Distinct genomic features of Transeurasian strains of Epstein-Barr virus in East Asia.

More than 95% of adult humans worldwide are latently infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Recent studies indicated that different EBV strains colonize different regions of Asia, where nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic (southern China) or non-endemic (Japan/Korea). We searched for viral single nucleotide variant markers throughout the EBV genome by comparing the coding sequences of Japanese/Korean and NPC-endemic Chinese strains.

Human Cytomegalovirus Replication Enhanced By Placental MicroRNAs.

Placental trophoblasts constitute the interface between the fetal and maternal environments and physically prevent maternal-fetal viral transmission. However, congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in the early stages of pregnancy results in severe symptoms in the fetus. HCMV is the most common causative agent of intrauterine infection.

How are the Barthel Index and care need levels associated in residents of nursing homes in Japan?

This study examined the relationship between Long-Term Care Insurance care need levels and Barthel Index scores in Japanese nursing home residents. Findings show a strong correlation (r = -0.68), comparable to community-dwelling individuals, yet certain care need levels exhibited large score variability.

Machine Learning Prediction for Postdischarge Falls in Older Adults: A Multicenter Prospective Study.

Objectives: The study aimed to develop a machine learning (ML) model to predict early postdischarge falls in older adults using data that are easy to collect in acute care hospitals. This may reduce the burden imposed by complex measures on patients and health care staff.

Design: This prospective multicenter study included patients admitted to and discharged from geriatric wards at 3 university hospitals and 1 national medical center in Japan between October 2019 and July 2023.

Periarterial Fat Stranding as a Diagnostic Marker for Visceral Disseminated Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection.

A 61-year-old man who underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation presented to our hospital with severe abdominal pain and no significant rash. Computed tomography revealed periarterial fat stranding around the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries. Skin and gastric biopsies revealed varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection, leading to the diagnosis of VZV infection.