Pleural dissemination of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma diagnosed using semi-rigid thoracoscopic pleural cryobiopsy.

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) with pleural involvement presents significant diagnostic challenges, particularly in terms of differentiating it from malignant pleural effusion caused by other types of cancer, such as lung carcinoma. While most cases of EHE follow an indolent course, some can deteriorate rapidly, particularly those with serosal involvement such as pleural metastasis. In this report, we describe a case in which semi-rigid thoracoscopic cryobiopsy under local anesthesia yielded adequate specimens safely for diagnosis of pleural dissemination of EHE.

Psychological Factors Related to Social Exclusion of Hikikomori (Prolonged Social Withdrawal) Individuals by Local Residents.

Background: The number of hikikomori individuals has been increasing not only in Japan but also worldwide while few studies have looked into the societal elements that could lead to further isolation of hikikomori individuals. This study examines the psychological factors in local residents related to social exclusion of hikikomori individuals.

Methods: 365 participants living in Tottori, Japan were analyzed.

Safety and efficacy of transbronchial cryobiopsy for elderly lung cancer patients.

Background: The increasing prevalence of lung cancer in the elderly population necessitates a closer evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to compare the safety and diagnostic efficacy of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) between patients ≥ 80 years and younger patients.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 96 patients diagnosed with peripheral lung cancer who underwent TBLC between April 2021 and October 2023.

Assessing the diagnostic and therapeutic value of submandibular gland elastography in patients with immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis.

Objectives: To investigate the utility of shear wave elastography (SWE) values in differentiating IgG4-related submandibular sialadenitis (IgG4-RSS) from healthy individuals and in monitoring the response to glucocorticoid treatment.

Methods: Patients with IgG4-RSS who underwent ultrasound between 2017 and 2023 were included. Gland size, border, internal echo pattern, vascularity, and SWE were measured.

Development of allergic rhinitis immunotherapy using antigen-loaded small extracellular vesicles.

Allergic rhinitis is caused by a breakdown of the Th1/Th2 balance, in which the allergen-induced Th2 immune response predominates over the Th1 immune response, culminating in IgE-mediated anaphylaxis. In this study, we used small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), cell-derived membrane vesicles with a particle size of 100 nm, as simultaneous delivery carriers for allergens (ovalbumin, OVA) and CpG DNA, an adjuvant that can induce a Th1 immune response, for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. sEVs loaded with CpG DNA and OVA(CpG-OVA-sEVs) were successfully prepared.

The relationship between cognitive distortion, depressive symptoms, and social adaptation: A survey in Japan.

Background: In the treatment of depression, improvements in both clinical symptoms and social adaptation are important. Previous studies have shown that cognitive distortion and depressive symptoms are mutually related, and that depressive symptoms and social adaptation are related to each other. However, it is unknown how these three factors interrelate.

Origin of sex chromosomes in six groups of Rana rugosa frogs inferred from a sex-linked DNA marker.

Each vertebrate species, as a general rule, has either the XX/XY or ZZ/ZW chromosomes by which sex is determined. However, the Japanese Rana (R.) rugosa frog is an exception, possessing both sex-determining combinations within one species, varying with region of origin.

Factors Affecting Intention to Undergo Dementia Screening.

Background: In the present study, we focused on the main perception-related factors that affect people's intention to undergo dementia screening.

Methods: The 344 subjects that answered all the survey questions were included in the analysis. Data on the following variables were collected: Basic attributes such as age, sex, years of education, and number of people in the household; degree of intention to undergo dementia screening; degree of awareness of the seriousness of the consequences of dementia; degree of awareness that the person may someday develop dementia; degree of awareness of their ability to prevent dementia; availability of social support; degree of knowledge of lifestyle habits that can prevent dementia; role in the community and purpose in life.