Immunohistochemical analysis of PDGFR-α for wound age determination

Immunohistochemical analysis of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFR-α) was performed on human skin wounds obtained from forensic autopsy cases. Thirty human skin wounds were collected at different post-infliction intervals as follows: Group I, 4 h to 3 days (n = 16); Group II, 4 to 7 days (n = 7); Group III, 9 to 10 days (n = 3); and Group IV, 14 to 20 days (n = 4). Immunopositive reactions for PDGFR-α were not observed in the uninjured human skin specimens. In a semi-quantitative morphometrical analysis, the number of PDGFR-α-positive cells was observed increased in Group II, with the average number of PDGFR-α-positive cells being the highest in Group II. Additionally, in Group II, all specimens showed PDGFR-α-positive cells, with an average number of > 200 cells in five fields of view, suggesting a wound age of 4 to 7 days. Taken together, the immunohistochemical detection of PDGFR-α in human skin wounds can be a useful tool for wound age determination.

A case of hemoperitoneum after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma

We report a case of hemoperitoneum after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma. A 60-year-old female was hospitalized for the treatment of thrombasthenia and cirrhosis caused by chronic Hepatitis C, and computed tomography revealed hepatocellular carcinoma, which was treated by percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. After the ablation, hemoperitoneum was suspected because of the low hemoglobin level with abdominal pain. Approximately 6 h after the ablation treatment, the patient suddenly fell into a shock state and died. In this case, medical treatment-related death including malpractice was suspected, and forensic autopsy was performed. The abdominal cavity contained 910 mL of dark red fluid blood and 210 g of soft hemocoagula. Moreover, several puncture marks were observed on the liver surface and diaphragm, and there was no clear damage to the main arteries and veins. Considering the macroscopic and microscopic findings, the cause of death was assumed as hemorrhagic shock due to the hemoperitoneum caused by the damage to the liver by radiofrequency ablation. It is important to consider all the indications and adverse effects of radiofrequency ablation.

Forensic significance of intracardiac expressions of Nrf2 in acute myocardial ischemia

When exposed to oxidative and electrophilic stress, a protective antioxidant response is initiated by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). However, the extent of its importance in the forensic diagnosis of acute ischemic heart diseases (AIHD), such as myocardial infarction (MI), remains uncertain. On the other hand, immunohistochemical analyses of fibronectin (FN) and the terminal complement complex (C5b-9) prove valuable in identifying myocardial ischemia that precedes necrosis during the postmortem diagnosis of sudden cardiac death (SCD). In this study, we investigated the immunohistochemical levels of Nrf2, FN, and C5b-9 in human cardiac samples to explore their forensic relevance for the identification of acute cardiac ischemia. Heart samples were obtained from 25 AIHD cases and 39 non-AIHD cases as controls. Nrf2 was localized in the nuclei of cardiomyocytes, while FN and C5b-9 were detected in the myocardial cytoplasm. The number of intranuclear Nrf2 positive signals in cardiomyocytes increased in AIHD cases compared to control cases. Additionally, the grading of positive portions of cardiac FN and C5b-9 in the myocardium was also significantly enhanced in AIHD, compared to controls. Collectively, these results indicate that the immunohistochemical investigation of Nrf2 combined with FN, and/or C5b-9 holds the potential for identifying early-stage myocardial ischemic lesions in cases of SCD.

An autopsy case of fatal Japanese spotted fever in Wakayama

Japanese spotted fever (JSF) is potentially fatal infection transmitted by tick bites which vectors Rickettsia (R.) japonica. Since JSF was first described in 1984, the incidence has gradually been increased. We experienced a case of JSF of fatal outcome. A female in 70's was found dead on her bed, whose house was so called 'hoarding house' filled with many waists and unused items. The following day, the autopsy was performed. As representative symptom of external findings, skin rashes were seen on the trunk and extremities, and there were tick-bite eschars on the left upper arm. Internal findings showed no specific findings in each organ. Histopathological examination demonstrated massive inflammatory cell infiltrates mainly consisted of neutrophils in the dermis beneath the external eschar. Furthermore, destruction of glomeruli in kidney with microhemorrhage from mesangial regions was observed. The numerous inflammatory infiltrates were also observed in pulmonary interstitium, which were accompanied with histopathologic features of vasculitis. Biochemical examination showed severe systemic inflammation as monitored by elevated CRP of 16 mg/dL and renal dysfunction by BUN of 171.2 mg/dL and creatinine of 6.07 mg/dL. Subsequently polymerase chain reaction revealed specifically amplified signals for R. japonica from the samples of tick-bites eschar and blood. Thus, we diagnosed her cause of death as JSF which had been occurred multiorgan failure such as acute renal failure and possibly acute respiratory failure. (224 terms).

Improvement of Functional Outcomes in Patients with Stroke who Received Alteplase for Over 15 Years: Japan Stroke Data Bank

AIM

The nationwide verification of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) was rarely performed after the extension of the therapeutic time window of alteplase or after the expansion of mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We aimed to examine the long-term change in accurate real-world outcomes of IVT in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) using the Japan Stroke Databank, a representative Japan-wide stroke database.

METHODS

We extracted all patients with AIS who received IVT with alteplase between October 11, 2005, the approval date for alteplase use for AIS in Japan, and December 31, 2020. Patients were categorized into three groups using two critical dates in Japan as cutoffs: the official extension date of the therapeutic time window for IVT to within 4.5 h of symptom onset and the publication date of the revised guideline, where the evidence level of MT was heightened. We assessed the yearly trend of IVT implementation rates and the secular changes and three-group changes in clinical outcomes at discharge.

RESULTS

Of 124,382 patients with AIS, 9,569 (7.7%) received IVT (females, 41%; median age, 75 years). The IVT implementation rate has generally increased over time and plateaued in recent years. The proportion of favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2) increased yearly over 15 years. The results of the changes in the outcomes of the three groups were similar to those of the annual changes.

CONCLUSIONS

We revealed that IVT implementation rates in patients with AIS increased, and the functional outcome in these patients improved over 15 years. Therefore, the Japanese IVT dissemination strategy is considered appropriate and effective.

Relationship between intrathrombotic appearance of HSP27 and HSP70 and thrombus ages in a murine model of deep vein thrombosis

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are molecular chaperones whose primary function is cytoprotection, supporting cell survival under (sub) lethal conditions. They have been implicated in various diseases such as inflammatory diseases and cancer due to their cytoprotective and immunomodulatory effects, and their biological mechanisms have been studied. Central family members include, HSP27, which is induced by various stimuli such as heat shock, hypoxia, hyperoxia, ultraviolet exposure, and nutritional deficiency, and HSP70, which is homeostatically expressed in many organs such as the gastrointestinal tract and has anti-cell death and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, HSP27 and HSP70 were investigated during thrombus formation and dissolution in a deep vein thrombosis model by immunohistochemistry to determine their involvement in this process and whether their expression could be used as a forensic marker. In the process of thrombus formation and lysis, HSP27 and HSP70 were found to be expressed by immunohistochemical analysis. The role of inhibitors of HSP27 and HSP70 in the pathogenesis of thrombosis in mice was also investigated. When HSP27 or HSP70 inhibitors were administered, thrombi were significantly smaller than in the control group on day 5 after inferior vena cava ligation, indicating pro-thrombotic effects HSP27 and HSP70. If HSP27- or HSP70-positive cells were clearly visible and easily identifiable in the thrombus sections, the thrombus was presumed to be more than 10 days old. Thus, the detection of intrathrombotic HSP27 and HSP70 could forensically provide useful information for the estimation of thrombus ages. Collectively, our study implied that both HSP27 and HSP70 might be molecular targets for thrombus therapy and that the detection of HSP-related molecules such as HSP27 and HSP70 could be useful for the determination of thrombus ages.

Characteristics and outcomes of unknown onset stroke: The Japan Stroke Data Bank

BACKGROUND

Clinical outcomes of unknown onset stroke (UOS) are influenced by the enlargement of the therapeutic time window for reperfusion therapy. This study aimed to investigate and describe the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with UOS.

METHODS

Patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who were admitted within 24 h of their last known well time, from January 2017 to December 2020, were included. Data were obtained from a long-lasting nationwide hospital-based multicenter prospective registry: the Japan Stroke Data Bank. The co-primary outcomes were the National Institutes of Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores on admission and unfavorable outcomes at discharge, corresponding to modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of 3-6.

RESULTS

Overall, 26,976 patients with AIS were investigated. Patients with UOS (N = 5783, 78 ± 12 years of age) were older than patients with known onset stroke (KOS) (N = 21,193, 75 ± 13 years of age). Age, female sex, higher premorbid mRS scores, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure were associated with UOS in multivariate analysis. UOS was associated with higher NIHSS scores (median = 8 [interquartile range [IQR]: 3-19] vs. 4 [1-10], adjusted incidence rate ratio = 1.37 [95% CI: 1.35-1.38]) and unfavorable outcomes (52.1 vs. 33.6%, adjusted odds ratio = 1.27 [1.14-1.40]). Intergroup differences in unfavorable outcomes were attenuated among females (1.12 [0.95-1.32] vs. males 1.38 [1.21-1.56], P = 0.040) and in the subgroup that received reperfusion therapy (1.10 [0.92-1.33] vs. those who did not receive therapy 1.23 [1.08-1.39], P = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

UOS was associated with unfavorable outcomes but to a lesser degree among females and patients receiving reperfusion therapy.

Essential Involvement of Neutrophil Elastase in Acute Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity Using BALB/c Mice

Intense neutrophil infiltration into the liver is a characteristic of acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury. Neutrophil elastase is released by neutrophils during inflammation. To elucidate the involvement of neutrophil elastase in acetaminophen-induced liver injury, we investigated the efficacy of a potent and specific neutrophil elastase inhibitor, sivelestat, in mice with acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury. Intraperitoneal administration of 750 mg/kg of acetaminophen caused severe liver damage, such as elevated serum transaminase levels, centrilobular hepatic necrosis, and neutrophil infiltration, with approximately 50% mortality in BALB/c mice within 48 h of administration. However, in mice treated with sivelestat 30 min after the acetaminophen challenge, all mice survived, with reduced serum transaminase elevation and diminished hepatic necrosis. In addition, mice treated with sivelestat had reduced NOS-II expression and hepatic neutrophil infiltration after the acetaminophen challenge. Furthermore, treatment with sivelestat at 3 h after the acetaminophen challenge significantly improved survival. These findings indicate a new clinical application for sivelestat in the treatment of acetaminophen-induced liver failure through mechanisms involving the regulation of neutrophil migration and NO production.

Forensic application of epidermal expression of HSP27 and HSP70 for the determination of wound vitality in human compressed neck skin

Estimating the age and vitality of human skin wounds is essential in forensic practice, and the use of immunohistochemical parameters in this regard remains a challenge. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are evolutionarily conserved universal proteins that protect biological systems from various types of stress. However, its importance in forensic pathology for determining wound activation in neck compression skin remains unclear. The expression of HSP27 and HSP70 in neck skin samples was immunohistochemically examined to understand its forensic applicability in determining wound vitality. Skin samples were obtained from 45 cases of neck compression (hanging, 32 cases; strangulation, 10 cases; manual strangulation, 2 cases; other, 1 case) during forensic autopsies; intact skin from the same individual was used as a control. HSP27 expression was detected in 17.4% of keratinocytes in the intact skin samples. In the compressed region, the frequency of HSP27 expression in keratinocytes was 75.8%, which was significantly higher than that in intact skin. Similarly, HSP70 expression was 24.8% in intact skin samples and 81.9% in compressed skin samples, significantly higher in compressed skin than in intact skin samples. This increase in case compression cases may be due to the cell defence role of HSPs. From a forensic pathology perspective, the immunohistochemical examination of HSP27 and HSP70 expression in neck skin could be considered a valuable marker for diagnosing traces of antemortem compression.

Application and limitation of a biological clock-based method for estimating time of death in forensic practices

Estimating time of death is one of the most important problems in forensics. Here, we evaluated the applicability, limitations and reliability of the developed biological clock-based method. We analyzed the expression of the clock genes, BMAL1 and NR1D1, in 318 dead hearts with defined time of death by real-time RT-PCR. For estimating the time of death, we chose two parameters, the NR1D1/BMAL1 ratio and BMAL1/NR1D1 ratio for morning and evening deaths, respectively. The NR1D1/BMAL1 ratio was significantly higher in morning deaths and the BMAL1/NR1D1 ratio was significantly higher in evening deaths. Sex, age, postmortem interval, and most causes of death had no significant effect on the two parameters, except for infants and the elderly, and severe brain injury. Although our method may not work in all cases, our method is useful for forensic practice in that it complements classical methods that are strongly influenced by the environment in which the corpse is placed. However, this method should be applied with caution in infants, the elderly, and patients with severe brain injury.

Oxidative Stress Inhibits Endotoxin Tolerance and May Affect Periodontitis

Periodontal disease is caused by dysbiosis of the dental biofilm and the host inflammatory response. Various pathogenic factors, such as proteases and lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) produced by bacteria, are involved in disease progression. Endotoxin tolerance is a function of myeloid cells, which sustain inflammation and promote tissue regeneration upon prolonged stimulation by endotoxins such as LPS. The role of endotoxin tolerance is gaining attention in various chronic inflammatory diseases, but its role in periodontal disease remains elusive. Oxidative stress, one of the major risk factors for periodontal disease, promotes disease progression through various mechanisms, of which only some are known. The effect of oxidative stress on endotoxin tolerance has not yet been studied, and we postulated that endotoxin tolerance regulation may be an additional mechanism through which oxidative stress influences periodontal disease. This study aimed to reveal the effect of oxidative stress on endotoxin tolerance and that of endotoxin tolerance on periodontitis progression. The effect of oxidative stress on endotoxin tolerance was analyzed in vitro using peritoneal macrophages of mice and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The results showed that oxidative stress inhibits endotoxin tolerance induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS in macrophages, at least partially, by downregulating LPS-elicited negative regulators of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. A novel oxidative stress mouse model was established using SMP30KO mice incapable of ascorbate biosynthesis. Using this model, we revealed that oxidative stress impairs endotoxin tolerance potential in macrophages in vivo. Furthermore, gingival expression of endotoxin tolerance-related genes and TLR signaling negative regulators was decreased, and symptoms of ligature-induced periodontitis were aggravated in the oxidative stress mouse model. Our findings suggest that oxidative stress may contribute to periodontitis progression through endotoxin tolerance inhibition.

Forensic application of aquaporins

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of water channel proteins that primarily elicit the basic functions of water transport and osmotic homeostasis. To date, at least 17 mammalian AQPs have been identified, AQP-0 to -12 have been found in higher orders including human, and AQP-13 to -16 have been described in older lineages. Moreover, these proteins have recently been shown to regulate many biological processes through unique activities, such as cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and mitochondrial metabolism. Several studies have focused on the involvement of AQPs in cell biology aspect, showing that they are involved in a variety of physiological processes and pathophysiological conditions. Furthermore, in the field of forensic medicine, studies on whether AQPs can be a useful marker for diagnosing various causes of death have been conducted using autopsy samples and animal experiments, which have produced interesting results. Herein, we review certain observations regarding AQPs and discuss their potential to contribute to the future practice of forensic research.

Abstract WMP12: Initial Severity And Functional Outcomes Of Acute Ischemic Stroke With Atrial Fibrillation On Direct Oral Anticoagulants(DOACs): Japan Stroke Data Bank

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between oral anticoagulants (OACs) at onset and outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods: AIS patients with comorbidity of atrial fibrillation (aged ≥18 years, pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0-2) admitted within 24 hours after onset from January 2017 to December 2020 were examined from a long-lasting nationwide hospital-based multicenter prospective registry, the Japan Stroke Data Bank. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to anticoagulants at onset: no-anticoagulant group, warfarin group and DOAC group. The co-primary outcomes were the National Institutes of Stroke Scale (NIHSS) on admission and favorable outcome at discharge, corresponding to the mRS of 0-2. Mixed effects logistic regression was performed to examine the association between antithrombotic agents and these outcomes.

Results: Of a total of 6,838 patients, 4,249 (62.1 %) patients were classified into the no-anticoagulant group, 907 (13.3 %) into warfarin group and 1,682 (24.6 %) into DOACs group. Median NIHSS score on admission was 7 [interquartile range: 2-19] in the warfarin group and 5 [2-15] in the DOAC group, versus 9 [3-20] in the no-anticoagulant group. Both warfarin and DOAC groups had lower NIHSS scores as compared to no-antithrombotic group (adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.96 [95% confidence interval 0.94-0.99] and 0.81 [0.79-0.83], respectively) after adjustment by age, sex, hypertension (HT), dyslipidemia (DL), diabetes mellitus (DM) and history of stroke. The rate of favorable outcome at discharge was 41.5 % in no-anticoagulant group, 42.0% in warfarin group and 48.1 % in DOACs group. In multivariable analysis, sex, NIHSS on admission, HT, DL, DM, history of stroke and intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, DOACs group more frequently had favorable outcome (odds ratio 1.20 [95% CI 1.03-1.40]) than no-anticoagulant group, but warfarin group did not (1.05 [0.86-1.27]).

Conclusion: Taking DOACs prior to onset appears associated with milder stroke severity and a more favorable outcome following acute ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Abstract WMP71: Changes In Severity And Outcomes Of Ischemic Stroke Associated With Atrial Fibrillation In A Long-lasting Nationwide Hospital-based Registry: Japan Stroke Data Bank

Background: To determine secular changes in severity and functional outcomes of acute atrial fibrillation (AF)-associated stroke patients using a large population.

Methods: Ischemic stroke patients with known AF or AF diagnosed after stroke onset, who were registered within 7 days after symptom onset into a hospital-based prospective registry, Japan Stroke Data Bank, from Jan 2000 to Dec 2020 were compared with those without AF. The co-primary outcomes were the initial neurological severity assessed by NIHSS and favorable outcome assessed by mRS of 0 to 2 at hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes included unfavorable outcome assessed by mRS of 5 to 6 and in-hospital death.

Results: Of 142,351 patients studied, 33,870 had AF (women 45.1%, median age 79 years, non-valvular 94.3%). Patients with AF had higher initial NIHSS score (median 9 vs. 3, adjusted coefficient 5.383, 95% CI 5.245 - 5.520) as compared to patients without AF (women 38.2%, median age 79 years). Anticoagulation prior to the index stroke showed a significant interaction with the frequency of the NIHSS score ≥10 in patients with AF relative to those without AF (aOR: 2.047 for anticoagulated patients vs. 4.189 for the others). The NIHSS score decreased over the 21-year period in AF patients (adjusted coefficient -0.104, 95% CI -0.133 - -0.074 per year). Favorable outcome was less common in patients with AF than those without AF in unadjusted analysis (48.4% vs. 70.4%) but was more common after multivariable adjustment including the initial NIHSS score (aOR 1.096, 95% CI 1.040 - 1.156). Unfavorable outcome (aOR 1.108) and in-hospital death (1.506) were also more common in AF patients. The proportion of favorable outcome showed an increase over time (aOR 1.018, 95% CI 1.009 - 1.026 per year) in AF patients but the increase was no longer significant after further adjustment by receiving reperfusion therapy (1.007, 0.998 - 1.016). The proportion of unfavorable outcome and that of in-hospital death showed a yearly decrease over time.

Conclusions: AF patients showed favorable clinical outcome after ischemic stroke relative to patients without AF by adjustment using the NIHSS score and others. Initial stroke severity became milder and functional outcomes tended to improve in AF patients during the past 21 years.

Abstract WP88: Discrepant Nationwide Trends In Outcomes Of Acute Ischemic Stroke Depending On Severity: The Japan Stroke Data Bank

Background and Purpose: Whether specific patient groups have benefited from advances of treatment technologies including acute reperfusion therapy is uncertain. We aimed to investigate long-term trends of acute reperfusion therapy and functional outcomes according to the stroke severity using a large clinical registry.

Methods: In the nationwide, hospital-based, multicenter, prospective registry cohort from the Japan Stroke Data Bank between January 2000 and December 2020, patients with ischemic stroke were studied. The baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 10 or more was considered as possible large vessel occlusions (LVOs). Secular changes were assessed per 5-year categories (2000-2005, 2006-2010, 2011-2015, 2016-2020). Outcomes included favorable outcome (mRS score was 0 to 2 at discharge), and in-hospital mortality.

Results: Of 235,695 patients, 127,741 ischemic stroke patients (76,850 men [60.2 %]; median age 75, [interquartile range, 66-82] years) with available data on NIHSS score were analyzed. NIHSS score was ≥10 in 31,747 patients (24.9%). In both patients with NIHSS ≥10 and those with NIHSS <10, the frequencies of intravenous thrombolysis (1.6% to 26.5%, and 0.3% to 6.9%, respectively) and endovascular therapy (2.0% to 29.8%, and 0.8% to 3.8%, respectively) increased from the 2000-2005 period to the 2015-2020 period. In patients with NIHSS ≥10, favorable outcome was more frequent in the 2015-2020 cohort than that in the 2000-2005 cohort (adjusted odds ratio, 1.63; [95% CI, 1.44-1.85]). In contrast, patients with NIHSS <10 had a decreased favorable outcome in the 2015-2020 cohort than that in the 2000-2005 cohort (adjusted odds ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, [0.75-0.85]). In-hospital mortality decreased in both patients with NIHSS ≥10 and NIHSS <10 per step on the 5-year categories.

Conclusions: Over the 20-year period, acute reperfusion therapy has increasingly been provided to patients with NIHSS ≥10. Favorable outcomes significantly increased in patients with NIHSS ≥10 but decreased in those with NIHSS <10 over time. In-hospital mortality decreased across all NIHSS scores.

Abstract WP124: Stroke Severity And In-hospital Death In Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients Taking Antithrombotic Agents: Japan Stroke Data Bank

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the associations between antithrombotic agents at onset and outcomes in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients.

Methods: ICH patients admitted within 24 hours after onset from January 2017 to December 2020 were examined from a long-lasting nationwide hospital-based multicenter prospective registry, the Japan Stroke Data Bank. Patients were classified into 4 groups according to types of antithrombotic agents at onset: no-antithrombotic, antiplatelet, warfarin, and DOAC groups. Patients with combination of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents were classified into respective anticoagulant groups. The outcomes were NIHSS on admission, in-hospital death and unfavorable outcome corresponding to mRS of 5-6 at discharge.

Results: Of a total of 9,948 ICH patients (female: 4,329, age 70±15 years old), 77.4% of patients were classified into the no-antithrombotic group, 13.0% into the antiplatelet group, 3.9% into the warfarin group and 5.7% into the DOAC group. Median NIHSS on admission was 12 (interquartile range: 5-22), 13 (5-26), 15 (5-30) and 13 (6-24), respectively. In multivariable analysis, the warfarin group was significantly associated with higher NIHSS on admission (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.05-1.12], setting the no-antithrombotic group as reference), but the antiplatelet group (1.01 [0.99-1.03]) or the DOAC group (0.97 [0.94-1.00]) was not. The rate of in-hospital death was 13.0% in the no-antithrombotic group, 17.8% in the antiplatelet group, 27.3% in the warfarin group and 18.9% in the DOAC group and that of unfavorable outcome was 30,8%, 41.9%, 48.6% and 41.5%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, the warfarin group was significantly associated with in-hospital death and unfavorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio: 1.62 [95% CI, 1.07-2.46] and 1.79 [1.23-2.6], respectively, setting the no-antithrombotic group as reference), but the antiplatelet group (1.14 [0.87-1.36], 1.11 [0.90-1.36]) or the DOAC group (1.07 [0.72-1.60], 1.27 [0.90-1.78]) was not.

Conclusion: ICH patients taking warfarin at onset had higher NIHSS on admission, in-hospital death and unfavorable outcome compared to those without antithrombotic agents, but those taking DOAC did not.

Forensic Application of Epidermal Ubiquitin Expression to Determination of Wound Vitality in Human Compressed Neck Skin

Ubiquitin is a member of the heat shock protein family and is rapidly induced by various types of stimuli, including ischemic and mechanical stress. However, its significance in determining wound vitality of neck compression skin in forensic pathology remains unclear. We immunohistochemically examined the expression of ubiquitin in the neck skin samples to understand its forensic applicability in determining wound vitality. Skin samples were obtained from 53 cases of neck compression (hanging, 42 cases; strangulation, 11 cases) during forensic autopsies. Intact skin from the same individual was used as the control. Ubiquitin expression was detected in 73.9% of keratinocytes in intact skin samples, but only in 21.2% of keratinocytes in the compression regions, with statistical differences between the control and compression groups. This depletion in the case of neck compression may be caused by the impaired conversion of conjugated to free ubiquitin and failure of de novo ubiquitin synthesis. From a forensic pathological perspective, immunohistochemical examination of ubiquitin expression in the skin of the neck can be regarded as a valuable marker for diagnosing traces of antemortem compression.

Etiology and Outcome of Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Renal Impairment Including Chronic Kidney Disease: Japan Stroke Data Bank

Background and Objectives

Chronic kidney disease is a worldwide public health problem that is recognized as an established risk factor for stroke. It remains unclear whether its distribution and clinical impact are consistent across ischemic stroke subtypes in patients with renal impairment. We examined whether renal impairment was associated with the proportion of each stroke subtype vs ischemic stroke overall and with functional outcomes after each stroke subtype.

Methods

Study participants were 10,392 adult patients with an acute stroke from the register of the Japan Stroke Data Bank, a hospital-based multicenter stroke registration database, between October 2016 and December 2019, whose baseline serum creatinine levels or a dipstick proteinuria result were available. All ischemic strokes were classified according to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment criteria. Unfavorable functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 3–6 at discharge. Mixed effect logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between the outcomes and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), eGFR strata (<45, 45–59, ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m²), or dipstick proteinuria ≥1 adjusted for covariates.

Results

Overall, 2,419 (23%) patients had eGFR 45–59 mL/min/1.73 m² and 1,976 (19%) had eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m², including 185 patients (1.8%) receiving hemodialysis. Both eGFR 45–59 and eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m² were associated with a higher proportion of cardioembolic stroke (odds ratio [OR], 1.21 [95% CI, 1.05–1.39] and 1.55 [1.34–1.79], respectively) and a lower proportion of small vessel occlusion (0.79 [0.69–0.90] and 0.68 [0.59–0.79], respectively). A similar association with the proportion of these 2 subtypes was proven in the analyses using decreased eGFR as continuous values. Both eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m² and proteinuria were associated with unfavorable functional outcomes in patients with cardioembolic stroke (OR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.01–1.69] and 3.18 [2.03–4.98], respectively) and small vessel occlusion (OR, 1.44 [1.01–2.07] and 2.08 [1.08–3.98], respectively).

Discussion

Renal impairment contributes to the different distributions and clinical effects across specific stroke subtypes, particularly evident in cardioembolic stroke and small vessel occlusion. This possibly indicates shared mechanisms of susceptibility and potentially enhancing pathways.

Utility of the Berlin Initiative Study-1 equation for the prediction of serum vancomycin concentration in elderly patients aged 75 years and older

Accurate assessment of renal function is essential for determining serum vancomycin (VCM) concentration. Creatinine clearance (Ccr)-calculated using the Cockcroft and Gault (CG) equation-can be used to evaluate renal function for determining VCM dosage. However, Ccr-based evaluation may not be an accurate representation of the renal function in the elderly. Herein, we examine the effectiveness of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated using the Berlin Initiative Study-1 (BIS1) equation, for predicting the serum VCM concentration. Herein, we retrospectively analyzed patients (aged ≥ 75 years) who had received VCM. Serum VCM concentration was predicted based on Ccr and eGFR. eGFR was calculated using the Japanese equation for eGFR (eGFR_JAP), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation (eGFR_MDRD), chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation (eGFR_CKD-EPI), and BIS1 equation (eGFR_BIS1). The predicted serum VCM concentration was compared with the measured values. Prediction bias, accuracy, and precision were evaluated by calculating the mean prediction error (ME), mean absolute prediction error (MAE), and root mean squared prediction error (RMSE). Our results showed that the ME between the measured and the predicted values calculated using Ccr and each eGFR was the largest and smallest when calculated based on Ccr and eGFR_MDRD, respectively. MAE and RMSE were the largest and smallest when calculated based on Ccr and eGFR_BIS1, respectively. A significant difference was observed in the MAE associated with eGFR_JAP, eGFR_MDRD, and eGFR_CKD-EPI compared to that associated with eGFR_BIS1. In conclusion, our results suggest that the BIS1 equation might be useful for determining the VCM dosage in the elderly.

Abstract TMP53: Nationwide Secular Changes In Severity And Outcome Of Ischemic And Hemorrhagic Strokes: A 20-Year Analysis From Japan Stroke Data Bank Involving 183,082 Patients

Introduction: The Japan Stroke Data Bank (JSDB) is a 20-year long ongoing hospital-based multicenter prospective registry of hospitalized patients with acute stroke/TIA based on a web database from 130 stroke centers distributed evenly over Japan.

Hypothesis: Secular changes in the severity and functional outcome of stroke patients would be clarified by long-lasting hospital-based registries.

Methods: Patients registered in JSDB within 7 days after stroke onset from Jan 2000 through Dec 2019 were studied. The initial severity was assessed by the NIHSS for ischemic stroke (IS) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and by the WFNS grading for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Outcomes at hospital discharge was assessed by the mRS.

Results: Of a total 183,082 stroke patients, 135,268 (women in 39.8%) developed IS, 36,014 (women in 42.7%) developed ICH, and 11,800 (women in 67.2%) developed SAH. Median ages at onset increased and the NIHSS and WFNS scores decreased after multivariable-adjustment in all three stroke types. Patients with favorable outcome, corresponding to the mRS 0-2, significantly increased after age-adjustment in all three IS subtypes, remained increasing after further adjustment by NIHSS and stroke history only in cardioembolic stroke (OR 1.014, 95% CI 1.008-1.020, per year), and no longer increased after further adjustment by reperfusion therapy in any subtypes. Both the frequencies of unfavorable outcome, corresponding to the mRS 5-6, and in-hospital death, significantly decreased in cardioembolic stroke (OR 0.974, 95% CI 0.968-0.980) and large-artery atherosclerosis (OR 0.975, 95% CI 0.967-0.982, both for unfavorable outcome) after multivariable-adjustment. In ICH and SAH, favorable outcome significantly decreased after multivariable-adjustment, except for SAH in men. Both the frequencies of unfavorable outcome and death after SAH significantly decreased, but those after ICH were not. These findings were generally common to both sexes when separately analyzed.

Conclusions: Short-term functional outcome improved in IS patients during the past 20 years presumably partly due to development of acute reperfusion therapy. The outcome of hemorrhagic stroke patients did not clearly show the improvement during the same duration.

Twenty-Year Change in Severity and Outcome of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Strokes

Question

Did the initial neurological severity and functional outcomes of patients with stroke change throughout a 20-year period?

Findings

In this hospital-based, multicenter, prospective registry involving 183 080 patients with acute stroke, initial neurological severity showed a decrease over time in all stroke types. Functional outcome at hospital discharge improved in patients with ischemic stroke but no longer showed improvement after adjustment by reperfusion therapy and others; it did not clearly improve in patients with hemorrhagic stroke.

Meaning

Twenty-year changes in functional outcomes after ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes showed different trends presumably partly owing to differences in the development of acute therapeutic strategies.

Importance

Whether recent changes in demographic characteristics and therapeutic technologies have altered stroke outcomes remains unknown.

Objective

To determine secular changes in initial neurological severity and short-term functional outcomes of patients with acute stroke by sex using a large population.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nationwide, hospital-based, multicenter, prospective registry cohort study used the Japan Stroke Data Bank and included patients who developed acute stroke from January 2000 through December 2019. Patients with stroke, including ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, who registered within 7 days after symptom onset were studied. Modified Rankin Scale scores were assessed at hospital discharge for all patients.

Exposure

Time.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Initial severity was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale for ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage and by the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grading for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Outcomes were judged as favorable if the modified Rankin Scale score was 0 to 2 and unfavorable if 5 to 6.

Results

Of 183 080 patients, 135 266 (53 800 women [39.8%]; median [IQR] age, 74 [66-82] years) developed ischemic stroke, 36 014 (15 365 women [42.7%]; median [IQR] age, 70 [59-79] years) developed intracerebral hemorrhage, and 11 800 (7924 women [67.2%]; median [IQR] age, 64 [53-75] years) developed subarachnoid hemorrhage. In all 3 stroke types, median ages at onset increased, and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and World Federation of Neurological Surgeons scores decreased throughout the 20-year period on multivariable analysis. In ischemic stroke, the proportion of favorable outcomes showed an increase over time after age adjustment (odds ratio [OR], 1.020; 95% CI, 1.015-1.024 for women vs OR, 1.015; 95% CI, 1.011-1.018 for men) but then stagnated, or even decreased in men, on multivariate adjustment including reperfusion therapy (OR, 0.997; 95% CI, 0.991-1.003 for women vs OR, 0.990; 95% CI, 0.985-0.994 for men). Unfavorable outcomes and in-hospital deaths decreased in both sexes. In intracerebral hemorrhage, favorable outcomes decreased in both sexes, and unfavorable outcomes and deaths decreased only in women. In subarachnoid hemorrhage, the proportion of favorable outcomes was unchanged, and that of unfavorable outcomes and deaths decreased in both sexes.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, functional outcomes improved in patients with ischemic stroke during the past 20 years in both sexes presumably partly owing to the development of acute reperfusion therapy. The outcomes of patients with hemorrhagic stroke did not clearly improve in the same period.

A case of necrotizing fasciitis following intra-articular injections - Iatrogenic or spontaneous?

Here, we report a case of necrotizing fasciitis following intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid. A 73-year-old female received intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid due to arthralgia at the left shoulder and knee, and was found dead in her living room at one day. At the forensic autopsy, injection marks with bullae and erythema were found at the left shoulder and knee and liquefactive necrosis of muscle tissues was observed in the left but not right extremities. Histopathological examinations of the left upper arm and thigh revealed severe rhabdomyolysis with lots of bacterial clusters. Bacteriological examinations detected group A Streptococcus from intracardiac blood and affected muscle tissues. Postmortem biochemical analysis of blood showed escalated blood urea nitrogen (133.8 mg/dL), creatinine (4.57 mg/dL) and C-reactive protein (45.0 mg/dL). The cause of her death was diagnosed as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). Moreover, it was suggested that the injection was inappropriately conducted and served as a portal of bacterial entry.

Forensic significance of intracardiac heme oxygenase-1 expression in acute myocardial ischemia

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an inducible stress-response protein, exerts anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. However, its significance in forensic diagnosis of acute ischemic heart diseases (AIHD) such as myocardial infarction (MI) is still unknown. We examined the immunohistochemical expression of HO-1 in the heart samples to discuss their forensic significance to determine acute cardiac ischemia. The heart samples were obtained from 23 AIHD cases and 33 non-AIHD cases as controls. HO-1 positive signals in cardiomyocyte nuclear were detected in 78.2% of AIHD cases, however, that were detected in only 24.2% control cases with statistical difference between AIHD and non-AIHD groups. In contrast to HO-1 protein expression, there was no significant difference in the appearance of myoglobin pallor regions and leukocyte infiltration in the hearts between AIHD and non-AIHD groups. From the viewpoints of forensic pathology, intracardiac HO-1 expression would be considered a valuable marker to diagnose AIHD as the cause of death.

Fatal injury by high-pressure water jet unit - A case report

Herein, we report a fatal case of high-pressure water-inflicted femoral injury. A male worker in his twenties was found at the construction site with significant bleeding from the left femoral region. At three hours after discovery, his death was confirmed in an emergency hospital. The deceased was noted to be 182 cm in height, 62.5 kg in weight, and postmortem rigidity strongly appeared in his whole joints. Externally, there was a large, 28-cm laceration in the left medial femoral region, wherein the subcutaneous muscle layer was drastically contused and transected, and both the femoral artery and vein were completely disrupted. This injury also penetrated into the left popliteal region similar to an impalement injury, producing a small, circular, 1.5-cm wound exit site. Moreover, two lacerations in the right anterior femoral region were presented in an inverse "U"-like shape, with injury lengths of 14 cm and 26 cm. Internally, every organ was apparently anemic, given that the water jet lance produced pressures ranging from 10,000-40,000 psi. Thus, the cause of his death was diagnosed as hemorrhagic shock secondary to femoral artery and vein disruption caused by a high-pressure water jet unit.

Impact of Renal Impairment on Intensive Blood-Pressure-Lowering Therapy and Outcomes in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Results From ATACH-2

Background and Objective

The clinical effect of renal impairment on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unknown. This study sought to assess whether estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) affects clinical outcomes or modifies the efficacy of intensive systolic blood pressure (BP) control (target, 110–139 mm Hg) against the standard (target, 140–179 mm Hg) among patients with ICH.

Methods

We conducted post hoc analyses of ATACH-2, a randomized, 2-group, open-label trial. The baseline eGFR of each eligible patient was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. The outcome of interest was death or disability at 90 days. Multivariate logistic regression models were used for analysis.

Results

Among the 1,000 patients randomized, 974 were analyzed. The median baseline eGFR was 88 (interquartile range, 68, 99) mL/min/1.73 m²; 451 (46.3%), 363 (37.3%), and 160 (16.4%) patients had baseline eGFR values of ≥90, 60–89, and <60 mL/min/1.73 m², respectively. Compared with normal eGFR (≥90 mL/min/1.73 m²), higher odds of death or disability were noted among those with eGFR values of <60 mL/min/1.73 m² (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25–3.26) but not among those with eGFR values of 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m² (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.70–1.46). The odds of death or disability were significantly higher in the intensive arm among patients with decreased eGFR; the ORs were 0.89 (95% CI, 0.55–1.44), 1.13 (0.68–1.89), and 3.60 (1.47–8.80) in patients with eGFR values of ≥90, 60–89, and <60 mL/min/1.73 m², respectively (p for interaction = 0.02).

Discussion

Decreased eGFR is associated with unfavorable outcomes following ICH. The statistically significant interaction between the eGFR group and treatment assignment raised safety concerns for the intensive BP-lowering therapy among patients with renal impairment.

Trial Registration Information

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01176565.

Classification of Evidence

This study provides Class II evidence that in spontaneous ICH, decreased eGFR identifies patients at risk of death or disability following intensive BP control.

Sesame lignans suppress age-related disorders of the kidney in mice

OBJECTIVE

Sesamin is a functional ingredient in sesame (Sesamum indicum) seeds and has many physiological effects. This study investigated whether sesame lignans, sesamin and episesamin (1:1), can suppress age-related disorders of the kidney.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-month-old mice were divided into three groups, and each group received a regular diet (O-C), diet containing sesame lignans (O-SE), and diet containing sesame lignans and α-tocopherol (VE; O-SE+VE), respectively, for 5 months. Six-month-old young mice (Y-C) were compared to the older mice.

RESULTS

Renal lipofuscin deposition was increased in the O-C group compared to that in the Y-C group and its deposition with aging was significantly decreased in both O-SE and O-SE+VE groups. Plasma blood urea nitrogen levels in the O-C group increased compared to those in the Y-C group; however, those in both O-SE and O-SE+VE groups did not differ from those in the Y-C group. The number of podocytes in the O-C group decreased compared to that in the Y-C group and this effect was attenuated in the O-SE and O-SE+VE groups. The effect was strongest in the O-SE+VE group. Histological examinations showed that glomerular hypertrophy accompanied by mesangial hyperplasia and renal tubular degeneration was less severe in the O-SE and O-SE+VE groups than in the O-C group. Moreover, age-related increases in the mRNA expression of NADPH oxidase- and inflammation-related genes, including p67phox, p40phox, TNFα, and IL-6, in the kidney were suppressed in the O-SE and O-SE+VE groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Sesame lignans might be useful to suppress age-related kidney disorders, and these effects could be enhanced with VE.

Citrullinated inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 in arthritic joints and its potential effect in the neutrophil migration

The citrullinated inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 (cit-ITIH4) was identified as its blood level was associated with the arthritis score in peptide glucose-6-phosphate-isomerase-induced arthritis (pGIA) mice and the disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to clarify its citrullination pathway and function as related to neutrophils. In pGIA-afflicted joints, ITIH4 and cit-ITIH4 levels were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunoprecipitation (IP) and Western blotting (WB), while peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) expression was measured by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), IHC and immunofluorescent methods. The pGIA mice received anti-lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus G6D (Ly6G) antibodies to deplete neutrophils and the expression of cit-ITIH4 was investigated by WB. The amounts of ITIH4 and cit-ITIH4 in synovial fluid (SF) from RA and osteoarthritis (OA) patients were examined by I.P. and W.B. Recombinant ITIH4 and cit-ITIH4 were incubated with sera from healthy volunteers before its chemotactic ability and C5a level were evaluated using Boyden's chamber assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). During peak arthritic phase, ITIH4 and cit-ITIH4 were increased in joints while PAD4 was over-expressed, especially in the infiltrating neutrophils of pGIA mice. Levels of cit-ITIH4 in plasma and joints significantly decreased upon neutrophil depletion. ITIH4 was specifically citrullinated in SF from RA patients compared with OA patients. Native ITIH4 inhibited neutrophilic migration and decreased C5a levels, while cit-ITIH4 increased its migration and C5a levels significantly. Cit-ITIH4 is generated mainly in inflamed joints by neutrophils via PAD4. Citrullination of ITIH4 may change its function to up-regulate neutrophilic migration by activating the complement cascade, exacerbating arthritis.

Intrathrombotic appearances of AQP-1 and AQP-3 in relation to thrombus age in murine deep vein thrombosis model

Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane-bound proteins for water transportation and are useful for diagnosing drowning and wound vitality in forensic pathology. Here, we examined intrathrombotic expression of AQP-1 and AQP-3 using deep vein thrombosis models in mice. To perform immunohistochemical analyses, we used anti-AQP-1 and anti-AQP-3 antibodies. In thrombus samples with the post-ligation intervals of 1 to 5 days, AQP-1⁺ areas were over 70%. At 7 days after the IVC ligation, AQP-1⁺ areas became less than 50%, eventually decreasing to 11% at 21 days. At 3 days after the IVC ligation, AQP-3⁺ cells started to appear from the peripheral area. Thereafter, the positive cell number progressively increased and reached to a peak at 10 days after the IVC ligation. When the intrathrombotic AQP-1⁺ area was as large as the intrathrombotic collagen area or smaller, it would indicate a thrombus age of ≥ 10 days. AQP-3⁺ cell number of > 30 would indicate a thrombus age of 10–14 days. Collectively, our study implied that the detection of AQP-1 and AQP-3 would be useful for the determination of thrombus age.

Complete decapitation by a self-constructed guillotine in a burned body - complex suicide or postmortem burning?

We report a suicide case of complete decapitation using a self-constructed guillotine. A 45-year-old man, whose body was severely burned, was found dead. The head was completely separated from the middle level of the neck, and a sharp blade with a steel frame was placed between the head and neck. The severance plane passed between the C4 and C5 vertebrae. Vital reactions such as hemorrhage could not be confirmed at the decapitated skin edge because the body was severely burned. Both common carotid arteries were sharply transected. Subendocardial hemorrhage was detected in the left ventricle. Only a little blood, but no soot, was detected in the respiratory tract, including the trachea and bilateral bronchi. Subarachnoid hemorrhage was noted at the edge of the cervical spinal cord. The saturation level of CO-Hb was 5.7% in the left cardiac blood, 5.9% in the right cardiac blood, and 5.8% in the peripheral blood from the femoral vein. Cervical transection was diagnosed as the cause of death. We believe that he was unintentionally burned by spread fire from an automobile after decapitation by a self-constructed guillotine.

Evaluation of Structures and Morphologies of Recycled PC/PET Blends Fabricated by High-Shear Kneading Processing

We fabricated polymer blends of recycled-PC (PC) and recycled-PET (PET) using high-shear processing technology. We also assessed its structure, morphology, and physical properties. Results of DSC measurements show that Tg of PC and Tc of PET shifted to higher temperatures by kneading under high-shear conditions. Results show further that the Tm of PET shifted to a lower temperature. Moreover, compatibilization progressed. TEM observations show that the PET domain was not confirmed completely under the kneading condition of 1 000 min−1/10 s or more. Compatibilization progressed. Tensile test results show that the PET ratio of 30 wt% (1 000 min−1/10 s) has higher breaking strain than neat PC does. Chemical resistance test results obtained by good solvent of PC demonstrated that blending of PET makes PC elution difficult.

Sudden cardiac death during first-time jogging

With increased interest in fitness and health care, jogging has become more popular as an exercise to promote health. However, sudden cardiac death during sports or exercise has also been reported. Some apparently healthy elderly individuals take up sports for both recreation and health improvement based only on completion of a questionnaire, without undergoing medical evaluation. We report the case of a 66-year-old Japanese man who suddenly died of acute ischemic heart disease during first-time jogging. He collapsed an hour after starting. A trainer promptly started cardiopulmonary resuscitation. An automated external defibrillator (AED) was applied, and defibrillation was attempted once by bystanders. However, he remained in cardiopulmonary arrest until he reached the emergency department, where he was pronounced dead. The autopsy found concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricular wall without fibrosis or degeneration, atherosclerotic changes in the coronary arteries, and severe lung congestion. We diagnosed death from acute myocardial ischemia. We suspect that many healthy elderly individuals have provoked a heart attack by prematurely attempting moderate or vigorous exercise, as in this case. The elderly require comprehensive medical assessment before exercise can be started. Moreover, this case shows that an AED is not always helpful. J. Med. Invest. 64: 184-186, February, 2017.

Bone Degeneration and Its Recovery in SMP30/GNL-Knockout Mice

Senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30) decreases androgen-independently with aging and is a lactone-hydrolyzing enzyme gluconolactonase (GNL) that is involved in vitamin C biosynthesis. In the present study, bone properties of SMP30/GNL knockout (KO) mice with deficiency in vitamin C synthesis were investigated to reveal the effects of SMP30/GNL and exogenous vitamin C supplementation on bone formation. Mineral content (BMC) and mineral density (BMD) of the mandible and femur of SMP30/GNL KO and wild-type mice at 2 and 3 months of age with or without vitamin C supplementation were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Body and bone weight of both age groups decreased and became significantly lower than those of wild-type mice. The bones of SMP30/GNL KO mice were rough and porous, with BMC and BMD significantly below wild-type. Oral supplementation with vitamin C eliminated differences in body weight, bone weight, BMC, and BMD between SMP30/GNL KO and wild-type mice at each age. These results indicate that bone degeneration in SMP30/GNL KO mice was caused by lack of vitamin C, and that this mouse strain is an appropriate model for bone metabolism in humans, which have no ability to synthesize vitamin C.

Delivering Knowledge of Stroke to Parents Through Their Children Using a Manga for Stroke Education in Elementary School

BACKGROUND

School-based intervention would be promising to spread stroke knowledge widely. This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of our new educational aids that were developed for elementary school children to impart information about stroke to children and their parents in 2 different ways: with or without stroke lessons by a neurologist.

METHODS

We enrolled 562 children (aged 11 to 12 years) and their parents (n = 485). The students were divided into 2 groups: 323 received a lesson on stroke by a stroke neurologist without watching an animated cartoon (Group I), and 239 watched an animated cartoon without the lesson (Group II). All of the children took the manga home, and talked about stroke with their parents. Questionnaires on stroke knowledge were administered at baseline (BL), immediately after the lesson (IL), and 3 months (3M) after the lesson.

RESULTS

There were significant increases in the adjusted mean scores for risk factors as well as stroke symptoms at 3M in both groups compared with BL scores, although the children in Group I scored significantly better than those in Group II at IL and 3M (P < .05). In both children and parents, the correct answer rates of the FAST mnemonic at 3M were around 90%, with no significant differences between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Stroke education for elementary school children using our educational aids provided knowledge of stroke symptoms to the children as well as their parents even without lessons on stroke, although a better understanding of stroke was obtained from lessons led by stroke neurologists.

Postmortem Diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa: An Endocrinological and Immunohistochemical Approach

A female in her 30s was found dead after a fire. She was severely emaciated and had been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN) about 5 years ago, but had not been treated recently. Therefore, we investigated not only her cause of death but also her condition of AN. Some of her organs weighed less than normal although no clear lesions were observed. In the pituitary gland, the number of follicle-stimulating hormone-immunopositive cells was markedly decreased although a normal number of thyroid-stimulating hormone-positive cells were detected. A histological examination of the ovary suggested that she had been suffering from amenorrhea. The thyroid gland was atrophic, and marked variations in follicle size were observed. Because we could not obtain enough volume of her blood for endocrinological examinations, we tried to investigate her endocrinological condition by immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical staining detected decreased triiodothyronine immunoreactivity and normal thyroxine immunoreactivity. The adrenal glands were also atrophic. Based on these findings, it was considered that she had been suffering from AN at the time of her death. The autopsy and other findings revealed that she had died of burning with carbon monoxide intoxication. J. Med. Invest. 63: 305-309, August, 2016.

Effects of Stroke Education of Junior High School Students on Stroke Knowledge of Their Parents

Background and purpose—

Educating the youth about stroke is a promising approach for spreading stroke knowledge. The aim of this study was to verify communication of stroke knowledge to parents by educating junior high school students about stroke.

Methods—

We enrolled 1127 junior high school students (age, 13–15 years) and their parents in the Tochigi prefecture, Japan. All students received a stroke lesson, watched an animated cartoon, and read the related Manga comic as educational aids. The students took back home the Manga and discussed what they learned with their parents. Questionnaires on stroke knowledge were given to all at baseline and immediately after the lesson.

Results—

A total of 1125 students and 915 parents answered the questionnaires. In the students, the frequency of correct answers increased significantly for all questions on stroke symptoms except for headache, and for all questions on risk factors after the lesson. In the parents, the correct answer rates increased for stroke symptoms except for headache and numbness in one side of the body, and for all questions on risk factors except for hypertension. Ninety-one percent of students and 92.7% of parents correctly understood the Face, Arm, Speech, and Time (FAST) mnemonic after the lesson.

Conclusions—

Improvement of stroke knowledge immediately after the stroke lesson was observed in parents as well as their children, which indicated that our teaching materials using the Manga was effective in delivering the stroke knowledge to parents through their children.

Susceptibility quantitative trait loci for pathogenic leucocytosis in SCG/Kj mice, a spontaneously occurring crescentic glomerulonephritis and vasculitis model

The spontaneous crescentic glomerulonephritis-forming/Kinjoh (SCG/Kj) mouse, a model of human crescentic glomerulonephritis (CrGN) and systemic vasculitis, is characterized by the production of myeloperoxidase-specific anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (MPO-ANCA) and marked leucocytosis. This study was performed to identify the specific populations of leucocytes associated with CrGN and susceptibility loci for pathogenic leucocytosis. Four hundred and twenty female (C57BL/6 × SCG/Kj) F2 intercross mice were subjected to serial flow cytometry examination of the peripheral blood (PB). Kidney granulocytes and monocytes were examined histopathologically. Linkage analyses were performed with 109 polymorphic microsatellite markers. Correlation studies revealed that increase of the granulocytes, F4/80(+) cells, CD3(+) CD4(-) CD8(-) T cells and dendritic cells (DCs) in peripheral blood (PB) were associated significantly with glomerulonephritis, crescent formation and vasculitis. In kidney sections, F4/80(low) cells were observed in crescent, while F4/80(high) cells were around the Bowman's capsules and in the interstitium. Numbers of F4/80(+) cells in crescents correlated significantly with F4/80(+) cell numbers in PB, but not with numbers of F4/80(+) cells in the interstitium. Genome-wide quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping revealed three SCG/Kj-derived non-Fas QTLs for leucocytosis, two on chromosome 1 and one on chromosome 17. QTLs on chromosome 1 affected DCs, granulocytes and F4/80(+) cells, but QTL on chromosome 17 affected DCs and granulocytes. We found CrGN-associated leucocytes and susceptibility QTLs with their positional candidate genes. F4/80(+) cells in crescents are considered as recruited inflammatory macrophages. The results provide information for leucocytes to be targeted and genetic elements in CrGN and vasculitis.

Abstract W P356: The Effectiveness of the Stroke Educational Activities for Junior High School Students: The Tochigi Project

Background and Purpose: Bringing stroke lessons into the compulsory education is promising for spreading of stroke knowledge nationwide. We produced stroke teaching materials using the FAST mnemonic. The aim of this study is to verify the effectiveness of a stroke education project using our teaching materials for stroke enlightenment, the Tochigi project.

Methods: The subjects were 10,227 students of the 1 st to 3 rd grade (13-15 y.o.) in 53 public junior high schools in Tochigi prefecture, Japan. They were divided into 2 groups; 1,127 students in 9 schools received a 20-minute stroke lesson by their teachers and then watched our 10-minute animated cartoon and read our comic book for 10 minutes (group [[Unable to Display Character: &#1030;]]). The remaining 9,100 students in 44 schools had no teacher's lesson, but watched the animated cartoon and read the comic book (group II). Questionnaires on stroke knowledge were examined for all the students at baseline and immediately after the intervention.

Results: The numbers of questionnaires collected at immediately after the intervention were 1,125 (99.8%) in the group I, and 9,067 (99.6%) in the group II, respectively. In the group I, frequencies of the correct answers increased for all questionnaires except for headache (68.3 vs. 68.0%, p=0.87) as a symptom after the intervention. In the group II, the correct answer rates decreased for the questions of headache (70.9 vs. 32.5%, P<0.0001) and hemi-sensory disturbance (58.1 vs. 56.5%, P<0.05) and increased significantly for those of the other symptoms after the intervention. The correct answer rates increased significantly for questions except for arrhythmia (47.6 vs. 40.6%, P<0.0001) as risk factors after the intervention. Ninety-one % of students understood correctly the “FAST” mnemonic immediately after the intervention in the group I, being higher than the rate of 76% in the group II (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Our teaching materials of stroke enlightenment would be promising for conducting the FAST message to junior high school students.

Abstract W P340: Effects of Stroke Enlightenment on Guardians by Educating Junior High Students: the Tochigi Project

Background and Purpose: School-based interventions of stroke enlightenment are not only beneficial for students but also expected to deliver stroke message effectively to their parents. We produced stroke teaching materials using FAST mnemonic. The aim of this study is to verify the effectiveness of stroke education project (the Tochigi project) for delivering stroke message to their parents through their children, using our teaching materials of stroke enlightenment.

Methods: Subjects were guardians of 1,125 students (13-15 y.o.) in 9 public junior high schools in Tochigi prefecture, Japan. All students received a 20-minute stroke lesson by their teacher using the FAST mnemonic, and then watched a 10-minute animated cartoon and read the comic book. At the close of the lesson, the teacher asked the students to take back the comic book and talk about stroke with their guardians while showing the comic book. Questionnaires on stroke knowledge were examined for all the guardians before and immediately after the conversation about stroke with their children.

Results: There were 915 guardians (81.3%, 94%; parents) participated in the present study. Correct answer rates for the questions of headache (81.1 vs. 72.8%, p<0.0001) and hemi-sensory disturbance (69.3 vs. 72.5%, p=0.14) after the conversation were not improved compared with those before. Frequencies of correct answers increased for the other questionnaires of symptoms and risk factors except hypertension after the conversation. The rate of correct answer for hypertension was high before and after the conversation (91.0 vs. 91.7%). The number of the guardians with correct answer for the meaning of the “FAST” mnemonic was as same as that of students (92.7 vs. 91.0%).

Conclusions: Our teaching materials of stroke enlightenment for junior high school students would be promising means of delivering the stroke message effectively to their guardians.

Immunohistochemical investigation of the coma blister and its pathogenesis

The erythematous patches and vesicles that are observed in coma patients, usually from an overdose of medication, are known as coma blisters. However, it is unknown whether the degenerated sweat gland is a necrosis or apoptosis. We immunohistochemically examined such skin lesions to investigate the characteristics and pathogenesis of the coma blister. Skin lesions were obtained from a forensic autopsy case, a woman in her thirties, of caffeine intoxication. Those lesions were observed in the left femoral, the lower left thigh, and the right knee. Histologically, the skin lesions showed that the keratinocytes had necrosed and the epidermis was thin in some areas. Eccrine sweat gland degeneration was observed. Obvious inflammatory cell infiltrations were not detected. Immunohistochemically, we stained each skin lesion against CD3, CD8, CD45RO, cytokeratin, 70 kD heat shock protein, ubiquitin, 150 kD oxygen regulated protein, and caspase-cleaved keratin 18 neo-epitope M30. They were also stained with an in situ apoptosis detection kit. Degenerated sweat glands featured CD45RO and M30 immunoreactivity. Immunohistochemical staining for CD45RO, CK-L, and M30 might be useful to observe sweat gland degeneration in the coma blister. Therefore, the apoptosis might be related to coma blisters and sweat gland degenerations.

Neurologic improvement without angiographic improvement after antithyroid therapy in a patient with Moyamoya syndrome

Moyamoya disease with special complications, including Graves' disease, is called as moyamoya syndrome. A 22-year-old Japanese woman had left middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory infarction complicated with Graves' disease. She had right-sided hemiparesis that deteriorated on day 8 with the infarct growth and thyrotoxicosis. On angiogram, the left MCA was occluded at the origin without moyamoya vessels. Positron emission tomography (PET) revealed misery-perfusion phenomenon in the left MCA territory. After initiation of the antithyroid therapy, her hemiparesis became milder. Seventeen months later, her thyroid function was normalized and net-like collateral moyamoya vessels proliferated in the left MCA territory. Misery-perfusion phenomenon persisted on PET. This report is unique in the point of neurologic recovery of the moyamoya patient right after initiation of antithyroid medication without radiological improvement.

Stroke education program of act FAST for junior high school students and their parents

BACKGROUND

We produced a stroke education program using the FAST (facial droop, arm weakness, speech disturbance, time to call an ambulance) mnemonic.

AIMS

The aim of this study is to examine efficacy of our education program for junior high school students and their parents.

METHODS

One hundred ninety students of 3 junior high schools (aged 12-13 years) and their parents were enrolled. Students received a 45-minute lesson of stroke enlightenment using the FAST mnemonic. Enlightenment items, such as a magnet poster, were distributed. Parents were educated indirectly from their child. Surveys of stroke knowledge were examined at baseline, immediately after the lesson, and at 3 months after the lesson.

RESULTS

For the students, correct answers at 3 months were significantly higher than those at baseline in questions of facial palsy (98% versus 33%), speech disturbance (98% versus 54%), numbness on one side (64% versus 42%), weakness on one side (80% versus 51%), calling an ambulance (88% versus 60%), alcohol drinking (85% versus 65%), smoking (70% versus 43%), dyslipidemia (58% versus 46%), hyperglycemia (59% versus 48%), and obesity (47% versus 23%). At 3 months, the parents answered more correctly questions of facial palsy (93% versus 66%), calling an ambulance (95% versus 88%), and alcohol drinking (65% versus 51%) than at baseline. At 3 months, 96% of students and 78% of parents answered the FAST mnemonic correctly.

CONCLUSIONS

Our stroke education program improved stroke knowledge, especially the FAST message, for junior high school students and their parents.

Abstract WMP75: Is Glycemic Control With Sliding Scale Insulin Therapy Safe For Diabetic Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke?

Backgroundand Purpose: There is no established glycemic control for acute ischemic stroke. Patients’ outcomes may be deteriorated by strict glycemic control with sliding-scale insulin therapy (SSIT) via hypoglycemia. We aimed to investigate baseline characteristics, frequency of hypoglycemia and outcome in diabetic patients who received SSIT in acute ischemic stroke.

Methods: Consecutive ischemic stroke patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) admitted to our hospital within 7 days of onset from 2008 through 2010 were studied. DM was defined as having prior diabetic medications, fasting plasma glucose (PG) of 126mg/dl, 2-h PG of ≥200 mg/dl during a 75g OGTT, random PG of ≥200 mg/dl, or HbA1c (NGSP) of ≥6.5%. Physicians in charge decided whether the patient was treated with sliding scale insulin therapy (SSIT) at admission. Hypoglycemia was defined as having PG of ≤80 mg/dl during hospitalization. Favorable outcome was defined as mRS 0-1 at 3 months.

Results: Of a total 258 ischemic stroke patients with DM (193 men, 72 ± 10 yo), 130 (96 men, 71±10 yo) received SSIT (SSIT group) and the remaining 128 (97 men, 73±9 yo) did not (N group). Patients in the SSIT group more frequently took prior diabetic medication (72% vs 53%, p=0.001), had higher initial PG (199±85 mg/dl vs 156±78 mg/dl, p<0.001), higher HbA1c (7.8±1.9% vs 6.8±1.2%, p<0.001) and higher initial NIHSS [median 4 (IQR 2-7) vs. 3 (IQR 1-5), p=0.028] than those in the N group. Hypoglycemia tended to be more common (15% vs 7%, p=0.050) and favorable outcome tended to be less common (43% vs 54%, p=0.081) in the SSIT group than in the N group. In the SSIT group, 19 patients showing hypoglycemia were older (76±8 years vs 71±10 years, p=0.031), more frequently took prior diabetic medication (95% vs 68%, p=0.015), and had lower admission levels of PG (163±68 mg/dl vs 206±86 mg/dl, p=0.040) and HbA1c (6.9±1.3% vs 7.9±2.0%, p=0.035) than those in the remaining 111 patients without hypoglycemia.

Conclusions: Acute ischemic stroke patients with prior diabetic medication, poor glycemic control before onset and severer stroke symptom often received SSIT. Hypoglycemia was found in one seventh of patients treated with SSIT. We have to be careful especially when aged patients or diabetic medication users receive SSIT.

Abstract 2426: A Stroke Campaign of Act FAST for Junior High School Students and Their Parents

Background and purpose: Early recognition of stroke signs and symptoms is essential for emergent treatment and improvement of clinical outcomes. We examined efficacy of a stroke education program for junior high school students and their parents.

Methods: From February 2010 to May 2011, 349 students in 11 classes of the 1 st grade of 3 junior high schools (12 - 13 years old) and their parents were enrolled. The subjects were divided into 2 groups; an intervention group (6 classes, 190 students) and a control group (5 classes, 159 students). Students in the intervention group received a 45-minutes lesson on stroke signs and symptoms, the FAST message (Facial droop, Arm weakness, Speech disturbance, Time to call 119), and stroke risk factors. School items consisting of a pen, file, magnet, sticky note with the FAST message, and stroke pamphlets were also distributed to students in the intervention group. Parents of the intervention group were educated indirectly through the stroke pamphlets and items. For all subjects, questionnaires on stroke knowledge were examined at the baseline, immediate post-lesson time and 3-month after the stroke lesson.

Results: Percentages of correct answers were not significantly different between the 2 students groups at the baseline. Three-months after the stroke lesson, students in the intervention group answered more correctly than the control group in the questions of facial palsy (97% in the intervention group vs. 54% in the control group; P<0.001), speech disturbance (98% vs. 67%; P<0.001), hemiplegia (80% vs. 63%; P<0.001), calling 119 for stroke (88% vs. 57%; P<0.001), alcohol drinking (85% vs. 65%; P<0.001), smoking (70% vs. 51%; P<0.001), hypertension (81% vs. 68%; P=0.004) and the FAST message (96% vs. 10%; P<0.001). Parents of the intervention group also answered more correctly in the question of facial palsy (93% vs. 80%; P=0.001), speech disturbance (95% vs. 86%; P=0.008), hemiplegia (87% vs. 78%; P=0.032), calling 119 for stroke (95% vs. 85%; P=0.004), arrhythmia (31% vs. 19%; P=0.016), and the FAST message (78% vs. 26%; P<0.001) than those of the control group 3 month after the stroke lesson.

Conclusions: The stroke education program for junior high school students and their parents improved their stroke knowledge, especially of the FAST message.