Anatomical and clinical factors associated with infrapopliteal arterial bypass outcomes in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

The aim of this study was to identify anatomical and clinical factors associated with limb-based patency (LBP) loss, major adverse limb events (MALEs), and poor amputation-free survival (AFS) after an infrapopliteal arterial bypass (IAB) surgery according to the Global Limb Anatomic Staging System. A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing IAB surgery between January 2010 and December 2021 at a single institution was performed. Two-year AFS, freedom from LBP loss, and freedom from MALEs were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Efficacy of Fusion Imaging in Endovascular Revascularization of the Superficial Femoral Artery.

Background: The demand for endovascular revascularization (ER) to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD) has steadily increased. However, ER comes at the cost of increased contrast and radiation exposure, particularly in more complex cases. Fusion imaging is a new technology that may address these issues.

Early evaluation of the infrainguinal revascularization strategy selection tool of the Global Vascular Guidelines for chronic limb-threatening ischemia patients.

Objective: The Global Vascular Guidelines (GVG) propose a novel Global Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) with the Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) classification system as a clinical decision-making tool for interventions in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). We assessed the validity of clinical staging and the relationship between the treatments recommended by the GVG and the outcomes of the actual procedures.

Methods: This retrospective, single-center, observational study included 117 patients with CLTI undergoing infrainguinal revascularization in our hospital between 2015 and 2019.

Exposure of the cryptic de-adhesive site FNIII14 in fibronectin molecule and its binding to membrane-type eEF1A induce migration and invasion of cancer cells via β1-integrin inactivation.

Cell migration is a highly coordinated process that involves not only integrin-mediated adhesion but also de-adhesion. We previously found that a cryptic de-adhesive site within fibronectin molecule, termed FNIII14, weakens cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix by inactivating β1-integrins. Surprisingly, eukaryotic translation elongation factor-1A (eEF1A), an essential factor during protein biosynthesis, was identified as a membrane receptor that mediates the de-adhesive effect of FNIII14.

Treatment of prosthetic vascular graft infection in the groin with ultrasound debridement: A case report.

Introduction: Prosthetic graft infection (PGI) is associated with low patient survival rates. The effectiveness of ultrasound debridement in chronic wound healing has been previously reported; however, data on the use of ultrasound technology and its effect on the treatment of PGI are still lacking. We report a case in which PGI in the groin was managed by graft removal using ultrasound debridement.

A modified loop snare technique for the retrieval of a dislodged central venous catheter.

A dislodged central venous port catheter is typically retrieved using an endovascular approach; however, the retrieval procedure poses a challenge for vascular specialists. The desired outcomes can be successfully achieved with the loop snare technique, an endovascular treatment method for the retrieval of a dislodged central venous port catheter. Herein, we present a case wherein the modified loop snare technique was used for successfully retrieving a dislodged central venous port catheter by reversing the tip of the guidewire inside the right ventricle and advancing it back into the snare.

Three cases of fusion imaging in endovascular treatment of occlusive peripheral artery disease.

Endovascular treatment of peripheral artery disease has dramatically improved in the past decades; however, occlusive or stenotic lesions of the femoral-popliteal artery segment remain a significant challenge for vascular specialists. Real-time guidance based on vessel visualization might be helpful for successful recanalization. Herein, we present three successful cases of fusion imaging during endovascular treatment of the femoral-popliteal artery segments.

Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery as an Inflow Alternative for Surgical Revascularization: A Case Report.

The common femoral artery (CFA) is the most widely used inflow in all types of surgical revascularization in patients with peripheral artery disease. However, the CFA cannot always be used because of calcification, obstruction, or previous dissection. Here, we report a rare case of selecting the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) as a source of inflow to perform a surgical revascularization in a patient with chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

Bicycle exercise training improves ambulation in patients with peripheral artery disease.

Objective: Exercise training has multiple beneficial effects in patients with arteriosclerotic diseases; however, the exact underlying mechanisms of the effects are not completely understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a supervised exercise program in improving gait parameters, including the variability and walking performance of lower limb movements, in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and intermittent claudication (IC).

Methods: Sixteen patients with a history of PAD and IC were recruited for this study, and they completed a 3-month supervised bicycle exercise program.

Histological Reactions and the In Vivo Patency Rates of Small Silk Vascular Grafts in a Canine Model.

To evaluate in vivo patency rates of silk fibroin (SF) vascular grafts and resulting histological reactions in a canine model. To generate 3.5-mm inner diameter vessels, a combination of plaited silk fibers were wound with cocoon filaments and subsequently coated with an SF solution.

Rapid endothelialization and thin luminal layers in vascular grafts using silk fibroin.

The histological effects of silk fibroin (SF) in vascular grafts have not been clarified comprehensively in a large-animal model. This study aimed to observe the histological changes in vascular grafts by using Bombyx mori SF in a dog model. A splice graft consisting of SF and control grafts were implanted in the abdominal aorta of dogs, and the histological characteristics of the 2 types of grafts in each splice graft were compared.

A perioperative strategy for abdominal aortic aneurysm in patients with chronic renal insufficiency.

Purpose: The outcomes of open surgical repair (OR) or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are favorable; however, pre-existing chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) is considered to be a risk factor that can affect the long-term outcome. We evaluated our surgical strategy for AAA in patients with CRI by analyzing their pre- and postoperative renal function.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of CRI patients who underwent OR (n = 28) or EVAR (n = 31) for infra-renal AAA in our institution between 2009 and 2013.

Long-Term Results of Treatment for Critical Limb Ischemia.

From 2001 to 2012, arterial reconstruction was performed in 306 out of 497 limbs (62%) with critical limb ischemia. The reasons for non-vascularization include high operative risk (36%), extended necrosis or infection (20%), and technical issues (15%). Cumulative patency and limb salvage in collagen disease were significantly worse compared to arteriosclerosis obliterans.

Penetration of an inferior vena cava filter into the aorta.

Transvenous placement of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters is commonly performed in selected patients with deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. However, filter placement is sometimes associated with serious complications. A common complication is asymptomatic perforation of the IVC and penetration of adjacent organs by the filter.

Active intestinal absorption of fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent ciprofloxacin by organic anion transporting polypeptide, Oatp1a5.

Fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drugs are absorbed efficiently after oral administration despite of their hydrophilic nature, implying an involvement of carrier-mediated transport in their membrane transport process. It has been that several fluoroquinolones are substrates of organic anion transporter polypeptides OATP1A2 expressed in human intestine derived Caco-2 cells. In the present study, to clarify the involvement of OATP in intestinal absorption of ciprofloxacin, the contribution of Oatp1a5, which is expressed at the apical membranes of rat enterocytes, to intestinal absorption of ciprofloxacin was investigated in rats.

High-resolution inventory of Japanese anthropogenic mercury emissions.

Heavy metals like mercury that are emitted into the environment remain there indefinitely, posing a long-term threat to both the environment and human health. Elemental mercury is volatile and is in gaseous form, and because of the long residence time, transported over long distances. Comprehensive control of mercury emissions therefore remains an important international issue.

Eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1A induces anoikis by triggering cell detachment.

Anoikis, apoptosis because of loss of cell anchorage, is crucial for tissue homeostasis. Fibronectin not only provides a scaffold for cell anchorage but also harbors a cryptic antiadhesive site capable of inducing β1-integrin inactivation. In this study, this cryptic antiadhesive site is implicated in spontaneous induction of anoikis.

Contribution of rat pulmonary metabolism to the elimination of lidocaine, midazolam, and nifedipine.

The contribution of the lung to drug metabolism was investigated in rats and the possibility of prediction of in vivo metabolism from in vitro studies using rat pulmonary microsomes was assessed. Lidocaine, midazolam, or nifedipine was administered to rats at a dose of 10 mg/kg by the intra-arterial, intravenous, and intraportal routes. The pulmonary extraction ratios of lidocaine, midazolam, and nifedipine, calculated from the area under the time-plasma concentration curve (AUC) after the intra-arterial and intravenous administrations, were 39.

Prototype micropump for insulin administration based on electrochemical bubble formation.

As part of the development of a percutaneous artificial pancreas islet, an insulin injection micropump was fabricated using micromachine techniques. The major components of the device were a thin-film, two-electrode system incorporated in a closed compartment, a silicone rubber diaphragm to separate an electrolyte solution from an insulin solution, a reservoir for insulin and a microneedle attached to the outlet. Hydrogen bubbles were formed on a platinum working electrode when current was applied.

Improved intestinal membrane permeability of hexose-quinoline derivatives via the hexose transporter, SGLT1.

Intestinal membrane permeability is an important factor affecting the bioavailability of drugs. As a strategy to improve membrane permeability, membrane transporters are useful targets since essential nutrients are absorbed efficiently via specific transporters. For example, there are reports that intestinal hexose transporters could be used as a tool to improve permeability; however, there has been no direct evidence that the transporter protein, sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1), is involved in the transport of hexose analogs.

Effectiveness of pirotiodecane, absorption enhancer, on nasal absorption in rabbits.

The absorption enhancing effect of 1-[2-(decylthio) ethyl] azacyclopentan-2-one (Pirotiodecane), on drug permeation across rabbit nasal mucosa was studied. The nasal epithelial mucosa was isolated from rabbit nasal septum and mounted in an Ussing chamber to allow for monitoring of the membrane resistance (Rm), and the permeation of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran (FD-4, M.W.

Clarification of the mechanism of structural change induced by reoxygenation following the induction of lipid peroxidation in Caco-2 cell monolayers.

Recently, we established a system for assessing ischemia/reperfusion injury, specifically the opening of tight junctions (TJ), caused by reoxygenation following the induction of lipid peroxidation by tertiary-butylhydroperoxide (t-BuOOH), using the human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2 in order to focus on the barrier function of the epithelium independent of the vascular compartment. In the present study, we attempted to identify factors involved in the structural changes induced by reoxygenation using 0.5 mM t-BuOOH in Caco-2 cell monolayers.

Factors affecting glucuronidation activity in Caco-2 cells.

Presystemic intestinal metabolism reduces the intestinal absorption and bioavailability of orally administered drugs. The factors affecting glucuronidation activity in Caco-2 cells seeded in Transwell (4.7 cm(2)) require clarification to establish an in-vitro system to assess intestinal glucuronidation metabolism for novel drug development.