Trends of Early Helicobacter pylori-Uninfected Gastric Cancer in an Aging Regional Area.

Background/Objectives: We aimed to determine the trends over time and current status of early Helicobacter pylori-uninfected gastric cancer (HpUIGC) treatment in a region with an aging population. Methods: This retrospective, multi-center observational study was conducted at seven major general hospitals in Kagoshima Prefecture. From January 2009 to July 2022, 2091 patients who received endoscopic resection (ER) for early gastric cancer (EGC) were retrospectively enrolled, of which 35 were identified as early HpUIGC cases. Results: The number of ERs for EGC demonstrated a significant increasing trend from 2010 to 2021 (p = 0.01 for trend). Furthermore, the 12-year period from 2010 to 2021 was divided into an early and late phase every 6 years. In the early phase, there were 5 cases (0.7%) of early HpUIGC, while in the late phase, there were 25 cases (2.1%), indicating a significant increase in the proportion of ERs for early HpUIGC cases in the late phase (p = 0.02). Conclusions: The proportion of ERs for early HpUIGC, which are more common in relatively young patients, may be increasing as a proportion of all ERs for GC, even in areas of Japan with an aging population.

Successful healing of aneurysmal false lumen using a second-generation drug-eluting stent in spontaneous coronary artery dissection: a case report.

BACKGROUND: According to 2023 ESC Guideline, conservative medical management is generally recommended for the treatment of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) except for patients with signs of ongoing myocardial ischemia. However, in some cases, invasive treatment (coronary artery bypass graft surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)) is performed because of the progression of aneurysm in SCAD. Although there is no established strategy for the management of coronary aneurysm in SCAD, we report a case of successful healing of aneurysmal false lumen (AFL) using a second-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) in SCAD. CASE PRESENTATION: A 44-year-old woman without any cardiovascular risk factors was transferred to our hospital due to inferior myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography (CAG) showed multiple SCADs in the coronary artery. We performed PCI to the distal right coronary artery (RCA) because the RCA showed severe stenosis (99%) with bradycardia. Six days after the first PCI, SCAD relapsed in the mid left anterior descending artery (LAD). Furthermore, AFL was observed by intravascular ultrasound imaging. To avoid enlargement of the AFL and progression of the dissection toward the proximal site of the LAD, we performed PCI to the mid LAD to seal the entry tear of the dissection using a second-generation DES. CAG revealed that the AFL in the mid LAD completely diminished at 1 year after PCI. CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of a second-generation DES might be one of therapeutic options for sealing AFL in SCAD patients.

Characterization of plaque phenotypes exhibiting an elevated pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation: insights from the REASSURE-NIRS registry.

Inflammation has been considered to promote atheroma instability. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) visualizes pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) attenuation, which reflects coronary artery inflammation. While PCAT attenuation has been reported to predict future coronary events, plaque phenotypes exhibiting high PCAT attenuation remains to be fully elucidated. The current study aims to characterize coronary atheroma with a greater vascular inflammation. We retrospectively analyzed culprit lesions in 69 CAD patients receiving PCI from the REASSURE-NIRS registry (NCT04864171). Culprit lesions were evaluated by both CCTA and near-infrared spectroscopy/intravascular ultrasound (NIRS/IVUS) imaging prior to PCI. PCAT attenuation at proximal RCA (PCATRCA) and NIRS/IVUS-derived plaque measures were compared in patients with PCATRCA attenuation ≥ and < -78.3 HU (median). Lesions with PCATRCA attenuation ≥ -78.3 HU exhibited a greater frequency of maxLCBI4mm ≥ 400 (66% vs. 26%, p < 0.01), plaque burden ≥ 70% (94% vs. 74%, p = 0.02) and spotty calcification (49% vs. 6%, p < 0.01). Whereas positive remodeling (63% vs. 41%, p = 0.07) did not differ between two groups. On multivariable analysis, maxLCBI4mm ≥ 400 (OR = 4.07; 95%CI 1.12-14.74, p = 0.03), plaque burden ≥ 70% (OR = 7.87; 95%CI 1.01-61.26, p = 0.04), and spotty calcification (OR = 14.33; 95%CI 2.37-86.73, p < 0.01) independently predicted high PCATRCA attenuation. Of note, while the presence of only one plaque feature did not necessarily elevate PCATRCA attenuation (p = 0.22), lesions harboring two or more features were significantly associated with higher PCATRCA attenuation. More vulnerable plaque phenotypes were observed in patients with high PCATRCA attenuation. Our findings suggest PCATRCA attenuation as the presence of profound disease substrate, which potentially benefits from anti-inflammatory agents.

Hepatocyte growth factor ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate­induced colitis in a mouse model by altering the phenotype of intestinal macrophages.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) serves key roles in cell motility, proliferation and immunoregulatory functions. However, the effect of HGF on macrophages is unclear. The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of HGF on the phenotypic alterations of intestinal lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs). Colitis was induced in a mouse model using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Subsequently, LPMCs were isolated from the mice with chronic colitis and the expression levels of cytokine­encoding genes in the LPMCs were determined. CD11b­positive macrophages isolated from LPMCs were cultured with HGF, and alterations in the levels of M1 or M2 markers were evaluated by reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT­qPCR) and flow cytometry. In addition, the cytokine levels were assessed using RT­qPCR and ELISA. HGF shifted the phenotype of macrophages from M1 to M2­like, as determined by increased mRNA expression levels of arginase­1, CD206 and IL­10, and reduced mRNA expression levels of CD86 and IL­6 in mice with DSS­induced colitis. Moreover, HGF could ameliorate DSS­induced colitis owing to its immunosuppressive effect on immune cells. These findings indicated that HGF treatment may not only promote the regeneration of epithelial cells but also lead to tissue repair by phenotypic alteration of M1 macrophages to M2­like macrophages.

Focal Type 2 Autoimmune Pancreatitis Mimicking Pancreatic Cancer: Treatment with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Surgery.

A 51-year-old man was referred to our hospital for the further examination of main pancreatic duct interruption. Imaging findings showed a 25-mm-diameter mass lesion located in the pancreatic head. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was performed on the mass. Cytology suggested adenocarcinoma, but the histological diagnosis was not confirmed. We made a comprehensive diagnosis of resectable pancreatic cancer. The mass shrank after preoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, and the patient underwent surgery. The final pathological diagnosis was type 2 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). Two years after surgery, AIP had not recurred in the remaining pancreas.

Effects of Sprayable, Highly Adhesive Hydrophobized Gelatin Microparticles on Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Swine Model.

INTRODUCTION: Sprayable wound dressings containing hydrophobized microparticles (hMPs) are characterized by strong adhesiveness. We examined the effect of hMPs derived from Alaska pollock gelatin on endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) ulcers. METHODS: (1) In an in vivo model of miniature swine gastric ESD, gastric ulcers were created by ESD and then sprayed with hMPs or untreated followed by microscopic examination. (2) In an ex vivo ESD model of resected stomach, a pinhole-shaped perforation was created on the ESD ulcer of resected stomach; hMPs were then sprayed on the perforation; and air leakage and intragastric pressure were measured. (3) In an in vivo duodenal ESD model of miniature swine, duodenal artificial ESD ulcers with pinhole-shaped perforation were examined; ulcers were classified into hMPs-sprayed and nonsprayed groups, and inflammation in the intrinsic muscle layer and serosa were compared between the groups. RESULTS: (1) Histological observation of submucosal tissues showed a decreased number of invading inflammatory cells in hMP-sprayed tissues compared with the control in miniature swine gastric ESD (p < 0.05). In addition, the rates of anti-alpha smooth muscle actin and type I collagen positivity were significantly lower in the hMPs group than in the control group (p < 0.05). (2) Intragastric pressure could not be measured in the nonsprayed group, whereas no air leakage was observed in the sprayed group when pressurized up to 26 mm Hg in the resected stomach model. (3) The sprayed group showed suppressed inflammation of the intrinsic muscular layer and serosa in both cases compared with the nonsprayed group in miniature swine duodenal ESD (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sprayable, tissue-adhesive hMPs are a promising medical material for intraoperative and postoperative treatment of ESD-induced wound via anti-inflammation and strong adhesiveness.

Non-mercaptalbumin is significantly associated with the coronary plaque burden and the severity of coronary artery disease.

Human non-mercaptalbumin (HNA), oxidized form of serum albumin, has been reported as a useful marker in oxidative stress-related diseases; however, few reports have examined the association between HNA and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). The present study evaluated whether the HNA fraction is correlated with coronary artery stenosis in 140 patients considered to have a high risk of CAD or who were suspected of having acute coronary syndrome. The severity of CAD was defined by the number of stenotic coronary vessels and a severity score system (the Gensini score). HNA measurements were performed using our newly established high-performance liquid chromatography methodology. The results had shown that HNA was significantly increased in patients with three-vessel disease, compared with those without CAD or with single-vessel disease (p = 0.025), and was positively correlated with the Gensini score (ρ = 0.421, p < 0.001). A multivariate analysis showed that the number of stenotic vessels was an independent and significant factor associated with HNA (ρ = 1.246, p = 0.012). A logistic regression analysis showed that HNA was a strong predictor of multivessel CAD (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.020-1.229; p = 0.017). These findings indicate that the measurement of HNA could be clinically practical for predicting the severity of coronary artery stenosis.

Structural changes induced by ligand binding drastically increase the thermostability of the Ser/Thr protein kinase TpkD from Thermus thermophilus HB8.

Thermophilic proteins maintain their structure at high temperatures through a combination of various factors. Here, we report the ligand-induced stabilization of a thermophilic Ser/Thr protein kinase. Thermus thermophilus TpkD unfolds completely at 55 °C despite the optimum growth temperature of 75 °C. Unexpectedly, we found that the TpkD structure is drastically stabilized by its natural ligands ATP and ADP, as evidenced by the increase in the melting temperature to 80 °C. Such a striking effect of a substrate on thermostability has not been reported for other protein kinases. Conformational changes upon ATP binding were observed in fluorescence quenching and limited proteolysis experiments. Urea denaturation of Trp mutants suggested that ATP binding affects not only the ATP-binding site, but also the remote regions. Our findings shed light on thermoadaptation of thermophilic proteins.

Impact of Abnormal Remote Stress Myocardial Blood Flow by Dynamic CT Perfusion on Clinical Outcomes.

The objective of this study was to investigate the incremental prognostic value for adverse events of myocardial blood flow (MBF) derived from stress computed tomography perfusion (CTP) at remote myocardium over cardiac risk factors and ischemia. We prospectively analyzed 242 patients who underwent dynamic CTP and CT angiography. Adverse events were defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina, heart failure requiring hospitalization, peripheral artery disease, and stroke. MBF value was calculated in each myocardial segment and ischemia was defined as mild decrease in MBF in two consecutive segments or moderate decrease in a single segment accompanied with a coronary stenosis ≥50%. The mean MBF of the non-ischemic segments was defined as remote MBF. We divided the patients into two groups by median MBF value of 1.15 ml/min/g. During a median follow-up of 18 months, 18 patients had adverse events. Annual event rate showed a significant difference between patients with low (≤1.15 ml/min/g) and high (>1.15 ml/min/g) MBF (6.1% vs 1.8%, p = 0.02). Univariate analysis showed that low MBF was a significant predictor of events (hazard ratio (HR): 3.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2 to 12.0; p = 0.02). This relationship maintained significant after adjusted for the presence of ischemia and cardiac risk factors (HR: 3.0; 95%CI: 1.1 to 11.1; p = 0.04). In conclusion, MBF value ≤1.15 ml/min/g derived from dynamic CTP in remote myocardium is significantly related with poor outcome and this relationship was independent of myocardial ischemia and cardiac risk factors.

Feasibility of dynamic myocardial CT perfusion using single-source 64-row CT.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic myocardial computed tomography perfusion (CTP) is an emerging technique to diagnose significant coronary stenosis. However, this procedure has not been reported using single-source 64-row CT. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the radiation dose and the diagnostic performance of dynamic CTP to diagnose significant stenosis by catheter exam. METHODS: We prospectively included 165 patients who underwent CTP exam under adenosine stress using a single-source 64-row CT. MBF was calculated using the deconvolution technique. Quantitative perfusion ratio (QPR) was defined as the myocardial blood flow (MBF) of the myocardium with coronary stenosis divided by the MBF of the myocardium without significant stenosis or infarct. Of the 44 patients who underwent subsequent coronary angiography, we assessed the diagnostic performance to diagnose ≥50% stenosis by quantitative coronary analysis (QCA). RESULTS: The average effective dose of dynamic CTP and the entire scans were 2.5 ±â€¯0.7 and 7.3 ±â€¯1.8 mSv, respectively. The MBF of the myocardium without significant stenosis was 1.20 ±â€¯0.32 ml/min/g, which significantly decreased to 0.98 ±â€¯0.24 ml/min/g (p < 0.01) in the area with ≥50% stenosis by CT angiography. The QPR of the myocardium with QCA ≥50% stenosis was significantly lower than 1 (0.84 ±â€¯0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.77-0.90, p < 0.001). The accuracy to detect QCA ≥50% stenosis was 82% (95%CI, 74-88%) using CT angiography alone and significantly increased to 87% (95%CI, 80-92%, p < 0.05) including QPR. CONCLUSION: Dynamic myocardial CTP could be performed using 64-row CT with a low radiation dose and would improve the diagnostic performance to detect QCA ≥50% stenosis than CT angiography alone.

Data for comparison of computed tomography angiography and dynamic myocardial perfusion to detect significant stenosis by coronary angiography.

This article describes data related to a research article titled "Feasibility of dynamic myocardial CT perfusion using single-source 64-row CT", Tomizawa et al. (in press) [1]. Decrease in the myocardial blood flow could be calculated by performing stress dynamic computed tomography perfusion. This article compares the receiver operating characteristics curve of computed tomography angiography and dynamic myocardial perfusion to diagnose significant stenosis by invasive coronary angiography.

Valuation Of Implanted-Stent Impact On Coronary Artery Trifurcation Blood Flow By Using CFD.

We investigated the influence of stent implanted in left main coronary artery trifurcation on blood flow by means of CFD. We simulated various stent positions and arrangement patterns considering KBT. The velocity and WSS (wall shear stress) distribution were found to depend on the stent arrangements. In addition, a strut position inhibiting the inflow velocity peaks into the branched (LCX) vessel exhibited a strong impact, which provided suppression of WSS on the high-lateralside surface of the LCX entrance. By KBT, such an impact of stent implantation can be avoided.

Clinical Outcomes of Drug-Eluting Balloon for In-Stent Restenosis Based on the Number of Metallic Layers.

BACKGROUND: This study assesses clinical outcomes after drug-eluting balloon treatment for recurrent in-stent restenosis lesions based on the number of metallic layers. METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled 304 consecutive patients (333 lesions) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention using drug-eluting balloon for in-stent restenosis lesions between March 2014 and June 2015. Per the number of stent layers previously implanted to the lesion, the patients were categorized into 3 groups, 1 stent layer (1L), 166 patients; 2 stent layers (2L), 87 patients; and ≥3 stent layers (≥3L), 51 patients. The end points were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiac death, target lesion revascularization, myocardial infarction, and definite or probable stent thrombosis. No significant differences were observed in patients' baseline characteristics among the groups. The 1-year MACE and target lesion revascularization rates were significantly higher in the ≥3L group than those in the 1L and 2L groups (MACE: 1L, 16.9%; 2L, 16.1%; and ≥3L, 43.1%, P<0.01; target lesion revascularization: 1L, 14.5%; 2L, 14.9%; and ≥3L, 41.2%, P<0.01). The multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that the number of metallic layers (≥3L compared with 1L; hazard ratio, 3.17; [95% CI, 1.75-5.76]; P<0.01 and hemodialysis [hazard ratio, 2.21; (95% CI, 1.12-4.36); P=0.02]) were independent predictors for MACE. No significant differences were observed in the occurrence of cardiac death among the groups ( P=0.34). CONCLUSIONS: Seemingly, drug-eluting balloon is less effective for ≥3L in-stent restenosis lesions. Hemodialysis and in-stent restenosis with the number of metallic layers are independent predictors for MACE.

Association of skin autofluorescence with plaque vulnerability evaluated by optical coherence tomography in patients with cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) can be measured non-invasively by skin autofluorescence (SAF) whose values are elevated in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an intravascular imaging modality that could allow visualization of plaque composition. We aim to examine the relationship between SAF and plaque composition evaluated by frequency-domain OCT in patients with CVD. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 108 patients with CVD, who underwent OCT images during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We divided the population into two groups: high SAF group (greater than or equal to 2.6) and low SAF one (less than 2.6). OCT findings were then compared between high and low SAF groups. RESULTS: The high SAF group showed much more thin cap fibroatheroma (TCFA), and calcified or ruptured plaques compared to the low SAF group. In multivariable analysis, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL) (odds ratio: 1.15; 95% confidence interval: 1.00 to 1.32; p = 0.043), TG (OR for 10 mg/dl increase: 1.04; 95% confidence interval: 1.01 to 1.13; p = 0.016), and SAF (4.28; 1.86 to 9.84; p < 0.001) were independent correlates of TCFA, whereas SAF (2.61; 1.02 to 6.70; p = 0.047), estimated glomerular filtration rate (0.68; 0.49 to 0.93; p = 0.017) and LDL (1.19; 1.01 to 1.41; p = 0.037) were independent predictors of ruptured plaques. SAF and diabetes were independently associated with calcified plaques. CONCLUSIONS: High SAF were associated with plaque vulnerability in patients with CVD, thus suggesting the clinical utility of SAF measurement in identifying high-risk patients for future cardiovascular events.

Longer diabetes duration reduces myocardial blood flow in remote myocardium assessed by dynamic myocardial CT perfusion.

AIMS: To investigate the relationship of type 2 diabetes duration and myocardial blood flow (MBF) assessed by myocardial CT perfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively included 140 patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent dynamic myocardial CT perfusion exam. MBF of the remote myocardium was calculated using the deconvolution technique and the Voronoi method. The relationships of MBF and diabetic duration, diabetic complications, conventional risk factors, coronary calcium, and coronary stenosis were assessed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A weak but significantly negative relationship was present between diabetes duration and MBF (R2 = 0.05, p < 0.01). The average MBF of patients with a duration of >8 years was 13% lower than that of the remaining patients (1.11 ±â€¯0.35 vs 1.28 ±â€¯0.27 ml min-1 g-1, p < 0.01). Duration of one year was associated with a 6% increased risk for low MBF (<1.18 ml min-1 g-1) (odds ratio 1.06, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.12, p < 0.05). Calcium score was also a significant factor for low MBF (odds ratio 1.08 (per 100 Agatston units), 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.17, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Longer diabetes duration is associated with lower MBF independent of conventional cardiac risk factors or the presence of coronary stenosis.