Association of the lung immune prognostic index with the survival of patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The lung immune prognostic index (LIPI), a simple index calculated from the blood lactate dehydrogenase level and derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, is thought to be associated with host immune status. However, the utility of LIPI in patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) is unknown. METHODS: In this multicentre, retrospective, observational study, an association between LIPI and the survival of patients with IIPs was evaluated. RESULTS: Exploratory and validation cohorts consisting of 460 and 414 patients with IIPs, respectively, were included (159 and 159 patients had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis [IPF], and 301 and 255 had non-IPF, respectively). In the exploratory cohort, patients with IPF and a low LIPI had significantly better survival than those with a high LIPI (median of 5.6 years vs. 3.9 years, p = 0.016). The predictive ability of LIPI for the survival of patients with IPF was validated in the validation cohort (median of 8.5 years vs. 4.4 years, p = 0.003). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, LIPI was selected as an independent predictive factor for the survival of IPF patients. There was no significant association between LIPI and survival of non-IPF patients in the exploratory and validation cohorts. CONCLUSION: The LIPI was a predictive factor for the survival of patients with IPF and could aid the management of IPF.

APOBEC3B expression is promoted by lincNMR collaborating with TGF-ß-Smad pathway.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in carcinogenesis and cancer malignancies. Transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) is involved in various cellular processes including cancer progression. We performed comprehensive RNA sequencing analyses to identify lncRNAs regulated by TGF-ß and found that lincNMR (long intergenic noncoding RNA-nucleotide metabolism regulator, also identified as MAP3K9-DT) was induced by TGF-ß in various cell lines. There are several variants of lincNMR (hereafter lincNMRs) in the lincNMR/MAP3K9-DT locus, and their expression was increased by TGF-ß. TGF-ß-mediated induction of lincNMRs was decreased by depletion of Smad2/3 in Huh7, suggesting that the TGF-ß-Smad pathway is involved in lincNMRs expression. We also found that APOBEC3B but not other APOBEC family members were a target gene of lincNMRs. APOBEC3B, a cytidine deaminase, promotes C to U mutation and highly expressed in various human cancers. Although it is associated with cancer progression, regulatory mechanisms of APOBEC3B expression have not been fully elucidated. We performed RNA immunoprecipitation assays and proved that lincNMRs bound to endogenous Smad2 in Huh7 cells. The increased activity of the promoter of APOBEC3B induced by overexpression of Smad2/3 was inhibited by depletion of lincNMRs. These data suggest that lincNMRs participate in APOBEC3B expression by collaborating with TGF-ß-Smad pathway. High expression of lincNMRs was positively correlated with high expression of APOBEC3B in various cancer cell lines. Overexpression of APOBEC3B as well as lincNMR was found in human cancers such as hepatic and lung cancers and was associated with their poor prognosis, suggesting that lincNMR may contribute to tumor malignancy via enhanced expression of APOBEC3B.

A predictive model for acute exacerbation of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias.

BACKGROUND: Acute exacerbation of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (AE-IIPs) induces permanent pulmonary dysfunction and is potentially lethal. The unpredictable occurrence of AE-IIPs remains an important clinical issue in the management of IIPs. METHODS: In this multicentre, retrospective, observational study, a predictive score for AE-IIPs was designed using clinical factors based on multivariate Fine-Gray analysis in patients with IIPs. RESULTS: Based on multivariate Fine-Gray analysis in an exploratory cohort of 487 patients with IIPs, the predictive score for AE-IIPs was determined as follows: 1 point each was added for honeycombing on high-resolution computed tomography (H), age >75 years (A) and lactate dehydrogenase level >222 U·L-1 (L); the total score ranged from 0 to 3 (HAL score). The HAL score discriminated the risk of AE-IIPs with a C-index of 0.62 (95% CI 0.56-0.67); this discrimination was verified in a validation cohort of 402 patients with IIPs with a C-index of 0.67 (95% CI 0.60-0.73). In a combined cohort, the estimated cumulative risks for AE-IIPs at 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 years were 1.9%, 3.5%, 5.1%, 7.7% and 12.9%, respectively, in the total score 0 group; 4.7%, 8.3%, 12.0%, 17.7% and 28.4%, respectively, in the total score 1 group; and 8.0%, 14.2%, 19.7%, 28.7% and 43.0%, respectively, in the total score ≥2 group. Subgroup analysis revealed that the HAL score was applicable to patients with and without idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The HAL score discriminated the risk of AE-IIPs and could aid in the management of IIPs.

Expression of Tumor Suppressor FHIT Is Regulated by the LINC00173-SNAIL Axis in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in a variety of human diseases such as cancer. Here, to elucidate a novel function of a lncRNA called LINC00173, we investigated its binding partner, target gene, and its regulatory mechanism in lung adenocarcinoma, including the A549 cell line and patients. In the A549 cell line, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays revealed that LINC00173 efficiently binds to SNAIL. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR analyses revealed that the expression of FHIT was decreased upon LINC00173 depletion, indicating that FHIT is a target gene of LINC00173. Overexpression of SNAIL suppressed and depletion of SNAIL increased the expression of FHIT, indicating that SNAIL negatively regulates FHIT. The downregulation of FHIT expression upon LINC00173 depletion was restored by additional SNAIL depletion, revealing a LINC00173-SNAIL-FHIT axis for FHIT regulation. Data from 501 patients with lung adenocarcinoma also support the existence of a LINC00173-SNAIL-FHIT axis, as FHIT expression correlated positively with LINC00173 (p = 1.75 × 10-6) and negatively with SNAIL (p = 7.00 × 10-5). Taken together, we propose that LINC00173 positively regulates FHIT gene expression by binding to SNAIL and inhibiting its function in human lung adenocarcinoma. Thus, this study sheds light on the LINC00173-SNAIL-FHIT axis, which may be a key mechanism for carcinogenesis and progression in human lung adenocarcinoma.

Associations of serum long-chain fatty acids with multiple organ involvement in patients with sarcoidosis.

BACKGROUND: Fatty acids have diverse immunomodulatory functions and the potential to be associated with inflammatory responses in sarcoidosis. METHODS: The serum levels of multiple long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) were compared between 63 patients with sarcoidosis and 38 healthy controls. The associations of LCFAs with clinical outcomes of sarcoidosis were also evaluated. RESULTS: The patients with sarcoidosis had significantly lower levels of n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (p < 0.001) and n-6 PUFAs (p < 0.001) than the healthy controls. However, there were no significant differences in the levels of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) between the two groups. On multivariate logistic analysis, lower levels of n-3 PUFAs, n-6 PUFAs, and n-3/n-6 ratio were predictive of sarcoidosis. Among the patients with sarcoidosis, those with multiple organ involvement had significantly lower levels of n-3 PUFAs and n-3/n-6 ratio than those with single organ involvement. There were no significant differences in the levels of n-6 PUFAs, SFAs, and MUFAs between the patients with multiple and single organ involvement. On multivariate logistic analysis, lower levels of SFAs and n-3/n-6 ratio were predictive of multiple organ involvement. The levels of LCFAs had no significant association with radiographic stage or spontaneous remission. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of LCFA profiles may be useful for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis and evaluation of the disease activity.

Effectiveness of a 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine for the prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia in the elderly with chronic respiratory diseases: a case-control study of a single center.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) in preventing pneumococcal pneumonia has been controversial. METHODS: To evaluate the effectiveness of the PPSV23 in elderly outpatients with chronic respiratory diseases, we carried out a case-control study, including 4128 outpatients aged ≥ 65 years, in the respiratory department. RESULTS: There were 320 vaccinated patients, of which 164 were diagnosed with pneumococcal pneumonia. The adjusted odds ratio was 0.39 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.17 to 0.89). In the subsets consisting of age groups ≥ 70 and ≥ 75 years, the adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) was respectively 0.16 (0.04 to 0.67) and 0.15 (0.02 to 1.12). CONCLUSION: This real-world study suggests that PPSV23 can be useful in preventing pneumococcal pneumonia in the elderly with chronic respiratory diseases.

Oscillometry as a Predictor of Exercise Tolerance in COPD.

The usefulness of the oscillometry, known as forced oscillation technique, for predicting exercise tolerance in subjects with COPD is unknown. To test the hypothesis, we investigated whether oscillometry could predict a 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) <350 m in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT).This was a prospective, observational study. Fifty-seven subjects with COPD who attended outpatient clinics for routine checkups at Shizuoka General Hospital between April 2015 and April 2016 (54 males; median age, 70 years; and %FEV1, 61.0%). Modified MRC dyspnea scale (mMRC), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), oscillometry, spirometry, and 6MWT were performed in a stable condition. The participants were classified into subjects with 6MWD ≥350 m or 6MWD <350 m, and the predictor of 6MWD <350 m was assessed.Of the 57 total subjects, 43 (75.4%) had a 6MWD ≥350 m, and 14 (24.6%) had a 6MWD <350 m. Between the two groups, there were significant differences in mMRC scale, GOLD stages, CAT scores, FEV1, IC, 6MWD, lowest SpO2, maximum Borg scale, respiratory resistance (Rrs), and reactance (Xrs). In multivariate regression analysis, a 6MWD <350 m was independently predicted by CAT scores (OR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01-1.30) and inspiratory R5 (OR 6.01, 95% CI: 1.09-33.30). In receiver operating characteristic curves, the area under the curve was 0.76, 0.78, and 0.85 for CAT scores, R5, and CAT scores + R5, respectively, with the best cutoff value of 17 and 2.82 cmH20/L/s. In conclusion, the oscillatory parameter, inspiratory R5, predicted low exercise tolerance in COPD subjects.

Forefoot running requires shorter gastrocnemius fascicle length than rearfoot running.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of foot strike patterns on the behaviour of the triceps surae muscle-tendon unit, including the Achilles tendon whose length nearly corresponds to force of the triceps surae, and the medial gastrocnemius muscle (MG) during running. Seven male volunteers ran with forefoot and rearfoot strikes at 10, 14 and 18 km h-1 on a treadmill. The MG fascicle length was measured using ultrasonography. The in vivo length of the curved Achilles tendon was quantified by combining ultrasonography with optical motion capture of reflective markers on the right lower limb and an ultrasound probe. The forefoot strike resulted in a significantly shorter MG fascicle length at the initial contact, at Achilles tendon peak elongation, and at toe-off, than the rearfoot strike. The Achilles tendon length at initial contact was greater during the forefoot strike than during the rearfoot strike at 18 km h-1, while its peak elongation was not significantly different during forefoot and rearfoot running. These results indicate that the MG, with a shorter length during forefoot running, manages to address demands for a similar peak force of the triceps surae than during rearfoot running.

Simultaneous Knee Extensor Muscle Action Induces an Increase in Voluntary Force Generation of Plantar Flexor Muscles.

Suzuki, T, Shioda, K, Kinugasa, R, and Fukashiro, S. Simultaneous knee extensor muscle action induces an increase in voluntary force generation of plantar flexor muscles. J Strength Cond Res 31(2): 365-371, 2017-Maximum activation of the plantar flexor muscles is required for various sporting activities that involve simultaneous plantar flexion and knee extension. During a multi-joint movement, activation of the plantar flexor muscles is affected by the activity of the knee extensor muscles. We hypothesized that coactivation of the plantar flexor muscles and knee extensor muscles would result in a higher plantar flexion torque. To test this hypothesis, 8 male volunteers performed maximum voluntary isometric action of the plantar flexor muscles with and without isometric action of the knee extensor muscles. Surface electromyographic data were collected from 8 muscles of the right lower limb. Voluntary activation of the triceps surae muscles, evaluated using the interpolated twitch technique, significantly increased by 6.4 percentage points with intentional knee extensor action (p = 0.0491). This finding is in line with a significant increase in the average rectified value of the electromyographic activity of the vastus lateralis, fibularis longus, and soleus muscles (p = 0.013, 0.010, and 0.045, respectively). The resultant plantar flexion torque also significantly increased by 11.5% of the predetermined maximum (p = 0.031). These results suggest that higher plantar flexor activation coupled with knee extensor activation facilitates force generation during a multi-joint task.

Olanzapine Plus Triple Antiemetic Therapy for the Prevention of Carboplatin-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Trial.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of antiemetic therapy with olanzapine, a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist (RA), a 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT3) RA, and dexamethasone for preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients receiving carboplatin-containing chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Chemotherapy-naïve patients scheduled to receive carboplatin (AUC ≥5) were randomly assigned to receive either olanzapine 5 mg once daily (olanzapine group) or placebo (placebo group) in combination with aprepitant, a 5-HT3 RA, and dexamethasone. The primary end point was the complete response (CR; no vomiting and no rescue therapy) rate in the overall phase (0-120 hours). Secondary end points included the proportion of patients free of nausea and safety. RESULTS: In total, 355 patients (78.6% male, median age 72 years, 100% thoracic cancer), including 175 and 180 patients in the olanzapine and placebo groups, respectively, were evaluated. The overall CR rate was 86.9% in the olanzapine group versus 80.6% in the placebo group. The intergroup difference in the overall CR rate was 6.3% (95% CI, -1.3 to 13.9). The proportions of patients free of chemotherapy-induced nausea in the overall (88.6% in the olanzapine group v 75.0% in the placebo group) and delayed (89.7% v 75.6%, respectively) phases were significantly higher in the olanzapine group than in the placebo group (both P < .001). Somnolence was observed in 43 (24.6%) and 41 (22.9%) patients in the olanzapine and placebo groups, respectively, and no events were grade ≥3 in severity. CONCLUSION: The addition of olanzapine was not associated with a significant increase in the overall CR rate. Regarding the prevention of nausea, adding olanzapine provided better control in patients receiving carboplatin-containing chemotherapy, which needs further exploration.

Two new Japanese species of Gastrotricha (Chaetonotida, Chaetonotidae, Lepidodermella and Dichaeturidae, Dichaetura), with Comments on the Diversity of Gastrotrichs in Rice Paddies.

Two new species of freshwater gastrotrichs are described from rice paddies in Otsu, Shiga, Japan. Lepidodermella acantholepida n. sp. is a medium sized species attaining a length of 145 microum, scales are flattened ovals and similar to those of L. squamata except that two dorsal scales near the furca have a claw-like spine. Dichaeturafilispina n. sp. is a medium sized species attaining a length of 185 microm, characterized by a thin, fiber-like spine, a spined furca with a constriction near its base and an elongate body. A total of 44 species (seven genera) including two new species were found in the rice paddies. The diversity of rice paddy gastrotrichs is briefly discussed.

Impaired cough-related quality of life in patients with nontuberculous mycobacteriosis.

BACKGROUND: Cough and sputum are the significant symptoms of nontuberculous mycobacteriosis (NTM) and impair quality of life (QOL). However, the relationship between these symptoms and clinical features is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate cough-related QOL in NTM patients. METHODS: The study subjects included 78 patients with NTM at our hospital from October to December 2015. They completed the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) and the Cough and Sputum Assessment Questionnaire (CASA-Q) (both questionnaires: the higher, the better); the Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (FSSG), a validated Japanese questionnaire for GERD (the higher, the worse), was also assessed. The FSSG consists of 12 items, including the reflux-related symptoms and dysmotility symptoms domains, each of which is quantified on a scale of 0-4 points, and the cut-off score for GERD is set at 8 points. Associations between these scores and clinical parameters were assessed. RESULTS: The total LCQ score was reduced-the physical domain was dominant. The total LCQ and CASA-Q scores were reduced, with dominance in the physical and symptoms domains, respectively. The reflux-related symptoms score was higher than the dysmotility symptoms score. A multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the mean total LCQ score was independently associated with current smoking, fibrocavitary type, bilateral cavitary lesion, and FSSG total score. CONCLUSIONS: Cough-related QOL was impaired in NTM patients who currently smoked, had radiological characteristics, and had GERD.

Venous Thromboembolism in Japanese Patients with Gynecologic Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Gynecologic cancer, including cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer, comprises the fifth leading type of cancer and is an important malignant disease in women. Previous studies in Western countries have reported respective prevalence rates for venous thromboembolism (VTE) of 3.3%-18.7%, 0.8%-8.1%, and 7.2%-20.9%. In this study, we aimed to identify the characteristics associated with VTE in Japanese patients. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective cohort study to compare the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with each gynecologic cancer with and without concomitant VTE. Patients: Patients with cervical, endometrial, or ovarian cancer treated at Fukui Prefectural Hospital, Japan, from April 2010 to March 2020. RESULTS: Among 699 patients with gynecologic cancer, 50 developed VTE within 5 years after their cancer diagnosis, including 16/357 patients with cervical cancer (5.6%), 12/185 with endometrial cancer (6.8%), and 22/157 with ovarian cancer (14.6%). The 1-year mortality rate after symptomatic VTE onset was 47.8%. The VTE group included significantly more older patients and more patients with advanced cancer or poor performance status compared with the non-VTE group. There was no significant difference in the rate of surgical treatment. Symptomatic, but not asymptomatic VTE, was associated with shorter survival. CONCLUSION: Several baseline characteristics differed between patients with and without VTE. The incidences of VTE and some risk factors were similar in Japanese patients with gynecologic cancers compared with patients in other countries. Patients with VTE had some factors that worsened their prognosis, with patients with gynecologic cancer and symptomatic VTE having an especially poor prognosis.

Impact of Dynamic Change of Meandering of Parallel Artery to the Idiopathic Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.

In idiopathic tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS), walking seems to make symptoms worse. The findings imply that an ankle movement dynamic component may have an impact on the etiology of idiopathic TTS. We describe how the ankle movement affects the nerve compression caused by the surround tissue, particularly the posterior tibial artery. We enrolled 8 cases (15 sides) that had TTS surgery after tarsal tunnel (TT) MRI preoperatively. Dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were the two separate ankle positions used for the T2* fat suppression 3D and MR Angiography of TT. Based on these findings, we looked at how the two different ankle positions affected the posterior tibial artery's ability to compress the nerve. Additionally, we assessed the posterior tibial artery's distorted angle. We divided the region around the TT into four sections: proximal and distal to the TT and proximal half and distal half to the TT. Major compression cause was posterior tibial artery. Most severe compression point was proximal half in the TT in all cases without one case. In each scenario, the nerve compression worsens by the plantar flexion. The angle of the twisted angle of the posterior tibial artery was significantly worsened by the plantar flexion. In idiopathic TTS, deformation of posterior tibial artery was the primary compression component. Nerve compression was exacerbated by the plantar flexion, and it was attributable with the change of the distorted angle of the posterior tibial artery. This could be a contributing factor of the deteriorating etiology by walking in idiopathic TTS.

Validation of the Japanese version of the Manchester Cough in Lung Cancer Scale.

BACKGROUND: Cough is one of the most common distressing symptoms in lung cancer. However, there is no specific measure of cough in lung cancer in Japanese. The present study aimed to determine the validity of the Japanese version of the Manchester Cough in Lung Cancer Scale (MCLCS). METHODS: The MCLCS is a cough-specific quality of life (QOL) questionnaire for lung cancer, consisting of 10 items on cough frequency, distress, impact, and severity. Items are evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5 (1: never, 2: some of the time, 3: often, 4: most of the time, and 5: all of the time). Total scores can range from 1 to 50, and higher scores indicate worse cough-related QOL. The Japanese version of the MCLCS was created by forward and backward translation. Patients completed the Japanese version of MCLCS, the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), and the cough visual analog scale (VAS). To confirm the reliability of the MCLCS, Cronbach's α coefficient was calculated, and for validity, the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlations between MCLCS and LCQ or cough VAS. RESULTS: Of the total 192 lung cancer patients enrolled in this study, 73 had a cough in the past week. The median MCLCS score was 28 and demonstrated an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α coefficient = 0.83). MCLCS was strongly and significantly correlated with LCQ and cough VAS. CONCLUSIONS: The Japanese version of MCLCS is a valid measure for assessing cough in lung cancer patients.

222Rn and 226Ra Concentrations in Spring Water and Their Dose Assessment Due to Ingestion Intake.

222Rn and 226Ra concentrations of less than a few to several thousands of Bq L-1 have been observed in several underground bodies of water around the world. Although regulations for these concentrations in water have been implemented internationally, there are currently no regulations in place in Japan. However, concentrations that exceed these internationally recognized regulatory values have also been observed in Japan. In this study, concentrations in spring water in the northern part of Japan were measured and the effective dose from intake of the water was evaluated. 222Rn concentrations were measured using a liquid scintillation counter, and 226Ra concentrations were measured using a high purity germanium detector after chemical preparation. The measured 222Rn concentrations (=12.7 ± 6.1 Bq L-1) and 226Ra concentrations (<0.019-0.022 Bq L-1) did not exceed the reference values set by international and European/American organizations. A conservative estimate of the annual effective ingestion dose of 8 µSv for 222Rn and 226Ra obtained in this study is much smaller than the estimated overall annual effective dose of 2.2 mSv from natural radiation to the Japanese population. However, this dosage accounts for 8% of the WHO individual dosing criteria of 0.1 mSv/year for drinking water.

Double inferior vena cava filter implantation in a patient with duplication of the inferior vena cava.

An 84-year-old-woman was admitted because of syncope and dyspnea. She also required surgery for lumbar disc herniation. Computed tomography revealed bilateral massive pulmonary thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, and duplication of the inferior vena cava (IVC) in which the left IVC had merged with the left renal vein. Two retrievable IVC filters were deployed in both IVCs, and direct oral anticoagulant therapy was started. After orthopedic surgery for the lumbar disc herniation, the IVC filters were retrieved. No complications occurred. Different treatment strategies could be required for IVC filter implantation in a patient with duplication of the IVC.

Validation of the Japanese version of the Manchester Cough in Lung Cancer Scale.

BACKGROUND: Cough is one of the most common distressing symptoms of lung cancer. However, there is no specific measure of cough in lung cancer in Japanese. The present study aimed to determine the validity of the Japanese version of the Manchester Cough in Lung Cancer Scale (MCLCS). METHODS: The MCLCS is a cough-specific quality of life (QOL) questionnaire for lung cancer that consists of 10 items on cough frequency, distress, impact, and severity. Items are evaluated on a scale of 1-5 (1: never, 2: some of the time, 3: often, 4: most of the time, and 5: all of the time). Total scores can range from 1 to 50, with higher scores indicating worse cough-related QOL. The Japanese version of the MCLCS was created through forward and backward translation. Patients completed the Japanese version of the MCLCS, the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), and the cough visual analog scale (VAS). To confirm the reliability of the MCLCS, Cronbach's α coefficient was calculated, and for validity, the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlations between MCLCS and LCQ or cough VAS. RESULTS: Of the total 192 lung cancer patients enrolled in this study, 73 had a cough in the preceding week. The median MCLCS score was 28, demonstrating an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α coefficient = 0.83). MCLCS was strongly and significantly correlated with LCQ and cough VAS. CONCLUSIONS: The Japanese version of MCLCS is a valid tool for assessing cough in lung cancer patients.

Venous Thromboembolism in Japanese Patients With Pancreatic Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Japan. Previous studies from other countries have reported venous thromboembolism prevalence rates of 12 to 36% in patients with pancreatic cancer. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidence of VTE in patients with PDAC in Japan and compare the characteristics of patients with and without VTE. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, clinicopathological characteristics of patients with and without concomitant VTE were compared. PATIENTS: Patients with PDAC treated at Fukui Prefectural Hospital, Japan from 2010 to 2019. RESULTS: The 1-year survival rate of all patients with pancreatic cancer was 40.7%. Among 432 patients with PDAC, 31 developed VTE. Seventeen (55%) patients received anticoagulant therapy. Compared with the non-VTE group, the VTE group had significantly more patients whose body mass index was >25 kg/m² (p = .035) and had a significantly higher rate of chemotherapy (p = .024). There was no significant difference in median survival time from PDAC diagnosis between the VTE and non-VTE groups. The 6-month mortality rate after VTE diagnosis was 54.8%. PDAC-related death was the most frequent cause of death, and thrombus-related death was not observed. CONCLUSION: Several baseline characteristics differed between patients with and without VTE. The incidence of VTE in patients with PDAC is high. However, because the prognosis of PDAC itself remains quite poor, VTE may not have a significant effect on prognosis.

Long-Term Measurements of Radon and Thoron Exhalation Rates from the Ground Using the Vertical Distributions of Their Activity Concentrations.

A long-term measurement technique of radon exhalation rate was previously developed using a passive type radon and thoron discriminative monitor and a ventilated type accumulation chamber. In the present study, this technique was applied to evaluate the thoron exhalation rate as well, and long-term measurements of radon and thoron exhalation rates were conducted for four years in Gifu Prefecture. The ventilated type accumulation chamber (0.8 × 0.8 × 1.0 m3) with an open bottom was embedded 15 cm into the ground. The vertical distributions of radon and thoron activity concentrations from the ground were obtained using passive type radon-thoron discriminative monitors (RADUETs). The RADUETs were placed at 1, 3, 10, 30, and 80 cm above the ground inside the accumulation chamber. The measurements were conducted from autumn 2014 to autumn 2018. These long-term results were found to be in good agreement with the values obtained by another methodology. The radon exhalation rates from the ground showed a clearly seasonal variation. Similar to findings of previous studies, radon exhalation rates from summer to autumn were relatively higher than those from winter to spring. In contrast, thoron exhalation rates were not found to show seasonal variation.