Long-term safety and efficacy of fostamatinib in Japanese patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia.

Fostamatinib had superior efficacy to a placebo and acceptable safety profiles for at least 1 year in a phase 3 study of Japanese patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia. Here, we report the 3-year safety and efficacy of fostamatinib in that study. Data from 33 patients who received at least one dose of fostamatinib were analyzed.

Expert consensus statement for quantitative measurement and morphologic assessment of optical coherence tomography: update 2025.

In this updated expert consensus document, the methods for the quantitative measurement and morphologic assessment of optical coherence tomography (OCT) / optical frequency domain imaging images (OFDI) are briefly summarized. The focus is on the clinical application and the clinical evidence of OCT / OFDI to guide percutaneous coronary interventions.

Longitudinal impact of extended-hours hemodialysis with a liberalized diet on nutritional status and survival outcomes: findings from the LIBERTY cohort.

Background: Protein-energy wasting (PEW), a unique weight loss linked to nutritional and metabolic abnormalities, is common in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and associated with adverse outcomes. This study investigated whether extended-hours HD combined with a liberalized diet could overcome PEW and improve survival.

Methods: The body mass index (BMI) and survival outcomes in patients undergoing extended-hours HD were evaluated for up to 8 years using data from the LIBeralized diet Extended-houRs hemodialysis Therapy (LIBERTY) cohort.

Fluorescent nucleobase analogue for cellular visualisation and regulation of immunostimulatory CpG oligodeoxynucleotides.

In this study, we explored the chemical modification of toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist DNA using a highly fluorescent thymine analogue, ThexT, focusing on its structural and photophysical characteristics. ThexT-labelled CpG oligonucleotides effectively demonstrated intracellular localisation within macrophage cell lines. Notably, immunostimulatory activity varied depending on the site of ThexT incorporation within the TLR9 agonist sequence.

Biomarkers associated with progression of infantile hemangioma: Exploratory study.

To identify patients with infantile hemangioma (IH) in need of early-stage treatment in this multicenter, prospective, observational study, we investigated the potential of plasma cytokines as a clinically useful marker. Plasma samples were collected at three time points from 41 patients with infantile hemangioma: baseline (days 14-60 after delivery), visit 1 (days 61-150, the proliferative phase), and visit 2 (days 151-395, the involuting phase). With a twofold or more increase in tumor volume during the baseline-visit 1 period regarded as progression, progression was seen in 15 cases (36.

Intravascular Large B-Cell Lymphoma Mimicking Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBL) poses a diagnostic challenge due to its varied, nonspecific symptoms. Utilizing PET-CT can be valuable in identifying lesions across the body, aiding clinicians in targeted biopsy planning. Clinicians need to be aware that IVLBL may manifest hepatic lesions along Glisson's sheath mimicking intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

A case report of a rare cardiac anomaly associated with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome: common atrium, partial atrioventricular septal defect, and hypoplastic left ventricle.

Background: A partial atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) with a hypoplastic left ventricle and common atrium is a rare combination of cardiac anomalies that can be associated with Ellis-van Creveld (EVC) syndrome.

Case Summary: A female neonate with EVC syndrome was diagnosed with an unbalanced AVSD and hypoplastic left ventricle. Pulmonary artery banding and ductus ligation were performed at 23 days after birth.

Why work in another country? Japanese nurses' experience and their reasons for staying in Australia.

Aim: Many Japanese nurses have moved to Australia, yet their experiences and perceived reasons for staying in Australia are understudied. This study identified why Japanese nurses who moved internationally to Australia continued to stay and work in Australia.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 Japanese nurses who hold Japanese nursing licenses and are registered as nurses in Australia.

Cdc42 is crucial for the early regulation of hepatic stellate cell activation.

The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from a quiescent state is a cause of liver fibrosis and a therapeutic target. HSCs are resident mesenchymal cells located in the space of Disse, exhibiting specialized morphological characteristics such as a stellate shape, large lipid droplets, and direct adhesions to hepatocytes via microprojections called HSC spines. Morphological alterations in HSCs play a crucial role in initiating their activation.

Three effective cases of transcatheter arterial embolization after atezolizumab and bevacizumab treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report.

Background: The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system classifies hepatocellular carcinoma on the basis of tumor characteristics, liver function, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status. Hepatocellular carcinoma is divided into five stages, and the treatment options for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma have evolved in recent years. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization remains the standard treatment for intermediate-stage (stage B) hepatocellular carcinoma.

Utility and clinical significance of endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition for diagnosing lymphadenopathies in biliary tract cancer.

Lymph node sampling with endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) may affect treatment options for biliary tract cancers. Our aim is to clarify its utility and clinical significance and the factors associated with FNA cytology positivity. Seventy-one consecutive patients with biliary tract cancer who underwent EUS-FNA to diagnose lymphadenopathies from April 2012 to July 2021 were enrolled retrospectively.

Erector Spinae Muscle to Epicardial Visceral Fat Ratio on Chest CT Predicts the Severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Background: Chest computed tomography (CT) is a valuable tool for diagnosing and predicting the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and assessing extrapulmonary organs. Reduced muscle mass and visceral fat accumulation are important features of a body composition phenotype in which obesity and muscle loss coexist, but their relationship with COVID-19 outcomes remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between the erector spinae muscle (ESM) to epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) ratio (ESM/EAT) on chest CT and disease severity in patients with COVID-19.

Nationwide multi-centric prospective study for the identification of biomarkers to predict the treatment responses of nivolumab through comprehensive analyses of pretreatment plasma exosome mRNAs from head and neck cancer patients (BIONEXT study).

Background: Nivolumab paved a new way in the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic (RM) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RM-HNSCC). However, the limited rates of long-term survivors (< 20%) demand a robust prognostic biomarker. This nationwide multi-centric prospective study aimed to identify a plasma exosome (PEX) mRNA signature, which serves as a companion diagnostic of nivolumab and provides a biological clue to develop effective therapies for a majority of non-survivors.

Clinical outcomes and biomechanics in bicruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: To clarify the influence of biomechanics on post-operative clinical outcomes in bicruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (BCR-TKA).

Methods: Severe medial osteoarthritis who underwent BCR-TKA were examined. Each patient was asked to perform a squat (weight-bearing [WB]) and active assisted knee flexion (non-WB [NWB]) under single fluoroscopy surveillance.

Locked Lateral Patellar Dislocation Reduced by Arthroscopic Procedure: A Case Report.

Most cases of patellar dislocation can be reduced spontaneously or manually without sedation. To date, only one case of arthroscopic reduction for a lateral locked patellar dislocation has been reported, with a short follow-up period. Herein, we report the case of a 22-year-old man with a lateral locked patellar dislocation for whom we performed arthroscopic reduction and repair of the medial structure, which stabilized the patella medially.

Bladder Injury and Urinary Tract Infection Following Low-Energy Pelvic Fracture in an Elderly Patient.

This case report presents an 86-year-old female patient who developed a urinary tract injury and infection following a pelvic fracture caused by a bedside fall during hospitalization for  pneumonia. The patient experienced fever with chills and rigors, prompting antibiotic treatment. Imaging revealed an ischial tuberosity fracture with potential bone fragment retention in the bladder wall.

Empowering Communication in Medicine: A Workshop Approach to Improve Presentation Skills for Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists.

Introduction Effective communication is crucial for healthcare professionals, impacting patient care and interdisciplinary collaboration. However, medical education often lacks structured training in communication and presentation techniques. Herein, we evaluate the efficacy of structured workshops aimed at enhancing presentation skills among ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors through training in visual material design and concise verbal communication, including elevator pitches.

HLA-matched related peripheral blood stem cell and bone marrow transplantation with RIC regimens yield comparable outcomes for adult AML.

Introduction: Understanding differences in clinical outcomes between PBSCT and BMT is important, and this study compared outcomes of HLA-matched related PBSCT and BMT using reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients.

Methods: Data from 402 patients who underwent either PBSCT ( = 294) or BMT ( = 108) between 2000 and 2022 were analyzed using the Japanese nationwide registry database. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and secondary endpoints included disease-free survival (DFS), non-relapse mortality (NRM), and GVHD.

Factors influencing the delivery of automated external defibrillators by lay rescuers to the scene of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in schools.

Aim: Timely use of automated external defibrillators by lay rescuers significantly improves the chances of survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases. We aimed to identify the factors influencing whether lay rescuers bring automated external defibrillators to the scene of nontraumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in schoolchildren in Japan.

Methods: Data on out-of-hospital cardiac arrests among schoolchildren from April 2008 to December 2021 were obtained from the database of the Stop and Prevent cardIac aRrest, Injury, and Trauma in Schools study.

A case of successful salvage despite right ventricular perforation during AVEIR VR leadless pacemaker implantation.

To prevent cardiac tamponade caused by catheter tip slippage during the retraction of the protective sleeve in Aveir VR implantation, it is crucial to carefully evaluate not only the bulge of the protective sleeve but also the shape of the system's shaft using fluoroscopic imaging.

Basophil-Derived IL-4 Production and Its Potential Pro-Tumoural Role in Th2-Polarisation Within Sentinel Lymph Nodes of Primary Cutaneous Melanoma.

Chronic inflammation in the tumour microenvironment (TME) via Th2-polarisation promotes melanoma progression and metastasis, making it a target for immunotherapy. Interleukin (IL)-4 is considered essential for Th2-polarisation in the TME; however, its source remains unknown. Basophils have been postulated as one of its sources.

Exploring the Clinical Diversity of Castleman Disease and TAFRO Syndrome: A Japanese Multicenter Study on Lymph Node Distribution Patterns.

Individuals diagnosed with Castleman disease (CD) and TAFRO syndrome (characterized by thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, bone marrow fibrosis, and organomegaly) displays a wide range of clinical symptoms, including varying patterns of lymph node enlargement, systemic inflammation, and impaired organ function. Some patients may present with both CD and TAFRO syndrome concurrently. A retrospective study conducted across multiple centers in Japan examined 321 cases to determine if the quantity and position of swollen lymph nodes could forecast the clinical progression and intensity of these conditions.

Intratumor heterogeneity of HPV integration in HPV-associated head and neck cancer.

Integration of human papillomavirus (HPV) into the host genome drives HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HPV HNSCC). Whole-genome sequencing of 51 tumors revealed intratumor heterogeneity of HPV integration, with 44% of breakpoints subclonal, and a biased distribution of integration breakpoints across the HPV genome. Four HPV physical states were identified, with at least 49% of tumors progressing without integration.