Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 in Systemic Sclerosis: A Nexus of Fibrosis, Vasculopathy, and Senescence.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a key regulator of the fibrinolytic system, has emerged as a multifaceted contributor to the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Beyond its classical role in inhibiting plasminogen activation, PAI-1 is implicated in the dysregulation of vascular remodeling, promotion of fibrosis, modulation of immune responses, and the maintenance of cellular senescence-all of which are hallmarks of SSc. Notably, elevated PAI-1 expression has been observed in both patient-derived tissues and experimental models of the disease.

Long-Term Real-World Outcomes of Baricitinib in Severe Alopecia Areata: A 104-Week Retrospective Analysis From a Single Institute.

Baricitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, demonstrated efficacy in achieving scalp hair regrowth in severe alopecia areata (AA). While short-term real-world data on its efficacy have been reported, long-term data remain limited. This retrospective observational study spanning 104 weeks analyzed clinical trajectories of 51 severe AA patients treated with baricitinib.

A Potential Contribution of S100A11 to Skin Fibrosis and Pulmonary Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterised by immune dysregulation, vasculopathy and fibrosis, driven by genetic and environmental factors. S100 proteins, which constitute a unique class of calcium-binding proteins, have been shown to be critically implicated in various inflammatory and fibrotic conditions. In this study, we investigated the possible involvement of S100A11 in SSc by examining its cutaneous expression and systemic serum levels, correlating them with key clinical parameters.

Comparison of differences in intraoperative blood loss between left-sided and right-sided robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.

This study investigates robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for small-diameter renal tumors, specifically focusing on intraoperative blood loss differences between left and right sides. The study, referenced as ROID2114, involved a retrospective analysis of 173 patients who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for renal tumors at our institution from November 2016 to March 2024. We evaluated the demographic data, operative duration, and blood loss between groups with right-sided and left-sided tumors.

[Investigation of the Usefulness of Intermittent Self-Dilation after Transurethral Surgery for Urethral Stricture].

We retrospectively examined the restenosis rate, factors associated withrestenosis withand without intermittent self-dilatation (ISD) after transurethral surgery for urethral stricture. Male patients diagnosed with urethral stricture between July 2012 and October 2019 who underwent primary treatment by internal urethrotomy or urethral stricture dilatation were divided into two groups : those who received ISD and those who did not. Factors associated with restenosis in the ISD group were also analyzed.

Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on symptoms and immune phenotypes in vaccine-naïve individuals with Long COVID.

Background: The symptomatic and immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination of people with Long COVID are poorly characterized.

Methods: In this prospective study, we evaluated changes in symptoms and immune responses after COVID-19 vaccination in 16 vaccine-naïve individuals with Long COVID. Surveys were administered before vaccination and at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after receiving the first vaccine dose of the primary series.

An Evaluation of Prognostic Factors in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Single-Center Study of 237 Japanese Cases.

: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common cutaneous malignancy with diverse etiologies, including actinic keratosis, burns, and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). : We reviewed 237 cases diagnosed as cSCC in our department between 2013 and 2023. In addition, we focused on HS as an aggravating factor for cSCC.

Predictive factors for treatment responses to baricitinib in severe alopecia areata: A retrospective, multivariate analysis of 70 cases from a single center.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, autoimmune skin disease characterized by non-scarring hair loss. Baricitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi), prevents hair loss and promotes hair regrowth by inhibiting the inflammatory Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway involved in cytotoxic T cell responses targeting hair follicles. The introduction of JAKi has transformed treatment against severe AA.

A case of spontaneous bladder rupture successfully conservatively treated with transurethral debridement and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Introduction: Spontaneous bladder rupture is a potentially life-threatening condition. Its treatment often requires invasive strategies, mainly surgical closure, or cystectomy. We present a case where we successfully treated bladder rupture employing a less invasive technique of transurethral debridement and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Serum levels of AGGF1: Potential association with cutaneous and cardiopulmonary involvements in systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, aberrant immune activation, and extensive tissue fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Because of the complicated nature of its pathogenesis, the underlying mechanisms of SSc remain incompletely understood. Angiogenic factor with a G-patch domain and a Forkhead-associated domain 1 (AGGF1) is a critical factor in angiogenesis expressed on vascular endothelial cells, associated with inflammatory and fibrotic responses.

Sex differences in symptomatology and immune profiles of Long COVID.

Strong sex differences in the frequencies and manifestations of Long COVID (LC) have been reported with females significantly more likely than males to present with LC after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection . However, whether immunological traits underlying LC differ between sexes, and whether such differences explain the differential manifestations of LC symptomology is currently unknown. Here, we performed sex-based multi-dimensional immune-endocrine profiling of 165 individuals with and without LC in an exploratory, cross-sectional study to identify key immunological traits underlying biological sex differences in LC.

Distinguishing features of long COVID identified through immune profiling.

Post-acute infection syndromes may develop after acute viral disease. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 can result in the development of a post-acute infection syndrome known as long COVID. Individuals with long COVID frequently report unremitting fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and a variety of cognitive and autonomic dysfunctions.