Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 1353-8020 145 2026 Real-world evaluation of Armstrong's criteria in corticobasal degeneration: Phenotypic overlap and diagnostic challenges 108229 EN Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Emi Nomura Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yosuke Osakada Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Ishiura Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background: Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is a four-repeat tauopathy with heterogeneous clinical manifestations. Armstrong's criteria involve a two-step diagnostic approach: first, classifying patients into five clinical phenotypes―probable/possible corticobasal syndrome (CBS), frontal behavioral-spatial syndrome (FBS), non-fluent/agrammatic variant primary progressive aphasia (naPPA), and progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome (PSPS); second, determining whether they meet the clinical research criteria for probable CBD (cr-CBD) or the clinical criteria for possible CBD (p-CBD), which are distinct from the initial CBS classifications. Objective: To investigate how real-world patients with suspected CBD fulfill Armstrong's clinical phenotypes and diagnostic criteria, and to compare clinical and imaging features between the Alzheimer's disease (AD) group and the non-AD group defined by CSF amyloid biomarkers. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 137 patients undergoing differential diagnosis for CBS, frontotemporal dementia, primary progressive aphasia, or PSPS. Of these, 78 met the criteria for cr-CBD (n = 36) or p-CBD (n = 42). CSF was examined in 32 patients, and based on the CSF Aβ42/40 ratio, patients were classified into an AD-group (AD-CBS; n = 6) and a non-AD group (n = 26). Results: Among patients classified as cr-CBD or p-CBD, 79% fulfilled two or more clinical phenotypes, with FBS and PSPS most commonly. Compared with the AD group, the non-AD group showed more parkinsonian features and frontal hypoperfusion on [123I]-IMP SPECT. Conclusion: Armstrong's criteria captured a spectrum of overlapping clinical features. While helpful in clinical phenotyping, further validation with biomarkers is essential to distinguish CBD from AD and related disorders. Prospective studies with pathological confirmation are warranted. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0022-510X 481 2026 The utility of Gold Coast criteria for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 125733 EN Emi Nomura Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yosuke Osakada Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Ishiura Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease. Current diagnostic criteria, including the revised El Escorial (rEE) and Awaji (AW) criteria, have limitations in sensitivity. The Gold Coast (GC) criteria were proposed to simplify diagnosis and improve early detection, but their real-world performance remains unclear. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 260 patients suspected of ALS who were admitted to our department between 2013 and 2022. The GC, AW, and rEE criteria were applied to data from initial hospitalization. Final diagnoses were based on follow-up data, and sensitivity/specificity were compared using McNemar's test. Results: The GC criteria showed equivalent sensitivity (91.6 %), but higher specificity (75.9 %) compared to all combined AW and rEE categories. GC sensitivity was significantly higher than that of AW/rEE definite/probable categories. False negatives of GC criteria were often due to insufficient LMN signs, particularly in bulbar-onset cases. Subgroup analysis showed consistent trends. Conclusion: The GC criteria demonstrated high sensitivity and moderate specificity, supporting their clinical utility in early ALS diagnosis. However, variability in clinical presentation and retrospective limitations suggest the need for further prospective validation. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 1353-8020 143 2026 Biallelic CAG repeat expansion in the ATXN2 gene presenting with parkinsonism and spasticity 108168 EN Yosuke Osakada Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Chika Matsuoka Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yumiko Nakano Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuki Taira Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yusuke Fukui Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuko Kawahara Department of Neurology, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital Yumiko Kutoku Department of Neurology, Kawasaki Medical School Manabu Takaki Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Osamu Yokota Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hiroyuki Ishiura Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 1085-9489 30 4 2025 A Case of Retinopathy–Sensory Neuropathy Syndrome With a Novel Compound Heterozygous FLVCR1 Variant e70082 EN Yumiko Nakano Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yusuke Fukui Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kentaro Deguchi Department of Neurology, Okayama City General Medical Center Chika Matsuoka Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomohito Kawano Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuki Taira Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ayaka Matsuo Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yosuke Osakada Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Emi Nomura Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Ishiura Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background and Aims: Retinopathy–sensory neuropathy syndrome (RETSNS), also known as posterior column ataxia with retinitis pigmentosa (PCARP), is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in FLVCR1. Here, we report a case of a Japanese patient with RETSNS. Methods: Clinical, neuroradiological, and electrophysiological findings were documented. Whole-genome sequencing was performed. Subcloning was carried out to confirm compound heterozygosity. A functional assay was performed to assess the pathogenicity of the variants. Results: The patient showed retinitis pigmentosa and sensory ataxia. Over the course of the disease, autonomic dysfunction has become increasingly evident. Despite consanguinity in the family, whole-genome sequencing identified two heterozygous variants in FLVCR1 (c.369T>G, p.Phe123Leu and c.733A>G, p.Asn245Asp). Cloning of the PCR product followed by Sanger sequencing indicated compound heterozygosity of the variants. Immunocytochemistry of HEK293FT cells transfected with plasmids containing wild-type or variant FLVCR1 cDNA demonstrated altered subcellular localization of the variant FLVCR1 proteins, characterized by reduced membrane localization. Interpretation: We report a novel variant in FLVCR1 causing RETSNS. The functional assay supports the pathogenicity of the variants. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 2025 Two Cases of Autosomal Recessive Spinocerebellar Ataxia-8 Showing Two Novel Variants of SYNE1 in Japanese Families 5602-25 EN Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Chika Matsuoka Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yosuke Osakada Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yusuke Fukui Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Ishiura Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia-8 (SCAR8) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the biallelic pathogenic variants of SYNE1. It is characterized by slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia and atrophy. We identified two SCAR8 families using exome analyses and two novel variants, c.2127delG (p.Met709Ilefs) and c.15943G>T (p.Gly5315*), in SYNE1 (NM_182961.4). Pathogenic variants of SYNE1 cause various symptoms, including cerebellar ataxia, pyramidal tract disorders, and joint disorders, and the pathogenic variants discovered in this study were located in a region prone to cerebellar ataxia. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Nature Portfolio Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 14 1 2024 Suppression of PTBP1 in hippocampal astrocytes promotes neurogenesis and ameliorates recognition memory in mice with cerebral ischemia 20521 EN Yusuke Fukui Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Xinran Hu Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yumiko Nakano Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University The therapeutic potential of suppressing polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (Ptbp1) messenger RNA by viral transduction in a post-stroke dementia mouse model has not yet been examined. In this study, 3 days after cerebral ischemia, we injected a viral vector cocktail containing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-pGFAP-mCherry and AAV-pGFAP-CasRx (control vector) or a cocktail of AAV-pGFAP-mCherry and AAV-pGFAP-CasRx-SgRNA-(Ptbp1) (1:5, 1.0 x 1011 viral genomes) into post-stroke mice via the tail vein. We observed new mCherry/NeuN double-positive neuron-like cells in the hippocampus 56 days after cerebral ischemia. A portion of mCherry/GFAP double-positive astrocyte-like glia could have been converted into new mCherry/NeuN double-positive neuron-like cells with morphological changes. The new neuronal cells integrated into the dentate gyrus and recognition memory was significantly ameliorated. These results demonstrated that the in vivo conversion of hippocampal astrocyte-like glia into functional new neurons by the suppression of Ptbp1 might be a therapeutic strategy for post-stroke dementia. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0006-8993 1828 2024 Protective effect of scallop-derived plasmalogen against vascular dysfunction, via the pSTAT3/PIM1/NFATc1 axis, in a novel mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease with cerebral hypoperfusion 148790 EN Yun Zhai Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tian Feng Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Xinran Hu Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yusuke Fukui Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Zhihong Bian Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuting Bian Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Haibo Yu Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hongming Sun Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yumiko Nakano Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ying Tang Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University Hiroyuki Ishiura Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University A strong relationship between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dysfunction has been the focus of increasing attention in aging societies. In the present study, we examined the long-term effect of scallop-derived plasmalogen (sPlas) on vascular remodeling-related proteins in the brain of an AD with cerebral hypoperfusion (HP) mouse model. We demonstrated, for the first time, that cerebral HP activated the axis of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE)/phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3)/provirus integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus 1 (PIM1)/nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1), accounting for such cerebral vascular remodeling. Moreover, we also found that cerebral HP accelerated pSTAT3-mediated astrogliosis and activation of the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, probably leading to cognitive decline. On the other hand, sPlas treatment attenuated the activation of the pSTAT3/PIM1/NFATc1 axis independent of RAGE and significantly suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation, demonstrating the beneficial effect on AD. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

SAGE Publications Acta Medica Okayama 0963-6897 32 2023 Human Cord Blood-Endothelial Progenitor Cells Alleviate Intimal Hyperplasia of Arterial Damage in a Rat Stroke Model EN Hongming Sun Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tian Feng Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Zhihong Bian Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Haibo Yu Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Xiao Hu Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Xinran Hu Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuting Bian Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryo Sasaki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yusuke Fukui Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yumiko Nakano Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koji Abe National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Human cord blood-endothelial progenitor cells (hCB-EPCs) isolated from the human umbilical cord can be used to repair damaged arteries. In this study, we used an animal model with pathological changes that mimics artery wall damage caused by stent retrievers in humans. We injected hCB-EPCs to investigate their effect on endothelial hyperplasia and dysfunction during intimal repair. Four groups were established based on the length of reperfusion (3 and 28 days), as well as the presence or absence of hCB-EPC therapy. Damage to the internal carotid artery was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining. Stroke volume was not significantly different between non-EPC and EPC groups although EPC treatment alleviated intimal hyperplasia 28 days after intimal damage. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and eNOS expression were significantly higher in the EPC-treated group than in the non-EPC group 3 days after intimal damage. In addition, MMP9 and 4HNE expression in the EPC-treated group was significantly lower than in the non-EPC group. Ultimately, this study found that venous transplantation of hCB-EPCs could inhibit neointimal hyperplasia, alleviate endothelial dysfunction, suppress intimal inflammation, and reduce oxidative stress during healing of intimal damage. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 62 3 2023 Actual Telemedicine Needs of Japanese Patients with Neurological Disorders in the COVID-19 Pandemic 365 371 EN Ryo Sasaki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yumiko Nakano Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yusuke Fukui Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Objective During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many social activities have moved online using applications for digital devices (e.g. computers, smartphones). We investigated the needs of telemedicine and trends in medical status and social care situations of Japanese patients with neurological disorders in order to estimate their affinity for an online telemedicine application. Methods We designed an original questionnaire for the present study that asked participants what problems they had with hospital visits, how the COVID-19 pandemic had affected their lives, and whether or not they would like to receive telemedicine.Patients The present study included volunteer caregivers, participants with Parkinson's disease (PD), epiamyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), headache, myopathy, and other neurological diseases from Okayama University Hospital. Results A total of 29.6% of patients wanted to use telemedicine. Patients with ultheadaches (60.0%) and epilepsy (38.1%) were more likely to want to use telemedicine than patients with PD (17.8%) or stroke (19.0%). Almost 90% of patients had access to a digital device, and there was no association between favoring telemedicine, ownership of a digital device, hospital visiting time, or waiting time at the hospital, although age was associated with motivation to telemedicine use (52.6 vs. 62.2 years old, p < 0.001). Conclusion We can contribute to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and the medical economy by promoting telemedicine, especially for young patients with headaches or epilepsy. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2049-4173 10 5 2022 Japanese case of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 2Z with severe retinitis pigmentosa 266 268 EN Emi Nomura Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koh Tadokoro Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryo Sasaki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yumi Nakata Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yumiko Nakano Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Masahiro Ando Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University Hiroshi Takashima Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2Z (CMT2Z) shows highly variable clinical features. We report the first Japanese CMT2Z patient with a c.754C>T (p.R252W) substitution of the MORC2 gene, complicating severe retinitis pigmentosa. The MORC2 mutants were involved in a decrease in cell survival through induction of apoptosis. Thus, the MORC2 mutation might be involved in the degeneration of photoreceptors and the development of retinitis pigmentosa. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2049-4173 10 5 2022 A Japanese case of successful surgical resection of cerebral cavernous malformations with a CCM2 mutation 255 258 EN Emi Nomura Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshio Omote Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yumiko Nakano Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tatsuya Sasaki Department of Neurological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hiroyuki Akagawa Tokyo Women's Medical University Institute for Integrated Medical Sciences Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Okayama University Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are congenital abnormalities of cerebral vessels. Surgical resection is rarely considered for the control of epilepsy in a first seizure patient with vascular malformation. In contrast, lesions that produce repetitive or progressive symptoms should be considered for surgical resection as treatment. Herein, we report a Japanese patient with a CCM2 mutation, c.609G>A (p.K203K) substitution, who showed drug-resistant epilepsy and dramatic improvement after surgical resection. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

IOS Press Acta Medica Okayama 1387-2877 86 1 2022 Protective Effect of Rivaroxaban Against Amyloid Pathology and Neuroinflammation Through Inhibiting PAR-1 and PAR-2 in Alzheimer’s Disease Mice 111 123 EN Zhihong Bian Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Xia Liu Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tian Feng Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Haibo Yu Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Xiao Hu Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Xinran Hu Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuting Bian Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hongming Sun Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koh Tadokoro Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yumiko Nakano Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yusuke Fukui Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koji Abe National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Background: Recent studies have revealed that atrial fibrillation (AF) patients have a high risk of developing cognitive impairment, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Some reports suggest that the application of oral anticoagulant with an appropriate dose may have a preventive effect on AD. However, which oral anticoagulant drug is more appropriate for preventing AD and the underlying mechanism(s) is still unknown. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the treatment effect of rivaroxaban administration as well as investigate the roles of PAR-1 and PAR-2 in the AD + CAA mice model. Methods: In the present study, we compared a traditional oral anticoagulant, warfarin, and a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), rivaroxaban, via long-term administration to an AD with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) mice model. Results: Rivaroxaban treatment attenuated neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, memory deficits, and amyloid-β deposition through PAR-1/PAR-2 inhibition in the AD + CAA mice model compared with warfarin and no-treatment groups. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that rivaroxaban can attenuate AD progress and can be a potential choice to prevent AD. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

SAGE Publications Acta Medica Okayama 0271-678X 2022 Efficacy and safety of spot heating and ultrasound irradiation on in vitro and in vivo thrombolysis models EN Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yosuke Osakada Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tian Feng Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Xinran Hu Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yusuke Fukui Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan Koh Tadokoro Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences The feasibility of transcranial sonothrombolysis has been demonstrated, although little is known about the relationships between thermal or mechanical mechanisms and thrombolytic outcomes. Therefore, the present study aims to reveal the effect and safety of temperature and ultrasound through in vitro and in vivo thrombolysis models. Artificial clots in microtubes were heated in a water bath or sonicated by ultrasound irradiation, and then clots weight decrease with rising temperature and sonication time was confirmed. In the in vitro thrombotic occlusion model, based on spot heating, clot volume was reduced and clots moved to the distal side, followed by recanalization of the occlusion. In the in vivo study, the common carotid artery of rats was exposed to a spot heater or to sonication. No brain infarct or brain blood barrier disruption was shown, but endothelial junctional dysintegrity and an inflammatory response in the carotid artery were detected. The present spot heating and ultrasound irradiation models seem to be effective for disintegrating clots in vitro, but the safety of the in vivo model was not fully supported by the data. However, the data indicates that a shorter time exposure could be less invasive than a longer exposure. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2049-4173 10 2022 A case of a heterozygous ABCC6 mutation showing recurrent ischemic strokes and intracranial hemorrhages 98 101 EN Emi Nomura Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuko Kawahara Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshio Omote Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshiaki Takahashi Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Namiko Matsumoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ken Ikegami Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yumiko Nakano Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Masahiro Uemura Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mutations in the ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 6 (ABCC6) gene are responsible for pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE). PXE is a rare genetic metabolic disease with autosomal recessive inheritance that shows ectopic mineralization in skin, eyes and blood vessels, and causes cerebrovascular disease. There are few reports of intracranial hemorrhages in patients with the ABCC6 mutation. We report the first Japanese case with a heterozygous ABCC6 mutation displaying recurrent ischemic strokes and intracranial hemorrhages. We propose that the ABCC6 mutation may be one cause of neurovascular diseases with a family history. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 60 13 2021 A Unique Case of Encephalopathy with an Elevated IgG-4 and Extremely High Interleukin-6 Level and Delayed Myelodysplastic Syndrome 2125 2128 EN Namiko Matsumoto Departments of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Nozomi Hishikawa Departments of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ken Ikegami Departments of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kota Sato Departments of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshio Omote Departments of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Departments of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tom Yamashita Departments of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kohei Taniguchi Departments of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koji Abe Departments of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University We herein report a 75-year-old man who developed disturbed consciousness with polynuclear cell dominant pleocytosis and low glucose and extremely high interleukin (IL)-6 levels in his cerebrospinal fluid. The biopsy specimen from his right supraclavicular lymph node showed the infiltration of inflammatory cells positive for IgG, IgG4 and IL-6. Prednisolone and azathioprine administered under suspicion of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) or multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) successfully remitted the symptoms. However, he developed myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and died 18 months later. The extremely high IL-6 may have been related to the rare neurological manifestations and development of MDS in the present case. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 58 21 2019 Spastic Paraplegia Accompanied by Extrapyramidal Sign and Frontal Cognitive Dysfunction 3163 3165 EN Ryo Sasaki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yasuyuki Ohta Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kota Sato Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koh Tadokoro Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshiaki Takahashi Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Jingwei Shang Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hiroyuki Ishiura Department of Neurology, The University of Tokyo Hospital Shoji Tsuji Department of Molecular Neurology, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Japan Institute of Medical Genomics, International University of Health and Welfare Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University A complicated form of spastic paraplegia is a neurodegenerative disorder presenting as progressive spasticity in the bilateral lower limbs accompanied by some clinical features. The present case showed spastic paralysis and hyperreflexia in all extremities as well as lead pipe rigidity in the neck and bilateral upper extremities (R < L), decreased scores on frontal cognitive tests, a decreased accumulation of the right dorsal putamen on a DAT scan, and hypoperfusion of the bilateral frontal lobes on 99mTc-ECD single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The present case provides a new spectrum of spastic paraplegia based on the evidence of clinical scores and the findings of brain functional imaging. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 58 7 2019 Characteristic Clinical Features of Werner Syndrome with a Novel Compound Heterozygous WRN Mutation c.1720+1G>A Plus c.3139-1G>C 1033 1036 EN Namiko Matsumoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yasuyuki Ohta Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kentaro Deguchi Department of Neurology, Okayama Citizen's Hospital Masayuki Kishida Department of General Internal Medicine, Okayama Citizen's Hospital Kota Sato Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Jingwei Shang Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Aki Watanabe Department of Clinical Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University Koutaro Yokote Department of Clinical Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University Minoru Takemoto Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare Junko Oshima Department of Pathology, University of Washington Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Werner syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive progeroid disorder caused by mutations in the WRN gene (WRN). Most Japanese WS patients are born from a consanguineous marriage with homozygous WRN mutations. We herein report a rare WS patient born from non-consanguineous parents with compound heterozygous WRN mutations with a novel heterogeneous c.1720+1G>A substitution plus the most frequent heterogeneous c.3139-1G>C substitution among Japanese. Although the present case showed clinical characteristics common to previous Japanese WS patients, he had not developed any malignant tumors as of 43 years of age, suggesting that WS patients with this particular genetic mutation have a different phenotype than others. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 58 3 2019 A Rare Case of Klinefelter Syndrome Accompanied by Spastic Paraplegia and Peripheral Neuropathy 437 440 EN Ryo Sasaki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yasuyuki Ohta Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshiaki Takahashi Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Keiichiro Tsunoda Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koh Tadokoro Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kota Sato Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Jingwei Shang Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Klinefelter syndrome is a chromosomal disorder with a typical karyotype of 47, XXY, accompanied by various neurological symptoms. We herein report the first case of Klinefelter syndrome with a rare mosaic form of 47, XXY and 48, XXXY, combined with both spastic paraplegia and peripheral motor neuropathy. This case showed spasticity and hyperreflexia with pathological reflexes and ankle clonus as well as muscle weakness in all extremities. A motor nerve conduction study and the magnetic motor evoked potential suggested motor axonal neuropathy and corticospinal tract disorders. The present case suggests that Klinefelter syndrome can present with both upper and lower motor neuron degeneration. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 58 8 2019 Improving Anxiety in Subacute Myelo-optico-neuropathy (SMON) after an Automated Telephone Call Service 1081 1085 EN Yasuyuki Ohta Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kota Sato Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Shinji Doutare Doutare Medical Clinic Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Objective We evaluated the clinical effects of a telephone call service for psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression or apathy in subacute myelo-optico-neuropathy (SMON) patients living alone or with a single caregiver. Methods Up to 16 SMON patients (4 men, 12 women) and 32 control subjects were evaluated by the geriatric depression scale (GDS), apathy scale (AS) and state and trait anxiety inventory (STAI) forms X-I, including the P and A values for depression, apathy and state anxiety including disturbed peace of mind and enhanced anxiety, respectively, before (pre) and three months after (post) the telephone call service. Results The SMON patients, especially women, had significantly worse baseline scores in GDS (depression), AS (apathy) and STAI (state anxiety) than control subjects. The automated telephone call service significantly improved the high baseline STAI scores, including the P and A scores (disturbed peace of mind and enhanced anxiety), of SMON patients but not the GDS or AS scores. Conclusion SMON patients, especially women, living alone or with a single caregiver showed higher baseline depression, apathy and anxiety scores than the control subjects. The present automated telephone call service proved to be a useful care tool for improving the anxiety of SMON patients with high STAI P and A scores. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 60 2 2021 The Oldest Japanese Case of Combined Central and Peripheral Demyelination, which Developed Nine Years After the First Instance of Optic Neuritis 305 308 EN Emi Nomura Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuko Kawahara Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshio Omote Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koh Tadokoro Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hidenori Ogata Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Combined central and peripheral demyelination (CCPD) causes demyelination in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Anti-neurofascin 155 antibody plays an important pathogenic role in CCPD, but evidence concerning an association between this antibody and CCPD remains inconclusive. Although there have been no reports of precedent optic neuritis developing into CCPD, we herein report a Japanese man in whom optic neuritis recurred four times over nine years and who developed CCPD without positive antineurofascin 155 antibody. This case suggests the possibility of developing CCPD after optic nerve neuritis and the existence of an unknown antibody that induces CCPD. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2049-4173 9 2 2020 A new telestroke network system in northern area of Okayama prefecture 166 170 EN Ryo Sasaki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshio Omote Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Tsuyama Central Hospital Kazuki Kobayashi Department of Neurosurgery, Tsuyama Central Hospital Takashi Sawata Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tsuyama 1st Hospital Yuki Sato Department of Internal Medicine, Sato Memorial Hospital Junichi Kubota Department of Internal Medicine, Tajiri Hospital Masayuki Mizobuchi Department of Neurosurgery, Kaneda Hospital Takashi Hayashi Department of Orthopedics, Sayo Central Hospital Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Background Telestroke network can provide rapid access to specialized treatment and improves on‐site management of acute stroke patients through the “hub‐and‐spoke” model. In the northern part of Okayama Prefecture, there has been a regional gap of stroke care due to the shortage of stroke specialists and facilities. In addition, due to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), it is required to reduce the unnecessary contact with stroke patients from other hospitals. Aim We organized a novel cost‐free telestroke network with an image and video sharing for neurological diseases in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture to improve the stroke management in the area. Method We prepared the tablet device on which Skype® application was installed for each hospital and recruited the patients who visited or hospitalized in the spoke hospitals and were suspected to have some neurological diseases from April 2019 to May 2020. The patient's clinical data were recorded and analyzed. Results During the study period, 5 patients were recruited including the cases with the initial diagnosis of stroke or brain tumor. Among them, 2 cases were transferred to the hub hospital, 2 cases were transferred to other hospitals, and 1 case was treated on site under specialist's advice. Conclusion The new telestroke network system may be beneficial for acute stroke management and reducing the unnecessary patient's transfer in the rural area, especially under coexistence with COVID‐19. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

IOP Press Acta Medica Okayama 1387-2877 73 1 2020 A New Serum Biomarker Set to Detect Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease by Peptidome Technology 217 227 EN Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Okayama University Jingwei Shang Department of Neurology, Okayama University Xiaowen Shi Department of Neurology, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Okayama University Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Okayama University Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Okayama University Yumiko Nakano Department of Neurology, Okayama University Yasuyuki Ohta Department of Neurology, Okayama University Kentaro Deguchi Department of Neurology, Okayama City Hospital, Okayama Masaki Ikeda Department of Neurology, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine Yoshio Ikeda Department of Neurology, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine Koichi Okamoto Department of Neurology, Geriatrics Research Institute and Hospital Mikio Shoji Department of Neurology, Geriatrics Research Institute and Hospital Masamitsu Takatama Department of Neurology, Geriatrics Research Institute and Hospital Motohisa Kojo Department of Neurology, Ako Chuo Hospital Takeshi Kuroda Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Showa University, School of Medicine Kenjiro Ono Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Showa University, School of Medicine Noriyuki Kimura Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University Etsuro Matsubara Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University Yosuke Osakada Department of Neurology, Kurashiki Heisei Hospital Yosuke Wakutani Department of Neurology, Kurashiki Heisei Hospital Yoshiki Takao Department of Neurology, Kurashiki Heisei Hospital Yasuto Higashi Department of Neurology, Himeji Central Hospital Kyoichi Asada Membrane Protein and Ligand Analysis Center, Protosera Inc., Takehito Senga Membrane Protein and Ligand Analysis Center, Protosera Inc., Lyang-Ja Lee Membrane Protein and Ligand Analysis Center, Protosera Inc., Kenji Tanaka Membrane Protein and Ligand Analysis Center, Protosera Inc., Background: Because dementia is an emerging problem in the world, biochemical markers of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and radio-isotopic analyses are helpful for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although blood sample is more feasible and plausible than CSF or radiological biomarkers for screening potential AD, measurements of serum amyloid- β (Aβ), plasma tau, and serum antibodies for Aβ1 - 42 are not yet well established. Objective: We aimed to identify a new serum biomarker to detect mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD in comparison to cognitively healthy control by a new peptidome technology. Methods: With only 1.5μl of serum, we examined a new target plate “BLOTCHIP®” plus a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) to discriminate control (n = 100), MCI (n = 60), and AD (n = 99). In some subjects, cognitive Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were compared to positron emission tomography (PET) with Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) and the serum probability of dementia (SPD). The mother proteins of candidate serum peptides were examined in autopsied AD brains. Results: Apart from Aβ or tau, the present study discovered a new diagnostic 4-peptides-set biomarker for discriminating control, MCI, and AD with 87% of sensitivity and 65% of specificity between control and AD (***p < 0.001). MMSE score was well correlated to brain Aβ deposition and to SPD of AD. The mother proteins of the four peptides were upregulated for coagulation, complement, and plasticity (three proteins), and was downregulated for anti-inflammation (one protein) in AD brains. Conclusion: The present serum biomarker set provides a new, rapid, non-invasive, highly quantitative and low-cost clinical application for dementia screening, and also suggests an alternative pathomechanism of AD for neuroinflammation and neurovascular unit damage. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Nature Research Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 10 1 2020 Therapeutic benefit of Muse cells in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 17102 EN Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshihiro Kushida Department of Stem Cell Biology and Histology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Shohei Wakao Department of Stem Cell Biology and Histology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Koh Tadokoro Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Emi Nomura Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshio Omote Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yasuyuki Ohta Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mari Dezawa Department of Stem Cell Biology and Histology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron loss. Muse cells are endogenous reparative pluripotent-like stem cells distributed in various tissues. They can selectively home to damaged sites after intravenous injection by sensing sphingosine-1-phosphate produced by damaged cells, then exert pleiotropic effects, including tissue protection and spontaneous differentiation into tissue-constituent cells. In G93A-transgenic ALS mice, intravenous injection of 5.0x10(4) cells revealed successful homing of human-Muse cells to the lumbar spinal cords, mainly at the pia-mater and underneath white matter, and exhibited glia-like morphology and GFAP expression. In contrast, such homing or differentiation were not recognized in human mesenchymal stem cells but were instead distributed mainly in the lung. Relative to the vehicle groups, the Muse group significantly improved scores in the rotarod, hanging-wire and muscle strength of lower limbs, recovered the number of motor neurons, and alleviated denervation and myofiber atrophy in lower limb muscles. These results suggest that Muse cells homed in a lesion site-dependent manner and protected the spinal cord against motor neuron death. Muse cells might also be a promising cell source for the treatment of ALS patients. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2049-4173 7 5 2019 Late presented congenital myasthenic syndrome with novel compound heterozygous CHRNE mutations mimicking seronegative myasthenia gravis 288 290 EN Yumiko Nakano Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Keiichiro Tsunoda Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Jun Mitsui Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kota Sato Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yasuyuki Ohta Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tatsushi Toda Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shoji Tsuji Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences We found a late presented congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) patient with novel CHRNE gene mutations. Although our patient has shown blepharoptosis since youth, fatigable muscle weakness began at age 71. Genetic analysis revealed novel compound heterozygous CHRNE mutations (c.1032+2T>G, c.1306_1307 delGA). His myasthenic symptoms were well managed by oral anti‐cholinesterase drug until he died at 82‐year‐old. The present case showed mild myasthenic symptoms with very late presentation and slow progression. Late presented CMS is often underdiagnosed; therefore, genetic testing is important to distinguish it from other myasthenic disease. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 0360-4012 97 5 2018 Enhanced oxidative stress and the treatment by edaravone in mice model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 607 609 EN Yasuyuki Ohta Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Emi Nomura Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Jingwei Shang Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tian Feng Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yong Huang Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Xia Liu Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Xiaowen Shi Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yumiko Nakano Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kota Sato Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Oxidative stress is associated with the degeneration of both motor neurons and skeletal muscles in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A free radical scavenger edaravone has been proven as a therapeutic drug for ALS patients, but the neuroprotective mechanism for the oxidative stress of ALS has not been fully investigated. In this study, we investigated oxidative stress in ALS model mice bearing both oxidative stress sensor nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and G93A-human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Nrf2/G93A) treated by edaravone. In vivo Nrf2 imaging analysis showed the accelerated oxidative stress both in spinal motor neurons and lower limb muscles of Nrf2/G93A mice according to disease progression in addition to the enhancement of serum oxidative stress marker dROMS. These were significantly alleviated by edaravone treatment accompanied by clinical improvements (rotarod test). The present study suggests that in vivo optical imaging of Nrf2 is useful for detecting oxidative stress in ALS, and edaravone alleviates the degeneration of both motor neurons and muscles related to oxidative stress in ALS patients. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2049-4173 7 3 2019 Very rare solitary primary peripheral nerve onset cytotoxic molecule-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) 146 149 EN Namiko Matsumoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kota Sato Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshiaki Takahashi Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuko Kawahara Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Jingwei Shang Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yasuyuki Ohta Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Maiko Sakamoto Department of Hematology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Eisei Kondou Department of Hematology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Rei Shibata Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tadashi Yoshino Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toshifumi Ozaki Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Here we present the first report of solitary primary peripheral nerve onset cytotoxic molecule (CM)-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) diagnosed after nerve biopsy. An 84-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) complained of asymmetric severe tenderness in her upper limbs. The biopsy pathology revealed a direct invasion of CM-positive PTCL. When RA patients complain of numbness, tenderness, or weakness, lymphomatic peripheral nerve invasion should be considered. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

NPG Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 9 1 2019 In vivo direct reprogramming of glial linage to mature neurons after cerebral ischemia 10956 EN Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Jingwei Shang Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yumiko Nakano Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kota Sato Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yasuyuki Ohta Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences The therapeutic effect of in vivo direct reprogramming on ischemic stroke has not been evaluated. In the present study, a retroviral solution (1.5-2.0 × 107 /ul) of mock pMX-GFP (n = 13) or pMX-Ascl1/Sox2/NeuroD1 (ASN) (n = 14) was directly injected into the ipsilateral striatum and cortex 3 days after 30 min of transient cerebral ischemia. The reprogrammed cells first expressed neuronal progenitor marker Dcx 7 and 21 days after viral injection, then expressed mature neuronal marker NeuN. This was accompanied by morphological changes, including long processes and synapse-like structures, 49 days after viral injection. Meanwhile, therapeutic improvement was not detected both in clinical scores or infarct volume. The present study provides a future novel self-repair strategy for ischemic stroke with beneficial modifications of the inducer-suppressor balance. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

IOS Press Acta Medica Okayama 1387-2877 68 4 2019 Acute Anti-Inflammatory Markers ITIH4 and AHSG in Mice Brain of a Novel Alzheimer's Disease Model 1667 1675 EN Xiaowen Shi Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Xia Liu Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Jingwei Shang Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yumiko Nakano Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tian Feng Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yong Huang Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kota Sato Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common dementia and a progressive neurodegenerative disorder aggravated by chronic hypoperfusion (HP). Since numerous evidence suggests that inflammation is related with AD pathology, we investigated the expression change of two anti-inflammatory markers, inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 (ITIH4) and alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein (AHSG), in a novel AD model (APP23) with HP at 12 month of age. As compared with wild type (WT, n = 10), immunohistochemical analysis showed a higher ITIH4 and a lower AHSG expressions in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus of the APP23 + HP group (n = 12) than the simple APP23 (n = 10) group (*p < 0.05 and **p < 0.01 versus WT; #p < 0.05 and # #p < 0.01 versus APP23). The present study provides an upregulation of anti-inflammatory ITIH4 and a downregulation of pro-inflammatory TNFα-dependent AHSG in a novel AD plus HP mice model. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2049-4173 7 3 2018 Multi‐modal combination therapy rescued a frequent ischemic stroke patient due to giant cell arteritis 132 135 EN Yoshiaki Takahashi Departments of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Kota Sato Departments of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Namiko Matsumoto Departments of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Yuko Kawahara Departments of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Taijun Yunoki Departments of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Jingwei Shang Departments of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Mami Takemoto Departments of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Nozomi Hishikawa Departments of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Yasuyuki Ohta Departments of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Toru Yamashita Departments of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Koji Abe Departments of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science Ischemic stroke (IS) due to giant cell arteritis (GCA) is rare, but highly mortal. Here, we report a 72-year-old man who showed frequent IS with GCA. Initial therapy with prednisolone increased the frequency of IS, which disappeared after continuous multi-modal combination therapy with corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, antiplatelets, and statin. The present case was discharged with independent walk, suggesting that a multi-modal combination therapy rescued the GCA patient from frequent IS. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 10523057 28 10 2019 Twendee X Ameliorates Phosphorylated Tau, α-Synuclein and Neurovascular Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease Transgenic Mice With Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion 104310 EN Xia Liu Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Jingwei Shang Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Xiaowen Shi Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yong Huang Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kota Sato Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yasuyuki Ohta Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University BACKGROUND: The pathological impact of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) on Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the role of CCH on an AD mouse model in phosphorylated tau and α-synuclein pathology, neurovascular unit, cerebrovascular remodeling, and neurovascular trophic coupling. Moreover, examined protective effect of a new antioxidant Twendee X (TwX). METHODS: APP23 mice were implanted to bilateral common carotid arteries stenosis with ameroid constrictors to gradually decrease the cerebral blood flow. The effects of the administration of TwX were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis and Immunofluorescent histochemistry. RESULTS: The present study revealed that the expressions of phospho-tau and phospho-α-synuclein were significantly increased in the APP23 + CCH mice group as compared with wild type and APP23 mice groups (*P < .05 and ⁎⁎P < .01 versus WT; #P < .05 and ##P < .01 versus APP23). In addition, CCH significantly exacerbated MMP-9 activation relating to blood-brain barrier destruction (⁎⁎P < .01 versus WT; #P < .05, and ##P < .01 versus APP23), enhanced neurovascular remodeling, and impaired a neurovascular trophic coupling in the vascular endothelial BDNF expression of the APP23 + CCH group. TwX treatment (20 mg/kg/day, from 4.5 to 12 months) significantly reduced tau and α-synuclein pathologies, ameliorated neurovascular dysfunction compared with APP23 + CCH group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that administration of a new antioxidative mixture TwX substantially reduced the above neuropathologic abnormalities, suggesting a potential therapeutic benefit of TwX for AD with CCH. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2049-4173 7 6 2019 A unique stroke case with contralateral sulcal hyperintensity on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery image changed to linear serpiginous structures 351 353 EN Yosuke Osakada Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshiaki Takahashi Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kota Sato Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Jingwei Shang Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yasuyuki Ohta Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University An 83-year-old man developed acute ischemic stroke. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed ischemic stroke in the left parietal lobe gyri, but fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) showed hyperintensity in the contralateral right temporal-occipital lobe sulci. Follow-up FLAIR image showed the gradual disappearance of the sulcal hyperintensity in the sulci and changed to linear serpiginous structures. This is a unique stroke case showing transitioned FLAIR findings suggesting that the sulcal hyperintensity findings are more severe and an earlier ischemic condition than the linear serpiginous structures. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2049-4173 7 4 2019 A pneumococcal meningoencephalitis with a small spleen 215 217 EN Keiichiro Tsunoda Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kota Sato Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiaki Takahashi Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Koh Tadokoro Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryo Sasaki Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Emi Nomura Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yasuyuki Ohta Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of bacterial meningitis usually in children or elder adults. We report a case of a 38-year-old man having pneumococcal meningoencephalitis with a small spleen (35 cm(3)), compared to seven previous patients with pneumococcal meningitis in our department. Among the eight patients, four cases were due to sinusitis, but the origin could not be identified in the other four cases, including the present case who was the youngest patient with the smallest splenic size. Of interest in the present analysis was the negative or positive correlation between splenic size and age, with or without sinusitis. This is the first report on pneumococcal meningoencephalitis that takes into consideration age, splenic size, and the origin of infection. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Taylor and Francis Acta Medica Okayama 0161-6412 41 11 2019 Yoga-plus exercise mix promotes cognitive, affective, and physical functions in elderly people 1001 1007 EN Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoriko Takahashi Department of Education, Nippon Ayurveda School Yusuke Fukui Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryo Tokuchi Department of Occupational Therapy, Okayama Institute for Medical and Technical Sciences Junichi Furusawa Department of Occupational Therapy, Mizunaga Rehabilitation Hospital Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kota Sato Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yasuyuki Ohta Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Objectives: Increased attention is being paid to Asian medicine in balanced total health care. We investigated the effects of mixed exercise including yoga ('Yoga-plus') among elderly individuals. Methods: A total of 385 subjects (72 males and 313 females, 75.5 ± 8.7 years old) participated in a 12-month (M) exercise program at a health and welfare center, a day service center, and a nursing home. Cognitive, affective, and physical functions, and activities of daily living (ADL), were compared at baseline (0M), 6M and 12M of exercise intervention. Results: Mean scores on the frontal assessment battery, clock drawing test, cube copying test, letter fluency, and category fluency significantly improved after the Yoga-plus intervention, while mini-mental state examination, Hasegawa dementia score-revised, and trail-making test performance were relatively stable. Affective scores on the geriatric depression scale (GDS), apathy scale (AS) and Abe's behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia were not significantly affected by exercise therapy, but subgroups with higher baseline GDS (GDS ≥ 5) and AS (AS ≥ 16) scores showed a significant improvement after intervention. One-leg standing time and 3-m timed up and go test performance significantly improved after 12M intervention. Discussion: Yoga-plus improved cognitive, affective, ADL, and physical functions in a local elderly population, particularly among below-baseline individuals, indicating the benefits of dementia prevention among elderly individuals. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 10523057 28 7 2019 Clinical and Pathological Benefit of Twendee X in Alzheimer's Disease Transgenic Mice with Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion 1993 2002 EN Xia Liu Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Jingwei Shang Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Xiaowen Shi Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yong Huang Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kota Sato Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yasuyuki Ohta Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University BACKGROUND: Multiple pathogeneses are involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD), such as amyloid-β accumulation, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. The pathological impact of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion on Alzheimer's disease is still poorly understood. METHODS: APP23 mice were implanted to bilateral common carotid arteries stenosis with ameroid constrictors for slowly progressive chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH). The effects of the administration of Twendee X (TwX) were evaluated by behavioral analysis, immunohistochemical analysis, and immunofluorescent histochemistry. RESULTS: In the present study, chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, which is commonly found in aged Alzheimer's disease, significantly exacerbated motor dysfunction of APP23 mice from 5 months and cognitive deficit from 8 months of age, as well as neuronal loss, extracellular amyloid-β plaque and intracellular oligomer formations, and amyloid angiopathy at 12 months. Severe upregulations of oxidative markers and inflammatory markers were found in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus at 12 months. Twendee X treatment (20 mg/kg/d, from 4.5 to 12 months) substantially rescued the cognitive deficit and reduced the above amyloid-β pathology and neuronal loss, alleviated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggested a potential therapeutic benefit of Twendee X for Alzheimer's disease with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 0022510X 400 2019 A unique Japanese CPEO family with a novel homozygous m.14819 T > G (p. S25A) substitution 145 147 EN Emi Nomura Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yasuyuki Ohta Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koh Tadokoro Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kota Sato Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryo Sasaki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshiaki Takahashi Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Nozomi Hishikawa Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yu-ichi Goto Medical Genome Center (MGC), Department of Mental Retardation and Birth Defect Research, National Institute of Neuroscience (NIN), National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry Koji Abe Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.