Tag: pubmed

J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 2026 Feb 12. doi: 10.1111/jvp.70050. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Cranberry and cranberry extracts are available for treatment or prevention of urinary tract disease in dogs and cats, but guidance regarding their use is lacking. The objectives were to identify and assess literature pertaining to the efficacy of cranberry and cranberry extract supplementation for prevention and treatment of bacterial cystitis and subclinical bacteriuria in dogs and cats. A systematic review was performed, and three studies involving a total of 122 animals (106 dogs and 16 cats) were identified. No studies reported statistically significant or numerical impacts of treatment. Two studies were deemed at high risk of bias, and one was deemed at low risk. Certainty of evidence was low to very low. The small number of studies, small sample sizes, data from those studies, and low certainty of evidence preclude confident assessment of the role of cranberry for the prevention or treatment of infectious urinary tract disease in dogs and cats.

PMID:41676867 | DOI:10.1111/jvp.70050

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2026 Feb 12. doi: 10.1039/d5cp04866d. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The low-energy (0-14 eV) resonance electron interaction with gas-phase ellagic acid (EA) molecules is studied using dissociative electron attachment (DEA) spectroscopy. Photoinduced electron transfer reactions with solvated EA are studied using the chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (CIDNP) technique. Molecular negative ions EA˙^–, the most abundant species generated by thermal electron attachment to EA, autodetach their extra electrons within 200 µs, allowing us to estimate the adiabatic electron affinity of EA as 1.3 eV-a value in excellent agreement with that predicted at B3LYP/6-31+G(d) level. In an intriguing observation, the slow (microsecond timescale) cleavage of a single O-H bond, resulting in [EA – H]^– fragments, can tentatively be explained by the H-atom roaming across the molecular framework or by the statistical accumulation of the energy required to overcome the potential barrier along the reaction coordinate. In contrast to a variety of polyphenolic molecules, [EA – 2H]˙^– is not formed at thermal electron energies, despite this decay being energetically favorable, likely due to competition with single H-atom abstraction. Fully deprotonated EA (present in solution at pH > 10 as [EA – 4H⁺]^4-) can attach solvated electrons to produce [EA – 4H⁺]˙^5- radicals, consistent with the high electron-accepting ability of isolated EA. However, deprotonated EA can also donate electrons to the model electron acceptor, 2,2′-dipyridyl, generating [EA – 4H⁺]˙^3- radicals, with no further decomposition observed in the present CIDNP experiments, in agreement with the limited fragmentation seen in gas-phase DEA applied to intact EA. The present findings could be important for understanding the biological effects produced by EA, namely, its synergism with radiotherapy and its antibacterial activity, both likely associated with electron-driven processes.

PMID:41676865 | DOI:10.1039/d5cp04866d

JMA J. 2026 Jan 15;9(1):302-308. doi: 10.31662/jmaj.2025-0213. Epub 2025 Nov 28.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: To clarify whether continuous-monitoring can detect bradycardia during propranolol treatment for infantile hemangioma (IH) and explore management practices for patients with bradycardia.

METHODS: This retrospective study with historic controls was conducted on children with IH aged 0-1 year admitted for propranolol treatment at the National Center for Child Health and Development between October 2016 and July 2023. Patients were divided into two groups based on the monitoring method, namely, the spot-measurement group (October 2016 to August 2018) and the continuous-monitoring group (September 2018 to July 2023). Bradycardia was defined as a heart rate of <90/min lasting for 20 minutes. Patient data included clinical characteristics, propranolol dosage, and adverse effects (bradycardia, hypotension, and hypoglycemia). Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher’s exact and Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS: During the study period, 106 patients were admitted for propranolol therapy; 49 were in the spot-measurement group and 57 in the continuous-monitoring group. The frequency of bradycardia was significantly higher in the continuous-monitoring group than in the spot-measurement group (21% vs. 2%, p = 0.003). In the continuous-monitoring group, 2 of 12 patients with bradycardia were symptomatic. All patients experienced prompt resolution of symptoms with the reduction of propranolol dosage and had favorable outcomes for IH.

CONCLUSIONS: Continuous-monitoring can detect bradycardia more effectively during propranolol treatment for IH than spot-measurement, and reducing the dosage of propranolol can lead to favorable outcomes for IH while minimizing the risk of bradycardia.

PMID:41676847 | PMC:PMC12889071 | DOI:10.31662/jmaj.2025-0213

JMA J. 2026 Jan 15;9(1):309-320. doi: 10.31662/jmaj.2025-0395. Epub 2025 Dec 19.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: There is no standard geriatric assessment (GA) for patients aged ≥65 years with lung cancer (hereafter referred to as patients). This retrospective study evaluated whether GA could be achieved by combining Geriatric-8 (G8) score (G8s), body weight loss (BWL) of more than 5% (5%BWL), and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

METHODS: This study included patients who underwent G8 screening, BIA (measuring skeletal muscle mass index [SMI] and extracellular water-to-total body water ratio [ECW/TBW]), and physical function tests before treatment at our hospital between March 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024. Patient clinical records were reviewed to collect baseline data. Statistical analyses were conducted using R (version 4.1.1).

RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were analyzed. We found the following significant associations: G8s ≤14.0 and 5%BWL were associated with advanced-stage disease; G8s >14.0 and SMI ≥cut-off value (CV) with higher body mass index; ECW/TBW ≥0.4 (0.4 ECW/TBW) with aging and poor performance status; 5%BWL with lower maximum lower leg calf circumference (MLLCC); SMI ≥CV with higher maximum handgrip strength (MHGS) and MLLCC; 0.4 ECW/TBW with lower MHGS, gait speed, and five-time sit-to-stand performance. The multivariate analysis confirmed significant associations: G8s ≤14.0 was associated with cancer cachexia; SMI < CV and 0.4 ECW/TBW were associated with sarcopenia, and 0.4 ECW/TBW was associated with physical function decrease, as indicated by a Short Physical Performance Battery score of ≤9. Patients with G8s ≤14.0, 5%BWL, or 0.4 ECW/TBW had shorter survival durations than their respective counterparts. Patients were classified into three frailty categories (none, mild combined with moderate, severe) based on a combination of four factors (G8, BWL, SMI, and ECW/TBW) and had distinct survival curves.

CONCLUSIONS: The combination of these four factors offers a simple and objective approach for GA in patients.

PMID:41676841 | PMC:PMC12889063 | DOI:10.31662/jmaj.2025-0395

JMA J. 2026 Jan 15;9(1):180-188. doi: 10.31662/jmaj.2025-0174. Epub 2025 Nov 21.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) has emerged as a promising treatment for unresectable locally advanced or recurrent head and neck cancer. This study aimed to identify potential predictors of NIR-PIT efficacy before treatment by focusing on blood biomarkers in addition to pathological findings, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in tumors.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the medical records of 10 patients with head and neck cancer, who exhibited confirmed EGFR expression and underwent NIR-PIT treatment at Akita University Hospital from December 2021 to April 2024, was conducted (13 cycles of NIR-PIT). EGFR expression, cluster of differentiation (CD)4/CD8 ratio, regulatory T cell (Treg) frequency, serum albumin, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and neutrophil-to-eosinophil ratio (NER) were calculated from the tumor tissue and blood collected immediately before treatment. Correlations of these factors with tumor response to NIR-PIT were determined.

RESULTS: The objective response rate (ORR) was 61.5% and the disease control rate (DCR) was 100%. A statistically significant association was observed between the EGFR index and tumor response. No statistically significant correlation was found between other biomarkers (CD4/CD8 ratio, Treg frequency, serum albumin, NLR, NER) and tumor response.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the important role of EGFR expression in predicting the efficacy of NIR-PIT in the management of head and neck cancer, and highlight the significance of incorporating EGFR assessment in patient selection and optimized treatment strategies. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role that these other potential predictors, including tumor immune response markers, play in NIR-PIT outcomes.

PMID:41676833 | PMC:PMC12888994 | DOI:10.31662/jmaj.2025-0174

JMA J. 2026 Jan 15;9(1):1-9. doi: 10.31662/jmaj.2025-0167. Epub 2025 Nov 14.

ABSTRACT

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is one of the systemic autoimmune diseases characterized by disease-specific autoantibodies and generalized fibrosis in connective tissues and internal organs, resulting from microvascular and immune dysfunctions, which lead to premature death in affected individuals. The etiology of SSc is complex and poorly understood; however, as with most autoimmune conditions, it is widely accepted that both environmental and genetic factors interact and contribute to disease development. Over the last decade, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple genetic markers associated with SSc, and a number of causal variants have also been fine-mapped using state-of-the-art statistical techniques. Furthermore, the latest East Asian GWAS identified novel risk variants that were not as strongly represented in Europeans as in East Asians, and also provided additional novel risk variants, highlighting the importance of enrolling a diverse population for the analysis of complex traits. The association of human leukocyte antigen regions has been clarified mainly in individuals of European descent, with the identification of clinical subtype-specific associations of certain alleles. The associations in East Asian SSc are currently being analyzed by our team. Recent advances in single-cell ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequence technology have enabled the identification of transcriptomic changes at the single-cell level in a cell type or tissue-specific manner, allowing for the identification of disease-relevant cells or transcriptomes. To date, multiple single-cell RNA sequence studies have been conducted, primarily focusing on cells and transcriptomes in peripheral blood, skin, or lung. Despite the remarkable advances in state-of-the-art technology for both genetics and transcriptomics, gene expression regulations, especially by enhancers, enriched for disease heritability and thus critical for SSc development, remain unresolved. Integrative analysis using multi-omics approaches, combined with deep phenotyping of study cohorts, is imperative to fully characterize the genetic component of this disease and to identify causal variants, which may lead to more targeted and effective treatment of SSc.

PMID:41676820 | PMC:PMC12889322 | DOI:10.31662/jmaj.2025-0167

JMA J. 2026 Jan 15;9(1):355-359. doi: 10.31662/jmaj.2024-0313. Epub 2025 Dec 26.

ABSTRACT

There is increasing awareness of the need to incorporate social determinants of health (SDH) into medical practice. However, the extent to which the reimbursement system addresses SDH remains unclear. This narrative policy review aimed to evaluate the Japanese medical reimbursement system to determine whether and to what degree it incorporates assessments and actions related to SDH, with a special focus on primary care settings. We also explored the potential impacts and challenges of these programs in addressing patients’ SDH issues. A team consisting of physicians experienced in clinics, hospitals, home care, social epidemiological research, and a community care nurse reviewed the current reimbursement system. They identified eight medical reimbursement programs for evaluation. Two programs directly included SDH elements (“Hospitalization and Discharge Support Fee” and “Guidance in Cooperation with Mental Health Care Fee”). The two programs were introduced in 2022. It was found that SDH assessments are often optional and need more clarity in their items; few programs offer SDH assessments in outpatient and home care settings, and there is no mandate for collaboration with community supporters. We found the Japanese reimbursement system has provisions for some programs involving SDH. However, significant challenges remain that require revision. This study offers insights and recommendations for addressing health disparities related to SDH in the future.

PMID:41676803 | PMC:PMC12889345 | DOI:10.31662/jmaj.2024-0313

JMA J. 2026 Jan 15;9(1):340-349. doi: 10.31662/jmaj.2025-0343. Epub 2026 Jan 14.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition is common and often goes unrecognized among hospitalized patients, particularly older adults. Early identification and individualized nutritional interventions are essential for improving outcomes. The Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) is a validated tool widely used in acute care settings, but its utility in dental and oral surgery remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of NRS-2002 in patients admitted to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) at a university-affiliated dental hospital in Japan, and to examine the relationship between nutritional risk and clinical factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), diagnosis, and length of hospital stay.

METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on 548 patients (224 men, 324 women) hospitalized between August 2024 and March 2025. Nutritional screening was performed at admission using NRS-2002. Patients scoring ≥3 were classified as at nutritional risk and further assessed according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of nutritional risk, defined as NRS-2002 ≥3, was 1.6% (n = 9), which was insufficient for robust statistical analysis. Most patients identified as at nutritional risk were elderly women with low BMI and severe conditions, including medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and osteomyelitis. These patients experienced prolonged hospital stays and were more likely to require oral nutritional supplements. In contrast, the majority of inpatients were younger adults, accounting for the overall low prevalence of nutritional risk.

CONCLUSIONS: The NRS-2002 effectively identified older, underweight patients who underwent OMFS with severe conditions and longer hospital stays, despite the overall low prevalence of nutritional risk. Early nutritional screening with standardized tools such as NRS-2002 may help optimize perioperative management.

PMID:41676799 | PMC:PMC12889139 | DOI:10.31662/jmaj.2025-0343

JMA J. 2026 Jan 15;9(1):124-133. doi: 10.31662/jmaj.2025-0399. Epub 2025 Nov 21.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Japan’s aging population and declining birthrate have intensified the need for foreign workers, with Vietnamese workers now forming the largest group among over 2 million foreign laborers. While statistical studies on their work situations and mental health are increasing, they offer limited direct insight into these workers’ lived experiences. This study aimed to capture their firsthand voices, focusing on differences by residency status.

METHODS: Open-ended responses from 100 Vietnamese workers in Japan, collected through a 2022 survey, were analyzed. Content analysis was used to categorize experiences into positive and negative aspects.

RESULTS: Positive experiences included job satisfaction, adequate salaries, safe environments, supportive colleagues, and personal growth, with workers particularly valuing learning opportunities and workplace relationships that fostered development. Negative experiences, which were more prevalent, encompassed demanding workloads, unfair treatment, inadequate pay, long hours, and insufficient rest. Cultural and language barriers also hindered workplace relationships. Technical Intern Trainees (TIT) more frequently reported dissatisfaction with wages and conditions, while Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) workers more often cited interpersonal challenges linked to cultural adaptation.

CONCLUSIONS: Vietnamese workers gain certain benefits from employment in Japan but frequently report dissatisfaction. TIT workers tend to face systemic issues, whereas ESI workers more often experience interpersonal challenges rooted in cultural differences. Addressing both types of challenges with consideration for the distinct situations of foreign workers may improve their mental health and well-being.

PMID:41676797 | PMC:PMC12889150 | DOI:10.31662/jmaj.2025-0399

JMA J. 2026 Jan 15;9(1):160-170. doi: 10.31662/jmaj.2025-0157. Epub 2025 Nov 21.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The demand for genetic counseling is increasing in Japan owing to rapid advancements in genetic medicine and increased utilization of genetic testing. However, access to genetic counseling remains limited, particularly in rural areas, owing to a shortage of certified professionals. Online genetic counseling (OGC), a form of telemedicine, offers a potential solution to address these disparities. Although OGC is widely practiced in Western countries, its implementation and systemic evaluation in Japan remain limited. To our knowledge, this study represents the first attempt in Japan to systematically assess the effectiveness, challenges, and user satisfaction of OGC compared with in-person genetic counseling (IPGC) in the context of the Japanese health care system.

METHODS: This cross-sectional, single-center study involved 49 participants (15 OGC, 34 IPGC) who received genetic counseling at the NHO Tokyo Medical Center between July 2020 and January 2025. Participants completed anonymous questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics, satisfaction with counseling, and perceived advantages and disadvantages. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U tests, chi-square tests, and Fisher’s exact tests. Free-text responses were analyzed using conventional content analysis and word cloud visualization.

RESULTS: Overall satisfaction was high in both groups, with all participants selecting “Strongly agree” or “Agree” regarding satisfaction. However, the IPGC group scored significantly higher in counselor introduction, responsiveness, and overall satisfaction. OGC participants had significantly longer travel times and were more likely to be in their 20s-30s. Key advantages of OGC included convenience and accessibility, whereas disadvantages included concerns about privacy and technical issues.

CONCLUSIONS: OGC has high potential to improve access to genetic services in Japan, particularly for individuals in remote areas. Despite high satisfaction, challenges such as communication limitations, privacy concerns, and lack of insurance coverage must be addressed. Policy reforms, improved infrastructure, and further large-scale studies are needed to support the widespread implementation of OGC in Japan.

PMID:41676789 | PMC:PMC12889013 | DOI:10.31662/jmaj.2025-0157