Accuracy of artificial intelligence-assisted growth prediction in skeletal Class I preadolescent patients using serial lateral cephalograms for a 2-year growth interval

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the accuracy of artificial intelligence-assisted growth prediction using a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm and longitudinal lateral cephalograms (Lat-cephs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 198 Japanese preadolescent children, who had skeletal Class I malocclusion and whose Lat-cephs were available at age 8 years (T0) and 10 years (T1), were allocated into the training, validation, and test phases (n = 161, n = 17, n = 20). Orthodontists and the CNN model identified 28 hard-tissue landmarks (HTL) and 19 soft-tissue landmarks (STL). The mean prediction error values were defined as 'excellent,' 'very good,' 'good,' 'acceptable,' and 'unsatisfactory' (criteria: 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2.0 mm, respectively). The degree of accurate prediction percentage (APP) was defined as 'very high,' 'high,' 'medium,' and 'low' (criteria: 90%, 70%, and 50%, respectively) according to the percentage of subjects that showed the error range within 1.5 mm.

RESULTS

All HTLs showed acceptable-to-excellent mean PE values, while the STLs Pog', Gn', and Me' showed unsatisfactory values, and the rest showed good-to-acceptable values. Regarding the degree of APP, HTLs Ba, ramus posterior, Pm, Pog, B-point, Me, and mandibular first molar root apex exhibited low APPs. The STLs labrale superius, lower embrasure, lower lip, point of lower profile, B', Pog,' Gn' and Me' also exhibited low APPs. The remainder of HTLs and STLs showed medium-to-very high APPs.

CONCLUSION

Despite the possibility of using the CNN model to predict growth, further studies are needed to improve the prediction accuracy in HTLs and STLs of the chin area.

Widening disparities in the national prevalence of diabetes mellitus for people with disabilities in South Korea

OBJECTIVES

In Korea, diabetes mellitus has a high disease burden, based on disability-adjusted life years. However, the disease burden is disproportionately distributed, with people with disabilities (PWD) experiencing higher rates of health disparities. Our study investigated long-term trends in diabetes prevalence and risk according to disability status, grade, and type.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Approximately 10 million individuals aged ≥30 years were included yearly from the National Health Information Database (NHID) and national disability registration data in Korea between 2008 and 2017, corresponding to 40 % of those aged ≥30 years in Korea. In 2017, 12, 975, 757 individuals were included; 5.5 % had disabilities. We estimated annual diabetes age-standardized prevalence and used multiple logistic regression analyses to estimate the odds of having diabetes in 2017, according to disability status, severity, and type.

RESULTS

Diabetes age-standardized prevalence consistently increased over 2008-2017 in PWD and people without disabilities. However, the prevalence increased more rapidly and was higher in all years among PWD, with widening disparities based on disability status. Additionally, diabetes prevalence was high in all years for specific subgroups, including women, individuals with intellectual or mental disabilities or autism, and individuals with severe disabilities, suggesting further disparities among PWD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal health disparities between those with and without disabilities and among PWD subgroups. In addition to timely prevention, diabetes screening and management among PWD is vital. Public investment in improving disparities in the root causes of diabetes is essential, including health behaviours, healthcare utilization, and self-care.

Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine Release from Living Neurons Using Graphene Oxide-Incorporated Polypyrrole/Gold Nanocluster Hybrid Nanopattern Arrays

Stem-cell-based therapeutics have shown immense potential in treating various diseases that are currently incurable. In particular, partial recovery of Parkinson's disease, which occurs due to massive loss or abnormal functionality of dopaminergic (DAnergic) neurons, through the engraftment of stem-cell-derived neurons ex vivo is reported. However, precise assessment of the functionality and maturity of DAnergic neurons is still challenging for their enhanced clinical efficacy. Here, a novel conductive cell cultivation platform, a graphene oxide (GO)-incorporated metallic polymer nanopillar array (GOMPON), that can electrochemically detect dopamine (DA) exocytosis from living DAnergic neurons, is reported. In the cell-free configuration, the linear range is 0.5-100 µm, with a limit of detection of 33.4 nm. Owing to its excellent biocompatibility, a model DAnergic neuron (SH-SY5Y cell) can be cultivated and differentiated on the platform while their DA release can be quantitatively measured in a real-time and nondestructive manner. Finally, it is showed that the functionality of the DAnergic neurons derived from stem cells can be precisely assessed via electrochemical detection of their DA exocytosis. The developed GOMPON is highly promising for a wide range of applications, including real-time monitoring of stem cell differentiation into neuronal lineages, evaluating differentiation protocols, and finding practical stem cell therapies.

Crater-like nanoelectrode arrays for electrochemical detection of dopamine release from neuronal cells

Stem cell therapy has shown great potential in treating various incurable diseases using conventional chemotherapy. Parkinson's disease (PD)-a neurodegenerative disease-has been reported to be caused by quantitative loss or abnormal functionality of dopaminergic neurons (DAnergic neurons). To date, stem cell therapies have shown some potential in treating PD throughex vivoengraftment of stem-cell-derived neurons. However, accurately identifying the differentiation and non-invasively evaluating the functionality and maturity of DAnergic neurons are formidable challenges in stem cell therapies. These strategies are important in enhancing the efficacy of stem cell therapies. In this study, we report a novel cell cultivation platform, that is, a nanocrater-like electrochemical nanoelectrode array (NCENA) for monitoring dopamine (DA) release from neurons to detect exocytotic DA release from DAnergic neurons. In particular, the developed NCENA has a nanostructure in which three-dimensional porous gold nanopillars are uniformly arranged on conductive electrodes. The developed NCENA exhibited great DA sensing capabilities with a linear range of 0.39-150μM and a limit of detection of 1.16μM. Furthermore, the nanotopographical cues provided by the NCENA are suitable for cell cultivation with enhanced cellular adhesion. Finally, we successfully analysed the functionality and maturity of differentiated neurons on the NCENA through its excellent sensing ability for exocytotic DA.

Relationships between Microbiome and Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Rectal Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Gut microbiome is known to be involved in antitumor immunotherapy and chemotherapy responses; however, few research has focused on the role of gut microbiome in the setting of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). In this study, we investigated the tumor microbiome dynamics in patients undergoing neoadjuvant CCRT for locally advanced rectal cancer and sought to determine whether the diversity and composition of microbiome affect treatment response.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 103 samples from 26 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer were collected and 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing was performed. All patients underwent neoadjuvant CCRT followed by surgical resection between 2008 and 2016. Samples were obtained from both tumor and normal rectal tissue at pre- and post-CCRT. According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer tumor regression grading (TRG) system, patients were divided into responders (TRG 0, 1) and non-responders (TRG 2, 3). We performed diversity, taxonomy, and network analyses to compare responders and non-responders. Then, we established the Bayesian network model to predict treatment response in patients with rectal cancer.

RESULTS

Overall, we detected 1260 microbial genera from 287 families, 132 orders, 56 classes, and 32 phyla in the bacteria kingdom. Between tumor and normal rectal tissues, there was no difference in microbial diversity and composition. On the other hand, there was a significant decrease in diversity and compositional alterations when comparing pre- and post-CCRT samples (all p<0.001). Ten patients (38.5%) were classified as responders and 16 patients (61.5%) were classified as non-responders. In both groups, CCRT significantly reduced microbial diversity and altered their composition, but it was more pronounced in non-responders. In taxonomic analysis of pre-CCRT samples, butyrate-producing bacteria were differentially enriched in responders. Meanwhile, in post-CCRT samples, opportunistic pathogen were overrepresented in non-responders. The network analysis revealed that butyrate-producing bacteria had strong interactions in responders, whereas opportunistic pathogen demonstrated strong interactions in non-responders (Pearson's coefficient>0.5). Finally, five microbes were selected as the optimal set for the response prediction model, which yielded an area under the curve value of 82.33%.

CONCLUSION

CCRT significantly changed the diversity and composition of microbiome, especially in non-responders. Several microbes might be related with treatment response. These findings highlight the potential of microbiome to play an important role as a biomarker in patients with rectal cancer. (NCT02533271).

Recent Advances in Stem Cell Differentiation Control Using Drug Delivery Systems Based on Porous Functional Materials

The unique characteristics of stem cells, which include self-renewal and differentiation into specific cell types, have paved the way for the development of various biomedical applications such as stem cell therapy, disease modelling, and drug screening. The establishment of effective stem cell differentiation techniques is essential for the effective application of stem cells for various purposes. Ongoing research has sought to induce stem cell differentiation using diverse differentiation factors, including chemicals, proteins, and integrin expression. These differentiation factors play a pivotal role in a variety of applications. However, it is equally essential to acknowledge the potential hazards of uncontrolled differentiation. For example, uncontrolled differentiation can give rise to undesirable consequences, including cancerous mutations and stem cell death. Therefore, the development of innovative methods to control stem cell differentiation is crucial. In this review, we discuss recent research cases that have effectively utilised porous functional material-based drug delivery systems to regulate stem cell differentiation. Due to their unique substrate properties, drug delivery systems based on porous functional materials effectively induce stem cell differentiation through the steady release of differentiation factors. These ground-breaking techniques hold considerable promise for guiding and controlling the fate of stem cells for a wide range of biomedical applications, including stem cell therapy, disease modelling, and drug screening.

Nationwide prevalence and trends in cigarette smoking among adult men with and without disabilities in South Korea between 2009 and 2017

OBJECTIVES

Current smoking rates for people with and without disabilities vary among countries. This study analyzed smoking behavior over 9 years in adult South Korean men with disabilities, according to disability severity and type, and in those without disabilities.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

This analysis was conducted using national disability registration data and national general health checkup data for 2009-2017. Age-standardized smoking behaviors were analyzed for each year according to the presence, severity, and type of disability. The odds of current smoking were determined by multivariate logistic regression after adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical variables.

RESULTS

The age-standardized smoking rate and average number of cigarettes for men with mild disabilities in the younger age group were 1.16 (43.0 vs 36.8%) and 1.05 (16.1 vs 15.3 cigarettes) times higher than in non-disabled men as of 2017. The highest smoking rate was observed in men with physical disabilities in the younger age. In the older age group, the highest smoking rate was that of men with intellectual or psychological disabilities.

CONCLUSION

Smoking behaviors remained poorest in men with disabilities, especially those with mild, physical, and intellectual/psychological disabilities. Public health policies should focus on people with disabilities to promote health, prevent secondary conditions, and reduce health disparities by implementing antismoking health policies.

Uniform Gold Nanostructure Formation via Weakly Adsorbed Gold Films and Thermal Annealing for Reliable Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance-Based Detection of DNase-I

Deoxyribonuclease-I (DNase-I), a representative endonuclease, is an important biomarker for the diagnosis of infectious diseases and cancer progression. However, enzymatic activity decreases rapidly ex vivo, which highlights the need for precise on-site detection of DNase-I. Here, a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) biosensor that enables the simple and rapid detection of DNase-I is reported. Moreover, a novel technique named electrochemical deposition and mild thermal annealing (EDMIT) is applied to overcome signal variations. By taking advantage of the low adhesion of gold clusters on indium tin oxide substrates, both the uniformity and sphericity of gold nanoparticles are increased under mild thermal annealing conditions via coalescence and Ostwald ripening. This ultimately results in an approximately 15-fold decrease in LSPR signal variations. The linear range of the fabricated sensor is 20-1000 ng mL-1 with a limit of detection (LOD) of 127.25 pg mL-1 , as demonstrated by spectral absorbance analyses. The fabricated LSPR sensor stably measured DNase-I concentrations from samples collected from both an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) mouse model, as well as human patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms. Therefore, the proposed LSPR sensor fabricated via the EDMIT method can be used for early diagnosis of other infectious diseases.

Impact of changes in clinical practice guidelines for intra-articular injection treatments for knee osteoarthritis on public interest and social media

OBJECTIVE

To summarize changes in recommendations for injection treatments for knee osteoarthritis (OA) in current clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and to assess whether these changes have affected public interest according to Google data and content in YouTube videos.

DESIGN

A literature search to identify CPGs revised since 2019 that provide recommendations regarding the five intra-articular injection treatments for knee OA (corticosteroid [CS], hyaluronic acid [HA], stem cell [SC], platelet-rich plasma [PRP], and botulinum toxin [BT]) was conducted to assess perspective changes for each treatment. Data from Google Trends were examined to identify changes in search volume from 2004 to 2021 using a join-point regression model. Relevant YouTube videos were divided into those uploaded before and after changes in CPGs and compared according to degrees of recommendation for each treatment to identify the effect of changes in CPGs on video production.

RESULTS

All eight identified CPGs released after 2019 recommended HA and CS use. Most CPGs were the first to state a neutral or opposing stance concerning the use of SC, PRP, or BT. Interestingly, relative searches on Google for SC, PRP, and BT has increased greater than those for CS and HA. YouTube videos produced after CPGs changed continue to recommend SC, PRP, and BT as much as those produced before CPGs were revised.

CONCLUSIONS

Although knee OA CPGs have changed, public interest and healthcare information providers on YouTube have not reacted to this shift. Improved methods to propagate updates to CPGs warrant consideration.

Recent Advances in Aptamer-Based Sensors for Sensitive Detection of Neurotransmitters

In recent years, there has been an increased demand for highly sensitive and selective biosensors for neurotransmitters, owing to advancements in science and technology. Real-time sensing is crucial for effective prevention of neurological and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we summarise the latest progress in aptamer-based biosensor technology, which offers the aforementioned advantages. Our focus is on various biomaterials utilised to ensure the optimal performance and high selectivity of aptamer-based biosensors. Overall, this review aims to further aptamer-based biosensor technology.

The Glasgow Microenvironment Score and risk and site of recurrence in TNM I-III colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Glasgow Microenvironment Score (GMS) stratifies long-term survival into three groups based on tumour phenotype: peritumoural inflammation (Klintrup-Mäkinen (KM)) and tumour stroma percentage (TSP). However, it is not known if the location of disease recurrence is influenced by the GMS category.

METHODS

Seven hundred and eighty-three TNM I-III colorectal cancers (CRC) were included. GMS (GMS0-high KM; GMS1-low KM, low TSP; GMS2-low KM, high TSP) and cancer-specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS) and disease recurrence were assessed using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 783 patients, 221 developed CRC recurrence; 65 developed local recurrence + systemic disease. GMS was independent for CSS (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.17-1.92, p < 0.001) and OS (HR 1.23, 1.05-1.44, p = 0.01). Higher GMS category was associated with T-stage, N-stage, emergency presentation and venous invasion. GMS was independent for local+systemic recurrence (HR 11.53, 95% CI 1.45-91.85, p = 0.04) and distant-only recurrence (HR 3.01, 95% CI 1.59-5.71, p = 0.002). GMS 2 disease did not appear to have statistically better outcomes with adjuvant chemotherapy in high-risk disease.

CONCLUSION

Although confounded by a higher rate of T4 and node-positive disease, GMS 1 and 2 are associated with an increased risk of local and distant recurrence. GMS is an independent poor prognostic indicator for recurrent colorectal cancer. Higher GMS patients may benefit from enhanced postoperative surveillance.

The long-term cardiac events after coronary bifurcation stenting with second-generation drug-eluting stents in elderly patients are comparable to those of younger patients

Background

Elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) generally have a high risk of adverse clinical outcomes. We investigated the long-term clinical impact of PCI on coronary bifurcation disease in elderly patients in Korea and Italy.

Methods

From the BIFURCAT (comBined Insights from the Unified RAIN and COBIS bifurcAtion regisTries) data, we evaluated 5,537 patients who underwent PCI for coronary bifurcation disease. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as the composite of target vessel myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularisation, and stent thrombosis. Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare elderly patients (aged ≥75 years) and younger patients (aged &lt;75 years).

Results

A total of 1,415 patients (26%) were aged ≥75 years. Elderly patients were more frequently female, had higher rates of hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD), and presented more frequently with left main (LM) disease. After a median follow-up of 2.1 years, MACEs were comparable between elderly and younger patients. In multivariable analysis, old age was not an independent predictor of MACEs (p=0.977). In elderly patients, CKD and LM disease were independent predictors of MACEs, whereas in younger patients, hypertension, diabetes, CKD, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, LM disease, and two-stent strategy usage were independent predictors.

Conclusions

Elderly patients who underwent coronary bifurcation PCI with second-generation drug-eluting stents demonstrated similar clinical outcomes to those of younger patients. Both CKD and LM disease were independent predictors of MACEs, regardless of age after coronary bifurcation PCI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Age-related difference in the impact of diabetes mellitus on all-cause mortality after acute myocardial infarction

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is highly prevalent among individuals hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular complications and short-term and long-term mortality. However, most existing data are from older patients. Little is known about the incidence of diabetes in individuals who experience AMI at a young age. Whether the presence of DM is associated with worse outcomes in these patients is not clear.

Purpose

To test the hypothesis that the impact of DM on clinical outcomes after AMI can vary by age.

Methods

A total of 12,600 AMI patients from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institute of Health (KAMIR-NIH) between November 2011 and December 2015 was classified into young (n=3,590 [28.5%]) and elderly (n=9,010 [71.5%]). Those less than 55 years of age were considered young. We performed comparisons of baseline characteristics, in-hospital treatments, and long-term clinical outcomes between patients with and without diabetes after stratification according to age group.

Results

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 26.5% in the young AMI group. In the multivariable-adjusted model of the entire cohort, diabetes mellitus was associated strongly with 3-year all-cause mortality (12.6% vs. 6.8%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.318; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.138–1.526; P&lt;0.001). When the entire cohort was subdivided into two age groups, young diabetic patients showed a 107.0% higher mortality rate than those without diabetes (adjusted HR, 2.070; 95% CI, 1.150–3.724; P=0.015). Meanwhile, elderly diabetic patients had a 25.3% higher risk of mortality than non-diabetic patients (adjusted HR, 1.253; 95% CI, 1.076–1.459; P=0.004). The interaction of diabetes with age was significant (adjusted P for interaction = 0.008).

Conclusion

DM is not uncommon in younger AMI patients, and the relative risk of long-term mortality is significantly higher in young patients than in older counterparts. More aggressive treatments are needed to prevent future cardiovascular events in younger patients after AMI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

The differential effects of antihypertensive drugs on central blood pressure: nebivolol versus telmisartan (ATD-CBP)

Background

Central blood pressure and central pulse pressure have a better correlation with the risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those of peripheral measurement. In a previous study, a second-generation beta-blocker showed poor CBP-lowering effects. However, the effect on CBP by third-generation beta-blockers is not fully elucidated. Thus, this randomised study investigated whether nebivolol-based hypertension treatment may confer advantages over telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor-blocker, in reducing CBP.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomised, multicentre, open-label, controlled trial that evaluated 98 hypertensive patients. Patients received either nebivolol- (N=49) or telmisartan-based (N=49) treatment for hypertension for 12 weeks with a target BP of ≤140/80. The primary outcome was the difference in change from baseline central systolic BP (cSBP) after 12 weeks.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline central and peripheral SBP. The mean change in cSBP from baseline (ΔcSBP) was −17.2±3 mmHg for nebivolol group (P&lt;0.001) and −29.9±3 mmHg for telmisartan group (P&lt;0.001). The difference in ΔcSBP between the two groups was significant (12.7mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.13 to 21.2; P=0.004). Peripheral SBP (pSBP) decreased less in nebivolol group compared to telmisartan group (−18.0±3 in nebivolol group vs. −26.3±3 in telmisartan group, P=0.032). After adjusting for reduction in pSBP, reduction in cSBP was higher in telmisartan group compared to nebivolol group, as shown by the ratio of changes in cSBP and pSBP (ΔcSBP/ΔpSBP; 0.67 for nebivolol group vs. 1.11 for telmisartan group, P=0.080), albeit without statistical significance.

Conclusions

Nebivolol-based hypertension treatment may have less potent CBP-lowering effects compared to telmisartan. However, larger-scale studies are warranted to further elaborate our findings.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Effect of an early invasive strategy based on time of symptom onset in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction

Background

A limitation of the current guidelines of the timing of invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for patients with non-ST-segment elevation (NSTE) acute coronary syndrome is based on randomization time. So far, no study has reported the clinical outcomes of invasive strategy timing based on the time of symptom onset. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effect of invasive strategy timing from the time of symptom onset on the 3-year clinical outcomes of patients with NSTE myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods and results

Among 13,104 patients from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institutes of Health, we evaluated 5,856 patients with NSTEMI. The patients were categorized according to symptom-to-catheter (StC) time (&lt;48 h and ≥48 h). The primary outcome was 3-year all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcome was a 3-year composite of all-cause mortality, recurrent MI, and hospitalization for heart failure. Overall, 3,919 (66.9%) patients were classified into the StC time &lt;48 h group. This group had lower all-cause mortality than the StC time ≥48 h group (7.3% vs. 13.4%, p&lt;0.001). The continuous association of StC time and risk of primary and secondary endpoints showed shorter StC time (reference: 48 h), and lower adjusted hazard ratio reduction was observed. In multivariable analysis, independent predictors of delayed ICA were older age, non-specific symptoms, no use of emergency medical services, no ST-segment deviation, chronic kidney disease, and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events score &gt;140.

Conclusion

Early invasive strategy based on the StC time improves all-cause mortality in patients with NSTEMI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Recent Advances in Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensors for Sensitive Optical Detection of Pathogens

The advancement of science and technology has led to the recent development of highly sensitive pathogen biosensing techniques. The effective treatment of pathogen infections requires sensing technologies to not only be sensitive but also render results in real-time. This review thus summarises the recent advances in optical surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor technology, which possesses the aforementioned advantages. Specifically, this technology allows for the detection of specific pathogens by applying nano-sized materials. This review focuses on various nanomaterials that are used to ensure the performance and high selectivity of SPR sensors. This review will undoubtedly accelerate the development of optical biosensing technology, thus allowing for real-time diagnosis and the timely delivery of appropriate treatments as well as preventing the spread of highly contagious pathogens.

The potential skin lightening candidate, senolytic drug ABT263, for photoageing pigmentation

Senescent cells accumulate in several tissues during ageing, including the skin, and contribute to the functional decline of the skin via the senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs) ¹ . Due to the potential negative effects of SASPs during the ageing process, drugs that selectively target senescent cells or SASPs represent an important therapeutic strategy to delay skin ageing. The selective induction of cell death specifically to kill senescent cells using drugs, referred to as senolytics, is a main approach to achieve this strategy ² .

Analgesic effects of a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist in an animal model of complex regional pain syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is caused by injuries from fracture after trauma and orthopaedic surgical procedures in the hind limbs. The symptoms of CRPS include warmth, pain, allodynia, and hyperalgesia. It is known that 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) receptors contribute to hyperalgesia, but their role has not yet been fully elucidated. This study investigated the mechanism of pain relief when a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist was administered in a CRPS animal model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To establish a CRPS animal model, 10-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the experiment. On the fourth week post tibial fracture surgery, we performed the von Frey test to measure mechanical allodynia. After performing behavioural tests, we collected blood and tissue samples after sacrificing the animals. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot were also performed.

RESULTS

The experimental tibia fracture model-induced CRPS animals elicited increased 5-HT3 receptor expression, and the 5-HT transporter was decreased in the brain stem after 4 weeks of surgical intervention. Additionally, in CRPS-induced animals, both the concentration of substance P and the level of interleukin 6 were increased peripherally and centrally. Treatment with the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, ramosetron, exerted an analgesic effect in the paw withdrawal test and was dependent on the attenuation of the 5-HT3 receptor population with inflammatory pain mediators.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that treatment with the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, ramosetron, in experimental CRPS animal models alleviated pain-related behaviours and may be a new therapeutic option or potential therapeutic agent for patients with CRPS.

Short-term outcomes of a multicentre randomized clinical trial comparing laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy with laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer (the KLASS-04 trial)

BACKGROUND

There remain concerns about the safety and functional benefit of laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LPPG) compared with laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG). This study evaluated short-term outcomes of a randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing LPPG with LDG for gastric cancer.

METHODS

The Korean Laparoendoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery Study (KLASS)-04 trial was an investigator-initiated, open-label, parallel-assigned, superiority, multicentre RCT in Korea. Patients with cT1N0M0 cancer located in the middle third of the stomach at least 5 cm from the pylorus were randomized to undergo LPPG or LDG. Participants, care givers and those assessing the outcomes were not blinded to group assignment. Outcomes were 30-day postoperative morbidity rate and death at 90 days.

RESULTS

Some 256 patients from nine institutions were randomized (LPPG 129 patients, LDG 127 patients) between July 2015 and July 2017 and outcomes for 253 patients were analysed. Postoperative complications within 30 days were seen in 19.3 and 15.5 per cent in the LPPG and LDG groups respectively (P = 0·419). Postoperative pyloric stenosis was observed in nine (7.2 per cent) and two (1·5 per cent) patients in the LPPG and LDG groups (P = 0·026) respectively. In multivariable analysis higher BMI was a risk factor for postoperative complications (odds ratio 1·17, 95 per cent c.i. 1·04 to 1·32; P = 0·011). Death at 90 days was zero in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative complications and mortality was comparable in patients undergoing LPPG and LDG. Registration number: NCT02595086 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Airflow limitation as a risk factor for vascular stiffness

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and atherosclerosis is a cause of cardiac comorbidities in COPD. However, it is not clear whether airflow limitation is associated with atherosclerosis irrespective of smoking.OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether airflow limitation is independently associated with vascular stiffness.METHODS: We enrolled 18 893 participants (male 70.5%; mean age 47.5 ± 9.8 years; never smokers 44.2%) who underwent spirometry and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) as part of a standard health examination at Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, South Korea, from January 2010 to December 2015.We defined vascular peripheral atherosclerosis as baPWV ≥ 1400 cm/s and airflow limitation as pre-bronchodilator ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV₁) to forced vital capacity (FVC) <70%.RESULTS: Mean baPWV was higher in subjects with airflow limitation (1477.6 ± 331.7 cm/sec, n = 638) than in those without airflow limitation (1344.1 ± 231.8 cm/sec, n = 18255, P < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the following were independent predictors associated with peripheral atherosclerosis (P < 0.05): age, male sex, fasting serum glucose, mean blood pressure, serum leukocyte count, serum low density lipoprotein level and FEV₁.CONCLUSION: Airflow limitation was an independent predictor of vascular stiffness irrespective of smoking history, which suggests that airflow limitation is linked with atherosclerosis.

Computer-Aided Diagnostic System for Thyroid Nodules on Ultrasonography: Diagnostic Performance Based on the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System Classification and Dichotomous Outcomes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Artificial intelligence-based computer-aided diagnostic systems have been introduced for thyroid cancer diagnosis. Our aim was to compare the diagnostic performance of a commercially available computer-aided diagnostic system and radiologist-based assessment for the detection of thyroid cancer based on the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TIRADS) and dichotomous outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 372 consecutive patients with 454 thyroid nodules were enrolled. The computer-aided diagnostic system was set up to render a possible diagnosis in 2 formats, the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (K)-TIRADS and the American Thyroid Association (ATA)-TIRADS-classifications, and dichotomous outcomes (possibly benign or possibly malignant).

RESULTS

The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the computer-aided diagnostic system for thyroid cancer were, respectively, 97.6%, 21.6%, 42.0%, 93.9%, and 49.6% for K-TIRADS; 94.6%, 29.6%, 43.9%, 90.4%, and 53.5% for ATA-TIRADS; and 81.4%, 81.9%, 72.3%, 88.3%, and 81.7% for dichotomous outcomes. The sensitivities of the computer-aided diagnostic system did not differ significantly from those of the radiologist (all P > .05); the specificities and accuracies were significantly lower than those of the radiologist (all P < .001). Unnecessary fine-needle aspiration rates were lower for the dichotomous outcome characterizations, particularly for those performed by the radiologist. The interobserver agreement for the description of K-TIRADS and ATA-TIRADS classifications was fair-to-moderate, but the dichotomous outcomes were in substantial agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic performance of the computer-aided diagnostic system varies in terms of TIRADS classification and dichotomous outcomes and relative to radiologist-based assessments. Clinicians should know about the strengths and weaknesses associated with the diagnosis of thyroid cancer using computer-aided diagnostic systems.

Recent advances in nanomaterial-modified electrical platforms for the detection of dopamine in living cells

Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter that plays essential roles in the central nervous system, including motor control, motivation, arousal, and reward. Thus, abnormal levels of dopamine directly cause several neurological diseases, including depressive disorders, addiction, and Parkinson's disease (PD). To develop a new technology to treat such diseases and disorders, especially PD, which is currently incurable, dopamine release from living cells intended for transplantation or drug screening must be precisely monitored and assessed. Owing to the advantages of miniaturisation and rapid detection, numerous electrical techniques have been reported, mostly in combination with various nanomaterials possessing specific nanoscale geometries. This review highlights recent advances in electrical biosensors for dopamine detection, with a particular focus on the use of various nanomaterials (e.g., carbon-based materials, hybrid gold nanostructures, metal oxides, and conductive polymers) on electrode surfaces to improve both sensor performance and biocompatibility. We conclude that this review will accelerate the development of electrical biosensors intended for the precise detection of metabolite release from living cells, which will ultimately lead to advances in therapeutic materials and techniques to cure various neurodegenerative disorders.

Properties of ^{187}Ta Revealed through Isomeric Decay

Mass-separated ^{187}Ta_{114} in a high-spin isomeric state has been produced for the first time by multinucleon transfer reactions, employing an argon gas-stopping cell and laser ionization. Internal γ rays revealed a T_{1/2}=7.3±0.9  s isomer at 1778±1  keV, which decays through a rotational band with perturbations associated with the approach to a prolate-oblate shape transition. Model calculations show less influence from triaxiality compared to heavier elements in the same mass region. The isomer-decay reduced E2 hindrance factor f_{ν}=27±1 supports the interpretation that axial symmetry is approximately conserved.

Effects of anti-resorptive drugs on implant survival and peri-implantitis in patients with existing osseointegrated dental implants: a retrospective cohort study

The effect of anti-resorptive drug (ARD) usage among patients with successful dental implant osseointegration is controversial. This study showed an increased risk of implant failure in ARD users. Risk factors included pre-existing marginal bone loss, overdenture, diabetes, and a short interval between implant placement and ARD administration.

INTRODUCTION

This retrospective study aimed to determine whether anti-resorptive drug (ARD) usage increased risk of implant failure among patients with successful implant osseointegration. Additionally, the study investigated risk factors that affected implant survival rate in ARD users.

METHODS

Eighty ARD users with 344 implants who had more than 12 months of follow-up from the initiation of ARD treatment during the period between 2008 and 2017 were included, along with 80 non-ARD users from the same period. The primary outcome was dental implant survival. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard models were used for survival analysis.

RESULTS

Average follow-up was 85.3 months. Implant survival rates were 89.83% in ARD users and 96.03% in non-ARD users. In the univariate Cox proportional hazard model, risk of implant failure was significantly higher in patients with pre-existing marginal bone loss (MBL), diabetes, and concurrent bone augmentation. However, risk of implant failure was significantly lower when the interval between implant placement and ARD administration was < 36 months. Compared with overdenture, single crown and fixed splinted users had lower risk of implant failure. In multivariate analysis, variables including pre-existing MBL, diabetes, < 36-month interval between implant placement and ARD treatment, and usage of fixed splinted prosthesis were significantly associated with increased risk of implant failure.

CONCLUSIONS

ARD administration after implant osseointegration was correlated with a reduced implant survival rate. Pre-existing MBL, diabetes, type of final prosthesis, and the interval between implant placement and initiation of ARD administration influenced risk of implant failure.

Upregulation of virulence genes promotes Vibrio cholerae biofilm hyperinfectivity

Vibrio cholerae remains a major global health threat, disproportionately impacting parts of the world without adequate infrastructure and sanitation resources. In aquatic environments, V. cholerae exists both as planktonic cells and as biofilms, which are held together by an extracellular matrix. V. cholerae biofilms have been shown to be hyperinfective, but the mechanism of hyperinfectivity is unclear. Here we show that biofilm-grown cells, irrespective of the surfaces on which they are formed, are able to markedly outcompete planktonic-grown cells in the infant mouse. Using an imaging technique designed to render intestinal tissue optically transparent and preserve the spatial integrity of infected intestines, we reveal and compare three-dimensional V. cholerae colonization patterns of planktonic-grown and biofilm-grown cells. Quantitative image analyses show that V. cholerae colonizes mainly the medial portion of the small intestine and that both the abundance and localization patterns of biofilm-grown cells differ from that of planktonic-grown cells. In vitro biofilm-grown cells activate expression of the virulence cascade, including the toxin coregulated pilus (TCP), and are able to acquire the cholera toxin-carrying CTXФ phage. Overall, virulence factor gene expression is also higher in vivo when infected with biofilm-grown cells, and modulation of their regulation is sufficient to cause the biofilm hyperinfectivity phenotype. Together, these results indicate that the altered biogeography of biofilm-grown cells and their enhanced production of virulence factors in the intestine underpin the biofilm hyperinfectivity phenotype.

Association between body mass index and stroke severity in acute ischaemic stroke with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and both initial stroke severity at presentation and functional outcomes after acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

METHODS

Patients were categorized on the basis of their BMI into underweight (BMI <18.5, n = 111), normal (18.5 ≤ BMI <25, n = 1036) and overweight to obese (BMI ≥25, n = 472) groups. Initial stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and functional outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale score at discharge. The differences in stroke severity and functional outcomes were compared between groups using robust log-linear regression with a Poisson distribution and binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1619 AIS patients with NVAF from six hospitals were included. Compared with the NIHSS scores [median 5, interquartile range (IQR) 2-14] of normal-weight patients, the NIHSS scores (median 9, IQR 4-19) of underweight patients were more likely to be higher, whereas those of overweight to obese patients were lower (median 4, IQR 1-12) (P < 0.001). In terms of functional outcomes after stroke, underweight patients had a higher risk of poor functional outcomes (odds ratio 1.78, 95% confidence interval 1.09-2.56, P = 0.01) but overweight to obese patients had no significant difference in functional outcomes compared with normal-weight patients.

CONCLUSION

An inverse association was found between BMI and stroke severity in AIS patients with NVAF. This suggests the presence of an obesity paradox for short-term outcomes in patients with NVAF.

The effects of betaine supplementation in diets containing different levels of crude protein and methionine on the growth performance, blood components, total tract nutrient digestibility, excreta noxious gas emission, and meat quality of the broiler chickens

The effects of betaine supplementation on growth performance, blood components, nutrient digestibility, excreta noxious gas emission, and meat quality of broiler chickens were examined using different dietary crude protein (CP) and methionine (Met) levels. A total of 768 Ross 308 broiler chickens were allotted to four treatments, with 12 replications of each treatment conducted over 6 wk. Treatments were factorially designed, with 2 levels of CP [Starter: CP 21% (low Met) and 23% (high Met); Finisher: CP 18% (low Met) and 20% (high Met)] and 2 levels of betaine supplementation (0 and 0.12%). Body weight gain and feed conversion improved significantly as dietary levels of protein increased (P < 0.05), but the results for betaine supplementation differed. The concentrations of serum total protein, albumin, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were elevated by either the supplementary betaine or the CP (P < 0.05). In addition, serum albumin concentration significantly increased in groups fed low CP amounts and betaine 0.12% compared with groups fed low CP only (P < 0.05). Total tract digestibility of nitrogen in broilers fed high CP amounts or 0.12% betaine, was observed to be greater than that in groups fed low CP amounts or no betaine treatment (P < 0.05). Supplemental betaine affected excreta ammonia gas emission, and hydrogen sulfide concentrations decreased significantly in low CP-fed groups (P < 0.05). Breast meat quality and relative organ weights were not influenced by CP levels or dietary betaine supplementation. These results suggest that betaine does not increase productivity, but may affect serum total protein, albumin, GPx, excreta ammonia emission, and nitrogen digestibility in broiler chickens. In addition, betaine supplementation is more effective in increasing serum albumin concentration when it was added in low CP (low Met) diets.

Effects of dietary Achyranthes japonica extract supplementation on the growth performance, total tract digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta noxious gas emission, and meat quality of broiler chickens

The present study was investigated the effects of dietary Achyranthes japonica extract (AJE) supplementation on the growth performance, total tract digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta noxious gas emission, breast meat quality, and organ weight in broiler chickens. In total, 640 Ross × Ross male broiler chickens (1-day-old) were randomly distributed into 4 dietary treatments with 10 replicate cages (16 birds/replicate) per treatment group for 5 wk. The dietary treatments included a control basal diet without AJE, and diets with 0.025, 0.05, or 0.1% AJE. Body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion improved linearly with the supplementation of AJE over the experimental period (days 1 to 35) (P < 0.05). Dietary AJE supplementation caused a significant increase in the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen (linear, P < 0.05). The cecal Lactobacillus, E. coli, and Salmonella counts were linearly affected with increasing dietary AJE supplementation (P < 0.05). With increasing levels of AJE, excreta ammonia gas concentration showed a linear decrease (P < 0.05). The breast muscle weight linearly increased, along with a decrease in the abdominal fat weight, in treatment groups fed with AJE (P < 0.05). These results indicate that dietary addition with increasing AJE linearly improved growth performance, total tract digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta ammonia gas emission, and abdominal fat weight in broiler chickens.

P818 Association between baseline left ventricular longitudinal strain and follow-up left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Funding Acknowledgements

no

Background

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) offers sensitive and reproducible measurement of myocardial dysfunction. The authors sought to evaluate whether LV GLS at the time of diagnosis may predict LV reverse remodeling (LVRR) in DCM patients with sinus rhythm and also investigate the relationship between baseline LV GLS and follow-up LVEF.

Methods

We enrolled patients with DCM who had been initially diagnosed, evaluated, and followed at our institute.

Results

During the mean follow-up duration of 37.3 ± 21.7 months, LVRR occurred in 28% of patients (n = 45) within 14.7 ± 10.0 months of medical therapy. The initial LV ejection fraction (LVEF) of patients who recovered LV function was 26.1 ± 7.9% and was not different from the value of 27.1 ± 7.4% (p = 0.49) of those who did not recover. There was a moderate and highly significant correlation between baseline LV GLS and follow-up LVEF (r = 0.717; p &lt;0.001).

Conclusion

There was a significant correlation between baseline LV GLS and follow-up LVEF in this population.

Baseline Follow-up Difference (95% CI) p-value All patients (n = 160) LVEDDI, mm/m2 35.6 ± 6.6 35.6 ± 6.6 -2.7 (-3.4 to -2.0) &lt;0.001 LVESDI, mm/m2 30.3 ± 6.1 26.6 ± 6.6 -3.7 (-4.6 to -2.8) &lt;0.001 LVEDVI, mL/m2 95.0 ± 30.7 74.3 ± 30.2 -20.7 (-25.6 to -15.8) &lt;0.001 LVESVI, mL/m2 70.0 ± 24.8 50.2 ± 26.8 -19.8 (-24.2 to -15.4) &lt;0.001 LVEF, % 26.8 ± 7.5 33.9 ± 12.6 7.2 (5.2 to 9.2) &lt;0.001 LV GLS (-%) 9.2 ± 3.1 11.0 ± 4.8 1.8 (1.3 to 2.2) &lt;0.001 Patients without LVRR (n = 115) LVEDDI, mm/m2 34.9 ± 6.8 34.1 ± 6.8 -0.8 (-1.3 to -0.3) 0.002 LVESDI, mm/m2 29.5 ± 6.1 28.4 ± 6.4 -1.4 (-1.8 to -0.4) 0.002 LVEDVI, mL/m2 92.0 ± 30.5 83.4 ± 29.8 -8.6 (-12.4 to -4.8) &lt;0.001 LVESVI, mL/m2 67.1 ± 24.4 59.5 ± 25.3 -7.6 (-10.9 to -4.3) &lt;0.001 LVEF, % 27.1 ± 7.4 27.8 ± 7.4 0.7 (-0.2 to 1.6) 0.126 LV GLS (-%) 8.2 ± 2.9 8.7 ± 3.2 0.5 (0.7 to 3.6) &lt;0.001 Patients with LVRR (n = 45) LVEDDI, mm/m2 37.4 ± 5.5 29.8 ± 5.2 -7.5 (-9.1 to -6.0) &lt;0.001 LVESDI, mm/m2 32.2 ± 5.7 21.9 ± 4.4 -10.3 (-11.9 to -8.6) &lt;0.001 LVEDVI, mL/m2 102.7 ± 30.2 51.1 ± 15.0 -51.7 (-61.6 to -41.7) &lt;0.001 LVESVI, mL/m2 77.3 ± 24.5 26.4 ± 11.3 -50.9 (-58.8 to -43.1) &lt;0.001 LVEF, % 26.1 ± 7.9 49.4 ± 9.5 23.9 (20.4 to 27.5) &lt;0.001 LV GLS (-%) 11.9 ± 1.6 16.9 ± 2.7 5.1 (4.2 to 5.9) &lt;0.001 Baseline and Follow-up LV Functional Echocardiographic Data

Abstract P818 Figure.

P785 Left ventricular geometry and myocardial contractility modulate impact of statins on prognosis in patients with acute heart failure

Funding Acknowledgements

N/A

Background/Introduction: The benefit of statins in patients with heart failure (HF) remains controversial and the mechanism of action is largely speculative. We investigated whether survival benefit with statins differs according to left ventricular (LV) geometry and myocardial contractility in acute HF patients.

Methods

We enrolled 1792 acute HF patients receiving statins and 2296 patients not receiving statins admitted from 2009 to 2016. The LV and right ventricular (RV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) was assessed as a measure of myocardial contractility. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on ischemic etiology of HF and further divided into 4 subgroups according to the median values of LV-GLS or RV-GLS. The primary outcome was 5-year all-cause mortality. The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee at each institute and complied with the Declaration of Helsinki. The need for written informed consent was waived.

Results

During the 5-year follow-up, 1740 (40.4%) patients died and they had more unfavorable baseline characteristics. Statin therapy was significantly associated with improved survival in overall patients and in both groups with and without ischemic etiology (all p &lt;0.001). Patients with concentric remodeling/hypertrophy and eccentric hypertrophy demonstrated survival benefit with statin therapy (P = 0.033, 0.004, and 0.008, respectively), while those with normal geometry did not (p = 0.123). In the non-ischemic HF group, survival benefit with statin therapy was confined to patients with low LV-GLS (p = 0.045) or those with low RV-GLS p = 0.003). On the contrary, in ischemic HF group, survival benefit with statin therapy was observed in all patients regardless of the values of LV-GLS or RV-GLS. Significant interactions were present between statin use and diabetes mellitus and IHD (p for interaction = 0.027 and 0.003, respectively) regarding mortality.

Conclusions

LV geometry and myocardial contractility may modulate the effects of statins in patients with acute HF. These echocardiographic measures can provide prognostic information to guide tailored statin treatment in this population. Our findings may also help to develop more well-designed prospective studies, in terms of a more homogenous study population, to confirm survival benefit with statin therapy.

Abstract P785 Figure. Multivariate Cox survival curves

Prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Although stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) have been considered an important prognostic factor in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), there have been limited data on their prognostic value in the absence of adjuvant chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A pooled analysis was carried out using four cohorts of TNBC patients not treated with chemotherapy. sTILs were evaluated in the most representative tumoral block of surgical specimens. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used for invasive disease-free survival (iDFS), distant disease-free survival (D-DFS), and overall survival (OS), fitting sTILs as a continuous variable adjusted for clinicopathologic factors.

RESULTS

We analyzed individual data of 476 patients from 4 centers diagnosed between 1989 and 2015. Their median age was 64 years. The median tumor size was 1.6 cm and 83% were node-negative. The median level of sTILs was 10% (Q1-Q3, 4%-30%). Higher grade was associated with higher sTILs (P < 10-3). During follow-up, 107 deaths, and 173 and 118 events for iDFS and D-DFS were observed, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, sTILs obtained an independent prognostic value for all end points (likelihood ratio χ2 = 7.14 for iDFS; P < 10-2; χ2 = 9.63 for D-DFS, P < 10-2; χ2 = 5.96 for OS, P = 0.015). Each 10% increment in sTILs corresponded to a hazard ratio of 0.90 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82 - 0.97] for iDFS, 0.86 (95% CI 0.77 - 0.95) for D-DFS, and 0.88 (95% CI 0.79 - 0.98) for OS, respectively. In patients with pathological stage I tumors with sTILs ≥30% (n = 74), 5-year iDFS was 91% (95% CI 84% to 96%), D-DFS was 97% (95% CI 93% to 100%), and OS was 98% (95% CI 95% to 100%).

CONCLUSION

sTILs add important prognostic information in systemically untreated early-stage TNBC patients. Notably, sTILs can identify a subset of stage I TNBC patients with an excellent prognosis without adjuvant chemotherapy.

The relationship between aortic calcification and anastomotic leak following gastrointestinal resection: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leak (AL) is a significant complication of gastrointestinal (GI) surgery. Impaired perfusion of the anastomosis is thought to play an important role. The degree of aortic calcification (AC) visible on preoperative CT imaging may be associated with an increased risk of AL following GI resection. This review assessed the relationship between AC and AL in patients undergoing GI resection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane library were systematically searched between 1946 and 2019. Relevant keywords were grouped to form a sensitive search strategy: surgical procedure (e.g. digestive system surgical procedure), calcification (e.g. vascular calcification, calcium score) and outcome (e.g. anastomotic leak). Studies assessing the degree of AC on preoperative imaging in relation to AL in adult patients requiring resection and anastomosis were included. The quality of each study was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Bias was assessed using the RevMan risk of bias tool.

RESULTS

Nine observational studies were included: four in patients undergoing oesophageal resection (n = 1446) and five in patients undergoing colorectal resection (n = 556). AL occurred in 20% of patients following oesophagectomy and 14% of patients following colorectal resection. Adjustment for relevant confounders was limited in most studies. Two studies reported a relationship between the degree of AC and AL in patients undergoing oesophagectomy, independent of age and comorbidity. One study reported an association between AC and AL following colorectal resection, while three studies reported higher calcium scores in the iliac arteries of patients who developed colorectal AL. Overall study quality was moderate to good using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Detection and reporting bias was evident in the studies examining AL following colorectal resection.

CONCLUSION

The current evidence suggests that the degree of AC may be associated with the development of AL, in particular in patients undergoing oesophagectomy. Further prospective data with adequate adjustment for confounders are required.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42018081128.

P5665The independent effect of insulin resistance on incidence of atrial fibrillation in non-diabetics

Purpose

Patients with diabetes mellitus have an elevated risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, whether insulin resistance may elevate risk of AF incidence in non-diabetic is inconsistent. The aim of our study was to verify the association between insulin resistance and incidence of AF in non-diabetics.

Methods

We evaluated population-based cohorts embedded in the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study. Insulin resistance was expressed as Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Baseline data including HOMA-IR and electrocardiography (ECG) were obtained at 2001. Subsequent biennial ECG was performed for identification of AF until 2016.

Results

Among the 8220 participants (46.8% male; median age 49 years), 25 participants had AF (0.3%) at baseline and 101 participants developed AF (1.2%) during follow up of 12 years. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, high HOMA-IR (≥1.4) was significantly associated with incident AF compared with low HOMA-IR (<1.40) (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–3.0). In subgroup analysis, these association was consistent regardless of obesity (BMI<25; adjust HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.0, BMI≥25; adjust HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–4.0)

Subgroup analysis

Conclusion

Based on prospective cohort study, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was associated with AF independently of obesity in non-diabetics.

Establishment of optimal barley straw biochar application conditions for rice cultivation in a paddy field

This study was conducted to establish the optimal application conditions of barley straw biochar (BC) for rice cultivation and to determine the effects of combined application of BC and inorganic fertilizer (IF) on rice cultivation in a paddy field. Based on the characteristics of rice growth in pot-based experiments, the selected optimal application conditions of BC were application of 20 ton ha^-1 at 14 days before rice transplanting. The effects of BC application on rice cultivation in a paddy field when using those conditions were then evaluated. Each treatment was separated by a control (Cn), IF, BC, and combined BC + IF treatments, respectively. The rice yields in the BC + IF treatment were 38.6, 21.7, and 24.5% greater than those in the Cn, IF, and BC treatments, respectively. In addition, yield components of rice were significantly improved in the BC + IF treatment relative to the other treatments. Following rice harvest, soil status was improved, showing greater soil aggregation stability, decreased bulk density, and increased porosity in the BC-treated areas compared to those in the Cn- and IF-treated areas. At the time of rice harvesting, soil chemical properties such as pH, EC, SOC, TN, Avail. P₂O₅, and CEC in the BC-treated areas were improved over those in other areas. The results of this study indicate that using BC as a soil amendment is effective at improving rice cultivation and can benefit the soil environment.

Effects of α-lipoic acid on chronic cerebrovascular hypoperfusion in an animal model of vascular dementia

OBJECTIVE

Given the aging population, the treatment of vascular dementia (VaD) is becoming increasingly important. The antioxidant α-lipoic acid (α-LA) protects against neurodegeneration in VaD, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Hence, we aimed to identify the effects of α-LA on cognitive function following chronic cerebrovascular hypoperfusion in a VaD animal model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice were categorized into the sham, bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS), or BCAS + α-LA group. The BCAS + α-LA group was intraperitoneally injected (100 mg/kg) once daily with α-LA for 4 weeks after BCAS surgery, while the BCAS and sham groups were injected with saline. After the last injection, we examined cognitive function and exploration behavior using the Morris water maze. Mice brains were then harvested for Western blot analyses.

RESULTS

The BCAS group, but not the BCAS + α-LA group, showed cognitive dysfunction in the Morris water maze. Apoptosis pathways involving poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, phosphorylated-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), phosphorylated-3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1, and phosphorylated-protein kinase B (p-AKT) were enhanced in the BCAS group than the α-LA group. The BCAS + α-LA group demonstrated less PARP cleavage and p-mTOR function than did the BCAS group. The activity of autophagy pathways involving LC3B was higher in the BCAS and BCAS + α-LA groups than the sham group, but there were no significant differences between the BCAS and BCAS + α-LA groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In the BCAS rodent model, cognitive dysfunction and apoptosis mediated by the phosphatase and tensin homolog/AKT/mTOR pathway were observed in the hippocampus. However, acting on the mTOR pathway, α-LA improved cognitive function and led to hippocampal cell survival. Thus, α-LA may be useful for treating VaD.

Abstract P2-02-11: Combinational treatment of biguanides and fatty acid β-oxidation inhibitor in triple-negative breast cancers

Among breast cancers (BCs), the driver pathways and therapeutic targets are still poorly understood for triple negative (TN) BCs. Advances in cancer metabolism research over the last decade have enhanced our understanding on metabolic reprogramming in cancer therapy. We have previously shown that metabolic reprogramming to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) is a major energy pathway in metastatic TNBC. Moreover, we reported that FAO regulates c-Src, one of the frequently upregulated oncopathways in TNBC via autophosphorylation of Src at Y419. Since FAO inhibitors alone cannot effectively control the tumor progression in TNBC, suitable combination therapies with other metabolic targets are necessary. Recently increasing evidences show that anti-diabetic biguanides have attractive anticancer effect in various cancer types including BC. However, its significance as an anticancer drug is not well established due to parallel metabolic pathways that support tumor growth.

Phenformin, a biguanide derivative similar to metformin, has a greater potency than metformin. Like metformin, phenformin also inhibits mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) through complex I inhibition. In addition, biguanides lead to the activation of AMPK, which plays a key role in insulin signaling and energy sensing. Importantly, AMPK is an upstream regulator of FAO pathway because it can phosphorylate ACC to activate FAO. Considering the dependency of TNBC to FAO, we evaluated the therapeutic significance of the combination of biguanides(ETC inhibitors) and FAO inhibitors in TNBC progression and metastasis. We hypothesize that blocking both 'arms' of the pathway can provide more pronounced and durable responses in TNBCs. Our different in vitro and in vivo studies using TNBC cell line and PDX models suggest that the combination of both inhibitors can provide better therapeutic significance in metastatic TNBCs. This is a rationale and cost-effective metabolic approach to manage the currently non-targetable metastatic TNBCs. Further investigation into the clinical effectiveness of this combination may provide better treatment opportunities for TNBC patients.

Citation Format: Park JH, Jung KH, Vithayathil S, Jia D, Kaipparettu BA. Combinational treatment of biguanides and fatty acid β-oxidation inhibitor in triple-negative breast cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-02-11.

Abstract P2-02-14: Metabolic regulation and drug resistance in c-Src activated triple negative breast cancer

c-Src (Src) is a proto-oncogene involved in signaling that culminates in the control of multiple biological functions. Src is also one of the most frequently upregulated pathways in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Dysregulation of Src has been detected in TNBC and is strongly associated with tumor metastasis and poor prognosis. However, even after promising preclinical studies, Src inhibitors did not show major clinical advantage in unselected TNBC populations. We have previously published that metastatic TNBC has high energy-dependency to mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation (FAO) and FAO activates Src by inducing autophosphorylation at Y419. However, our recent analysis suggests that as observed with the Src inhibitors, TNBC tumors treated with FAO inhibitors also develop drug-resistance and continue tumor growth. Evaluation of their drug resistance mechanism revealed that while short-term inhibition of FAO or Src induces autophagic and apoptotic cell deaths, long-term inhibition results in autophagy-mediated drug resistance and survival. Further analyses suggest that FAO and Src inhibitors activate mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway via the induction of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in TNBC. Activated MEK/ERK then induces survival pathways for drug resistance and tumor survival. Validation of in vitro findings using in vivo TNBC models confirmed that combination of FAO/Src inhibitors with MEK/ERK inhibitors can provide significant benefit to overcome the therapeutic resistance of TNBC. These findings open-up new therapeutic opportunities to manage TNBC patients with currently non-targetable metastatic tumors.

Citation Format: Jung KH, Park JH, Sirupangi T, Jia D, Gandhi N, Pudakalakatti S, Elswood J, Porter W, Putluri N, Zhang XH-F, Chen X, Bhattacharya PK, Creighton CJ, Lewis MT, Rosen JM, Wong L-JC, Das GM, Osborne CK, Rimawi MF, Kaipparettu BA. Metabolic regulation and drug resistance in c-Src activated triple negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-02-14.

ADRENAL INCIDENTALOMA, BREAST CANCER AND UNRECOGNIZED MULTIPLE ENDOCRINE NEOPLASIA TYPE 1

Background

The incidence of adrenal incidentaloma has been increasing proportional to the use of radiologic examination. Multiple endocrine neoplasia1 (MEN1) syndrome may present with various tumors. The present study reports a case of adrenal incidentaloma with unrecognised MEN1 syndrome associated with breast cancer.

Clinical case

A 48-year-old woman presented with a 2.4cm left adrenal incidentaloma on abdominal computed tomography. Her history revealed primary amenorrhea, recurrent peptic ulcer and nephrolithiasis. Laboratory and radiologic examination revealed two pancreatic tail mass lesions with markedly elevated gastrin levels (1462 pg/mL), hypercalcemia with increased parathyroid hormone levels (72 pg/mL), a 1.5cm pituitary mass with hyperprolactinemia (234 ng/mL), a 1.0cm meningioma and a nonfunctional left adrenal mass. During this image work up, a 0.6cm nodule in the right breast was incidentally detected. Surgeries (laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy, parathyroidectomy and wide local excision of breast) and pathologic findings confirmed pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, parathyroid gland hyperplasia, and breast cancer. Carbergoline treatment for 12 months decreased prolactin levels to 27 ng/mL. Genetic testing using peripheral blood revealed a pathogenic variant in MEN1 on chr11q13 (NM_000244.3:c.1365+1_1365+11 del, GTGAGGGACAG, heterozygous).

Conclusion

Considering the increasing incidence of adrenal incidentaloma and 20% prevalence of adrenal tumors in patients with MEN1, it is important to rule out MEN1 association in patients with adrenal incidentaloma. Additionally, breast cancer was detected during MEN1 work-up in this case. Female patients with MEN1 are at increased risk for breast cancer. Therefore, intensified breast cancer screening at a relatively young age should be considered in female MEN1 patients.

Coil Embolization in Patients with Recurrent Cerebral Aneurysms Who Previously Underwent Surgical Clipping

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Surgical revision of recurrent cerebral aneurysms is technically difficult. Therefore, coil embolization has been used as an alternative in these cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and angiographic outcomes of coil embolization in patients with recurrent cerebral aneurysms after microsurgical clipping.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between May 1999 and February 2016, nineteen patients with 19 recurrent aneurysms who previously underwent surgical clipping were treated by coil embolization.

RESULTS

Nine patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (47.4%). The interval between surgical clipping and coil embolization was 143.5 ± 66.1 months (range, 43-276 months). Single- or double-catheter coil embolization was performed in 16 patients. A balloon (n = 1) and stents (n = 2) were used to assist the coil embolization in 3 patients. Immediate radiologic findings after coil embolization showed complete occlusion in 10 patients, a residual neck in 8 patients, and a residual sac in 1 patient. Procedure-related permanent morbidity occurred in 1 patient. The mean clinical follow-up was 58.3 ± 38.8 months. Poor clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score = ≥3) at the end of the clinical follow-up were reported in 5 patients (26.3%). Angiographic follow-up was available for 12 patients (63.2%). Major recurrence was detected in 5 patients (41.7%), and a tendency for aneurysm regrowth rather than coil compaction was noted in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

In our series, coil embolization for recurrent aneurysms after surgical clipping was feasible but had a high recurrence rate and tended to result in aneurysm regrowth rather than coil compaction.