Targeted nanopore sequencing using the Flongle device to identify mitochondrial DNA variants

Variants in mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA) can cause various neurological and mitochondrial diseases such as mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, stroke-like episodes (MELAS). Given the 16 kb length of mtDNA, continuous sequencing is feasible using long-read sequencing (LRS). Herein, we aimed to show a simple and accessible method for comprehensive mtDNA sequencing with potential diagnostic applications for mitochondrial diseases using the compact and affordable LRS flow cell "Flongle." Whole mtDNA amplification (WMA) was performed using genomic DNA samples derived from four patients with mitochondrial diseases, followed by LRS using Flongle. We compared these results to those obtained using Cas9 enrichment. Additionally, the accuracy of heteroplasmy rates was assessed by incorporating mtDNA variants at equimolar levels. Finally, mtDNA from 19 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) was sequenced using Flongle to identify disease risk-associated variants. mtDNA variants were detected in all four patients with mitochondrial diseases, with results comparable to those obtained from Cas9 enrichment. Heteroplasmy levels were accurately detected (r2 > 0.99) via WMA using Flongle. A reported variant was identified in three patients with PD. In conclusion, Flongle can simplify the traditionally cumbersome and expensive mtDNA sequencing process, offering a streamlined and accessible approach to diagnosing mitochondrial diseases.

Diagnostic Value of Anti-HTLV-1-Antibody Quantification in Cerebrospinal Fluid for HTLV-1-Associated Myelopathy

The diagnostic accuracy of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) anti-human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1) antibody testing for HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM) remains unclear. Therefore, we measured the anti-HTLV-1 antibody levels in CSF using various test kits, evaluated the stability of CSF antibodies, and performed a correlation analysis using the particle agglutination (PA) method, as well as a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis between patients with HAM and carriers. The CSF anti-HTLV-1 antibody levels were influenced by freeze-thaw cycles but remained stable when the CSF was refrigerated at 4 °C for up to 48 h. Measurements from 92 patients (69 patients with HAM and 23 carriers) demonstrated a strong correlation (r > 0.9) with the PA method across all six quantifiable test kits. All six test kits, along with CSF neopterin and CXCL10, exhibited areas under the ROC curve greater than 0.9, indicating a high diagnostic performance for HAM. Among these, five test kits, Lumipulse and Lumipulse Presto HTLV-I/II, HISCL-UD (a kit under development), HTLV-Abbott, and Elecsys HTLV-I/II, established a cutoff with 100% sensitivity and maximum specificity, achieving a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity ranging from 43.5% to 56.5%. This cutoff value, in combination with clinical findings, will aid in the accurate diagnosis of HAM.

Viral antigen mismatch affects antiviral T-cell response and may impair immunotherapeutic efficacy against adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma

HTLV-1 transforms primary CD4+ T cells in vitro within a short time; however, majority of infected individuals maintain an asymptomatic condition, suggesting there is an equilibrium between the infected cells and the host immunity. In this study, we identified a variation in a major viral antigen epitope, HTLV-1 Tax301-309, in HLA-A24-positive individuals. Mismatch in A24/Tax301-309 multimers impaired detection of anti-Tax CTLs. Notably, over half of the TCRs of the anti-Tax CTLs did not recognize mismatched Tax301-309 peptides. These findings highlighted the importance of matching the viral antigen epitope type in T-cell-based immunotherapy against ATL by using viral antigen Tax.

Efficacy and safety of eculizumab in Guillain-Barré syndrome: A phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute, self-limited, immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy. Current treatments for GBS include intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasma exchange, which may not sufficiently benefit severely affected patients. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of eculizumab add-on therapy to IVIg (standard-of-care treatment) in patients with severe GBS.

METHODS

This phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial (NCT04752566), enrolled Japanese adults (age ≥ 18 years) with severe GBS (Hughes functional grade [FG] score FG3 or FG4/FG5 within 2 weeks of onset of GBS). Participants were randomized 2:1 to receive intravenous infusion of eculizumab or placebo (once weekly for 4 weeks) with IVIg treatment with 20 weeks of follow-up. Primary efficacy endpoint was the time to first reach FG score ≤1 (able to run). Key secondary endpoints were proportion of participants achieving FG ≤1 at weeks 8 and 24 and FG improvement ≥3 at week 24. Pharmacodynamic analysis of serum free C5 concentration over time was performed. Safety was evaluated.

RESULTS

The analysis included 57 participants (eculizumab, n = 37; placebo, n = 20). Primary endpoint was not achieved (hazard ratio, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.45-1.97; p = .89). Key secondary endpoints did not reach statistical significance. Serum C5 concentration was reduced by 99.99% at 1 h postdose and sustained to week 5 but returned to baseline at the end of follow-up period. No new safety signals for eculizumab were identified.

INTERPRETATION

Although well tolerated, eculizumab treatment did not show significant effects on motor function recovery compared to placebo in patients with GBS.

Plasma vitamin D levels are correlated with the pathogenesis of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-associated diseases

The active form of vitamin D (VD) exerts hormonal effects by regulating the expression of genes involved in T-cell activity, cell differentiation, and proliferation. Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a causative agent of life-threatening diseases, adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM). Among ATL patients, hypercalcemia is one of the most serious complications due to bone resorption. In this study, wild-type mice administered UV-irradiated HTLV-1-infected cells showed up to 47% decrease of plasma VD level compared with untreated mice. To clarify the effect of HTLV-1 on plasma VD level, 315 samples registered in nationwide cohort study on ATL onset were measured. The VD level in HAM (14.98 ± 8.5 ng/mL) was significantly lower than those in asymptomatic carriers and ATL (p < 0.05). Upon comparing the VD levels in ATL stratified by disease subtypes, acute ATL showed a lower level (15.81 ± 12.0 ng/mL) than chronic and smoldering types (p < 0.05). In the longitudinal observation, VD levels were significantly higher in untreated spontaneous remission cases than in ATL progression cases, in which the VD levels decreased approximately 40% after onset. In cases of relapse after transplantation, the plasma VD level dropped to 38.7% of the pre-relapse level, while in cases of complete remission, the VD level increased with improvement of the performance status. Taken together, these results suggest that plasma VD level is a potential indicator for the onset and relapse of HTLV-1-associated diseases.

Wilson disease (novel ATP7B variants) with concomitant FLNC-related cardiomyopathy

We report a case of Wilson disease (WD) with dilated cardiomyopathy in which whole-genome sequencing (WGS) revealed the rare co-occurrence of two novel compound heterozygous ATP7B pathogenic variants (NM_001005918.3:c.2250del/p.N751Tfs*9 and c.3496C>T/p.L1166F) and a known FLNC pathogenic variant. Our results highlight the usefulness of WGS, even in the diagnosis of well-characterized genetic diseases such as WD.

The effect of subjective postural vertical on forward flexed posture in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

We developed a novel method to measure the angle of subjective postural vertical (SPV) and showed that the SPV may be related to the exacerbation of the forward flexed posture.

OBJECTIVES

The present study prospectively tested the effects of the subjective postural vertical on the exacerbation of the forward flexion of trunk (FFT) through long-term observation of Parkinson's disease patients.

METHODS

Evaluation of the posture included measuring FFT, the angle of lateral flexion of trunk, and the angle at the position that the patient subjectively perceived as the vertical position at a stationary upright position immediately after standing up at the time of initial observation, 6 months later, and 1 year later.

RESULTS

The SPV angles worsened significantly at 6 months and 1 year compared to the first measurements (9.3 ± 6.7° vs. 10.8 ± 8.2° and 10.6 ± 7.8°, P < 0.05), and the FFT angles worsened significantly at one year compared to the first measurements (11.1 ± 8.1° vs. 12.2 ± 8.8°, P = 0.004). Furthermore, using a hierarchical multiple regression model, the difference in SPV from the first visit to the first half year was considered a factor contributing to annual FFT change (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

This longitudinal study of a large number of cases suggested that changes in SPV may precede changes in FFT.

Age-related differences in diffusion-weighted imaging lesion volume and reversal in patients with successful recanalization after mechanical thrombectomy

BACKGROUND

With the advancement of mechanical thrombectomy (MT), post-treatment diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion reversal (DWIR) has been reported. This study aimed to compare the volumes of DWI lesions and the frequencies of DWIR between younger and elderly patients who underwent successful recanalization with MT.

METHODS

The study retrospectively analyzed 177 consecutive patients who underwent successful recanalization with MT for anterior large vessel occlusion (LVO) at our hospital between April 2011 and September 2022. Patients were categorized into two age groups: <70 years and ≥70 years. MRI was performed before treatment and 24 hours after treatment. The DWI lesion volumes and DWIR frequencies were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 78 years and 19.8% were in the <70 years group. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of occluded vessel sites and recanalization time. The baseline DWI lesion was significantly larger in the <70 years group (16.0 mL vs 4.0 mL, P<0.001). The frequency of DWIR did not significantly differ between the groups (65.7% vs 55.6%). DWI lesion volume significantly decreased after treatment in the <70 years group but showed no significant change in the ≥70 years group.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who underwent successful recanalization after MT for anterior LVO, baseline DWI lesions were significantly larger in younger patients compared with elderly patients. Although more than half of the patients in both age groups experienced DWIR, a significant reduction in DWI lesion volume was only observed in younger patients.

Successful treatment with traditional Japanese medicine (kampo medicine) Yokukansan as a migraine prophylactic drug: A case report

RATIONALE

The use of anti-CGRP antibody drugs as migraine preventive drugs is increasing worldwide, but there are still a certain number of cases where antibody drugs are ineffective or cannot be used due to high prices. Conventional prophylactic drugs or traditional Japanese medicine (kampo medicine) are still often used in such cases. However, to date, only limited evidence supports the efficacy of kampo medicine for headaches because these treatments have been used primarily empirically and traditionally. However, in recent years studies have begun to be published that describe the efficacy of kampo medicine for various types of headache. Here, we report the case of a patient who achieved a marked reduction in migraine frequency and severity by prophylactic therapy with the kampo drug yokukansan (TSUMURA Yokukansan Extract Granules).

PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSES

The patient was a 50-year-old woman. She began to experience headaches around high school age and was diagnosed with migraine without aura at 42 years of age.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

She started prophylactic therapy with amitriptyline and topiramate and this treatment reduced the frequency of migraines for several years. However, the frequency began to increase again around 47 years, which is when she presented at our hospital. We achieved a temporary reduction in migraine frequency by adjusting the dose of drugs in her prophylactic therapy regimen, but the frequency increased again around age 49. We then tried monotherapy with the kampo medicine yokukansan, and this markedly reduced migraine frequency and severity over the following year. This therapy has remained effective to date.

LESSONS

We speculate that, in this case, migraine without aura was improved by prophylactic therapy with yokukansan due to its action on the glutamatergic system or serotonin system through suppression of orexin-A secretion or its anti-inflammatory effects as reported in previous animal studies. Yokukansan could be a usable kampo medicine for migraine prophylaxis in countries all over the world and should be investigated in a large clinical trial as soon as possible.

Anti-IgLON5 disease as a differential diagnosis of multiple system atrophy

INTRODUCTION

Anti-immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecule 5 (IgLON5) disease is a rare autoimmune encephalitis that can mimic progressive supranuclear palsy or corticobasal syndrome. Moreover, anti-IgLON5 disease can present with symptoms characteristic of multiple system atrophy (MSA), such as cerebellar ataxia and autonomic dysfunction. However, the clinical features of anti-IgLON5 disease resembling MSA have not been well established.

METHODS

We enrolled 35 patients with suspected MSA for whom anti-IgLON5 antibody tests were requested. We evaluated immunoglobulin G (IgG) against IgLON5 using cell-based assays. We also summarized the clinical characteristics of patients who were positive for anti-IgLON5 antibodies.

RESULTS

We identified serum and cerebrospinal fluid anti-IgLON5 antibodies in three patients. These patients had many clinical features characteristic of MSA, including parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia, severe orthostatic hypotension, acute respiratory failure, sleep parasomnia, vocal cord paralysis, and pyramidal tract signs. Clinical features atypical for MSA were myorhythmia, horizontal eye movement restriction, fasciculations, and painful muscle cramps.

CONCLUSION

Anti-IgLON5 disease may be an important differential diagnosis of MSA. A comprehensive physical examination, including assessments of eye movement, lower motor neuron signs, and atypical involuntary movements, is important to avoid misdiagnosis.

Effectiveness and safety of MR-guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy in patients with essential tremor and low skull density ratio: a study of 101 cases

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treatment in patients with essential tremor, particularly those with low skull density ratio (SDR) and including those with very low SDR, and to identify the factors influencing treatment effectiveness and to provide insights into therapeutic approaches for patients with lower SDR.

METHODS

Real-world data from 101 patients who underwent MRgFUS between July 2019 and March 2022 at a single institution were analyzed. Tremor severity was assessed using the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor (CRST). The patients were categorized into quartile groups based on their mean SDR, and the characteristics, treatment effectiveness, treatment parameters, and adverse events were evaluated among these subgroups.

RESULTS

Patients were classified into 4 quartiles based on the mean SDR: quartile 1 (Q1) (SDR 0.26-0.37), Q2 (SDR 0.38-0.42), Q3 (SDR 0.43-0.49), and Q4 (SDR 0.50-0.75). MRgFUS significantly improved total CRST and tremor score across all SDR subgroups. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the improvement rates among the 4 subgroups. Analysis of the treatment parameters revealed that lower mean SDR was associated with lower target maximum temperature and smaller coagulation volume after focused ultrasound (FUS). Regarding adverse events, headache and nausea during FUS and facial and head edema on the day after surgery were more frequent in the Q1 subgroup (very low-SDR group). In contrast, numbness was more common in the Q4 subgroup. However, all these adverse events had resolved by the 3-month follow-up except numbness.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested that MRgFUS is effective and safe for patients with medication-resistant essential tremor, including those with very low mean SDR. However, the very low-SDR group had insufficient temperature elevation at the target site compared with the high-SDR group, suggesting the need for a different strategy. Notably, with careful adjustments and considerations, positive outcomes can still be achieved in patients with very low SDR. Therefore, very low SDR should not be considered an absolute exclusion criterion because it is expected to increase the number of patients who benefit from MRgFUS.

Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study of mogamulizumab with open-label extension study in a minimum number of patients with human T-cell leukemia virus type-1-associated myelopathy

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease. This multicenter, randomized phase 3 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of 0.3 mg/kg intravenous mogamulizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting-CC chemokine receptor 4, every 12 weeks in HAM/TSP patients. This study comprised a 24-week double-blind, placebo-controlled period, 24-week open-label period, and extension treatment period. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with a ≥ 1-grade improvement in the Osame motor disability score (OMDS). Secondary endpoints were changes in HTLV-1 proviral load, 10-m timed walk, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neopterin levels, and safety. The exploratory endpoint was CSF chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 10 (CXCL10) levels. Thirty-four and 33 patients were randomized to mogamulizumab and placebo arms, respectively. At the end of the double-blind period, no significant difference was found in the OMDS improvement rate or other secondary efficacy endpoints assessing motor activities. However, the mogamulizumab arm showed a significant decrease in HTLV-1 proviral load (- 59.39 ± 29.91% vs. placebo 2.32 ± 36.31%) and CSF neopterin (p < 0.001)/CXCL10 levels (p = 0.004). The baseline OMDS pattern and the 60-80% HTLV-1 proviral load reduction were sustained through the open-label and extension treatment periods. Although a higher incidence of rash (69.2%) was reported, the safety profile was similar compared with a previous phase 1/2a study. We found no significant difference in clinical benefit; however, mogamulizumab may provide long-term clinical benefit by preventing disease progression, as CSF neopterin/CXCL10 levels are associated with long-term prognosis in HAM/TSP.Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT03191526 (registered date: 6-June-2017).

The history of the Japanese Society for Neuro-infectious Diseases: Foundation, objectives, and legacy

The Japanese Research Group for Neuro-infectious Diseases was founded in August 1996, and by 2004 it had evolved into the Japanese Society for Neuro-infectious Diseases. The Society focuses on neuroinfectious conditions (e.g., encephalitis/encephalopathy, myelitis, and meningitis), providing a venue for academic presentations and exchanges. Clinical guidelines for major neurological infectious diseases are also published by the Society, in order to meet the social demands of each era. Although the threat of herpes simplex encephalitis has declined due to acyclovir's introduction, the frequency of encephalitis or peripheral neuropathy caused by varicella-zoster virus is increasing. In Japan, prion disease, human T-cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy (HAM), subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) are designated as intractable diseases. The incidence of prion disease is 1.8/1,000,000 individuals, with the sporadic type accounting for 80%. Prion disease is fatal, and effective medications are awaited. HAM's prevalence is ~3/100,000 individuals, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2-3. HAM is common in western Japan, including Kyushu and Okinawa. The prevalence of PML is rising with the spread of both immunosuppressive therapy for transplantation and treatment for multiple sclerosis. From late 2019 through 2020, the world faced a global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to virus mutations, and the threat of new mutations persists. Close attention should be paid to the emergence of new neurological infections that could arise from abnormal weather patterns and/or a decline in immune function due to aging.

Utility of Combining Transcranial Sonography and MIBG Myocardial Scintigraphy to Evaluate Substantia Nigra in Patients with Parkinson's Disease

The utility of transcranial sonography (TCS) remains unclarified for the auxiliary diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD). We investigated iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) and TCS during the examination and diagnosis of high-signal-intensity substantia nigra lesion (HSI-SNL) incidence in PD patients previously diagnosed with dopamine transporter scintigraphy (DAT). The subjects were 67 patients with definitively diagnosed PD after DAT evaluation. Patients with midbrain substantia nigra visible during TCS who previously underwent MIBG were analyzed. The SN+ group comprised patients with extensive pathological HSI-SNL of Okawa class III/IV observed during TCS. The MIBG+ group comprised patients with a heart-to-mediastinum ratio of ≤2.2 during MIBG. TCS was performed to divide patients into the SN+ and SN- groups, and patient characteristics and MIBG findings were compared between the groups. PD was definitively diagnosed in 67 patients, among whom midbrain was visualized during TCS in 43 (64.1%) patients and pathological HSI-SNL was observed in 24 (35.8%). The MIBG findings were normal in six patients (27.3%) with HSI-SNL, and abnormal in seven (63.6%) without HSI-SNL. No significant differences were noted by Okawa classification in clinical characteristics based on the presence or absence of HSI-SNL. Multiple patients with normal findings during MIBG may have HSI-SNL. Thus, confirmatory imaging of HSI-SNL with TCS may be useful for diagnosis.

An approach for improvement of the accuracy of cancer gene panel testing

BACKGROUND

Tissue-based comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) is increasingly being employed for genotype-directed therapies in patients with advanced cancer. However, tissue availability may limit their potential applications. In Japan, the cost of cancer gene panel tests is covered by public insurance for patients diagnosed with advanced solid tumors once in their lifetime. Therefore, it is essential to improve the success rate (reportability) and accuracy of CGP tests. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors associated with efficient and accurate CGP testing using relevant information obtained from real-world data.

METHODS

This study included 159 samples analyzed using tumor-only panel FoundationOne® CDx cancer genome profiling (F1CDx) and 85 samples analyzed using matched-pair panel OncoGuide™ NCC Oncopanel system (NCCOP) at St. Marianna University Hospital. Sample characteristics (fixation conditions, storage period, histology, tumor cell ratio, and genomic tumor cell content), CGP performance, and quality control status were evaluated across all 244 tested samples.

RESULTS

In 237/244 samples (97.1%), CGP testing results were successfully obtained [F1CDx, 99.4% (158/159) and NCCOP, 92.9% (79/85)]. An increased number of fibroblasts, inflammatory cells, and necrotic tumor cells, long-term storage, and/or prolonged fixation of tissue sections were involved in the unreported results and/or qualified CGP results. In addition, a negative correlation between median insert size values and ΔΔCq was observed in the NCCOP system.

CONCLUSION

We identified various factors associated with efficient and accurate CGP testing using relevant information obtained from real-world data, suggesting that thorough selection and preparation of tissue sections could optimize CGP and maximize useful information.

A novel NODAL variant in a young embolic stroke patient with visceral heterotaxy

BACKGROUND

Ischemic stroke in young adults can be caused by a variety of etiologies including the monogenic disorders. Visceral heterotaxy is a condition caused by abnormal left-right determinations during embryonic development. We aimed to determine the cause of a young ischemic stroke patient with visceral heterotaxy.

CASE PRESENTATION

We performed neurological, radiological, and genetic evaluations in a 17-year-old male patient presenting ischemic stroke and visceral heterotaxy to determine the underlying cause of this rare disease combination. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed evidence of embolic stroke, abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed visceral heterotaxy, and echocardiogram showed cardiac anomaly with right-to-left-shunt (RLS). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed a heterozygous missense variant (NM_018055.5: c.1016 T > C, p.(Met339Val)) in the NODAL gene, which is essential to the determination of the left-right body axis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights the importance of evaluating genetic etiology in young ischemic stroke and the need for stroke risk management in visceral heterotaxy patients with RLS. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first genetically-confirmed case of visceral heterotaxy with young embolic stroke reported to date.

Improvement of cerebral blood flow after balloon angioplasty and stenting for symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis

OBJECTIVE

Although reports of endovascular treatment for intracranial arterial stenosis have been increasing recently, their efficacy remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the changes in cerebral hemodynamics of severe middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis patients by performing CT perfusion (CTP) after endovascular treatment.

METHODS

Subjects were those who underwent balloon angioplasty and stenting for symptomatic MCA M1 stenosis refractory to medical therapy at our hospital between 2008 and 2022. We included 36 patients (mean age 63.69 ± 15.24 years, 20 males) who underwent CTP before and within three weeks after treatment. The CTP parameters such as relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF), relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), and relative mean transit time (rMTT) were calculated as ipsilateral values divided by contralateral value.

RESULTS

Endovascular treatment consisted of 26 balloon angioplasty and 10 stenting procedures performed at an average of 1 month from onset. CTP was performed at an average of 5.5 days postoperatively. The mean overall stenosis rate decreased from 79.0% to 30.3%. In the balloon angioplasty group, it decreased from 77.6% to 35.3%, and in the stent group, it decreased from 82.7% to 17.5%. After treatment, rCBF and rMTT measured by CTP improved significantly (both p < 0.001), whereas there was no significant change in rCBV. The improvement rates of rCBF and rMTT were mild higher in the stent group, but not significantly so.

CONCLUSION

Balloon angioplasty and stenting for symptomatic MCA improved cerebral hemodynamics, resulting in significantly increased rCBF and decreased rMTT.

Cost-Effective Cas9-Mediated Targeted Sequencing of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Repeat Expansions

Hereditary repeat diseases are caused by an abnormal expansion of short tandem repeats in the genome. Among them, spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a heterogeneous disease, and currently, 16 responsible repeats are known. Genetic diagnosis is obtained by analyzing the number of repeats through separate testing of each repeat. Although simultaneous detection of candidate repeats using current massively parallel sequencing technologies has been developed to avoid complicated multiple experiments, these methods are generally expensive. This study developed a cost-effective SCA repeat panel [Flongle SCA repeat panel sequencing (FLO-SCAp)] using Cas9-mediated targeted long-read sequencing and the smallest long-read sequencing apparatus, Flongle. This panel enabled the detection of repeat copy number changes, internal repeat sequences, and DNA methylation in seven patients with different repeat expansion diseases. The median (interquartile range) values of coverage and on-target rate were 39.5 (12 to 72) and 11.6% (7.5% to 16.5%), respectively. This approach was validated by comparing repeat copy number changes measured by FLO-SCAp and short-read whole-genome sequencing. A high correlation was observed between FLO-SCAp and short-read whole-genome sequencing when the repeat length was ≤250 bp (r = 0.98; P < 0.001). Thus, FLO-SCAp represents the most cost-effective method for conducting multiplex testing of repeats and can serve as the first-line diagnostic tool for SCA.

Performance evaluation of Espline HTLV-I/II, a newly developed rapid immunochromatographic antibody test for different diagnostic situations

IMPORTANCE

The World Health Organization estimated that 5-10 million people are infected with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). This number is likely to be underestimated because reliable endemic data are available for only approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide. The point-of-care test is a powerful tool for the easy and quick detection of infections without the requirement for expensive instruments and laboratory equipment. Espline HTLV-I/II, a newly developed rapid immunochromatographic antibody test that was evaluated in this study, might significantly advance our understanding of the global epidemiology of HTLV-1 infection.

Video Motion Analysis as a Quantitative Evaluation Tool for Essential Tremor during Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy

The Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor (CRST) is commonly used to evaluate essential tremor (ET) during focused ultrasound (FUS) thalamotomy. However, it faces challenges such as the ceiling effect and test-retest variability. This study explored the utility of videographic motion analysis as an evaluation index for ET. Forty-three patients with ET performed postural tremor and line-drawing tasks recorded on video, and the data were analyzed using motion analysis software. The test-retest and inter-rater reliability, correlations with the CRST and tremor scores, and pre/post-FUS treatment comparisons were analyzed. The video motion analysis showed excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliability. In the postural tremor tasks, video parameter amplitude significantly correlated with the CRST and tremor scores. Similarly, for the line-drawing task, video parameter amplitude showed significant correlations with CRST and tremor scores, effectively addressing the ceiling effect. Regarding post-FUS treatment improvements, changes in the CRST and tremor scores were significantly associated with changes in video parameter amplitude. In conclusion, quantitative analysis of the video motion of ET enables precise evaluation of kinematic characteristics and effectively resolves the ceiling effect and test-retest variability. The video motion analysis score accurately reflected the tremor severity and treatment effects, demonstrating its high clinical utility.

Ischemic stroke patients with low DWI ASPECTS scores require puncture to recanalization within 30 min for large vessel occlusion

BACKGROUND

The clinical benefits of faster recanalization in acute large vessel occlusion are well recognized, but the optimal procedure time remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to identify patient characteristics that necessitate puncture-to-recanalization (P-R) time within 30 min to achieve favorable outcome.

METHODS

We evaluated the patients from a prospective, multicenter, observational registry of acute ischemic stroke patients. The study included patients who underwent endovascular therapy for ICA or MCA M1 occlusion and achieved successful recanalization. Patients were categorized into subgroups based on pre-treatment characteristics and the frequency of favorable outcomes was compared between P-R time < 30 min and ≥ 30 min. Interaction terms were incorporated into the models to assess the correlation between each patient characteristic and P-R time.

RESULTS

A total of 1053 patients were included in the study. Univariate analysis within each subgroup revealed a significant association between P-R < 30 min and favorable outcomes in patients with DWI ASPECTS ≤6, age > 85 and NIHSS ≥16. In the multivariable analysis, NIHSS, age, time from symptom recognition to puncture, and DWI ASPECTS were significant independent predictors of favorable outcomes. Notably, only DWI ASPECTS exhibited interaction terms with P-R < 30 min. The multivariable analysis indicated that P-R < 30 min was an independent predictor for favorable outcome in DWI ASPECTS ≤6 group, whereas not in DWI ≥7.

CONCLUSIONS

P-R time < 30 min is predictive of favorable outcomes; however, the effect depends on DWI ASPECTS. Target P-R time < 30 min is appropriate for patients with DWI ASPECTS ≤6.

[National Questionnaire Survey on the Actual Use and Content Evaluation of the human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1) -associated Myelopathy (HAM) Practice Guidelines 2019]

It is not enough to just create medical practice guidelines; they are also required to be implemented into practice. Therefore, we surveyed specialists to determine the extent of the dissemination of the "HAM Practice Guidelines 2019," to quantify gaps, identify challenges, and understand needs in daily practice. The survey also revealed that the 25% of the specialists were unaware of the tests required for confirming human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1) infection. Additionally, they had insufficient knowledge of the HTLV-1 infection. About 90.7% of the specialists agreed with the policy of determining treatment intensity based on disease activity. However, the implementation rate of cerebrospinal fluid marker measurement, which is useful for this assessment, was as low as 27%. Hence, it is important to use the findings of this study to further promote awareness about this issue.

EZH1/2 dual inhibitors suppress HTLV-1-infected cell proliferation and hyperimmune response in HTLV-1-associated myelopathy

Background

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) causes HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM), adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), HTLV-1-associated uveitis, and pulmonary diseases. Although both HAM and ATL show proliferation of infected cells, their pathogeneses are quite different. In particular, the pathogenesis of HAM is characterized by hyperimmune responses to HTLV-1-infected cells. Recently, we demonstrated the overexpression of histone methyltransferase EZH2 in ATL cells and the cytotoxic effects of EZH2 inhibitors and EZH1/2 dual inhibitors on these cells. However, these phenomena have never been studied in HAM. Furthermore, what effect these agents have on the hyperimmune response seen in HAM is completely unknown.

Methods

In this study, we investigated histone methyltransferase expression levels in infected cell populations (CD4⁺ and CD4⁺CCR4⁺ cells) from patients with HAM using microarray and RT-qPCR analyses. Next, using an assay system that utilizes the spontaneous proliferation characteristic of peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from patients with HAM (HAM-PBMCs), we investigated the effects of EZH2 selective inhibitors (GSK126 and tazemetostat) and EZH1/2 dual inhibitors (OR-S1 and valemetostat, also known as DS-3201), particularly on cell proliferation rate, cytokine production, and HTLV-1 proviral load. We also examined the effect of EZH1/2 inhibitors on the proliferation of HTLV-1-infected cell lines (HCT-4 and HCT-5) derived from patients with HAM.

Results

We found elevated expression of EZH2 in CD4⁺ and CD4⁺CCR4⁺ cells from patients with HAM. EZH2 selective inhibitors and EZH1/2 inhibitors significantly inhibited spontaneous proliferation of HAM-PBMC in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect was greater with EZH1/2 inhibitors. EZH1/2 inhibitors also reduced the frequencies of Ki67⁺ CD4⁺ T cells and Ki67⁺ CD8⁺ T cells. Furthermore, they reduced HTLV-1 proviral loads and increased IL-10 levels in culture supernatants but did not alter IFN-γ and TNF-α levels. These agents also caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the proliferation of HTLV-1-infected cell lines derived from patients with HAM and increased annexin-V(+)7-aminoactinomycin D(-) early apoptotic cells.

Conclusion

This study showed that EZH1/2 inhibitors suppress HTLV-1-infected cell proliferation through apoptosis and the hyperimmune response in HAM. This indicates that EZH1/2 inhibitors may be effective in treating HAM.

Long-term safety and efficacy of mogamulizumab (anti-CCR4) for treating virus-associated myelopathy

Some carriers of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), a retrovirus that primarily infects CD4+ T cells and causes lifelong infection, develop HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Current treatments for HAM/TSP are insufficient with problematic long-term side effects. This study evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of the anti-CCR4 antibody mogamulizumab in patients with HAM/TSP over a 4-year period. We conducted an open-label, extended long-term study (UMIN trial number: UMIN000019942) of a Phase 1-2a trial with mogamulizumab for HAM/TSP (UMIN000012655). The study participants were patients with corticosteroid-resistant HAM/TSP who could walk 10 m with or without assistive tools. Mogamulizumab was administered at 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, or 0.3 mg/kg at intervals of ≥8 weeks (0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg) or ≥12 weeks (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg). HTLV-1 proviral load, cerebrospinal fluid inflammatory markers, and clinical symptoms were summarized by descriptive statistics. Missing observations were imputed using the last-observation-carried-forward method. As a post-hoc analysis, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of mogamulizumab on gait function by comparing it with contemporary control data from a HAM/TSP patient registry. Of the 21 participants in the Phase 1-2a, 18 (86%) enrolled in the long-term study and 15 (71%) continued repeated doses of mogamulizumab for 4 years. The median dose was 0.1 mg/kg after 4 years. Seventeen of 21 participants (81%) experienced grade 1-2 skin-related adverse events. Observed grade 3 drug-related adverse effects included three cases of lymphopenia and one case each of microscopic polyangiitis, elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase, and neutropenia. Four of 21 participants (19%) developed neutralizing antibodies. After 4 years, the peripheral blood proviral load and the number of infected cells in CSF decreased by 60.7% and 66.3%, respectively. Neopterin and CXCL10 CSF concentrations decreased by 37.0% and 31.0%, respectively. Among the 18 participants, spasticity and Osame Motor Disability Score (OMDS) improved in 17 (94%) and 4 (22%), respectively. However, 10 m walking time worsened by 7.3% on average. Comparison with the contemporary control group demonstrated that mogamulizumab inhibited OMDS progression (p = 0.02). The results of the study suggest that mogamulizumab has long-term safety and inhibitory effect on lower limb motor disability progression in corticosteroid-treated patients with HAM/TSP. This will provide a basis for the application of mogamulizumab in HAM/TSP treatment.