Detection of current-sheet and bipolar ion flows in a self-generated antiparallel magnetic field of laser-produced plasmas for magnetic reconnection research

Magnetic reconnection in laser-produced magnetized plasma is investigated by using optical diagnostics. The magnetic field is generated via the Biermann battery effect, and the inversely directed magnetic field lines interact with each other. It is shown by self-emission measurement that two colliding plasmas stagnate on a midplane, forming two planar dense regions, and that they interact later in time. Laser Thomson scattering spectra are distorted in the direction of the self-generated magnetic field, indicating asymmetric ion velocity distribution and plasma acceleration. In addition, the spectra perpendicular to the magnetic field show different peak intensity, suggesting an electron current formation. These results are interpreted as magnetic field dissipation, reconnection, and outflow acceleration. Two-directional laser Thomson scattering is, as discussed here, a powerful tool for the investigation of microphysics in the reconnection region.

Treatment of CLN1 disease with a blood-brain barrier penetrating lysosomal enzyme

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 1(CLN1 disease) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by genetic defects of palmitoyl protein thioesterase-1(PPT1), leading to accumulation of lipofuscin granules in brain and progressive neurodegeneration. Psychomotor regression, seizures, loss of vision, and movement disorder begin in infancy and result in early death. Currently, no disease-modifying therapy is available.

We report a 68-month-old boy with CLN1 treated on a compassionate use basis weekly for 26 months with a PPT1 enzyme fused to an anti-insulin receptor antibody (AGT-194), thereby enabling penetration of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). During treatment, no side effects were observed, while seizure frequency decreased, life quality improved, and the boy's general condition remained stable.

This case documents for the first time that treatment of CLN1 is principally feasible by an intravenous BBB penetrating enzyme replacement therapy using PPT1 fused with the human insulin receptor. Monitoring of side effects raised no unacceptable or unexpected safety concerns.Observed improvement of life quality related to ameliorated epilepsy control raises hope that further robust clinical trials including patients in earlier stages of disease will show positive results.

Polygenic risk score associates with atherosclerosis severity at autopsy

Background

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) for coronary artery disease (CAD) are emerging as a potential method to improve cardiovascular risk prediction. Questions remain about their applicability to diverse populations as well as their correlation with coronary histopathology.

Purpose

To assess whether high genetic risk associates with histopathologic coronary plaque morphology.

Methods

We assessed 122 known CAD risk loci in 954 Black and White subjects within our sudden death registry to generate a PRS. The cohort was divided into quintiles according to z-score-standardized PRS, both in a race-stratified fashion and in the pooled sample. Detailed histopathologic examination of the coronary arteries was performed in all subjects.

Results

Subjects in the highest PRS quintile exhibited more severe atherosclerosis compared to subjects in the lowest quintile, with greater mean cross-sectional luminal narrowing (71.5% (95% CI, 66.6%-76.5%) vs. 56.6% (95% CI, 51.1%-62.1%); adjusted p<0.001; Figure 1) and a higher frequency of calcification (adjusted OR 2.19; 95% CI 1.31–3.68; p=0.003) after adjustment for the first 10 principal components, age, sex, and race. Higher z-score-standardized PRS was predictive for the finding of severe atherosclerosis (i.e., ≥75% cross-sectional luminal narrowing) even after additional controlling for traditional CAD risk factors including hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia (adjusted OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.19–1.63; p<0.001; Figure 2). Among Black subjects, higher PRS was associated with higher odds of plaque rupture (adjusted OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.03–1.66; p=0.03) and predicted CAD-associated cause of death among subjects younger than 50 years old (adjusted OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.01–1.58; p=0.04).

Conclusions

This is the first autopsy study investigating associations between PRS and atherosclerotic plaque morphology at a histopathologic level. Our pathological analysis suggests PRS correlates with plaque burden and coronary artery calcification and may be useful as a method for CAD risk stratification, especially in younger subjects.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): R01 HL141425 Leducq Foundation Grant

ACE values in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis

Background

In clinical practice, we often encounter the patients with sarcoidosis showing relatively high in the normal range of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) value.

Purpose

We aimed to examine the serum ACE value of the patients with sarcoidosis and determine the new cut-off value for detecting the patients with sarcoidosis.

Methods and results

We retrospectively examined all 3781 subjects (51.1% men, 60.1±17.0 y.o.) in whom ACE was measured for any reasons including suspected sarcoidosis between 2009 and 2020 in our hospital. Of 293 patients with sarcoidosis, 101, 212, 84, and 88 were diagnosed as sarcoidosis in heart, lung, skin, and eyes, respectively. After excluding 477 patients taking ACE inhibitor and/or immunosuppression agent or those with any diseases affecting serum ACE levels, we analyzed 3304 subjects including 215 with sarcoidosis. Serum ACEs were 19.6 IU/L [IQR, 15.1–31.5] in the subjects with sarcoidosis and 10.7 [8.4–16.5] in those without (P<0.01). In ROC curve analysis of ACE for diagnosis of sarcoidosis, the cut-off point was 14.7 IU/L and the AUC was 0.865. When we used the current cut-off of 21.4 or new cut-off value of 14.7, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy were shown in Table. Finally, they were divided into four groups based on the presence of cardiac and/or extra cardiac sarcoidosis, ACE values in Group A, B, C, and D were 17.9, 20.9, 18.6, and 10.7, respectively (Figure 1).

Conclusion(s)

In the current cut-off value of serum ACE, sensitivity for detecting sarcoidosis was comparatively low, though positive predictive value was low when the new-cut-off value was used in our study. Further examinations may be needed for the patients suspected sarcoidosis with relatively high ACE in the normal range.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

A Body Shape Index and Aortic Disease-Related Mortality in Japanese General Population

AIMS

Aortic diseases (ADs), including aortic dissection, aortic aneurysm, and aortic rupture, are fatal, with extremely high mortality rates. A body shape index (ABSI), an anthropometric measure calculated as waist circumference adjusted by height and weight, improves the predictive capacity for mortality. However, whether ABSI is a risk factor for AD-related mortality in the general population remains unclear.

METHODS

We used a nationwide database of 630,842 individuals (aged 40-75 years) who participated in the annual "Specific Health Check and Guidance in Japan" between 2008 and 2010.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period of 3.8 years, 159 AD-related deaths occurred, including 105 aortic dissections and 54 aortic aneurysm ruptures. The subjects were divided into three groups based on ABSI tertiles. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that the 3^rd tertile (with the highest ABSI) had the greatest risk among the three groups. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis demonstrated that ABSI was significantly associated with AD-related death after adjusting for confounding risk factors. Neither waist circumference nor body mass index consistently predicted AD-related death in the multivariate model. The prediction capacity was significantly improved by the addition of ABSI to the confounding risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated for the first time that ABSI, a surrogate marker for abdominal visceral fat tissue, was associated with AD-related deaths in the general population, suggesting the importance of central adiposity in the development of AD.

Uniformity evaluation of laser-induced periodic surface structures formed by two-color double-pulse femtosecond laser irradiation

The Perpendicular Period and Phase Scanning (P³S) method can evaluate the uniformity of a laser-induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS). P³S assesses the uniformity of LIPSS using the standard deviation of the peak period and the average of the phase difference in the direction perpendicular to LIPSS. The P³S method demonstrates that LIPSS formed by two-color double-pulse irradiation is reduced to a quarter of the period dispersion, and the average phase difference of LIPSS is also reduced compared to the single-pulse irradiation. In addition, a 3D electromagnetic particle-in-cell simulation was performed to evaluate the possibility of an improved uniformity of LIPSS. The results confirm that the two-color double-pulse irradiation produces a uniform LIPSS and validates the effectiveness of the P³S method to assess the uniformity of LIPSS.

Association between denture use and food form in older adults requiring long-term care: A multicenter cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine whether denture use contributes to maintaining and improving food forms in long-term care facility (LTCFs) residents.

METHODS

In 888 residents of 37 LTCFs in Japan, the following were investigated: nutritional intake status, food forms, age, sex, Barthel index (BI), clinical dementia rating (CDR), number of teeth present, number of occlusal supports, swallowing function, and use of dentures. Among all residents, those who were well-nourished and had ≤9 occlusal supports were analyzed. Based on standardized criteria, the food forms consumed by the subjects were divided into two groups: dysphagia and normal diet, which were further classified into four levels. Analysis was performed using a generalized estimation equation with the four levels of food forms as dependent variables and age, sex, BI, CDR, presence of dysphagia, number of teeth present, and use of dentures as independent variables.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 622 (70.0%) residents. Of these, 380 (61.1%) used dentures. The analyses revealed that food form was significantly associated with age (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.98), BI (OR, 1.04), number of teeth present (OR, 1.03), presence of dysphagia (OR, 0.44), and use of dentures (OR, 2.82).

CONCLUSION

Denture use was associated with food forms among Japanese LTCF residents. This indicates that the use of dentures is related to the maintenance of food forms, even in the elderly who participate in few activities of daily living, have reduced cognitive function, and require long-term care.

Changes in Nutrition-Intake Method and Oral Health through a Multidisciplinary Team Approach in Malnourished Older Patients Admitted to an Acute Care Hospital

Malnourished older inpatients referred to a nutrition support team (NST) usually receive multidisciplinary oral health management during NST intervention. However, the effects of multidisciplinary oral health management on the nutrition-intake method and oral health in these patients remain unclear. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the effects of NST-mediated multidisciplinary oral health management on the nutrition-intake methods, oral health, and the systemic and oral factors influencing the changes in the nutrition-intake method. A total of 117 inpatients (66 men, 51 women, mean age, 71.9 ± 12.5 years) who underwent NST-mediated multidisciplinary oral health management between April 2016 and July 2019 were enrolled. Demographic data and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Dysphagia Severity Scale (DSS), and Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) scores at the time of referral to the NST and completion of the NST intervention were evaluated. After multidisciplinary NST intervention, FOIS, DSS, and OHAT scores showed significant improvements (p < 0.001). Even after adjusting the results for systemic parameters, FOIS score improvement correlated positively with the length of NST intervention (p = 0.030) and DSS score improvement (p < 0.001) as well as OHAT score improvement (p = 0.047). NST interventions with multidisciplinary oral health management could improve the nutrition-intake method.

Drug delivery for neuronopathic lysosomal storage diseases: evolving roles of the blood brain barrier and cerebrospinal fluid

Whereas significant strides have been made in the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs), the neuronopathy associated with these diseases remains impervious mainly because of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which prevents delivery of large molecules to the brain. However, 100 years of research on the BBB since its conceptualization have clarified many of its functional and structural characteristics, spurring recent endeavors to deliver therapeutics across it to treat central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including neuronopathic LSDs. Along with the BBB, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) also functions to protect the microenvironment of the CNS, and it is therefore deeply involved in CNS disorders at large. Recent research aimed at developing therapeutics for neuronopathic LSDs has uncovered a number of critical roles played by the CSF that require further clarification. This review summarizes the most up-to-date understanding of the BBB and the CSF acquired during the development of therapeutics for neuronopathic LSDs, and highlights some of the associated challenges that require further research.

An electronic transition-based bare bones particle swarm optimization algorithm for high dimensional optimization problems

An electronic transition-based bare bones particle swarm optimization (ETBBPSO) algorithm is proposed in this paper. The ETBBPSO is designed to present high precision results for high dimensional single-objective optimization problems. Particles in the ETBBPSO are divided into different orbits. A transition operator is proposed to enhance the global search ability of ETBBPSO. The transition behavior of particles gives the swarm more chance to escape from local minimums. In addition, an orbit merge operator is proposed in this paper. An orbit with low search ability will be merged by an orbit with high search ability. Extensive experiments with CEC2014 and CEC2020 are evaluated with ETBBPSO. Four famous population-based algorithms are also selected in the control group. Experimental results prove that ETBBPSO can present high precision results for high dimensional single-objective optimization problems.

Effect of traction direction and pressure load on the palatal plate on retentive force

Background

Recently, a denture adhesive that is easy to clean and contain moisturizing ingredients have been developed for patients with dry mouth. Although the retentive force produced by conventional denture adhesives and oral moisturizers have been compared on models, no study has reported their comparison in the oral cavity. In this study, we aimed to clarify the effects of different directions of traction and loads at the time of pressure contact on the retentive force on a palatal plate made from a dentulous jaw model.

Methods

A palatal plate was fabricated with thermoplastic resin on a dentulous jaw model, and a loop-shaped traction device was attached to the centre of the palate. The test samples were a cream-type denture adhesive, a denture adhesive for dry mouth, an oral moisturizer, and a denture moisturizer. The specimens were applied to the inner surface of the plate, which was then mounted under vertical pressure. Then, the retentive force was measured, using a digital force gauge, while the plate was pulled in different directions and with different loads.

Results

No significant difference in retentive force was observed in any of the test samples when the direction of traction was between 45° and 60°. The retentive force of the denture adhesive for dry mouth was significantly higher with a direction of traction of 90° than that of 45° or 60°. The retentive force when oral moisturizer was used was significantly higher in the 90° traction direction than in the 45° direction. There was no significant difference between a force of 4.0 kgf or 5.5 kgf when using a denture adhesive for dry mouth. Comparing the four load size conditions, the larger the load, the higher was the retentive force. Similar results were obtained for the cream-type denture adhesive and denture moisturizer. Significantly higher retentive force was observed for larger loads when oral moisturizer was used.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the direction of traction and the pressure load affect the retentive force on a palatal plate.

Comparison of the Amount of Used and the Ease of Oral Care between Liquid and Gel-Type Oral Moisturizers Used with an Oral Care Simulators

Oral care involving the removal of dry sputum is effective for older patients who require nursing care or hospitalization. However, safe and efficient oral care methods for such patients remain unclear. We aimed to simulate the oral cavity of older adults with dry mouth and elucidate the differences between two moisturization agents, water and gel-like oral moisturizer, and investigate the effect of occupation and experience on the amount of use and the ease of oral care. Using an oral care simulator (MANABOT^®, Nissin Dental Products Inc., Kyoto, Japan), 42 students and 48 dental professionals (13 dentists and 35 dental hygienists) performed oral care using moisturization agents to facilitate dry sputum removal. The time required for oral care, amount of water or gel used, amount of pharyngeal inflow, and ease of oral care when using water or gel were compared. The simulations revealed that the amount of use and pharyngeal inflow for gel (2.9 ± 1.6 and 0.3 ± 0.3, respectively) were significantly lower than those for water (6.8 ± 4.1 and 1.2 ± 1.5, respectively) in all participants. Using a gel-like moisturizer might reduce the aspiration risk in older patients requiring nursing care or hospitalization, regardless of occupation and experience.

Comparison of oral hypofunction tests and determination of reference values for a subjective masticatory function test

Background

In Japan, oral hypofunction has been recognized as a disease since 2018. An alternative to occlusal force testing for assessing oral hypofunction is the evaluation of the number of natural teeth. Subjective masticatory function testing, which evaluates the ease or difficulty in chewing foods, is an effective alternative to occlusal force testing. However, no reference values have been established for this test. We determined the reference values of the subjective masticatory function test and evaluated its potential as a substitute for the number of natural teeth for assessing oral hypofunction.

Methods

The sample consisted of 184 older adults who visited the Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Showa University Dental Hospital, from July 2018 to January 2020. The subjective masticatory function test (table for evaluation of chewing function in complete denture wearers [Chewing Score 20]) was performed using 20 foods. The occlusal force test and a receiver operating characteristic curve were used to determine the reference values for Chewing Score 20. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated and compared with the occlusal force test and the number of natural teeth.

Results

A significant correlation (r) was found between the occlusal force test and the Chewing Score 20 (r = 0.526, p < 0.001). The reference value for Chewing Score 20 was < 85. Although the Chewing Score 20 was less sensitive than the number of natural teeth, it demonstrated a higher specificity and a positive predictive value.

Conclusion

Herein, a score of < 85 on the subjective masticatory function test was determined to be the optimal quantitative reference. The subjective masticatory function test may be used as an alternative for assessing oral hypofunction.

OP0062 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF ADALIMUMAB WITH LOW AND HIGH DOSE-METHOTREXATE IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WITH INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO METHOTREXATE: THE RANDOMISED CONTROLLED MIRACLE STUDY

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes not only joint pain but also bone destruction resulting in impairment of quality of life. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors have improved prognosis of patients with rheumatoid arthritis dramatically, especially in combination with methotrexate, however, the optimal dose of the concomitant methotrexate is unclear.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adalimumab in combination with reduced dose of methotrexate in patients with early RA with inadequate response to methotrexate.

Methods

The MIRACLE study was a multinational, randomized, open-label study in patients with RA with inadequate response to methotrexate conducted in Asia. It compared low dose and high dose methotrexate upon starting adalimumab. Methotrexate-naive patients with RA with a disease duration of less than two years started methotrexate at 6 to 8 mg/week and increased it to the maximum tolerable dose by week 12. Patients who have not achieved remission according to simplified disease activity index (SDAI) despite methotrexate ≥ 10 mg/week at week 24 were randomised to the maximum tolerable dose of methotrexate group (10 to 25 mg/week) or the reduced dose group (6 to 8 mg/week) and started to receive subcutaneous adalimumab 40 mg every other week. The primary endpoint was non-inferiority in the achievement of SDAI remission at week 48 in the reduced dose group compared with the maximum tolerable dose group with a non-inferiority margin of -15% based on two-sided 90% confidence interval. (NCT03505008)

Results

A total of 300 patients were enrolled in the study. Among them, 291 started methotrexate and were included in the analysis. The mean age was 57.7±15.2 years, female was 74.6%, and the mean disease duration from the diagnosis of RA was 21.1±56.2 days. Anti-CCP antibody was positive in 211 (73.0%) and the mean SDAI at study enrollment was 26.5±12.4. At week 24, with the mean dose of methotrexate of 12.6±2.9 mg/week, 108 patients (37.1%) achieved remission according to SDAI and continued MTX monotherapy. 134 patients (46.0%) were randomised and started adalimumab with 68 patients in the maximum tolerable dose group and 66 patients in the reduced dose group. At week 48, the remission achievement rates were 38.4 % and 44.8 %, respectively, with the adjusted risk difference of the reduced dose group to the maximum tolerable dose group of 6.4% (-7.0% to 19.8%, 90% CI), which met the criterion for noninferiority. No significant difference was found in health assessment questionnaire disability index ≤0.5 (59.1% vs 62.0%, respectively, p=0.72) and in radiological remission rates (Δmodified total Sharp score ≤0.5, 66.3% vs 62.0 %, respectively, p=0.59). Adverse drug reactions tended to be more frequent in the maximum tolerable dose group than in the reduced dose group (22.1% vs 9.1%, respectively, p=0.06).

Conclusion

The MIRACLE randomised study demonstrated that, in patients with inadequate response to methotrexate, the efficacy of adalimumab with reduced dose of concomitant methotrexate was not inferior to that with maximum tolerable dose of methotrexate with better safety profile.

Disclosure of Interests

Hiroya Tamai Speakers bureau: Eisai, Grant/research support from: Eisai, Kei Ikeda Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Gilead, Asahi-Kasei, Grant/research support from: Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Toshiaki Miyamoto: None declared, Hiroaki Taguchi: None declared, Chang-Fu Kuo: None declared, Kichul Shin: None declared, Shintaro Hirata Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Asahi-Kasei, Astellas, Ayumi, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Chugai, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Glaxo SmithKline, Janssen, Kyorin, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, UCB, Paid instructor for: AbbVie, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Consultant of: AbbVie, Astellas, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eisai, Gilead, Ily Lilly, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Asahi-Kasei, Eisai, Otsuka, Sanofi, Shionogi, Chugai, Pfizer, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, Eli Lilly, UCB, yutaka okano: None declared, Shinji Sato Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eisai, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eisai, Hidekata Yasuoka Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Astellas, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Kissei, Takeda, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Chugai, Novartis, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Janssen, Sanofi, Teijin, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Bayer, Glaxo Smith Kline, Paid instructor for: AbbVie, Consultant of: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei, Grant/research support from: Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Takeda, Daiichi-Sankyo, Chugai, Bristol-Myers, MSD, Astellas, In Ah Choi Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eisai, Sung-Hwan Park: None declared, Meng-Yu Weng Paid instructor for: Novartis, Eli Lilly, ChuGai, Abbvie, Consultant of: Abbvie, Masataka Kuwana Speakers bureau: Astellas, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Chugai, Eisai, Janssen, Mochida, Nippon Shinyaku, Ono Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Consultant of: Boehringer-Ingelheim, Kissei, Mochida, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Chugai, Eisai, MBL, Nippon Shinyaku, Ono Pharmaceuticals, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Yun Jong Lee Grant/research support from: Yuhan, Tomonori Ishii Speakers bureau: Chugai, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Glaxo Smith Kline, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Janssen, AbbVie, Eisai, Astellas, Jinhyun Kim: None declared, Hideto Kameda Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eisai, Toshihisa Kojima Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, Eisai, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Han Joo Baek: None declared, Ping-Ning Hsu: None declared, Chun-Ming Huang Paid instructor for: Abbvie, Pfizer, Tien-Tsai Cheng Paid instructor for: Abbvie, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Wan-Yu Sung: None declared, Takehiro Taninaga Shareholder of: Eisai.co.,Ltd., Employee of: Eisai.co.,Ltd., Masahiko Mori Shareholder of: Eisai.co.,Ltd., Employee of: Eisai.co.,Ltd., Hideaki Miyagishi Shareholder of: Eisai.co.,Ltd., Employee of: Eisai.co.,Ltd., Yasunori Sato Speakers bureau: Eisai Co., Ltd. Kowa Company, Ltd., Consultant of: MOCHIDA PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD, Tsutomu Takeuchi Speakers bureau: Astellas, AbbVie, Ayumi, Bristol Myers Squibb, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Glaxo Smith Kline, Janssen, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Nippon-kayaku, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, UCB, Grant/research support from: Asahi Kasei, AbbVie, Ayumi, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Chugai, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Sanofi, UCB, Yuko Kaneko Speakers bureau: Asahi Kasei, Astellas, Ayumi, Bristol Myers Squibb, Chugai, Eisai, Elli Lilly, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Novartis, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Chugai, Eisai, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, UCB.

POS0390 GENES OF “DEFENSE RESPONSE TO VIRUS” IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD OF ANTI-MDA5 POSITIVE DERMATOMYOSITIS WERE UPREGULATED AS COMPARE WITH OTHER FORMS OF DERMATOMYOSITIS. ~SUPPRESSING RIG-I LIKE RECEPTOR SIGNALING OR TYPE 1/2 INTERFERON SIGNALING WERE THE KEYS FOR SURVIVAL

Background

Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5–positive dermatomyositis (MDA5 DM) is a rare but distinct subtype of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) that is characterized by high mortality due to rapid progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD). MDA5 is a cytosolic protein and a family of retinoic-acid inducible gene-I (RIG-I) like receptor, which functions as a virus RNA sensor and induces the production of type I interferons (IFN-I) and proinflammatory cytokines. This leads to the death of infected cells and the activation of the antigen-specific antiviral immune response. Although the pathogenesis of MDA5 DM is largely unknown, a hypothesis that pathogenic involvement of anti-MDA5 antibodies has been proposed. Recently, similarities have been noted between multifaceted features of COVID-19 and MDA5 DM, which suggests shared underlying autoinflammatory mechanisms.

Objectives

To detect the critical actors in the pathogenesis of MDA5 DM by gene expression analysis of peripheral blood.

Methods

Total of 31 DM cases were investigated, including anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase positive (ARS) DM (n=12), MDA5 DM (n=7, survivor=3) and others (n=12). Peripheral blood was drawn at baseline and 2 to 3 months after treatments. Total RNAs were then extracted with using PAXgene miRNA kit. After quantifying the expressions of transcripts by multiplex sequencing. And then, hierarchical clustering analysis, enrichment analysis using gene ontology (GO) terms, single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed.

Results

The hierarchical clustering with expression profiles of peripheral blood at baseline showed major 3 clusters. Interestingly, ARS DM cases were segregated into right side of the 3rd cluster while MDA5 DM cases fell into 1st and 2nd clusters. ARS and MDA5 DM were clearly discriminated if differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these subtypes of DM were analyzed. By GO enrichment analysis, the terms, such as related to “defense response to virus” including “type1 interferon signaling pathway” were found in the DEGs. In the MDA5 DM cases, ssGSEA revealed that genes of “Fcγ receptor mediated phagocytosis pathway” or “complement and coagulation cascade” were significantly enriched and WGCNA showed that pathways of “T-cell antigen receptor signaling” or “lung fibrosis” were significantly upregulated. Next, we also investigated the DEGs of peripheral blood at 2-3 months after treatment between survival and fatal cases in MDA5 DM. We found that suppressing RIG-I like receptor and type 1 and type 2 interferon (IFN) signaling were the keys for survival.

Conclusion

MDA5 is a key sensor of several RNA viruses including coronavirus families and then activate antiviral gene transcription such as type 1 IFN genes, leading to establish an antiviral host response. As the pulmonary damage of COVID-19 is known to be difficult to distinguish from the ILD associated with anti-MDA5 DM, the life-threating ILD of MDA5 DM may be caused by the over-activation of RIG-I like receptor signaling via MDA5. The hypothesis is supported by our findings that the defining features of MDA5 DM are activation of “type 1 IFN pathways” and antigen-specific antiviral immune responses including “Fcγ receptor mediated phagocytosis pathway” or “T-cell antigen receptor signaling”. As the levels of anti-MDA5 antibodies reported to be important prognostic parameter, it may be involved in pathogenesis of MDA5 DM. As we found that suppression of type 1 and type 2 IFN signaling were the keys for survival, it seems to be reasonable to use inhibitors of Janus Kinases (JAK) for treatment of MDA5 DM.

Disclosure of Interests

Yoshinobu Koyama Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Asahikasei, Ayumi, BMS, Eli-Lilly, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, GSK, Yoshiharu Sato: None declared, Moe Sakamoto: None declared

Observational Variables for Considering a Switch from a Normal to a Dysphagia Diet among Older Adults Requiring Long-Term Care: A One-Year Multicenter Longitudinal Study

This one-year multicenter longitudinal study aimed to assess whether older adult residents of long-term care facilities should switch from a normal to a dysphagia diet. Using the results of our previous cross-sectional study as baseline, older adults were subdivided into those who maintained a normal diet and those who switched to a dysphagia diet. The explanatory variables were age, sex, body mass index (BMI), Barthel Index, clinical dementia rating (CDR), and 13 simple and 5 objective oral assessments (remaining teeth, functional teeth, oral diadochokinesis, modified water swallowing test, and repetitive saliva swallowing test), which were used in binomial logistic regression analysis. Between-group comparison showed a significantly different BMI, Barthel Index, and CDR. Significant differences were also observed in simple assessments for language, drooling, tongue movement, perioral muscle function, and rinsing and in objective assessments. In multi-level analysis, switching from a normal to a dysphagia diet was significantly associated with simple assessments of tongue movement, perioral muscle function, and rinsing and with the objective assessment of the number of functional teeth. The results suggest that simple assessments can be performed regularly to screen for early signs of discrepancies between food form and eating/swallowing functions, which could lead to the provision of more appropriate food forms.

A twinning bare bones particle swarm optimization algorithm

A twinning bare bones particle swarm optimization(TBBPSO) algorithm is proposed in this paper. The TBBPSO is combined by two operators, the twins grouping operator (TGO) and the merger operator (MO). The TGO aims at the reorganization of the particle swarm. Two particles will form as a twin and influence each other in subsequent iterations. In a twin, one particle is designed to do the global search while the other one is designed to do the local search. The MO aims at merging the twins and enhancing the search ability of the main group. Two operators work together to enhance the local minimum escaping ability of proposed methods. In addition, no parameter adjustment is needed in TBBPSO, which means TBBPSO can solve different types of optimization problems without previous information or parameter adjustment. In the benchmark functions test, the CEC2014 benchmark functions are used. Experimental results prove that proposed methods can present high precision results for various types of optimization problems.