[Surgery for Ventricular Tachycardia Arising from Left Ventricular Aneurysm in a Patient with Dilated Cardiomyopathy；Report of a Case].

A left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) generally results from myocardial infarction, but rarely LVA can be associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We herein report a surgical case of malignant ventricular tachycardia (VT) in a patient with LVA associated with DCM. A 57-year-old woman was diagnosed with DCM and LVA when she 1st presented with sustained VT.

Genetic variations of four immunodominant antigens of Babesia gibsoni isolated from dogs in southwest Japan.

Babesia gibsoni is a tick-borne apicomplexan parasite of dogs that often causes fever and hemolytic anemia. Previous reports have shown that the apical membrane antigen 1 (BgAMA1), the 50 kDa surface antigen (BgP50), the secreted antigen 1 (BgSA1), and the thrombospondin-related adhesive protein (BgTRAP) are promising diagnostic antigens and vaccine candidates against B. gibsoni.

Administration of Ferric Citrate Hydrate Decreases Circulating FGF23 Levels Independently of Serum Phosphate Levels in Hemodialysis Patients with Iron Deficiency.

Background/aim: Dietary phosphate intake and vitamin D receptor activator (VDRA) regulate fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23); iron may modulate FGF23 metabolism. We aimed to determine whether oral iron supplementation influences serum FGF23 concentration in hemodialysis (HD) patients, while excluding the effect of dietary phosphate intake.

Methods: This prospective study enrolled 27 maintenance HD patients with iron deficiency and hyperphosphatemia treated with sevelamer-HCl.

The epidemiological survey for atovaquone resistant related gene of Babesia gibsoni in Japan.

In 73 gDNA samples from Babesia gibsoni-infected dogs, the M121I variant population was measured by using allele-specific real-time PCR. Although the mechanism of atovaquone against B. gibsoni has not been clearly identified, it is reported that the mitochondria cytochrome b gene of the atovaquone-resistant B.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis by using methotrexate decreases pre-engraftment syndrome and severe acute GVHD, and accelerates engraftment after cord blood transplantation.

GVHD and graft failure are serious problems in CBT. PES after CBT also occurs frequently and is associated with transplantation-related complications such as acute GVHD. We reviewed medical records for 70 consecutive child CBT recipients between December 1997 and April 2015.

Molecular detection and genetic identification of Babesia bigemina, Theileria annulata, Theileria orientalis and Anaplasma marginale in Turkey.

Babesia spp., Theileria spp. and Anaplasma spp.

Molecular epidemiology of bovine Babesia spp. and Theileria orientalis parasites in beef cattle from northern and northeastern Thailand.

Beef cattle production represents the largest cattle population in Thailand. Their productivity is constrained by tick-borne diseases such as babesiosis and theileriosis. In this study, we determined the prevalence of Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis and Theileria orientalis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Comparison of early haemodynamics of 19-mm aortic valve bioprostheses in patients with a small aortic annulus.

Objectives: A potential problem in aortic valve replacement (AVR) for patients with a small aortic annulus is prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM). Although larger size prostheses have been well studied, the haemodynamics of 19-mm bioprostheses has been reported in only a small number of patients. The Trifecta valve is a novel bioprosthesis and its unique design is conceived to increase effective orifice area (EOA) and prevent PPM.

Molecular detection and characterization of Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, Theileria species and Anaplasma marginale isolated from cattle in Kenya.

Background: Infections with Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, Theileria species and Anaplasma marginale are endemic in Kenya yet there is a lack of adequate information on their genotypes. This study established the genetic diversities of the above tick-borne hemoparasites infecting cattle in Kenya.

Methods: Nested PCR and sequencing were used to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of the above parasites in 192 cattle blood samples collected from Ngong and Machakos farms.

Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assays for Screening of Shiga Toxin 1 and 2 Genes, Including All Known Subtypes, and Escherichia coli O26-, O111-, and O157-Specific Genes in Beef and Sprout Enrichment Cultures.

Shiga toxin family members have recently been classified using a new nomenclature into three Stx1 subtypes (Stx1a, Stx1c, and Stx1d) and seven Stx2 subtypes (Stx2a, Stx2b, Stx2c, Stx2d, Stx2e, Stx2f, and Stx2g). To develop screening methods for Stx genes, including all of these subtype genes, and Escherichia coli O26-, O111-, and O157-specific genes in laboratory investigations of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) foodborne cases, we developed multiplex real-time PCR assays and evaluated their specificity and quantitative accuracy using STEC and non-STEC isolates, recombinant plasmids, and food enrichment cultures and by performing STEC spiking experiments with beef and sprout enrichment cultures.

Diagnostic features of cardiac cavernous hemangioma in the right ventricle on magnetic resonance imaging.

Cardiac tumors are rare; however, with recent advances in imaging techniques, they are being diagnosed more frequently with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. We report a case of a cardiac cavernous hemangioma in the right ventricle. This case was diagnosed with CMR imaging based on the characteristic features of peripheral nodular contrast enhancement and progressive centripetal fill-in.

Risk factors for sepsis-related death in children and adolescents with hematologic and malignant diseases.

Background: The aim of this study was to elucidate risk factors for mortality after developing sepsis in pediatric patients with hematologic and malignant disorders.

Methods: A total of 90 patients (43 boys, 47 girls) with various hematologic and malignant diseases who experienced sepsis between June 2006 and March 2014 were enrolled. Clinical and laboratory features of 134 episodes of sepsis observed in the 90 patients were compared between those with and without sepsis-related death which was defined as death within 14 days after sepsis.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease (GI-GVHD) is a major and life-threatening complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This study evaluated the efficacy of ultrasonography (US) for assessing and monitoring GI-GVHD. GI tract was evaluated by US in 81 patients.

A case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma and bile duct carcinoma treated with a combination of sunitinib and gemcitabine.

Background: Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) had been a chemo-refractory disease, but recent advances in multiple kinase inhibitors such as sunitinib have dramatically changed the clinical course of mRCC. Sunitinib is used for mRCC chemotherapy based on the favorable results of a recent clinical trial, but specific biomarkers predicting efficacy and safety are not yet available. Locally advanced bile duct carcinoma (BDC) has generally been treated with single agent gemcitabine or as doublet therapy with cisplatin.

Rapid and Easy In Silico Serotyping of Escherichia coli Isolates by Use of Whole-Genome Sequencing Data.

Accurate and rapid typing of pathogens is essential for effective surveillance and outbreak detection. Conventional serotyping of Escherichia coli is a delicate, laborious, time-consuming, and expensive procedure. With whole-genome sequencing (WGS) becoming cheaper, it has vast potential in routine typing and surveillance.

Escherichia coli O-Genotyping PCR: a Comprehensive and Practical Platform for Molecular O Serogrouping.

The O serogrouping of pathogenic Escherichia coli is a standard method for subtyping strains for epidemiological studies and enhancing phylogenetic studies. In particular, the identification of strains of the same O serogroup is essential in outbreak investigations and surveillance. In a previous study, we analyzed the O-antigen biosynthesis gene cluster in all known E.

Barosensitivity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is Closely Associated with a Deletion of the COX1 Gene.

High hydrostatic pressure causes physical stress to microorganisms; therefore, this technology may be applied to food pasteurization without introducing the unfavorable effects of thermal denaturation. However, its application is limited to high-value foods because the treatment requires a robust steel vessel and expensive pressurization equipment. To reduce these costs, we studied the pasteurization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae using relatively moderate high-pressure levels.

Impacts of intraoperative flow on graft patency of sequential and individual saphenous vein grafts.

Objective: We sought to delineate the predictor of saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure and to evaluate the impact of sequential grafting of SVG on graft flow as the significant predictor of patency.

Methods: Angiograms and clinical records of 439 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting with aortocoronary SVG were reviewed. Of these, 708 distal anastomoses were created by 480 SVGs.

[Distribution of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate and associated lesions in the cancer foci on radical prostatectomy specimens].

Objective: The distribution of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) and other intraductal lesions associated with IDC-P was evaluated in the cancer foci on radical prostatectomy specimens.

Materials And Methods: We reviewed slide in 412 cases treated by radical prostatectomy without neoadjuvant therapy. Mapping study was performed with regard to IDC-P, other intraductal lesions associated with IDC-P and invasive carcinoma.

Phylogenetic Clades 6 and 8 of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 With Particular stx Subtypes are More Frequently Found in Isolates From Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Patients Than From Asymptomatic Carriers.

Background: Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 infection causes severe diseases such as bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Although EHEC O157:H7 strains have exhibited high genetic variability, their abilities to cause human diseases have not been fully examined.

Methods: Clade typing and stx subtyping of EHEC O157:H7 strains, which were isolated in Japan during 1999-2011 from 269 HUS patients and 387 asymptomatic carriers (ACs) and showed distinct pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns, were performed to determine relationships between specific lineages and clinical presentation.

Effects of medetomidine and xylazine on intraocular pressure and pupil size in healthy Beagle dogs.

Objective: To determine the effects of intramuscular (IM) administration of medetomidine and xylazine on intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil size in normal dogs.

Study Design: Prospective, randomized, experimental, crossover trial.

Animals: Five healthy, purpose-bred Beagle dogs.

Exchange transfusion in patients with Down syndrome and severe transient leukemia.

Background: Among neonates with Down syndrome (DS) and transient leukemia (TL), hyperleukocytosis (white blood cell [WBC] count >100 × 10(9) /L) is associated with increased blood viscosity, respiratory failure due to pulmonary hypertension, multiorgan failure, and increased risk of early death. There have been no previous studies focusing on the effects of exchange transfusion (ExT) on WBC count, respiratory status, and other parameters in TL patients with hyperleukocytosis.

Methods: An observational retrospective study was carried out at a single center of all five DS neonates with TL, GATA1 mutations, and hyperleukocytosis, born at a median gestational age of 34 weeks (range, 30-38 weeks) with birthweight 2556 g (range, 1756-3268 g) during a 24 month study period between September 2011 and August 2013.

The efficacy of artemisinin, artemether, and lumefantrine against Babesia gibsoni in vitro.

Artemisinin has many derivatives, and it is effective against Plasmodium spp. However, only a limited number of reports have confirmed the efficacy of artemisinin derivatives against Babesia spp. In this study, whether artemisinin and artemether could inhibit the growth of Babesia gibsoni was evaluated in vitro.

Predictors and prevention of flow insufficiency due to limited flow demand.

Background: We investigated the impacts of flow demand and native coronary stenosis on graft flow and patency.

Methods: We reviewed the angiograms of 549 bypass grafts in 301 patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting since 2007. Grafts consisted of 237 internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending artery; 97 internal thoracic artery and 52 saphenous vein grafts to left circumflex artery; and 109 gastroepiploic artery and 54 saphenous vein grafts to right coronary artery.