Impact of alcohol consumption on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease development and remission: A longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The influence of alcohol intake on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) development and remission remains unclear; thus, we aimed to investigate their longitudinal associations. METHODS: This observational cohort study included 6349 patients who underwent more than two health check-ups over >2 years between April 2013 and March 2021. Generalized estimation equations were used to analyse the longitudinal associations between changes in alcohol intake and MAFLD according to repeated measures at baseline and the most recent stage. RESULTS: The MAFLD development and remission rates were 20.4 and 5.1 and 9.1 and 4.7% in men and women, respectively. Although alcohol consumption was not a significant factor for MAFLD development, consuming 0.1-69.9 g/week (odds ratio [OR]: 0.672, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.469-0.964, p < .05) and ≥280 g/week were significant factors for MAFLD development in males (OR: 1.796, 95% CI: 1.009-3.196, p < .05) and females (OR: 16.74, 95% CI: 3.877-72.24, p < .001). Regardless of quantity and frequency, alcohol consumption was not a significant factor for MAFLD remission. Several noninvasive liver fibrosis scores were significantly associated with alcohol intake quantity and frequency in males with MAFLD development and remission (p < .05). The nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score differed significantly between males with and without reduced alcohol intake (p < .05) who showed MAFLD remission. CONCLUSIONS: Although the influence of alcohol intake on MAFLD development and remission differed, alcohol consumption was not beneficial for MAFLD remission in either sex. Alcohol intake reduction or cessation is recommended to prevent liver fibrosis, even in those who achieve MAFLD remission.

Association of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease with erosive esophagitis development: a longitudinal observational study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although erosive esophagitis (EE) is associated with fatty liver and metabolic dysregulation, the association between EE and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between MASLD and EE. METHODS: We included 1578 patients without EE at baseline who underwent more than two health checkups over 2 years. Generalized estimation equations were used to analyze associations between MASLD and EE according to repeated measures at baseline and most recent stages. RESULTS: EE development rates in men and women were 14.5% and 7.2%, respectively. After adjusting for lifestyle habits, the odds ratios of MASLD for EE development in men and women were 1.907 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.289-2.832, P < 0.005) and 1.483 (95% CI: 0.783-2.811, P = 0.227), respectively. In the subgroup analysis, after adjusting for lifestyle habits, among men and women aged ≥50 years with more than three MASLD components, the odds ratios for EE development were 2.408 (95% CI: 1.505-3.855, P < 0.001) and 2.148 (95% CI: 1.093-4.221, P < 0.05), respectively. After adjusting for various factors, the significant risk factors for EE development were different between men and women. CONCLUSION: The influence of MASLD and other factors on EE development differed by sex and age. Particularly, patients aged ≥50 years with MASLD and with an increased number of MASLD components should be considered at increased risk for EE.

Quantification and Visualization of Reliable Hemodynamics Evaluation Based on Non-Contact Arteriovenous Fistula Measurement.

The condition of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) blood flow is typically checked by using auscultation; however, auscultation should require a qualitative judgment dependent on the skills of doctors, and further attention to contact infection is required. For these reasons, this study developed a non-contact and non-invasive medical device to measure the pulse wave of AVFs by applying optical imaging technology. As a first step toward realization of the quantification judgment based on non-contact AVF measurement, we experimentally validated the developed system, whereby the hemodynamics of 168 subjects were visually and quantitatively evaluated based on clinical tests. Based on the evaluation results, the fundamental statistical characteristics of the non-contact measurement, including the average and median values, and distribution of measured signal-to-noise power ratio, were demonstrated. The clinical test results contributed to the future construction of quantified criteria for the AVF condition with the non-contact measurement.

First report of an Asian family with gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach (GAPPS) revealed with the germline mutation of the APC exon 1B promoter region.

A 48-year-old Japanese female with left hypochondralgia presented at our hospital. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed gastric cancers and carpeting fundic gland polyposis (FGPs) without Helicobacter pylori infection. Computed tomography showed multiple liver metastases. Total colonoscopy revealed a colonic tubular adenoma but not polyposis. She was diagnosed as having advanced gastric cancer with liver metastasis and received chemotherapy. Her mother had died from gastric cancer, and her elderly brother and niece had FGPs as revealed by EGD. Thus, the pedigree was diagnosed as gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach (GAPPS). Germline mutation analysis exhibited a point mutation in exon1B of the APC gene (c.-191T > C). Adenocarcinoma showed a gastric mucinous phenotype and was positive for a somatic mutation of p53, suggesting that p53 mutation may play a role in FGPs carcinogenesis. This is the first family with GAPPS in Asia in whom germline mutation of APC exon 1B has been detected.

Association of variabilities in body mass index and waist circumference with newly achieved remission of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.

AIMS: Although body weight reduction is recommended to ameliorate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the effects of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) variability on newly achieved remission of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between BMI and WC variabilities and newly achieved MAFLD remission in both sexes. METHODS: Among 26,952 patients, 1823 with MAFLD diagnosed by ultrasonography and with >2 health checkups over >2 years from April 2014 to March 2021 were included in this observational cohort study. A generalized estimation equation model analyzed the association between BMI and WC and newly achieved MAFLD remission according to repeated measures at baseline and the most recent stage. RESULTS: Rates of MAFLD remission in male and female patients were 7.4 % and 6.0 %, respectively. Regarding decreased BMI variability, newly achieved MAFLD remission prevalence among the subgroups differed significantly between sexes (p < 0.001). In male patients, a decrease in BMI variability of ≥1.5 kg/m2 and WC variability of ≥4.2 cm had adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 5.215 and 2.820, respectively, for newly achieved MAFLD remission. Among female patients, regular exercise and breakfast consumption were accelerating factors for newly achieved MAFLD remission. Non-invasive liver fibrosis scores significantly differed between MAFLD and newly achieved MAFLD remission, including in the subgroups (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Reducing BMI and WC variabilities in male patients and improving lifestyle habits in female patients may accelerate MAFLD remission.

Efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with anorectal melanoma in association with immune-related adverse events: a case series.

Anorectal melanoma (AM) is a rare subtype of mucosal melanoma with a poor prognosis. Given its rarity compared to its cutaneous counterpart, the benefits and side effects of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy and the relationship between side effects and prognosis remain unclear. Herein, we describe the clinical presentation of five patients with AM treated with ICI as well as their relationship to the treatment course and the development of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Three patients received sequential or concurrent administrations of nivolumab and ipilimumab, one received nivolumab alone, and one received ipilimumab alone. The response rate (RR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 40% and 80%, respectively. Pituitary and hepatic dysfunctions were the most common irAEs observed (40% each), followed by thyroid, diarrhea, and renal dysfunctions (20% each). The RR was 67% in patients with irAEs while no response was observed in patients without irAEs. DCR was 100% and 50% in patients with and without irAEs, respectively. Overall survival was 34 months in irAE and 8.75 months in non-irAE cases, with a longer survival trend in irAE cases. ICI therapy was effective and well-tolerated by AM patients, with potentially better outcomes for those who experienced irAEs compared to those who did not.

Primary and recurrent serous borderline tumors during pregnancy: a case report and literature review.

The diagnosis and management of borderline ovarian tumors during pregnancy are still not standardized, because these tumors are rarely encountered. We report the case of a 27-year-old pregnant woman who presented with an ovarian mass in her first trimester. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a multilocular cystic component with papillary lesions in the background of endometriosis, suggesting a seromucinous borderline tumor or ovarian cancer. A right salpingo-oophorectomy and partial omentectomy were performed at 7 weeks of gestation. Pathological examination demonstrated a serous borderline tumor. The subsequent pregnancy course was uneventful, and she gave birth to a healthy baby at 39 weeks of gestation. She wanted to retain fertility, and close follow-up was performed. Four years later, she became pregnant, and a lesion suggesting recurrence in the left ovary was detected. An abdominal left ovarian cystectomy was performed at 13 weeks of gestation, which demonstrated recurrence of the serous borderline tumor. She gave birth to a healthy baby at 39 weeks of gestation. Two months after delivery, she underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with left salpingo-oophorectomy, which revealed no malignant findings. We also reviewed 10 reports that included 58 cases of borderline ovarian tumors diagnosed during pregnancy. The borderline ovarian tumors diagnosed during pregnancy exhibited different characteristics according to each subtype, suggesting the importance of diagnosing borderline ovarian tumor subtypes preoperatively.

[A case of craniotomy with intermittent tracheal extubation for speech mapping during surgery].

We gave anesthesia for craniotomy in a 54-year-old man with intracranial tumor near the Broca speech centers causing facial nerve palsy and slight allophasis. Nasotracheal intubation was performed after intravenous administration of droperidol 15 mg and fentanyl 0.2 mg. The head was fix with 3 pins with the patient in the right lateral position, and endotracheal tube was withdrawn to the pharynx confirming the speech of the patient. The patient was intubated again using fiberscope after intravenous midazolam 3 mg with inhalation of nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide was discontinued for 2 hours after the start of surgery for the speech mapping, and the patient emerged from anesthesia in 5 minutes. He pronounced the letters on cards during the speech mapping. After the successful mapping, the patient was intubated again using fiberscope after administration of fentanyl 0.1 mg. Anesthesia was maintained again with nitrous oxide. The patient recovered from anesthesia quickly after surgery without any events. On the post-operative round, the patient could not remember well the anesthetic induction and the awakening during the brain mapping. Three episodes of intubation caused no complications, and the neurological symptoms disappeared in several days.

[Pulmonary aspiration during anesthetic induction in a patient with a history of distal gastrectomy].

We experienced a case of pulmonary aspiration during anesthetic induction. Posterior laminoplasty was scheduled for a 59-year-old man with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament, who had undergone distal gastrectomy 30 years ago. Anesthesia was induced with intravenous administration of midazolam and fentanyl, and inhalation of sevoflurane was gradually increased to 7% in oxygen under spontaneous breathing, since difficult intubation had been predicted due to poor neck mobility However, the patient vomited during laryngoscopy. Orotracheal intubation was performed with a fiberscope and the excreta was suctioned through the endotracheal tube. The patient was admitted to the ICU after taking chest X-ray and the operation was postponed for one month. At the second attempt, awake intubation was planned for the patient under sedation with dexmedetomidine. Food intake and drinking were restricted for the patient from the previous night. After administration of fentanyl, continuous administration of intravenous dexmedetomidine was started, and 2% lidocaine viscous solution was gargled. Endotracheal intubation was successfully performed using AirWay Scope without pulmonary aspiration, and midazolam was administered intravenously. Surgery was completed without any troubles, and the patient was extubated fully awake.

[A case of subarachnoid hemorrhage with different BIS values observed between the right and left forehead].

We experienced a case of subarachnoid hemorrhage with different BIS values observed between the right and left forehead. A 71-year-old woman was scheduled for endovascular coiling. She had been already intubated and showed little response to painful stimulation without sedation (Japan coma scale; III-200). Anesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol. BIS monitoring was started from the right forehead before anesthetic induction (r-BIS), and additional monitoring from the left side was started after induction (1-BIS). When the operation was started, 1-BIS was 40 and r-BIS was 30. During the operation, 1-BIS was always higher than r-BIS; 1-BIS was 49 +/- 10 and r-BIS was 37 +/- 7 (mean +/- SD). The difference between r-BIS and 1-BIS was more than 10 for 68% of operation time. Since abnormal EEG pattern was observed, we concluded that abnormal EEG influenced BIS value, and 1-BIS after anesthesia was higher than that of her actual conscious level. EEG of a patient with acute stroke sometimes shows an abnormal pattern. Anesthesiologists should keep in mind the possibility that an abnormal EEG might influence BIS value.

Bolus oral or continuous intestinal amino acids reduce hypothermia during anesthesia in rats.

We hypothesized that, with oral or intestinal administration of amino acids (AA), we may reduce hypothermia during general anesthesia as effectively as with intravenous AA. We, therefore, examined the effect of bolus oral and continuous intestinal AA in preventing hypothermia in rats. Male Wistar rats were anesthetized with sevoflurane for induction and with propofol for maintenance. In the first experiment, 30 min before anesthesia, rats received one bolus 42 mL/kg of AA solution (100 g/L) or saline orally. Then for the next 3 h during anesthesia, they received 14 mL/kg/h of AA and/or saline intravenously. They were in 4 groups: I-A/A, both AA; I-A/S, oral AA and intravenous saline; I-S/A, oral saline and intravenous AA; I-S/S, both saline. In the second experiment, rats received 14 mL/kg/h duodenal AA and/or saline for 2 h. They were in 3 groups: II-A/S, duodenal AA and intravenous saline; II-S/A, duodenal saline and intravenous AA; II-S/S, both saline. Core body temperature was measured rectally. After the second experiment, serum electrolytes were examined. In both experiments, rectal temperature decreased in all groups during anesthesia. However, the decrease in rectal temperature was significantly less in groups receiving AA than in groups receiving only saline. In the second experiment, although there was no significant difference in the decrease in body temperature between II-A/S and II-S/A, Na(+) concentration was significantly lower in II-S/A. In conclusion, AA, administered orally or intestinally, tended to keep the body temperature stable during anesthesia without disturbing electrolyte balance. These results suggest that oral or enteral AA may be useful for prevention of hypothermia in patients.

Leukemic infiltration of the lung following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Pulmonary leukemic infiltration (PLI) is more common than generally recognized, but accurate antemortem diagnosis with pathological proof is rarely achieved. We describe herein the clinical courses of two patients with PLI following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). One case is a male patient with acute biphenotypic leukemia, and the other is a female patient with myelodysplastic syndrome. In both cases, hyperleukocytosis did not proceed to PLI. Moreover, the former case presented PLI as the initial manifestation of relapsed leukemia and the latter was accompanied with the fungal pneumonia. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest at onset of PLI showed diffuse small nodular lesions along peribronchovascular bundle, and diagnosis of leukemic infiltration was made based on pathological findings obtained from transbronchial lung biopsy. Biopsy specimens further revealed leukemic infiltration along the lymphatic surrounding the peribronchial or perivascluar regions, which corresponded well with HRCT findings. Thus, radiological and pathological corroborating assessment was important to reach the correct diagnosis.

Intraoperative infusion of acetated Ringer solution containing glucose and ionized magnesium reduces ketogenesis and maintains serum magnesium.

The effect of glucose infusion during surgery on glucose metabolism has not been investigated sufficiently. We, therefore, examined the effect after the infusion of 1% glucose acetated Ringer solution containing Mg2+ during surgery on ketogenesis and serum Mg2+ concentrations. Patients, classified as ASA I-II, age 51-80 years, were randomly assigned to receive infusion of acetated Ringer solution. The G/Mg group received infusion with 1% glucose, Na+ 140mEq/L, Mg2+ 2 mEq/L, and the C group received infusion with glucose free solution containing Na+ 130 mEq/L without Mg2+. Both solutions were infused at a rate of 25 mL/kg for the first hour, and main-tained at 4 mL/kg/hr thereafter. Blood samples were collected three times: before infusion and at 1 hour and 4 hours after the start of infusion. Electrolytes and glucose metabolism were evaluated at each sampling. After rapid infusion, blood glucose level significantly increased to 170+/-19mg/dL in the G/Mg group, but it returned to close to baseline after 4 hours and serum ketone bodies did not increase during infusion. In the C group, however, blood glucose never increased beyond 110 mg/dL, but both acetoacetic and hydroxybutyric acids increased significantly at the third measurement.