Short-Term and Intermediate Efficacy of Tacrolimus for Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis in Japan.

Background and aim Tacrolimus (tac) is used for induction therapy in refractory and severe ulcerative colitis (UC) cases. The aim of this study was to identify the factors contributing to the induction of remission and to assess the endoscopic or histologic improvement rates following induction of remission by tac. Methods This study examined data from 67 UC patients treated with tac for induction of remission out of 515 patients attending Dokkyo Medical University Hospital.

Enhanced fatty acid oxidation by selective activation of PPARα alleviates autoimmunity through metabolic transformation in T-cells.

While fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in mitochondria is a primary energy source for quiescent lymphocytes, the impact of promoting FAO in activated lymphocytes undergoing metabolic reprogramming remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that pemafibrate, a selective PPARα modulator used clinically for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, transforms metabolic system of T-cells and alleviates several autoimmune diseases. Pemafibrate suppresses Th17 cells but not Th1 cells, through the inhibition of glutaminolysis and glycolysis initiated by enhanced FAO.

Assistive technologies and aging in place for people with dementia and disabilities: a proof-of-concept study with in-home passive remote monitoring with interactive communication functions.

Purpose: Can assistive technologies (ATs) support aging in place for people with dementia and disability? In seeking to go beyond the persistent institutional care delivery paradigm, this proof-of-concept study tested the feasibility of home care delivery using sensors and remote communication devices. This article reports the collaborative efforts among care professionals, care recipients and family caregivers in their private home environment and the impact of in-home passive remote monitoring (PRM) system on the users. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usability and impact of a PRM system combining in-house passive remote monitoring and an interactive communication function.

[Endovascular Treatment of a Ruptured Mediastinal Bronchial Artery Aneurysm].

Case 1:A 73-year-old man was transported to our hospital for evaluation of sudden onset of chest pain, back pain, and dyspnea. We initially misdiagnosed him with advanced esophageal cancer accompanied by mediastinal metastasis;however, subsequent multi-detector row computed tomography (MDR-CT) confirmed the diagnosis. We performed coil embolization of a bronchial artery aneurysm and thoracic endovascular aortic repair( TEVAR) to seal the root of the bronchial artery.

Trends and quality of randomized controlled trials on acupuncture conducted in Japan by decade from the 1960s to the 2010s: a systematic review.

Background: More new randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture have been published in Japan since our last updated systematic review (2010). This systematic review aimed to evaluate the quality of RCTs on acupuncture conducted in Japan and understand the decade-wise changes in the methodological characteristics of the relevant RCTs.

Methods: The literature search was performed using Ichushi Web, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed and our team's compilation of relevant papers.

[Optimal Management of Stanford Type A Acute Aortic Dissection with Mesenteric Malperfusion].

The optimal management of Stanford type A accute aortic dissection (TAAAD) with mesenteric malperfusion (TAAADwM) is controversial. Our strategy of TAAADwM is open superior mesenteric artery (SMA) bypass prior to aortic repair, if we suspect TAAADwM on computed tomography (CT) scan, whatever other findings might be or not. The need of treatment of mesenteric malperfusion prior to aortic repair is not always linked with digestive symptom, lactate, intraoperative finding.

Hopes and fears regarding care robots: Content analysis of newspapers in East Asia and Western Europe, 2001-2020.

Background: As a type of welfare technology, care robotics is now widely seen as a potential aide to rehabilitation, increasing independence and enhancing the wellbeing of people with disabilities and older adults. Research into and development of care robots have both been vigorously promoted in North America, Europe and Asia, and the competition for technological advancement in robotics is becoming fierce. AI ethics and policy guidelines are being established.

Alpha-Fetoprotein-Producing Gastric Cancer With Delayed Diagnosis Caused by COVID-19: A Case Report.

A 70-year-old man was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The patient had suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding during the course of the COVID-19 infection. Urgent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed.

Size reduction of gastric fundic gland polyposis by de-escalation of acid-suppressive therapy.

The patient, a 73-year-old woman, had been taking acid-suppressive therapy for refractory reflux esophagitis for 10 years. A potassium-competitive acid blocker was administered to strengthen acid-suppressive therapy for worsening symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed an increase in the number and size of fundic gland polyposis (FGPs).

Preoperative hypomagnesemia as a possible predictive factor for postoperative increase of transvalvular pressure gradient in hemodialysis patients treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Background: Patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD) with severe aortic stenosis are at a high risk for bioprosthetic valve dysfunction after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Currently, preoperative factors that predict the occurrence of valve dysfunction after TAVI on HD patients remain to be elucidated. The aim of this study is to analyze the association between preoperative clinical factors and valve stenosis after TAVI on HD patients.

Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy induced tumor cell death enhances tumor dendritic cell migration.

Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) selectively kills tumor cells to which the photo-absorber dye IR700DX-conjugated antibodies are bound and induces a systemic anti-tumor immune response. NIR-PIT induces immunogenic cell death (ICD), releases damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) molecules from dying tumor cells, and activates dendritic cells (DCs). However, it is unclear whether NIR-PIT affects migration of tumor-infiltrating (Ti)-DCs to draining lymph nodes (dLNs), where a systemic anti-tumor response is induced.

Reduction of Cell Surface T-Cell Receptor by Non-Mitogenic CD3 Antibody to Mitigate Murine Lupus.

T-cells are critically involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Although treatment with the anti-CD3 antibody has been reported to be effective in several autoimmune disease animal models including lupus, the immunosuppressive mechanisms remain obscure because of its pleiotropic kinetics. In this study, a conventional anti-CD3 (2C11C) and a non-mitogenic anti-CD3 with a manipulated Fc region (2C11S) were compared to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action.

Quality assessment of Japanese clinical practice guidelines including recommendations for acupuncture.

Background: The quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) should be extensively evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate Japanese CPGs that include recommendations for acupuncture.

Methods: In a literature search, CPGs including recommendations for acupuncture published in Japan until October 2021 were sought.

Assessing the Impact of an Original Soft Communicative Robot in a Nursing Home in Japan: Will Softness or Conversations Bring more Smiles to Older People?

It has been reported that robotics-aided care can contribute to enhancing older people's social participation and quality of life in nursing homes, while simultaneously reducing the burden on care professionals at nighttime. Due to increasing demand for social care and the relative workforce shortage, it is likely that a greater number and variety of robots will be introduced and implemented in the future. While the benefits of applying robots and assistive technologies are recognized, the current limitations and weaknesses have also been identified.

[Stanford Type A Acute Aortic Dissection with Myasthenia Gravis:Report of a Case].

The patient was a 76-year-old man with myasthenia gravis (MG). He suffered from a sudden back pain, and was diagnosed with Stanford type A acute aortic dissection. We performed emergency graft replacement of the ascending aorta under cardiopulmonary bypass with hypothermic circulatory arrest.

Polyploid progeny from triploid hybrids of Phegopteris decursivepinnata (Thelypteridaceae).

Phegopteris decursivepinnata includes diploids, tetraploids, and triploid hybrids based on x = 30. We obtained polyploid progeny from triploid hybrids through selfing and crossing experiments. Triploids occasionally formed well-filled spores.

Feasibility and Safety of Transjugular Liver Biopsy for Japanese Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases.

Background And Study Aim: Transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) can be used in patients who are ineligible for percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) with acute and chronic hepatic disease. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness and safety of TJLB in patients who were not indicated for PLB.

Methods: Between July 2014 and February 2019, a total of 134 patients underwent liver biopsies at our institution.

The Utility of the Energy Subtraction Method for Thoracic Spine Radiography in Clinical Practice: An Analysis of 25 Patients With Multiple Myeloma.

Interpretation of thoracic spine radiographs is difficult because they cannot clearly depict the vertebrae due to overlap with soft tissues. This study aimed to evaluate whether thoracic spine radiographs obtained using the energy subtraction method could improve the accuracy of a diagnosis of thoracic osteolytic lesions. The authors analyzed 300 thoracic vertebrae from 25 patients with multiple myeloma who underwent thoracic spine radiography.