Evaluation of the AB Score for Prediction of Survival in Patients With Heart Failure in a Nationwide Cohort in Japan.

Background: Although a tool for sharing patient prognosis among all medical staff is desirable in heart failure (HF) cases, only a few simple HF prognostic scores are available. We previously presented the AB score, a simple user-friendly HF risk score, and validated it in a small single-center cohort. In the present study, we validated it in a larger nationwide cohort.

CD14 down-modulation as a real-time biomarker in Kawasaki disease.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to investigate the pathophysiology of Kawasaki disease (KD) from immunological and oxidative stress perspectives, and to identify real-time biomarkers linked to innate immunity and oxidative stress in KD.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 85 patients with KD and 135 patients with diverse conditions including immune, infectious and non-infectious diseases for this investigation. Flow cytometry was used to analyse the surface expression of CD14, CD38 and CD62L on monocytes, along with a quantitative assessment of CD14 down-modulation.

Thrombocytopenia as a Bleeding Risk Factor in Atrial Fibrillation and Coronary Artery Disease: Insights From the AFIRE Study.

Background Thrombocytopenia poses a risk of bleeding in patients with chronic coronary syndrome after coronary intervention. However, whether thrombocytopenia also increases the bleeding risk in patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic coronary syndrome remains unclear. Methods and Results This study evaluated the AFIRE (Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease) trial.

Successful management of pyriform sinus cyst and fistula using endoscopic electrocauterization.

Objectives: Pyriform sinus cyst (PSC) and pyriform sinus fistula (PSF) is a rare congenital malformation that arises from the third or fourth branchial structure. In our study, we describe the safety and the utility of endoscopic electrocauterization against PSC/PSF.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent endoscopic electrocauterization for PSC/PSF at our hospital.

Massive bleeding from a duodenal ulcer in a child with influenza infection: A case report of endoscopic findings.

Gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation following influenza infection is rare. We encountered a pediatric case of hemorrhagic duodenal ulcer following influenza A infection. The patient was a 1-year and 4-month-old boy who was diagnosed with influenza A infection and treated with laninamivir octanoate.

Antithrombotic Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation and Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Prior Atherothrombotic Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis of the AFIRE Trial.

Background Among patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease, those with histories of atherothrombotic disease are at high-risk for future ischemic events. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban monotherapy in patients with atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and histories of atherothrombotic disease. Methods and Results This was a post hoc subanalysis of the AFIRE (Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease) trial.

Effect of Underlying Cardiometabolic Diseases on the Association Between Sedentary Time and All-Cause Mortality in a Large Japanese Population: A Cohort Analysis Based on the J-MICC Study.

Background This study aimed to determine the association between sedentary time and mortality with regard to leisure-time physical activity with or without cardiometabolic diseases such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. Methods and Results Using data from the J-MICC (Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort) Study, 64 456 participants (29 022 men, 35 434 women) were analyzed. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were used to characterize the relative risk of all-cause mortality to evaluate its association with sedentary time (categorical variables: <5, 5 to <7, 7 to <9, ≥9 h/d and 2-hour increments in exposure) according to the self-reported hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus using a Cox proportional hazards model.

Beta-Blocker Use Is Associated With Prevention of Left Ventricular Remodeling in Recovered Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Background Withdrawal of optimal medical therapy has been reported to relapse cardiac dysfunction in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) whose cardiac function had improved. However, it is unknown whether beta-blockers can prevent deterioration of cardiac function in those patients. We examined the effect of beta-blockers on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in recovered DCM.

Sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer: Knowledge and prevention awareness among female university students in Japan.

Aim: To examine the possible association among knowledge regarding cervical cancer, its relationship with STIs and prevention awareness of STIs of female aged 20 years or older who were recommended regular screening for cervical cancer.

Design: A cross-sectional study using anonymous self-administered questionnaires.

Method: The subjects were 3rd- and 4th-year female university students.

Prescription Rates of Guideline-Directed Medications Are Associated With In-Hospital Mortality Among Japanese Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Report From JROAD - DPC Study.

Background The JROAD-DPC (Japanese Registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Diseases Diagnosis Procedure Combination) is a nationwide claims database comprised of the Japanese DPC /Per Diem Payment System. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between prescription rates of guideline-directed medications in each hospital and in-hospital mortality among patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods and Results A total of 61 838 Japanese patients from 741 hospitals with acute myocardial infarction between 2012 and 2013 were enrolled.