Internal medicine
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Observational Study
Cardiac Acoustic Biomarkers in Patients with Heart Failure during Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing: An Exploratory Study.
Objective Exercise therapy as part of cardiac rehabilitation is one of the most effective treatments for patients with chronic heart failure (HF). The anaerobic threshold (AT) determined by an exhaled gas analysis during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) is used to prescribe the appropriate level of exercise therapy. However, CPX using an exhaled gas analysis is not widely performed because of its cost, complexity, and the need for skilled staff. ⋯ Results A significant correlation (R=0.70; p<0.001) was found between CPX-AT and CAB-AT, using the double product of S1 intensity and heart rate. CAB-AT using S1 intensity also showed a significant correlation with CPX-AT (R=0.71; p<0.001). Conclusion The present study suggests a possible new method for determining AT without respiratory gas measurements in patients with HF.
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A 35-year-old man with fever and diarrhea visited our hospital because of white string-like fecal excretion. Based on a morphological examination of the excreted object, a Diphyllobothrium infection was suspected. Additionally, Gram staining of a fecal sample revealed Campylobacter infection. ⋯ A polymerase chain reaction-based DNA sequence analysis demonstrated that the tapeworm excreted in this case was Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiensis. This report presents a rare case of coinfection with Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiensis and Campylobacter jejuni. Therefore, it is important to consider the coexistence of other intestinal infections when diagnosing parasitic infections in patients with fever.
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Objective We aimed to investigate the relationship between tortuosity of the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) or vertebral artery (VA) and vascular risk factors among residents of Asahikawa, northeast Japan. Methods We retrospectively surveyed participants of "brain dock" medical brain checkups, which involved magnetic resonance imaging and angiography. We measured the tortuosity of the ICA and VA, and evaluated vascular risk factors based on medical interviews, questionnaires, and medical records. ⋯ VA tortuosity (right and left) was significantly correlated with age (OR: 1.786, 95% CI: 1.250-2.550, p=0.001) and smoking history (OR: 2.140, 95% CI: 1.235-3.707, p=0.007), and was more pronounced in females than in males (OR: 1.864, 95% CI: 1.107-3.137, p=0.019). Conclusion ICA tortuosity was correlated with age, while VA tortuosity was correlated with age and smoking history. ICA and VA tortuosity were more pronounced in females than in males.
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Objective In 2022, Wenning et al. proposed the Movement Disorder Society Criteria (MDS criteria) for the Diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). These criteria were expected to provide useful alternatives to the second consensus statement. We examined trends in these diagnostic criteria. ⋯ At the time of diagnosis, the classifications were as follows: clinically established (n=45; 66.2%); clinically probable (n=12; 17.6%); possible prodromal (n=4; 5.9%); and negative (n=7; 10.3%). At the final evaluation, the classifications were as follows: clinically established (n=52; 76.5%); clinically probable (n=9; 13.2%); possible prodromal (n=2; 2.9%); and negative (n=5; 7.4%). Conclusion We were able to clarify the changes in the criteria values and transition of patients due to the clarification of imaging and supportive findings in the MDS criteria.
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Objective Myosteatosis affects the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and may be a potential therapeutic target. This study aimed to examine the effects of ipragliflozin on myosteatosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and MASLD. Methods Patients were treated with ipragliflozin (IPR group) or a control (CTR group) for 72 weeks in a randomized trial. ⋯ Conclusion Ipragliflozin had a limited effect on skeletal muscle adiposity in patients with T2D and MASLD. Regardless of the treatment, a specific phenotype of adiposity and hepatic steatosis before treatment is associated with the long-term outcomes of myosteatosis. Maintaining skeletal muscle mass and better glycemic control during treatment are essential for the future improvement of myosteatosis.