Isolation of stage-specific spermatogenic cells by dynamic histone incorporation and removal in spermatogenesis.

Due to the lack of an efficient in vitro spermatogenesis system, studies on mammalian spermatogenesis require the isolation of specific germ cell populations for further analyses. BSA gradient and elutriation have been used for several decades to purify testicular germ cells; more recently, flow cytometric cell sorting has become popular. Although each method has its advantages and disadvantages and is used depending on the purpose of the experiment, reliance on flow cytometric cell sorting is expected to be more prevalent because fewer cells can be managed. However, the currently used flow cytometric cell sorting method for testicular germ cells relies on karyotypic differences via DNA staining. Thus, it remains challenging to separate post-meiotic haploid cells (spermatids) according to their differentiation stage despite significant variations in morphology and chromatin state. In this study, we developed a method for finely separating testicular germ cells using VC mice carrying fluorescently tagged histones. This method enables the separation of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids based on the intensity of histone fluorescence and cell size. Combined with a DNA staining dye, this method separates spermatids after elongation according to each spermiogenic stage. Although the necessity for a specific transgenic mouse line is less versatile, this method is expected to be helpful for the isolation of testicular germ cell populations because it is highly reproducible and independent of complex cell sorter settings and staining conditions.

TH2A is phosphorylated at meiotic centromere by Haspin.

Histone phosphorylation is sometimes associated with mitosis and meiosis. We have recently identified a phosphorylation of the 127th threonine on TH2A (pTH2A), a germ cell-specific H2A variant, in condensed spermatids and mitotic early preimplantation embryos of mice. Here, we further report the existence of pTH2A at the centromeres in metaphase I spermatocytes and oocytes. Moreover, we identified Haspin, a known kinase for the 3rd threonine on H3, is responsible for pTH2A in vivo. In contrast to the severe meiotic defect in oocytes treated with a Haspin inhibitor, pTH2A-deficient mice, in which the 127th threonine was replaced by alanine, maintained the fertility and exhibited no obvious defect in both oocytes and spermatogenesis. Interestingly, pTH2A was significantly decreased in aged oocytes, suggesting that its accumulation is regulated by centromeric cohesins. Collectively, our study proposes a new set of kinase-histone pair at meiotic centromere, which is highly coordinated during meiosis.

Significance of sequential cardiac rehabilitation program through inter-hospital cooperation between acute care and rehabilitation hospitals in elderly patients after cardiac surgery in Japan.

This study is to evaluate the impact of cooperation between acute care hospital and rehabilitation hospital on physical function, exercise tolerance, activities of daily living (ADL), health-related quality of life (HR-QOL), and psychological function in heart disease patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. Among patients undergoing concurrent medical treatment and cardiac rehabilitation starting early in acute care hospitalization, we selected 30 patients who required continued cardiac rehabilitation in rehabilitation hospitals as subjects. At the time of admission and discharge from the rehabilitation hospital, we measured and compared physical function [grip strength, knee extension strength, and the short physical performance battery (SPPB)], ADL ability using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), exercise tolerance [six-minute walking distance (6MD)], and psychological functions such as the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The average age of the subjects was 76.8 years and 60% were women. In 70% of cases, musculoskeletal causes were the reasons for continued cardiac rehabilitation in a rehabilitation hospital. In evaluations before and after hospitalization, significant improvements were observed in knee extension strength and the results of the SPPB (p < 0.01), FIM, and 6MD (p < 0.01). In SF-36, significant improvements were observed in physical function, role functioning, vitality, and emotional functioning (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). With intensive cardiac rehabilitation in rehabilitation hospitals, physical function, ADL, exercise tolerance, and HR-QOL improved significantly. As the severity and prevalence of heart disease are expected to increase in association with multiple disabilities and aging, the importance of cooperation between acute care hospitals and rehabilitation hospitals will increase; therefore, cardiac rehabilitation should be the basis for such cooperation.

Association of Apical Longitudinal Rotation with Right Ventricular Performance in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension: Insights into Overestimation of Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend the routine use of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) as a simple method for estimating right ventricular (RV) function. However, when ventricular apical longitudinal rotation (apical-LR) occurs in pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients, it may result in overestimated TAPSE. METHODS: We studied 105 patients with PH defined as mean pulmonary artery pressure >25 mmHg at rest measured by right heart cardiac catheterization. TAPSE was defined as the maximum displacement during systole in the RV-focused apical four-chamber view. RV free-wall longitudinal speckle tracking strain (RV-free) was calculated by averaging 3 regional peak systolic strains. The apical-LR was measured at the peak rotation in the apical region including both left and right ventricle. The eccentricity index (EI) was defined as the ratio of the length of 2 perpendicular minor-axis diameters, one of which bisected and was perpendicular to the interventricular septum, and was obtained at end-systole (EI-sys) and end-diastole (EI-dia). Twenty age-, gender-, and left ventricular ejection fraction-matched normal controls were studied for comparison. RESULTS: The apical-LR in PH patients was significantly lower than that in normal controls (-3.4 ± 2.7° vs. -1.3 ± 1.9°, P = 0.001). Simple linear regression analysis showed that gender, TAPSE, EI-sys, and EI-dia/EI-sys were associated with apical-LR, but RV-free was not. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that gender, EI-dia/EI-sys, and TAPSE were independent determinants of apical-LR. CONCLUSIONS: TAPSE may be overestimated in PH patients with clockwise rotation resulting from left ventricular compression. TAPSE should thus be evaluated carefully in PH patients with marked apical rotation.

Comprehensive Functional Assessment of Right-Sided Heart Using Speckle Tracking Strain for Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) systolic function is one of the most important determinants of outcome for pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients, but the factors influencing prognosis vary widely. Elevated right atrial (RA) pressure is reported to be one of these prognostic factors, but its functional importance has scarcely been assessed. METHODS: Eighty-two PH patients, all of whom underwent echocardiography and right heart catheterization, were recruited. RV function was assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking longitudinal strain from RV-focused apical four-chamber view and calculated by averaging the three regional peak strains from the RV free wall (RV-free). RA function was determined as the sum of three peak strain values comprising reservoir, conduit, and contractile function (sum of RA strain). RESULTS: Sum of RA strain correlated significantly with hemodynamic parameters such as mean right atrial pressure (r = -0.35, P = 0.002) and end-diastolic RV pressure (r = -0.29, P = 0.008). Patients with sum of RA strain ≥30.2% experienced more favorable outcomes than those with sum of RA strain <30.2% (log-rank P = 0.001). Furthermore, patients with impaired RV systolic function (RV-free <20%) and RA function (sum of RA strain <30.2%) showed the worst outcome (P = 0.001). A sequential Cox model based on clinical variables (χ(2) = 5.8) was improved by addition of RV-free (χ(2) = 8.7; P < 0.05) and further improved by addition of sum of RA strain (χ(2) = 12.0; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Right atrial strain appears to be a valuable additive factor for predicting outcomes for PH patients, and comprehensive functional assessment of right-sided heart using speckle tracking strain may have potential clinical implications for better management of PH patients.

Association of left atrial booster-pump function with heart failure symptoms in patients with severe aortic stenosis and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Identification of heart failure (HF) symptoms in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) is clinically important, but assessment of HF symptoms is challenging. It was recently reported that resting left atrium (LA) functions are related to exercise performance and are also important prognostic markers for patients with HF. The aim of this study was to assess the association of the HF symptoms with LA function in patients with severe AS and preserved LVEF. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 40 patients with severe AS and preserved LVEF (all ≥50%) who were referred for aortic valve replacement (AVR). LA reservoir (SR-LAs), conduit (SR-LAe), and booster-pump (SR-LAa) functions were determined as the averaged global LA speckle tracking longitudinal strain rate from apical four- and two-chamber views. Twenty patients were symptomatic and 20 asymptomatic. RESULTS: Aortic stenosis severity was similar for the 2 groups. Symptomatic status was associated with age, LV mass index, hemoglobin, B-type natriuretic peptide, LV end-systolic volume index, LVEF, LA volume index, SR-LAs, SR-LAe, and SR-LAa. Importantly, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that SR-LAa was the only independent determinant of symptomatic status (OR = 0.242, P = 0.002). Furthermore, significant improvement of SR-LAa was observed along with the reduction in LA volume index and LV mass index after AVR. CONCLUSIONS: SR-LAa was found to be associated with the HF symptoms. Characterization of LA booster-pump function may be useful for the assessment of the symptomatic status in patients with severe AS patients and limited physical activity.

An uncommon case of isolated parachute-like asymmetric mitral valve in an adult.

A 31-year-old asymptomatic male was referred to hospital for an examination of right bundle brunch block. Both, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography revealed normal left ventricular function, and two different-sized papillary muscles; the anterolateral muscle was more pronounced, with almost major chordae tendineae inserted into this dominant muscle, whereas the immature, flat posteromedial papillary muscle had very short chordae tendineae and was located higher in the left ventricle, inserted directly into the mitral annulus. The mitral valve orifice was eccentrically located at the lateral side, but no significant mitral stenosis or regurgitation was observed. No other congenital heart anomalies were identified. Thus, the final diagnosis was isolated parachute-like asymmetric mitral valve (PLAMV), without any other congenital heart anomalies. The patient was followed up closely with periodic echocardiographic examinations. Parachute mitral valve is a rare congenital cardiac defect characterized by focalized attachment of the chordae tendineae of both leaflets to a single papillary muscle. In contrast to true parachute mitral valve, PLAMV has two separate papillary muscles, one of which is more pronounced and into which all chordae are inserted. PLAMV was highly associated with other congenital heart anomalies, and the involved dominant muscle was most frequently a posteromedial papillary muscle. Isolated PLAMV in an adult is even more rare, while the presence of an immature posteromedial papillary muscle--as in the present case--is extremely rare.

Combined baseline strain dyssynchrony index and its acute reduction predicts mid-term left ventricular reverse remodeling and long-term outcome after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that combining assessment of baseline radial strain dyssynchrony index (SDI), that expressed both left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony and residual myocardial contractility, and of acute changes in this index can yield more accurate prediction of mid-term responders and long-term outcome after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Radial SDI for 75 CRT patients was calculated as the average difference between peak and end-systolic speckle tracking strain from 6 segments of the mid-LV short-axis view before and 8 ± 2 days after CRT. Mid-term responder was defined as ≥ 15% decrease in LV end-systolic volume 6 ± 2 months after CRT. Long-term outcome was tracked over 5 years. Baseline radial SDI ≥ 6.5% is considered predictive of responder and favorable outcome, as previously reported. Acute reduction in radial SDI ≥ 1.5% was found to be the best predictor of mid-term responders with CRT. Furthermore, patients with acute reductions in radial SDI ≥1.5% were associated with a significantly more favorable long-term outcome after CRT than those with radial SDI <1.5% (log rank P < 0.001). An important findings were that baseline radial SDI ≥6.5% and acute reductions in radial SDI ≥ 1.5% in 42 patients were associated with the highest event-free survival rate of 92%, whereas, 21 patients corresponding values of <6.5% and <1.5% were associated with low event-free survival rate of 46% (log rank P < 0.001). Combined assessment of baseline radial SDI and its acute reduction after CRT may have clinical implications for predicting responders and thus patients' care.

Utilization and Issues Related to Discharge Medication Summaries from Hospital Pharmacies to Community Pharmacies.

In 2020, the Japan Community Healthcare Organization (JCHO) Hoshigaoka Medical Center started providing information to community pharmacies about patients admitted to the acute care ward using discharge medication summaries (the summaries). We conducted an online self-recording survey of 149 pharmacies belonging to the Hirakata City Pharmacists Association to clarify the usability of the summaries, any related issues, and to further discuss future collaboration between hospitals and pharmacies. 46 pharmacies have received the summaries in the past, of which 44 pharmacies answered that they have utilized the summaries with patient instruction and prescription queries of doctors. However, two pharmacies responded they did not utilize the summaries, and the reasons were (a) the information was not timely and (b) patients whom the discharge medical summary was sent for did not come to the pharmacy. There were some requests regarding the summaries such as, "I would like to know what kind of information hospital pharmacists want from community pharmacists." Preference for sharing information other than the summaries (e.g., online tools) with hospital pharmacists was related to whether the pharmacy was providing home pharmaceutical visit services. The survey revealed that, in addition to the usability of the summaries, there are also events that prevent them from being utilized. Some of the challenges include the timing of sending the summaries, the accurate identification of the family pharmacy and the communication of follow-up after discharge from hospital. Collaborating with pharmacies providing home pharmaceutical visit services would be beneficial in creating new system of bidirectional information sharing.

Efficacy of right ventricular free-wall longitudinal speckle-tracking strain for predicting long-term outcome in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND: The development of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients is associated with adverse outcome, so that the assessment of RV function has become increasingly important in the management of such patients. The present objective was to test the hypothesis that RV free-wall longitudinal speckle-tracking strain (RV-free), an independent echocardiographic predictor of hemodynamic RV performance, can predict long-term outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-two PH patients were studied. RV-free was calculated by averaging the 3 regional peak systolic strains for the RV free wall. For comparison, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV fractional area change, RV index of myocardial performance, and tissue Doppler-derived tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity were also studied. Long-term follow-up was performed for 4 years after adding PH-specific drugs. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified RV-free ≤ 19.4% as the best predictor of cardiovascular events with 90% sensitivity, 69% specificity, and area under the curve of 0.819 (P=0.0001). Furthermore, the Kaplan-Meier curve indicated that patients with RV-free >19.4% experienced fewer cardiovascular events than those with RV-free ≤ 19.4% (log-rank P=0.0008). Importantly, the co-occurrence of RV-free ≤ 19.4% and TAPSE <16 mm was associated with the highest frequency of cardiovascular events. CONCLUSIONS: RV-free may serve as a non-invasive predictor of cardiovascular events for PH patients. Combining RV-free with TAPSE may be more effective for predicting long-term cardiovascular events.

Dynamic left ventricular dyssynchrony assessed on 3-dimensional speckle-tracking area strain during dobutamine stress has a negative impact on cardiovascular events in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony is not a stable phenomenon, but rather, changes dynamically. Given that the prognostic impact of dynamic dyssynchrony has not yet been elucidated, the objective was to investigate the clinical impact of dynamic dyssynchrony on patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy DCM patients with ejection fraction 32±9% were retrospectively recruited, and 3-dimensional speckle-tracking area strain was used to measure both contractile reserve and changes in dyssynchrony during dobutamine stress. The standard deviation of time-to-peak area strain was adopted as the systolic dyssynchrony index. Event-free survival was then tracked over a 13-month period. A ≥7.55% increase in systolic dyssynchrony index during dobutamine stress (Δsystolic dyssynchrony index) was the best predictor of cardiovascular events with 77% sensitivity and 88% specificity. Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that not only the absence of contractile reserve (Δglobal area strain ≤21.1%: hazard ratio [HR], 15.29; P=0.01), but the presence of dynamic dyssynchrony (ΔLV dyssynchrony ≥7.55%: HR: 7.591; P=0.003) was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. Importantly, absence of dynamic dyssynchrony and presence of contractile reserve were associated with the most favorable outcome (98%), whereas the reverse condition was associated with the worst outcome (20%, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic dyssynchrony is a potential predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with DCM, while assessment of dynamic dyssynchrony in combination with contractile reserve may further improve prognostic risk stratification.

Solubilization of Mouse Sperm Chromatin for Sequencing Analyses Using a Chaperon Protein.

Sperm chromatin compaction is physiologically essential for sperm to acquire the fertility. However, this unique structure composed of protamines makes us unable to solubilize the chromatin due to its resistance to sonication and enzymes usually used for chromatin fragmentation in somatic cells. Even when intense enzymatic treatment is applied, it appears to solubilize only certain portions of sperm chromatin presumably because of the heterogeneous properties. To overcome this issue, we previously developed a method to treat the sperm with recombinant nucleoplasmin, a protamine remover in fertilized embryos, followed by sonication. The nucleoplasmin treatment dramatically increased the efficiency of sperm chromatin solubilization, while a relatively large amount of recombinant nucleoplasmin was required. Here, we describe an improvement of nucleoplasmin method with a less amount of recombinant protein and a shorter reaction time.

Estimability study on the age of toddlers' gait development based on gait parameters.

In the first few years of toddlers' locomotion, various gait parameters improve gradually and dynamically with gait development. Therefore, in this study, we hypothesized that the age of gait development, or the level of gait development with age as its indicator, can be estimated from several gait parameters related to gait development, and investigated its estimability. In total, 97 healthy toddlers aged about 1-3 years participated in the study. All five selected gait parameters showed a moderate or higher correlation with age, but the duration with a large change and the strength of the association with gait development varied for each gait parameter. Multiple regression analysis was performed using age as the objective variable and five selected gait parameters as explanatory variables, and an estimation model (R2 = 0.683, adjusted R2 = 0.665) was created. The estimation model was verified using a test dataset separate from the training dataset (R2 = 0.82, p < 0.001). It was suggested that the age of gait development could be estimated from gait alone. Gait analysis based on empirical observations may reduce the need for skilled observers and their potential variability.

Appetite loss and associated factors at 1 year after intensive care unit elder survivors in a secondary analysis of the SMAP-HoPe study.

Appetite loss, a common but serious issue in older patients, is an independent risk factor for sarcopenia, which is associated with high mortality. However, few studies have explored the phenomenon of appetite loss after discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU). Therefore, we aimed to describe the prevalence of appetite loss and relationship between appetite loss and depression in patients living at home 12 months after intensive care. This study involved secondary analysis of data obtained from a published ambidirectional study examining post-intensive care syndrome 12 months after discharge (SMAP-HoPe study) conducted in 12 ICUs in Japan. We included patients aged > 65 years. The Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale were used for the analysis. Descriptive statistics and a multilevel generalized linear model were used to clarify the relationship between appetite loss and depression. Data from 468 patients were analyzed. The prevalence of appetite loss was 25.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 21.5-29.4). High severity of depression was associated with a high probability of appetite loss (odds ratio, 1.2; 95%CI, 1.14-1.28; p = 0.00). Poor appetite is common 12 months after intensive care and is associated with the severity of depression.

Effect of left ventricular dyssynchrony on cardiac sympathetic activity in heart failure patients with wide QRS duration.

BACKGROUND: Dyssynchrony has various detrimental effects on cardiac function, but its effect on cardiac sympathetic activity is not fully understood. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 50 heart failure patients who underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Cardiac sympathetic activity was assessed by (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine ((123)I-MIBG) scintigraphy as the delayed heart-to-mediastinum ratio (H/M ratio). Echocardiography was performed before and 7 months after CRT, and response was defined as a ≥15% decrease in end-systolic volume. Dyssynchrony was determined by the time difference between the anteroseptal-to-posterior wall using speckle-tracking radial strain (≥130 ms predefined as significant). H/M ratio in patients with dyssynchrony was less than that in patients without dyssynchrony (1.62 ± 0.31 vs. 1.82 ± 0.36, P<0.05), even though ejection fraction was not significantly different (24 ± 6% vs. 25 ± 7%). Patients with dyssynchrony and H/M ratio ≥1.6 had a higher frequency of response to CRT (94%) and favorable long-term outcome over 3.0 years. In contrast, patients without dyssynchrony and H/M ratio <1.6 were more likely to show a lower frequency of response to CRT (0%) and unfavorable long-term outcome after CRT. CONCLUSIONS: Dyssynchrony is associated with cardiac sympathetic activity, and (123)I-MIBG scintigraphy may be valuable for predicting the response to CRT.

Impact of left ventricular afterload on longitudinal dyssynchrony in patients with severe aortic stenosis and preserved ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and preserved ejection fraction (EF) have dyssynchrony and whether it improves after aortic valve replacement (AVR). METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 30 consecutive patients with severe AS and preserved EF undergoing AVR. For baseline comparison, we studied 17 EF-matched patients with mild-to-moderate AS, and 18 EF-matched normal volunteers. Longitudinal dyssynchrony was determined as the standard deviation for time-to-peak speckle-tracking strain in apical 4- and 2-chamber views at the basal- and mid-levels. Radial and circumferential dyssynchrony was determined as the difference for time-to-peak strain between the anteroseptum and posterior wall from the mid-left ventricular (LV) short-axis view. Each of the myocardial functions was also evaluated by averaging each peak systolic strain. Longitudinal dyssynchrony and function in patients with severe AS was significantly worse than in the patients with mild-to-moderate AS and the controls (94 ± 46 vs. 66 ± 18 ms* and 52 ± 17 ms*, and 12.5 ± 3.7% vs. 16 ± 3.5%* and 18.7 ± 3.7%*, respectively, *P<0.05, vs. severe AS). In contrast, radial and circumferential dyssynchrony were similar for the 3 groups. Importantly, the dyssynchrony of patients with severe AS significantly improved after AVR from 94 ± 46 ms to 68 ± 22 ms (P<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Significant longitudinal dyssynchrony was present in patients with severe AS and preserved EF, and it improved after AVR.

Tissue Doppler imaging-derived myocardial acceleration during isovolumetric contraction predicts pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in patients with reduced ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Tissue Doppler imaging-obtained isovolumetric myocardial acceleration (IVA) is load independent, reportedly predicts systolic functions, and correlates with exercise capacity in patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF). We hypothesized that IVA correlates with the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) in patients with reduced EF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Of 113 patients, correlations between PCWP and IVA were done for all patients, 48 patients with EF ≥55%, and 65 patients with EF <55%. Results were compared to the correlation between PCWP and other echocardiographic predictors. IVA correlated moderately with PCWP in all patients (r=0.54, P<0.0001) and was comparable to the E/A and E/e' ratios. In patients with EF ≥55%, IVA lost correlation and the only predictor was the E/e' ratio (r=0.08, 0.58, P=0.58, <0.0001). In patients with EF <55%, IVA was better than E/A and E/e' (r=0.72, 0.61, 0.51, P<0.0001), especially for atrial fibrillation or when E/e' fell between 8 and 15. Furthermore, IVA >1.60 m/s(2) can predict PCWP ≥15 mmHg, with a sensitivity of 95%, specificity of 73%, and an area under the curve of 0.867 (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: IVA can predict PCWP in patients with reduced EF, and can be considered an alternative to the E/e' ratio for patients with atrial fibrillation or E/e' ratio between 8 and 15.

Efficacy of longitudinal speckle tracking strain in conjunction with isometric handgrip stress test for detection of ischemic myocardial segments.

BACKGROUND: Isometric handgrip stress test is a simple method for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the value of this method alone is limited by relatively low sensitivity. This study thus aimed to investigate the usefulness of two-dimensional speckle-tracking strain combined with handgrip for CAD patients. METHOD: We studied 35 patients with stable angina pectoris who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Longitudinal (L-ɛ) and transverse peak systolic (T-ɛ) strains were measured from three standard apical views before and 1 month after PCI. Segments corresponded to perfusion territories of coronary arteries were divided into two groups based on coronary angiography results: stenotic (S) and nonstenotic (NS) segment. RESULTS: L-ɛ in S segments increased significantly after PCI, from -15.8% to -17.6% (P < 0.01), but not in NS segments. Moreover, L-ɛ in S segments increased significantly during handgrip before PCI, from -15.8% to -17.6% (P < 0.01), but decreased after PCI, from -17.6% to -16.7% (P = 0.02). In contrast, L-ɛ in NS segments decreased significantly during the isometric handgrip stress test before and after PCI (P < 0.05). Especially noteworthy is that a relative change in L-ɛ of >1.2% during handgrip before PCI could detect significant coronary stenosis with a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 66%, and area under the curve of 0.77 (P < 0.001). On the other hand, no significant changes were observed in either T-ɛ segments during handgrip either before or after PCI. CONCLUSION: Longitudinal speckle-tracking strain combined with handgrip may constitute a valuable tool for detection of ischemic myocardial segments and prediction of improvement of regional contraction after revascularization.

Reoccurrence of takotsubo cardiomyopathy induced by osimertinib: A case report.

A patient with lung cancer was administrated osimertinib. She developed symptomatic heart failure due to Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC). As her condition improved after discontinuing osimertinib, TC was thought to be caused by osimertinib. Reoccurrence of TC was seen after readministrating half dose of osimertinib.

Employment status and its associated factors for patients 12 months after intensive care: Secondary analysis of the SMAP-HoPe study.

BACKGROUND: Returning to work is a serious issue that affects patients who are discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU). This study aimed to clarify the employment status and the perceived household financial status of ICU patients 12 months following ICU discharge. Additionally, we evaluated whether there exists an association between depressive symptoms and subsequent unemployment status. METHODS: This study was a subgroup analysis of the published Survey of Multicenter Assessment with Postal questionnaire for Post-Intensive Care Syndrome for Home Living Patients (the SMAP-HoPe study) in Japan. Eligible patients were those who were employed before ICU admission, stayed in the ICU for at least three nights between October 2019 and July 2020, and lived at home for 12 months after discharge. We assessed the employment status, subjective cognitive functions, household financial status, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and EuroQOL-5 dimensions of physical function at 12 months following intensive care. RESULTS: This study included 328 patients, with a median age of 64 (interquartile range [IQR], 52-72) years. Of these, 79 (24%) were unemployed 12 months after ICU discharge. The number of patients who reported worsened financial status was significantly higher in the unemployed group (p<0.01) than in the employed group. Multivariable analysis showed that higher age (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.08]) and greater severity of depressive symptoms (OR, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.05-1.23]) were independent factors for unemployment status at 12 months after ICU discharge. CONCLUSIONS: We found that 24.1% of our patients who had been employed prior to ICU admission were subsequently unemployed following ICU discharge and that depressive symptoms were associated with unemployment status. The government and the local municipalities should provide medical and financial support to such patients. Additionally, community and workplace support for such patients are warranted.