Efficacy of primary treatment with immunoglobulin plus ciclosporin for prevention of coronary artery abnormalities in patients with Kawasaki disease predicted to be at increased risk of non-response to intravenous immunoglobulin (KAICA): a randomised controlled, open-label, blinded-endpoints, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Genetic studies have indicated possible involvement of the upregulated calcium-nuclear factor of activated T cells pathway in the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease. We aimed to assess safety and efficacy of ciclosporin, an immunosuppressant targeting this pathway, for protection of patients with Kawasaki disease against coronary artery abnormalities.

METHODS

We did a randomised, open-label, blinded endpoints trial involving 22 hospitals in Japan between May 29, 2014, and Dec 27, 2016. Eligible patients predicted to be at higher risk for intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance were randomly assigned to IVIG plus ciclosporin (5 mg/kg per day for 5 days; study treatment) or IVIG (conventional treatment) groups, stratified by risk score, age, and sex. The primary endpoint was incidence of coronary artery abnormalities using Japanese criteria during the 12-week trial, assessed in participants who received at least one dose of study drug and who visited the study institution at least once during treatment. This trial is registered to Center for Clinical Trials, Japan Medical Association, number JMA-IIA00174.

FINDINGS

We enrolled 175 participants. One patient withdrew consent after enrolment and was excluded and one patient (in the study treatment group) was excluded from analysis because of lost echocardiography data. Incidence of coronary artery abnormalities was lower in the study treatment group than in the conventional treatment group (12 [14%] of 86 patients vs 27 [31%] of 87 patients; risk ratio 0·46; 95% CI 0·25-0·86; p=0·010). No difference was found in the incidence of adverse events between the groups (9% vs 7%; p=0·78).

INTERPRETATION

Combined primary therapy with IVIG and ciclosporin was safe and effective for favourable coronary artery outcomes in Kawasaki disease patients who were predicted to be unresponsive to IVIG.

FUNDING

Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (grant CCT-B-2503).

Development and validation of a novel scoring index (C-reactive protein, age, race, and tumor size) to predict renal functional decline post partial nephrectomy

597

Background: Functional decline is a sequelae of extirpative renal surgery with potential for significant morbidity. We utilized pre-operative patient demographics, C-reactive protein, and tumor size to design and validate a novel scoring index to predict functional decline post partial nephrectomy. Methods: A multi-institutional dataset was utilized for analysis of patients with pre-operative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 60mL/min/1.73m2 by CKD-EPI equation. Multivariable analysis (MVA) was carried out for potential variables associated with development of post-operative chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage IIIB at last follow-up (eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73m2). Significant variables were included in the predictive model and assigned an index score based on odds ratio. Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to evaluate predictive validity, and bootstrapping technique was utilized to validate the model. Results: 924 patients were analyzed. 826 patients had post-operative eGFR > 45, while 111 patients had eGFR. Factors on MVA independently associated with increased risk of development of eGFR < 45 included age 65+ (OR = 2.6, p < 0.001), African-American race (OR = 2.3, p = 0.006), C-reactive protein level > 0.5mg/dL (OR = 5.3, p < 0.001), and tumor size > 4 cm (OR = 1.458, p = 0.189). For CART (C-reactive protein, Age, Race, Tumor size) score, the following values were assigned: age ( < 65 = 1, age > 65 = 3), race (non-African-American = 1, African-American = 2), tumor size ( < 4 = 1, > 4cm = 2), and CRP ( < 0.5mg/dL = 1, > 0.5mg/dL = 4). Analysis demonstrated 2.6% (12/469) of patients with a low (4-6) score had de novo eGFR < 45 postoperatively, while 35% (41/117) of patients with a high (10-11) score had de novo eGFR < 45. ROC analysis revealed AUC of 0.778, and ROC bootstrapping validation of 95 randomly selected patients revealed an AUC of 0.808. Conclusions: CART score represents a novel composite score that significantly predicts development of eGFR < 45 after surgery. This scoring system may assist in patient counseling and clinical decision making, as well as an impetus to improve outcomes in at-risk patient subgroups.

Association of elevated C-reactive protein with oncologic outcomes in renal CELL carcinoma: A multicenter analysis

596

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a systemic inflammatory marker which has been associated with overall survival (OS) in Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) patients in Asia. Data supporting utility of CRP as a predictive marker in non-Asian populations are sparse and controversial. We analyzed utility of pre-treatment CRP as a predictor of survival and oncological outcomes in a multicenter cohort of RCC patients. Methods: Retrospective international 3 center analysis of patients of patients with RCC with pretreatment CRP values from 2006-2017. CRP > 0.5mg/dl was used as threshold for elevation and the cohort was subdivided into two groups for descriptive analysis (normal-CRP ≤0.5 and elevated-CRP > 0.5). Primary outcome was recurrence-free survival (RFS). Secondary outcome was overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier (KMA) and multivariable analyses (MVA) were utilized to delineate survival outcomes and their predictors. Results: Overall 2695 patients were analyzed (1791 Male/904 female, CRP≤0.5 1198/CRP > 0.5 1496; mean follow-up 36 months). Patients with elevated CRP had higher incidence of hypertension (p = 0.001), BMI (p < 0.001), and tumor size (3.91 cm vs. 6.05 cm, p < 0.001). MVA for RFS demonstrated elevated CRP (OR = 0.542, p = 0.005), increasing tumor size (OR = 0.915, p < 0.001), and high tumor grade (OR = 0.322 p < 0.001) to be independent risk factors. MVA for all-cause mortality demonstrated elevated CRP (OR = 12.396, p = 0.005), increasing tumor size (OR = 1.126, p < 0.001), high tumor grade (OR = 2.474, p < 0.001), and receipt of PN (OR = 1.826, p = 0.001) to be independent risk factors. For normal vs. elevated CRP, KMA revealed 5-year RFS of 90% vs. 85% (p = 0.001), 95% vs 85% (p = 0.163), 85% vs 62% (p = 0.001), 50% vs 60% (p = 0.513) for Stages 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. KMA revealed 5-year OS of 98% vs 80% (p = 0.001), 95% vs 80% (p = 0.103), 95% vs 65% (p = 0.001), 99% vs 40% (p < 0.001) for Stages 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Conclusions: Pre-treatment CRP was an independent predictor of recurrence free survival and overall survival in a multicenter cohort of RCC patients. While further confirmation is requisite, our findings suggest incorporation of CRP into nomographic and risk stratification protocols.

Disparities in survival outcomes in African Americans in renal cell carcinoma: Impact of oncological versus nononcological factors

595

Background: African-Americans have increased incidences of renal cortical tumor subtypes of lower oncological potential in the setting of lower risk disease when compared to other ethno-racial groups. However, survival outcomes are similar. We investigated the impact of African-American race on overall survival, oncological outcomes, functional outcomes, and non-cancer mortality. Methods: Multi-institutional retrospective analysis of patients who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy between 1998-2018. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included non-cancer mortality (NCM), recurrence free survival (RFS), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline. Multivariable logistic regression (MVA) were used to elucidate predictive factors for OS, NCM, and RFS, and eGFR <45 and <30 ml/min/1.73m2. Results: 3,088 patients were divided into African American (AA, n=353) and Non-African American (NAA, n=2735) sub-groups. No difference was noted between groups with respect to mean tumor size (p=0.211) or metastases presence (p=0.846). African-American race was an independent risk factor for functional decline to eGFR<45 (OR 4.43, p<0.001) and eGFR<30 (OR 5.15, p<0.001). MVA for worsened NCM demonstrated African-American race (OR=1.72, p=0.042), increasing age (OR=1.03, p=0.001), radical nephrectomy (OR=2.98, p<0.001), and increasing tumor size (OR=1.26, p<0.001) to be independent risk factors. MVA for worsened OS included increasing age (OR=1.04, p<0.001), tumor size (OR=1.182, p<0.001), clear cell histology (OR=1.62, p<0.001), high tumor grade (OR=2.12, p<0.001), and post-operative eGFR <45 (OR=2.12, p<0.001). MVA for worsening RFS demonstrated high tumor grade (OR=2.38, p<0.001) and increasing clinical tumor size (OR=1.152, p<0.001) to be independent factors. Conclusions: African Americans undergoing renal surgery for RCC appear to have similar OS and RFS, but poorer NCM than non-African American patients. The cause of these disparities is multi-faceted and likely associated with functional decline. Nephron-sparing management should be considered in African-Americans presenting with renal cortical tumors.

Clinical outcomes of muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients with hydronephrosis treated with tetra-modality bladder sparing therapy incorporating consolidative partial cystectomy

430

Background: Trimodality bladder sparing therapy has become an accepted treatment for selected patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). As the presence of hydronephrosis may reduce complete response rate and survival in trimodality therapy, some investigators deem hydronephrosis as a contraindication for bladder sparing. We have developed a tetra-modality bladder sparing therapy (TeMT) consisting of maximal transurethral resection (TUR), induction chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and partial cystectomy (PC) (Koga et al, BJU Int 2012). TeMT which enables surgical consolidation of the original MIBC site, including uretero-vesical anastomosis if necessary, may provide more chance of bladder sparing for patients with hydronephrosis. Methods: In total, 151 patients with cT2-3N0M0 MIBC (median age 69 years, female/male = 33/118, cT2/3 = 100/51) entered tetra-modality bladder-sparing protocol. After maximal TUR and CRT (40 Gy + cisplatin), response was evaluated via cytology, imaging, and tumor-site rebiopsy. Consolidative PC was performed in complete responders, while radical cystectomy was recommended for others. Extension of ipsilateral intrapelvic ureter in pretreatment computed tomography was graded following the Society for Fetal Urology grading system, then patients with grade 2-3 were classified as with hydronephrosis. Response rate to CRT, MIBC recurrence-free survival, and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were compared between patients with or without hydronephrosis. Results: Hydronephrosis was found in 19 patients (14%), and was associated with lower response rate to CRT (42% in hydronephrosis vs 77% in normal, p = 0.03). On an intent-to-treat basis, patients with hydronephrosis (n = 19) had lower 5-yr CSS than those without it (n = 132) (62% vs 85%, p < 0.01). Among the 106 patients who underwent PC as per protocol, patients with (n = 9) and without hydronephrosis (n = 97) had comparable 5-yr MIBC recurrence-free survival (100% vs 97%, p = 0.11) and CSS (100% vs 93%, p = 0.46). Conclusions: Patients with hydronephrosis should not necessarily be excluded from tetra-modality bladder sparing therapy.

Search for CP Violation in Neutrino and Antineutrino Oscillations by the T2K Experiment with 2.2×10^{21} Protons on Target

The T2K experiment measures muon neutrino disappearance and electron neutrino appearance in accelerator-produced neutrino and antineutrino beams. With an exposure of 14.7(7.6)×10^{20} protons on target in the neutrino (antineutrino) mode, 89 ν_{e} candidates and seven anti-ν_{e} candidates are observed, while 67.5 and 9.0 are expected for δ_{CP}=0 and normal mass ordering. The obtained 2σ confidence interval for the CP-violating phase, δ_{CP}, does not include the CP-conserving cases (δ_{CP}=0, π). The best-fit values of other parameters are sin^{2}θ_{23}=0.526_{-0.036}^{+0.032} and Δm_{32}^{2}=2.463_{-0.070}^{+0.071}×10^{-3}  eV^{2}/c^{4}.

Adherent Perinephric Fat in Asian Patients: Predictors and Impact on Perioperative Outcomes of Partial Nephrectomy

INTRODUCTION

This study is aimed at evaluating the incidence and predictors of adherent perinephric fat (APF) in Asians during partial nephrectomy (PN), and determining the impact of APF on perioperative outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 231 Asian patients with renal tumors underwent PN, and their Mayo adhesive probability (MAP) score was calculated. APF was intraoperatively determined, and the perioperative data were compared according to the presence of APF. The predictors of APF were examined using logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

APF was observed in 40 (17%) patients. In multivariate analysis, male gender and higher MAP score were the independent predictors of APF. The estimated blood loss was higher in patients with APF, however, the complication rates did not differ between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The MAP score can predict APF in an Asian population. The presence of APF was associated with greater blood loss; however it did not increase the postoperative complications in PN.

Acute kidney injury and intermediate-term renal function after clampless partial nephrectomy

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence and predictors of acute kidney injury after clampless partial nephrectomy, and its impact on intermediate-term renal function.

METHODS

The incidence and severity of acute kidney injury were assessed for 262 patients undergoing clampless partial nephrectomy between 2010 and 2015. The association between perioperative covariates and acute kidney injury was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. An annual change in estimated glomerular filtration rate from 1 year after surgery was calculated according to the presence or absence of acute kidney injury. An impact of acute kidney injury on postoperative renal impairment, defined as a ≥25% estimated glomerular filtration rate decrease, was evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall, 21 (8.0%) patients experienced grade 1 acute kidney injury after clampless partial nephrectomy, and grade ≥2 acute kidney injury was not observed. High tumor complexity was the only independent predictor of acute kidney injury. Estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with acute kidney injury improved within 1 year, and annual estimated glomerular filtration rate changes were similar among patients with or without acute kidney injury. Ultimately, 13 (5.0%) patients showed postoperative renal impairment during the median follow-up period of 37 months. Advanced age and diabetes mellitus were independent risk factors for renal impairment, but acute kidney injury was not.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and severity of acute kidney injury after clampless partial nephrectomy are low. Low-grade acute kidney injury after clampless partial nephrectomy does not seem to affect intermediate-term renal function.

Effect of Eplerenone on the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) in Primary Aldosteronism: Sequential Changes in the GFR During Preoperative Eplerenone Treatment to Subsequent Adrenalectomy

Objective Eplerenone (EPL) is a mineralo-corticoid receptor antagonist that is highly selective and has few side effects. This study was conducted to examine whether or not EPL treatment was able to reverse glomerular hyperfiltration, as an indicator of aldosterone renal action, in primary aldosteronism (PA) patients. Methods Changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔGFR) were examined in 102 PA patients with EPL treatment. Furthermore, the sequential ΔGFR in 40 patients initially treated with EPL followed by adrenalectomy was examined in order to evaluate the extent of the remaining glomerular hyperfiltration in the patients treated with EPL. Results EPL decreased the GFR at 1 month after treatment. The GFR at baseline was the sole significant predictor for the ΔGFR. Patients initially treated by EPL followed by adrenalectomy showed three different ΔGFR patterns during the treatment, despite having comparable doses of EPL and comparable control of blood pressure and serum potassium levels. The urinary aldosterone excretion was significantly different among these three groups, and the group with no decrease in the GFR after EPL treatment showed greater urinary aldosterone excretion. Glomerular hyperfiltration was completely restored only in 17.5% of our unilateral PA patients after EPL treatment. Conclusion The present study revealed that blockade of aldosterone action by EPL could, at least partially, reverse glomerular hyperfiltration in PA. Whether or not these differential effects on the GFR affect the long-term outcome needs to be investigated, especially in patients with unilateral PA who do not want adrenalectomy and choose the EPL treatment option.

Higher Serum C-reactive Protein Level Represents the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment in Patients With Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

C-reactive protein (CRP), a representative inflammatory marker, could serve as a biomarker in renal cell carcinoma because CRP is an important prognostic factor. However, its detailed mechanism remains unknown. This study showed that higher CRP levels correlated with the tumor immune microenvironment, which leads to a worse prognosis. These findings can help to clarify the underlying mechanisms between the presence of systemic inflammatory reaction and prognosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between tumor immune microenvironment and CRP in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to explore the underlying mechanisms between CRP level and prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Immunohistochemical measurement of CD4, CD8, CD163 (M2 macrophages), and Foxp3 (Regulatory T [Treg] cells) was performed in patients with clear-cell RCC (n = 111) treated with radical or partial nephrectomy at our institution. The association between immunohistochemical status and preoperative serum CRP level and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients (30%) had a high CRP level (≥ 5.0 mg/L), and the CSS rate was significantly worse among these patients than among the remaining patients (P < .001). In patients with strong infiltration of CD8+, Foxp3+, or CD163+ cells, CRP levels were significantly higher (P = .041, P = .001, and P = .035, respectively), and CSS was significantly worse compared with patients with weak infiltration (P = .040, P = .026, and P < .001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, strong CD163+ cells infiltration (P = .001) as well as pathologic T3 (P = .036), lymph-node involvement (P = .007), distant metastasis (P < .001), and Fuhrman nuclear grade 4 (P = .003) were independent prognostic factors for CSS.

CONCLUSIONS

Infiltration of the immunosuppressive cells known as Tregs and M2 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment is associated with higher CRP and poor prognosis in patients with clear-cell RCC. CRP could reflect an immunosuppressive microenvironment.

Impact of Immunohistochemistry-Based Subtypes in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer on Response to Chemoradiation Therapy

PURPOSE

A bladder-sparing strategy is a useful option for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), in which the response to chemoradiation therapy (CRT) is primarily important in achieving favorable oncologic outcomes. Our objective is to evaluate the impact of immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based subtyping in MIBC on prediction of CRT response.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Treatment protocol consisted of induction CRT followed by partial or radical cystectomy as consolidative surgery; 118 eligible patients with nonmetastatic MIBC were retrospectively analyzed. Of these patients, 92 eventually underwent partial or radical cystectomy after CRT. We applied the IHC-based subtyping model developed by Lund University, which classifies patients into urobasal (Uro), genomically unstable (GU), and squamous cell cancer-like (SCCL) subtypes. GU and SCCL cancers are supposed to be highly aggressive and to have worse prognoses than Uro. Correlations of subtypes with CRT response were analyzed clinically in all patients and pathologically in 92 cystectomized patients. The impact of each subtype on cancer-specific mortality (CSM) was also analyzed.

RESULTS

Of all patients, 26 (22%), 61 (52%), and 31 (26%) were classified into Uro, GU, and SCCL subtypes, respectively. Clinical complete response (CR) was achieved in 42% of patients overall after CRT, with a significantly higher proportion in GU patients (52%) and SCCL patients (45%) than in Uro patients (15%; P < .001 and P = .01, respectively). On multivariate analysis, the GU/SCCL subtype was a significant predictor of clinical CR, as was absence of hydronephrosis or concomitant carcinoma in situ. Analyses for pathologic CR in the cystectomized patients revealed analogous findings. Five-year CSM of Uro, GU, and SCCL patients was 16%, 23%, and 28% overall, respectively, and 19%, 22%, and 23% in cystectomized patients, respectively, with no significant difference among the subtypes. CR status after CRT was significantly and independently correlated with low CSM in both clinical and pathologic evaluations.

CONCLUSIONS

GU and SCCL cancers showed significantly more favorable CRT response than did Uro cancers. IHC-based subtyping may improve clinical decisions about the indication of CRT for MIBC patients.

Study protocol for the G-SPIRIT trial: a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded phase III trial of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-mediated neuroprotection for acute spinal cord injury

INTRODUCTION

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is generally used for neutropaenia. Previous experimental studies revealed that G-CSF promoted neurological recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Next, we moved to early phase of clinical trials. In a phase I/IIa trial, no adverse events were observed. Next, we conducted a non-randomised, non-blinded, comparative trial, which suggested the efficacy of G-CSF for promoting neurological recovery. Based on those results, we are now performing a phase III trial.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of G-CSF for acute SCI. The study design is a prospective, multicentre, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled comparative study. The current trial includes cervical SCI (severity of American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale B/C) within 48 hours after injury. Patients are randomly assigned to G-CSF and placebo groups. The G-CSF group is administered 400 µg/m²/day×5 days of G-CSF in normal saline via intravenous infusion for 5 consecutive days. The placebo group is similarly administered a placebo. Our primary endpoint is changes in ASIA motor scores from baseline to 3 months. Each group includes 44 patients (88 total patients).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study will be conducted according to the principles of the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki and in accordance with the Japanese Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act and other guidelines, regulations and Acts. Results of the clinical study will be submitted to the head of the respective clinical study site as a report after conclusion of the clinical study by the sponsor-investigator. Even if the results are not favourable despite conducting the clinical study properly, the data will be published as a paper.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN000018752.

Telomere length determined by the fluorescence in situ hybridisation distinguishes malignant and benign cells in cytological specimens

BACKGROUND

Telomeres are tandem repeats of TTAGGG at the end of eukaryotic chromosomes that play a key role in preventing chromosomal instability. The aim of the present study is to determine telomere length using fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) on cytological specimens.

METHODS

Aspiration samples (n = 41) were smeared on glass slides and used for FISH.

RESULTS

Telomere signal intensity was significantly lower in positive cases (cases with malignancy, n = 25) as compared to negative cases (cases without malignancy, n = 16), and the same was observed for centromere intensity. The difference in DAPI intensity was not statistically significant. The ratio of telomere to centromere intensity did not show a significant difference between positive and negative cases. There was no statistical difference in the signal intensities of aspiration samples from ascites or pleural effusion (n = 23) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided FNA samples from the pancreas (n = 18).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study revealed that telomere length can be used as an indicator to distinguish malignant and benign cells in cytological specimens. This novel approach may help improve diagnosis for cancer patients.

Low ocean-floor rises regulate subpolar sea surface temperature by forming baroclinic jets

Sea surface temperature (SST) fronts in mid- to high-latitude oceans have significant impacts on extratropical atmospheric circulations and climate. In the western subarctic Pacific, sharp SST fronts form between the cold subarctic water and the recently found quasi-stationary jets that advect warm waters originating in the Kuroshio northeastward. Here we present a new mechanism of the jet formation paying attention to the propagation of baroclinic Rossby waves that is deflected by eddy-driven barotropic flows over bottom rises, although their height is low (~500 m) compared with the depth of the North Pacific Ocean (~6000 m). Steered by the barotropic flows, Rossby waves bring a thicker upper layer from the subtropical gyre and a thinner upper layer from the subarctic gyre, thereby creating a thickness jump, hence a surface jet, where they converge. This study reveals an overlooked role of low-rise bottom topography in regulating SST anomalies in subpolar oceans.

Sea surface temperature fronts in mid-and-high latitudes give significant impacts on atmospheric circulations and climate. Here, the authors uncover a new mechanism on the sea surface front genesis in the subpolar oceans in which small-amplitude bottom topography is surprisingly effective.

Birth order and paediatric allergic disease: A nationwide longitudinal survey

BACKGROUND

Environmental factors seem to be related to the incidence of allergic disease. Children with a later birth order are often exposed to environments, where pathogens and endotoxins can be found, and thus have a higher risk of developing infectious diseases. Therefore, birth order is regarded as an indicator that reflects post-natal environment. However, longitudinal studies are limited on this subject. This study sought to elucidate the relationships between birth order and allergic disease.

METHODS

From a nationwide longitudinal study that followed children born in 2001 (n = 47 015), we selected doctors' visits for 3 types of allergic disease-bronchial asthma, food allergy and atopic dermatitis-from infancy to 12 years of age and conducted binomial log-linear regression analysis to evaluate the associations between birth order and these diseases. We adjusted for the child and parental factors and estimated risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each outcome.

RESULTS

The associations between birth order and bronchial asthma were diverse; later birth order increased the risk in early childhood, but decreased the risks during school age. For example, the adjusted RR comparing third-born or higher and first-born children was 1.19 (95% CI, 1.05-1.35) between 30 and 42 months of age, but was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.65-0.89) between 10 and 11 years. Later birth order was generally protective for food allergy but increased the risk of atopic dermatitis.

CONCLUSION

The influence of birth order depended on the type of allergic disease and the childhood period. Childhood is unique in terms of physical and immunological development, and the immune response to the post-natal environment in childhood appears to be heterogeneous.

Clinical outcomes of patients with histologic variants of urothelial carcinoma treated with tetra-modality bladder-sparing protocol incorporating consolidative partial cystectomy

490

Background: Trimodality bladder-sparing therapy has become an accepted treatment for selected patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). As some of the histologic variants of urothelial carcinoma (VUC) are more resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy compared with pure urothelial carcinoma (PUC), it is still controversial whether bladder-sparing therapy provides comparable disease control in VUC. We have developed a tetra-modality bladder-sparing therapy consisting of maximal transurethral resection (TUR), chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and consolidative partial cystectomy, which has theoretical advantage in locoregional control by surgically eliminating chemo- and radio-resistant cells (Koga et al, Urol Oncol 2013, BJU Int 2012). Methods: After maximal TUR and CRT (40Gy + cisplatin), treatment response was evaluated by cytology, imaging and tumor-site rebiopsy. Complete responders were candidate for consolidative partial cystectomy, while radical cystectomy was recommended for others. VUC identified in maximal TUR samples were categorized according to the 2004 World Health Organization Classification. Response rate to CRT, MIBC recurrence-free survival and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were compared between patients with PUC and VUC. Results: Between 1997 and 2016, 153 consecutive patients with cT2-3N0M0 bladder cancer (median age 69, female/male = 33/120, cT2/3 = 99/54) entered tetra-modality bladder-sparing protocol. VUC was identified in 37 (24%) of the patients, including glandular in 12 (8%), squamous in 11 (7%), micropapillary in 8 (5%), sarcomatoid in 2 (1%), microcystic in 2 (1%), and lymphoepithelioma-like in 1 (0.7%). There was no difference in the response rate to CRT between PUC and VUC (71% vs 84%, p = 0.13). Among the patients with PUC (n = 75) and VUC (n = 31) who underwent partial cystectomy, 5-yr MIBC recurrence-free rates were 92% and 100% (p = 0.21), and 5-yr CSS rates were 93% and 94% (p = 0.64), respectively. Conclusions: Tetra-modality bladder-sparing therapy incorporating partial cystectomy could provide favorable locoregional control and survival for patients with VUC.

Prospects for observing and localizing gravitational-wave transients with Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo and KAGRA

We present possible observing scenarios for the Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo and KAGRA gravitational-wave detectors over the next decade, with the intention of providing information to the astronomy community to facilitate planning for multi-messenger astronomy with gravitational waves. We estimate the sensitivity of the network to transient gravitational-wave signals, and study the capability of the network to determine the sky location of the source. We report our findings for gravitational-wave transients, with particular focus on gravitational-wave signals from the inspiral of binary neutron star systems, which are the most promising targets for multi-messenger astronomy. The ability to localize the sources of the detected signals depends on the geographical distribution of the detectors and their relative sensitivity, and [Formula: see text] credible regions can be as large as thousands of square degrees when only two sensitive detectors are operational. Determining the sky position of a significant fraction of detected signals to areas of 5-[Formula: see text] requires at least three detectors of sensitivity within a factor of [Formula: see text] of each other and with a broad frequency bandwidth. When all detectors, including KAGRA and the third LIGO detector in India, reach design sensitivity, a significant fraction of gravitational-wave signals will be localized to a few square degrees by gravitational-wave observations alone.

Prediction models for progression of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: A review

An accurate prediction of progression is critically important in the management of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. At present, three risk models are widely known for prediction of the risk of tumor recurrence and progression of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Club Urológico Español de Tratamiento Oncológico, and new European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer models. Bladder neck involvement has been shown to be one of the significant predictors for progression in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and a new scoring model (Tokyo Medical and Dental University model) consisting of bladder neck involvement, tumor grade, and stage has been developed and externally validated. However, the predictive abilities of these models are still unsatisfactory, and more precise models are necessary for accurate individual prediction of prognosis. Until now, time-fixed analysis has been used for most studies predicting the prognosis and outcome of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients. In order to predict progression more precisely, time-dependent models should be developed using multiple-event analytical techniques, as non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer often progresses to muscle-invasive bladder cancer after multiple recurrences and changes in tumor characteristics over a long natural history. Integration of molecular markers is also a promising approach. A validated model that accurately predicts the risk of progression would help urologists and patients decide whether and when to choose radical cystectomy on an individual basis.

Longitudinal Analysis of Quality of Life, Clinical, Radiographic, Echocardiographic, and Laboratory Variables in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease Receiving Pimobendan or Placebo: The EPIC Study

Background

Changes in clinical variables associated with the administration of pimobendan to dogs with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and cardiomegaly have not been described.

Objectives

To investigate the effect of pimobendan on clinical variables and the relationship between a change in heart size and the time to congestive heart failure (CHF) or cardiac‐related death (CRD) in dogs with MMVD and cardiomegaly. To determine whether pimobendan‐treated dogs differ from dogs receiving placebo at onset of CHF.

Animals

Three hundred and fifty‐four dogs with MMVD and cardiomegaly.

Materials and Methods

Prospective, blinded study with dogs randomized (ratio 1:1) to pimobendan (0.4–0.6 mg/kg/d) or placebo. Clinical, laboratory, and heart‐size variables in both groups were measured and compared at different time points (day 35 and onset of CHF) and over the study duration. Relationships between short‐term changes in echocardiographic variables and time to CHF or CRD were explored.

Results

At day 35, heart size had reduced in the pimobendan group: median change in (Δ) LVIDDN −0.06 (IQR: −0.15 to +0.02), P < 0.0001, and LA:Ao −0.08 (IQR: −0.23 to +0.03), P < 0.0001. Reduction in heart size was associated with increased time to CHF or CRD. Hazard ratio for a 0.1 increase in ΔLVIDDN was 1.26, P = 0.0003. Hazard ratio for a 0.1 increase in ΔLA:Ao was 1.14, P = 0.0002. At onset of CHF, groups were similar.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Pimobendan treatment reduces heart size. Reduced heart size is associated with improved outcome. At the onset of CHF, dogs treated with pimobendan were indistinguishable from those receiving placebo.

Prediction of Intraoperative Urinary Collecting System Entry in Patients with Peripheral Renal Tumors Undergoing Partial Nephrectomy: Usefulness of Tumor-Centered Multiplanar Reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

To assess the usefulness of tumor-centered multiplanar reconstruction (TC-MPR) for predicting intraoperative urinary collecting system (UCS) entry in patients with peripheral renal tumors undergoing partial nephrectomy (PN).

METHODS

Dynamic computed tomography images of 50 peripheral cT1 renal tumors treated with laparoendoscopic PN were analyzed. TC-MPR generated a digital cross-sectional image showing the tumor center and the closest calyx on a same plane. Patients and tumor characteristics including the distance from the tumor margin to the closest calyx (MPR-distance), and the angle formed by 2 tangent lines from the closest calyx to the tumor (MPR-angle) were assessed.

RESULTS

Intraoperative UCS entry was observed in 15 patients (30%). The patients who experienced intraoperative UCS entry had a higher RENAL score, wider MPR-angle, and shorter MPR-distance than those who did not (p = 0.04, p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified MPR-angle as an independent factor for intraoperative UCS entry (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The spatial information assessed using TC-MPR serves as a predictive factor for intraoperative UCS entry during PN.

Posttherapeutic skeletal muscle mass recovery predicts favorable prognosis in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma receiving first-line platinum-based chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES

Sarcopenia, decreased skeletal muscle mass (SMM), is an adverse prognostic factor in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC). Given that SMM is variable depending on disease and patient conditions, changes in SMM over the course of treatments may be also prognostic. We investigated the prognostic role of posttherapeutic SMM recovery (PSR) in patients with aUC receiving first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 72 consecutive patients with aUC receiving first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) was measured on computed tomography images taken before the initiation of and immediately after 2 cycles of chemotherapy. ΔSMI was calculated as [(posttherapeutic SMI - pretherapeutic SMI)/pretherapeutic SMI] × 100, and PSR was defined as ΔSMI >0. Variables associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated.

RESULTS

During the follow-up (median, 18mo for survivors), 60 (83%) patients progressed (2-year PFS, 17%) and 55 (76%) died (2-year OS, 24%). ΔSMI was significantly associated with chemotherapy response (P = 0.012), and was an independent predictor for both PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.94, P<0.001) and OS (HR = 0.93, P<0.001). A total of 15 (21%) patients with PSR demonstrated significantly longer PFS and OS than those without PSR (both P<0.001). On multivariate analysis, PSR was an independent favorable predictor for both PFS (HR = 0.24, P<0.001) and OS (HR = 0.21, P<0.001). Incorporation of PSR into the Bajorin's and Galsky's models improved their c-indices (0.611-0.650, and 0.690-0.708, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

PSR is a novel prognostic factor in patients with aUC receiving first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.

Molecular characteristics of the KCNJ5 mutated aldosterone-producing adenomas

The pathophysiology of aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) has been investigated via genetic approaches and the pathogenic significance of a series of somatic mutations, including KCNJ5, has been uncovered. However, how the mutational status of an APA is associated with its molecular characteristics, including its transcriptome and methylome, has not been fully understood. This study was undertaken to explore the molecular characteristics of APAs, specifically focusing on APAs with KCNJ5 mutations as opposed to those without KCNJ5 mutations, by comparing their transcriptome and methylome status. Cortisol-producing adenomas (CPAs) were used as reference. We conducted transcriptome and methylome analyses of 29 APAs with KCNJ5 mutations, 8 APAs without KCNJ5 mutations and 5 CPAs. Genome-wide gene expression and CpG methylation profiles were obtained from RNA and DNA samples extracted from these 42 adrenal tumors. Cluster analysis of the transcriptome and methylome revealed molecular heterogeneity in APAs depending on their mutational status. DNA hypomethylation and gene expression changes in Wnt signaling and inflammatory response pathways were characteristic of APAs with KCNJ5 mutations. Comparisons between transcriptome data from our APAs and that from normal adrenal cortex obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus suggested similarities between APAs with KCNJ5 mutations and zona glomerulosa. The present study, which is based on transcriptome and methylome analyses, indicates the molecular heterogeneity of APAs depends on their mutational status. Here, we report the unique characteristics of APAs with KCNJ5 mutations.

Early response of C-reactive protein as a predictor of survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Pretreatment C-reactive protein (CRP) has been shown to be an independent prognostic factor for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We further evaluated the early response of CRP after the initiation of TKIs.

METHODS

A total of 103 patients (80 men and 23 women) were treated with TKIs for mRCC from 2008-2013. Patients were divided into three groups according to their early CRP kinetics-patients whose baseline CRP levels were <10 mg/L (non-elevated), patients whose baseline CRP levels were ≥10 mg/L and had decreased by >20% at 4 weeks after the initiation of TKIs (early CRP responder), and the remaining patients (non-early CRP responder). The endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 21 (interquartile range 10-34) months. The numbers of patients classified as non-elevated, early CRP responder, and non-early CRP responder were 62, 19, and 22, respectively. The 1-year PFS rates of patients in the non-elevated, early CRP responder, and non-early CRP responder groups were 50, 23, and 9.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). The 1-year OS rates of patients in these three groups were 79, 62, and 36%, respectively (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the early CRP kinetics assessment was a significant independent factor for PFS and OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Early CRP response at 4 weeks is predictive of survival for patients with mRCC treated with TKI.