IFN-γ from lymphocytes induces PD-L1 expression and promotes progression of ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

PD-L1 (programmed cell death 1 ligand 1) on tumour cells suppresses host immunity through binding to its receptor PD-1 on lymphocytes, and promotes peritoneal dissemination in mouse models of ovarian cancer. However, how PD-L1 expression is regulated in ovarian cancer microenvironment remains unclear.

METHODS

The number of CD8-positive lymphocytes and PD-L1 expression in tumour cells was assessed in ovarian cancer clinical samples. PD-L1 expression and tumour progression in mouse models under conditions of altering IFN-γ signals was assessed.

RESULTS

The number of CD8-positive cells in cancer stroma was very high in peritoneally disseminated tumours, and was strongly correlated to PD-L1 expression on the tumour cells (P<0.001). In mouse models, depleting IFNGR1 (interferon-γ receptor 1) resulted in lower level of PD-L1 expression in tumour cells, increased the number of tumour-infiltrating CD8-positive lymphocytes, inhibition of peritoneal disseminated tumour growth and longer survival (P=0.02). The injection of IFN-γ into subcutaneous tumours induced PD-L1 expression and promoted tumour growth, and PD-L1 depletion completely abrogated tumour growth caused by IFN-γ injection (P=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Interferon-γ secreted by CD8-positive lymphocytes upregulates PD-L1 on ovarian cancer cells and promotes tumour growth. The lymphocyte infiltration and the IFN-γ status may be the key to effective anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 therapy in ovarian cancer.

Morphologic features of humeral head and glenoid version in the normal glenohumeral joint

BACKGROUND

The morphologic features and clinical significance of version of the humeral head and glenoid remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the normal values of humeral head version and glenoid version on computed tomography scans and to clarify their features in the normal glenohumeral joint.

METHODS

Images for analysis were computed tomography scans of 410 normal shoulders from healthy volunteers. Values of humeral head and glenoid version were measured. In glenoid version measurement, 3-dimensionally corrected slices were reconstructed to eliminate scapular inclination. Differences in humeral head version and glenoid version were assessed between dominant and nondominant shoulders and between men and women. Correlation analyses were also performed in the values of version between dominant and nondominant shoulders and between humeral head version and glenoid version.

RESULTS

The values of humeral head retroversion were widely distributed from -2° to 60°, with an average of 26° ± 11°. Average glenoid retroversion was 1° ± 3°, ranging from -9° to 13°. Both humeral head retroversion and glenoid retroversion were significantly higher on the dominant side than on the nondominant side and significantly higher in men than in women. Humeral head version and glenoid version values were well correlated with those of the contralateral shoulder. No correlation was found between humeral head version and glenoid version.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found differences in humeral head version and glenoid version by sex and shoulder dominance in a large sample. Both the humeral head and glenoid are thought to be more retroverted in high-demand shoulders.

Arthroscopy of the distal radioulnar joint

Wrist arthroscopy is now widely indicated for diagnosis and treatment of acute or chronic wrist pain, especially for triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions, as a gold standard. In most cases radiocarpal and midcarpal arthroscopy was performed, while DRUJ arthroscopy has been rarely performed because of its difficulties. Recent anatomic and biomechanical studies demonstrated that the radioulnar ligament (RUL), which is the proximal component of the TFCC facing to the DRUJ, is the primary stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Rupture of the radioulnar ligament (RUL) at the fovea area, where it is the main attaching portion to the ulna and is the isometric point during forearm rotation as the rotation axis passes, is responsible for DRUJ instability. Although physical examination and imaging diagnosis may indicate a foveal detachment of the TFCC, DRUJ arthroscopy is potential for visualizing the RUL at the fovea. Role of DRUJ arthroscopy should be more important not only for diagnosis of rupture of the RUL but also for decision making of treatment option for RUL tear. DRUJ arthroscopy also demonstrates the joint surface of both the sigmoid notch and ulnar head, and the proximal surface of the TFCC.

Short-term results of transcatheter arterial embolization for abnormal neovessels in patients with adhesive capsulitis: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Neovessels and accompanying nerves are possible sources of pain. We postulated that transcatheter arterial embolization of abnormal neovessels would relieve pain and symptoms in patients with adhesive capsulitis.

METHODS

Adhesive capsulitis was treated by transcatheter arterial embolization in 7 patients. Adverse events, changes in visual analog scale scores for night pain and overall shoulder pain, and changes in range of motion and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores were assessed at 1 week and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

Abnormal neovessels were identified at the rotator interval in all patients. No major or minor adverse events were associated with the procedures. Transcatheter arterial embolization rapidly decreased nighttime pain scores from 67 ± 14 mm to 27 ± 14 mm at 1 week after the procedure, with further improvement at 1 and 6 months (6 ± 8 mm and 2 ± 5 mm, respectively). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score significantly improved from 17.8 ± 4.5 to 39.8 ± 12.0, 64.3 ± 13.9, and 76.2 ± 4.4 at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

All patients with adhesive capsulitis had abnormal neovessels at the rotator interval. Transcatheter arterial embolization was feasible, relieved unrelenting pain, and restored shoulder function.

Relationship between massive chronic rotator cuff tear pattern and loss of active shoulder range of motion

BACKGROUND

Management of massive chronic rotator cuff tears remains controversial, with no clearly defined clinical presentation as yet. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of tear size and location on active motion in patients with chronic and massive rotator cuff tears with severe muscle degeneration.

METHODS

One hundred patients with massive rotator cuff tears accompanied by muscle fatty infiltration beyond Goutallier stage 3 were prospectively included in this study. All patients were divided into 5 groups on the basis of tear pattern (supraspinatus, superior subscapularis, inferior subscapularis, infraspinatus, and teres minor). Active range of shoulder motion was assessed in each group and differences were analyzed.

RESULTS

Active elevation was significantly decreased in patients with 3 tear patterns involved. Pseudoparalysis was found in 80% of the cases with supraspinatus and complete subscapularis tears and in 45% of the cases with tears involving the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and superior subscapularis. Loss of active external rotation was related to tears involving the infraspinatus and teres minor; loss of active internal rotation was related to tears of the subscapularis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that dysfunction of the entire subscapularis and supraspinatus or 3 rotator cuff muscles is a risk factor for pseudoparalysis. For function to be preserved in patients with massive chronic rotator cuff tears, it may be important to avoid fatty infiltration with anterior extension into the lower subscapularis or involvement of more than 2 rotator cuff muscles.

Radial deviation of the finger caused by an occult intramuscular ganglion in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Ulnar deviation is a common complication in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We report a case of an unusual radial deviation of the middle finger caused by an occult intramuscular ganglion of the second interosseous muscle (IOM) in a patient with RA. The resection of the ganglion did not resolve the problem, and the full range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint was achieved through dissection of the tendon of the second dorsal IOM.

Computed tomography measurement of glenoid vault version as an alternative measuring method for glenoid version

BACKGROUND

The conventional measuring method for glenoid version is greatly influenced by the scapular body shape that varies widely between patients. We postulated that the glenoid vault version could be more useful than the conventional glenoid version in clinical cases.

OBJECTIVES

The purposes of this study were to compare the values of glenoid version measured with the conventional method to those with the vault method and to investigate the feasibility of the glenoid vault version.

METHODS

Computed tomography scans of 150 normal shoulders and 150 arthritic shoulders were analyzed. Three-dimensionally corrected slices were reconstructed from the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data, and glenoid version was measured with both the conventional and vault methods. After determining intra- and interrater reliabilities, differences in glenoid version values between the conventional and vault methods were assessed. In the normal shoulder group, side-to-side differences of glenoid version values were also evaluated in both methods.

RESULTS

Both measuring methods demonstrated high intra- and interrater reliabilities. The normal glenoid had 1.1° ± 3.2° retroversion with the conventional method and 8.9° ± 2.7° retroversion with the vault method. The average glenoid retroversion of arthritic shoulders was 10.8° ± 9.3° measured with the conventional method and 18.2° ± 9.1° with the vault method. The vault method showed significantly larger glenoid retroversion than the conventional method in both normal and arthritic shoulder groups. Both conventional glenoid retroversion and glenoid vault retroversion were significantly larger on dominant sides than on nondominant sides in the normal shoulders.

CONCLUSIONS

The glenoid vault version could be used as an alternative measuring method for glenoid version with high reliability. In clinical use, the glenoid vault version appears to be more useful than the conventional glenoid version to assess the severity of arthritis and difficulty of glenoid replacement. The glenoid vault is not symmetric, but usually retroverted in both normal and arthritic shoulders.

Radiographic and Arthroscopic Assessment of DRUJ Instability Due to Foveal Avulsion of the Radioulnar Ligament in Distal Radius Fractures

Background As the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) anchors the distal radius to the ulna via the radioulnar ligament (RUL), a severely displaced distal fragment of the radius may be associated with a foveal avulsion of the TFCC. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess, radiographically and arthroscopically, the relationship between displacement of the radius, the ulnar styloid, and avulsion of the RUL resulting in distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. Materials and Methods Twenty-nine wrists of 29 patients with intra- and extra-articular distal radius fractures/malunion who underwent reduction or a corrective osteotomy of the displaced/malunited fracture, and/or wrist arthroscopy, were assessed radiographically and arthroscopically. Radial translation, radial inclination, radial shortening, volar or dorsal tilt, and the presence of an ulnar styloid fracture with more than 4 mm of displacement were measured from the initial films. Radiocarpal arthroscopy was used to assess peripheral lesions of the TFCC, while DRUJ arthroscopy was used to assess the foveal attachment. The relationship between displacement of the distal radius or the ulnar styloid fracture and the TFCC injury, including avulsion of the RUL, was recorded. Results Univariate analysis revealed that increased radial translation, decreased radial inclination, increased radial shortening, and an ulnar styloid fragment radially displaced by more than 4 mm were significant predictors of RUL avulsion at the fovea. Volar or dorsal tilt of the radius and ulnar variance did not correlate with RUL avulsion or TFCC injuries. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that radial translation was an independent risk factor of foveal avulsion of the RUL. Conclusions Increased radial translation and radial shortening and decreased radial inclination of the distal fragment can be associated with a foveal avulsion of the RUL. Radial translation can be an independent risk factor of foveal avulsion of the RUL.

An obliquely placed headless compression screw for distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis

PURPOSE

To assess the outcomes of our technique involving oblique headless compression screw for arthrodesis of the thumb interphalangeal joint and the distal interphalangeal joints of the other digits.

METHODS

A total of 28 joints (19 thumb interphalangeal and 9 distal interphalangeal) in 23 patients with a mean age of 65 years (range, 58-74 y) were retrospectively analyzed. All operations were performed with the Acutrak2 micro-screw. After the resection of synovium and joint cartilage by a dorsal approach, a 0.88-mm diameter guide wire was inserted at the ulnar side of the proximal phalanx in the thumb and radial side of the middle phalanx in the other digits from proximal to distal to fix the joint obliquely. We verified its position under fluoroscopic control and placed the cannulated screw from proximal to distal over the guide wire.

RESULTS

Intraoperative rigid fixation was obtained except for 1 case, which required additional K-wire fixation. The overall union rate was 96%. Average time to fusion was 11 weeks (range, 8-30 wk), with 76% achieving union within 3 months. There were 2 complications, 1 nonunion and 1 late infection. Other complications such as dorsal skin necrosis, nail deformity, and paresthesia did not occur.

CONCLUSIONS

Efforts to avoid invasion of the nailbed can be technically demanding. We believe that our proximal to distal technique with oblique placement of the headless compression screw is a straightforward and effective method with a relatively low risk of complication.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

The function of the clavicle on scapular motion: a cadaveric study

HYPOTHESIS

The clavicle serves as a strut between the thorax and scapula, and lack of this function could affect shoulder mobility. We hypothesized that clavicular discontinuity changes shoulder kinematics, particularly affecting scapular motion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study used 14 cadaveric shoulders. Cadavers were stabilized in the sitting position. Manual elevation in the sagittal, scapular, and coronal planes was performed in the intact and clavicular discontinuity models. The thorax-scapula distance and 3-dimensional scapular motion during shoulder elevation were recorded using an electromagnetic tracking device. The differences between the 2 experimental models at each position were analyzed.

RESULTS

Clavicular discontinuity resulted in a decreased thorax-scapula distance and in reduced external rotation, upward rotation, and posterior tilting of the scapula. The kinematic changes were observed during elevations in all 3 planes but were greatest in the sagittal plane compared with the scapular and coronal planes.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study revealed that discontinuity of the clavicle affects shoulder kinematics. Because of its anatomic shape and position, the clavicle stabilizes the external, upward, and posterior rotation of the scapula during arm movement. This function of the clavicle may assist glenohumeral joint motion and help prevent subacromial impingement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Basic Science Study, Biomechanics, Cadaver Model.

The function of the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments in shoulder motion: a whole-cadaver study

BACKGROUND

Scapulothoracic dyskinesis is an important consequence of acromioclavicular joint dislocations. However, no reports have described changes in 3-dimensional motions of the scapula and clavicle with respect to the thorax caused by acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

HYPOTHESIS

Sectioning of the acromioclavicular (AC) and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments affects scapular and clavicular motion in a whole-cadaver model.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

We evaluated shoulder girdle motion (scapula, clavicle, and humerus) relative to the thorax of 14 shoulders from 8 whole cadavers after sequential sectioning of the AC and CC ligaments (trapezoid and conoid ligaments). An electromagnetic tracking device measured 3-dimensional kinematics of the scapula and clavicle during humerothoracic elevation in the coronal and sagittal planes and adduction in the horizontal plane.

RESULTS

Sectioning of the AC ligament increased clavicular retraction during sagittal plane elevation and horizontal plane adduction. Sectioning of the trapezoid ligament decreased scapular external rotation during sagittal plane elevation and horizontal plane adduction. Sectioning of the conoid ligament decreased scapular posterior tilting during sagittal plane elevation and horizontal plane adduction. Acromioclavicular and CC ligament sectioning also delayed clavicular posterior rotation and increased clavicular upward rotation during coronal plane elevation.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that AC and CC ligament disruption affected in vitro shoulder girdle kinematics in the whole-cadaver model.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The results of this cadaveric study revealed that AC and CC ligament disruption could cause dyskinesis of the scapula and clavicle. The kinematic changes could be a potential source of pain and dysfunction in the shoulder with AC joint dislocation, and therefore surgical reconstruction may be indicated in certain patients.

Coracoid fractures: therapeutic strategy and surgical outcomes

BACKGROUND

The majority of type I coracoid fractures set out in Ogawa's classification constitute double disruption of the superior shoulder suspensory complex (SSSC) as proposed by Goss, frequently resulting in healing delay and adverse functional consequences.However, there are few reports alluding to strategies or concrete treatment methods of such injuries. The purpose of this report is to introduce our surgical strategy for treating the type I coracoid fracture with concurrent injuries and to describe our treatment method with their outcomes.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients, who had acute type I coracoid fractures surgically treated and were followed up for 1 year or longer, constituted the present study population. Reduction and stabilization were undertaken beginning with the most medial unstable injury of SSSC and proceeding to the lateral ones. The respective coracoid fractures were finally reduced and fixed. In the follow-up, patients were directly examined and evaluated using the ratios of the Constant score for the injured side to that for the normal side.

RESULTS

There were a total of 80 ipsilateral injuries of SSSC, including the coracoid fractures, and double disruption accounted for 94%of the patients. Of these, 62 injuries were surgically treated. No complications associated with surgery were observed. Bone union was achieved in all fractures; no patients required an additional operation. The Constant score ratio at the follow-up was 93% ± 7.4% on average.

CONCLUSION

Although the majority of cases with type I coracoid fractures suffered double disruptions of SSSC, satisfactory results have been obtained with surgical treatment focusing on the assured reconstruction of a firm scapuloclavicular union.

Activity of retreatment with sorafenib for metastatic renal cell carcinoma

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Background: Treatment options for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have increased. Complete remission is, however, rarely seen and patients are treated with multiple sequential therapies. We assessed clinical activity of sorafenib rechallenge after progressing on other therapies.

Methods: Patients with mRCC who received a second course of sorafenib therapy after failure of prior sorafenib and other agents were retrospectively identified. RECIST-defined objective response rate and progression-free survival (PFS) and toxicity were analyzed.

Results: Fourteen patients with mRCC who were retreated with sorafenib were identified and twelve patients were assessable for this study. 92% were male. Median age at first systemic therapy was 63 years. Prior nephrectomy was performed in 92% of patients. 42% of patients had favorable or intermediate risk, 17% poor, and the rest not available per MSKCC criteria. Eighty-three percent of patients were treated with other agents before initial sorafenib therapy, including 75% interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), 50% interleukin-2 (IL-2), and 17% sunitinib. First sorafenib therapy began a median of 9.0 months after the diagnosis of mRCC and produced a clinical benefit (PR + SD) rate of 75% and a median PFS of 5.0 months. 67% of patients discontinued initial sorafenib for disease progression and 33% for adverse events. Interval between discontinuation of initial sorafenib and rechallenge was a median of 7.6 months. During the intervening period, 50% of patients were treated with sunitinib, 33% with everolimus, 25% with VEGFR1 vaccine, and others. Clinical benefit rate of 67% and a median PFS of 4.3 months were obtained on sorafenib rechallenge. There was no significant difference in outcome to sorafenib rechallenge based on duration between sorafenib treatments or number or type of intervening treatments. No new severe toxicity was observed during rechallenge.

Conclusions: Sorafenib rechallenge has potential to achieve clinical benefits, is well-tolerated, and may be considered after multiple sequential therapies in select mRCC patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Effect of shortening deformity of the clavicle on scapular kinematics: a cadaveric study

BACKGROUND

In some short malunion cases, midshaft clavicular fractures are reported to result in unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. Shortening deformity of the clavicle could change the anatomical alignment of the shoulder girdle and is surmised to affect shoulder kinematics on arm movements. Nevertheless, no report has ever referred to documented changes.

HYPOTHESIS

Scapular motion will change with clavicular shortening in cadaveric models.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Twelve cadaveric shoulders were used, and sequential clavicular shortening by 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% from the original length was simulated in this study. The scapulothoracic motion during passive arm elevation in 3 planes was monitored using an electromagnetic tracking device. Differences in kinematics of the scapula between the 0% shortening models and the other 4 experimental groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

During arm elevation, posterior tilting and external rotation of the scapula significantly decreased with > or = 10% shortening of the clavicle. Decreased posterior tilting was found with a shorter clavicle and at higher positions of arm elevation in all planes and became obvious during coronal plane elevation. Upward rotation of the scapula did not change with shortening at any elevated arm positions.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study clearly indicated that shortening of the clavicle affects the kinematics in the shoulder girdle.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The results of this cadaveric study suggest that clavicular shortening of > or = 10% affects scapular kinematics and might produce clinical symptoms.

Anchorage-independent cell growth signature identifies tumors with metastatic potential

The oncogenic phenotype is complex, resulting from the accumulation of multiple somatic mutations that lead to the deregulation of growth regulatory and cell fate controlling activities and pathways. The ability to dissect this complexity, so as to reveal discrete aspects of the biology underlying the oncogenic phenotype, is critical to understanding the various mechanisms of disease as well as to reveal opportunities for novel therapeutic strategies. Previous work has characterized the process of anchorage-independent growth of cancer cells in vitro as a key aspect of the tumor phenotype, particularly with respect to metastatic potential. Nevertheless, it remains a major challenge to translate these cell biology findings into the context of human tumors. We previously used DNA microarray assays to develop expression signatures, which have the capacity to identify subtle distinctions in biological states and can be used to connect in vitro and in vivo states. Here we describe the development of a signature of anchorage-independent growth, show that the signature exhibits characteristics of deregulated mitochondrial function and then demonstrate that the signature identifies human tumors with the potential for metastasis.