Details of a Researcher - Fukunaga, Koichi

Papers - Fukunaga, Koichi

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Prognostic significance of chronic kidney disease and impaired renal function in Japanese patients with COVID-19

Tanaka H., Chubachi S., Asakura T., Namkoong H., Azekawa S., Otake S., Nakagawara K., Fukushima T., Lee H., Watase M., Sakurai K., Kusumoto T., Masaki K., Kamata H., Ishii M., Hasegawa N., Okada Y., Koike R., Kitagawa Y., Kimura A., Imoto S., Miyano S., Ogawa S., Kanai T., Fukunaga K.

BMC Infectious Diseases 24 ( 1 ) 2024.12

Background: Renal impairment is a predictor of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) severity. No studies have compared COVID-19 outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and patients with impaired renal function without a prior diagnosis of CKD. This study aimed to identify the impact of pre-existing impaired renal function without CKD on COVID-19 outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study included 3,637 patients with COVID-19 classified into three groups by CKD history and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on referral: Group 1 (n = 2,460), normal renal function without a CKD history; Group 2 (n = 905), impaired renal function without a CKD history; and Group 3 (n = 272), history of CKD. We compared the clinical characteristics of these groups and assessed the effect of CKD and impaired renal function on critical outcomes (requirement for respiratory support with high-flow oxygen devices, invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygen, and death during hospitalization) using multivariable logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease) and incidence of inflammatory responses (white blood counts, and C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and D-dimer levels) and complications (bacterial infection and heart failure) were higher in Groups 2 and 3 than that in Group 1. The incidence of critical outcomes was 10.8%, 17.7%, and 26.8% in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The mortality rate and the rate of requiring IMV support was lowest in Group 1 and highest in Group 3. Compared with Group 1, the risk of critical outcomes was higher in Group 2 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.70, P = 0.030) and Group 3 (aOR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.36–2.78, P < 0.001). Additionally, the eGFR was significantly associated with critical outcomes in Groups 2 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.64–4.98, P < 0.001) and 3 (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.08–3.23, P = 0.025) only. Conclusions: Clinicians should consider pre-existing CKD and impaired renal function at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis for the management of COVID-19.

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Combined use of serum ferritin and KL-6 levels as biomarkers for predicting COVID-19 severity

Tanaka H., Toya E., Chubachi S., Namkoong H., Asakura T., Azekawa S., Otake S., Nakagawara K., Fukushima T., Watase M., Sakurai K., Masaki K., Kamata H., Ishii M., Hasegawa N., Okada Y., Koike R., Kitagawa Y., Kimura A., Imoto S., Miyano S., Ogawa S., Kanai T., Fukunaga K.

Respiratory Investigation 62 ( 6 ) 1132 - 1136 2024.11

ISSN 22125345

Objectives: To assess the value of serum ferritin and Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) levels for predicting severe COVID-19 (death or requirement for invasive mechanical ventilation [IMV]/high-flow oxygen). Methods: Data were analyzed on 2495 patients with COVID-19 from February 2020 to November 2022 using data from a nationwide COVID-19 database. Results: Patients with high KL-6 and low ferritin levels were older with more comorbidities and higher mortality rates, whereas those with high ferritin and low KL-6 levels were younger, predominantly male, and more likely to need IMV. A high level of both markers was strongly associated with critical outcomes (adjusted odds ratio: 13.6, 95% confidence interval: 8.58–21.5). The combination of both markers had higher predictive value than either marker alone (area under the curve: 0.709, 0.745, and 0.781 for KL-6, ferritin, and KL-6 + ferritin, respectively). Conclusions: The combination of both markers accurately predicted COVID-19 severity.

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and mechanical ventilation are risk factors for dyspnea in patients with long COVID: A Japanese nationwide cohort study

Matsuyama E., Miyata J., Terai H., Miyazaki N., Iwasaki T., Nagashima K., Watase M., Sunata K., Namkoong H., Asakura T., Masaki K., Chubachi S., Ohgino K., Kawada I., Minami K., Hagiwara R., Ueda S., Yoshiyama T., Kokuto H., Kusumoto T., Oashi A., Miyawaki M., Saito F., Tani T., Ishioka K., Takahashi S., Nakamura M., Ishii M., Sato Y., Fukunaga K.

Respiratory Investigation 62 ( 6 ) 1094 - 1101 2024.11

ISSN 22125345

Background: Patients often experience multiple prolonged symptoms following acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recovery, defined as long coronavirus disease (COVID). Patients with long COVID may experience dyspnea during acute and post-acute phases. Therefore, this study aimed to identify specific risk factors for dyspnea in patients with long COVID. Methods: Hospitalized patients with COVID-19, aged ≥18 years, were enrolled in this multicenter cohort study conducted at 26 medical institutions across Japan. Clinical data during hospitalization and patient-reported outcomes after discharge at the 3, 6, and 12-month follow-ups were retrieved from medical records and paper-based or smartphone application-based questionnaires, respectively. Results: Generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) analysis of prolonged dyspnea at each time point during follow-up showed that this symptom was associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (odds ratio [OR], 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31–5.74), asthma (OR, 2.21; 95%CI, 1.17–4.16), and ventilator management (OR, 3.10; 95%CI, 1.65–5.83). In addition, patients with COPD (44.4%) and ventilator management (25.0%) were more frequently associated with delayed dyspnea onset. The generalized estimating equations analysis results with multiple imputed datasets, conducted as a sensitivity analysis, confirmed the adjusted GLMM analysis results. Conclusions: Prolonged dyspnea was associated with COPD, asthma, and severe infection that required mechanical ventilation in the Japanese population with long COVID. Further investigation is needed to clarify its mechanism and develop prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for dyspnea in patients with long COVID.

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Social impact of brain fog and analysis of risk factors: Long COVID in Japanese population

Shigematsu L., Kimura R., Terai H., Mimura Y., Ito D., Bun S., Namkoong H., Asakura T., Chubachi S., Masaki K., Ohgino K., Miyata J., Kawada I., Ishii M., Takemura R., Ueda S., Yoshiyama T., Kokuto H., Kusumoto T., Oashi A., Miyawaki M., Saito F., Tani T., Ishioka K., Takahashi S., Nakamura M., Sato Y., Fukunaga K.

Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology 11 ( 8 ) 2188 - 2200 2024.08

Objective: To reveal the clinical features and assess risk factors linked to brain fog and its societal implications, including labor productivity, providing valuable insights for the future care of individuals who have experienced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: We analyzed a comprehensive cohort dataset comprising 1,009 patients with COVID-19 admitted to Japanese hospitals. To assess brain fog, we analyzed patients who responded to a questionnaire indicating symptoms such as memory impairment and poor concentration. Results: The prevalence of brain fog symptoms decreased 3 months posthospitalization but remained stable up to 12 months. Neurological symptoms such as taste and smell disorders and numbness at hospitalization correlated with a higher frequency of identifying brain fog as a long COVID manifestation. Our findings indicated that advanced age, female sex, a high body mass index, oxygen required during hospitalization, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and elevated C-reactive protein and elevated D-dimer levels were risk factors in patients exhibiting brain fog. Additionally, we demonstrated the negative impact of brain fog on labor productivity by presenteeism scores. Interpretations: This study clarified the clinical characteristics of patients experiencing brain fog as a long COVID manifestation, specifically emphasizing neurological symptoms during hospitalization and their correlation with brain fog. Additionally, the study identified associated risk factors for its onset and revealed that the emergence of brain fog was linked to a decline in labor productivity.

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CT-derived vertebral bone mineral density is a useful biomarker to predict COVID-19 outcome

Azekawa S., Maetani T., Chubachi S., Asakura T., Tanabe N., Shiraishi Y., Namkoong H., Tanaka H., Shimada T., Fukushima T., Otake S., Nakagawara K., Watase M., Terai H., Sasaki M., Ueda S., Kato Y., Harada N., Suzuki S., Yoshida S., Tateno H., Yamada Y., Jinzaki M., Hirai T., Okada Y., Koike R., Ishii M., Kimura A., Imoto S., Miyano S., Ogawa S., Kanai T., Fukunaga K.

Bone 184 2024.07

ISSN 87563282

The low vertebral bone computed tomography (CT) Hounsfield unit values measured on CT scans reflect low bone mineral density (BMD) and are known as diagnostic indicators for osteoporosis. The potential prognostic significance of low BMD defined by vertebral bone CT values for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of BMD on the clinical outcome in Japanese patients with COVID-19 and evaluate the association between BMD and critical outcomes, such as high-flow nasal cannula, non-invasive and invasive positive pressure ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or death. We examined the effects of COVID-19 severity on the change of BMD over time. This multicenter retrospective cohort study enrolled 1132 inpatients with COVID-19 from the Japan COVID-19 Task Force database between February 2020 and September 2022. The bone CT values of the 4th, 7th, and 10th thoracic vertebrae were measured from chest CT images. The average of these values was defined as BMD. Furthermore, a comparative analysis was conducted between the BMD on admission and its value 3 months later. The low BMD group had a higher proportion of critical outcomes than did the high BMD group. In a subanalysis stratifying patients by epidemic wave according to onset time, critical outcomes were higher in the low BMD group in the 1st–4th waves. Multivariable logistic analysis of previously reported factors associated with COVID-19 severity revealed that low BMD, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes were independently associated with critical outcomes. At 3 months post-infection, patients with oxygen demand during hospitalization showed markedly decreased BMD than did those on admission. Low BMD in patients with COVID-19 may help predict severe disease after the disease onset. BMD may decrease over time in patients with severe COVID-19, and the impact on sequelae symptoms should be investigated in the future.

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Development of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in a patient with nontuberculous mycobacterial-pulmonary disease successfully treated with dupilumab: A case report and literature review

Onozato R., Miyata J., Asakura T., Namkoong H., Asano K., Hasegawa N., Fukunaga K.

Respirology Case Reports 12 ( 7 ) 2024.07

Pulmonary manifestations in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and nontuberculous mycobacterial-pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) include bronchiectasis and mucus plugging. A 68-year-old woman, treated with antibiotics and inhaled corticosteroids for NTM-PD and asthma, presented with fever and wheezing. ABPA was diagnosed based on laboratory findings (elevated peripheral blood eosinophil counts and serum total IgE levels and positive Aspergillus-specific IgE and IgG) and imaging observation of a high-attenuation mucus plug. Systemic prednisolone was avoided to prevent NTM-PD progression. Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks IL-4/13, was introduced to improve the clinical findings. Herein, we discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this rare comorbidity.

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Pulmonary function and chest CT abnormalities 3 months after discharge from COVID-19, 2020–2021: A nation-wide multicenter prospective cohort study from the Japanese respiratory society

Kamata H., Takamatsu K., Fukunaga K., Chubachi S., Nakagawara K., Namkoong H., Terai H., Tanaka K., Sato S., Hagiwara E., Takei R., Kondoh Y., Takazono T., Hashimoto M., Tasaka S., Ohrui T., Tanino Y., Mineshita M., Komase Y., Miyazaki K., Nishikawa M., Ando A., Kita H., Ichihara E., Ohshimo S., Murata Y., Ishida M., Kobayashi S., Uchida T., Tateno H., Ikari J., Terashima T., Kozu Y., Tateishi T., Shinkai M., Sagara H., To Y., Ito Y., Yamamoto M., Yamamoto Y., Kita T., Ito Y., Tomii K., Fujita Y., Funaki Y., Yatera K., Yamasue M., Komiya K., Kozawa S., Manabe H., Hozumi H., Horiguchi T., Kitajima T., Nakano Y., Nagaoka T., Hojo M., Ebihara A., Kobayashi M., Takayama K., Jinta T., Sawai T., Fukuda Y., Kaneko T., Chin K., Ogura T., Mukae H., Ishii M., Yokoyama A.

Respiratory Investigation 62 ( 4 ) 572 - 579 2024.07

ISSN 22125345

Background: No comprehensive analysis of the pulmonary sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Japan based on respiratory function tests and chest computed tomography (CT) has been reported. We evaluated post-COVID-19 conditions, especially focusing on pulmonary sequelae assessed by pulmonary function tests and chest CT. Methods: For this prospective cohort study, we enrolled 1069 patients who presented pneumonia at the time of admission in 55 hospitals from February 2020 to September 2021. Disease severity was classified as moderateⅠ, moderate II, and severe, defined primarily according to the degree of respiratory failure. The data on post-COVID-19 conditions over 12 months, pulmonary function, and chest CT findings at 3 months were evaluated in this study. Additionally, the impact of COVID-19 severity on pulmonary sequelae, such as impaired diffusion capacity, restrictive pattern, and CT abnormalities, was also evaluated. Results: The most frequently reported post-COVID-19 conditions at 3 months after COVID-19 were muscle weakness, dyspnea, and fatigue (48.4%, 29.0%, and 24.7%, respectively). The frequency of symptoms gradually decreased over subsequent months. In pulmonary function tests at 3 months, the incidence of impaired diffusion capacity and restrictive pattern increased depending on disease severity. There also were differences in the presence of chest CT abnormalities at the 3 months, which was markedly correlated with the severity. Conclusion: We reported a comprehensive analysis of post-COVID-19 condition, pulmonary function, and chest CT abnormalities in Japanese patients with COVID-19. The findings of this study will serve as valuable reference data for future post-COVID-19 condition research in Japan.

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Quantitative live-cell imaging of secretion activity reveals dynamic immune responses

Yamagishi M., Miyata K., Kamatani T., Kabata H., Baba R., Tanaka Y., Suzuki N., Matsusaka M., Motomura Y., Kiniwa T., Koga S., Goda K., Ohara O., Funatsu T., Fukunaga K., Moro K., Uemura S., Shirasaki Y.

iScience 27 ( 6 ) 2024.06

Quantification of cytokine secretion has facilitated advances in the field of immunology, yet the dynamic and varied secretion profiles of individual cells, particularly those obtained from limited human samples, remain obscure. Herein, we introduce a technology for quantitative live-cell imaging of secretion activity (qLCI-S) that enables high-throughput and dual-color monitoring of secretion activity at the single-cell level over several days, followed by transcriptome analysis of individual cells based on their phenotype. The efficacy of qLCI-S was demonstrated by visualizing the characteristic temporal pattern of cytokine secretion of group 2 innate lymphoid cells, which constitute less than 0.01% of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and by revealing minor subpopulations with enhanced cytokine production. The underlying mechanism of this feature was linked to the gene expression of stimuli receptors. This technology paves the way for exploring gene expression signatures linked to the spatiotemporal dynamic nature of various secretory functions.

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Mirtazapine plus granisetron and dexamethasone for carboplatin-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with thoracic cancers: A prospective multicenter phase II trial

Iihara H., Iwai M., Morita R., Fujita Y., Ohgino K., Ishihara T., Hirose C., Suzuki Y., Masubuchi K., Kawazoe H., Kawae D., Aihara K., Endo S., Fukunaga K., Yamazaki M., Tamura T., Kitamura Y., Fukui S., Endo J., Suzuki A.

Lung Cancer 192 2024.06

ISSN 01695002

Background: Mirtazapine blocks 5-hydroxytryptamine type (5-HT)2A, 5-HT2C, 5-HT3 and histamine H1 receptors, similarly to olanzapine. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of mirtazapine plus granisetron and dexamethasone for carboplatin (CBDCA)-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with thoracic cancers. Methods: We conducted a prospective, open‐label, single‐arm, multicenter, phase II trial in four institutions in Japan. Registered patients were moderately to highly emetogenic chemotherapy-naïve, and were scheduled to receive CBDCA at area under the curve (AUC) ≥ 4 mg/mL per minute. Patients received mirtazapine 15 mg/day orally at bedtime for four consecutive days, in combination with granisetron and dexamethasone. Primary endpoint was complete response (CR; no emesis and no use of rescue medication) rate during the delayed period (24–120 h). Results: Between July 2022 and July 2023, 52 patients were enrolled, and 48 patients were evaluated. CR rates in the delayed (24–120 h), overall (0–120 h), and acute periods (0–24 h) were 83.3%, 83.3%, and 100%, respectively. No grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events were observed except for one patient who had grade 3 dry mouth as evaluated by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. Conclusions: Prophylactic antiemetic therapy with mirtazapine plus granisetron and dexamethasone shows promising efficacy and an acceptable safety profile. This three‐drug combination appears to be a reasonable treatment approach in patients with thoracic cancers receiving a CBDCA‐based regimen at AUC ≥ 4 mg/mL per minute.

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Lung volume measurement using chest CT in COVID-19 patients: a cohort study in Japan

Otake S., Shiraishi Y., Chubachi S., Tanabe N., Maetani T., Asakura T., Namkoong H., Shimada T., Azekawa S., Nakagawara K., Tanaka H., Fukushima T., Watase M., Terai H., Sasaki M., Ueda S., Kato Y., Harada N., Suzuki S., Yoshida S., Tateno H., Yamada Y., Jinzaki M., Hirai T., Okada Y., Koike R., Ishii M., Hasegawa N., Kimura A., Imoto S., Miyano S., Ogawa S., Kanai T., Fukunaga K.

BMJ Open Respiratory Research 11 ( 1 ) 2024.04

Objective This study aimed to investigate the utility of CT quantification of lung volume for predicting critical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 1200 hospitalised patients with COVID-19 from 4 hospitals. Lung fields were extracted using artificial intelligence-based segmentation, and the percentage of the predicted (%pred) total lung volume (TLC (%pred)) was calculated. The incidence of critical outcomes and posthospitalisation complications was compared between patients with low and high CT lung volumes classified based on the median percentage of predicted TLCct (n=600 for each). Prognostic factors for residual lung volume loss were investigated in 208 patients with COVID-19 via a follow-up CT after 3 months. Results The incidence of critical outcomes was higher in the low TLCct (%pred) group than in the high TLCct (%pred) group (14.2% vs 3.3%, p<0.0001). Multivariable analysis of previously reported factors (age, sex, body mass index and comorbidities) demonstrated that CT-derived lung volume was significantly associated with critical outcomes. The low TLCct (%pred) group exhibited a higher incidence of bacterial infection, heart failure, thromboembolism, liver dysfunction and renal dysfunction than the high TLCct (%pred) group. TLCct (%pred) at 3 months was similarly divided into two groups at the median (71.8%). Among patients with follow-up CT scans, lung volumes showed a recovery trend from the time of admission to 3 months but remained lower in critical cases at 3 months. Conclusion Lower CT lung volume was associated with critical outcomes, posthospitalisation complications and slower improvement of clinical conditions in COVID-19 patients.

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Asthma is a risk factor for general fatigue of long COVID in Japanese nation-wide cohort study

Sunata K., Miyata J., Terai H., Matsuyama E., Watase M., Namkoong H., Asakura T., Masaki K., Chubachi S., Ohgino K., Kawada I., Harada N., Sasano H., Nakamura A., Kusaka Y., Ohba T., Nakano Y., Nishio K., Nakajima Y., Suzuki S., Yoshida S., Tateno H., Ishii M., Fukunaga K.

Allergology International 73 ( 2 ) 206 - 213 2024.04

ISSN 13238930

Background: Multiple prolonged symptoms are observed in patients who recover from an acute COVID-19 infection, which is defined as long COVID. General fatigue is frequently observed in patients with long COVID during acute and post-acute phases. This study aimed to identify the specific risk factors for general fatigue in long COVID. Methods: Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 aged over 18 years were enrolled in a multicenter cohort study at 26 medical institutions. Clinical data during hospitalization and patient-reported outcomes after discharge were collected from medical records, paper-based questionnaires, and smartphone apps. Results: Among prolonged symptoms through 1-year follow-ups, general fatigue was the most interfering symptom in daily life. Patients with protracted fatigue at all follow-up periods had lower quality of life scores at the 12-month follow-up. Univariate logistic regression analysis of the presence or absence of general fatigue at the 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups identified asthma, younger age, and female sex as risk factors for prolonged fatigue. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that asthma was an independent risk factor for persistent fatigue during the 12-month follow-up period. Longitudinal changes in the symptoms of patients with or without asthma demonstrated that general fatigue, not cough and dyspnea, was significantly prolonged in patients with asthma. Conclusions: In a Japanese population with long COVID, prolonged general fatigue was closely linked to asthma. A preventive approach against COVID-19 is necessary to avoid sustained fatigue and minimize social and economic losses in patients with asthma.

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Calcium channel blockers may reduce the development of long COVID in females

Ozawa T., Kimura R., Terai H., Takemura R., Namkoong H., Kondo M., Fukuda K., Yagi K., Asakura T., Masaki K., Chubachi S., Miyata J., Ohgino K., Kawada I., Kagyo J., Odani T., Kuwahara N., Nakachi I., Ishii M., Sato Y., Fukunaga K.

Hypertension Research 47 ( 4 ) 934 - 943 2024.04

ISSN 09169636

With the rising numbers of patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)—a sequelae of COVID-19—has become a major problem. Different sexes and age groups develop different long COVID symptoms, and the risk factors for long COVID remain unclear. Therefore, we performed subgroup analyses of patients with COVID-19, classifying them into different groups. In this multicenter cohort study, using an original questionnaire, we examined patients (≥18 years old) diagnosed with COVID-19 from November 2020 to March 2022 and hospitalized at participating medical facilities. In total, 1066 patients were registered (361 female, 620 male). Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (n = 344; 32.5%). Females with hypertension were significantly less likely to develop long COVID symptoms than those without hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27–0.98; p = 0.043). In females, Ca channel blocker administration, rather than having hypertension, was significantly associated with reductions in the frequency of alopecia (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03–0.67, p = 0.015), memory impairment (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.02–0.82, p = 0.029), sleeping disorders (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04–0.67, p = 0.012), tinnitus (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.05–0.98, p = 0.047), sputum (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.10–0.92, p = 0.035), and fever (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12–0.93, p = 0.036). Several long COVID symptoms, including alopecia, were significantly negatively associated with Ca channel-blocker administration in female patients with long COVID. (Figure presented.)

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Protocol for lentiviral vector-based gene transfection in human ILC2s

Irie M., Kabata H., Fukunaga K.

STAR Protocols 5 ( 1 ) 2024.03

Modifying gene expression in lymphocytes is essential for immunological research; however, gene transfection methods for group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are not well established. Here, we present a protocol utilizing lentiviral vectors to introduce genes into human ILC2s. We detail steps for lentiviral solution preparation, transfection, and selection of transfected cells. This protocol allows overexpression or suppression of specific genes and evaluation of the changes in ILC2 biology. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Irie et al. (2023).1

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Gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19 and disease severity: a Japanese registry-based retrospective cohort study

Matsubara Y., Kiyohara H., Mikami Y., Nanki K., Namkoong H., Chubachi S., Tanaka H., Azekawa S., Sugimoto S., Yoshimatsu Y., Sujino T., Takabayashi K., Hosoe N., Sato T., Ishii M., Hasegawa N., Okada Y., Koike R., Kitagawa Y., Kimura A., Imoto S., Miyano S., Ogawa S., Fukunaga K., Kanai T., Chubachi S., Fukushima T., Tanaka H., Lee H., Otake S., Nakagawara K., Morita A., Watase M., Sakurai K., Ogawa T., Kusumoto T., Masaki K., Kabata H., Ikemura S., Okamori S., Terai H., Kamata H., Uchida S., Uno S., Hasegawa N., Takahashi K., Sasano H., Kitagawa Y., Harada N., Takagi H., Nakamura A., Naito T., Hiki M., Matsushita Y., Aoki R., Harada S., Sasaki J., Morisaki H., Uwamino Y., Mikami Y., Ishihara R., Sugimoto S., Nishimura T., Sato T., Ueda T., Azuma M., Saito R., Sado T., Miyazaki Y., Sato R., Haruta Y., Nagasaki T., Hasegawa Y., Yasui Y., Ueda S., Tada A., Miyawaki M., Yamamoto M., Yoshida E., Hayashi R., Nagasaka T., Arai S., Kaneko Y., Sasaki K., Ishiguro T., Isono T., Shibata S., Matsui Y., Hosoda C., Takano K., Nishida T., Kobayashi Y., Takaku Y., Takayanagi N., Tagaya E.

Journal of Gastroenterology 59 ( 3 ) 195 - 208 2024.03

ISSN 09441174

Background: Research on whether gastrointestinal symptoms correlate with the severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been inconclusive. This study aimed to clarify any associations between gastrointestinal symptoms and the prognosis of COVID-19. Methods: We collected data from the Japanese nationwide registry for COVID-19 to conduct a retrospective cohort study. Data from 3498 Japanese COVID-19 patients, diagnosed at 74 facilities between February 2020 and August 2022, were analyzed in this study. Hospitalized patients were followed up until discharge or transfer to another hospital. Outpatients were observed until the end of treatment. Associations between gastrointestinal symptoms and clinical outcomes were investigated using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models. Results: The prevalence of diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, and melena were 16.6% (581/3498), 8.9% (311/3498), 3.5% (121/3498), and 0.7% (23/3498), respectively. In the univariable analysis, admission to intensive care unit (ICU) and requirement for mechanical ventilation were less common in patients with diarrhea than those without (ICU, 15.7% vs. 20.6% (p = 0.006); mechanical ventilation, 7.9% vs. 11.4% (p = 0.013)). In the multivariable-adjusted analysis, diarrhea was associated with lower likelihood of ICU admission (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.53–0.92) and mechanical ventilation (aOR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.42–0.89). Similar results were obtained in a sensitivity analysis with another logistic regression model that adjusted for 14 possible covariates with diarrhea (ICU; aOR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.53–0.93; mechanical ventilation; aOR 0.62; 95% CI, 0.42–0.92). Conclusions: Diarrhea was associated with better clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

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Prognostic significance of hypertension history and blood pressure on admission in Japanese patients with coronavirus disease 2019: integrative analysis from the Japan COVID-19 Task Force

Sakurai K., Chubachi S., Asakura T., Namkoong H., Tanaka H., Azekawa S., Shimada T., Otake S., Nakagawara K., Fukushima T., Lee H., Watase M., Kusumoto T., Masaki K., Kamata H., Ishii M., Hasegawa N., Okada Y., Koike R., Kitagawa Y., Kimura A., Imoto S., Miyano S., Ogawa S., Kanai T., Fukunaga K.

Hypertension Research 47 ( 3 ) 639 - 648 2024.03

ISSN 09169636

The effect of preexisting hypertension on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prognosis remains controversial. Additionally, no studies have compared the association between blood pressure (BP) indices on admission and COVID-19 outcomes using preexisting hypertension status. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between preexisting hypertension and COVID-19 outcomes in Japanese patients with COVID-19 and assess the impact of BP indices on admission on clinical outcomes in patients with and without preexisting hypertension. Preexisting hypertension presence was confirmed based on the patient’s clinical history. Critical outcomes were defined as high-flow oxygen use, non-invasive and invasive positive-pressure ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or death during hospitalization. Preexisting hypertension was observed in 64.6% of the patients. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of severe COVID-19 risk factors indicated that preexisting hypertension was independently associated with critical outcomes [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–1.73]. Low or high BP and high pulse pressure on admission were associated with critical outcomes in patients without preexisting hypertension [OR for systolic BP < 100 mmHg: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.21–3.75; OR for high BP stage 2 (160–179 systolic and/or 100–109 mmHg diastolic BP): 2.13, 95% CI: 1.27–3.58; OR for pulse pressure ≥60 mmHg: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.14–2.48]. Preexisting hypertension is a risk factor for critical outcomes in Japanese patients with COVID-19. BP indices are useful biomarkers for predicting COVID-19 outcomes, particularly in patients without preexisting hypertension. Thus, hypertension history, systolic BP, and pulse pressure should be assessed to predict severe COVID-19 outcomes. (Figure presented.)

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Integrated assessment of computed tomography density in pectoralis and erector spinae muscles as a prognostic biomarker for coronavirus disease 2019

Nakagawara K., Shiraishi Y., Chubachi S., Tanabe N., Maetani T., Asakura T., Namkoong H., Tanaka H., Shimada T., Azekawa S., Otake S., Fukushima T., Watase M., Terai H., Sasaki M., Ueda S., Kato Y., Harada N., Suzuki S., Yoshida S., Tateno H., Yamada Y., Jinzaki M., Hirai T., Okada Y., Koike R., Ishii M., Kimura A., Imoto S., Miyano S., Ogawa S., Kanai T., Fukunaga K.

Clinical Nutrition 43 ( 3 ) 815 - 824 2024.03

ISSN 02615614

Background ＆ aims: Muscle quantification using chest computed tomography (CT) is a useful prognostic biomarker for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, no studies have evaluated the clinical course through comprehensive assessment of the pectoralis and erector spinae muscles. Therefore, we compared the impact of the areas and densities of these muscles on COVID-19 infection outcome. Methods: This multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted by the COVID-19 Task Force. A total of 1410 patients with COVID-19 were included, and data on the area and density of the pectoralis and erector spinae muscles on chest CT were collected. The impact of each muscle parameter on the clinical outcome of COVID-19 was stratified according to sex. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients with severe disease, including those requiring oxygen supplementation and those who died. Additionally, 167 patients were followed up for changes in muscle parameters at three months and for the clinical characteristics in case of reduced CT density. Results: For both muscles, low density rather than muscle area was associated with COVID-19 severity. Regardless of sex, lower erector spinae muscle density was associated with more severe disease than pectoralis muscle density. The muscles were divided into two groups using the receiver operating characteristic curve of CT density, and the population was classified into four (Group A: high CT density for both muscles, Group B: low CT density for pectoralis and high for erector spinae muscle. Group C: high CT density for pectoralis and low for erector spinae muscle, Group D: low CT density for both muscles). In univariate analysis, Group D patients exhibited worse outcomes than Group A (OR: 2.96, 95% CI: 2.03–4.34 in men; OR: 3.02, 95% CI: 2.66–10.4 in women). Multivariate analysis revealed that men in Group D had a significantly more severe prognosis than those in Group A (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.16–2.87). Moreover, Group D patients tended to have the highest incidence of other complications due to secondary infections and acute kidney injury during the clinical course. Longitudinal analysis of both muscle densities over three months revealed that patients with decreased muscle density over time were more likely to have severe cases than those who did not. Conclusions: Muscle density, rather than muscle area, predicts the clinical outcomes of COVID-19. Integrated assessment of pectoralis and erector spinae muscle densities demonstrated higher accuracy in predicting the clinical course of COVID-19 than individual assessments.

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Cluster analysis of long COVID in Japan and association of its trajectory of symptoms and quality of life

Ito F., Terai H., Kondo M., Takemura R., Namkoong H., Asakura T., Chubachi S., Masuzawa K., Nakayama S., Suzuki Y., Hashiguchi M., Kagyo J., Shiomi T., Minematsu N., Manabe T., Fukui T., Funatsu Y., Koh H., Masaki K., Ohgino K., Miyata J., Kawada I., Ishii M., Sato Y., Fukunaga K.

BMJ Open Respiratory Research 11 ( 1 ) 2024.02

Background Multiple prolonged symptoms observed in patients who recovered from COVID-19 are defined as long COVID. Although diverse phenotypic combinations are possible, they remain unclear. This study aimed to perform a cluster analysis of long COVID in Japan and clarify the association between its characteristics and background factors and quality of life (QOL). Methods This multicentre prospective cohort study collected various symptoms and QOL after COVID-19 from January 2020 to February 2021. This study included 935 patients aged ≥18 years with COVID-19 at 26 participating medical facilities. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using 24 long COVID symptom at 3 months after diagnosis. Results Participants were divided into the following five clusters: numerous symptoms across multiple organs (cluster 1, n=54); no or minor symptoms (cluster 2, n=546); taste and olfactory disorders (cluster 3, n=76); fatigue, psychoneurotic symptoms and dyspnoea (low prevalence of cough and sputum) (cluster 4, n=207) and fatigue and dyspnoea (high prevalence of cough and sputum) (cluster 5, n=52). Cluster 1 included elderly patients with severe symptoms, while cluster 3 included young female with mild symptoms. No significant differences were observed in the comorbidities. Cluster 1 showed the most impaired QOL, followed by clusters 4 and 5; these changes as well as the composition of symptoms were observed over 1 year. Conclusions We identified patients with long COVID with diverse characteristics into five clusters. Future analysis of these different pathologies could result in individualised treatment of long COVID.

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Clinical utility of the Oncomine Dx Target Test multi-CDx system and the possibility of utilizing those original sequence data

Saito A., Terai H., Kim T.J., Emoto K., Kawano R., Nakamura K., Hayashi H., Takaoka H., Ogata A., Kinoshita K., Ito F., Shigematsu L., Okada M., Fukushima T., Mitsuishi A., Shinozaki T., Ohgino K., Ikemura S., Yasuda H., Kawada I., Soejima K., Nishihara H., Fukunaga K.

Cancer Medicine 13 ( 4 ) 2024.02

Background: Companion diagnostic tests play a crucial role in guiding treatment decisions for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The Oncomine Dx Target Test (ODxTT) Multi-CDx System has emerged as a prominent companion diagnostic method. However, its efficacy in detecting driver gene mutations, particularly rare mutations, warrants investigation. Aims: This study aimed to assess the performance of the ODxTT in detecting driver gene mutations in NSCLC patients. Specifically, we aimed to evaluate its sensitivity in detecting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, a key determinant of treatment selection in NSCLC. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of NSCLC patients who underwent testing with the ODxTT at Keio University Hospital between May 2020 and March 2022. Patient samples were subjected to both DNA and RNA tests. Driver gene mutation status was assessed, and instances of missed mutations were meticulously examined. Results: Of the 90 patients, five had nucleic acid quality problems, while 85 underwent both DNA and RNA tests. Driver gene mutations were detected in 56/90 (62.2%) patients. Of the 34 patient specimens, driver mutations were not detected using the ODxTT; however, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations were detected using polymerase chain reaction-based testing in two patients, and a KRAS mutation was detected by careful examination of the sequence data obtained using the ODxTT in one patient. For the above three cases, carefully examining the gene sequence information obtained using the ODxTT could identify driver mutations that were not mentioned in the returned test results. Additionally, we confirmed comparable instances of overlook results for EGFR mutations in the dataset from South Korea, implying that this type of oversight could occur in other countries using the ODxTT. EGFR mutation was missed in ODxTT in Japan (6.3%, 2/32), South Korea (2.0%, 1/49), and overall (3.7%, 3/81). Conclusion: Even if sufficient tumor samples are obtained, rare EGFR mutations (which are excluded from the ODxTT's genetic mutation list) might not be detected using the current ODxTT system due to the program used for sequence analysis. However, such rare EGFR mutations can still be accurately detected on ODxTT's sequence data using next-generation sequencing.

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Comparing minimum inhibitory concentrations of amikacin for pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex disease: An analysis of culture media differences

Morita A., Namkoong H., Uwamino Y., Mitarai S., Aono A., Asakura T., Yagi K., Tanaka H., Azekawa S., Nakagawara K., Kaji M., Nagao G., Kamata H., Matsushita H., Fukunaga K., Hasegawa N.

Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 30 ( 2 ) 159 - 163 2024.02

ISSN 1341321X

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is considered a paramount microbe, especially in East Asia, including Japan. The commonly used commercial Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) assay using Middlebrook 7H9 (7H9) medium deviates from the latest Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Alternatively, measurement with cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth (CAMHB) that conforms to CLSI standards is not yet widely available. Following the approval and commercialization of amikacin liposome inhalation suspension (ALIS) in 2021, a more precise evaluation of amikacin (AMK) susceptibility in MAC is necessary for treatment decisions. In the present study, 33 sputum samples were extracted from 27 patients, and MICs of AMK were compared between the frequently used 7H9 and the recommended CAMHB of the isolated MAC strains. The history of exposure to aminoglycosides for each sample was also added as clinical information. The findings indicated that there was only an 18% concordance rate in MIC between the two media, with 19 samples (58%) indicating lower MICs in 7H9 relative to CAMHB. The 17 samples had a history of exposure to aminoglycosides for periods ranging from 1.5 to 28 months. Specifically, 10 samples were exposed to amikacin by inhalation and intravenous injection, and the remaining seven samples had a history of ALIS inhalation. Samples with a prior utilization of aminoglycosides were significantly predisposed to developing resistance to ALIS compared to those without such a history (P = 0.046). Physicians are encouraged to scrutinize the findings of susceptibility testing utilizing CLSI-endorsed MIC assay using CAMHB medium to ascertain the optimal therapeutic approach.

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High attenuation mucus in bronchi with allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis

Hattori S., Oguma T., Ishiguro T., Suzuki J., Fukunaga K., Shimoda T., Kimura H., Obase Y., Okada N., Tanaka J., Kitahara A., Tomomatsu K., Shiraishi Y., Asano K.

Mycoses 67 ( 2 ) 2024.02

ISSN 09337407

Background: High-attenuation mucus (HAM) is a specific manifestation of allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM) on chest computed tomography (CT). Objectives: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of the two definitions of HAM and to clarify the clinical and radiographic characteristics of HAM-positive and HAM-negative ABPM. Methods: CT images at the diagnosis of ABPM using Asano's criteria were retrospectively analysed. In Study #1, radiographic data obtained using the same CT apparatus in a single institute were analysed to determine the agreement between the two definitions of HAM: a mucus plug that is visually denser than the paraspinal muscles or that with a radiodensity ≥70 Hounsfield units. In Study #2, HAM was diagnosed by comparison with the paraspinal muscles in patients with ABPM reporting to 14 medical institutes in Japan. Results: In Study #1, 93 mucus plugs from 26 patients were analysed. A substantial agreement for HAM diagnosis was observed between the two methods, with a κ coefficient of 0.72. In Study #2, 60 cases of ABPM were analysed; mucus plugs were present in all cases and HAM was diagnosed in 45 (75%) cases. The median A. fumigatus-specific IgE titre was significantly lower in HAM-positive patients than in HAM-negative patients (2.5 vs. 24.3 UA/mL, p =.004). Nodular shadows were observed more frequently in the airways distal to HAM than in those distal to non-HAM mucus plugs (59% vs. 32%, p <.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, agreement between the two methods to diagnose HAM was substantial. HAM was associated with some immunological and radiographic characteristics, including lower levels of sensitization to A. fumigatus and the presence of distal airway lesions.

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