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Identification rate of Legionella species in non-purulent sputum culture is comparable to that in purulent sputum culture in Legionella pneumonia. J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0166523. [PMID: 38501659 PMCID: PMC11005338 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01665-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Many Legionella pneumonia patients do not produce sputum, and it is unknown whether purulent sputum is required for the identification of Legionella species. This study aimed to evaluate the identification rate of Legionella species based on sputum quality and the factors predictive of Legionella infection. This study included Legionella pneumonia patients at Kurashiki Central Hospital from November 2000 to December 2022. Sputum quality, based on gram staining, was classified as the following: Geckler 1/2, 3/6 and 4/5. Geckler 4/5 was defined as purulent sputum. The sputa of 104 of 124 Legionella pneumonia patients were cultured. Fifty-four patients (51.9%) were identified with Legionella species, most of which were Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (81.5%). The identification rates of Legionella species according to sputum quality were 57.1% (16/28) in Geckler 1/2 sputum, 50.0% (34/68) in Geckler 3/6 sputum, and 50.0% (4/8) in Geckler 4/5 sputum, which were not significantly different (P = 0.86). On multivariate analysis, pre-culture treatment with anti-Legionella antimicrobials (odds ratio [OR] 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06-0.91), Pneumonia Severity Index class ≥IV (OR 2.57 [95% CI 1.02-6.71]), and intensive care unit admission (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.06-10.09) correlated with the ability to identify Legionella species, but sputum quality did not (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.17-4.41). The identification rate of Legionella species in non-purulent sputum was similar to that in purulent sputum. For the diagnosis of Legionella pneumonia, sputum should be collected before administering anti-Legionella antibiotics and cultured regardless of sputum quality.
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Efficacy of dupilumab as an alternative to corticosteroids in the treatment of exacerbations of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Respirol Case Rep 2024; 12:e01354. [PMID: 38617121 PMCID: PMC11009483 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis involves not only eosinophils but also plasma cells that produce immunoglobulin E. Dupilumab may be an effective alternative to corticosteroids because it inhibits T cell to plasma cell differentiation by blocking IL4.
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Usefulness of Mepolizumab for Mucus Plugs. Intern Med 2024:3531-24. [PMID: 38522905 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.3531-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
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A pitfall in chest imaging. Respirol Case Rep 2024; 12:e01326. [PMID: 38504769 PMCID: PMC10950390 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The key feature of Poland syndrome is asymmetry in the chest wall. Clinicians should be alert to abnormalities of the chest wall as well as the lungs if there is abnormal chest radiograph lucency.
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Airway obstruction due to mochi (sticky rice cake) retrieved with a cryoprobe. Respirol Case Rep 2024; 12:e01322. [PMID: 38476667 PMCID: PMC10932690 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryoprobes represent an option for bronchial foreign body removal in cases of bronchial obstruction due to viscous substances such as mochi at body temperature.
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Chest drainage, a basic but essential procedure. Respirol Case Rep 2024; 12:e01299. [PMID: 38351922 PMCID: PMC10864102 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Chest drainage is a basic and important procedure in the treatment of pneumothorax. When properly implemented, even the most severely ill patients may be able to be treated without surgical intervention.
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A case of asthma revealed to be a much rarer condition. Respirol Case Rep 2024; 12:e01296. [PMID: 38328631 PMCID: PMC10848279 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Asthma is one of the most common diseases. However, in patients with refractory asthma, chest imaging assessment should be performed, bearing in mind the possibility of other diseases.
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Imaging in pleural amyloidosis: A diagnostic challenge. Respirol Case Rep 2024; 12:e01289. [PMID: 38314100 PMCID: PMC10831395 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pleural amyloidosis does not present with specific imaging findings and is difficult to diagnose unless pleural biopsy is performed. However, distinguishing pleural amyloidosis from malignant disease is important and biopsy should be performed wherever possible to establish a treatment plan as early as possible.
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A case of allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis: 3D-CT Findings led to successful multidisciplinary treatment with dupilumab and cryoprobe. Respirol Case Rep 2024; 12:e01305. [PMID: 38351923 PMCID: PMC10864101 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The present case involved a 78-year-old woman with repeated recurrences of allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM) who presented to our outpatient clinic with a chief complaint of dyspnoea with respiratory failure. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest showed atelectasis of the lower lobes due to mucus plugs. Blood and biochemical tests showed a high peripheral blood eosinophil count (1330/μL) and elevated immunoglobulin E (15,041 IU/mL; normal, < 361 IU/mL). Recurrent ABPM was diagnosed. The patient also showed chronic lower respiratory tract infection associated with Mycobacterium avium complex and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. First, we removed the mucus plug with a cryoprobe to avoid administering corticosteroids. However, subsequent 3-dimensional CT showed residual mucus plugs, so we administered dupilumab as an additional treatment. After initiating dupilumab, mucus plugs disappeared and respiratory failure resolved. We were able to implement multidisciplinary treatment that did not rely on corticosteroids.
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Local Microbubble Removal in Polydimethylsiloxane Microchannel by Balancing Negative and Atmospheric Pressures. MICROMACHINES 2023; 15:37. [PMID: 38258156 PMCID: PMC10819605 DOI: 10.3390/mi15010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Long-term experiments using organoids and tissues are crucial for drug development. Microfluidic devices have been regularly used in long-term experiments. However, microbubbles often form in these devices, and they may damage and starve cells. A method involving the application of negative pressure has been reported to remove microbubbles from microfluidic devices composed of polydimethylsiloxane; however, negative pressure affects the cells and tissues in microfluidic devices. In this study, a local microbubble removal method was developed using a microfluidic device with 0.5 mm thin polydimethylsiloxane sidewalls. The thin sidewalls counterbalanced the negative and atmospheric pressures, thereby localizing the negative pressure near the negatively pressurized chamber. Microbubbles were removed within 5 mm of the negatively pressurized chamber; however, those in an area 7 mm and more from the chamber were not removed. Using the local removal method, a long-term perfusion test was performed, and no contact was confirmed between the bubbles and the simulated tissue for 72 h.
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Severe Legionella Pneumonia in Which Serial Testing by Ribotest ® Legionella was Useful for the Diagnosis. Intern Med 2023; 62:2989-2993. [PMID: 36889700 PMCID: PMC10641205 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.0766-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A 79-year-old man presented with chest pain, and urinary antigen tests for Legionella pneumophila (ImmunoCatch® Legionella and Ribotest® Legionella) were negative on admission. The next day, rapid respiratory failure suggested Legionella pneumonia, and levofloxacin was added. Since a lung infiltration shadow appeared on the other side as well on day 4, non-infectious diseases were considered, and steroid therapy was started. Urinary antigen tests for Legionella pneumophila became positive on day 5. In the present case, retesting with Ribotest® Legionella, which could be negative early after the disease onset, was useful for diagnosing Legionella pneumonia, which led to the discontinuation of unnecessary steroid treatment.
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Erratum: Search for Cosmic-Ray Boosted Sub-GeV Dark Matter Using Recoil Protons at Super-Kamiokande [Phys. Rev. Lett. 130, 031802 (2023)]. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 131:159903. [PMID: 37897794 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.131.159903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.130.031802.
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Multi-Institutional Fact-Finding Study: Association between Geriatric Assessment and Reduction in Intensity of Radiotherapy for Elderly Cancer Patients without Metastasis. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:S126-S127. [PMID: 37784325 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Vulnerable patients receive a low-intensity, palliative treatment rather than the standard treatment. Defining vulnerability in terms of standard or reduced radiation intensity can result in appropriate radiotherapy for elderly cancer patients without excessive adverse events and poor outcomes. However, it is difficult to define vulnerability, because radiation oncologists hesitate to include vulnerable patients in clinical trials involving radical radiotherapy. We hypothesized that for elderly cancer patients without metastasis, vulnerability scores, obtained by geriatric assessment (GA), could help in predicting the reduction in radiation intensity determined by radiation oncologists based on their experience. MATERIALS/METHODS In this multicenter prospective study, we enrolled cancer patients (70 years or older) without metastasis. The reduction in radiation intensity was categorized into 3 groups as follows: i) standard schedule of radiotherapy, but conversion of irradiation fields, ii) standard irradiation fields, but converted schedule of radiotherapy, and iii) conversion of radiotherapy schedule and irradiation fields. Standard radiotherapy was defined as recommended doses and radiation fields according to the guidelines for the primary tumors analyzed. GA was performed by calculating geriatric 8 (G8) and vulnerable elders survey (VES-13) scores before radiotherapy and 3-5 and 8-16 weeks after completion of radiotherapy. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the correlation between vulnerability assessed by G8 and change in radiation intensity. RESULTS Between November 2020 and February 2022, 317 patients were included in this study at 13 centers in Japan. The median age was 77 (range, 70-90) years. The primary cancer sites were head and neck, esophagus, lungs, breasts, pancreas, bladder, uterus, and prostate in 63, 22, 62, 48, 6, 5, 26, and 85 patients, respectively. High-precision radiotherapy was performed for 199 patients (63%). Of the 31 patients (10%) whose radiation intensity was reduced, 14, 9, and 8 patients were provided i, ii, and iii category, respectively. Planned radiotherapy was completed for 312 patients (98%). G8 and VES-13 vulnerability scores were obtained for 201 and 61 patients, respectively, before radiotherapy. The mean G8 and VES-13 scores were 13.3 ± 2.4 and 1.8 ± 1.8, 12.9 ± 2.6 and 2.0 ± 2.0, and 13.4 ± 2.4 and 2.0 ± 1.9 before radiotherapy and 3-5 and 8-16 weeks after completion of radiotherapy, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that reduction in radiation intensity was significantly associated with vulnerability assessed using VES-13 (p < 0.001) but not G8 (p = 0.06). CONCLUSION An excellent completion rate was obtained for planned radiotherapy, and vulnerability assessed using VES-13, not G8, was associated with the reduction in intensity of radiotherapy.
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Measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters from the T2K experiment using 3.6×1021 protons on target. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. C, PARTICLES AND FIELDS 2023; 83:782. [PMID: 37680254 PMCID: PMC10480298 DOI: 10.1140/epjc/s10052-023-11819-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The T2K experiment presents new measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters using 19.7 ( 16.3 ) × 10 20 protons on target (POT) in (anti-)neutrino mode at the far detector (FD). Compared to the previous analysis, an additional 4.7 × 10 20 POT neutrino data was collected at the FD. Significant improvements were made to the analysis methodology, with the near-detector analysis introducing new selections and using more than double the data. Additionally, this is the first T2K oscillation analysis to use NA61/SHINE data on a replica of the T2K target to tune the neutrino flux model, and the neutrino interaction model was improved to include new nuclear effects and calculations. Frequentist and Bayesian analyses are presented, including results on sin 2 θ 13 and the impact of priors on the δ CP measurement. Both analyses prefer the normal mass ordering and upper octant of sin 2 θ 23 with a nearly maximally CP-violating phase. Assuming the normal ordering and using the constraint on sin 2 θ 13 from reactors, sin 2 θ 23 = 0 . 561 - 0.032 + 0.021 using Feldman-Cousins corrected intervals, and Δ m 32 2 = 2 . 494 - 0.058 + 0.041 × 10 - 3 eV 2 using constant Δ χ 2 intervals. The CP-violating phase is constrained to δ CP = - 1 . 97 - 0.70 + 0.97 using Feldman-Cousins corrected intervals, and δ CP = 0 , π is excluded at more than 90% confidence level. A Jarlskog invariant of zero is excluded at more than 2 σ credible level using a flat prior in δ CP , and just below 2 σ using a flat prior in sin δ CP . When the external constraint on sin 2 θ 13 is removed, sin 2 θ 13 = 28 . 0 - 6.5 + 2.8 × 10 - 3 , in agreement with measurements from reactor experiments. These results are consistent with previous T2K analyses.
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Eosinopenia is associated with adverse outcomes after COVID-19 infection: A perspective from Japan. Respirology 2023; 28:677-680. [PMID: 37105899 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
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Development of a microfluidic device to observe dynamic flow around the villi generated by deformation of small intestinal tissue. LAB ON A CHIP 2023. [PMID: 37212031 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00172e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The mucosal immune system in the small intestine is crucial for human health. For the immune response, mutual contact between gut bacteria and intestinal epithelial cells is important because there are unique epithelial cells specialized in gut bacteria sampling on the villi. The travel of gut bacteria to the villi is led by a complex dynamic flow in the small intestine. However, the complex dynamic flow around the villi has not yet been explored at a micro scale. In this study, we proposed a microfluidic device to observe the flow around the villi generated by the dynamic deformation of small intestinal tissue. The microfluidic device had 3 pneumatic actuators to drive small intestinal tissue. The pneumatic actuator with small intestinal tissue achieved a sufficient stroke of 1000 mm and reproducibility. A mouse's immotile small intestinal tissue was driven by the pneumatic actuator, resulting in dynamic flow; the villi dynamics can be explored. The dynamic flow of the villi is observed using 1 μm fluorescent microbeads as markers. Dynamic flow in the small intestinal tissue is classified into three modes based on the bead speed. Among these modes, in transitional flow, the microbeads slow down around the villi, resulting in an increased probability of microbead and villi adhesion. Two further unique flow behaviors are as follows: the fluorescent microbeads float and remain within the gaps of villi under the dynamic deformation of the small intestinal tissue, and a stirring flow occurs in the dent of the small intestinal tissue.
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Analysis of Urinary Retention Caused by Selective β 3-adrenoceptor Agonists Using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report Database (JADER). DIE PHARMAZIE 2023; 78:56-62. [PMID: 37189265 DOI: 10.1691/ph.2023.3509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a frequent chronic disorder which impairs quality of life by frequent, uncontrollable urination. Newly developed selectiveβ 3-adrenoceptor agonists (sβ 3-agonists) have the same efficacy in treating OAB but significantly fewer side effects than the traditionally used anti-muscarinics. However, safety data on these compounds are scarce. In this study, we analysed the occurrence of adverse effects in patients taking sβ 3-agonists and their characteristics using the JADER database. The most frequently reported adverse effect associated with the use of sβ 3-agonists was urinary retention [mirabegron; crude reporting odds ratios (ROR): 62.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 52.0-73.6, P<0.001, vibegron; crude ROR: 250, 95% CI : 134-483, P<0.001]. Data from patients with urinary retention were stratified by sex. In both men and women, the rate of urinary retention was higher when using the mirabegron/anti-muscarinic drug when compared to mirabegron monotherapy; its occurrence was higher in men with a history of benign prostatic hypertrophy than in those without. Weibull analysis showed that approximately 50% of sβ 3 agonist-induced urinary retention occurred within 15 days after initiation of treatment, and then gradually decreased. Although sβ 3-agonists are useful against OAB, they may induce several side effects, especially urinary retention, which can further evolve into more severe conditions. Urinary retention occurs more frequently in patients concomitantly taking medication that either increases urethral resistance or has organic factors that block the urethra. When using sβ 3-agonists, the concomitantly used medications and underlying diseases should be thoroughly reviewed, and safety monitoring should be instituted early during the treatment.
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Abstract
A 77-year-old woman with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis who was being treated with prednisolone (8 mg/day) and methotrexate (12 mg/week) visited our hospital with an 11-day history of a fever and dyspnea. Chest computed tomography showed infiltration in the right lower lobe. A transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) showed cryptococcal cells, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid later showed growth of Cryptococcus neoformans. She was treated with amphotericin B and flucytosine for about four weeks, and the pulmonary shadows improved. The treatment was then changed to fluconazole as outpatient consolidation and maintenance therapy. A rare case of pulmonary cryptococcosis diagnosed by a TBLC is reported.
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Search for Cosmic-Ray Boosted Sub-GeV Dark Matter Using Recoil Protons at Super-Kamiokande. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 130:031802. [PMID: 36763398 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.130.031802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We report a search for cosmic-ray boosted dark matter with protons using the 0.37 megaton×years data collected at Super-Kamiokande experiment during the 1996-2018 period (SKI-IV phase). We searched for an excess of proton recoils above the atmospheric neutrino background from the vicinity of the Galactic Center. No such excess is observed, and limits are calculated for two reference models of dark matter with either a constant interaction cross section or through a scalar mediator. This is the first experimental search for boosted dark matter with hadrons using directional information. The results present the most stringent limits on cosmic-ray boosted dark matter and exclude the dark matter-nucleon elastic scattering cross section between 10^{-33}cm^{2} and 10^{-27}cm^{2} for dark matter mass from 1 MeV/c^{2} to 300 MeV/c^{2}.
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Microfluidic Liquid Cell with Silicon Nitride Super-Thin Membrane for Electron Microscopy of Samples in Liquid. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:1138. [PMID: 36551105 PMCID: PMC9775586 DOI: 10.3390/bios12121138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic liquid cells have been developed to visualize nanoscaled biological samples in liquid using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) through an electron-transparent membrane (ETM). However, despite the combination of the high-resolution visualization of SEM and the high experimental capability of microfluidics, the image is unclear because of the scattering of the electron beam in the ETM. Thus, this study developed a microfluidic liquid cell with a super-thin ETM of thickness 10 nm. Because the super-thin ETM is excessively fragile, the bonding of a silicon-nitride-deposited substrate and a polydimethylsiloxane microchannel before silicon anisotropic etching was proposed prevented the super-thin ETM from damage and breakage due to etching. With this protection against etchant using the microchannel, the yield of the fabricated super-thin ETM increased from 0 to 87%. Further, the scattering of the electron beam was suppressed using a microfluidic liquid cell with a super-thin ETM, resulting in high-resolution visualization. In addition, T4 bacteriophages were visualized using a super-thin ETM in vacuum. Furthermore, the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 in liquid was visualized using a super-thin ETM, and sub-microscopic structures on the surface were observed.
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Home High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy for Stable Hypercapnic COPD: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 206:1326-1335. [PMID: 35771533 PMCID: PMC9746854 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202201-0199oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: The long-term effects of using a high-flow nasal cannula for chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease remain unclear. Objectives: To assess whether long-term high-flow nasal cannula use reduces the number of exacerbations and improves other physiological parameters in patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: We enrolled 104 participants (aged ⩾40 yr) with daytime hypercapnia (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stages 2-4) receiving long-term oxygen therapy (⩾16 h/d for ⩾1 mo) and randomly assigned them to high-flow nasal cannula/long-term oxygen therapy and long-term oxygen therapy groups. The primary endpoint was the moderate or severe exacerbation rate. We compared changes from baseline in arterial blood gas values, peripheral oxygen saturation, pulmonary function, health-related quality-of-life scores, and the 6-minute-walk test. Measurements and Main Results: High-flow nasal cannula use significantly reduced the rate of moderate/severe exacerbations (unadjusted mean count 1.0 vs. 2.5, a ratio of the adjusted mean count between groups [95% confidence interval] of 2.85 [1.48-5.47]) and prolonged the duration without moderate or severe exacerbations. The median time to first moderate or severe exacerbation in the long-term oxygen therapy group was 25 (14.1-47.4) weeks; this was not reached in the high-flow nasal cannula/long-term oxygen therapy group. High-flow nasal cannula use significantly improved health-related quality of life scores, peripheral oxygen saturation, and specific pulmonary function parameters. No safety concerns were identified. Conclusions: A high-flow nasal cannula is a reasonable therapeutic option for patients with stable hypercapnic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a history of exacerbations. Clinical trial registered with www.umin/ac.jp (UMIN000028581) and www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03282019).
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Incidental diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis by rebiopsy for epidermal growth factor receptor T790M mutation: A case report. Thorac Cancer 2022; 14:210-213. [PMID: 36450693 PMCID: PMC9834699 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is an invasive fungal infection that can occur in cancer patients. A case of pulmonary cryptococcosis in a patient treated with erlotinib + ramucirumab for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) L858R point mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer is presented. During chemotherapy, a new pulmonary nodule was found and considered progressive disease. Examination of the biopsy specimen taken to identify EGFR T790M mutation incidentally led to the diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis. Three months after taking fluconazole, chest computed tomography showed that the pulmonary nodule had shrunk. New pulmonary nodules during lung cancer treatment require careful attention, not only because of disease progression, but also because of the possibility of infection in an immunocompromised host.
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DNA damage induced by radiation exposure from cardiac catheterization – an analysis in patients and operators. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.3015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The biological effects of low-dose radiation from cardiac imaging or intervention remain largely unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ionized radiation from cardiac catheterization on genomic DNA integrity and inflammatory cytokines in patients and operators.
Methods
Peripheral mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from patients (n=52) and operators (n=35) before and after coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention. Expression of gammaH2AX, a marker for DNA double-strand breaks, was measured by immunofluorescence. Dicentric chromosomes (DICs), a form of chromosome aberrations, were assayed using a fluorescent in situ hybridization technique.
Results
In the patient MNCs, the numbers of gammaH2AX foci and DICs increased after cardiac catheterization by 101±75% and 28±99%, respectively (P<0.05 for both). The mRNA expressions of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and caspase-1 were significantly increased by radiation exposure from cardiac catheterization. The increase in IL-1β was significantly correlated with that of gammaH2AX, but not with dose area product. In the operators, neither gammaH2AX foci nor DICs level was changed, but IL-1β mRNA was significantly increased. Protein expression of IkappaBα was significantly decreased in both groups.
Conclusions
DNA damage was increased in the MNCs of patients, but not of operators, who underwent cardiac catheterization. Inflammatory cytokines were increased both in the patients and operators, presumably through activation of NF-kappaB. Further efforts to reduce radiation exposure from cardiac catheterization are necessary both for patients and operators.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI)
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A 73-Year-Old Man With Refractory Hemoptysis. Chest 2022; 162:e165-e168. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.04.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Air embolism after transbronchial lung cryobiopsy: A case report. Respirol Case Rep 2022; 10:e01038. [PMID: 36090020 PMCID: PMC9452898 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A 76‐year‐old woman underwent transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) and transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) for examination of interstitial infiltrates. After the examination, the patient's consciousness became clouded, and head computed tomography showed an air embolus. She was started on 100% oxygen, and her consciousness improved, but she remained hemiplegic on the left side and dysphagic. Vascular air embolism (VAE) is a rare but serious complication. Although cases of VAE have been reported with conventional transbronchial forceps biopsy, cases of VAE after TBLC are quite rare, and thus this case is reported.
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Splenomegaly in silent endocarditis. QJM 2022; 115:615-616. [PMID: 35723572 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcac150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Addition of Baricitinib to COVID-19 Treatment Does Not Increase Bacterial Infection Compared to Standard Therapy: A Single-center Retrospective Study. Intern Med 2022; 61:2273-2279. [PMID: 35650130 PMCID: PMC9424089 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.9534-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to spread across the world, and the utility of many drugs for treatment has been suggested. However, few studies have examined the efficacy and safety of treatment with baricitinib, remdesivir, and dexamethasone. Methods A retrospective, cohort study of patients who were admitted to Kurashiki Central Hospital in Japan between April 6 and June 29, 2021, was conducted. Differences in patients' background characteristics, clinical outcomes, and safety were investigated in the groups with and without baricitinib treatment. The primary outcome was the bacterial infection rate, and the secondary outcome was the 28-day mortality rate. An inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis, including 12 covariates, was used as a propensity score analysis to reduce biases. Results In total, there were 96 patients, including 43 in the baricitinib-containing therapy (BCT) group and 53 in the non-baricitinib-containing therapy (non-BCT) group. In the BCT group, the ordinal scale on admission was 2.3% with 4, 51.1% with 5, 23.3% with 6, and 23.3% with 7. In the non-BCT group, the ordinal scale was 1.9% with 3, 18.9% with 4, 58.5% with 5, 13.2% with 6, and 7.5% with 7. After adjusting by the IPTW analysis, the BCT group did not have an increased bacterial infection rate [odds ratio (OR), 1.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.36-3.38; p=0.87] or 28-day mortality rate (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.07-1.3; p=0.11) compared with the non-BCT group. Conclusion BCT can be administered without increasing the infection risk compared with non-BCT.
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CHEMORESISTANCE RELATED TO HYPOXIA ADAPTATION IN MESOTHELIOMA CELLS FROM TUMOR SPHEROIDS. Exp Oncol 2022; 44:121-125. [PMID: 35964640 DOI: 10.32471/exp-oncology.2312-8852.vol-44-no-2.18045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia has been noted as a key factor for induction and maintenance of cancer stemness thereby leading to therapy resistance. Three-dimensional (3D) spheroid models demonstrate a heterogeneity of hypoxic regions replicating the in vivo situation within tumors. Utilizing an established 3D spheroid model, we investigated whether extrinsic hypoxia reinforced chemoresistance in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) spheroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS Tumor spheres were generated from Meso-1 (a typical human MPM cell line) cells having high spheroid-forming ability. To induce hypoxia condition, we utilized a hypoxia chamber with regulation of O2 and CO2 levels. Cell viability was estimated by a WST-8 assay. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were performed to evaluate the expression at mRNA and protein levels. RESULTS Compared with cells cultured in the two-dimensional monolayer model, tumor sphere cells showed elevated mRNA levels of cancer stemness markers (CD26, CD44 and ABCG2) and protein levels of the stemness and hypoxia adaptation markers (ABCG2, ALDH1A1 and HIFs). Correlating with this, 3D spheroid cells were more resistant to permetrexed and topotecan than the two-dimensional cells, indicative of their potential for hypoxic adaptation. Furthermore, significantly stronger resistance to both chemotherapeutic agents was observed in spheroid cells upon hypoxic challenge compared to spheroid cells under normoxia. CONCLUSION From the present data, it is concluded that hypoxia adaptation of MPM cells from tumor spheres could enhance their chemoresistance.
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P60-1 Safety and feasibility of hyper short-hydration using furosemide in cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Ann Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.05.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Relationship between sexual function improvement and treatment satisfaction by TRT in LOH patients. J Sex Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Effect of clomiphene citrate therapy for male infertility. J Sex Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Outcomes of treatment for LOH syndrome assessed by free testosterone. J Sex Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Evaluation of Trefoil Factor 3 as a Non-Invasive Biomarker of Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia and Gastric Cancer in a High-Risk Population. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2022; 46:411-418. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Inflammatory biomarkers are not useful for predicting prognosis in nursing and healthcare-associated pneumonia: A prospective, cohort study. J Infect Chemother 2022; 28:623-630. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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COVID-19-induced adult multisystem inflammatory syndrome and fatal acute limb ischaemia. Respirol Case Rep 2022; 10:e0886. [PMID: 34888058 PMCID: PMC8636195 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-induced adult multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) and fatal acute limb ischaemia is presented. Arterial thrombosis and MIS are reported as complications of COVID-19. This case further highlights that arterial thrombosis and MIS can occur in COVID-19.
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Cryobiopsy for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia secondary to adult T-cell lymphoma/leukaemia. Respirol Case Rep 2022; 10:e0893. [PMID: 34976400 PMCID: PMC8689570 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
A 79-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a 1-week history of progressively worsening dyspnoea on exertion. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral consolidation. On laboratory findings, the line blot assay for human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 was positive, the white blood cell count was 33,000/μl (atypical lymphocytes 8500/μl, 26% of the total white blood cell count) and β-d-glucan was increased to 391.1 pg/ml. In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, there was a small number of atypical lymphocytes, and the polymerase chain reaction for Pneumocystis jirovecii was positive. Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and corticosteroid were administered, but the lung shadows remained. Adult T-cell lymphoma/leukaemia (ATLL) cell infiltration was suspected, and transbronchial lung cryobiopsy was performed, which showed no infiltration of lymphoma cells into the lung. The lung shadow showed an improving trend on chest CT. She was diagnosed with chronic type ATLL and discharged without chemotherapy.
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Hypothyroidism as an immune-related adverse event caused by atezolizumab in a patient with muscle spasms: a case report. Respir Med Case Rep 2022; 36:101585. [PMID: 35116222 PMCID: PMC8792264 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2022.101585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A 60-year-old man with a history of 4 cycles of atezolizumab treatment for non-small cell lung cancer presented to our hospital with a chief complaint of proximal muscle-dominant spasms. Blood tests showed elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) of 8450 U/L and hypothyroidism. There was little improvement even after stopping levetiracetam and pregabalin, and no subspinous physical findings of myositis. After levothyroxine was started for hypothyroidism, his muscle cramps and serum CPK level improved. Hypothyroidism as an immune-related adverse event can cause muscle spasms and is important in the differential diagnosis of muscle spasms in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Genetic diversity of Lactobacillus delbrueckii isolated from raw milk in Hokkaido, Japan. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:2082-2093. [PMID: 34955279 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play important roles in acid production and flavor formation in fermented dairy products. Lactic acid bacteria strains with distinct characteristics confer unique features to products. Diverse LAB have been identified in raw milk and traditional fermented milk prepared from raw milk. However, little is known about LAB in raw milk in Japan. To preserve diverse LAB as potential starters or probiotics for future use, we have isolated and identified various kinds of LAB from raw milk produced in Japan. In this study, we focused on Lactobacillus delbrueckii, one of the most important species in the dairy industry. We identified L. delbrueckii subspecies isolated from raw milk in Hokkaido, Japan, by analyzing intraspecific diversity using 4 distinct methods, hsp60 cluster analysis, multilocus sequence analysis, core-genome analysis, and whole-genome analysis based on average nucleotide identity. The subspecies distribution and a new dominant subset of L. delbrueckii from raw milk in Japan were revealed. The discovery of new strains with different genotypes is important for understanding the geographic distribution and characteristics of the bacteria and further their use as a microbial resource with the potential to express unconventional flavors and functionalities. The strains identified in this study may have practical applications in the development of fermented dairy products.
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Abstract
A 40-year-old woman developed a fever, sore throat, and cough. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was suspected; chest CT showed pan-lobular ground-glass opacity in the bilateral lower lobes suggesting viral pneumonia. Although a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) test for COVID-19 using a nasopharyngeal swab was negative, she was hospitalized and isolated because COVID-19 could not be ruled out. After admission, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the FilmArray Respiratory Panel 2.1 from a nasopharyngeal swab was positive for human coronavirus (HCoV) OC43. Therefore, the diagnosis was pneumonia due to HCoV-OC43. Multiplex PCR is useful for differentiating pneumonia due to COVID-19 from that due to other viral pneumonias.
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Empirical antibiotic usage and bacterial superinfections in patients with COVID-19 in Japan: A nationwide survey by the Japanese Respiratory Society. Respir Investig 2021; 60:154-157. [PMID: 34656520 PMCID: PMC8495043 DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
An internet questionnaire survey for investigating empirical antibiotic usage and bacterial superinfections in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in Japan was conducted among the chief physicians of respiratory disease departments of 715 Japanese Respiratory Society-certified hospitals using Google Forms between January 28, 2021 and February 28, 2021. Responses to the questionnaire survey were obtained from 198 of 715 hospitals (27.6%). The survey revealed that the complication incidences of community-acquired pneumonia; hospital-acquired pneumonia, including ventilator-associated pneumonia; and sepsis were 2.86, 5.59, and 0.99%, respectively, among patients with moderate/severe and critical COVID-19. Bacterial co-infection and secondary infection rarely affected patients with COVID-19 in Japan, and the isolated pathogens were not specific to these patients. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects of macrolides for COVID-19 were not observed in several studies. These results might be useful in clinical practice for COVID-19.
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Gastrointestinal: Underwater selective ligation of a large duodenal Peutz-Jeghers polyp using a detachable snare. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 36:2638. [PMID: 33601478 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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Time Trend of the Sensitivity of the Pneumococcal Urinary Antigen Test for Diagnosing Pneumococcal Community-Acquired Pneumonia: An Analysis of 15-Year, Prospective Cohort Data. Infect Dis Ther 2021; 10:2309-2322. [PMID: 34339026 PMCID: PMC8572932 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00508-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Whether the sensitivity of the BinaxNOW Streptococcus pneumoniae urinary antigen test kit (BinaxNOW), adjusted by some variables including vital signs, laboratory examinations and pneumonia severity, has been decreasing is unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether BinaxNOW sensitivity has decreased recently and to identify the predictors of the BinaxNOW result, including the time trend. Methods This prospective cohort study enrolled consecutive patients with pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia who were hospitalised at Kurashiki Central Hospital from January 2001 to December 2015. Pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia was defined as positive blood or pleural effusion or sputum culture results. To evaluate the effect of the time trend for the sensitivity of BinaxNOW, time series regression analysis was performed. In addition, predictors of the BinaxNOW result were examined by multivariable analysis using variables such as sex, vital signs, blood tests such as C-reactive protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, white blood cell count, haematocrit and platelets, antibiotic pre-treatment, bacteraemia, and pneumonia severity, in addition to time trend and seasonality. Results A total of 446 patients were included. BinaxNOW sensitivity showed a significant, gradual decrease from 2001 (81.3%) to 2015 (48.7%). On multivariable analysis [odds ratio (95% confidence interval)], bacteraemia [2.516 (1.387–4.561), P = 0.002] was a predictor of a positive BinaxNOW result, whereas male sex [0.467 (0.296–0.736), P = 0.001], white blood cell count [0.959 (0.930–0.989), P = 0.008] and the time trend per year [0.900 (0.859–0.943), P < 0.001] were predictors of a negative BinaxNOW result. Conclusions The sensitivity of BinaxNOW decreased over a 15-year period. We should be careful when interpreting BinaxNOW results in daily clinical practice, and the development of a new kit with good sensitivity is anticipated. Trial registration number UMIN000004353.
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Abstract
A 51-year-old woman with adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma was hospitalized in order to undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. On day 29 after transplantation, she began to experience hypoxia upon exertion. Chest computed tomography revealed centrilobular granular shadows, and pulmonary function tests revealed a remarkable obstructive ventilatory impairment compared to before transplantation. A histopathological analysis following a transbronchial lung cryobiopsy revealed acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We herein report a rare case of histopathologically diagnosed acute pulmonary GVHD with spontaneous remission.
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Predictors and usefulness of targeted therapy for pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia diagnosed by the urinary antigen test: a prospective, observational cohort study. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 101:115457. [PMID: 34271234 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2021.115457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictors of targeted therapy (TT) for pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (PCAP) with a positive urinary antigen test (UAT) and compare the outcomes with those of nontargeted therapy. This prospective cohort study enrolled consecutive PCAP patients with a positive UAT who were hospitalized at Kurashiki Central Hospital from October 2010 to November 2019. A total of 286 patients were included. Of them, 56 patients (19.6%) were included in the TT group. On multivariate analysis, identification of Gram-positive diplococci by Gram stain (OR [95% CI]: 2.46 [1.32-4.63]) was a positive predictor, whereas aspiration pneumonia (0.17 [0.03-0.59]) and CURB-65 score (0.59 [0.42-0.81]) were negative predictors of TT. Initial treatment failure and 30-day mortality were not significantly different. The UAT is not used enough for TT, and TT for PCAP did not have worse outcomes.
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Key Words
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- pneumococcal pneumonia
- targeted therapy
- urinary antigen test. Abbreviations: Binax, Binax NOW S. pneumoniae urinary antigen test kit CAP, community-acquired pneumonia CURB-65, confusion, urea >7 mmol/L, respiratory rate ≥30 breaths per minute, low blood pressure (systolic <90 mm Hg or diastolic ≤60 mm Hg), and age ≥65 years IPTW, inverse probability of treatment weighting PSI, Pneumonia Severity Index PUAT, pneumococcal urinary antigen test UAT, urinary antigen test
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Usefulness of β-lactam and macrolide combination therapy for treating community-acquired pneumonia patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit: Propensity score analysis of a prospective cohort study. J Infect Chemother 2021; 27:1447-1453. [PMID: 34147355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Whether β-lactam and macrolide combination therapy reduces mortality in severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) is controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of β-lactam and macrolide combination therapy for SCAP patients hospitalized in the ICU. METHODS A prospective, observational, cohort study of hospitalized pneumonia patients was performed. Hospitalized SCAP patients admitted to the ICU within 24 h between October 2010 and October 2017 were included for analysis. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality, and secondary outcomes were 14-day mortality and ICU mortality. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis as a propensity score analysis was used to reduce biases, including six covariates: age, sex, C-reactive protein, albumin, Pneumonia Severity Index score, and APACHE II score. RESULTS A total of 78 patients were included, with 48 patients in the non-macrolide-containing β-lactam therapy group and 30 patients in the macrolide combination therapy group. β-lactam and macrolide combination therapy significantly decreased 30-day mortality (16.7% vs. 43.8%; P = 0.015) and 14-day mortality (6.7% vs. 31.3%; P = 0.020), but not ICU mortality (10% vs 27.1%, P = 0.08) compared with non-macrolide-containing β-lactam therapy. After adjusting by IPTW, macrolide combination therapy also decreased 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 0.29; 95%CI, 0.09-0.96; P = 0.04) and 14-day mortality (odds ratio, 0.19; 95%CI, 0.04-0.92; P = 0.04), but not ICU mortality (odds ratio, 0.34; 95%CI, 0.08-1.36; P = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS Combination therapy with β-lactam and macrolides significantly improved the prognosis of SCAP patients hospitalized in the ICU compared with a non-macrolide-containing β-lactam regimen.
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Microfluidic Device Using Mouse Small Intestinal Tissue for the Observation of Fluidic Behavior in the Lumen. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12060692. [PMID: 34199306 PMCID: PMC8231847 DOI: 10.3390/mi12060692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The small intestine has the majority of a host’s immune cells, and it controls immune responses. Immune responses are induced by a gut bacteria sampling process in the small intestine. The mechanism of immune responses in the small intestine is studied by genomic or histological techniques after in vivo experiments. While the distribution of gut bacteria, which can be decided by the fluid flow field in the small intestinal tract, is important for immune responses, the fluid flow field has not been studied due to limits in experimental methods. Here, we propose a microfluidic device with chemically fixed small intestinal tissue as a channel. A fluid flow field in the small intestinal tract with villi was observed and analyzed by particle image velocimetry. After the experiment, the distribution of microparticles on the small intestinal tissue was histologically analyzed. The result suggests that the fluid flow field supports the settlement of microparticles on the villi.
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Development of retake support system for lateral knee radiographs by using deep convolutional neural network. Radiography (Lond) 2021; 27:1110-1117. [PMID: 34092495 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lateral radiography of the knee joint is frequently performed; however, the retake rate is high owing to positioning errors. Therefore, in this study, to reduce the required number and time of image retakes, we developed a system that can classify the tilting directions of lateral knee radiographs and evaluated the accuracy of the proposed method. METHODS Using our system, the tilting directions of a lateral knee radiographs were classified into four direction categories. The system was developed by training the DCNN based on 50 cases of Raysum images and tested on three types test dataset; ten more cases of Raysum images, one case of flexed knee joint phantom images and 14 rejected knee joint radiographs. To train a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN), we employed Raysum images created via three-dimensional (3D) X-ray computed tomography (CT); 11 520 Raysum images were created from 60 cases of 3D CT data by changing the projection angles. Thereby, we obtained pseudo images attached with correct labels that are essential for training. RESULTS The overall accuracy on each test dataset was 88.5 ± 7.0% (mean ± standard deviation), 81.4 ± 11.2%, and 73.3 ± 9.2%. The larger the tilting degree of the knee joint, the higher the classification accuracy. CONCLUSION DCNN could classify the tilting directions of a knee joint from lateral knee radiographs. Using Raysum images made it possible to facilitate creating dataset for training DCNN. The possibility was indicated for using support system of lateral knee radiographs. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The system may also reduce the burden on patients and increase the work efficiency of radiological technologists.
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Pneumonia Caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 and Influenza Virus: A Multicenter Comparative Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab282. [PMID: 34291119 PMCID: PMC8244664 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Detailed differences in clinical information between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia (CP), which is the main phenotype of SARS-CoV-2 disease, and influenza pneumonia (IP) are still unclear. Methods A prospective, multicenter cohort study was conducted by including patients with CP who were hospitalized between January and June 2020 and a retrospective cohort of patients with IP hospitalized from 2009 to 2020. We compared the clinical presentations and studied the prognostic factors of CP and IP. Results Compared with the IP group (n = 66), in the multivariate analysis, the CP group (n = 362) had a lower percentage of patients with underlying asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P < .01), lower neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (P < .01), lower systolic blood pressure (P < .01), higher diastolic blood pressure (P < .01), lower aspartate aminotransferase level (P < .05), higher serum sodium level (P < .05), and more frequent multilobar infiltrates (P < .05). The diagnostic scoring system based on these findings showed excellent differentiation between CP and IP (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.889). Moreover, the prognostic predictors were different between CP and IP. Conclusions Comprehensive differences between CP and IP were revealed, highlighting the need for early differentiation between these 2 pneumonias in clinical settings.
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Juzentaihoto extract suppresses adipocyte hypertrophy and improves hyperglycemia in KKAy mice. DIE PHARMAZIE 2021; 75:191-194. [PMID: 32393426 DOI: 10.1691/ph.2020.9950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2022]
Abstract
Juzentaihoto is a herbal medicine with reported anti-inflammatory effects, and it is predicted to improve inflammation and insulin sensitivity within obesity. In the present study, juzentaihoto hot water extract (JTT) was administered to obese type 2 diabetic model mice (KKAy) for 56 days. In addition, the effects of JTT on the adipose tissue, glucose metabolism, and blood lipids were evaluated for examining its impact on insulin sensitivity and obesity. As a result of JTT administration, KKAy mice exhibited suppressed adipocyte hypertrophy, decreased the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor α, and increased the mRNA levels of adiponectin in epididymal fat tissue. In addition, fasting blood glucose levels, blood triglyceride, and total cholesterol decreased. In summary, these data indicated that JTT administration suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines and increased adiponectin levels in the adipose tissue. Therefore, with improved insulin sensitivity, blood glucose, and lipid decreased.
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