Effects of mammary cancer and chemotherapy on neuroimmunological markers and memory function in a preclinical mouse model

Treatment modalities for breast cancer, including cyclophosphamide chemotherapy, have been associated with the development of cognitive decline (CRCD), which is characterized by impairments in memory, concentration, attention, and executive functions. We and others have identified a link between inflammation and decreased cognitive performance in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. In order to better understand the inflammation-associated molecular changes within the brain related to tumor alone or in combination with chemotherapy, we orthotopically implanted mouse mammary tumors (E0771) into female C57BL/6 mice and administered clinically relevant doses of cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin intravenously at weekly intervals for four weeks. We measured serum cytokines and markers of neuroinflammation at 48 h and up to one month post-treatment and tested memory using a reward-based delayed spatial alternation paradigm. We found that breast tumors and chemotherapy altered systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation. We further found that the presence of tumor and chemotherapy led to a decline in memory over time at the longest delay, when memory was the most taxed, compared to shorter delay times. These findings in a clinically relevant mouse model shed light on possible biomarkers for CRCD and add to the growing evidence that anti-inflammatory strategies have the potential to mitigate cancer- or treatment-related side effects.

Adjusting the RAPID score with 2 additional variables significantly increases its predictive value in patients with empyema

Pleural empyema is a serious condition leading to a significant burden on health care systems due to protracted hospitalisations. Treatment ranges from non-surgical interventions such as antibiotic therapy and chest tube placement to thoracoscopic or open surgery. Various risk factors which impact outcomes have been investigated. The RAPID (renal, age, purulence, infection source, and dietary factors) score is a clinical risk score which identifies patients at risk of death and may be used to formulate individual treatment strategies accordingly. All patients undergoing surgical interventions for empyema at a major tertiary medical centre in Germany from 2017 to 2020 were analysed. The aim was to identify perioperative risk factors which significantly impact treatment outcomes but are currently not included in the RAPID score. 245 patients with pleural empyema surgically treated at the Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery at the University Medical Centre, Hamburg, Germany (admitted from January 2017 to April 2020) were retrospectively analysed. All patients which received either minimally invasive or open thoracic surgery were included. Epidemiological as well as perioperative data was analysed to identify risk factors which impact long-term overall outcomes. 90-day mortality rate was the primary endpoint. The mean age was 59.4 years with a bimodal distribution. There was a male predominance across the cohort (71.4% compared to 28.6%), with no significant differences across ages below or above 60 years. 53 (21.6%) patients died within the first 90 days. Diabetes type 1 and 2, renal replacement therapy, immunosuppression, postoperative bleeding, intraoperative transfusion as well as microbiologically confirmed bacterial invasion of the pleura all led to higher mortality rates. Higher RAPID scores accurately predicted higher 90-day mortality rates. Modifying the RAPID score by adding the comorbidities diabetes and renal replacement therapy significantly increased the predictive value of the score. We demonstrated various perioperative and patient related risk-factors not included in the RAPID score which negatively impact postoperative outcome in patients receiving surgical treatment for pleural empyema. These should be taken into consideration when deciding on the best course of treatment. If confirmed in a prospective study including non-surgical patients with a significantly larger cohort, it may be worth considering expanding the RAPID score to include these.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on long-term survival after transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents a notable risk factor after surgical and interventional procedures but data on the influence of DM on long-term survival after Transcatheter Edge-to-edge Repair (TEER) for Mitral valve Regurgitation (MR) are sparse.

Purpose

To compare the outcome of patients with and without DM after TEER.

Methods

Retrospective monocentric assessment of patients after successful treatment of MR by TEER (exclusion of combined forms of transcatheter repair) between 06/2010 and 03/2018. Patients were stratified for DM at baseline and observed regarding mortality during follow-up. Cox regression analyses were performed for survival analyses.

Results

627 patients (47.0% females, 88.2% aged ≥70 years) and among these 174 subjects with DM (27.3%) were included with a median follow-up period of 486 days [IQR 157–916 days]). Within the investigation period, 20 patients (3.2%) were lost to follow-up. Patients with DM more often presented severe comorbidities like obesity (27.3% vs. 9.2%, p<0.001), arterial hypertension (91.4% vs. 83.7%, p=0.013), renal insufficiency (63.8% vs. 43.9%, p<0.001), coronary artery disease (77.0% vs. 59.8%, p<0.001) or peripheral artery disease (14.4% vs. 8.4%, p=0.026) and had a higher median logistic Euroscore I (29.4% [20.0/43.0] vs. 25.0% [16.7/36.6], p=0.001) as well as reduced systolic function (LVEF 35% [30/50] vs. 45% [30/55], p<0.001). No statistical differences in short- and long-term survival were detected between patients with and without DM (in-hospital mortality 1.7 vs. 2.6%, p=0.771; at 30-days 5.0 vs. 6.0%, p=0.842, 1-year 28.7 vs. 25.0%, p=0.419, 3-years 49.2 vs. 44.1%, p=0.554, 5-years 69.0 vs. 68.3%, p=0.497). By calculating cox regression analyses, DM was not predictive for a higher mortality, even after adjustment for other risk factors (HR 1-year 1.17 [95% CI 0.80–1.71], p=0.419; HR long-term 1.13 [95% CI 0.86–1.49], p=0.373) in the total cohort, as well as after stratification for the underlying mitral valve pathology (functional MR: 1-year HR 0.99 [95% CI 0.01–1.62], p=0.969, long-term HR 0.903 [95% CI 0.63–1.29, p=0.571; primary MR: 1-year HR 1.48 [95% CI 0.66–3.35, p=0.344, long-term HR1.66 [95% CI 0.89–3.09], p=0.110).

Conclusions

Even though DM-patients presented with a more vulnerable clinical profile, no relevant differences in short- and long-term mortality after TEER for MR were found. Although being factored in most common risk scores, DM could not be associated with an adverse prognosis after transcatheter therapy of MR.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Impact of tricuspid valve regurgitation severity and its secondary reduction on long-term survival after transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair

Background

Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) is a frequent heart valve disorder affecting 1–2% of the humans in the general population and over 10% of the individuals older than 75 years. While a symptomatic and prognostic benefit of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for MR (TMVR) was reported, data regarding long-term outcome as well as influence of concomitant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are sparse.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the impact of periinterventional development of TR on survival of patients undergoing interventional edge-to-edge repair for MR in a large retrospective monocentric study.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed survival of patients successfully treated with isolated edge-to-edge repair for MR from 06/2010–03/2018 (exclusion of combined forms of TMVR) in our center. Baseline, periprocedural as well as follow-up data were gathered. Concomitant TR was evaluated at baseline and after 30 days and categorized from grades 0 (no TR) to grade III (severe TR). We analyzed the influence of severe vs. non-severe TR on 30-day, 1-year and long-term survival.

Results

Overall, 627 consecutive patients (47.0% female, 57.4% functional MR) were enrolled. Median follow-up time was 462 days [IQR 142–945]. Survival status was available in 96.7%. Survival rates were 97.6% at discharge, 75.7% after 1, 54.5% after 3, 37.6% after 5 and 21.7% after 7 years.

TR at baseline (examination results were available in 92.3%) was categorized as severe TR in 25.6%, medium TR in 33.3%, mild TR in 35.1% and no TR in 6.0%. TR at 1 month (examination results were available in 81.1%) was severe in 16.7%, medium in 30.2%, mild in 45.6% and no TR was found in 7.4%; improvement by at least 1 TR-grade was documented in 33.6% of the patients.

While a severe (compared to non-severe) TR at baseline did not affect the 30-day mortality (7.4% vs. 5.2%, p=0.354), 1-year survival was substantially impaired in those patients (36.5% vs. 23.0%, p=0.012). Accordingly, severe TR was not associated with 30d-mortality (as evaluated by univariate Cox regression, p=0.340), but with 1-year survival (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.19–2.65, p=0.005) and showed a trend towards impaired long-term survival (HR 1.30, 95% CI 0.96–1.76, p=0.089).

While residual severe TR at one month did not influence 1-year-mortality significantly (p=0.478), improvement of TR demonstrated a trend to better survival after the first year (86.9 vs. 81.0%, p=0.208) confirmed in the Cox regression analysis (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.36–1.22, p=0.188).

Conclusions

In this large retrospective monocentric study with a long-term follow-up-period of >7 years after edge-to-edge therapy for MR, we demonstrated that severe TR at the time of the intervention had an impact on 1-year-survival. Furthermore, a missing periinterventional improvement of TR was shown to be unfavorable regarding the long-term survival of these patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Basal cell carcinoma risk and solar UV exposure in occupationally relevant anatomic sites: do histological subtype, tumor localization and Fitzpatrick phototype play a role? A population-based case-control study

Background

A two-fold risk increase to develop basal cell carcinoma was seen in outdoor workers exposed to high solar UV radiation compared to controls. However, there is an ongoing discussion whether histopathological subtype, tumor localization and Fitzpatrick phototype may influence the risk estimates.

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of histological subtype, tumor localization and Fitzpatrick phototype on the risk to develop basal cell carcinoma in highly UV-exposed cases and controls compared to those with moderate or low solar UV exposure.

Methods

Six hundred forty-three participants suffering from incident basal cell carcinoma in commonly sun-exposed anatomic sites (capillitium, face, lip, neck, dorsum of the hands, forearms outside, décolleté) of a population-based, case-control, multicenter study performed from 2013 to 2015 in Germany were matched to controls without skin cancer. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted stratified for histological subtype, phototype 1/2 and 3/4. Dose-response curves adjusted for age, age², sex, phototype and non-occupational UV exposure were calculated.

Results

Participants with high versus no (OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.24–3.50; p = 0.006) or versus moderate (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.15–3.65; p = 0.015) occupational UV exposure showed a more than two-fold significantly increased risk to develop BCC in commonly UV-exposed body sites. Multivariate regression analysis did not show an influence of phototype or histological subtype on risk estimates. The restriction of the analysis to BCC cases in commonly sun-exposed body sites did not influence the risk estimates. The occupational UV dosage leading to a 2-fold increased basal cell carcinoma risk was 6126 standard erythema doses.

Conclusion

The risk to develop basal cell carcinoma in highly occupationally UV-exposed skin was doubled consistently, independent of histological subtype, tumor localization and Fitzpatrick phototype.

SAT-080 Dexamethasone Administration Stimulates Acute Increases in Natriuretic Peptides in Humans: A Potential Diagnostic Test for "Natriuretic Peptide Hormone Deficiency"?

Background: Animal models and human genetic investigations suggest that lower levels of natriuretic peptides (NP), which are cardiac-derived hormones, are associated with the development of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. However, whether lower resting NP levels in humans reflect a true hormone deficiency (analogous to other hormone deficiencies like adrenal insufficiency) is unknown, in part, because a diagnostic test for NP deficiency is currently lacking. One strategy for developing a diagnostic test for NP deficiency is to identify a stimulus that provokes an increase in NP concentrations. Dexamethasone is a potent stimulus for NP production in animals, but its effect on NP levels in humans is not well defined. Objective: We sought to define the effects of dexamethasone on circulating NPs over time in healthy humans. We hypothesized that dexamethasone would stimulate increases in NP levels, and that we could characterize the magnitude and timing of the changes as a primary step toward developing a diagnostic test for NP deficiency. Methods: 10 healthy, lean women (mean age 28 + 5 years, mean BMI 22.5 + 1.6 kg/m²) received a single 4 mg IV dose of dexamethasone after an overnight fast. Plasma levels of N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP) and N-terminal pro- b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were serially measured during 2 time periods following dexamethasone: 1) “Acute Phase”: 0-8 hours, and 2) “Extended Phase”: at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Changes in NPs were analyzed using a piecewise random effects model for the 2 time periods. Results: During the Acute Phase after dexamethasone, a biphasic change in NT-proANP was observed (nonlinear, p<0.001). Median NT-proANP initially increased, with a peak increase of 24% occurring at 2.5 hours, and thereafter decreased until 8 hours (to 21% below baseline). During the “Extended Phase,” NT-proANP levels rebounded (p<0.001) and returned to near baseline by 72 hours. Next, median NT-proBNP increased during the Acute Phase (p= 0.016), with a peak increase of 27% occurring at 8 hours, and subsequently declined during the Extended Phase (p= 0.04) to a median value 24% lower than baseline at 72 hours. Discussion: Dexamethasone appears to acutely stimulate NP production in humans, as evidenced by an initial increase, followed by a subsequent decline, in circulating NP levels. The time course differs between NT-proANP and NT-proBNP, with NT-proANP peaking earlier than NT-proBNP. These pilot data may inform larger studies for establishing population norms for the NP response to glucocorticoids and evaluating whether a NP stimulation test with glucocorticoids may be a useful test for diagnosing NP deficiency.

What predicts the outcome in patients with intestinal ischemia? A single center experience

BACKGROUND

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is associated with a mortality of 60-80%. Early diagnosis and rapid treatment have a decisive influence on therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of AMI markers on mortality, in order to better anticipate the clinical course and to initiate therapeutic steps at an early stage.

STUDY DESIGN

An analysis from our prospective database of 302 consecutive patients with AMI who were treated surgically in the Department of General Surgery between February 2003 and October 2014 was performed. Uni- and multivariate analysis of risk factors for mortality have been performed in the total cohort and in two subgroups according to their stay in intensive care unit (ICU) at the time of AMI diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of the 302 patients with AMI, 115 were in ICU at the time of diagnosis. Totally, 203 patients underwent computed tomography scan (CT-scan) of the abdomen for diagnosis and 68% of them showed specific signs of AMI. A total of 63 (21%) embolectomies were performed during the surgical procedure. The post-operative mortality rate was 68% (204 patients). Among survivors, 85 (87%) patients developed a short bowel syndrome in the post-operative course. Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between mortality and preoperative lactate>3mmol/L, C-reactive protein>100mg/L and ICU stay at the time of AMI diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Mortality of patients with AMI remains high. Elevated lactate, elevated C-reactive protein and ICU stay are factors associated with increased mortality. Their presence in a patient with suspicion of AMI should trigger a multidisciplinary management in emergency.

Non-trauma Emergency Pancreatoduodenectomies: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively assess the frequency and indications for emergency pancreatoduodenctomies in a tertiary referral center.

METHODS

Pancreatoduodenectomies between January 2005 and January 2014 were retrospectively assessed for emergency indications defined as surgery following unplanned hospital admission in less than 24 h. Data on indications and on the intraoperative as well as the post-operative course were collected.

RESULTS

Out of 583 pancreatoduodenectomies during the interval, a total of 10 (1.7 %) were performed as an emergency surgery. Indications included uncontrollable bleeding, duodenal and proximal jejunal perforations, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related complications. Three of the 10 (30.0 %) patients died during the hospital course. In one patient, an intraoperative mass transfusion was necessary. No intraoperative death occurred. All but one patient were American Society of Anesthesiologists class three or higher. In two cases, the pancreatic remnant was left without anastomosis for second-stage pancreatojejunostomy. Median operation time was 326.5 min (SD 100.3 min). Hospital stay of the surviving patients was prolonged (median 43.0 days; SD 24.0 days).

CONCLUSION

Emergency pancreatoduodenectomies are non-frequent, have a diverse range of indications and serve as an ultima ratio to cope with severe injuries and complications around the pancreatic head area.

A patient with a hyperechoic band-shaped structure in the right hepatic vein

Cement (polymethylmethacrylat) is frequently and increasingly used in vertebral surgery. Complications can occur by spillage of this material; however the vast majority of the patients remain free of symptoms and do not require any specific therapy.Internists, gastroenterologists and radiologists regularly performing abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography should be aware of this complication.A case of spillage of cement in the right hepatic vein is presented.

Diverse prognostic value of the GTn promoter polymorphism in squamous cell and adeno carcinoma of the oesophagus

The basal transcription of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) regulation is dependent upon a GT repeat germ line polymorphism (GTn) in the promoter of the HO-1 gene. We determined the prognostic value of HO-1 promoter polymorphism on the natural postoperative course of complete resected oesophageal cancer. Genomic DNA from 297 patients was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. The results were correlated with clinicopathological parameters, disseminated tumour cells in bone marrow (DTC) and clinical outcome. Depending on short allele with <25 and long allele with ≥25, GTn repeats three genotypes (SS, SL and LL) were defined. A diverse role of GTn was evident in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC). In SCC, the SS genotype presented less advanced tumours with lower rate DTC in bone marrow and relapse compared with L-allele carriers. In contrast, AC patients with the SS genotype displayed a complete opposing tumour characteristic. The disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in SCC patients was markedly reduced in LL genotypes (p < 0.001). In AC contrarily the SS genotype patients displayed the worst DFS and OS (p < 0.001). GTn is a strong prognostic factor with diverse prognostic value for recurrence and survival in AC and SCC.

Selective Etching of GaN from AlGaN/GaN and AlN/GaN Structures

Thick GaN layers as well as AlGaN/GaN and AlN/GaN heterostructures grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy have been photoelectrochemically (PEC) etched in various dilute electrolytes, and bandgap-selective etching has been demonstrated in heterostructures. This result is a significant step forward in the fabrication of group III-nitride devices and one-dimensional photonic bandgap (PBG) structures in the deep UV. Based on initial results from thick GaN layers, a method was developed to achieve self-stopping selective etching of thin GaN layers in AlGaN/GaN and AlN/GaN heterostructures. Selective PEC etching requires the use of a suitable light source with photon energies larger than the bandgap of GaN, but smaller than that of AlGaN or AlN, thus enabling selective hole generation in the GaN layers to be etched. Additionally, it is imperative to use an electrolyte that supports PEC etching of GaN without chemically etching AlGaN or AlN.