Brain metastasis in a patient with BRCA2-mutated treatment-related neuroendocrine prostate carcinoma and long-term response to radiotherapy and Olaparib: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: A new subtype of prostate cancer called treatment-related neuroendocrine prostate carcinoma (t-NEPC) was added to the revised World Health Organization classification of prostate cancer in 2022. t-NEPC cases are increasing, and there is no established standard treatment. METHODS: A 49-year-old male patient was referred to our department for dysuria. A rectal examination and a prostate biopsy revealed stony hardness and prostate adenocarcinoma, respectively. Imaging studies confirmed the presence of multiple bone and lymph node metastases. The patient was started on upfront treatment with androgen deprivation therapy and an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor, which resulted in a significant (>90%) decrease in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. The patient experienced postrenal failure 6 months later, attributable to local disease progression. Concurrently, there was an elevation in neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels and an enlargement of pelvic lymph node metastases, without PSA progression. RESULTS: Biopsy specimen for cancer genome profiling revealed deletion of BRCA 2 and PTEN, AR amplification, and the presence of the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion gene. Based on increased NSE and BRCA2 mutations, a diagnosis of t-NEPC with BRCA2 mutation was eventually made. The patient received docetaxel chemotherapy and pelvic radiotherapy. Subsequently, he was treated with olaparib. His NSE levels decreased, and he achieved a complete response (CR). However, 18 months following the olaparib administration, brain metastases appeared despite the absence of pelvic tumor relapse, and the patient's PSA levels remained low. Consequently, the patient underwent resection of the brain metastases using gamma knife and whole-brain radiotherapy but died approximately 3 months later. CONCLUSION SUBSECTIONS: Platinum-based chemotherapy is often administered for the treatment of t-NEPC, but there are few reports on the effectiveness of olaparib in patients with BRCA2 mutations. In a literature review, this case demonstrated the longest duration of effectiveness with olaparib alone without platinum-based chemotherapy. Additionally, the occurrence of relatively rare, fatal brain metastases in prostate cancer after a long period of CR suggests the necessity of regular brain imaging examinations.

Anaphylactic Shock Due to Technetium (99mTc)-Tetrofosmin During Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy: A Case Report.

Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy is a popular minimally invasive method for evaluating chronic coronary disease (CCD). We performed myocardial scintigraphy to assess CCD in a 74-year-old man with a history of allergy to contrast media. The patient developed anaphylactic shock immediately after the administration of the technetium (99mTc)-tetrofosmin preparation. This is the first report of anaphylactic shock due to 99mTc-tetrofosmin administration during myocardial perfusion scintigraphy.

Cathepsin L prevents the accumulation of alpha-synuclein fibrils in the cell.

The deposition of α-synuclein (α-Syn) fibrils in neuronal cells has been implicated as a causative factor in Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). α-Syn can be degraded by autophagy, proteasome, and chaperone-mediated autophagy, and previous studies have suggested the potency of certain cathepsins, lysosomal proteases, for α-Syn degradation. However, no studies have comprehensively evaluated all cathepsins. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of all 15 cathepsins using a cell model of α-Syn fibril propagation and found that overexpression of cathepsin L (CTSL) was the most effective in preventing the accumulation of α-Syn aggregates. CTSL-mediated degradation of α-Syn aggregates was dependent on the autophagy machinery, and CTSL itself promoted autophagy flux. Interestingly, CTSL was effective in autophagic degradation of wild-type (WT) α-Syn, but not in the case of A53T and E46K missense mutations, which are causative for familial PD. These results suggest that CTSL is a potential therapeutic strategy for sporadic PD pathology in WT α-Syn.

Initial experience with prostatic urethral lift versus enucleation of the prostate: a retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess initial results and patient characteristics of prostatic urethral lift (PUL) compared with those of bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate (TUEB) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in older patients. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at a single institution and involved 25 consecutive patients with BPH who underwent PUL between April 2022 and May 2023. Patient characteristics, operative details, and pre- and postoperative symptom scores were evaluated. The results were compared with those of a previously reported TUEB group (n = 55). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in the PUL group was 74.6 years, and the mean prostate volume was 47.5 ml. The PUL procedure significantly improved urinary symptoms, particularly incomplete emptying (p = 0.041), intermittency (p = 0.005), and weak stream (p = 0.001). The PUL group had higher comorbidity scores (p = 0.048) and included older patients (p = 0.002) than the TUEB group. TUEB showed better improvements in some symptoms and maximum flow rate (p = 0.01) than PUL; however, PUL had a shorter operative time and fewer complications than TUEB (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The initial results demonstrate the efficacy and safety of PUL in older patients with BPH. Despite TUEB showing better outcomes in certain aspects than PUL, PUL offers advantages such as shorter operative time and fewer complications. Therefore, PUL can be considered a viable option for high-risk older patients with BPH.

Mitral valve leaflet stiffness predicts residual mitral regurgitation after transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair.

BACKGROUND: Residual regurgitation after transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TMVR) is a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). This study sought to identify the mitral valve (MV) parameters measured by three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) and MV leaflet features that predict residual mitral regurgitation (MR) after TMVR in patients with FMR. METHODS: Consecutive patients with FMR who underwent TMVR were classified into two groups based on the degree of residual MR just after TMVR: < 2+ in the optimal MR reduction group and ≥ 2+ in the suboptimal MR reduction group. The two groups were compared with respect to 3D-TEE parameters and the MV leaflet features, including the following parameters: stiffness, defined as a leaflet that remains at a fixed angle even during diastole, and thickness, measured in both clear and rough zones. RESULTS: Thirty-four of 46 patients (74%) were classified as the optimal MR reduction group. Multivariable analysis showed that anterior mitral leaflet + posterior mitral leaflet length/anteroposterior annulus diameter (p = .044) and MV leaflet stiffness (p = .007) were independent predictors of residual MR. CONCLUSION: MV leaflet stiffness and the ratio of MV leaflet lengths to the annulus diameter may be good predictors of residual MR after TMVR in patients with FMR.

Rezum water vapor thermal therapy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: Initial real-world data from Japan.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is prevalent in older men. As surgery can be high risk in this group, minimally invasive procedures are preferrable. This study aimed to assess the initial results of minimally invasive Rezum water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT) in patients with BPH. This single-center retrospective study included 25 consecutive patients with BPH who underwent WVTT between September 2022 and July 2023. Parameters including age, Charlson Comorbidity Index and Geriatric 8 (G8) scores, operative time, and number of vapor injections were evaluated. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, and Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Score (CLSS) were used to assess symptoms before the procedure, and at 1 and 3 months after it. Urinary function indicators such as single voiding volume, maximum flow rate (MFR), and post-void residual volume were assessed at the same time points. The mean patient age was 76.0 years and the mean prostate volume was 54.8 mL. The mean G8 score was 14.4 and the Charlson Comorbidity Index score averaged 1.2. The mean operative time was 6.84 min, and included a mean of 4.8 vapor injections. Three months after WVTT, significant improvements were observed in the maximum flow rate (P = .02), post-void residual volume (P = .001), and urine volume (P < .001), as well as in the IPSS incomplete emptying (P = .01) and weak stream (P = .01) domains. No significant changes were observed in the remaining IPSS domains or in the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score or CLSS. This study provides the first report on Rezum WVTT outcomes in Japan using the CLSS assessment tool. The initial results indicate a promising experience with this new treatment method. With a rapidly aging population, the incidence of BPH is expected to increase, making the minimally invasive Rezum system a valuable addition to BPH treatment options.

Clinical characteristics of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer after treatment with combined androgen blockade.

BACKGROUND: Although the second-generation androgen receptor inhibitors and taxanes have recently been recommended for the initial treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, bicalutamide and flutamide are still used in a large number of cases. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the clinical characteristics of these treated CRPC cases and their sensitivity to the currently used therapeutic agents. We aimed to examine the outcomes of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer following combined androgen blockade as initial therapy at our institution. METHODS: Ninety-four patients who developed metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer after hormonal treatment with combined nonsteroidal androgen receptor antagonists and continuous androgen deprivation therapy between January 2015 and December 2020 were included. The presence of visceral metastases, duration of efficacy of each treatment, and overall survival after castration-resistant prostate cancer were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients with a longer duration of castration-resistant prostate cancer tended to have a longer response duration to subsequent enzalutamide administration (p = 0.003). Patients who achieved a 90% reduction in prostate-specific antigen levels with enzalutamide had a significantly better castration-resistant prostate cancer prognosis (p = 0.002). Meanwhile, those with visceral metastases at the time of castration-resistant prostate cancer diagnosis had a significantly poorer prognosis (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between the treatment efficacy of abiraterone and taxanes for castration-resistant prostate cancer. CONCLUSION: The study provides scientific evidence to support that patients with longer time to castration-resistant prostate cancer are more sensitive to enzalutamide, and the use of abiraterone between docetaxel and cabazitaxel has favorable prognostic impact. These findings provide instrumental evidence that can enable better treatment selection for prostate cancer patients.

Tension-free vaginal mesh for patients with pelvic organ prolapse: mid-term functional outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the mid-term efficacy of tension-free vaginal mesh (TVM) for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and observe the time course of lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual function. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we included 112 female patients who underwent TVM at a single center for stage 2 or higher POP, and replied to questionnaires before, and 2 and 4 years after TVM. We evaluated the anatomical cure rate, prolapse quality of life questionnaire scores, international prostate symptom scores, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form scores, and Female Sexual Function Index scores. RESULTS: The anatomical cure rate at 4 years was 89%. Voiding and storage symptoms improved in patients after TVM. We found that 25/112 patients had sexual intercourse before TVM, and among them, 15/25 (60%) continued sexual intercourse after TVM. Additionally, of the 87 patients who had no sexual intercourse before TVM, 13 resumed sexual intercourse after TVM. CONCLUSION: Cases of TVM have decreased because of the Food and Drug Administration statements concerning mesh problems. However, this study showed relatively favorable mid-term results for lower urinary tract symptoms. Furthermore, sexual activity was restored in some patients, indicating the efficacy of TVM for sexual function.

Vascular Complications of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Via Distal Radial Artery Approach in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction With and Without ST-Segment Elevation.

OBJECTIVES: Distal radial artery (DRA) access is a novel alternative to conventional radial artery access for coronary catheterization. This study investigated the incidence of vascular complications with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from DRA access among patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with and without ST-segment elevation. METHODS: Between April 2018 and October 2019, a total of 131 consecutive patients underwent primary PCI for AMI, among whom DRA access was used in 116 (88.5%), comprising 77 with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 39 with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The mean patient age was 70.4 ± 12.9 years and 71.6% were male. Right DRA was used in 110 patients (94.8%). A 5 or 6 Fr sheath was used in the PCI procedure. Patient backgrounds, procedural characteristics, and procedural complications were retrospectively analyzed. Patency of the radial artery was examined using Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS: Minor bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium [BARC] 2) was observed in 2 patients (1.7%) while no major bleedings (BARC 3a, 3b, 3c, and 5) were observed. On the Early Discharge After Transradial Stenting of Coronary Arteries Study (EASY) hematoma scale, a grade III hematoma (≥10 cm) was observed in 1 patient (0.9%), and no patients with hematoma were > grade IV. Doppler ultrasound of the radial artery was performed on 95 patients (81.9%). The incidence of radial artery occlusion was 1.1% (n = 1). The door-to-balloon time for STEMI patients was 40.0 ± 30.8 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrated that DRA access was associated with a low incidence of access-site complications within optimal revascularization time among patients with AMI who underwent PCI.

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

During the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) should be treated as possibly infected individuals. Therefore, more time is considered necessary to conduct primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this study, we sought to evaluate the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on primary PCI for STEMI. Between March 2019 and March 2021, 259 patients with STEMI underwent primary PCI. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the pre-pandemic group (March 2019-February 2020) and the pandemic group (March 2020-February 2021). The patient demographics, reperfusion time including onset-to-door time, door-to-balloon time (DTBT), computed tomography (CT), peak creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), and 30-day mortality rate were investigated. The mean age of the patients was 70.4 ± 12.9 years, and 71.6% were male. There were 117 patients before the pandemic and 142 during the pandemic. The median DTBT was 29 (21.25-41.25) minutes before the pandemic and 48 minutes (31-73 minutes) during the pandemic (P < 0.001). The median door-to-catheter-laboratory time was 13.5 (10-18.75) minutes before the pandemic and 29.5 (18-47.25) minutes during the pandemic (P < 0.001). CT evaluation was performed before PCI in 39 (33.3%) patients and 63 (44.4%) patients (P = 0.08); their peak CPK levels were 1480 (358-2737.5) IU and 1363 (621-2722.75) IU (P = 0.56), and the 30-day mortality rates were 4.3% and 2.1% (P = 0.48), respectively. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic changed the diagnostic procedure in the emergency department and affected the DTBT in patients with STEMI. Nonetheless, no adverse effects on the 30-day mortality rate were observed.

Feasibility and safety of the successive use of distal transradial access for coronary angiography and intervention in the same arm.

Distal transradial access (dTRA) is a novel alternative to conventional radial artery access for coronary catheterization. However, the feasibility and safety of repeated use of dTRA have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the repeated use of dTRA for coronary angiography and intervention in the same arm. A total of 1717 patients underwent angiography or angioplasty via dTRA. We retrospectively analyzed the catheterization records of patients who underwent repeated puncture of the distal radial artery in the same arm. The incidence of successive applications of dTRA and the reasons for dropout were retrospectively investigated. A total of 416 patients, including three who underwent coronary catheterization with the bilateral dTRA in the initial attempt were analyzed. A 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-French sheath or sheathless guide catheter was used in the initial procedure. A maximum of four successive coronary catheterization procedures were performed. The second procedure with dTRA on the same arm was successfully performed in 395 cases (94.3%), with a successive rate of 89.6% for both the third and fourth dTRA procedures. Conversion to another approach site (n = 30) was attributed to radial artery occlusion (n = 9), narrowing of the distal radial artery (n = 19), and puncture failure (n = 2). The current data indicate that the repeated use of dTRA is safe and feasible, and this approach may become a standard approach site in the future.

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse: Comparison of standard versus tacker combination method.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse between a group in which only sutures were used (standard method), and a group in which a combination of tackers and sutures were used (tacker combination method). METHODS: A total of 77 patients who underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexys from June 2016 to October 2019 were divided into a suture group (36 patients) and a suture + tacker group (41 patients). We retrospectively compared operation time, amount of blood loss, postoperative length of hospital stay, incidence of perioperative complications and anatomical cure rate 1 year after surgery. Lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated using symptom questionnaires and objective parameters. RESULTS: Operation time in the suture + tacker group was shorter (104.9 ± 27.0 vs 147.5 ± 33.7 min; P < 0.0001). The incidence of perioperative complications in the suture group and the suture + tacker group was 2.8% and 2.4%, respectively (P = 0.9409). Anatomical cure rates at 1 year after surgery were 94.4% and 100%, respectively (P = 0.2153). Both groups showed significant improvement after 1 year for International Prostate Symptom Score total and quality of life score, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score total score, voided volume, maximum urinary flow rate and post-void residual. [Corrections added on 7 September 2021 after first online publication: the first two P-values have been updated.] CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of sutures and tackers in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy simplifies the procedure and translates into shorter operation time. Surgical outcomes at 1 year and improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms are similar regardless of the technique.

Evaluation of the Determinant Factors and Clinical Implications of Self-Care Agency Among Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

In patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), effective post-hospital care, partially determined by self-care agency, is critical for long-term prognosis. However, the relationship between agency and sociodemographic characteristics requires elucidation. One hundred and six outpatients participated in our study. Self-care agency was assessed with the Self-care Agency Questionnaire (SCAQ). We evaluated its correlation with patients' sociodemographic characteristics and morale on the Ikigai-9 Questionnaire. Mean SCAQ scores were higher in those who were younger, male, living with someone, and more educated compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, SCAQ scores were correlated with Ikigai-9 scores. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that social participation, employment status, and morale were independent predictors of high SCAQ scores. A comprehensive approach utilizing medical professionals, families, and the local community is needed to promote self-care agency in patients receiving primary PCI.

Enhanced In-Silico Polyethylene Wear Simulation of Total Knee Replacements During Daily Activities.

A computational wear simulator is an efficient tool for evaluating the wear of artificial knee joints. The classical Archard's wear law-based simulator has questionable accuracy and is focused on walking. In this study, an in silico polyethylene wear simulation of total knee replacements was developed considering the various highly demanding daily activities. A good predicted accuracy (error = 8.1%) was found through comparison of the experimental results. A relatively larger averaged wear loss was found under the loading condition (1.53 mg/mc) of daily activities compared with the walking condition (1.32 mg/mc). The squatting movement (2.57 mg/mc) produces the highest overall wear rate. In addition, a relatively larger amount of wear was found on the medial side knee prosthesis than that on the lateral side. The enhanced in silico polyethylene wear simulator provides an accurate and comprehensive tool for wear prediction in preclinical wear testing.

Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute otitis media in children-2018 update.

OBJECTIVE: "Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Otitis Media in Children-2018 update (2018 Guidelines)" aim to provide appropriate recommendations about the diagnosis and management of children with acute otitis media (AOM), including recurrent acute otitis media (recurrent AOM), in children under 15 years of age. These evidence-based recommendations were created with the consensus of the subcommittee members, taking into consideration unique characteristics of bacteriology and antimicrobial susceptibilities of AOM pathogens in Japan, as well as global advances in vaccines. METHODS: The subcommittee re-evaluated key clinical issues based on SCOPE (a master plan of the guidelines) and created clinical questions (CQ) about the diagnosis and management of AOM patients. A literature search of the publications from 2013 to 2016 were added to the Guidelines 2013, not only to assess the evidence on the effectiveness of vaccines, but also to provide up to date information of the bacteriology and antimicrobial susceptibilities of AOM causative pathogens in Japan. RESULTS: We have proposed guidelines for disease severity-based management of AOM patients, after classifying AOM severity into mild, moderate, and severe, based on age, clinical manifestations, and otoscopic findings. CONCLUSIONS: Precise otoscopic findings are essential for judging AOM severity, which can lead to appropriate management of AOM patients.

Efficacy and safety of the distal transradial approach in coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention: a Japanese multicenter experience.

The novel distal transradial approach (dTRA) is expected to further build upon the advantages of transradial access. However, the incidence of radial artery occlusion (RAO) and hemorrhagic events with the dTRA has not been fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of using the dTRA on RAO and postprocedural hemorrhage. From April 2018 to July 2018, 228 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography or intervention through the dTRA at two hospitals were analyzed. The RAO rate, change in the forearm and distal radial artery diameter and cross-section area after the dTRA (at 1 day and 1 month) on vascular ultrasonography, and incidence of hemorrhagic complications were investigated. Forearm and distal RAO occurred in 1 (0.4%) and 8 (3.1%) patients at 1 month, respectively. No forearm hematomas occurred. Ultrasonographic findings indicated that the radial artery diameter and cross-section area were significantly larger after the dTRA (2.9 ± 0.5 mm vs. 2.7 ± 0.5 mm, p < 0.001 and 6.5 ± 2.4 mm2 vs. 5.6 ± 2.0 mm2, p < 0.001, respectively). The distal radial artery diameter and cross-section area in the anatomical snuffbox were also significantly larger after the dTRA (2.5 ± 0.5 mm vs. 2.3 ± 0.4 mm, p < 0.001 and 4.7 ± 2.0 mm2 vs. 4.2 ± 1.6 mm2, p < 0.001, respectively). The DTRA was associated with a low incidence of RAO at both the puncture site and the forearm, postprocedural dilatation of the radial artery, and no bleeding complications extending to the forearm.

Impact of living alone on the care and outcomes of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the association between living alone at home and the care and outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). METHODS: In total, 557 patients with STEMI underwent pPCI between January 2008 and September 2017. Among them, we included 208 patients who were transferred directly by emergency medical services from their home to the hospital. RESULTS: Patients were classified into two groups, namely living alone (n = 45) and living with others (n = 163). There were no significant differences in age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors between the two groups. The onset-to-door (OTD) and onset-to-balloon times were significantly shorter in patients living with others than in those living alone (106.4 vs. 190.8 min, p < 0.01 and 152.3 vs. 236.9 min; p < 0.01, respectively). The left ventricular ejection fraction after pPCI was significantly lower in patients living alone than in those living with others (48.7 % vs. 54.9 %, p < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that living alone and the incidence of congestive heart failure were independent predictors of a longer OTD time. CONCLUSIONS: Patients living alone were less likely to arrive early at the hospital than those living with others. A greater understanding of the inter-relationships among living alone, access to acute cardiac care, and outcomes is essential.

Exploring the Relation between Glottal Closure and Plasma Substance P: A Study Protocol.

Glottal incompetence, i.e., reduced ability to produce effective glottal closure, is a problem often associated with aging. The study protocol is presented to determine whether blood substance P (SP) serves as an indicator of glottal closure function among the elderly. SP is involved in the neuromuscular mechanisms of cough; reduced concentration of SP may be a marker for increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. The antihypertensive angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, which also inhibits degradation of SP, has been found to be effective in preventing aspiration pneumonia by strengthening the cough reflex. In this study, we will employ National Hospital Organization self-controlled vocal exercise (NHOEx), which has been shown to improve glottal closure by strengthening the laryngeal adduction muscles. We hypothesize that improved glottal closure by NHOEx may lead to the increase in the plasma concentration of SP, which reflects effective cough reflex. Maximum phonation time (MPT), an indicator of glottal closure, will be measured to assess improvement of glottis-closing function. The study will include 180 patients over 65 years old with dysphonia, dysphagia, or MPT of less than 15 seconds. Based on the speculation that the improved MPT may be associated with changes in SP expression, we will measure the plasma SP before and after 6-month treatment of glottal incompetence using NHOEx. The goal is to verify the reliability of SP as an indicator for glottal closure and swallowing function. Measurement of plasma SP may be helpful for earlier detection of subjects with higher risk of aspiration pneumonia among the elderly.

Impact of shorter door-to-balloon time on prognosis of patients with STEMI-single-center analysis with a large proportion of the patients treated within 30 min.

Several recent studies suggested that the door-to-balloon time (DTBT) for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) should be as short as possible, despite the existing guideline for STEMI. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the STEMI patient cohort having the highest proportion of patients treated with a DTBT of ≤ 30 min ever reported. We evaluated 527 consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention between 2007 and 2015. The mean age was 68.0 ± 12.7 years, and the mean DTBT was 44.4 ± 33.1 min. The patients were classified into four groups according to the DTBT, and the relationship between the DTBT and clinical outcome was investigated. DTBTs were ≤ 30 min in 146 patients (27.7%), 31-60 min in 297 patients (56.4%), 61-90 min in 60 patients (11.4%), and > 90 min in 24 patients (4.6%). In-hospital mortality rates were 0.7, 5.0, 11.7, and 12.5% for DTBTs of ≤ 30, 31-60, 61-90, and > 90 min, respectively. In multivariate analysis, a DTBT ≤ 30 min (odds ratio [OR] 0.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01-0.91, p = 0.041), shock on arrival (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.02-7.37, p = 0.046), and blood transfusion (OR 49.60, 95% CI 13.90-177.00, p < 0.001) were the independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Patients with STEMI treated with a DTBT ≤ 30 min showed significantly better clinical outcomes than those treated with a DTBT > 30 min.