Multicenter, open label, randomized controlled superiority trial for availability to reduce nocturnal urination frequency: The TOP-STAR study.

AIM: Nocturia impairs the quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) such as tofogliflozin increase urine volume, their impact on nocturia, in conjunction with dietary salt restriction, is less clear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter, open-label, randomized, parallel-group trial included 80 subjects with type 2 diabetes and nocturia. The patients were divided into two groups: one receiving tofogliflozin, the shortest half-life, without salt restriction, and the other receiving both tofogliflozin and dietary salt restriction. The primary endpoint was nocturia frequency at 12 weeks. The secondary outcomes included changes in daytime urination frequency, urine volume, and home blood pressure. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, there were no significant differences in nocturia changes between both groups. Nocturia frequency did not change in the tofogliflozin without salt restriction group from 1.5 ± 0.8 to 1.3 ± 1.1 times per night (P = 0.297), and significantly decreased from 1.6 ± 1.0 to 1.3 ± 0.7 times per night in the tofogliflozin and dietary salt restriction group (P = 0.049). There was a trend toward increased urine volume and frequency during the daytime in the group with salt restriction, indicating a time-shift effect of the short half-life tofogliflozin and salt restriction on urinary time. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of nocturia after tofogliflozin did not increase. Tofogliflozin reduced nocturia when combined with salt restriction. Furthermore, daytime urine volume and frequency showed an increasing trend, suggesting a shift in urine production to daytime hours due to the short half-life of tofogliflozin. Dietary modifications can enhance the therapeutic benefits of tofogliflozin in managing nocturia in people with type 2 diabetes.

Upfront Multiplex Gene Test Helps Prolong Survival in Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Detection of genetic abnormalities is crucial for selecting an appropriate therapy to effectively treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Multiplex genetic testing aids the selection of appropriate therapy and tailored treatments; however, its impact on survival remains unexplored. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using data from 112 patients with advanced or recurrent NSCLC between February 2020 and April 2023, we investigated the impact of multiplex genetic tests, conducted before the initiation of systemic therapy, on survival. RESULTS: Multiplex genetic test was performed on 72 patients (MPL group). Among the remaining 40 patients (non-MPL group), 18 underwent ≥1 single-plex genetic test, including tests for EGFR (18), ALK (14), and ROS1 (8). The frequency of EGFR mutations in the MPL and non-MPL groups was similar (28% and 25%, respectively), whereas alterations in KRAS, ALK, MET, HER2, and RET levels (5, 4, 4, 4, and 1, respectively) were exclusively detected in the MPL group. The MPL group exhibited a significantly improved survival rate compared to the non-MPL group (median survival time 20.6 vs. 9.3 months, p=0.009). CONCLUSION: Multiplex genetic testing, before the initiation of systemic treatment, could potentially enhance prognosis by uncovering a wide range of non-EGFR gene abnormalities. Multiplex genetic tests could be crucial for the effective application of modern anticancer therapeutic strategies.

Rupture Risk Factors and Strategies for Unruptured Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Distal anterior cerebral artery (dACA) aneurysms are rare. Ruptured dACA aneurysms typically present with subarachnoid hemorrhage in conjunction with intracerebral hematoma and cause neurological deterioration. This study aimed to determine their risk of rupture and examine associated factors. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with dACA aneurysms to compare patient and aneurysm characteristics between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. Clinical outcome was used the modified Rankin scale. Univariate analyses were performed to identify rupture risk factors. RESULTS: One hundred three patients with dACA aneurysms were examined (51 ruptured and 52 unruptured). The median aspect ratio of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms was 1.69 and 1.22, respectively (P < 0.01). The median maximum diameter of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms was 5.2 and 3.1 mm, respectively (P < 0.01). The median size ratio of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms was 3.32 and 2.17, respectively (P < 0.01). Maximum diameter was <5 mm in 45.2% of ruptured dACA aneurysms. dACA aneurysm, showing size ratio >2.4 and aspect ratio >1.4, had ruptured in 71.4% and 78.6%, respectively. We suggested that these are the threshold of size ratio and aspect ratio for rupture of dACA aneurysms. A total percentatge of 78.1% of aneurysms with aspect ratio >1.4 and size ratio >2.4 had ruptured. CONCLUSIONS: Distal anterior cerebral artery (dACA) aneurysms may rupture, even when small. We found a significant difference between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms with respect to maximum diameter, aspect ratio, and size ratio. Treatment for small aneurysms should be considered based on size ratio and aspect ratio, not just size.

Leaf, root, and soil microbiomes of an invasive plant, Ardisia crenata, differ between its native and exotic ranges.

Introduction: Ecological underpinnings of the invasion success of exotic plants may be found in their interactions with microbes, either through the enemy release hypothesis and the enhanced mutualism hypothesis. Whereas recent high-throughput sequencing techniques have significantly expanded our understanding of plant-associated microbiomes and their functional guilds, few studies to date have used these techniques to compare the microbiome associated with invasive plants between their native and exotic ranges. Methods: We extracted fungal and bacterial DNA within leaf endosphere, root endosphere and soil of an invasive plant, Ardisia crenata, sampled from their native range Japan and exotic range Florida, USA. Using Illumina sequencing data, we compared microbial community compositions and diversity between the native and exotic ranges, and tested whether abundance of pathogenic or mutualistic microbes differ between the native or exotic ranges in accordance to the enemy release hypothesis or the enhanced mutualism hypothesis. Results: Fungal and bacterial community compositions differed among leaves, roots and soil, and between the native and exotic ranges. Despite a higher microbial diversity in the soil in the exotic range than in the native range, the microbial diversity within leaf and root was lower in the exotic range compared to the native range. In addition, leaves in the native range harbored a greater number of plant pathogenic fungi compared to those in the exotic range. Discussion: These patterns suggest plant controls over what microbes become associated with leaves and roots. The higher abundance of leaf pathogenic fungi, including the pathogen which is known to cause specific disease in A. crenata in the exotic range than in the native range, support the enemy release hypothesis and highlighted potential importance of examining microbial communities both above- and below-ground.

Predictive power of isolated high home systolic blood pressure for cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: KAMOGAWA-HBP study.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Isolated high home systolic blood pressure (IHHSBP) is a risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, no study has shown an association between IHHSBP and CVD in diabetes. We examined the association between IHHSBP and CVD in type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 1082 individuals with type 2 diabetes, aged 20 to 90 years, without a history of macrovascular complications. Home blood pressure (HBP) was measured three times every morning and evening for 14 days. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the relationship between IHHSBP and CVD incidence. RESULTS: With the normal HBP group as the reference, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) for CVD was 1.58 (1.02-2.43) in the IHHSBP group. Correcting for antihypertensive medication use did not change HR. Based on sex, the adjusted HR (95% CI) for CVD was 1.25 (0.74-2.13) in males and 2.28 (1.01-5.15) in females. CONCLUSIONS: In individuals with type 2 diabetes, those with IHHSBP had a higher HR for cardiovascular disease than those with normal HBP. But, Isolated high home diastolic blood pressure and high HBP were not. The association between IHHSBP and CVD was stronger in females than in males.

The effect of 1-hydroxy-vitamin D treatment in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 1-hydroxy-vitamin D on the prevention of severe disease and mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. METHODS: This retrospective study included 312 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to our hospital between April 2021 and October 2021 (primarily the Delta variant) and between July 2022 and September 2022 (primarily Omicron variant). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured at the time of admission and 1-hydroxy-vitamin D was prescribed by the treating physicians. The patients were divided into two groups: those administered 1-hydroxy-vitamin D (Vit D group) and those who were not (control group). The composite primary endpoint was the need for additional respiratory support, including high-flow oxygen therapy or invasive mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital mortality rate. RESULTS: Of 312 patients, 122 (39%) received 1-hydroxy-vitamin D treatment. Although the median age was not significantly higher in the Vit D group than in the control group (66 vs. 58 years old, P = 0.06) and there was no significant difference in the proportion of vitamin D deficiency (defined as serum 25(OH)D level less than 20 ng/mL, 77% vs. 65%, P = 0.07), patients in the control group had a more severe baseline profile compared to the Vit D group according to the Japanese disease severity definition for COVID-19 (P = 0.01). The proportion of those requiring more respiratory support and in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the Vit D group than in the control group (6% vs. 14%, P = 0.01 log-rank test). After propensity score matching, a statistically significant difference in the primary endpoint was observed (P = 0.03 log-rank test). CONCLUSIONS: 1-hydroxy-vitamin treatment may improve outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, reducing composite outcomes including the need for additional respiratory support and in-hospital mortality.

Impact of neoadjuvant intensity-modulated radiation therapy on borderline resectable pancreatic cancer with arterial abutment; a prospective, open-label, phase II study in a single institution.

BACKGROUND: Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) is a category of pancreatic cancer that is anatomically widely spread, and curative resection is uncommon with upfront surgery. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a form of radiation therapy that delivers precise radiation to a tumor while minimizing the dose to surrounding normal tissues. Here, we conducted a phase 2 study to estimate the curability and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy using IMRT (NACIMRT) for patients with BRPC with arterial abutment (BRPC-A). METHODS: A total of 49 BRPC-A patients were enrolled in this study and were treated at our hospital according to the study protocol between June 2013 and March 2021. The primary endpoint was microscopically margin-negative resection (R0) rates and we subsequently analyzed safety, histological effect of the treatment as well as survivals among patients with NACIMRT. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (59.2%) received pancreatectomy after NACIMRT. The R0 rate in resection patients was 93.1% and that in the whole cohort was 55.1%. No mortality was encountered. Local therapeutic effects as assessed by Evans classification showed good therapeutic effect (Grade 1, 3.4%; Grade 2a, 31.0%; Grade 2b, 48.3%; Grade 3, 3.4%; Grade 4, 3.4%). Median disease-free survival was 15.5 months. Median overall survival in the whole cohort was 35.1 months. The only independent prognostic pre-NACIMRT factor identified was serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) > 400 U/ml before NACIMRT. CONCLUSIONS: NACIMRT showed preferable outcome without significant operative morbidity for BRPC-A patients. NACIMRT contributes to good local tumor control, but a high initial serum CA19-9 implies poor prognosis even after neoadjuvant treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN-CTR Clinical Trial: https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000011776 Registration number: UMIN000010113. Date of first registration: 01/03/2013.

Characterization of γ-glutamyltransferase- and phytochelatin synthase-mediated catabolism of glutathione and glutathione S-conjugates in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Glutathione (GSH, γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine) has been implicated in a multitude of cellular functions, such as protection of cells against oxidative stress, detoxification of xenobiotics via degradation of GSH S-conjugates, and disease resistance. Glutathione also serves as a precursor of phytochelatins, and thereby plays an essential role in heavy metal detoxification. The Arabidopsis genome encodes three functional γ-glutamyltransferase genes (AtGGT1, AtGGT2, AtGGT4) and two phytochelatin synthase genes (AtPCS1, AtPCS2). The function of plant GGT has not yet been clearly defined, although it is thought to be involved in GSH and GSH S-conjugate catabolism. On the other hand, besides its role in heavy metal detoxification, PCS has also been involved in GSH S-conjugate catabolism. Herein we describe the HPLC characterization of GSH and GSH S-conjugate catabolism in Arabidopsis mutants deficient in GSH biosynthesis (pad2-1/gsh1), atggt and atpcs1 T-DNA insertion mutants, atggt pad2-1, atggt atpcs1 double mutants, and the atggt1 atggt4 atpcs1 triple mutant. The results of our HPLC analysis confirm that AtGGT and AtPCS play important roles in two different pathways related with GSH and GSH S-conjugate (GS-bimane) catabolism in Arabidopsis.

Ionic Rectification across Ionic and Mixed Conductor Interfaces.

In electrochemical devices, it is important to control the ionic transport between the electrodes and solid electrolytes. However, it is difficult to tune the transport without applying an electric field. This paper presents a method to modulate the transport via tuning of the electrochemical potential difference by controlling the electronic states at the interfaces. We fabricated thin-film solid-state Li batteries using LiTi2O4 thin films as positive electrodes. The spontaneous Li-ion transport between the solid electrolyte and LiTi2O4 is controlled by tuning the electrochemical potential difference via use of an electrically conducting Nb-doped SrTiO3 substrate. This study establishes the foundation for rectifying the ionic transport via electronic energy band alignment.

Relaxation of the Interface Resistance between Solid Electrolyte and 5 V-Class Positive Electrode.

Solid-state Li batteries using 5 V-class positive electrode materials display a higher energy density. However, the high resistance at the interface of the electrolyte and positive electrode (interface resistance, Ri) hinders their practical applications. Here, we report the relaxation of Ri between a solid electrolyte (Li3PO4) and a 5 V-class electrode (LiCo0.5Mn1.5O4). Although Ri is small at the Mn3+/4+ redox voltage of 4.0 V vs Li/Li+ (11 Ω cm2), it rapidly increases by more than 2 orders of magnitude as the voltage increases above the Co3+/4+ redox voltage of 5.2 V vs Li/Li+. After the applied voltage is reduced to 4.0 V vs Li/Li+, Ri decays to the original value after 3 h. The relaxation of Ri after exposure to high voltages suggests that the increase in Ri above 5 V vs Li/Li+ is attributable to the formation of an interfacial layer at the LPO/LCMO interface.

Trigger finger is associated with risk of incident cardiovascular disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Trigger finger is one of the complications affecting the upper extremity in patients with diabetes. Diabetes is also a well-known risk factor that predisposes individuals to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This retrospective cohort study aimed to establish the association between trigger finger and the patients with incident CVD with type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Trigger finger was diagnosed by palpating a thickened tendon during flexion or on the manifestation of a locking phenomenon during extension or flexion of either finger. The relationship between trigger finger and other clinical parameters or complications of diabetes was examined by a comparative analysis. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between trigger finger and incidence of CVD. We calculated the propensity scores using sex, body mass index, age, smoking status, duration of diabetes, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hemoglobin A1c as the number of patients with incident CVD during the follow-up period was low. RESULTS: Among the 399 patients with type 2 diabetes, 54 patients had trigger finger. Patients with trigger finger were significantly older in age and had been suffering from diabetes for a longer duration. They also displayed worse renal function and glycemic control, along with a higher incidence of hypertension, neuropathy and nephropathy. During the average 5.66±1.12 years of follow-up, a total of 18 incidents occurred. According to the Cox regression analysis, trigger finger was shown to be associated with enhanced risk of the incidence of CVD after adjustment for the covariates (adjusted HR=3.33 (95% CI 1.25 to 8.66), p=0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Trigger finger is associated with the risk of incident CVD in patients with type 2 diabetes. Thus, clinicians must consider these factors at the time of diagnosis of such patients.

Tuning the Schottky Barrier Height at the Interfaces of Metals and Mixed Conductors.

Understanding electronic and ionic transport across interfaces is crucial for designing high-performance electric devices. The adjustment of work functions is critical for band alignment at the interfaces of metals and semiconductors. However, the electronic structures at the interfaces of metals and mixed conductors, which conduct both electrons and ions, remain poorly understood. This study reveals that a Schottky barrier is present at the interface of the Nb-doped SrTiO3 metal and a LiCoO2 mixed conductor and that the interfacial resistance can be tuned by inserting an electric dipole layer. The interfacial resistance significantly decreased (by more than 5 orders of magnitude) upon the insertion of a 1 nm thick insulating LaAlO3 layer at the interface. We apply these techniques to solid-state lithium batteries and demonstrate that tuning the electronic energy band alignment by interfacial engineering is applicable to the interfaces of metals and mixed conductors. These results highlight the importance of designing positive electrode and current collector interfaces for solid-state lithium batteries with high power density.

Predictive power of home blood pressure measurement for cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes: KAMOGAWA-HBP study.

Our previous study showed that the morning systolic blood pressure target should be <120 mmHg to prevent the onset or progression of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this study, we examined the prognostic values of home and clinical blood pressure for first cardiovascular events in the same cohort. Morning and evening home blood pressure measurements were obtained in triplicate for 14 consecutive days from the beginning of the study in a retrospective cohort of 1081 type 2 diabetes patients (44.5% women; median age 66.0 years) with no history of macrovascular complications. The first major cardiovascular event was the primary endpoint; the risk was examined by the Cox proportional hazards model. After a mean follow-up of 6.63 years, first-time cardiovascular events occurred in 119 patients (incidence, 16.6/1000 patient-years). Baseline morning systolic blood pressure (hazard ratio: 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.28) significantly predicted cardiovascular events, whereas clinical blood pressure did not. The adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) for the incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with morning systolic blood pressure ≥135 mmHg tended to be higher than that in those with morning systolic blood pressure <125 mmHg [1.67 (0.94-2.97)]. Elevated home blood pressure measurement is a predictor of future cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes patients and may be superior to clinical blood pressure measurement in this regard.

Critical discrepancy in blood glucose control levels evaluated by glycated albumin and estimated hemoglobin A1c levels determined from a flash continuous glucose monitoring system in patients with type 2 diabetes on hemodialysis.

We aimed to investigate if estimated hemoglobin A1c (eHbA1c) levels determined using a flash continuous glucose monitoring system could be an indicator of glycemic control status in hemodialysis patients with diabetes. Hemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited. eHbA1c levels were measured using the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System® . A total of 18 hemodialysis patients with diabetes were included in the study. The eHbA1cGA - calculated based on glycated albumin level, and body mass index and serum hemoglobin concentration were also included in the formula - was higher than the eHbA1c in most patients. Furthermore, the eHbA1cGA  - eHbA1c values were >2% in all patients with body mass index <18.5 kg/m2 ; the maximal value was 4.1%. This study shows that eHbA1c can be used as a reliable indicator for evaluating glycemic control and avoiding hypoglycemia in hemodialysis patients with diabetes, particularly those with decreased body mass index.

Limited joint mobility of the hand correlates incident hospitalisation with infection in patients with type 2 diabetes.

AIM: Limited joint mobility (LJM) of the hand is one of the important complications of diabetes. Diabetes is a risk factor for hospitalisation with infection. This study investigated the relationship between LJM of the hand and the incidence of hospitalisation with infection in type 2 diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LJM of hand was defined as the 'prayer sign' or 'table test'. The association between LJM of the hand and incident hospitalisations was evaluated using Cox regression analysis. The number of incident hospitalisations was small over the course of the study, which we compensated for by calculating propensity scores using age, body mass index, sex, duration of diabetes, creatinine, smoking status, haemoglobin A1c and dyslipidaemia. RESULTS: In this retrospective cohort study of 502 patients with type 2 diabetes, 102 patients had LJM of the hand. These patients were, on average, older and had worse renal function and glycaemic control, and a higher proportion of microangiopathy significantly. During the study period, 56 patients were hospitalised with infection. A Cox regression analysis showed that LJM of the hand was associated with an increased probability of incident hospitalisation with infection after adjustment for covariates (HR = 1.65 [95% CI 1.60-1.70], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal that LJM of the hand is associated with incident of hospitalisation with infection. A diagnosis of LJM of the hand might, therefore, be a useful indicator for assessing the risk of hospitalisation with infection in type 2 diabetic patients.

Zigzag gas phases on holey adsorbed layers.

We report for the first time a zigzag-shaped gas phase at a highly-ordered pyrolytic graphite/water interface. The novel shape of the gaseous domain is triggered by the holes of the underlying solid-like layers, which are composed of air molecules. Specifically, many holes were created by heating in the thin solid-like layers, which roughened them. The gas domains that formed on these layers deformed from circular to zigzag-shaped as the contact lines expanded while avoiding the holes of the underlying layers. We explained the formation and growth processes of these gas structures in terms of thin film growth, which varies with the mobility of the constituent molecules.

Isolated high home systolic blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes is a prognostic factor for the development of diabetic nephropathy: KAMOGAWA-HBP study.

BACKGROUND: Isolated high home systolic blood pressure (IH-HSBP) has been revealed to be correlated with cardiovascular disease and diabetic nephropathy, however, the prognostic significance of IH-HSBP with the development of diabetic nephropathy is unclear. METHODS: In this prospective 2-year cohort study of 477 patients with normoalbuminuria, we investigated the effect of IH-HSBP on the development of diabetic nephropathy defined by diabetic nephropathy advanced from normoalbuminuira to micro or macroalbuminuria. RESULTS: Among 477 patients, 67 patients showed the development of diabetic nephropathy. In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, IH-HSBP was prognostic factor for the development of nephropathy after adjusting for sex, age, duration of diabetes mellitus, body mass index, total cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, creatinine, smoking habits and use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (odds ratio: 2.53, 95% confidence interval: 1.16-5.56, p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: IH-HSBP in patients with type 2 diabetes with normoalbuminuria was prognostic factor for the development of diabetic nephropathy. We should pay more attention to IH-HSBP to prevent the development of diabetic nephropathy.

Conversion of antigen-specific effector/memory T cells into Foxp3-expressing Treg cells by inhibition of CDK8/19.

A promising way to restrain hazardous immune responses, such as autoimmune disease and allergy, is to convert disease-mediating T cells into immunosuppressive regulatory T (Treg) cells. Here, we show that chemical inhibition of the cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) and CDK19, or knockdown/knockout of the CDK8 or CDK19 gene, is able to induce Foxp3, a key transcription factor controlling Treg cell function, in antigen-stimulated effector/memory as well as naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The induction was associated with STAT5 activation, independent of TGF-ß action, and not affected by inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, in vivo administration of a newly developed CDK8/19 inhibitor along with antigen immunization generated functionally stable antigen-specific Foxp3+ Treg cells, which effectively suppressed skin contact hypersensitivity and autoimmune disease in animal models. The results indicate that CDK8/19 is physiologically repressing Foxp3 expression in activated conventional T cells and that its pharmacological inhibition enables conversion of antigen-specific effector/memory T cells into Foxp3+ Treg cells for the treatment of various immunological diseases.

[A Case of Multiple Brain Lesions Associated with Hydrophilic Polymer Allergy after Coil Embolization that Showed Repeated Progression and Regression].

A 41-year-old woman underwent coil embolization for subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with a ruptured anterior cerebral artery(A1)aneurysm. Approximately 3 weeks later, MRI revealed right cerebral white matter changes with extensive edema and enhancement lesions. Even though she was asymptomatic, we suspected an allergic reaction to the hydrophilic coating polymer and initiated steroid treatment. After tapering and discontinuing the steroid treatment, follow-up MRI revealed development of white matter lesions;thus, steroid treatment was reinitiated. Progression and regression of the lesions occurred repeatedly, and she was radiologically stable at almost 1 year after coiling. We speculated that these white matter lesions were foreign body granulomas that reacted to the hydrophilic coating of the endovascular device. Overall, an allergic reaction to hydrophilic coating polymer could occur as a delayed complication after coil embolization and that progression and regression of the lesions could repeatedly occur in rare cases.

Malnutrition assessed by controlling nutritional status is correlated to carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes and malnutrition sometimes overlap. Little is known about the relationship between malnutrition and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. This cross-sectional study investigated this relationship in patients with type 2 diabetes. We evaluated the relationships between malnutrition assessed by controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score and subclinical atherosclerosis assessed by carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid plaque scores in 461 consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes. Nutritional assessment indicated that 38% of patients were malnourished (CONUT ≥3). Carotid IMT and carotid plaque scores were significantly higher in patients with malnutrition. Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that a high CONUT score (CONUT ≥3) was correlated with mean IMT (ß = 0.196, p = 0.043) and max IMT (ß = 0.243, p = 0.011) in patients taking statins and was also correlated with mean IMT (ß = 0.287, p = 0.004), max IMT (ß = 0.308, p = 0.002), and plaque score (ß = 0.190, p = 0.044) in patients not taking statins after adjusting for age, sex, duration of diabetes, body mass index, hemoglobin A1c, creatine, smoking, and hypertension. Our results demonstrate a relationship between malnutrition and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.