Monitoring risk factors for dementia in middle-aged and older adults: a longitudinal study.

Unlabelled: Given the importance of dementia syndrome and its impacts on the population, interest in studying modifiable risk factors for dementia is growing.

Objective: To compare the prevalence of risk factors for dementia in middle-aged and older adults over a two-year period and to identify what variables in baseline were predictive of cognitive decline in the follow-up.

Methods: Longitudinal and quantitative study, with follow-up evaluation after two years, conducted with 200 participants aged 45 years or more, registered in Primary Care Units.

Thermal Stability of Polycaprolactone Grafted Densely with Maleic Anhydride Analysed Using the Coats-Redfern Equation.

The plastic waste problem has recently attracted unprecedented attention globally. To reduce the adverse eff ects on environments, biodegradable polymers have been studied to solve the problems. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is one of the common biodegradable plastics used on its own or blended with natural polymers because of its excellent properties after blending.

Necroptosis of neuronal cells is related to the neuropathology of tick-borne encephalitis.

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a zoonotic virus that causes tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in humans. Infections of Sapporo-17-Io1 (Sapporo) and Oshima 5-10 (Oshima) TBEV strains showed different pathogenic effects in mice. However, the differences between the two strains are unknown.

Preparation of an eco-friendly antibacterial agent for food packaging containing Thunb. extract.

This study aims to develop an antibacterial agent that can be used for food packaging. Essential oils of Thunb., a well-known medical herb, were extracted by two methods: multi-solvent consecutive extraction method and single ethanol extraction with a pre-heating method.

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging for evaluating of the cerebrospinal fluid kinetics with 17O-labeled water tracer: A preliminary report.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of kinetic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using O-labeled water tracer. Four subjects (two idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) and two possible AD dementia patients) were prospectively included. Injectable formulation of O-labeled water containing 10 mol% of HO (PSO17), was intrathecally administered to the subjects with the lateral decubitus position between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae.

Pedunculated colorectal polyps with heads ≤ 1 cm in diameter can be resected using cold snare polypectomy.

Background And Study Aims: Cold snare polypectomy (CSP) is not recommended for the resection of pedunculated colorectal polyp. The aim of this study was to examine the adequacy of CSP compared to hot snare polypectomy (HSP) for the complete resection of pedunculated polyps with heads ≤ 1 cm in diameter.

Patients And Methods: This was a retrospective study of a cohort of consecutive outpatients who had resection of pedunculated polyps with heads 6-10 mm in diameter using either dedicated CSP or HSP from 2014 through 2019.

Short-term intensive gastrointestinal endoscopy training program.

Background: In Japan there are limited opportunities for pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) trainees to learn GI endoscopy. This study investigated whether a short-term intensive training for 3 months in an adult GI unit enabled pediatric GI trainees to acquire the required number of cases and the technical competence to perform pediatric GI endoscopic procedures.

Methods: This was a retrospective case series of pediatric GI trainees who underwent 3 months of intensive endoscopy training, which also included direct observation and a questionnaire.

Linked colour imaging versus white-light colonoscopy for the detection of flat colorectal lesions: A randomized controlled trial.

Aim: Linked colour imaging is an image-enhanced endoscopy system that emphasizes the red portion of the mucosa's colour. Our aim was to compare the effectiveness of linked colour imaging with white-light colonoscopy for the detection of flat-type colorectal polyps.

Method: This was a single-centre, randomized controlled trial.

Review of clinical studies on the nocebo effect.

: To review clinical studies on the nocebo effect. PubMed was searched for relevant clinical studies as well as studies on the relationship between the nocebo effect and genes. : A total of 35 clinical studies on the nocebo effect and one study on its relationship with genes were selected for review.

Risk of Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Procedure-Related Bleeding in Patients With or Without Continued Antithrombotic Therapy.

Background: Prospective studies on bleeding risk during/after gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures are rare.

Aim: We investigated the risk of endoscopic procedure-related bleeding in patients with biopsy and/or cold snare polypectomy (CSP) in relation to antithrombotic therapy.

Methods: This prospective, observational single-center cohort study (NCT02594813) enrolled consecutive patients who underwent diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or colonoscopy.

Characterization of self-assembled silver nanoparticle ink based on nanoemulsion method.

A well-dispersed self-assembled silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) ink with high purity was synthesized via AgNO emulsion prepared by blending an AgNO aqueous solution and a liquid paraffin solution of both polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and sorbitan monooleate (Span 80). The ink remained as an emulsion at low temperatures; however, it produced AgNPs after sintering at about 60°C and showed a high stability at nanoscale sizes (with diameters ranging 8.6-13.

Thermal responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) grafted chicken feather keratin prepared via surface initiated aqueous Cu(0)-mediated RDRP: Synthesis and properties.

Poultry chicken feather keratin was extracted and then modified for the fabrication of keratin-graft-PNIPAM copolymers. The keratin was well extracted from feather fiber and powdered. Subsequently, it underwent the surficial functionalization process with initiator groups.

Effectiveness and safety of a new regimen of polyethylene glycol plus ascorbic acid for same-day bowel cleansing in constipated patients.

Background And Study Aims: In an exploratory study we compared a new regimen of low-volume polyethylene glycol plus ascorbic acid (PEG-Asc) with the standard regimen for same-day bowel cleansing in constipated patients.

Patients And Methods: Between January and June 2015 we studied consecutive patients with constipation (Rome III constipation criteria) scheduled for colonoscopy. The initial group received the standard regimen of PEG-Asc.

Safety and Effectiveness of Nurse-Administered Propofol Sedation in Outpatients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Background & Aims: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy are common outpatient gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures that frequently use sedation. We aimed to identify a protocol that combines safety with cost effectiveness.

Methods: We collected data from consecutive outpatients (age, 20-98 y) who underwent diagnostic EGD (n = 117,661) or colonoscopy (n = 32,550) with propofol sedation from January 2006 through December 2016.

Gastric Emptying of Elemental Liquid Diets Versus Semisolid Diets in Bedridden Gastrostomy-fed Patients.

Background: Aspiration is a common problem in bedridden gastrostomy-fed patients. We compared gastric emptying of an elemental liquid diet and a commercial semisolid diet in bedridden gastrostomy-fed patients.

Methods: Study 1: from January 2013 to December 2016, consecutive bedridden patients receiving percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) semisolid feeding hospitalized due to aspiration pneumonia were switched to elemental liquid diet feedings.

Delayed Bleeding Following Cold Snare Polypectomy for Small Colorectal Polyps in Patients Taking Antithrombotic Agents.

Background: This study compared the incidence of delayed bleeding following 2 methods of cold snare polypectomy for colorectal polyps in patients taking antithrombotic agents.

Methods: Patients undergoing cold snare polypectomy for colorectal polyps ≤10 mm without discontinuation of antithrombotic agents were enrolled. This was a retrospective study of a prospectively collected cohort based on a historical comparison of 2 time periods.

Hydrated ionic liquids as a liquid chaperon for refolding of aggregated recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli.

We have succeeded in refolding of aggregated recombinant protein from Escherichia coli in hydrated ionic liquids. In cholinium dihydrogen phosphate containing a limited amount of water molecules, aggregated solid cellulase was dissolved and refolding was successfully carried out without further processing.

Characterization of an O-methyltransferase specific to guaiacol-type benzenoids from the flowers of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica).

Volatile benzenoids, including methyl p-methoxybenzoate, p-anisaldehyde, and p-anisalcohol, are responsible for the sweet and characteristic fragrance of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica, Rosaceae) flowers. Although the full pathway of volatile benzenoid synthesis has yet to be elucidated, their chemical structures suggest that O-methyltransferases are present in loquat and function in the methylation of the para-OH groups. In the present study, we used RNA-sequencing to identify four loquat genes (EjOMT1, EjOMT2, EjOMT3, and EjOMT4) that encode O-methyltransferases.

Robust Sealing of Blood Vessels with Cholesteryl Group-Modified, Alaska Pollock-Derived Gelatin-Based Biodegradable Sealant Under Wet Conditions.

A novel surgical sealant was developed by partially modifying the amino groups of Alaska pollock-derived gelatin derivative with cholesteryl groups (Chol-apGltn), which was combined with the crosslinker, pentaerythritol poly(ethylene glycol) ether tetrasuccinimidyl glutarate (4S-PEG). The burst strength of the resultant sealant was tested using fresh porcine aorta as an adherend. The Chol-apGltn/4S-PEG sealant cured within 25.

Benzenoid biosynthesis in the flowers of Eriobotrya japonica: molecular cloning and functional characterization of p-methoxybenzoic acid carboxyl methyltransferase.

p -Methoxybenzoic acid carboxyl methyltransferase (MBMT) was isolated from loquat flowers. MBMT displayed high similarity to jasmonic acid carboxyl methyltransferases, but exhibited high catalytic activity to form methyl p -methoxybenzoate from p -methoxybenzoic acid. Volatile benzenoids impart the characteristic fragrance of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) flowers.

Comparison between endoscopic mucosal resection and hot snare resection of large nonpedunculated colorectal polyps: a randomized trial.

Background And Study Aims: It is unclear whether endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or hot snare resection is better for resecting large nonpedunculated polyps. The aim of this study was to determine a cutoff size of nonpedunculated neoplastic colorectal polyps at which the risk of incomplete resection differed between EMR and hot snare resection.

Patients And Methods: Patients with nonpedunculated neoplastic polyps (10 - 25 mm in diameter) were randomly assigned to undergo endoscopic resection using EMR (52 patients with 63 polyps) or hot snare resection (52 patients with 62 polyps).

Determination of the cut-off score of an endoscopic scoring method to predict whether elderly patients with dysphagia can eat pureed diets.

Aim: To identify the cut-off value for predicting the ability of elderly patients with dysphagia to swallow pureed diets using a new endoscopy scoring method.

Methods: Endoscopic swallowing evaluation of pureed diets were done in patients ≥ 65 years with dysphagia. The Hyodo-Komagane score for endoscopic swallowing evaluation is expressed as the sum (0-12) of four degrees (0-3) with four parameters: (1) salivary pooling in the vallecula and piriform sinuses; (2) the response of glottal closure reflex induced by touching the epiglottis with the endoscope; (3) the location of the bolus at the time of swallow onset assessed by "white-out" following swallowing of test jelly; and (4) pharyngeal clearance after swallowing of test jelly.

Comparison of newly found polyps after removal of small colorectal polyps with cold or hot snare polypectomy.

Background And Study Aims: There are limited data regarding polyp recurrence following cold or hot snare polypectomy for small colorectal polyps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of newly found polyp after cold or hot snare polypectomy and the predictive factors.

Patients And Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study at a single municipal hospital.

Prospective, randomized comparison of 2 methods of cold snare polypectomy for small colorectal polyps.

Background: Both cold-only snare and hot polypectomy snare are used for the removal of small colorectal polyps.

Objective: To compare the outcome of cold snare polypectomy of small colorectal polyps with a snare exclusively designed as a cold snare versus cold snare polypectomy by using a traditional polypectomy snare.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled study.