Exploratory Feasibility Study of Cerebral Cooling by Transpulmonary Cooling During Cardiac Arrest in a Swine Cardiac Arrest Model

Studies on targeted temperature management for postcardiac arrest syndrome have shown no difference in outcomes between normothermia and hypothermia in patients with postcardiac arrest brain injury. Therefore, further development of therapeutic methods for temperature control in cardiac arrest patients is desirable. Although animal studies have shown that inducing hypothermia during cardiac arrest improves outcomes, no clinically effective method has yet been reported. We investigated whether intra-arrest lung cooling (IALC) effectively lowers brain temperature. A device capable of cooling oxygen was developed. The pigs were subjected to cardiac arrest using the device, ventilated, cooled during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and resuscitated for 1 hour, with changes in brain temperature closely monitored. A device capable of cooling oxygen to -30°C was used to cool the lungs during cardiac arrest. Through this approach, IALC successfully reduced the brain temperature. Optimal cooling efficiency was observed when chest compressions and ventilation were synchronized at a ratio of 5:1, resulting in an approximate brain temperature reduction of 1.5°C/h. Our successful development of an oxygen-cooling device underscores the potential for lowering brain temperature through IALC using inhaled oxygen cooling.

Phase I study of the anti-TIGIT antibody tiragolumab in combination with atezolizumab in Japanese patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors

PURPOSE

Tiragolumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the inhibitory immune checkpoint TIGIT (T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains). In early phase clinical trials, tiragolumab in combination with the programmed death-ligand 1-inhibitor atezolizumab was well tolerated and has demonstrated preliminary anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors. We report the results of a phase I study of tiragolumab plus atezolizumab in Japanese patients (jRCT2080224926).

METHODS

Japanese patients ≥ 20 years old received tiragolumab (600 mg) and atezolizumab (1200 mg) intravenously every 21 days until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. Primary endpoints were safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of tiragolumab plus atezolizumab. Secondary endpoints were anti-tumor activity.

RESULTS

Three patients were enrolled with diagnoses of non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and cholangiocarcinoma. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. Two patients experienced treatment-related adverse events (AEs) of any grade. There were no grade ≥ 3 AEs, serious AEs, AEs leading to discontinuation, modification or withdrawal of any study drug, or AEs leading to death. At cycle 1, mean PK parameters of tiragolumab were as follows: Cmax 217 μg/mL; Cmin 54.9 μg/mL; area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to the last measurable concentration, 2000 μg·day/mL; t1/2, 17.6 days. Best overall response was stable disease in two patients.

CONCLUSION

Tiragolumab plus atezolizumab was well tolerated in Japanese patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors, and no differences in tiragolumab PK characteristics were noted between Japanese patients enrolled in this study, and non-Japanese patients enrolled in a global phase Ia/Ib study. These results may support the inclusion of Japanese patients in ongoing global phase III clinical trials.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

jRCT2080224926.

Maximum standardized uptake value in 11C-methionine positron emission tomography may predict the prognosis of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

The present study aimed to elucidate the correlation between the uptake of 11C-methionine (MET) by a primary tumor and the survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study enrolled 31 patients who underwent radical surgery for OSCC. The patients underwent pretreatment MET-positron emission tomography (PET) scanning. We analyzed correlations between the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of MET-PET in a primary tumor and the clinicopathological features. Further, we compared overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and loco-regional recurrence (LRR) rates between the two groups according to SUVmax of MET-PET. SUVmax of MET-PET in a primary tumor was higher in patients with advanced T-classification and advanced clinical stage, with significant differences (P = 0.001 and P = 0.016, respectively). The patients with SUVmax of MET-PET ≥ 4.4 showed significantly lower DSS rates and higher LRR rates than those with SUVmax of < 4.4 (P = 0.015 and P = 0.016, respectively). SUVmax of MET-PET and OS rates showed no significant correlation (P = 0.073). The present study revealed that SUVmax of MET-PET may predict clinical outcomes and prognosis in patients with OSCC who underwent radical surgery.

Rikkosan's Short-Term Analgesic Effect on Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Single-Arm Cohort Study

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic oral pain disorder. There is a theory that BMS is a form of nociplastic pain. A standard treatment for BMS has not yet been established. Kampo medicine is a traditional oriental medicine. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Rikkosan-a traditional Japanese herbal medicine (Kampo)-in the treatment of BMS. A single-center retrospective study was conducted on 20 patients who were diagnosed with BMS and treated with Rikkosan alone (total daily dose; 7.5 g) three times daily for approximately 4 weeks (29.5 ± 6.5 days). Rikkosan was dissolved in hot water and taken internally. They had an average age of 63 years, and 90% were being treated for other illnesses, but their medication status was the same during this study period, except for Rikkosan. No adverse events were observed in patients. Numerical rating scale (NRS) or visual analog scale (VAS)/10 scores decreased significantly between the time of the initiation of Rikkosan and one month after (-2.1 ± 1.2, p < 0.05). Rikkosan has a short-term effect of reducing NRS by two levels in BMS patients.

Long-term follow-up and exploratory analysis of lenvatinib in patients with metastatic or recurrent thymic carcinoma: Results from the multicenter, phase 2 REMORA trial

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this report was to detail the long-term follow-up data from the REMORA study, which investigated the safety and efficacy of lenvatinib in patients with thymic carcinoma. In addition, an exploratory analysis of the association between relative dose intensity (RDI) and the efficacy of lenvatinib is presented.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The single-arm, open-label, phase 2 REMORA study was conducted at eight Japanese institutions. Forty-two patients received oral lenvatinib 24 mg once daily in 4-week cycles until the occurrence of intolerable adverse events or disease progression. The REMORA long-term follow-up data were evaluated, including overall survival (OS). RDI was calculated by dividing the actual dose administered to the patient by the standard recommended dose. This trial is registered on JMACCT (JMA-IIA00285) and on UMIN-CTR (UMIN000026777).

RESULTS

The updated median OS was 28.3 months (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 17.1-34.0 months), and the OS rate at 36 months was 35.7 % (95 % CI: 21.7 %-49.9 %). When grouped by RDI of lenvatinib, the median OS was 38.5 months (95 % CI: 31.2-not estimable) in patients with ≥ 75 % RDI and 17.3 months (95 % CI: 13.4-26.2 months) in patients with < 75 % RDI (hazard ratio 0.46 [95 % CI: 0.22-0.98]; P = 0.0406) at 8 weeks. Patients who maintained their lenvatinib dose over 8 weeks had a higher objective response rate than patients whose doses were reduced (75.0 % vs 29.4 %; P = 0.0379). No new safety concerns or treatment-related deaths were reported, and lenvatinib had a tolerable safety profile.

CONCLUSION

This follow-up report updated OS in patients with metastatic or recurrent thymic carcinoma. A higher RDI of lenvatinib at 8 weeks could be associated with improved outcomes.

Expression analysis of zinc-metabolizing enzymes in the saliva as a new method of evaluating zinc content in the body: two case reports and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

The activity level of alkaline phosphatase, a zinc-requiring enzyme in the serum, is used to indicate zinc nutritional status; however, it does not correlate with serum zinc levels or subjective symptoms of taste disorder in many cases. Hence, this study focused on the total activity of alkaline phosphatase, a zinc-requiring enzyme. The total alkaline phosphatasa activity level in the saliva was measured before and after zinc supplementation, and the results were compared with serum zinc levels.

CASE PRESENTATION

This study included patients with hypozincemia, specifically a patient with zinc-deficient taste disorder (patient 1: a 69-year-old Japanese woman) and a patient with glossodynia with zinc deficiency (patient 2: an 82-year-old Japanese woman). Saliva samples were collected, and blood tests were performed before and after zinc supplementation. Subjective symptoms and serum zinc levels were simultaneously evaluated. Zinc supplementation was performed using zinc acetate hydrate or Polaprezinc.

CONCLUSIONS

Total alkaline phosphatase activity levels were found to be associated with serum zinc levels and subjective symptoms. A further study with a higher number of patients is necessary to confirm whether total alkaline phosphatase activity levels more accurately reflect the amounts of zinc in the body than serum zinc levels.

Stability of standardized uptake values for quantitative bone SPECT for jawbone lesions: a single-center cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The long time required for bone uptake of radiopharmaceutical material after injection for bone scintigraphy is a burden for patients with poor health. Thus, to assess whether the uptake time could be reduced for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) of the jawbone, this study evaluated differences in maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) within patients using SPECT imaging at 2 and 3 hours after radiopharmaceutical injection.

METHODS

A total of 33 patients undergoing treatment or in post-treatment follow-up for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, who visited our hospital between July 2020 and August 2021 and could receive SPECT twice on the same day, were enrolled in the study. Patients were injected with technetium-99 m hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (Tc-99 m HMDP) intravenously. The SUVmax for healthy parietal bones and jawbone lesions were calculated from the SPECT images using quantitative analysis software, and the SUVmax were compared between 2- and 3-hour uptake times.

RESULTS

After exclusion, 30 patients were included in the study. In the 2-hour and 3-hour images, the median SUVmax of the parietal bones were 1.90 and 1.81, respectively, and those of the jawbone lesions were 9.25 and 9.39, respectively. The limits of agreement (LOA) ranged from - 0.33 to 0.25 in the parietal bones, and the %LOA ranged from - 9.8 to 17.3% in the jawbone lesions, showing high equivalence between the two uptake durations. The SUVmax showed no clinical differences between the 2- and 3-hour uptake durations for Tc-99 m HMDP SPECT of the jawbone.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study justify a 2-3-hour uptake window when performing quantitative SPECT of the jawbone. Therefore, the minimum uptake time can potentially be reduced to only 2 hours.

Feasibility of an Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Tool for Screening Distress and Supportive Care Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

Purpose: Although adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients are digital natives and have high digital communication needs, previous studies of screening tools for AYAs have primarily used paper when measuring patient-reported outcomes (PROs). There are no reports on using an electronic PRO (ePRO) screening tool with AYAs. This study evaluated the feasibility of such a tool in clinical settings, and assessed the prevalence of AYAs' distress and supportive care needs. Methods: An ePRO tool based on the Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DTPL)-Japanese (DTPL-J) version for AYAs was implemented in a clinical setting for 3 months. To determine the prevalence of distress and need for supportive care, descriptive statistics were calculated for participant characteristics, selected items, and Distress Thermometer (DT) scores. Response rates, referral rates to an attending physician and other experts, and time required to complete PRO tools were assessed to evaluate feasibility. Results: From February to April 2022, 244 (93.8%) of 260 AYAs completed the ePRO tool based on the DTPL-J for AYAs. Based on a DT cutoff of ≥5, 65 of 244 patients (26.6%) had high distress. Worry (n = 81, 33.2%) was the most frequently selected item. Primary nurses referred 85 (32.7%) patients to an attending physician or other experts. The referral rate resulting from ePRO screening was significantly higher than that after PRO screening (χ2(1) = 17.99, p < 0.001). The average response time did not differ significantly between ePRO and PRO screening (p = 0.252). Conclusion: This study suggests the feasibility of an ePRO tool based on the DTPL-J for AYAs.

Usefulness of the hybrid technique of interventional radiology and endoscopic treatment for intestinal bleeding after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a case report

Introduction and importance

In endovascular treatment of ruptured pseudoaneurysm after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with gastrointestinal bleeding, treatment for vasospasm of the culprit vessel from haemorrhagic shock and subsequent reperfusion has not been determined before.

Case presentation

The authors hereby present you with a case of a 59-year-old man with unknown operative method upon arrival at the Emergecy room and who had hematemesis and collapse 6 months post-PD surgery.

Clinical discussion

An initial contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed no obvious source of bleeding, so an upper gastrointestinal endoscope was performed. Rebleeding occurred during the examination, and interventional radiology was performed because haemostasis was difficult. Coil embolization was performed for leakage of contrast material from the gastroduodenal artery stump into the gastrointestinal tract. However, because the embolization was uncertain due to vasospasm of the common hepatic artery, endoscopic clipping of the perforation site was also performed to prevent rebleeding due to reperfusion after improvement of vasospasm. A CT scan 5 days later showed reperfusion of the coil-implanted vessel. No rebleeding or hepatic infarction occurred postoperatively.

Conclusion

In this case, the haemostasis by coil embolization was uncertain due to the presence of vasospasm, and clipping was used in combination with the procedure to prevent rebleeding.

Upfront Multiplex Gene Test Helps Prolong Survival in Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Detection of genetic abnormalities is crucial for selecting an appropriate therapy to effectively treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Multiplex genetic testing aids the selection of appropriate therapy and tailored treatments; however, its impact on survival remains unexplored.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using data from 112 patients with advanced or recurrent NSCLC between February 2020 and April 2023, we investigated the impact of multiplex genetic tests, conducted before the initiation of systemic therapy, on survival.

RESULTS

Multiplex genetic test was performed on 72 patients (MPL group). Among the remaining 40 patients (non-MPL group), 18 underwent ≥1 single-plex genetic test, including tests for EGFR (18), ALK (14), and ROS1 (8). The frequency of EGFR mutations in the MPL and non-MPL groups was similar (28% and 25%, respectively), whereas alterations in KRAS, ALK, MET, HER2, and RET levels (5, 4, 4, 4, and 1, respectively) were exclusively detected in the MPL group. The MPL group exhibited a significantly improved survival rate compared to the non-MPL group (median survival time 20.6 vs. 9.3 months, p=0.009).

CONCLUSION

Multiplex genetic testing, before the initiation of systemic treatment, could potentially enhance prognosis by uncovering a wide range of non-EGFR gene abnormalities. Multiplex genetic tests could be crucial for the effective application of modern anticancer therapeutic strategies.

Genotypes and virulence-related activities of Candida albicans derived from oral cavity of patients in Hokkaido

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to elucidate the difference in virulence of Candida albicans derived from oral candidiasis and non-oral candidiasis patients, and its genotype differences in Hokkaido to obtain a clue of a platform to develop new approaches for diagnosis and treatment.

DESIGN

C. albicans strains were collected from patients who visited the Hokkaido University Hospital Dental Center. Each strain was examined to i) identify the Candida albicans genotype by PCR, ii) measure the strain's extracellular secretory enzyme activity, iii) determine the strain's ability to induce the production of interleukin-8, and iv) determine the strain's ability to induce cell death.

RESULTS

Certain virulence-related protease activities and cytotoxicity were higher in strains derived from patients with oral candidiasis compared with strains derived from patients without oral candidiasis. This is the first report on genotypes and the virulence-related activities, such as some protease secretion, IL-8 induction and cytotoxicity of C. albicans in Hokkaido.

CONCLUSIONS

The virulence-related activities of the fungal strain may influence the pathogenesis of oral candidiasis, such as production of secreted aspartyl protease and cytotoxicity. In addition, C. albicans genotype C may be important for pathogenicity in Hokkaido, because the ratio of genotype C was increased in strains derived from oral candidiasis patients.

Effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease: a prespecified secondary analysis from the empa-kidney trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. However, their effects on kidney disease progression in some patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear because few clinical kidney outcomes occurred among such patients in the completed trials. In particular, some guidelines stratify their level of recommendation about who should be treated with SGLT2 inhibitors based on diabetes status and albuminuria. We aimed to assess the effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease both overall and among specific types of participants in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA), and included individuals aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or with an eGFR of 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher. We explored the effects of 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily versus placebo on the annualised rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR slope), a tertiary outcome. We studied the acute slope (from randomisation to 2 months) and chronic slope (from 2 months onwards) separately, using shared parameter models to estimate the latter. Analyses were done in all randomly assigned participants by intention to treat. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and then followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroups of eGFR included 2282 (34·5%) participants with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, 2928 (44·3%) with an eGFR of 30 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, and 1399 (21·2%) with an eGFR 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or higher. Prespecified subgroups of uACR included 1328 (20·1%) with a uACR of less than 30 mg/g, 1864 (28·2%) with a uACR of 30 to 300 mg/g, and 3417 (51·7%) with a uACR of more than 300 mg/g. Overall, allocation to empagliflozin caused an acute 2·12 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (95% CI 1·83-2·41) reduction in eGFR, equivalent to a 6% (5-6) dip in the first 2 months. After this, it halved the chronic slope from -2·75 to -1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (relative difference 50%, 95% CI 42-58). The absolute and relative benefits of empagliflozin on the magnitude of the chronic slope varied significantly depending on diabetes status and baseline levels of eGFR and uACR. In particular, the absolute difference in chronic slopes was lower in patients with lower baseline uACR, but because this group progressed more slowly than those with higher uACR, this translated to a larger relative difference in chronic slopes in this group (86% [36-136] reduction in the chronic slope among those with baseline uACR <30 mg/g compared with a 29% [19-38] reduction for those with baseline uACR ≥2000 mg/g; ptrend<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Empagliflozin slowed the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease among all types of participant in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, including those with little albuminuria. Albuminuria alone should not be used to determine whether to treat with an SGLT2 inhibitor.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly.

Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial

BACKGROUND

The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62-0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16-1·59), representing a 50% (42-58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1).

INTERPRETATION

In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council.

Successful Therapeutic Hypothermia in a Patient with Drug-Induced J Waves and Cardiac Arrest: A Case Report

A 50-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with hypotension and bradycardia after receiving high doses of atenolol, amlodipine, and etizolam. He had a drug-induced J wave on electrocardiography and subsequently underwent cardiac arrest. The patient was successfully rescued by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and a good neurological outcome was achieved with therapeutic hypothermia (TH). In patients with J waves, TH is thought to increase the J waves and cause fatal arrhythmias, but in this case, rapid cooling with VA-ECMO allowed the patient to successfully complete TH.

Pathogenic Germline Variants in BRCA1/2 and p53 Identified by Real-world Comprehensive Cancer Genome Profiling Tests in Asian Patients

Cancer genome profiling (CGP) occasionally identifies pathogenic germline variants (PGV) in cancer susceptibility genes (CSG) as secondary findings. Here, we analyzed the prevalence and clinical characteristics of PGVs based on nationwide real-world data from CGP tests in Japan. We analyzed the genomic information and clinical characteristics of 23,928 patients with solid cancers who underwent either tumor-only (n = 20,189) or paired tumor-normal (n = 3,739) sequencing CGP tests between June 2019 and December 2021 using the comprehensive national database. We assigned clinical significance for all variants and highlighted the prevalence and characteristics of PGVs. Our primary analysis of the tumor-normal sequencing cohort revealed that 152 patients (4.1%) harbored PGVs in 15 CSGs. Among 783 germline variants, 113 were annotated as PGVs, 70 as benign variants, and 600 as variants of uncertain significance. The number of PGVs identified was highest in BRCA1/2, with 56, followed by TP53, with 18. PGVs were the most prevalent in ovarian and peritoneal cancers, including among cancer types common in Asia. In the tumor-only sequencing cohort, of the 5,184 pathogenic somatic variants across 26 CSGs, 784 (15.1%) were extracted according to the European Society for Medical Oncology recommendations for germline-focused tumor analysis. The prevalence of PGVs was similar to that previously reported in Europe and the United States. This is the largest analysis based on real-world tumor-normal sequencing tests in Asia. The more widespread use of the tumor-normal sequencing CGP test could be reasonable for evaluating PGVs.

SIGNIFICANCE

We analyzed real-world data from over 23,000 patients in Japan, revealing 4.1% harbored PGVs, particularly in BRCA1/2 and TP53, in CSGs. It highlights the prevalence of PGVs in Asian populations and supports the broader adoption of tumor-normal sequencing CGP tests for PGV evaluation.

[Usefulness of an Epidural Catheter with a Subcutaneous Port for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Pain Which Was Difficult to Manage with Opioids-A Case Report]

A 56-year-old woman was diagnosed with advanced rectal cancer, with tumor invasion to the sacrum and levator muscle of the anus and multiple lymph node metastasis. After construction of an artificial anus, chemotherapy was started. However, tumor invasion and the cancer pain progressed. Finally, she was hospitalized for pain control; an anesthesiologist planned to insert an epidural catheter. The epidural catheter was placed at the L5-S1 interspace, and continuous administration of 0.2% ropivacaine was started. Cancer pain in the buttocks improved quickly. Therefore, an epidural catheter with a subcutaneous port was placed to prevent catheter-related infection after a long period. The postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged from the hospital on the 10th day postoperatively. She could receive home medical care and pain control treatment in an outpatient clinic. Finally, she died due to progression of the rectal cancer, 3 months after placement of the epidural catheter with the subcutaneous port. Some patients with advanced rectal cancer develop cancer pain even though they are sufficiently treated with opioids or palliative radiation therapy. Here, we describe the case of a patient with locally advanced rectal cancer, treated with an epidural catheter with a subcutaneous port for cancer pain that was difficult to manage with opioids alone.

Impaired consciousness and unilateral limb movement due to acute limb ischemia complicated by acute cerebral infarction: A case report

RATIONALE

The symptoms of impaired consciousness and unilateral motor impairments are a perfect scenario for cerebral infarction, and a physician can easily miss the findings of limb ischemia on the patient paralyzed side even if acute limb ischemia (ALI) occurs on that side. The purpose of this case report is to reiterate the need to suspect ALI in patients with impaired consciousness who cannot complain of symptoms such as abnormal limb paresthesia or pain.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 89-year-old woman with impaired consciousness and motor impairment of the left upper and lower extremities was transported to our hospital.

DIAGNOSES

Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a suspected cerebral infarction in the posterior circulation; contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed occlusion of the left axillary artery and left femoral artery; and ultrasonography showed occlusion of the right popliteal artery.

INTERVENTIONS

Cerebral angiography was performed simultaneously with surgical thrombectomy to treat the ALI. Mechanical thrombectomy was not performed for cerebral infarction.

OUTCOMES

Although motor impairment of the left upper and lower extremities persisted, the patient successfully underwent limb salvage.

LESSONS

Both cerebral infarction and ALI require early diagnosis and treatment. This rare case of cerebral infarction complicated by ALI emphasizes the need to avoid missing the signs of ALI in patients with impaired consciousness.

Biocontrol of Salmonella Typhimurium in milk, lettuce, raw pork meat and ready-to-eat steamed-chicken breast by using a novel bacteriophage with broad host range

Salmonella spp., one of the most frequently reported bacteria, causes foodborne illness and economic losses. Due to the threat of increasing antibiotic resistant foodborne pathogens, application of bacteriophages as novel antibacterial agents in food matrices has become an emerging strategy. In this study, a novel Salmonella phage PS3-1 with high lytic activity against Salmonella Typhimurium was identified from previously isolated phages. PS3-1 belonged to the class Caudoviricetes with a broad host range, and had relatively short latent period (15 min), large burst size (92 PFU/cell), high pH stability (pH 3.0-11.0) and thermal tolerance (4-60 °C). Genome sequencing analysis showed that PS3-1 genome consisted of 107,110 bp DNA, without antibiotic resistance and virulence related genes. The results of growth curve and time-kill assay showed that PS3-1 not only inhibited the growth of S. Typhimurium, but also effectively decreased the viable cell counts (0.30-4.72 log) after 24-h incubation at 7, 25 and 37 °C (P < 0.05). Moreover, >1.28 log of established biofilm cells were effectively removed after 24-h treatment with PS3-1. Besides, PS3-1 significantly reduced the viability of S. Typhimurium in milk, lettuce, raw pork meat and ready-to-eat steamed-chicken breast at different temperatures (P < 0.05). These results demonstrated that PS3-1 may be an excellent antibacterial agent for controlling S. Typhimurium in food industry.

The effect of 1-hydroxy-vitamin D treatment in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 1-hydroxy-vitamin D on the prevention of severe disease and mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 312 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to our hospital between April 2021 and October 2021 (primarily the Delta variant) and between July 2022 and September 2022 (primarily Omicron variant). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured at the time of admission and 1-hydroxy-vitamin D was prescribed by the treating physicians. The patients were divided into two groups: those administered 1-hydroxy-vitamin D (Vit D group) and those who were not (control group). The composite primary endpoint was the need for additional respiratory support, including high-flow oxygen therapy or invasive mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital mortality rate.

RESULTS

Of 312 patients, 122 (39%) received 1-hydroxy-vitamin D treatment. Although the median age was not significantly higher in the Vit D group than in the control group (66 vs. 58 years old, P = 0.06) and there was no significant difference in the proportion of vitamin D deficiency (defined as serum 25(OH)D level less than 20 ng/mL, 77% vs. 65%, P = 0.07), patients in the control group had a more severe baseline profile compared to the Vit D group according to the Japanese disease severity definition for COVID-19 (P = 0.01). The proportion of those requiring more respiratory support and in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the Vit D group than in the control group (6% vs. 14%, P = 0.01 log-rank test). After propensity score matching, a statistically significant difference in the primary endpoint was observed (P = 0.03 log-rank test).

CONCLUSIONS

1-hydroxy-vitamin treatment may improve outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, reducing composite outcomes including the need for additional respiratory support and in-hospital mortality.

Potential relationship between the dosage of prednisolone and delayed healing at tooth extraction: A retrospective study

Background/purpose

Delayed healing of the extraction socket is not uncommon when tooth extraction is performed on patients taking prednisolone. This study aimed to identify specific dosage of prednisolone and factors associated with delayed healing of the extraction socket in patients taking prednisolone.

Materials and methods

This single-center retrospective study included 80 patients who underwent tooth extraction under local anesthesia and were taking prednisolone orally. Patients were divided into the nondelayed healing group (n = 50) and delayed healing group (n = 30), and their background and dosage of prednisolone were compared.

Results

The dosage of prednisolone was significantly higher in the delayed healing group than in the nondelayed healing group. A receiver operating characteristics curve analysis resulted in moderate accuracy when the cutoff value was set at 8.0, with 67% sensitivity, 76% specificity, and 0.765 area under the curve. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that prednisolone dosage >8.0 mg/day (odds ratio [OR], 10.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.79-41.6) and osteosclerotic changes beyond the alveolar bone around the tooth to be extracted (OR, 10.3; 95% CI, 2.81-37.8) in X-ray imaging had significant effects on delayed healing.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggested that delayed healing following tooth extractions in patients taking prednisolone was related to a dosage of 8.0 mg/day or higher and osteosclerotic changes.

Tracheobronchitis and laryngitis associated with Crohn's disease

We report a 68-year-old woman with tracheobronchitis and laryngitis associated with Crohn's disease (CD), which was discovered during the evaluation of suspected lung cancer. She had no symptoms induced by these upper airway diseases (UADs). Bronchoscopy revealed swelling of the epiglottis with edematous change and a mass like epiglottis fold. There were nodular and edematous changes in the trachea and bilateral main bronchus. Histological findings demonstrated infiltration by numerous lymphocytes and plasma cells. Dexamethasone as the premedication for chemotherapy against lung cancer was efficacious for these extraintestinal manifestations of CD. Our case was rare in that bronchial lesion and UADs appeared concomitantly.

Travel Time and Distance and Participation in Precision Oncology Trials at the National Cancer Center Hospital

Importance

Genotype-matched trials, which are becoming increasingly important in the precision oncology era, require referrals from institutions providing comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) testing to those conducting these trials, and the travel burden for trial participation is significant. However, it remains unknown whether travel time or distance are associated with genotype-matched trial participation.

Objective

To assess whether travel time or distance are associated with disparities in genotype-matched trial participation following CGP testing.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study from June 2020 to June 2022 included patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors referred to the National Cancer Center Hospital for participation in genotype-matched trials following CGP testing and discussion by molecular tumor boards. Data were analyzed from June to October 2022.

Exposures

Travel time and distance.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary and secondary outcomes were enrollment in genotype-matched trials and all-cancer clinical trials, respectively.

Results

Of 1127 patients (mean [range] age, 62 [16-85] years; 584 women [52%]; all residents of Japan), 127 (11%) and 241 (21%) were enrolled in genotype-matched trials and all-cancer clinical trials, respectively. The overall median (IQR) travel distance and time were 38 (21-107) km and 55 (35-110) minutes, respectively. On multivariable regression with 23 covariates, travel distance (≥100 km vs <100 km) was not associated with the likelihood of genotype-matched trial participation (26 of 310 patients [8%] vs 101 of 807 patients [12%]; odds ratio [OR], 0.64; 95% CI, 0.40-1.02), whereas in patients with travel time of 120 minutes or more, the likelihood of genotype-matched trial participation was significantly lower than those with travel time less than 120 minutes (19 of 276 patients [7%] vs 108 of 851 patients [13%]; OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.29-0.84). The likelihood of genotype-matched trial participation decreased as travel time increased from less than 40 (38 of 283 patients [13%]) to 40 to 120 (70 of 568 patients [12%]) and 120 or more (19 of 276 patients [7%]) minutes (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.48-1.17; OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22-0.74, respectively). Neither travel time nor distance were associated with the likelihood of all-cancer clinical trial participation.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients undergoing CGP testing, an increased travel time was associated with a decreased likelihood of genotype-matched trial participation. This warrants further research on interventions, such as decentralization of clinical trials to mitigate travel burden.