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.

Desirable Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels for Preventing Stroke Recurrence: A Post Hoc Analysis of the J-STARS Study (Japan Statin Treatment Against Recurrent Stroke).

Background And Purpose: To define desirable target low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels for the prevention of stroke recurrence, a post hoc analysis was performed in the J-STARS study (Japan Statin Treatment Against Recurrent Stroke).

Methods: Subjects (n=1578) were divided into groups based on mean value of postrandomized LDL cholesterol levels until the last observation in 20 mg/dL increments. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals were analyzed for each group, with adjustments for baseline LDL cholesterol, baseline body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and statin usage.

The Japanese registry for surgery of ischial pressure ulcers: STANDARDS-I.

Objective: To clarify the surgical indications and the appropriate perioperative management of ischial pressure ulcers (PUs).

Method: A two-year prospective, nationwide registry study was carried out across 26 medical institutions in Japan. All participating institutions managed ischial PUs according to the standardisation of total management and surgical application for the refractory decubitus (STANDARDS-I) perioperative protocol.

Low incidence of adjacent segment disease after posterior lumbar interbody fusion with minimum disc distraction: A preliminary report.

Study Design: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

Objective: To investigate the incidence of radiographic and symptomatic adjacent segment disease (ASD) and identify possible risk factors for ASD after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with minimum disc distraction by selecting low-height interbody cages.

Summary Of Background Data: Excessive disc space distraction is reportedly 1 of the risk factors for ASD after PLIF; however, the incidence and other risk factors of ASD after PLIF with minimum disc distraction remain unclear.

Chronicity of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency, Part 2: Radiographic Predictors of Early Graft Failure.

Background: Accumulating evidence suggests that long-term anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency can give rise to an abnormal tibiofemoral relationship and subsequent intra-articular lesions. However, the effects of chronic ACL deficiency (ACLD) on early graft failure after anatomic reconstruction remain unclear.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that patients with long-term ACLD lasting more than 5 years would have a greater rate of early graft failure due to insufficient intraoperative reduction of the tibia and that the preoperative and immediately postoperative abnormal tibiofemoral relationship in the sagittal plane, such as anterior tibial subluxation (ATS), would correlate with the graft status on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

A noninferiority confirmatory trial of prasugrel versus clopidogrel in Japanese patients with non-cardioembolic stroke: rationale and study design for a randomized controlled trial - PRASTRO-I trial.

Background: This comparison of PRAsugrel and clopidogrel in Japanese patients with ischemic STROke (PRASTRO)-I trial investigates the noninferiority of prasugrel to clopidogrel sulfate in the prevention of recurrence of primary events (ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and death from other vascular causes), and the long-term safety of prasugrel in Japanese patients with non-cardioembolic stroke.

Research Design And Methods: This was an active-controlled, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group study conducted between July 2011 and March 2016 at multiple centers around Japan. Patients had to meet eligibility criteria before receiving 3.

Chronicity of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency, Part 1: Effects on the Tibiofemoral Relationship Before and Immediately After Anatomic ACL Reconstruction With Autologous Hamstring Grafts.

Background: It remains unclear whether the tibiofemoral relationship in the sagittal plane is restored after anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, particularly in cases of chronic ACL deficiency (ACLD).

Hypothesis: Patients with long-term ACLD will exhibit an anteriorly subluxed tibia both preoperatively and immediately postoperatively, even after anatomic reconstruction.

Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Impact of D-dimer levels for short-term or long-term outcomes in cryptogenic stroke patients.

Background: D-dimer levels are used in several clinical settings, such as in predicting venous thrombosis, cardioembolic stroke and cancer status. In the present study, we investigated the associations between plasma D-dimer levels at admission, clinical characteristics and mortality at discharge in cryptogenic stroke patients. We also investigated whether D-dimer levels can predict long-term outcomes in those patients, including those with and without right-to-left shunt (RLS).

Suture Fixation Using Polyblend Polyethylene Sutures With Hydroxyapatite Block for an Intra-articular Depression Fracture of the Pisiform Bone.

Few cases in which open reduction and internal fixation was performed for displaced pisiform fractures have been reported. We present a new surgical technique for the treatment of depressed intra-articular pisiform fractures. First, the depressed fragment was reduced by pushing the bone tamp.

[THE RISK FACTORS AND CHEMOPREVENTION OF FEBRILE URINARY TRACT INFECTION AFTER TRANSURETHRAL URETEROLITHOTRIPSY].

(Objectives) Transurethral Ureterolithotripsy (TUL) has become an increasingly more common treatment for ureteric stones since the reduction in ureteroscope diameter and other device improvements. At the same time, TUL sometimes shows postoperative febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) with severe complications. Therefore we investigated the occurrence and risk factors of fUTI in our hospital, and assessed the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis prior to TUL.

Effects of Cilnidipine, an L/N-Type Calcium Channel Blocker, on Carotid Atherosclerosis in Japanese Post-Stroke Hypertensive Patients: Results from the CA-ATTEND Study.

Aims: Although several antihypertensive agents reduced the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), it remains unclear whether those agents affect the interadventitial diameter (IAD). We aimed to examine whether cilnidipine, an L/N-type calcium channel blocker, reduced the common carotid IMT or IAD in post-stroke hypertensive patients.

Methods: The common carotid IMT and IAD were measured at the start of cilnidipine treatment and 12 months from that.

Flexion Gap in the Isolated Posterior Cruciate Ligament-Injured Knee Affects Symptom Relief After Conservative Treatment: A Case-Control Study.

Background: The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is a primary stabilizer of the knee in the posterior direction. However, PCL deficiency presents a clinical paradox because the outcome of PCL deficiency ranges from total disability to uninterrupted participation in competitive athletics.

Purpose: To investigate whether posterior laxity (PL) and the flexion gap (FG) influence the results of the conservative treatment of isolated PCL injuries.

Long-Term Effect of Pravastatin on Carotid Intima-Media Complex Thickness: The J-STARS Echo Study (Japan Statin Treatment Against Recurrent Stroke).

Background And Purpose: The effect of statins on progression of carotid intima-media complex thickness (IMT) has been shown exclusively in nonstroke Western patients. This study aimed to determine the effect of low-dose pravastatin on carotid IMT in Japanese patients with noncardioembolic ischemic stroke.

Methods: This is a substudy of the J-STARS trial (Japan Statin Treatment Against Recurrent Stroke), a multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group trial to examine whether pravastatin reduces stroke recurrence.

A no-touch technique for pulmonary wedge resection of lung cancer.

Objective: Many of the surgical patients with lung cancer die by metastasis originated from circulating tumor cells (CTCs) which are seeds of metastases. A ring-shaped catching forceps, which generates the great pressure by compression, may reduce the risk of tumor cell spreading. Here, we investigated the efficacy of such forceps based on CTC occurrence.

Factors Associated with Intima-Media Complex Thickness of the Common Carotid Artery in Japanese Noncardioembolic Stroke Patients with Hyperlipidemia: The J-STARS Echo Study.

Aims: There may be ethnic differences in carotid atherosclerosis and its contributing factors between Asian and other populations. The purpose of this study was to examine intima-media complex thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery and associated clinical factors in Japanese stroke patients with hyperlipidemia from a cohort of the Japan Statin Treatment Against Recurrent Stroke Echo Study.

Methods: Patients with hyperlipidemia, not on statins, who developed noncardioembolic ischemic stroke were included in this study.

Spatial electromyography distribution pattern of the vastus lateralis muscle during ramp up contractions in Parkinson's disease patients.

Parkinson's disease (PD) related decreases in muscle strength may result from both central and peripheral factors. However, the effect of PD on the neuromuscular system, such as motor unit activation properties, remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to compare the spatial distribution pattern of electromyographic activity during sustained contractions in healthy subjects and PD patients.

Alpha-2-macroglobulin as a Promising Biological Marker of Endothelial Function.

Aims: Alpha-2-macroglobulin (MG) is thought to be associated with inflammatory reactions and procoagulant properties that might cause ischemic stroke. Endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in atherosclerosis development and in the occurrence of cardiovascular events. In this study, we investigated whether serum MG levels, endothelial function, and endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) number were associated in patients with chronic stroke or cardiovascular risk factors.

Rotational Corrective Osteotomy for Malunited Distal Diaphyseal Radius Fractures in Children and Adolescents.

Purpose: To report our method of computer-planned rotational corrective osteotomy for malunited distal diaphyseal radius fractures in children and adolescents using a custom jig and to review the results of 4 cases.

Methods: Four patients (mean age, 13 years; range, 11-16 years) underwent computer-planned rotational corrective osteotomy for malunited distal diaphyseal radius fracture using a custom jig. We retrospectively evaluated their radiographic and clinical data.

Sex Differences in the Residual Patellar Tendon After Harvesting Its Central Third for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Objectives: Some studies have found that sex can affect the clinical results after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. We hypothesized that sex would significantly affect the healing of the postoperative patellar tendon. This study evaluated the patellar tendon after bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft harvest, specifically with regard to sex-dependent differences.

Does lung cancer surgery cause circulating tumor cells?-A multicenter, prospective study.

Background: Cancer relapse is caused by residual isolated tumor cells (ITCs) remaining in the body after surgery. It is speculated that surgical manipulation may cause circulating tumor cells (CTCs) which are the origin of ITCs in the body. The occurrence of CTCs in surgical patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been shown in retrospective observation, but not prospectively, thus we conducted a multicenter prospective study regarding the occurrence of CTCs by surgical manipulation.

Pravastatin Reduces the Risk of Atherothrombotic Stroke when Administered within Six Months of an Initial Stroke Event.

Aims: The J-STARS study examined whether pravastatin (10 mg/day) reduces recurrence of stroke in non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke patients who were enrolled within 1 month to 3 years after initial stroke events (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00221104). The main results showed that the frequency of atherothrombotic stroke was low in pravastatin-treated patients, although no effect of pravastatin was found for the other stroke subtypes.

Association Between Clinicopathological Factors and Genomic Abnormalities Detected by FISH Analysis in Epithelioid Diffuse Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.

Background: Abnormality of genes including 9p21 is known in malignant mesothelioma and we have examined the frequency of gene deletion and amplification using the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method. We formerly reported that abnormality of the genes was more common in the sarcomatoid type than epithelioid type. In this study, we compared the clinicopathological factors including nuclear grade (NG) and genomic abnormality in epithelioid malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).