A randomized trial to evaluate the preventive effect of lafutidine on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients treated with carboplatin and paclitaxel for lung cancer.

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) has a significant impact on the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy and patients' quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess the preventive effect of lafutidine on CIPN.

Methods: Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy with lafutidine 10 mg twice daily (lafutidine group) or without lafutidine (control group).

High level of C-reactive protein as a predictive factor for immune-related adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective study.

Background: Several risk factors for the immune-related adverse events (irAEs) during treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been reported, of which include high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). In this study, we aim to evaluate CRP levels before ICIs treatments as potential predictive biomarkers of irAEs incidence rate and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: Between December 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019, we retrospectively collected all adult patients with NSCLC who received at least one dose of an ICI targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis at the Iwate Medical University Hospital in Japan.

Efficacy and Effectiveness of Showerheads Attached with Point-of-use (POU) Filter Capsules in Preventing Waterborne Diseases in a Japanese Hospital.

Tap water contamination is a growing concern in healthcare facilities, and despite chlorination, tap water in these facilities contains several pathogenic microorganisms causing healthcare-associated waterborne infections or nosocomial outbreaks. Shower units are particularly prone to contamination as they are conducive for bacterial growth and can even produce bioaerosols containing pathogenic bacteria. Shower units coupled with point-of-use (POU) water filters are a simple and safe option; however, their efficacy has been under-reported.

Changes in pulmonary function of residents in Sanriku Seacoast following the tsunami disaster from the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Background: Residents in the district struck by the Great East Japan Earthquake Tsunami (GEJET) suffered from adverse living conditions and various pulmonary diseases.

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of GEJET, we performed serial assessment of pulmonary function of approximately 10,000 residents in the district struck by GEJET.

Methods: Using a spirometer, we assessed the pulmonary function of approximately 10,000 residents older than 18 years in the Sanriku seacoast, which was struck by the tsunami.

Scedosporium aurantiacum brain abscess after near-drowning in a survivor of a tsunami in Japan.

Many victims of the tsunami that occurred following the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011 developed systemic disorders owing to aspiration pneumonia. Herein, we report a case of tsunami lung wherein Scedosporium aurantiacum was detected in the respiratory tract. A magnetic resonance image of the patient's head confirmed multiple brain abscesses and lateral right ventricle enlargement.