Growth hormone-releasing hormone signaling and manifestations within the cardiovascular system.

Growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GHRH), a hypothalamic peptide initially characterized for its role in GH regulation, has gained increasing attention due to its GH-independent action on peripheral physiology, including that of the cardiovascular system. While its effects on the peripheral vasculature are still under investigation, GHRH and synthetic agonists have exhibited remarkable receptor-mediated cardioprotective properties in preclinical models. GHRH and its analogs enhance myocardial function by improving contractility, reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and offsetting pathological remodeling.

Effects of static stretching and walking during inter-set intervals of resistance training on muscle fatigue of the quadriceps.

Introduction: Inter-set rest intervals are essential to reduce muscle fatigue and increase the total amount of volume of resistance training. Static stretching and walking may increase muscle blood flow and promote recovery during inter-set rest intervals. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 20 seconds of static stretching and walking during inter-set rest intervals of leg extension exercises on the number of repetitions to exhaustion, total amount of volume, and flexibility of the quadriceps (joint range of motion and muscle hardness) in untrained healthy males.

Three-Staged Surgical Hybrid Treatment for an Extended Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm in a High-Risk Patient: A Case Report.

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair remains one of the most challenging procedures and is associated with high mortality and complication rates. Careful consideration of the surgical strategy is essential, particularly in cases involving extensive replacement and high-risk patients. A 61-year-old man with a 55-mm TAAA was referred for surgical treatment.

Molecular characterization of feline caliciviruses isolated from several adult cats with atypical infection showing severe flu-like symptoms on a remote island in Ehime, Japan.

In November 2020, a volunteer group reported an outbreak of an infectious disease with a high fatality rate and flu-like symptoms among stray cats in Aoshima, a remote island in Ehime, Japan. Nine adult cats with severe symptoms were hospitalized. Feline calicivirus (FCV) was isolated from pharyngeal swabs of six hospitalized cats.

Postoperative symptom changes following uterine artery embolization for uterine fibroid based on FIGO classification.

Background: Classifying uterine fibroid using the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification system assists treatment decision-making and planning. This study aimed to study whether different fibroid locations influence clinical outcomes following uterine artery embolization (UAE).

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent UAE for symptomatic uterine fibroid between December 2016 and January 2023 at our hospital.

Integration of Apolipoprotein B into the SCORE2 Framework: Implications for Cardiovascular Risk Prediction.

Aim: To evaluate whether integrating Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) into the SCORE2 cardiovascular risk prediction framework improves its predictive accuracy and clinical applicability within the UK Biobank population.

Method: A 10-year prospective cohort study was conducted with 448,303 UK Biobank participants eligible for SCORE2 calculation. Three approaches were employed: (1) threshold analysis to determine the optimal ApoB cutoff for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction using Youden's Index, (2) assessment of the synergistic effect of SCORE2 and ApoB through concordant and discordant classifications, and (3) recalibration of the SCORE2 model by incorporating ApoB as an additional predictor.

Flometoquin, a novel insecticide, acts on mitochondrial complex III as a Q inhibitor.

Flometoquin (FLO) is a novel quinoline-type insecticide that elicits a quick knock-down effect against target pests; however, its mode of action (MoA) remains unknown. In this study, we investigated its MoA systematically, using varying biochemical techniques. Since FLO-treated insects exhibited symptoms similar to those induced by respiratory inhibitors, we examined the effect of FLO on respiratory enzyme complexes using mitochondria isolated from different insects (housefly, diamondback moth, and western flower thrips).

Acetonemic vomiting: a potential complication of treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists especially in lean type 2 diabetes patients.

Objectives: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are now widely used for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. We examined their association with acetonemic vomiting, especially when given to patients with low body weight, in hopes of achieving early recognition of this complication which is potentially life-threatening if not dealt with appropriately.

Methods: Cases identified incidentally are described and discussed referring to prior reports.

Validity of the international physical activity questionnaire short form for assessing physical activity in Japanese adults with type 1 diabetes.

Objective: To examine the validity of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF) against an objective method for assessing physical activity (PA) in Japanese adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 126 adults with T1D (aged 20-74 years). The participants wore a triaxial accelerometer for 7 consecutive days and completed the IPAQ-SF (a recall survey for the last 7 days) on the day following the 7-day accelerometer period.

Interface Pressures Derived from a Calibrated Bandage Applied for Compression Therapy.

We sought to clarify the interface pressure (IP) and its variation by applying Biflex16, a calibrated bandage, to the lower leg. In Study I, 50 participants applied a bandage to the lower leg of a single subject in two ways: first, with 50% overlap, while the calibration rectangle became a square (Application 1), and then with 50% overlap without intentional stretch (Application 2) which served as a control. In Study II, another 51 participants applied the bandage to their lower leg via Application 1.

Association of methotrexate polyglutamates concentration with methotrexate efficacy and safety in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with predefined dose: results from the MIRACLE trial.

Objectives: The usefulness of methotrexate-polyglutamates (MTX-PGs) concentration for management of rheumatoid arthritis has been debated. We aimed to clarify the association of MTX-PGs concentration with efficacy and safety in MTX-naïve patients initiating MTX in a prospective interventional clinical trial.

Methods: The MIRACLE trial enrolled 300 MTX-naïve patients.

Utility of the C-peptide/insulin molar ratio for distinguishing type A insulin resistance syndrome from type 2 diabetes.

Objective: Type A insulin resistance syndrome (IRS), characterized by impaired insulin receptor function due to variants of the insulin receptor gene, manifests as severe insulin-resistant diabetes. Differentiation of type A IRS from type 2 diabetes on the basis of hyperinsulinemia can be challenging. Given the association between insulin receptor dysfunction and reduced insulin clearance, we evaluated the potential of the circulating C-peptide reactivity (CPR)/immunoreactive insulin (IRI) molar ratio, a marker of insulin clearance, for distinguishing type A IRS from type 2 diabetes.

Comparison of X-ray and CT Images of COVID-19 Caused by the Wild-Type and Alpha-Variant SARS-CoV-2.

Introduction This study aimed to determine the characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia caused by the wild type and the alpha variant in patients. This study included patients with COVID-19 admitted to Fukui General Hospital between October 31, 2020, and April 30, 2021. Methods Pneumonia occurrence rate, chest X-ray, and computed tomography (CT) findings were evaluated by two radiologists.

Prolonged Febrile Seizure and Long-Term Neurological Sequelae in Otherwise Healthy Children.

The association between prolonged febrile seizure and long-term neurological sequelae in otherwise healthy children remains unclear. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a Japanese nationwide medical database. In the cohort of 38,465 children with febrile seizures, 610 and 31,157 were classified into the prolonged and non-prolonged groups, respectively.

Effect of Ozoralizumab Administration with or without Methotrexate in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Post-Hoc Analysis.

Introduction: Ozoralizumab (OZR) is a novel tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor that was launched in Japan for treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response to existing therapies. This post-hoc analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of OZR administered without methotrexate (MTX) with placebo or OZR administration in combination with MTX.

Methods: We analyzed the OZR group (30 mg) in the NATSUZORA trial (non-MTX, open trial) (OZR group; n = 94) and the placebo group (MTX group; n = 75) and the 30-mg OZR group (OZR + MTX group; n = 152) in the OHZORA trial (combined MTX, double-blind trial), and the covariates were adjusted by propensity score matching.

Risk Factors Preventing Identification of the Microorganism Causing Vertebral Osteomyelitis.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Objective: To elucidate the factors influencing the identification of causative microorganisms in vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) and the effectiveness of different culture methods in increasing the identification rate.

Methods: A total of 252 patients diagnosed with and treated for VO at a single hospital were enrolled.

Association Between Trauma-Induced Vertebral Fractures and Motor Weakness in Patients With Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis.

Background Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is an age-related condition involving abnormal ossification of soft tissues, including ligaments and joint capsules. Patients with DISH have an increased risk of fractures, especially in ankylosed spines, which increases susceptibility to spinal cord injury. This study aimed to explore the risk factors for neurological symptoms in patients with DISH-related fractures.

Efficacy, Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Immunogenicity of ABBV-154 in Adults With Glucocorticoid-Dependent Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A Phase 2, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Objective: An unmet need exists for glucocorticoid-sparing treatments for patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). The antibody-drug conjugate ABBV-154 comprises adalimumab conjugated to a glucocorticoid receptor modulator. We evaluated ABBV-154 versus placebo in patients with glucocorticoid-dependent PMR.

Electrophysiological Characterization of Monoolein-Fatty Acid Bilayers.

Understanding the evolution of protocells, primitive compartments that distinguish self from nonself, is crucial for exploring the origin of life. Fatty acids and monoglycerides have been proposed as key components of protocell membranes due to their ability to self-assemble into bilayers and vesicles capable of nutrient exchange. In this study, we investigate the electrophysiological properties of planar bilayers composed of monoglyceride and fatty acid mixtures, using a droplet interface bilayer system.

All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality Associated with Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter in Japan: The Ibaraki Prefectural Health Study.

Aims: Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) is causally associated with mortality and cardiovascular disease. However, in terms of cardiovascular cause-specific outcomes, there are fewer studies about stroke than about coronary heart disease, particularly in Asia. Furthermore, there remains uncertainty regarding the PM-respiratory disease association.

Randomized Clinical Trial of Extending the Time Window of Endovascular Therapy in the Triage of Late Presenting Stroke Beyond 24 h (SKIP-EXTEND): Rationale and Study Protocol.

The therapeutic time window for endovascular therapy in acute stroke patients with large-vessel occlusion was extended to 24 hours from onset. Although a retrospective study showed the efficacy of endovascular therapy beyond 24 hours from the last known well, it remains unclear whether endovascular therapy is effective. Extending the time window of Endovascular therapy in the Triage of Late Presenting Strokes beyond 24 h (SKIP-EXTEND trial) aimed to clarify the efficacy of endovascular therapy compared to the best medical management.

A case of Li-Fraumeni syndrome caused by a 3.6 kb deletion in the TP53 gene suggested by additional data from the NCC Oncopanel.

A Japanese woman with Li-Fraumeni syndrome in her 40s underwent comprehensive genetic profiling accompanied by germline data using the Oncoguide NCC Oncopanel, but no germline pathogenic variants in the tumor suppressor gene TP53 were detected. However, careful examination of additional data in the report suggested the presence of a large TP53 deletion. Custom targeting next-generation sequencing and nanopore sequencing revealed a 3.

Impact of Periodontal Treatment on Early Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Role of Porphyromonas gingivalis Antibody Titers.

BACKGROUND Periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are closely related, and periodontal therapy can potentially improve RA activity. However, it is not clear in which RA patient populations are more effective periodontal therapy for RA treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of treatment for periodontal disease in 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and the titers of antibodies to Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.

Clinical value of preoperative circulating tumor DNA before surgery in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Introduction: A precise preoperative tumor monitoring method that reflects tumor burden during neoadjuvant treatment is required to guide individualized perioperative treatment strategies for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study examined the clinical significance of preoperative circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the plasma of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by esophagectomy.

Materials And Methods: Plasma samples were collected longitudinally for ctDNA analysis as well as genomic DNA from primary lesions from patients with histologically confirmed ESCC who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by subtotal esophagectomy.