallmark of the sensorimotor binding process, which was stated as a function of CMC but poorly understood.

Background Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by an optimal surgery is the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. FDG-PET/CT is commonly used as the modality for assessing the effect of chemoradiotherapy. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate whether PET/CT-based volumetry could contribute to the prediction of pathological complete response or prognosis after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Design This was a retrospective cohort study. Settings This study was conducted at a single research center. Patients Ninety-one consecutive patients with locally advanced rectal cancer were enrolled between January 2005 and December 2015. Intervention Patients underwent PET/CT before and after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Main outcome measures Maximum standardized uptake value and total lesion glycolysis on PET/CT before and after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were calculated using isocontour methods. Correlations between these variables and clinicopathological factors and prognosis were assessed. Results PET/CT-associated variables before chemoradiotherapy were not correlated with either clinicopathological factors or prognosis. Maximum standardized uptake value was associated with pathological complete response, but total lesion glycolysis was not. Maximum standardized uptake value correlated with ypT, whereas total lesion glycolysis correlated with both ypT and ypN. High total lesion glycolysis was associated with a considerably poorer prognosis; the 5-year recurrence rate was 65% and the 5-year mortality rate 42%, whereas in lesions with low total lesion glycolysis, these were 6% and 2%. On multivariate analysis, high total lesion glycolysis was an independent risk factor for recurrence (HR = 4.718; p = 0.04). Limitations The gain in fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake may differ between scanners, thus the general applicability of this threshold should be validated. Conclusions In patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, high total lesion glycolysis after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is strongly associated with a worse prognosis. Total lesion glycolysis after chemoradiotherapy may be a promising preoperative predictor of recurrence and death. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A464.