Functional outcomes and associated factors of cerebral infarction and intracerebral hemorrhage in an area with aging populations in change over time: Evidence from the Akita Stroke Registry.

Aim: To examine secular change in functional outcomes and associated factors of stroke in a rapidly aging region.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed cerebral infarction and intracerebral hemorrhage incidence registered cases in the Akita Stroke Registry from 1985 to 2014, divided into three of 10 years each. Functional outcome was defined as good with a modified Rankin scale score of 0-1 and poor with a score of 3-6 at discharge.

Distinctive features of lipoprotein profiles in stroke patients.

Classes of lipoproteins solubilize lipids in the blood, and their profiles are important for preventing atherosclerotic diseases. These can be identified by gel filtration HPLC, which has been analyzed in a manner that yields the same values as the de facto standard method, i.e.

Human lipoproteins comprise at least 12 different classes that are lognormally distributed.

This study presents the results of HPLC, a gentler and rapid separation method in comparison with the conventional ultracentrifugation, for 55 human serum samples. The elution patterns were analysed parametrically, and the attribute of each class was confirmed biochemically. Human samples contained 12 classes of lipoproteins, each of which may consist primarily of proteins.

Acceleration of opportunistic atrial fibrillation screening for elderly patients in routine primary care.

Cardio-embolic ischemic stroke caused by atrial fibrillation is more severe compared with other types of stroke, such as lacunar infarction and atherothrombotic infarction in patients without atrial fibrillation. Therefore, it is important to prevent cardio-embolic ischemic stroke by detecting atrial fibrillation early in at-risk patients and administering appropriate anticoagulation therapy. This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of opportunistic atrial fibrillation screening at 12 primary clinics in Japan.

Impact of care coordination on oral anticoagulant therapy among patients with atrial fibrillation in routine clinical practice in Japan: a prospective, observational study.

Background: Care coordination between general practitioners (GPs) and cardiovascular specialists is expected to play a key role in establishing appropriate oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of care coordination on oral anticoagulant therapy in the management of AF in Japan.

Methods: This study was a multi-center, single-arm, prospective cohort study with retrospective chart and claims data review for historical controls.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics among Subtypes of Visual Symptoms in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack: Analysis of the PROspective Multicenter registry to Identify Subsequent cardiovascular Events after TIA (PROMISE-TIA) Registry.

Background: A transient visual symptom (TVS) is a clinical manifestation of transient ischemic attack (TIA). The aim of this study was to investigate differences in clinical characteristics among subtypes of TVS using multicenter TIA registry data.

Materials And Methods: Patients with TIA visiting within 7 days of onset were prospectively enrolled from 57 hospitals between June 2011 and December 2013.

Development and validation of a score for evaluating comprehensive stroke care capabilities: J-ASPECT Study.

Background: Although the Brain Attack Coalition recommended establishing centers of comprehensive care for stroke and cerebrovascular disease patients, a scoring system for such centers was lacking. We created and validated a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) score, adapted to Japanese circumstances.

Methods: Of the selected 1369 certified training institutions in Japan, 749 completed an acute stroke care capabilities survey.

Prehospital antiplatelet use and functional status on admission of patients with non-haemorrhagic moyamoya disease: a nationwide retrospective cohort study (J-ASPECT study).

Objectives: To elucidate the association between antiplatelet use in patients with non-haemorrhagic moyamoya disease before hospital admission and good functional status on admission in Japan.

Design: Retrospective, multicentre, non-randomised, observational study.

Setting: Nationwide registry data in Japan.