Damage accrual related to pregnancies before and after diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional and nested case-control analysis from a lupus registry

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chronic damage associated with pregnancies before and after the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

Using childbearing-aged female SLE patient data registered at the Okayama and Showa University Hospitals, a nested case-control analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between pregnancy and chronic damage using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI).

RESULTS

Pregnancy occurred in 22 patients before and 13 patients after the diagnosis of SLE in 104 eligible patients. Live births occurred in 82% (33/40) and 50% (9/18) of the pregnancies before and after the diagnosis of SLE, respectively. After matching age and disease duration, 33 case patients with chronic damage (SDI ≥ 1) and 33 control patients without chronic damage (SDI = 0) were selected. Hypertension was more frequent in cases than in controls (48% vs. 24%, p = 0.041). Pregnancies before and after the diagnosis of SLE were comparable between cases and controls (before the diagnosis: nine case patients and eight control patients; after the diagnosis: three case patients and five control patients; p = 1.00). Even after adjusting for hypertension using multivariate analysis, the pregnancies before and after the diagnosis were not significant predictors for chronic damage (odds ratio = 1.48 (95% confidence interval 0.33-6.65)), p = 0.60 of the pregnancy before the diagnosis; odds ratio = 0.78 (95% confidence interval 0.13-4.74), p = 0.78 of the pregnancy after the diagnosis).

CONCLUSION

Pregnancies, either before or after the diagnosis of SLE, did not show any differences in chronic damage. Our results help alleviate fears regarding childbearing in female patients with SLE and their families.

Results of a multi-institutional, randomized, non-inferiority, phase III trial of accelerated fractionation versus standard fractionation in radiation therapy for T1-2N0M0 glottic cancer: Japan Clinical Oncology Group Study (JCOG0701)

Background

We assessed the non-inferiority of accelerated fractionation (AF) (2.4 Gy/fraction) compared with standard fractionation (SF) (2 Gy/fraction) regarding progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with T1-2N0M0 glottic cancer (GC).

Patients and methods

In this multi-institutional, randomized, phase III trial, patients were enrolled from 32 Japanese institutions. Key inclusion criteria were GC T1-2N0M0, age 20-80, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1, and adequate organ function. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either SF of 66-70 Gy (33-35 fractions), or AF of 60-64.8 Gy (25-27 fractions). The primary end point was the proportion of 3-year PFS. The planned sample size was 360 with a non-inferiority margin of 5%.

Results

Between 2007 and 2013, 370 patients were randomized (184/186 to SF/AF). Three-year PFS was 79.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 73.4-85.4) for SF and 81.7% (95% CI 75.4-87.0) for AF (difference 1.8%, 91% CI-5.1% to 8.8%; one-sided P = 0.047 > 0.045). The cumulative incidences of local failure at 3 years for SF/AF were 15.9%/10.3%. No significant difference was observed in 3-year overall survival (OS) between SF and AF. Grade 3 or 4 acute and late toxicities developed in 22 (12.4%)/21 (11.5%) and 2 (1.1%)/1 (0.5%) in the SF/AF arms.

Conclusion

Although the non-inferiority of AF was not confirmed statistically, the similar efficacy and toxicity of AF compared with SF, as well as the practical convenience of its fewer treatment sessions, suggest the potential of AF as a treatment option for early GC.

Clinical trials registration

UMIN Clinical Trial Registry, number UMIN000000819.

92Transcatheter aortic valve implantation improves cerebral blood flow and cognitive function in elderly patients with aortic stenosis - Brain perfusion SPECT imaging study

Background

Cognitive impairment and depression are commonly noted in elderly frail patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). However, their mechanisms and reversibility after treatment remain remain to be examined.

Purpose

In this study, we examined whether transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) increases cerebral blood flow (CBF) in cognitive/emotional brain areas, such as the hippocampus, in the elderly patients with severe AS.

Methods

We examined consecutive 15 right-handed patients with severe AS who were eligible for TAVI (median age 83.2 years, 12 (80%) women). We evaluated the following assessments both at baseline and 3 months after TAVI. Frailty was evaluated based on Fried scale, which consists of 5 items, including gait speed, cognitive function, weight loss, exhaustion, and inactivity. Frail and pre-frail were defined as greater than 3 and 1∼2 in the scale, respectively. Cognitive and emotional status were evaluated with Logical Memory (LM) II, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and geriatric depression scale (GDS). Lower LM II (less than 4 points) and MMSE (less than 24 points) and higher GDS (more than 6 points) indicate worse memory, general cognitive function, and depressive symptoms, respectively. CBF images were recorded with 99mTc single-photon emission computed tomography and were analyzed using SPM12. Briefly, CBF images were firstly normalized to the standard Montreal Neurological Institute space. Then, a voxel-wise parametric analysis was conducted between normalized CBF images at baseline and those after TAVI (P<0.005 at each voxel). Continuous variables were presented as mean ± standard error (SE). Normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Continuous variables were compared with the use of paired t test. Linear mixed-model analysis was performed to evaluate changes in neuropsychological tests and CBF over time.

Results

In the present study, all patients were not robust but pre-frail (47.3%) or frail (53.7%). LM II score was significantly improved at 3 months after TAVI compared with baseline (baseline, 8.7 vs. 3 months, 13.8, P<0.01) (Figure A), whereas no significant changes in MMSE or GDS scores were noted (baseline, 24.6 vs. 3 months, 25.2 for MMSE; baseline, 4.3 vs. 3 months, 4.2 for GDS). Importantly, although no patients showed clinical symptoms or signs for transient ischemic attack or stroke after TAVI, CBF in the local regions, including the right hippocampus, was significantly increased after TAVI compared with baseline (P<0.005 at each voxel) (green arrowheads) (Figure B). Furthermore, CBF in the right hippocampus were positively correlated with LM II scores (P=0.017) (Figure C).

Figure 1

Conclusions

These results provide the first evidence that TAVI improves cerebral perfusion (especially that in the hippocampus) and cognitive functions in elderly patients with severe AS.

P3575Clinical importance of fractional flow reserve in patients with organic coronary stenosis and vasospastic angina

Background

Vasospastic angina (VSA), which is one of the important functional cardiac disorders, may also play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Conversely, organic coronary stenosis is also known as an independent predictor for poor clinical outcomes in VSA patients. Although VSA patients have a variable degree of organic coronary stenosis in clinical setting, the functional importance of organic stenosis in those patients remains to be elucidated.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the clinical importance and prognostic impact of fractional flow reserve (FFR) in patients with VSA and organic coronary stenosis.

Methods

We enrolled 236 consecutive patients with suspected vasospastic angina who underwent acetylcholine provocation test for coronary spasm (M/F 148/88, 63.6±12.0 [SD] yrs.). Among them, 175 patients (74.1%) were diagnosed as having VSA, while the remaining non-VSA patients were regarded as controls (Group-C, n=61). We divided the VSA patients into 3 groups based on angiographical findings and FFR values; VSA with no organic stenosis (>50% luminal stenosis) (Group-N, n=110), organic stenosis and high FFR (≥0.80) (Group-H, FFR 0.87±0.05, n=36), and organic stenosis and low FFR (<0.80) (Group-L, FFR 0.71±0.07, n=29). We evaluated the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death (CVD), non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and hospitalization due to unstable angina pectoris (UAP) during the median follow-up period of 656 days.

Results

The groups with organic stenosis (Groups H and L) were characterized by higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (Group-C/N/H/L, 23.0/20.9/44.4/34.5%, P=0.03) and dyslipidemia (Group-C/N/H/L, 37.7/39.1/50.0/65.5%, P=0.03) as compared with Group-C. After provocation test, all VSA patients received calcium channel blockers (CCBs). In addition, 20 days (median) after provocation test, 26 patients (92.9%) in Group-L underwent elective PCI with coronary stents, while no patient underwent PCI in Groups N or H. The incidence of MACE during follow-up was significantly higher in Group-L (Group-C/N/H/L; 1.6/3.6/5.6/27.6%, log-rank P<0.001), whereas clinical outcomes were comparable among the remaining 3 groups (Figure). Importantly, all 8 patients with MACE in Group-L had poor outcomes (CVD/MI/urgent PCI/UAP; 2/1/3/2) despite complete revascularization and the prevention of coronary spasm with CCBs, indicating that they might be resistant to standard contemporary therapies. They were characterized by less frequent use of angiotensin convert enzyme inhibitor (0 vs. 47.6%, P=0.02) and higher prevalence of multi-vessel organic lesions (37.5 vs. 4.8%, P=0.052) compared with those without MACE.

Figure 1

Conclusions

These results provide the first evidence that evaluation of coronary functional abnormalities with FFR is useful for making therapeutic strategies in VSA patients with organic coronary stenosis.

P4158Marked impairment of endothelium-dependent digital vasodilatations in patients with microvascular angina compared with those with vasospastic angina

Background/Introduction

Nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH) factor are the major endothelium-derived relaxing factors. NO plays an important role in conduit arteries, while the importance of EDH factor increases as the vessel size decrease in patients with microvascular angina (MVA) compared with those with vasospastic angina (VSA) remains to be fully elucidated.

Purpose

We evaluated the roles of NO and EDH factor in conduit (brachial) arteries and resistance (digital) arteries of the patients with MVA, VSA and comorbid MVA+VSA patients.

Methods

We enrolled 39 patients who underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization and divided them into 3 groups based on acetylcholine (ACh) provocation test, index of microcirculation resistance (IMR), and coronary flow reserve (CFR); MVA (N=9, mean age 59.9±3.5 years), VSA (N=12, mean age 61.3±1.8 years), and comorbid MVA+VSA (N=18, mean age 64.0±2.2 years). Endothelium-dependent brachial and digital vasodilatations in response to intra-arterial infusion of bradykinin (BK, 25, 50, and 100 ng/min for 2 min) were simultaneously measured by ultrasonography and peripheral arterial tonometry, respectively. Measurements were repeated after oral administration of aspirin (486 mg) and intra-arterial infusion of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 8μmol/min for 5 min) in order to inhibit the effects of vasodilator prostaglandins and NO, respectively. Finally, endothelium-independent brachial and digital vasodilatations in response to sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG, 0.3 mg) were measured in the same manner.

Results

In the brachial artery, dose-dependent vasodilatations to BK were comparable among the 3 groups, and L-NMMA equally attenuated the responses to BK (Figure 1). Endothelium-independent brachial vasodilatation in response to NTG was also comparable among the 3 groups. Surprisingly, dose-dependent digital vasodilatations to BK were almost absent in MVA patients compared with VSA or comorbid MVA+VSA group (Figure 2). Furthermore, the digital vasodilatations were unaffected by L-NMMA in VSA group, but were significantly reduced in comorbid MVA+VSA group (VSA, 16.8±15.1% vs. MVA+VSA, −0.23±6.2%, P<0.05), suggesting reduced EDH and compensatory role of NO in the latter group. In contrast, endothelium-independent digital vasodilatation in response to NTG was comparable among the 3 groups.

The main results of this study

Conclusions

These results provide the first evidence that endothelium-dependent digital vasodilatations (both NO and EDH factor) are markedly impaired in MVA patients compared with VSA or comorbid MVA+VSA patients, whereas the responses are comparable in the brachial artery among the 3 groups, suggesting the involvement of severe endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of MVA.

Impact of tumor microenvironment on the efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer

We retrospectively investigated the impact of the tumor microenvironment (TME) on the efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as first-line treatment in 70 patients with advanced EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer and who were seen at Osaka City University Hospital (Osaka, Japan) between August 2013 and December 2017. Using immunohistochemical staining with 28-8 and D7U8C Abs, the tumor proportion score was assessed for programmed cell death-1 ligand-1 (PD-L1), as high (50% or more) or low (less than 50%), and ligand-2 (PD-L2) expression, respectively. The extent of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes was evaluated on a scale of 0-3, with 0-1 as low and 2-3 as high. The TME of the 52 evaluable pretreatment specimens was categorized into 4 subtypes, according to the respective PD-L1 tumor proportion and CD8+ scores, as follows: (a) high/high (13.5%, n = 7); (b) low/low (42.3%, n = 22); (c) high/low (17.3%, n = 9); and (d) low/high (26.9%, n = 14). Expression of PD-L2 was significantly the highest in type 1 (57.1% vs 4.5% vs 11.1% vs 7.1%, respectively; P = .0090). Response rate was significantly the lowest in type 1 (14.3% vs 81.8% vs 66.7% vs 78.6%, respectively; P = .0085). Progression-free survival was the shortest in type 1 and the longest in type 4 (median, 2.4 vs 11.3 vs 8.4 vs 17.5 months, respectively; P = .00000077). The efficacy of EGFR-TKIs differed according to the TME, and the phenotype with high PD-L1 and CD8+ expression might be the subset that would poorly benefit from such treatment.

P6466Novel index with combined echocardiographic parameter and CT parameter (pPAT) is useful for screening pulmonary hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis Patients

Background

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) had poor survival rate. Usual index of estimating PH is tricuspid regurgitate jet pressure gradient (TRPG). Accurate assessment of PAH is important for the management of SSc patients. However, estimated mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) using TRPG by echocardiography does not always reflect actual mPAP by right heart catheterization (RHC) in SSc patients. On the other hand, recent reports have shown that rPA, a ratio of diameter of pulmonary artery to ascending aorta (PA/Ao) calculated by computed tomography (CT), was associated with mPAP. However, both index are not sufficient for evaluation of PH. We hypothesized that the product of TRPG and rPA (pPAT) could estimate mPAP of SSc patients more accurately than TRPG or rPA.

Purpose

We investigated the usefulness of the product of TRPG and rPA for detecting actual mPAP in SSc patients.

Methods

Thirty-six SSc patients who suspected PH were enrolled retrospectively. We defined PH as resting mPAP from RHC of >25 mmHg. We measured both a widest pulmonary artery diameter and an adjacent ascending aorta diameter at the same level of the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery using CT images.

Results

The average age was 67 years old and average mPAP by RHC was 24.7 mmHg. Mean TRPG and mean rPA were 35.1 mmHg and 1.06, respectively. Furthermore, mean pPAT was 37.9. We found pPAT had a stronger correlation with actual mPAP (r=0.848, p<0.001) than TRPG (r=0.754, p<0.001) or rPA (r=0.584, p<0.001). On ROC analysis, pPAT predicted PH with high accuracy for a cut-off of 33.1. In order to evaluate the usefulness of pPAT, we compared false-negative patients between two cutoff values of TRPG 34 mmHg described in ESC guideline and pPAT 33.1. Among the patients with TRPG <34mmHg, 4 patients (18%) had PH. In contrast, when screening PH using pPAT, the diagnosis of PH was missed in only one patient.

Figure 1

Conclusion

The product of TRPG and PA/Ao (pPAT) could be a novel and useful noninvasive index for identifying PH in SSc patients.

2381Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound ameliorates DES-induced coronary adventitial inflammation and hyperconstricting responses in pigs in vivo - A novel non-invasive therapy for coronary inflammation

Background

We previously demonstrated that coronary adventitial inflammation plays important roles in the pathogenesis of coronary artery spasm, including drug-eluting stent (DES)-induced coronary hyperconstricting responses, in pigs and humans. Indeed, the coronary adventitia has recently attracted much attention as the important site for vascular inflammation. However, a direct therapeutic approach to the coronary adventitia remains to be developed. We have developed a non-invasive low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy for angina, which exerts anti-inflammatory effects through improved coronary microcirculation.

Purpose

In this study, we aimed to examine whether our LIPUS therapy ameliorates DES-induced coronary hyperconstricting responses in pigs in vivo, and if so, what mechanisms are involved.

Methods

An everolimus-eluting stent (EES) was implanted into the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery in normal male pigs. They were randomly assigned to the LIPUS or the sham therapy groups. After EES implantation, in the LIPUS group, LIPUS (32 cycles, 193 mW/cm2) was applied to the heart at 3 different levels (proximal and distal stent edges and middle portion of the stent) through X-ray for 20 min at each level for every other day for 2 weeks (6 days in total) (Figs. 1A, 1B). The sham therapy group was treated in the same manner but without LIPUS. At 4 weeks after the procedure, we performed coronary angiography to examine coronary vasoconstricting responses to intracoronary serotonin in vivo. Finally, stented coronary vessels were harvested for immunohistochemistry of vasa vasorum, lymphatic vessels (LYVE-1), sympathetic nerve fibers (SNF), vascular inflammation (macrophages and IL-1β expression), Rho-kinase expression and activity as evaluated by phosphorylated myosin phosphatase target subunit-1 (pMYPT-1).

Results

Coronary vasoconstricting responses to intracoronary serotonin were significantly enhanced in the sham therapy group but were significantly suppressed in the LIPUS group at the DES edges in the LAD, whereas those responses were comparable at the non-DES implanted segments in the left circumflex (LCx) coronary arteries between the 2 groups. (Figs. 1C, 1D). Furthermore, in vivo lymph transport speed was significantly faster in the LIPUS group than in sham group (Figs. 1E–1G). Histological analysis showed that except vasa vasorum formation, the number of lymphatic vessels, adventitial inflammatory cells infiltration, Rho-kinase expression and activity were all significantly enhanced in the sham therapy group and were significantly suppressed in the LIPUS group (Figs. 1G–1K).

Figure 1

Conclusion

We were able to develop a non-invasive LIPUS therapy for coronary functional abnormalities caused by chronic adventitial inflammation in pigs in vivo, for which multiple beneficial effects appear to be involved (Fig. 1L).

3332Exercise training ameliorates vasodilator capacity of coronary microvessels in patients with vasospastic angina - A new therapeutic approach for the coronary functional disorder

Background

We have recently demonstrated that coronary vasospasm could develop in both epicardial coronary arteries and intramuscular coronary microvessels in patients with vasospastic angina (VSA). However, it remains to be examined whether vasodilator capacity of coronary microvessels is impaired in VSA patients and if so, whether exercise training could ameliorate vasodilator capacity of coronary microvessels on the top of calcium channel blockers. The effectiveness of exercise training is established for organic coronary artery disease but remained to be examined for VSA.

Purpose

We thus examined whether vasodilator capacity of coronary microvessels is impaired in VSA patients without organic coronary stenosis using an adenosine-stress dynamic computed tomography perfusion (CTP) that can measure absolute value of myocardial blood flow (MBF). We also examined whether exercise training ameliorates not only vasodilator capacity of coronary microvessels but also exercise capacity and frequency of angina attack.

Methods

In the first protocol, we measured MBF using CTP in consecutive 32 VSA patients with acetylcholine-induced diffuse coronary spasm in the left anterior descending coronary arteries (LAD) and 12 non-VSA controls. In the second protocol, we conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT; Exercise VSA trial, UMIN: ehz745.008423996), where 20 VSA patients were randomly assigned to either exercise group (Ex group: supervised exercise training session for 30-min using bicycle ergometer, once/week at the hospital and more than 3 times/week at home) or non-exercise group (Non-Ex group) (n=10 each) (Figure A). Before and 3 months after exercise training, we measured MBF with adenosine-stress dynamic CTP and peak VO2 by cardiopulmonary exercise tests, and also assessed angina attack with Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ).

Results

In the first protocol, CTP showed that adenosine-stress MBF was significantly decreased in the VSA group compared with the non-VSA group (VSA, 137.2±6.6 vs. Non-VSA, 174.4±10.7 ml/100g/min, P<0.01) (Figure B), although patient characteristics were comparable between the 2 groups. In the second protocol, exercise training was performed safely in all patients, and RCT showed that MBF was significantly increased in the Ex group compared with the non-Ex group (Figures C, D), although patient characteristics were also comparable between the 2 groups. Furthermore, peak VO2 was significantly increased in the Ex group compared with the non-Ex group (Figure E), and frequency of angina was significantly decreased in the Ex group compared with the non-Ex group (Figure F). Finally, there was a significant positive correlation between the extents of the changes in peak VO2 and the SAQ score for angina frequency in the Ex group (P<0.01, R=0.67).

Figures

Conclusions

These results provide the first evidence that vasodilator capacity of coronary microvessels is impaired in VSA patients, which can be ameliorated by exercise training.

P1671Subclinical persistent hemolysis may affect late renal function deterioration after HeartMateII implantation

Background

Late renal function dysfunction is an increasingly recognized complication in continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) patients. Although hemolysis is prevalent in CF-LVAD patients and hemolysis may deteriorate renal function, the influence of persistent hemolysis on renal function in CF-LVAD patients remains to be investigated.

Purpose

To investigate the influence of persistent hemolysis on renal function in CF-LVAD patients, using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a sensitive marker of hemolysis.

Methods

Excluding patients who died or underwent pump exchange for pump thrombosis, we retrospectively reviewed 65 consecutive adults who underwent HeartMateII implantation in our center from May 2011 to October 2017. Patient characteristics, chronotropic change of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and LDH values weekly for 4 weeks and every 4 weeks between 4 and 48 weeks after implantation were collected. Then, calculating mean LDH during 48 weeks after implantation, study population was divided into low and high mean LDH groups at the median value of mean LDH.

Results

The median value of mean LDH was 304 U/l. Compared with low LDH patients, though high LDH patients were more likely female and had smaller body surface area, there were no significant difference in pre-operative eGFR between the groups (66.0±23.7 vs. 70.2±25.7 ml/min/1.73m2, p=0.495). After 40 weeks after implantation, high LDH patients had significantly lower eGFR than low LDH patients (71.0±23.7 vs. 87.1±31.4 ml/min/1.73m2, p=0.024). In multivariate linear regression analysis, mean LDH [parameter estimate: −0.10 (95% CI: −0.17 to −0.04), p=0.003] and post-operative pulse pressure [parameter estimate: 0.71 (95% CI: 0.05 to 1.37), p=0.036] were significantly associated with eGFR change during 48 weeks after HeartMateII implantation.

Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis for eGFR change Univariate parameter estimate 95% CI p value Multivariate parameter estimate 95% CI p value Bilirubin, mg/dl 9.97 3.82 to 16.13 0.002 6.55 −0.43 to 13.53 0.065 BNP, pg/ml 0.01 0.00 to 0.02 0.044 0.00 −0.01 to 0.01 0.528 Mean LDH during 4 to 48 weeks, U/l −0.11 −0.18 to −0.05 <0.001 −0.10 −0.17 to −0.04 0.003 Pre-operative right atrial pressure, mmHg 1.43 0.35 to 2.51 0.010 −0.06 −1.52 to 1.40 0.935 Post-operative pulse pressure, mmHg 0.77 0.03 to 1.52 0.042 0.71 0.05 to 1.37 0.036

Conclusions

High mean LDH and low pulse pressure were associated with a significant decrease in eGFR late after HeartMateII implantation. Subclinical persistent hemolysis may be associated with late renal function deterioration in CF-LVAD patients.

P4156Coexistence and prognostic impacts of epicardial and microvascular coronary dysfunctions in patients with chest pain and unobstructive coronary artery disease - Involvement of Rho-kinase activation

Background

Although the importance of coronary functional abnormalities has been emerging, including epicardial coronary spasm (vasospastic angina, VSA) and coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), comprehensive evaluation of the abnormalities in the same population remains to be examined.

Purpose

We examined the significance of coronary functional abnormalities in a comprehensive manner for both epicardial and microvascular coronary arteries in patients with chest pain and unobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) as well as their prognostic impacts.

Methods and results

We prospectively enrolled 187 consecutive patients with suspected angina and unobstructive coronary arteries (M/F 113/74, 63.2±12.3 [SD] yrs.). We performed acetylcholine (ACh) provocation tests for coronary spasm, followed by functional tests for coronary microvascular function, including coronary flow reserve (CFR) and index of microcirculation resistance (IMR) during hyperemic state induced by intravenous adenosine. Among the 187 patients, ACh test identified 128 patients with VSA (68%). There was no significant difference in age, sex, or prevalence of traditional coronary risk factors between the non-VSA and the VSA groups. The median IMR value was significantly higher in the VSA group than in the non-VSA group [17.5 (12.0, 25.3) vs. 14.7 (10.7, 17.8), P=0.02], whereas CFR values were comparable between the 2 groups [2.51 (1.72, 3.35) vs. 2.66 (1.85, 3.64), P=0.34]. During the median follow-up period of 893 days, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and hospitalization due to unstable angina pectoris, occurred in 10 patients (5.3%). Multivariable analysis revealed that IMR correlated with the incidence of MACE [hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval), 1.05 (1.02–1.09), P=0.002] and receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis identified IMR of 18.0 as the optimal cut-off value for the incidence of cardiac events. When we divided the patients into the following 4 groups according to the cut-off value of IMR (>18) and the presence or absence of VSA; G1, IMR <18 without VSA (n=45); G2, IMR ≥18 without VSA (n=14); G3, IMR <18 with VSA (n=67); and G4, IMR ≥18 with VSA (n=61), the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a significantly worse prognosis in G4 compared with other 3 groups (HR [95% CI] 6.23 [1.21–118.46], P=0.002) (Figure 1). Importantly, intracoronary administration of fasudil, a Rho-kinase inhibitor, significantly ameliorated IMR in G4 (P<0.0001) (Figure 2A), and %changes in IMR in response to intracoronary fasudil were more evident in G4 compared with other 3 groups (P<0.0001) (Figure 2B).

Conclusions

These results provide the first evidence that in patients with chest pain and unobstructive CAD, epicardial coronary spasm and increased microvascular resistance are frequently coexisted with worse long-term prognosis, for which Rho-kinase activationmay be involved.

Pulsed laser deposition with rapid beam deflection by a galvanometer mirror scanner

A pulsed laser deposition system with rapid beam deflection (RBD-PLD) by a galvanometer mirror scanner has been developed for alternating ablation of multiple targets with a single laser instrument. In this system, the alternating deposition of different target materials is carried out by scanning the laser beam between the positionally fixed targets with a galvanometer mirror instead of mechanically switching the target positions on a fixed optical path of the laser beam as is done in conventional pulsed laser deposition (PLD) systems. Thus, the "wait" time required for switching target materials to be deposited, which typically takes several seconds in a conventional system, can be made as short as a few milliseconds. We demonstrate some of the advantages of this PLD system in several technologically important aspects of thin film synthesis: (1) fast fabrication of binary alloy films, (2) preparation of natural composition spread libraries, (3) effect of the target switching time on the deposition of volatile compounds, (4) control of the degree of mixing of two different materials in a film, and (5) efficient growth of compositionally graded thin films.

Basic evaluation of a novel 4D target and human body phantom

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is usually verified with a dynamic phantom or solid phantom, but there is a demand for phantoms that can accurately simulate tumor dynamics within an individual that would allow customized validation in every patient. We developed a new 4D dynamic target phantom (multi-cell 4D phantom) that allows simulation of tumor movement in patients. The basic quality and dynamic reproducibility of this new phantom was verified in this investigation. The newly developed multi-cell 4D phantom comprises four main components: soft tissue, bones, lungs, and tumor (target). The phantom structure was based on computed tomography (CT) data of a male. In this study, we investigated the basic performance of a multi-cell 4D phantom. All the CT numbers of the phantom were very close to those of human data. The geometric maximum amplitudes were 4.57 mm in the lateral direction, 4.59 mm in the ventrodorsal direction, and 3.68 mm in the cranio-caudal direction. Geometric errors were 0.84, 0.58, and 0.40 mm, respectively. Movements of the abdominal surface were stable for 60 s. Repeated measurements show no actual differences in target movements between multiple measurements and indicated high reproducibility (r  >  0.97). End-to-end tests using Gafchromic film revealed a gamma pass rate of 98% or above (2 mm/3%). Although our phantom performed limited reproducibility in the movement of the patient tumor at present, a satisfactory level of precision was confirmed in general. This is a very promising device for use in the verification of radiation therapy for moving targets.

Molecular detection of fungal and bacterial DNA from pustules in patients with palmoplantar pustulosis: special focus on Malassezia species

BACKGROUND

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a distinct, chronic skin disorder characterized by intraepidermal pustules on the palms and soles. It is hypothesized that microorganisms on the skin might induce the symptoms of PPP via inflammatory cell activation. However, the microbiota has not been studied in detail because of the assumption that the pustules in PPP are sterile.

AIM

To elucidate the role of microorganisms in pathogenesis of PPP.

METHODS

PCR analysis was performed of microbial DNA fragments in the pustules of patients with PPP. The sequence of the D1/D2 LSU 26s rRNA gene and that of the 16S rRNA gene was used for fungal and bacterial DNA detection, respectively.

RESULTS

In total, 71 samples were carefully collected from the pustules of patients with PPP. Fungal DNA bands were detected in 68 samples, and fungi including Malassezia spp. were identified in 30 of 71 samples (42.3%). Malassezia restricta was the most frequently encountered fungus (14/71; 19.7%). However, bacterial DNA was not detected by the methods used. Furthermore, identical fungal DNA was not detected in the outer lid of the pustules, suggesting that the fungi detected within the pustule did not derive from contamination via the skin surface.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, we demonstrated for the first time that certain pustules in patients with PPP contain fungal DNA fragments, especially those of Malassezia spp. Our findings provide new insights on the role of skin microbiota in the pathogenesis of PPP.

Can smoking duration alone replace pack-years to predict the risk of smoking-related oncogenic mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)?

e20017

Background: P has widely been used for the risk assessment of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We previously reported that mutations in KRAS, TP53, and EGFR were also associated with P from a prospective multicenter molecular epidemiology study (JME study; Kawaguchi T, J Clin Oncol 2016). Recently, D alone has been reported to provide stronger risk estimates of COPD than P. Here, we show the comparison of these two indices in predicting the risk of smoking-related oncogenic mutations in NSCLC, utilizing the database from the JME study including detailed smoking information and the mutational profile by next generation sequencing. Methods: In 439 ever- and 437 never-smokers, the frequency of mutations in KRAS, TP53 and EGFR were 9.4, 26.8 and 42.5%, respectively, and smoking-related cytosine to adenine base substitution (C > A) was observed in 12.7 % of cases. AUC values (area under the ROC curves) for logistic regression determined from P and D to predict the mutations or C > A change were compared, considering gender, age, stage and histology as covariates. Results: The median of P and D were 43 (1-189) and 41 (years, 1-65) in smokers, respectively. The AUC values in EGFR and KRAS were numerically higher than others, suggesting stronger association with smoking. There was no significant difference in AUC values between P and D in TP53, EGFR and C > A, and P was a significantly better estimate of KRAS mutations (table). Conclusions: P remains the standard method to evaluate the risk of oncogenic mutations in NSCLC. D, however, warrants further investigation as a simpler alternative to P.[Table: see text]

DOSE-RATE AND CELL-KILLING SENSITIVITY OF HIGH-LINEAR ENERGY TRANSFER ION BEAM

It is believed that the dose-rate of radiation will have an influence on cell sensitivity. The dose-rate effects on cell survival can be expressed by the change of the β term in the linear quadratic model. The value at a high-dose-rate decreases below 60 Gy/h and reaches zero at 0.2 Gy/h or less for photons. However, the effect for a high-LET ion-beam is not well known. At HIMAC, cells were exposed to 70 keV/μm carbon-ion beams at different dose-rates between 0.5 and 600 Gy/h at room temperature. The β values for all survival curves show no significant differences among the dose-rates tested for HSG, V79 and CHO cells. Changing the ion-beam dose-rate had no effect on cell survival. This suggests that high-LET particle beams, such as galactic cosmic rays, may not exhibit a dose-rate effect on cell survival. Low-dose-rate radiation showed an effect similar to high-dose-rate radiation.

Abstract P6-01-02: Machine learning-based structural analysis and oxygen saturation measurement of tumor-associated vessels in breast cancer using a photoacoustic tomography system

Introduction

Breast cancer induces angiogenesis, one of the primary factors responsible for tumor progression. Therefore, the ability to visualize angiogenesis at a higher resolution is crucial. Photoacoustic tomography is a noninvasive method of visualizing angiogenesis involving light absorption and ultrasonic wave emission. If the irradiation light wavelength is adjusted for hemoglobin, vascular imaging is possible. Furthermore, using two wavelengths for oxidized and reduced hemoglobin, “S-factor,” can be calculated, which nearly corresponds to oxygen saturation. Therefore, photoacoustic imaging allows the assessment of breast lesions from vascular structural and functional viewpoints.

Objectives

This study aimed to demonstrate the possible utility of photoacoustic tomography for clinical application focusing on the morphologic features and oxygen saturation status of breast tumor-related vessels.

Methods

For the morphological analysis, we applied a machine learning-based method for automatic vessel extraction, and for the functional analysis we evaluated hemoglobin oxygen saturation calculating signals obtained at two wavelengths. In our system, a 3D ultrasound image was simultaneously acquired as a volume image of a tumor, which helped analyze the positional relationship between the vessels and the tumor.

Results

On morphological analysis, the fine structure of tumor-related vessels was rendered in high resolution. In our system, the blood vessels branched toward the tumor 2-3 more times more frequently than observed on contrast-enhanced MRI, illustrating a finer level of blood vessels near the tumor on our system than on MRI. Next, we analyzed the six morphologic features of vessels (radius, volume, curvature, contraction, maximum angle and vessel branch number) that are associated with the pathologic condition in neuroscience. We determined that the feature distribution of vessels located close to the tumor differed from that located away from the tumor. For example, vessels near the tumor had higher curvature, which means they are more tortuous than healthy vessels. The difference in the distribution of all six features was statistically significant on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.

On functional analysis, S-factor measurement of the healthy human breast demonstrated clearly demarcated arteries and veins. The S-factor of any artery was nearly 100%, while that of the veins inside the breast cancer tended to be a little higher (approximately 5%) compared to that in the healthy part. This tendency of veins was not recognized in benign tumors. This could show arteriovenous shunt in cancer microenvironment. We found low saturation signals emerging in the tumor tissue following bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy, indicating the possibility that our system reveals microenvironment changes.

Discussion

If our system can identify the structure or oxygen saturation characteristics unique to tumor-associated vasculature, it could contribute to the improved accuracy of breast cancer diagnosis and allow the observation of tumor vessel normalization because of the drug treatment. An earlier grasp of the therapeutic effect could lead to the provision of individualized medicine.

Citation Format: Matsumoto Y, Gu L, Bise R, Asao Y, Sekiguchi H, Yoshikawa A, Ishii T, Takada M, Kataoka M, Sakurai T, Yagi T, Sato I, Togashi K, Shiina T, Toi M. Machine learning-based structural analysis and oxygen saturation measurement of tumor-associated vessels in breast cancer using a photoacoustic tomography system [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-01-02.

Homogeneous reduced moment in a gapful scalar chiral kagome antiferromagnet

We present a quantitative experimental investigation of the scalar chiral magnetic order with in Nd3Sb3Mg2O14. Static magnetization reveals a net ferromagnetic ground state, and inelastic neutron scattering from the hyperfine coupled nuclear spin reveals a local ordered moment of 1.76(6) μ B , just 61(2)% of the saturated moment size. The experiments exclude static disorder as the source of the reduced moment. A 38(1) μ eV gap in the magnetic excitation spectrum inferred from heat capacity rules out thermal fluctuations and suggests a multipolar explanation for the moment reduction. We compare Nd3Sb3Mg2O14 to Nd pyrochlores and show that Nd2Zr2O7 is in a spin fragmented state using nuclear Schottky heat capacity.

Terminal Ileac Ulcers Mimicked Post-transplantation Lymphoproliferative Disorder in a Heart Recipient Treated With Everolimus: A Case Report

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a well-recognized and potentially fatal complication of cardiac transplantation that commonly involves the gastrointestinal tract. Herein, we report a case of life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding from recurrent terminal ileac ulcers mimicking PTLD in a heart recipient treated with everolimus (EVL). A 40-year-old man underwent heart transplantation for dilated cardiomyopathy 3 years prior to the current admission and was treated with tacrolimus and EVL. He was admitted to a local hospital because of fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. His symptoms persisted and, 3 weeks later, hematochezia occurred; thus, he was transferred to our hospital. As computed tomography and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography showed bowel-wall thickening of the terminal ileum, gastrointestinal PTLD was initially suspected. However, although colonoscopy- performed after switching EVL to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)-showed terminal ileac ulcers, the histologic examination revealed no findings corresponding to PTLD. As EVL may delay ulcer healing, MMF was maintained for 3 months. After repeated colonoscopy showed ulcer healing, MMF was switched back to EVL for cardiac allograft vasculopathy prevention. Three weeks later, he was emergently admitted to a local hospital for life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding from a recurrent terminal ileal ulcer, which required hemostatic forceps hemostasis. As EVL is suspected to be associated with recurrent ileal ulcers, EVL was again switched back to MMF. The ileal ulcers resolved, without recurrence in 3 months of clinical follow-up. This case demonstrates that cases of life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding from recurrent terminal ileac ulcers can mimic PTLD in a heart recipient treated with EVL.

Progressive reduction of serum complement levels: a risk factor for relapse in patients with hypocomplementemia in systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective

Serologically active clinically quiescent (SACQ)-SLE is a subtype of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); most SACQ-SLE patients relapse. Although complement and/or anti-dsDNA level fluctuations during SACQ status are reportedly not useful for predicting relapse, they might be useful in specific clinical settings. We aimed to assess the correlation between future relapse and progressive reductions in serum complement levels following remission in patients with hypocomplementemia .

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients aged ≥15 years who were treated with ≥20 mg/day of prednisolone for remission induction. After achieving remission, the patients treated with prednisolone tapered to ≤15 mg/day without relapse and followed by hypocomplementemia (first hypocomplementemia point) were analyzed. The primary outcome was the relapse during the first 24 months.

Results

Seventy-six patients were enrolled; 31 (40.8%) relapsed. A ≥10% reduction after the first hypocomplementemia point in serum C3, C4, and CH50 levels was found in 10, 21, and 16 patients, respectively. Hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for relapse were 2.32 (0.92–5.12) for serum C3 levels and 2.46 (1.18–5.01) for serum C4 levels. Progressive reductions in serum C3 and C4 levels had relatively high specificity (93.3% and 82.2%) but limited sensitivity (22.6% and 41.9%) for predicting relapse. However, simultaneous progressive reduction in C3 levels and increase in anti-dsDNA antibody levels had the highest specificity (97.8%), and simultaneous progressive reduction in C4 levels or increase in anti-dsDNA antibody levels had the highest sensitivity (71.0%).

Conclusion

Simultaneous progressive reductions in complement levels and increases in anti-dsDNA antibody levels may indicate future relapse SACQ-SLE patients.