Analysis of the safety of pretransplant corticosteroid therapy in patients with acute liver failure and late-onset hepatic failure in Japan.

Background And Aim: In Japan, corticosteroids have been commonly used as a part of multidisciplinary therapy for patients with acute liver failure and late-onset hepatic failure. However, there is controversy regarding the development of infections and other complications. In this study, the influence of corticosteroids on patient outcomes after liver transplantation was investigated.

Detection of microstructural white matter alterations in functional gastrointestinal disorders assessed by diffusion kurtosis imaging.

Background And Aim: We evaluated whether diffusion kurtosis and tensor imaging (DKI/DTI) could reveal microstructural alterations in the brains of patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), and whether imaging findings were correlated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods: Twelve patients with FGIDs fulfilling the Rome IV criteria, and seven healthy controls were examined using a 3 T magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. Tract-based spatial statistics and regions of interest analyses were performed to compare the mean kurtosis (MK), fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean diffusivity (MD) between patients with FGIDs versus controls.

Regulatory T cells in Crohn's disease following anti-TNF-α therapy.

Background And Aim: Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) therapy is an effective therapy for Crohn's disease (CD). We investigated FoxP3 and CD127 regulatory T cells (Tregs) before and after administration of anti-TNF-α therapy in CD.

Methods: Eight patients with active CD who had received anti-TNF-α antibodies were enrolled.

Prolonged sinus arrest on electrocardiogram recording during apheresis donation in young female donor with convulsive syncope.

An 18-year-old young female with a convulsive syncope during apheresis donation demonstrated a prolonged sudden sinus arrest continued for approximately 30-second on monitor ECG. This prolonged sinus arrest may relate accidental serious complications in ordinal apheresis donation. Continuous electrocardiogram monitor and correspondence are indispensable.