From the genesis to the present: The evolution of sublingual immunotherapy for cedar pollinosis.

In 2004, we started the initial attempt to evaluate the efficacy of SLIT for Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCP) using Japanese cedar (JC) pollen extract solution through a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind comparative study. Based on its success in demonstrating the substantial efficacy of SLIT, we next conducted a larger-scale study by administering JC pollen to all JCP patients recruited. It was because of aiming to ascertain the effectiveness and safety of SLIT and its underlying mechanisms by comparing high- and non-responder patients.

Effect of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training for layperson bystanders on outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A prospective multicenter observational study.

Background: Effective bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improves outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. However, the effect of CPR training on the rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) among laypersons has yet to be thoroughly evaluated.

Methods: This prospective, multicenter observational study was conducted across 42 centers in Japan.

Agonal breathing upon hospital arrival as a prognostic factor in patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Background: Agonal breathing is a relatively common symptom that follows cardiac arrest when the brainstem function is preserved. Agonal breathing is associated with favorable survival in patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). While previous studies focused on agonal breathing observed in the pre-hospital setting for all study subjects, we focused on agonal breathing observed upon hospital arrival.

Nationwide status of progestogen treatment to prevent spontaneous preterm birth: A questionnaire survey for childbirth healthcare facilities in Japan.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the current status of progestogen treatment for pregnant women at a high risk for preterm birth (PTB) in childbirth healthcare facilities in Japan.

Methods: A web-based nationwide questionnaire survey regarding progestogen use for prevention of PTB was conducted among childbirth healthcare facilities from 2019 to 2021.

Results: Valid responses were obtained from 528 facilities (25.

Upward-directed exit-site of the swan-neck catheter and "Easy-to-disinfect the backside area of exit-site" may prevent PD complications.

Background: Upward-directed exit-site has been believed to be the worst for frequent ESI by an old retrospective study using straight catheters. No comparison study of 3 exit-site directions using swan-neck catheter has been performed regarding which direction is the best for our endpoints, Easy-to-see the backside area of exit-site: ESBE, Easy-to-disinfect the backside area of exit-site: EDBE, reduction of both exit-site infection (ESI), symptomatic catheter dislocation and peritonitis.

Methods: We assessed the relationship of exit-site direction with our endpoints in a quantitative cross-sectional, multicentered questionnaire survey.

Thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) expression and the efficacy of combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors and cytotoxic chemotherapy in non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) is expressed in approximately 70% of lung adenocarcinomas and is one of the most reliable makers to distinguish primary lung adenocarcinoma from metastatic disease. TTF-1-negative status is a poor prognostic factor, and TTF-1-negative lung adenocarcinoma is associated with poor efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy. However, the relationship between TTF-1 expression and the efficacy of ICI plus chemotherapy is still unclear.

A remarkable response to combination chemotherapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab in a patient with primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma: a case report.

Background: Primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma (PPC) is a rare malignancy, and only 41 PPC cases have been reported in males up to 2021. Due to its rarity, no standardized treatments for PPC have been established. Cytotoxic chemotherapy has limited efficacy, and the prognosis of advanced PPC is notably poor.

Pharmacist Interventions for Adverse Drug Reactions in Palliative Care: A Multicentre Pilot Study.

This study aimed to investigate adverse reactions to medications administered during palliative care and compare the responses of Board-Certified Pharmacists in Palliative Pharmacy (BCPPP) and non-BCPPP professionals. : This multicentre prospective survey included hospital and community pharmacists who are members of the Japanese Society for Pharmaceutical Palliative Care and Sciences. Study participants included patients who experienced new drug reactions during the study period and responded to the requested survey items.

Platinum-combination chemotherapy with or without immune-checkpoint inhibitor in patients with postoperative recurrent non-small cell lung cancer previously treated with adjuvant platinum-doublet chemotherapy: A multicenter retrospective study.

Background: Rechallenge with platinum-combination chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after disease progression on platinum-combination chemotherapy occasionally leads to a favorable response. The efficacy and safety of platinum-combination chemotherapy with or without immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) for patients with recurrent NSCLC after surgery followed by adjuvant platinum-doublet chemotherapy remains uncertain.

Methods: Patients who relapsed after surgery plus adjuvant platinum-doublet chemotherapy and received platinum-combination chemotherapy with or without ICI between April 2011 and March 2021 at four Nippon Medical School hospitals were retrospectively analyzed.

HDR-brachytherapy for accelerated partial breast irradiation: Long-term experience from a Japanese institution.

Purpose: We investigated the long-term oncological outcome of high-dose-rate (HDR) multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy (MIB) for adjuvant accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) after breast conserving surgery in Japanese patients.

Material And Methods: Between June 2002 and October 2011, 86 breast cancer patients were treated at National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital (trial number of the local institutional review board, 0329). Median age was 48 years (range, 26-73 years).

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Common Carotid Artery Occlusion.

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard treatment for acute large occlusion of the cerebral artery. Evidence for the success of this procedure was based on the treatment of patients with internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery thrombi. There are a few reports on thrombi extending to the common carotid artery (CCA).

The Effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake on Perinatal Outcomes: Results of the Pregnancy and Birth Survey in the Fukushima Health Management Survey.

There are limited studies on the long-term effects of natural/environmental disasters, especially nuclear disasters, on obstetric outcomes. This study aimed to review the results of perinatal outcomes immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, as well as their long-term trends over 8 years, in the Fukushima Health Management Survey. The annual population-based Pregnancy and Birth Survey is conducted as part of the Fukushima Health Management Survey.

Effects of External Radiation Exposure on Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident: the Fukushima Health Management Survey.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal exposure to external radiation on perinatal outcomes among women who experienced the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster (FDND) using the Fukushima Health Management Survey (FHMS).

Methods: Data from the Pregnancy and Birth Survey and Basic Survey in the FHMS were combined to analyze external maternal radiation exposure following the FDND, and the relationship between radiation dose and perinatal outcomes was analyzed using binomial logistic regression analysis. Missing dose data were supplemented using multiple imputation.

Black pleural effusion caused by a pancreaticopleural fistula associated with autoimmune pancreatitis: A case report.

Rationale: Black pleural effusion is a rare medical condition and a diagnostic marker. Pancreaticopleural fistula is one of the causes of black pleural effusion. Thus far, black pleural effusions caused by pancreaticopleural fistulae have mostly been reported in patients with alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis.

Transileocolic endovascular treatment by a hybrid approach for severe acute portal vein thrombosis with bowel necrosis: Two case reports.

Background: Acute portal vein thrombosis (PVT) with bowel necrosis is a fatal condition with a 50%-75% mortality rate. This report describes the successful endovascular treatment (EVT) of two patients with severe PVT.

Case Summary: The first patient was a 22-year-old man who presented with abdominal pain lasting 3 d.

A Japanese prospective multi-institutional feasibility study on accelerated partial breast irradiation using multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy: clinical results with a median follow-up of 60 months.

Background: We carried out the first multi-institutional prospective study on accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) via multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy in a shorter period for early breast cancer in Japan.

Methods: Patient eligibility criteria included positive hormone receptors, tumors ≤ 3 cm and TNM stage pN0M0. After breast-conserving surgery (Japanese cylindrical resection) and histological confirmation of negative surgical margins and the absence of lymph node metastasis, applicator implantation was performed either postoperatively or intraoperatively.

Tenecteplase versus alteplase for large vessel occlusion recanalization (T-FLAVOR): Trial protocol.

Background: Tenecteplase has higher fibrin specificity with a longer half-life and the potential to achieve higher rates of recanalization than alteplase. A critical limitation of tenecteplase is no commercial use in Japan and no experience with its administration to Japanese patients.

Hypothesis: Tenecteplase is superior to alteplase in achieving recanalization on the initial angiogram when administered ≤4.