Developing a risk score for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) ≥ 100 pg/ml levels: the suita study.

Background: Increased plasma levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) serve as a biomarker for heart failure (HF). This study aimed to develop a risk score to predict elevated BNP levels using traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

Methods And Results: We analyzed data from 2809 Japanese individuals aged ≥ 40 years from the Suita Study, a population-based prospective cohort.

A Preliminary Study on the Development of a Virtual Reality-Based Financial Decision-Making Training Tool for Investment Trusts: Usability and Acceptability Among Community-Dwelling Healthy Older People.

Background: As global population ages, financial gerontology is becoming increasingly important in supporting older adults' financial decision-making. The decline in the real asset value of financial assets driven by inflation and social security reforms necessitates investment strategies beyond traditional savings. However, age-related cognitive decline can impair financial decision-making capacity, highlighting the need for effective interventions.

Polymorphisms in SAA alter intrarenal amyloid distribution of AA amyloidosis in cats.

The kidneys are one of the primary organs affected by amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis in mixed-breed cats. The distribution of amyloid deposits within the kidneys varies among individuals; however, the underlying cause is unknown. This study investigated the association between serum AA (SAA) polymorphisms and the pattern of renal amyloid deposition in five mixed-breed cats.

Validity of nursing interventions for aggressive behavior in neurodevelopmental disorders in child and adolescent psychiatry: A modified e-Delphi study.

Aim: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are the most common diagnosis among pediatric and adolescent psychiatric inpatients in Japan. However, there is limited evidence regarding nursing care for hospitalized children with NDDs. This study aimed to establish nursing care guidelines for children with NDDs hospitalized for aggressive behaviors.

Effects of Wnt10a on dentinogenesis of dental pulp cells in a 3-dimensional culture system using atelocollagen gel.

The culture systems for dental pulp cells are contributing to the development of vital pulp therapy. In general, 2-dimensional (2D) monolayer culture systems are typically adopted to analyze the mechanisms underlying dental pulp cell differentiation. However, several limitations exist to reproducing the natural micro-environment of dental pulp tissue using such 2D culture systems.

Establishment of Dental Pulp Cell Culture System for Analyzing Dentinogenesis in Mouse Incisors.

: The dentin-pulp complex plays a vital role in tooth health. Dentin forms the main body the tooth and continues to form throughout life to maintain homeostasis and provide protection against deleterious external stimuli. However, the detailed mechanism of dentin formation remains poorly understood, and there is a need for new regenerative therapies.

Birth cohort-specific smoking patterns in Japan (1906-2004): a population-based study from the NC-CCAPH consortium.

Background: This study aimed to estimate Japan's age-specific history of smoking prevalence, initiation, cessation, and intensity by birth cohort, using data from multiple cohort studies.

Methods: We pooled data from eight eligible cohorts surveyed between 1989 and 2020 as part of the National Center Cohort Collaborative for Advancing Population Health (NC-CCAPH). An Age-Period-Cohort model was employed to estimate birth cohort- and sex-specific smoking patterns for individuals born between 1920 and 1999.

Oral Pathobiont Streptococcus Anginosus Is Enriched in the Gut of Stroke Patients and Predicts 2-Year Cardiovascular Outcome.

Background: Several cross-sectional studies have implicated gut dysbiosis caused by an abundance of oral commensals in stroke, but the effect on long-term prognosis is still unknown. Therefore, we longitudinally investigated oral pathobionts in the gut and their clinical relevance to stroke.

Methods And Results: We analyzed the salivary and gut microbiomes collected from 189 acute stroke and 55 non-stroke subjects, and found that Streptococcus anginosus was significantly more abundant in both the saliva (median [IQR], 0.

The Financial Capacity of Individuals With Dementia: A Narrative Review.

The prevalence of dementia is rising globally, with significant consequences for society. This increase not only places a substantial financial strain on caregivers and families but also adds a growing economic burden on societies and governments. In this context, improving the financial capacity of dementia patients is critical, as it can help mitigate the risk of financial exploitation and improve their quality of life.

Machine Learning Model for Predicting Coronary Heart Disease Risk: Development and Validation Using Insights From a Japanese Population-Based Study.

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Identifying key risk factors is essential for effective risk assessment and prevention. A data-driven approach using machine learning (ML) offers advanced techniques to analyze complex, nonlinear, and high-dimensional datasets, uncovering novel predictors of CHD that go beyond the limitations of traditional models, which rely on predefined variables.

Characterization of amyloid deposits in canine mammary neoplasms.

Mammary tumor-associated amyloidosis in dogs has been reported in several studies, but its incidence and predisposing conditions have not been investigated. We examined 252 mammary masses from 183 dogs to determine the prevalence of amyloid deposition and elucidate etiologic factors. Histologically, amyloid deposition was observed in 88 of 252 (35%) mammary masses.

Lipoprotein(a) Levels and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke: The Suita Study.

Aims: Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) exhibits atherogenic and thrombogenic properties. We investigated the association between Lp(a) levels and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke.

Methods: We used data from 5138 people ≥ 30 years old registered in the Suita Study, a Japanese population-based prospective cohort study.

Developing and Validating a New Atrial Fibrillation Risk Score Using Medical Examination Items in a Japanese Population - The Suita Study.

Background: The aim of this was to develop an atrial fibrillation (AF) risk score using items usually included in Japanese governmental health check-ups.

Methods And Results: We analyzed data from 6,476 Japanese participants registered in the Suita Study. At baseline, the participants were aged ≥30 years and were free from AF.

Difficulties in providing nursing care to children with neurodevelopmental disorders admitted to child and adolescent psychiatric units for aggressive behavior.

Background: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders admitted to child and adolescent psychiatric units often exhibit aggressive behaviors, posing challenges for nurses. It is unclear what experiences and challenges nurses have in these cases within the unique environment of hospitalization.

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the difficulties faced by nurses in providing care for children due to their aggressive behavior in these units.

Neuropsychiatric symptom-related role and activity restrictions by relatives: focusing on the gender of older adults with suspected dementia.

Background: As cognitive function declines, relatives may restrict the roles and activities they consider older adults unable to continue independently performing. We examined the characteristics of these role and activity restrictions by relatives among older adults prior to their first visit to a memory clinic for an official diagnosis, focusing on gender and the diagnosis of dementia. Additionally, we examined the relationship between role and activity restrictions by relatives and the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) controlling for older adults' gender.

Novel TORC1 inhibitor Ecl1 is regulated by phosphorylation in fission yeast.

Extender of chronological lifespan 1 (Ecl1) inhibits target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) and is necessary for appropriate cellular responses to various stressors, such as starvation, in fission yeast. However, little is known about the effect of posttranslational modifications on Ecl1 regulation. Thus, we investigated the phosphorylation levels of Ecl1 extracted from yeast under conditions of sulfur or metal starvation.

Features of late local failure of early‑stage non‑small cell lung cancer treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy.

Local failure of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) often occurs within 2 years and delayed local failure is uncommon. In the present study, features of late local failure (LLF; >2 years after SBRT) after SBRT were investigated and compared with those of early local failure (ELF; ≤2 years after SBRT) to explore whether these two local recurrence features have different prognostic implications. Patients who underwent SBRT for stage I-IIA NSCLC between July 2006 and March 2014 were retrospectively reviewed.

Lifestyle Behaviors of Childhood and Adolescence: Contributing Factors, Health Consequences, and Potential Interventions.

In this narrative review, we summarized evidence from peer-reviewed articles, published before February 2024, that investigated lifestyle behaviors among children (≤12 years) and adolescents (13-18 years) representing different geographic descents. These behaviors included dietary patterns, screen time, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, oral hygiene, unsafe sex, and sleep duration and quality. We documented the significant impacts of parental, school, and sociodemographic factors on the adoption of numerous lifestyle behaviors in this age category.

Monitoring of tritium concentrations in tap water and rainwater collected in Thailand.

This study aimed to measure tritium (3H) concentrations in Thailand. Nationwide tap water samples were collected in July 2021. Rainwater samples were collected monthly during May-October 2020, April-October 2021, and February-March 2022 in Chonburi province and in Chiang Mai province during July-November 2021, January 2022, and March-June 2022.

The association between antenatal coffee consumption and preeclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: A growing body of evidence has documented unfavorable maternal outcomes attributed to excessive antenatal coffee consumption. Preeclampsia is one of the most common hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with several adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, the association between antenatal coffee consumption and preeclampsia remains debatable.

The association between serum cholesterol levels and mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment in the Suita Study and evidence from other epidemiological studies.

Background: Serum cholesterols are well-documented markers of cardiovascular diseases; however, their association with cognitive well-being is uncertain. This study investigated the association between serum cholesterol levels and mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment.

Methods: Epidemiological evidence on the role of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), non-HDL-C, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in cognitive impairment was highlighted.

Photobiomodulation Effect of Diode Laser on Differentiation of Osteoprogenitor Cells in Rat Bone Marrow.

Background/aim: Bone marrow cells contain nonhematopoietic cells with the ability to differentiate into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages. Mechanical stress influences osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow cells into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages, measurable as the abundance of alkaline phosphatase-positive (ALP) colony-forming unit-fibroblasts (CFU-F); however, the effect of diode laser irradiation on osteoblast differentiation is unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of photobiomodulation on the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow, using the CFU-F assay.

A randomized, open-label phase II study on the preventive effect of goshajinkigan against peripheral neuropathy induced by paclitaxel-containing chemotherapy: The OLCSG2101 study protocol.

Background: Paclitaxel (PTX) is an essential cytotoxic anticancer agent and a standard treatment regimen component for various malignant tumors, including advanced unresectable non-small cell lung cancer, thymic cancer, and primary unknown cancers. However, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) caused by PTX is a significant adverse event that may lead to chemotherapy discontinuation and deterioration of the quality of life (QOL). Although treatment modalities such as goshajinkigan (GJG), pregabalin, and duloxetine are empirically utilized for CIPN, there is no established evidence for an agent as a preventive measure.