Article
Rheumatology
Lina Wirestam, Muna Saleh, Christina Svensson, Michele Compagno, Helene Zachrisson, Jonas Wettero, Christopher Sjowall
Summary: In SLE patients, elevated levels of OPN were observed but no correlation was found with intima media thickness of the common carotid arteries.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Xue Bao, Biao Xu, Lars Lind, Gunnar Engstrom
Summary: Subclinical carotid atherosclerosis is an important factor in cardiovascular risk estimation by SCORE2. Carotid ultrasound improves the predictive performance of SCORE2 for cardiovascular risk assessment. SCORE2 may over-predict the risk in individuals without carotid plaque and under-predict the risk in those with carotid plaque.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Masato Takase, Naoki Nakaya, Tomohiro Nakamura, Mana Kogure, Rieko Hatanaka, Kumi Nakaya, Ippei Chiba, Ikumi Kanno, Kotaro Nochioka, Naho Tsuchiya, Takumi Hirata, Yohei Hamanaka, Junichi Sugawara, Tomoko Kobayashi, Nobuo Fuse, Akira Uruno, Eiichi N. Kodama, Shinichi Kuriyama, Ichiro Tsuji, Atsushi Hozawa
Summary: This study investigated the association between carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) and risk factors for atherosclerosis. The results showed that cIMT was positively associated with age, height, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and inversely associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Current drinkers had a significantly decreased cIMT compared to never drinkers.
JOURNAL OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND THROMBOSIS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Engelbert A. Nonterah, Daniel Boateng, Nigel J. Crowther, Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch, Abraham R. Oduro, Godfred Agongo, Shukri F. Mohamed, Palwende R. Boua, Solomon S. R. Choma, Shane A. Norris, Stephen M. Tollman, Michiel L. Bots, Michele Ramsay, Diederick Grobbee
Summary: This study evaluated the association of carotid atherosclerosis and microalbuminuria with 10-year ASCVD risk in middle-aged individuals in sub-Saharan Africa. The results showed that microalbuminuria measured by SUA may indicate risk of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis and high 10-year ASCVD risk.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paul Marczynski, Myriam Meineck, Ning Xia, Huige Li, Daniel Kraus, Wilfried Roth, Tamara Moeckel, Simone Boedecker, Andreas Schwarting, Julia Weinmann-Menke
Summary: The MRL-Fas(lpr) mouse model is a valuable tool for studying vascular damage in SLE. Compared to control mice, lupus-prone MRL-Faslpr mice showed significant vascular and perivascular leukocytic infiltration, increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the aorta and kidney, and increased intima-media thickness of the aorta.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Tao Zhang, Bingbing Fan, Shengxu Li, Xuan Wang, Yawei Kong, Lydia Bazzano, Jiang He, Wei Chen, Yinkun Yan
Summary: This study found that the impact of childhood body mass index (BMI) on adult carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is partly mediated by multiple cardiovascular risk factors in later life. The deleterious effects of adiposity on vascular structure begin early in life and accumulate over time.
Article
Pediatrics
Priscila B. S. Medeiros, Roberta G. Salomao, Sara R. Teixeira, Diane M. Rassi, Luciana Rodrigues, Davi C. Aragon, Priscila G. Fassini, Fabio V. Ued, Rita C. Tostes, Jacqueline P. Monteiro, Virginia P. L. Ferriani, Luciana M. de Carvalho
Summary: The study found a high prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in childhood-onset SLE patients, mainly associated with moderate to severe disease activity. Common traditional risk factors included dyslipidemia, uncontrolled hypertension, obesity, and poor diet.
PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lina Wirestam, Frida Jonsson, Helena Enocsson, Christina Svensson, Maria Weiner, Jonas Wettero, Helene Zachrisson, Per Eriksson, Christopher Sjowall
Summary: A study examined the association between anti-oxidized low-density lipoprotein (anti-oxLDL) antibodies and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with different systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) phenotypes. Anti-oxLDL levels were measured in SLE patients, healthy controls, and subjects with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). The results showed no significant difference in anti-oxLDL levels between SLE patients and healthy controls, but levels were significantly higher in AAV subjects. There was also a significant decrease in anti-oxLDL levels in the SLE group over a 3-year period. The study did not find strong associations between anti-oxLDL antibodies and vascular affection in SLE.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Guang-Quan Zhou, Hao Wei, Xiaoyi Wang, Kai-Ni Wang, Yuzhao Chen, Fei Xiong, Guanqing Ren, Chunying Liu, Le Li, Qinghua Huang
Summary: In this work, we propose an end-to-end boundary-salience multi-branch network, BSMNet, to identify the carotid intima-media from ultrasound images. Our method exploits prior shape knowledge and anatomical dependence to improve the accuracy of boundary identification and incorporates a strip attention model for segmenting thin strip regions. Experimental results demonstrate the promising performance of our method, achieving about 0.02 improvement in Dice and HD95 compared to other state-of-the-art methods. Our method is expected to advance the analysis of systemic arterial disease with ultrasound imaging.
COMPUTERS IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Leandro Teixeira Cacau, Jessica Levy, Mariane de Almeida Alves, Itamar de Souza Santos, Maria de Jesus Mendes Fonseca, Paulo Andrade Lotufo, Isabela Martins Bensenor, Dirce Maria Marchioni
Summary: This study examined the association between dietary patterns and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). The results showed that adherence to a convenience dietary pattern was associated with increased risk of high cIMT, while adherence to a prudent dietary pattern was associated with decreased risk of high cIMT.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Aashir Kaul, Arun Kumar, Aditya Baksi, Vitish Singla, Sandeep Aggarwal, Gurpreet Gulati, Rajiv Narang, Lokesh Kashyap
Summary: This study demonstrates that bariatric surgery can significantly reduce CIMT and CVD risk in patients with morbid obesity. Additionally, it also shows positive improvements in lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, and HbA(1C) levels.
SURGICAL ENDOSCOPY AND OTHER INTERVENTIONAL TECHNIQUES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ge Meng, Jiping Yao, Jiaoyang Li, Yeqing Gu, Hongmei Wu, Qing Zhang, Li Liu, Xuena Wang, Juanjuan Zhang, Shaomei Sun, Xing Wang, Ming Zhou, Qiyu Jia, Kun Song, Kaijun Niu
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between whole-grain consumption and carotid atherosclerosis in adult Chinese population. The results showed no significant association between whole-grain consumption and the risk of carotid atherosclerosis.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Maria del Mar Vila, Beatriz Remeseiro, Laura Igual, Roberto Elosua, Rafel Ramos, Jose Manuel Valdivielso, Ruth Marti-Lluch, Jaume Marrugat, Maria Grau
Summary: In men, autoimmune diseases were associated with increased common carotid intima-media thickness and higher percentage of individuals with thicker IMT. However, no significant differences were observed in arterial stiffness. Women, on the other hand, did not show significant differences in any of the carotid features between those with and without autoimmune diseases. Sex was found to be an effect modifier in the association between common carotid IMT values and autoimmune diseases diagnosis.
HYPERTENSION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Christopher Morrissey, Marie-Josephe Amiot, Aurelie Goncalves, Cecile Raverdy, Delphine Masson, Catherine Tardivel, Sandrine Gayrard, Myriam Carrere, Jean-Francois Landrier, Agnes Vinet, Antonia Perez-Martin
Summary: This study assessed the effects of vitamin D supplementation on arterial stiffness in obese adolescents. The researchers found that a high proportion of obese adolescents had vitamin D deficiency and supplementation improved carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and reduced the risk of arterial stiffness.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Wendy Wang, Faye L. Norby, Kristen M. George, Alvaro Alonso, Thomas H. Mosley, Rebecca F. Gottesman, Michelle L. Meyer, Pamela L. Lutsey
Summary: The study found that higher levels of carotid intima-media thickness and interadventitial diameter in midlife are associated with an increased risk of dementia, while the presence of carotid plaque did not show a significant association. Higher distensibility was associated with a lower risk of dementia.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Keiichi Sasaki, Toshikazu Tsuji, Yasutaka Kimoto, Yuki Yanagihara, Ken Masuguchi, Ayako Chikamori, Hiroyuki Watanabe, Tesshin Murakami, Daisuke Oryoji, Masafumi Hashimoto, Takahiko Horiuchi, Nobuaki Egashira
Summary: Switching from weekly 5 mg folic acid supplementation to daily 1.25 mg in Japanese RA patients can reduce MTX toxicity without affecting efficacy. Significant improvements in liver function markers were observed, while other clinical indicators remained stable.
MODERN RHEUMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Toyoki Maeda, Takahiko Horiuchi, Naoki Makino
Summary: Research indicates that regular use of hypnotics may be associated with somatic telomere shortening and aging, and this effect may be gender-related in patients.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Yukiko Takeyama, Nobuyuki Ono, Yuri Shirahama, Yasushi Inoue, Atsushi Tanaka, Naoyasu Ueda, Naoya Nishimura, Shuji Nagano, Ayumi Uchino, Tomoya Miyamura, Kensuke Oryoji, Hisako Inoue, Akihito Maruyama, Shun-ichiro Ota, Seiji Yoshizawa, Takuya Sawabe, Naoko Himuro, Katsuhisa Miyake, Yasutaka Kimoto, Takahiko Horiuchi, Hiroki Mitoma, Hiroaki Niiro, Ayako Takamori, Yoshifumi Tada
Summary: The study found that rituximab maintenance therapy may be effective and safe for Japanese patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, with comparable relapse-free survival rates and incidence of severe adverse events compared to other treatment options.
MODERN RHEUMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Shuhei Watanabe, Takahiko Horiuchi
Summary: This study focused on the texture of genuine leather and artificial leather, examining various impressions of genuine leather through a perception model and developing a method to quantify the texture. Through multiple measurement experiments and subjective evaluation experiments, the texture of genuine leather was ultimately quantified based on impressions.
TEXTILE RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Toyoki Maeda, Takahiko Horiuchi, Naoki Makino
Summary: The study found a correlation between the length of telomeres and methylated subtelomeres with an increase in bacterial species and certain strains in feces, suggesting an influence of intestinal conditions on the proportion of the intestinal microbial population. Shortened telomeres and demethylation status are considered to represent the degree and acceleration of aging, respectively, with biased microbial status associated with advanced stages or acceleration phases of biological aging.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Allergy
Michihiro Hide, Takahiko Horiuchi, Isao Ohsawa, Irmgard Andresen, Atsushi Fukunaga
Summary: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is characterized by unpredictable and painful swelling episodes, with increasing awareness worldwide but low recognition in Japan. Challenges in diagnosis and treatment exist, highlighting the need for greater awareness and solutions in the country.
ALLERGOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Hardware & Architecture
Shiori Yamaguchi, Keita Hirai, Takahiko Horiuchi
Summary: This study proposes a novel method for removing smoke from videos based on a single image sequence, involving the development of a smoke imaging model and smoke removal through spatio-temporal pixel compensation. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in removing smoke from dynamic scenes, and quantitative assessment is conducted based on a temporal coherence measure.
IEICE TRANSACTIONS ON FUNDAMENTALS OF ELECTRONICS COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTER SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Keisuke Imabayashi, Masahiro Ayano, Kazuhiko Higashioka, Kana Yokoyama, Ken Yamamoto, Koji Takayama, Hiroki Mitoma, Yasutaka Kimoto, Mitsuteru Akahoshi, Yojiro Arinobu, Koichi Akashi, Takahiko Horiuchi, Hiroaki Niiro
Summary: This study reported a case of a NBD patient presenting with acute onset dementia, who responded well to treatment with infliximab. Analysis showed that IP-10 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid were higher than in peripheral blood, and both decreased after treatment. It is crucial to consider introducing infliximab in glucocorticoid-resistant patients to prevent irreversible brain dysfunction.
JOURNAL OF NEUROIMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Kensuke Irino, Yojiro Arinobu, Masahiro Ayano, Shotaro Kawano, Yasutaka Kimoto, Hiroki Mitoma, Mitsuteru Akahoshi, Koichi Akashi, Takahiko Horiuchi, Hiroaki Niiro
Summary: The study retrospectively analyzed 64 pregnancies in 39 cases of lupus patients at Kyushu University Hospital from October 2002 to July 2018. The results showed that 29.7% of patients experienced lupus flare during pregnancy, with discontinuation of immunosuppressants being a significant risk factor. Additionally, fetal stillbirth rates were significantly higher in cases with lower C3 levels at 12 weeks of gestation compared to before conception.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Miki Nakano, Masahiro Ayano, Kazuo Kushimoto, Shotaro Kawano, Kazuhiko Higashioka, Shoichiro Inokuchi, Hiroki Mitoma, Yasutaka Kimoto, Mitsuteru Akahoshi, Nobuyuki Ono, Yojiro Arinobu, Koichi Akashi, Takahiko Horiuchi, Hiroaki Niiro
Summary: Serum sCD226 levels are associated with disease activity and flares of SLE, with high levels significantly correlated with clinical symptoms and antibody titers. Serum sCD226 may be a useful biomarker for SLE, aiding in more precise management of the disease.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Yusuke Kashiwado, Yasutaka Kimoto, Kenji Oku, Mari Yamamoto, Shiro Ohshima, Satoshi Ito, Takahiko Horiuchi, Tsutomu Takeuchi
Summary: This study evaluated the treatment and prognosis of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic diseases based on the time of onset and dominant strain. Data from a nationwide COVID-19 registry in Japan were analyzed, and the primary endpoints were hypoxemia incidence and mortality. The study found that the prognosis of COVID-19 improved over time in patients with rheumatic diseases, particularly during the Omicron BA.5-dominant period. Vaccination history and onset during the Omicron BA.5-dominant period were negatively associated with hypoxemia.
MODERN RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Sho Fujimoto, Yojiro Arinobu, Kohta Miyawaki, Masahiro Ayano, Hiroki Mitoma, Yasutaka Kimoto, Nobuyuki Ono, Koichi Akashi, Takahiko Horiuchi, Hiroaki Niiro
Summary: This study examined the role of basophils and anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) IgE in the pathogenesis of SLE using human samples. The results showed that the serum levels of anti-dsDNA IgE in SLE patients were correlated with disease activity. Basophils were found to promote B cell differentiation through dsDNA-specific IgE, similar to the process observed in mouse models.
Article
Rheumatology
Yusuke Kashiwado, Chikako Kiyohara, Yasutaka Kimoto, Shuji Nagano, Takuya Sawabe, Kensuke Oryoji, Shinichi Mizuki, Hiroaki Nishizaka, Seiji Yoshizawa, Shigeru Yoshizawa, Tomomi Tsuru, Yasushi Inoue, Naoyasu Ueda, Shun-ichiro Ota, Yasuo Suenaga, Tomoya Miyamura, Yoshifumi Tada, Hiroaki Niiro, Koichi Akashi, Takahiko Horiuchi
Summary: Discontinuation of biologic therapy after hospitalization for infections may lead to flares in rheumatoid arthritis. Continuing biologic therapy reduces the risk of rheumatoid arthritis flares, especially in patients without immunodeficiency.
ARTHRITIS RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Kazuo Kushimoto, Masahiro Ayano, Keisuke Nishimura, Miki Nakano, Yasutaka Kimoto, Hiroki Mitoma, Nobuyuki Ono, Yojiro Arinobu, Koichi Akashi, Takahiko Horiuchi, Hiroaki Niiro
Summary: This study aimed to identify new characteristics of elderly onset large-vessel vasculitis (EOLVV), focusing on human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genotype, polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), and affected vascular lesions observed on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging. The study identified a cluster of LVV with GCA features, particularly in HLA-B52-positive patients, suggesting HLA-B52-positive patients with LVV and GCA features may comprise a core population of Japanese patients with EOLVV. The findings of HLA-B52 positivity and diffusely affected vessels in patients with EOLVV can be considered suspicious findings of LV-GCA.
ARTHRITIS RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Joon-Cheol Kwon, O. Hwan Kwon, Rae Ung Jeong, Nayoun Kim, Seonah Song, Ilsub Choi, Juneok Lee, Takahiko Horiuchi
Summary: The comprehensive comparison assessment of physicochemical and biological attributes between LBAL and Humira (R) demonstrated their structural and functional similarity, supporting the biosimilarity of LBAL to Humira (R) in terms of clinical efficacy and safety.
ANIMAL CELLS AND SYSTEMS
(2021)