Objective: To implement early rehabilitation interventions by physical therapists is recommended. However, the effectiveness of early rehabilitation for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in the prevention of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is unclear. We analyzed a multicenter prospective observational study (Post-Intensive Care outcomeS in patients with COronaVIrus Disease 2019) to examine the association between early rehabilitation interventions and PICS physical impairment. Methods: An analysis was performed on COVID-19 patients who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) between March 2020 and March 2021, and required mechanical ventilation. The primary outcome was the incidence of PICS physical impairment (Barthel Index≤90) after one year. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between early rehabilitation interventions and PICS physical impairment by adjusting ICU mobility scale (IMS) during seven-day following ICU admission, and clinically relevant risk factors. Results: The analysis included 259 patients, 54 of whom developed PICS physical impairment one year later. In 81 patients, physical therapists intervened within seven days of ICU admission. There was no significant difference in mean IMS by day seven of admission between the early and non-early rehabilitation patients (0.70 and 0.61, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that early rehabilitation interventions were significantly associated with a low incidence of PICS physical impairment (odds ratio, 0.294; 95% confidence interval, 0.123–0.706; p=0.006). Conclusion Early rehabilitation interventions by physical therapists were an independent factor associated with the decreased development of PICS physical impairment at one year, even though early rehabilitation had no significant effect on IMS.

BACKGROUND: The demand for aged-care services in Japan has surged due to the country's aging population. Furthermore, nationwide survey on the current state of aged-care services revealed that the primary reason for the resignation of women working in these sectors was poor interpersonal relationships. Moreover, given that women working in aged-care services work in shifts around the clock to manage the health and safety of the people in their care, they are at high risk of health-related issues including insomnia symptoms. Thus, we aim to examine the association between levels of satisfaction with interpersonal relationships (LSIR) and insomnia symptoms for women working in aged-care services in Japan, as well as the effect of work-life imbalance on the association between LSIR and insomnia symptoms. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the participants were 472 women aged 18-60 years who worked in aged-care services in Japan in 2014-2016. Insomnia symptoms were measured using the Athens Insomnia Scale, and scores of 6 or greater indicated the presence of insomnia. LSIR were assessed through self-administered questionnaires and evaluated at three levels. The association between LSIR and insomnia symptoms was evaluated using a multinominal logistic regression model. Path analysis was used to examine the potential effects of LSIR on insomnia symptoms by incorporating covariates such as work-family conflict, marital status, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Compared to high LSIR, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of insomnia symptoms were respectively 1.36 (0.81-2.30) and 2.42 (1.11-5.23) for medium and low LSIR. The path analysis showed that low LSIR were significantly associated with having high work-to-family (W-to-F) conflict and being single. CONCLUSIONS Low LSIR were significantly associated with insomnia symptoms among women working in aged-care services in Japan. High W-to-F conflict exacerbated this relationship. Therefore, enhancing interpersonal relationships may be necessary for preventing insomnia. However, due to the cross-sectional nature of our study, causality cannot be inferred. Further longitudinal research is needed to better understand these associations.
Humans ; Japan/epidemiology* ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/psychology* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Interpersonal Relations ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Personal Satisfaction ; Health Services for the Aged/statistics & numerical data*

BACKGROUND: Although serum carotene may contribute to dementia prevention, there is a lack of longitudinal evidence for early cognitive decline before dementia symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine whether serum carotene levels were associated with annually evaluated cognitive trajectories among the Japanese general population. METHODS: Among 581 baseline participants, 199 individuals (83 males; mean age [min, max], 62.7 [39, 90] years) who underwent cognitive assessments more than twice after baseline were analyzed. "Attention" levels were assessed using one- and three-target Digit Cancellation Tests (D-CAT1 and D-CAT3). "General cognitive ability" was assessed by the short version of Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE). Serum carotenes (α-carotene, β-carotene and lycopene) were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. After the measurements, we calculated total carotene levels by summing up the levels of all measured carotene. Carotene levels were categorized into three groups for analysis (low: 0%-25%, middle: 25%-75%, and high: 75%-100%). A linear mixed model was used to estimate the slope of the D-CAT score trajectory and to compare it between three categories. RESULTS: Compared with the middle carotene group, decline of attention was faster in the D-CAT1 for low β-carotene (β = -3.48, p = 0.035), lycopene (β = -3.10, p = 0.062), and total carotene (β = -4.75, p = 0.003), but not for α-carotene (β = -2.60, p = 0.111). For the D-CAT3, decline of attention was faster in the group of low lycopene (β = -3.17, p = 0.002) and total carotene (β = -2.17, p = 0.037) compared with the middle carotene group, while no clear association for α-carotene (β = -0.67, p = 0.521) and β-carotene (β = -0.64, p = 0.639). There were no clear associations between serum carotene and the SMMSE score. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest low levels of serum lycopene are associated with a decline of attention in the setting of the general population.
Humans ; Male ; Carotenoids/blood* ; Female ; Longitudinal Studies ; Middle Aged ; Japan ; Aged ; Adult ; Aged, 80 and over ; Attention ; Lycopene ; East Asian People

Objective: To implement early rehabilitation interventions by physical therapists is recommended. However, the effectiveness of early rehabilitation for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in the prevention of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is unclear. We analyzed a multicenter prospective observational study (Post-Intensive Care outcomeS in patients with COronaVIrus Disease 2019) to examine the association between early rehabilitation interventions and PICS physical impairment. Methods: An analysis was performed on COVID-19 patients who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) between March 2020 and March 2021, and required mechanical ventilation. The primary outcome was the incidence of PICS physical impairment (Barthel Index≤90) after one year. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between early rehabilitation interventions and PICS physical impairment by adjusting ICU mobility scale (IMS) during seven-day following ICU admission, and clinically relevant risk factors. Results: The analysis included 259 patients, 54 of whom developed PICS physical impairment one year later. In 81 patients, physical therapists intervened within seven days of ICU admission. There was no significant difference in mean IMS by day seven of admission between the early and non-early rehabilitation patients (0.70 and 0.61, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that early rehabilitation interventions were significantly associated with a low incidence of PICS physical impairment (odds ratio, 0.294; 95% confidence interval, 0.123–0.706; p=0.006). Conclusion Early rehabilitation interventions by physical therapists were an independent factor associated with the decreased development of PICS physical impairment at one year, even though early rehabilitation had no significant effect on IMS.

Objective: To implement early rehabilitation interventions by physical therapists is recommended. However, the effectiveness of early rehabilitation for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in the prevention of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is unclear. We analyzed a multicenter prospective observational study (Post-Intensive Care outcomeS in patients with COronaVIrus Disease 2019) to examine the association between early rehabilitation interventions and PICS physical impairment. Methods: An analysis was performed on COVID-19 patients who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) between March 2020 and March 2021, and required mechanical ventilation. The primary outcome was the incidence of PICS physical impairment (Barthel Index≤90) after one year. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between early rehabilitation interventions and PICS physical impairment by adjusting ICU mobility scale (IMS) during seven-day following ICU admission, and clinically relevant risk factors. Results: The analysis included 259 patients, 54 of whom developed PICS physical impairment one year later. In 81 patients, physical therapists intervened within seven days of ICU admission. There was no significant difference in mean IMS by day seven of admission between the early and non-early rehabilitation patients (0.70 and 0.61, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that early rehabilitation interventions were significantly associated with a low incidence of PICS physical impairment (odds ratio, 0.294; 95% confidence interval, 0.123–0.706; p=0.006). Conclusion Early rehabilitation interventions by physical therapists were an independent factor associated with the decreased development of PICS physical impairment at one year, even though early rehabilitation had no significant effect on IMS.

Objective: Prevention of subsequent primary cancer (SPC) is crucial for cancer survivors, particularly those who developed the disease during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood (CAYA). The aim of this study was to assess the current status of SPC prevention among female CAYA cancer survivors. Methods: A survey regarding long-term health issues after cancer treatment was conducted using questionnaires that targeted women aged ≥20 years who had developed cancer before the age of 40 years. The survey assessed various health issues, and this paper focuses on the items related to the respondents’ perceptions and attitudes toward SPC prevention. Results: A total of 1,026 respondents were analyzed. Over 60% of respondents were aware of SPC and the need for screening. The percentages of respondents who underwent regular SPC screening were 53.8%, 51.8%, 29.5%, 43.7%, and 41.1% for cervical, breast, colon, lung, and gastric cancers, respectively. After adjusting for age, type of first cancer, and current follow-up, we found that receiving recommendations for SPC screening was the most critical factor in SPC screening uptake (odds ratio=3.836; 95% confidence interval=2.281–6.451;p<0.001 by logistic regression analysis). However, only 40.4% of the respondents received recommendations for SPC screening from their physicians. Conclusion Despite good awareness of SPC prevention, the uptake rate for cancer screening among cancer survivors was inadequate, indicating that preventive measures for SPC should be promoted. Because recommendations from others strongly influence SPC screening uptake, healthcare professionals should have accurate knowledge and provide guidance regarding SPC prevention.

We report two cases in which insomnia successfully treated with sansoninto alone or in combination and the effectiveness could be objectively evaluated with the portable sleep test. Case 1 was 40-year-old man who had suffered from arousal during sleep and daytime fatigue for several years. After taking sansoninto with ninjinto, his symptoms improved. Case 2 was 60-year-old woman who had suffered from a lack of deep sleep and daytime sleepiness. After taking sansoninto, she could get a deep sleep and could have less daytime sleepiness. In this report, we present that portable sleep test conducted before and after treatment confirmed that sleep quality improved. Sansoninto is one of the curative medicines for insomnia, but we believe this is the first report showing objective therapeutic effects using portable sleep test.

A 76-year-old woman was found unconscious in her home one morning in August. She was subsequently diagnosed and treated for heat stroke by her physician. However, 55 days later, she was transferred to our hospital presenting with symptoms of dementia, dysarthria, dysphagia, moderate bilateral upper extremity paralysis, severe lower extremity paraplegia, and loss of deep tendon reflexes. Cerebellar ataxia in her upper extremities and no sensory disturbance in her extremities were also noted. She required assistance when eating and upon excretion, as well as the use of a wheelchair. She was rehabilitated for one month and was subsequently able to urinate on her own. However, her physical function and ability to carry out daily activities did not improve. As a result, she was evaluated further using nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography, the results of which suggested spinal cord lesions (anterior horn cells or ventral roots). In 1985, Delgado et al. reported a case of central nervous system sequelae after heat stroke. In their case, flaccid quadriplegia, bladder-rectal disorder, and sweating dysfunction were observed, but no sensory disturbance was detected. They described pathological findings of lesions in the anterior horn, the medial lateral horn, and the ventral root of the spinal cord. Based on this, it is highly likely that spinal cord lesions were also caused by heat stroke in our case. Although there are few reports of spinal cord lesions as a sequela of heat stroke, this case highlights the need to carefully monitor patients of heat stroke for such pathological conditions.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common condition in severely ill patients associated with poor outcomes. We assessed the associations between urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (uLFABP), and urinary cystatin C (uCysC) concentrations and patient outcomes. Methods: We assessed the predictive performances of uNGAL, uLFABP, and uCysC measured in the early phase of intensive care unit (ICU) management and at discharge from the ICU in severely ill patients for short- and long-term outcomes. The primary outcome was the occurrence of AKI during ICU stay; secondary outcomes were 28-day and 1-yr allcause mortality. Results: In total, 1,759 patients were admitted to the ICU, and 728 (41.4%) developed AKI. Median (interquartile range, IQR) uNGAL, uLFABP, and uCysC concentrations on admission were 147.6 (39.9–827.7) ng/mL, 32.4 (10.5–96.0) ng/mL, and 0.33 (0.12–2.05) mg/L, respectively. Biomarker concentrations on admission were higher in patients who developed AKI and associated with AKI severity. Three hundred fifty-six (20.3%) and 647 (37.9%) patients had died by 28 days and 1-yr, respectively. Urinary biomarker concentrations at ICU discharge were higher in non-survivors than in survivors. The areas under the ROC curve (95% confidence interval) of uLFABP for the prediction of AKI, 28-day mortality, and 1-yr mortality (0.70 [0.67–0.72], 0.63 [0.59–0.66], and 0.57 [0.51–0.63], respectively) were inferior to those of the other biomarkers. Conclusions uNGAL, uLFABP, and uCysC concentrations on admission were associated with poor outcomes. However, their predictive performance, individually and in combination, was limited. Further studies are required to confirm our results.

A 76-year-old woman was found unconscious in her home one morning in August. She was subsequently diagnosed and treated for heat stroke by her physician. However, 55 days later, she was transferred to our hospital presenting with symptoms of dementia, dysarthria, dysphagia, moderate bilateral upper extremity paralysis, severe lower extremity paraplegia, and loss of deep tendon reflexes. Cerebellar ataxia in her upper extremities and no sensory disturbance in her extremities were also noted. She required assistance when eating and upon excretion, as well as the use of a wheelchair. She was rehabilitated for one month and was subsequently able to urinate on her own. However, her physical function and ability to carry out daily activities did not improve. As a result, she was evaluated further using nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography, the results of which suggested spinal cord lesions (anterior horn cells or ventral roots). In 1985, Delgado et al. reported a case of central nervous system sequelae after heat stroke. In their case, flaccid quadriplegia, bladder-rectal disorder, and sweating dysfunction were observed, but no sensory disturbance was detected. They described pathological findings of lesions in the anterior horn, the medial lateral horn, and the ventral root of the spinal cord. Based on this, it is highly likely that spinal cord lesions were also caused by heat stroke in our case. Although there are few reports of spinal cord lesions as a sequela of heat stroke, this case highlights the need to carefully monitor patients of heat stroke for such pathological conditions.