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Background: The eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid ratio (EPA/AA) is attracting attention as a risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, there have been few studies investigating the relationship between the EPA/AA ratio and atherosclerotic risk factors in patients with PAD. The purpose of the present study was to analyze atherosclerotic risk factors in patients with PAD to identify those factors associated with a low EPA/AA ratio. Methods.: The data of patients treated for symptomatic PAD at Tokyo Medical University Hospital and Eniwa Midorino Clinic between April 2014 and March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Results.: A total of 149 patients were tested for blood levels of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including EPA and AA. 73 patients had a low EPA/AA ratio (<0.4) and 76 patients had a high EPA/AA ratio (≥ 0.4). Univariate analysis showed that older age (≥ 75 years), female sex, smoking history, body mass index (BMI), and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) were associated with the low EPA/AA ratio. Multivariable analysis showed that older age (odds ratio [OR], 0.34; 95% confidential interval [CI], 0.15-0.76; p = 0.008), BMI (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.77-0.98; p = 0.027), smoking history (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.09-6.55; p = 0.007), and HbA1C (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.29-0.72; p = 0.020) were independently associated with the low EPA/AA ratio. Conclusions.: The EPA/AA ratio was related to existing arteriosclerotic risk factors in patients with PAD; it was positively correlated with older age, increasing BMI, and higher HbA1C, whereas it was negatively correlated with smoking history. These results suggest that the EPA/AA ratio may be closely intertwined with other atherosclerotic risk factors and have an influence on cardiovascular health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sr2YCu2FeO6+δ compound exhibits superconductivity around 50 K. We have synthesized the single phase sample of Sr2LnCu2FeO6+δ (Ln=Nd, Er) where Ln is substituted for Y in Sr2YCu2FeO6+δ. While Sr2ErCu2FeO6+δ exhibits superconductivity, Sr2NdCu2FeO6+δ does not exhibit superconductivity. We have analyzed the crystal structure of Sr2LnCu2FeO6+δ to compare with that of Sr2YCu2FeO6+δ using X-ray and neutron powder diffraction. From these studies it was found that Cu was substituted for Fe and similarly Sr for Ln in Sr2NdCu2FeO6+δ, resulting in a severe reduction of Tc in this system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The subject was a man in his late 70s who was seeing a family physician for diabetes and dyslipidemia on an outpatient basis. A routine medical checkup revealed liver dysfunction, prompting an abdominal ultrasound. As a result, a large hepatic tumor was discovered, prompting a thorough examination. The patient was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma and multiple liver metastases, as well as tumor shadows that could indicate pulmonary metastases, after a thorough examination at our hospital. Due to the patient not having viral hepatitis or any drinking history and had formerly been confirmed as having fatty liver, a diagnosis of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma caused by NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) was given. A Child-Pugh score of 5 (A) and modified albumin-bilirubin (mALBI) grade 2 were used to maintain liver function. As a result, a 12-mg/day Lenvatinib treatment regimen was initiated. From the 6th day of the start of oral administration, the patient developed right hypochondralgia and loss of appetite. Blood samples showed increased levels of liver enzymes and inflammatory reaction, requiring hospitalization for closer examination. Intratumoral hemorrhage from hepatocellular carcinoma was discovered by dynamic CT scans. The patient's general condition was stable, and an angiogram was performed on the 3rd day of admission. As a result, persistent extravasation was discovered, necessitating transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) treatment of the lesion for tumor vessel embolization. Thereafter, transient deterioration of the liver function occurred but an immediate improvement was seen. The patient was discharged without a recurrence of hemorrhage. An outpatient follow-up was performed, with blood test results indicating that liver function was maintained with a Child-Pugh score of 6 (A), and a dynamic CT showing that intratumoral hemorrhage was under control, allowing for readministration. Readministration of Lenvatinib was started at 4mg/day, one level lower, because the patient's body weight had dropped below 60kg. There are few reports on Lenvatinib-induced intratumoral hemorrhage, and this is a unique case worthy of reporting, with previous literary references, in which the entire process from intratumoral hemorrhage to readministration of Lenvatinib after embolization treatment has been documented.