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Aim: To clarify the association between genetic factors related to angiogenesis and feeling of incomplete bladder emptying among older community‐dwelling individuals. Method: A cross‐sectional study of 1762 (607 men and 1155 women) older Japanese individuals aged 60–79 years with data on rs3025020 was conducted, because vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which contributes to the progression of angiogenesis, has been reported to be positively associated with the minor allele (T) of polymorphism rs3025020. Results: In the study population, 155 (103 men and 52 women) had feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. With rs3025020 (C/C) as the reference group, rs3025020 (T/T) was associated with a significantly higher odds ratio (OR) for feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. The adjusted ORs and 95% confidence intervals were 3.01(1.53, 5.93) in men and 2.48 (1.09, 5.66) in women, respectively. Conclusion: VEGF polymorphism rs3025020 was associated with feeling of incomplete bladder emptying among older community‐dwelling individuals. Development of angiogenesis could be associated with feeling of incomplete bladder emptying in older individuals. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 1039–1044. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), characterized by the recurrence of pruritic hives and/or angioedema for >6 weeks with no identifiable trigger, has a negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: The objective of this web-based cross-sectional study was to evaluate disease control, disease burden, and treatment satisfaction in Japanese adults with CSU using the Urticaria Control Test (UCT), HRQoL outcomes, and the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication–9 items (TSQM-9). Results: In total, 529 adults were included in the analysis (59.9% female), with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) in CSU duration of 13.2 ± 13.0 years. Based on UCT scores, two-thirds of patients had poor (score of 0–7; 23.6%) or insufficient (score of 8–11; 43.3%) symptom control, and one-third had good control (score of 12–16; 33.1%). Overall treatment satisfaction was not high, with mean ± SD TSQM-9 scores of 55.5 ± 17.6% for effectiveness, 68.2 ± 18.8% for convenience, and 59.2 ± 18.4% for global satisfaction. No apparent differences in TSQM-9 scores were observed between patients receiving different medications. HRQoL outcomes were worse among patients with poor/insufficient symptom control. Conclusions: Japanese adults with CSU have a high disease burden, and better treatment options are needed to increase treatment satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Mortality after sustained virological response (SVR) with interferon‐free direct‐acting antiviral (IFN‐free DAA) therapy is crucial for optimizing post‐SVR patient care, but it remains unclear, especially regarding non‐liver‐related mortality. Methods: Consecutive post‐SVR patients from 14 institutions were stratified into three cohorts: A (without advanced fibrosis and without prior HCC), B (with advanced fibrosis and without prior HCC), and C (curative HCC treatment). We assessed mortality (per 1000 person‐years [/1000PY]) post‐SVR. Mortality rates were compared between cohorts A and B and the general population using age‐ and sex‐adjusted standardized mortality ratio (SMR). Comparison of survival between each cohort was performed using propensity‐score (PS) matching with sex, age, and comorbidity. Results: In cohort A (n = 762; median age, 65 years), 22 patients died (median follow‐up, 36 months); all‐cause mortality was 10.0/1000PY, with 86.4% non‐liver‐related deaths. In cohort B (n = 519; median age, 73 years), 27 patients died (median follow‐up, 39 months); all‐cause mortality was 16.7/1000PY, with 88.9% non‐liver‐related deaths. In both cohorts, malignant neoplasm was the most common cause of death; all‐cause mortality was comparable to that of the general population (SMR: 0.96 and 0.92). In cohort C (n = 108; median age, 75 years), 15 patients died (median follow‐up, 51 months); all‐cause mortality was 36.0/1000PY, with 53.3% liver‐related deaths. PS matching showed no significant survival differences between cohorts A and B, both of which had better survival than cohort C. Conclusions: Mortality varies based on HCC history in the DAA era; nevertheless, attention should be paid to non‐liver‐related deaths in all post‐SVR patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dr. Kenji Izuhara, a renowned figure in the field of allergy and immunology, has made significant contributions to our understanding of allergies and the immune system. His research on periostin, a protein involved in allergies, has deepened our knowledge in this area. Dr. Izuhara has also collaborated with other researchers to investigate the role of periostin in asthma, atopic dermatitis, and other chronic fibrotic diseases. In addition to his scientific contributions, Dr. Izuhara has been actively involved in teaching and promoting scientific exchanges internationally. His dedication and commitment to improving the well-being of patients affected by itch-related conditions are highly respected. [Extracted from the article]

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with a high disease burden. In this cross‐sectional, web‐based survey, Global Questions (GQ), the Numerical Rating Scales (NRS) for pruritus, burning sensation and sleep disturbance, the Short‐Form‐8 (SF‐8) Health Survey, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ‐9), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI), and Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication–9 (TSQM‐9) scores were used to assess the current disease burden and treatment satisfaction among patients with PN in Japan. In total, 97 patients were included (55.7% male, median age 51 years, median duration of PN 36 months). Based on GQ scores, 35.1% of patients had mild disease, 50.5% moderate, and 14.4% severe disease. Disease burden increased as the severity of PN increased, as indicated by worsening of pruritus NRS scores and quality of life (DLQI, PHQ‐9, WPAI presenteeism, work productivity loss, and activity impairment scores). Patients with comorbid atopic dermatitis (AD) also had more intense pruritus than those without AD. Mean ± standard deviation TSQM‐9 scores for effectiveness, convenience, and global satisfaction were 54.7 ± 18.1%, 62.4 ± 15.2%, and 57.4 ± 15.9%, respectively. TSQM‐9 scores were lowest in patients receiving the most intensive guideline‐directed treatment (i.e., topical corticosteroids + systemic oral corticosteroids or cyclosporine), highlighting an unmet need for more effective treatment options for patients with PN. In summary, Japanese patients with PN reported increased disease burden and reduced treatment satisfaction with increased disease severity, despite the use of guideline‐recommended therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]