{"title":"Clonal hematopoiesis and circulating biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases.","authors":"Tetsuro Yokokawa, Tomofumi Misaka, Kazuhiko Ikeda, Yasuchika Takeishi","doi":"10.5387/fms.26-00014","DOIUrl":"10.5387/fms.26-00014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Clonal hematopoiesis, characterized by the age-related expansion of hematopoietic stem cell clones harboring somatic mutations, has emerged as an essential contributor to cardiovascular disease. Accumulating evidence indicates that clonal hematopoiesis driven by myeloproliferative neoplasm-associated driver mutations, particularly JAK2, is associated with an increased risk of vascular and cardiac complications, even at low variant allele frequencies. Experimental models and clinical studies demonstrate that mutant hematopoietic cells promote inflammation and pathological remodeling, thereby contributing to cardiovascular disorders such as pulmonary hypertension and aortic aneurysm. In addition, advances in circulating biomarker research have enabled less invasive assessment of cardiovascular diseases. Biomarkers, including cell-free DNA, reflect ongoing cardiac damage, while the extracellular matrix protein of collagen triple helix repeat-containing protein 1 (CTHRC1) provides insights into cardiac fibrosis. Clonal hematopoiesis and circulating biomarkers may enhance risk stratification and improve mechanistic understanding of cardiovascular pathology. This review summarizes current evidence of clonal hematopoiesis and circulating biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":44831,"journal":{"name":"Fukushima Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"289-294"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148044158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A survey of pathological amenorrhea in fukushima prefecture, with a focus on turner syndrome.","authors":"Akiko Yamaguchi, Hiromi Yoshida-Komiya, Toshifumi Takahashi, Mayumi Noguchi, Keiya Fujimori","doi":"10.5387/fms.26-00025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5387/fms.26-00025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lifelong health management is important for women with pathological amenorrhea. We investigated the number of outpatient visits in Fukushima Prefecture by patients with pathological amenorrhea and evaluated the etiology and management of the condition. Questionnaires were sent to facilities affiliated with Fukushima Obstetrics and Gynecology Association from October 2021 to September 2022. The patients were 15-45 years old. Turner syndrome was the most common cause of primary amenorrhea (43.4%), whereas polycystic ovary syndrome was the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea (47.7%). Most cases with Turner syndrome received management at a general hospital (50.6%). Almost half of the cases had complications. All cases with Turner syndrome received hormonal medication. Transdermal estrogen (43%) was the most used estrogen preparation, followed by combined estrogen tablets (40%). For progestin administration, dydrogesterone was the most commonly prescribed (43%), followed by medroxyprogesterone (37%). In managing cases with pathological amenorrhea, obstetrics and gynecology departments must establish future follow-up systems to fulfill their role as comprehensive healthcare providers for women. This involves collaborating with allied health professionals and relevant pediatric and internal medicine departments, as well as hormone replacement therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":44831,"journal":{"name":"Fukushima Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149171829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A study of \"Doctor Heli\" air ambulance utilization and perinatal outcomes in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.","authors":"Nanao Muramatsu, Shun Yasuda, Kazuki Sugaya, Ryo Matsuoka, Yuki Sato, Chihiro Okoshi, Hirotaka Isogami, Toma Fukuda, Akiko Yamaguchi, Ken Iseki, Keiya Fujimori","doi":"10.5387/fms.25-00023","DOIUrl":"10.5387/fms.25-00023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Many countries have adopted the use of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS). One such system in Japan is called \"Doctor Heli\" (Doctor Helicopter), which is sometimes used as a means of maternal transport. Since 2008, there have been 18 cases of Doctor Heli maternal transport to Fukushima Medical University Hospital, the ultimate referral center of Fukushima Prefecture. Reasons for transport included umbilical cord prolapse (UCP), placental abruption, traffic accident, and fetal bradycardia. There were two cases of intrauterine fetal death upon arrival at the hospital. Although there is no specific requirement for an obstetrician to be on board, we encountered a case of UCP in which an obstetrician examined a patient and then traveled with her via helicopter ; the baby was successfully delivered at a tertiary care facility. In cases such as UCP, where immediate assessment of fetal condition is critical, involvement of an obstetrician prior to or during transport can be vital. Because aeromedical dispatch can connect doctors and patients more quickly, it may improve perinatal outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":44831,"journal":{"name":"Fukushima Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"295-301"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147463839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The prognostic significance of pharmacological therapy after cardiac resynchronization therapy.","authors":"Takamasa Sato, Sadahiro Murota, Minoru Nodera, Shinya Yamada, Takashi Kaneshiro, Takafumi Ishida, Yasuchika Takeishi","doi":"10.5387/fms.25-00040","DOIUrl":"10.5387/fms.25-00040","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pharmacological therapy is essential in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), but its prognostic role at the time of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remains uncertain.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively studied 272 patients (mean age 66 years ; 72% male) who underwent CRT between 2005 and 2023. Pharmacological therapy was assessed only at baseline. Medication included β-blockers (97.4%), renin-angiotensin system inhibitors or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (RAS inhibitors/ARNIs, 81.3%), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (64.7%), and loop diuretics (76.8%). The primary outcome was cardiac death or left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Cox models evaluated associations between baseline medication use, medication doses, and outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During a median follow-up of 4.2 years, 126 patients (46.3%) experienced the primary outcome. Baseline use and higher β-blocker dose were independently associated with a lower risk of the primary outcome. RAS inhibitors/ARNIs use was also associated with a lower risk of cardiac death or LVAD implantation. In contrast, higher loop diuretic dose and inotrope use tended to be associated with worse outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Baseline use and dosing of β-blockers and RAS inhibitors/ARNIs were prognostically significant in CRT recipients, underscoring the importance of optimizing pharmacotherapy at the time of device implantation.</p>","PeriodicalId":44831,"journal":{"name":"Fukushima Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"303-312"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147784964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nihaal K Rahman, Kazuma Parkinson, Kathleen Kozak, Luiz Mantovani, Andes Wong, Yiming Xiang, Taeyoung Kim, Samantha Bailey, Patrick T Fok, Jessie Ma, Olivia Song, Eihi Yoshinaga, Damien Hanakeawe, Manav Sinha, Cassidy Sun, Emily Taylor, Isamu Amir, Gideon Lasco, Michio Murakami, Kenneth E Nollet, Michael R Reich, Aya Goto
{"title":"Harvard's second fukushima field trip course: an overview.","authors":"Nihaal K Rahman, Kazuma Parkinson, Kathleen Kozak, Luiz Mantovani, Andes Wong, Yiming Xiang, Taeyoung Kim, Samantha Bailey, Patrick T Fok, Jessie Ma, Olivia Song, Eihi Yoshinaga, Damien Hanakeawe, Manav Sinha, Cassidy Sun, Emily Taylor, Isamu Amir, Gideon Lasco, Michio Murakami, Kenneth E Nollet, Michael R Reich, Aya Goto","doi":"10.5387/fms.26-00016","DOIUrl":"10.5387/fms.26-00016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Field Trip to Fukushima Course (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, GHP549, Winter Session 2026) built on the inaugural 2025 course to offer an educational experience for graduate students across Harvard, examining ongoing recovery challenges in Fukushima following Japan's 2011 triple disaster of an earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear meltdown. Students learned directly from stakeholders spanning local, prefectural, and national levels across a range of sectors, mainly in Fukushima and Tokyo. Organized into three groups (Radiation and Environmental Health, Disaster Preparedness and Health Systems Resilience, and Community Recovery and Social Impact), students presented their results at Fukushima Medical University on January 20, 2026. The Radiation and Environmental Health group proposed establishing a Japan-led task force on nuclear disaster response and preparedness, presented in a theater-style format. The Disaster Preparedness and Health Systems Resilience group applied a social capital framework and recommended community strengthening through Disaster Welfare Assistance Teams in the acute phase and community buckwheat farming in long-term recovery. The Community Recovery and Social Impact group designed a LINE account for information dissemination and community building among young people. Building on its inaugural year, the course offered insights into how field-based, interdisciplinary learning can contribute to graduate education in disaster preparedness, recovery, and community resilience.</p>","PeriodicalId":44831,"journal":{"name":"Fukushima Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"361-367"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148220092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dhanashri D Chavan, Vandana M Thorat, Amol S Shete, Rohit R Bhosale, Nikhil D Awale, Priti L Patil
{"title":"Overcoming itraconazole limitations via proline cocrystals: improved solubility, dissolution, and antifungal efficacy.","authors":"Dhanashri D Chavan, Vandana M Thorat, Amol S Shete, Rohit R Bhosale, Nikhil D Awale, Priti L Patil","doi":"10.5387/fms.25-00012","DOIUrl":"10.5387/fms.25-00012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Crystal engineering plays a crucial role in the efficient design of pharmaceutical cocrystals, hinging on a deep understanding of intermolecular interactions that influence crystal packing. By leveraging these interactions, researchers can create innovative solid forms with customized physical and chemical properties. This versatile approach is especially valuable for tackling the solubility and bioavailability issues commonly associated with poorly soluble drugs. In this study, we focused on synthesizing cocrystals of itraconazole (ITZ) and proline via the kneading technique, an eco-friendly crystal engineering technique. Our work included comprehensive solid-state characterization, stability assessments, and in vitro efficacy evaluations. We specifically examined how these cocrystals performed in terms of dissolution, solubility, and antifungal activity. Our solid-state characterization results highlighted the formation of significant intermolecular interactions within the cocrystals, particularly hydrogen bonds between ITZ and the functional groups of proline. Notably, the ITZ-proline cocrystals demonstrated superior solubility and faster dissolution rates compared to pure ITZ, alongside increased crystallinity in the newly formed solid state. Additionally, the cocrystals exhibited enhanced antifungal activity and stability. Consequently, our findings have indicated that forming ITZ cocrystals with proline significantly enhances the solubility as well as stability of ITZ, thereby offering a promising antifungal strategy to combat fungal infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":44831,"journal":{"name":"Fukushima Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"323-332"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785017","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cornelia de Lange syndrome in an extremely low birth weight infant: a case report.","authors":"Shun Hiruta, Hayato Go, Hajime Maeda, Kei Ogasawara, Mitsuaki Hosoya","doi":"10.5387/fms.25-00062","DOIUrl":"10.5387/fms.25-00062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by distinctive facial features, fetal growth restriction, intellectual disability, and hirsutism. Few reports have described extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants with CdLS. We report an ELBW infant diagnosed with CdLS. The infant was delivered by emergency cesarean section at 34 weeks and 1 day of gestation, weighing 994 g (-3.7 SD score). A diagnosis of CdLS was suspected based on dysmorphic features, including forehead hirsutism, cleft palate, long philtrum, wide nostrils, syndactyly of toes, femoral hirsutism, and hypospadias. Chromosomal analysis revealed a normal male karyotype (46,XY). Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was also confirmed. Additional findings included atrial and ventricular septal defects. During hospitalization, the infant developed urinary tract infection and gastric volvulus but survived without severe complications. This case highlights that early recognition of CdLS, even in ELBW infants, is important for anticipating complications and providing timely multidisciplinary interventions to mitigate severe complications and facilitate long-term management.</p>","PeriodicalId":44831,"journal":{"name":"Fukushima Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"343-347"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Masako Fujiwara, Hiroyuki Terawaki, Itiro Ando, You Shishido, Takafumi Ito
{"title":"Elevation of non-esterified fatty acids induced by hemodialysis sessions : pathophysiology and management strategies.","authors":"Masako Fujiwara, Hiroyuki Terawaki, Itiro Ando, You Shishido, Takafumi Ito","doi":"10.5387/fms.25-00048","DOIUrl":"10.5387/fms.25-00048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although increases in plasma levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) during hemodialysis (HD) have been reported, the precise time course of this elevation, its underlying pathophysiology, and effective therapeutic strategies remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The time course of plasma NEFA and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) concentrations during HD sessions was examined in seven patients with end-stage kidney disease across three phases : no intervention (control phase), intradialytic parenteral nutrition with an amino acid solution (IVAA phase), and intradialytic parenteral nutrition with amino acid and glucose solutions (IVAA + IVG phase).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Plasma NEFA concentrations, which increased beyond the normal range during the control and IVAA phases, remained within normal limits in the IVAA + IVG phase, likely due to the maintenance of plasma IRI concentrations above the fasting range.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Hemodialysis elevated plasma NEFA concentrations to abnormally high levels, but this increase was suppressed by intradialytic parenteral nutrition containing amino acids and glucose.</p>","PeriodicalId":44831,"journal":{"name":"Fukushima Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"313-321"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"2026 International Symposium on the Fukushima Health Management Survey: After 15 years, into the Future - Life after the Great East Japan Earthquake.","authors":"Kenneth E Nollet, Seiji Yasumura","doi":"10.5387/fms.26-00037","DOIUrl":"10.5387/fms.26-00037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Since 2011, the Fukushima Health Management Survey has attended to the physical and mental health of Fukushima residents, to maintain and improve their health into the future. As meaningful data emerged from the Survey, annual symposia were organized for Fukushima residents and other stakeholders. The 12 March 2026 International Symposium attracted 62 attendees and 8 media organizations to Fukushima Medical University's Ekimae (Fukushima Station) Campus. Online video streaming, with original audio and simultaneous translation, accommodated another 168 attendees and 5 media organizations. Video recordings, with a choice of English or Japanese soundtracks, and presentation slides, are available on demand<sup>1)</sup>. Highlights follow, with the hope that readers will explore topics in greater detail through publications and web pages of the Fukushima Health Management Survey, as well as scholarly references cited by Symposium speakers on many of their slides.</p>","PeriodicalId":44831,"journal":{"name":"Fukushima Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"369-374"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148833433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ruptured tubal pregnancy after low hCG prompted discontinuation of luteal support : a case report of vitrified-warmed embryo transfer in a hormone replacement cycle.","authors":"Kuniaki Ota, Toshifumi Takahashi, Yuka Furukawa, Atsuhiro Takanashi, Yoshiyuki Iizawa, Kazuyuki Takeichi","doi":"10.5387/fms.25-00041","DOIUrl":"10.5387/fms.25-00041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in hormone replacement cycles (HRC) is widely used in assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, interpreting early serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels remains challenging, especially in the absence of endogenous luteal function. This case report describes a 30-year-old woman who underwent FET with a high-quality blastocyst under HRC. At 4+1 weeks, her serum hCG level was 6.6 mIU/mL ; hormone support was discontinued, assuming a biochemical pregnancy loss. No follow-up hCG testing or transvaginal ultrasound was done. At 8+1 weeks, she presented with acute abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy with massive hemoperitoneum. Emergency laparoscopy revealed 1,500 mL of intra-abdominal bleeding ; right salpingectomy was performed and histopathological examination confirmed a tubal pregnancy. This case highlights the diagnostic limitations of relying on a single low hCG measurement during FET cycles. Even low or borderline hCG levels are compatible with ongoing or ectopic pregnancies. Clinicians should be cautious before discontinuing luteal support and should consider continued follow-up when hCG is detectable. In ART settings where early hCG testing is routine, integrating serial hCG measurements with early imaging can avoid life-threatening delays in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":44831,"journal":{"name":"Fukushima Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"355-359"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147784967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}