Novel Functional Peptide for Next-Generation Vital Pulp Therapy

Although vital pulp therapy should be performed by promoting the wound-healing capacity of dental pulp, existing pulp-capping materials were not developed with a focus on the pulpal repair process. In previous investigations of wound healing in dental pulp, we found that organic dentin matrix components (DMCs) were degraded by matrix metalloproteinase-20, and DMC degradation products containing protein S100A7 (S100A7) and protein S100A8 (S100A8) promoted the pulpal wound-healing process. However, the direct use of recombinant proteins as pulp-capping materials may cause clinical problems or lead to high medical costs. Thus, we hypothesized that functional peptides derived from recombinant proteins could solve the problems associated with direct use of such proteins. In this study, we identified functional peptides derived from the protein S100 family and investigated their effects on dental pulp tissue. We first performed amino acid sequence alignments of protein S100 family members from several mammalian sources, then identified candidate peptides. Next, we used a peptide array method that involved human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) to evaluate the mineralization-inducing ability of each peptide. Our results supported the selection of 4 candidate functional peptides derived from proteins S100A8 and S100A9. Direct pulp-capping experiments in a rat model demonstrated that 1 S100A8-derived peptide induced greater tertiary dentin formation compared with the other peptides. To investigate the mechanism underlying this induction effect, we performed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis using hDPSCs and the S100A8-derived peptide; the results suggested that this peptide promotes tertiary dentin formation by inhibiting inflammatory responses. In addition, this peptide was located in a hairpin region on the surface of S100A8 and could function by direct interaction with other molecules. In summary, this study demonstrated that a S100A8-derived functional peptide promoted wound healing in dental pulp; our findings provide insights for the development of next-generation biological vital pulp therapies.

IGF-2 mediated hypoglycemia and the paradox of an apparently benign lesion: a case report & review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Non-islet cell tumour hypoglycemia (NICTH) is rarely encountered in clinical practice. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is the most common cause of NICTH observed in the setting of mesenchymal and epithelial neoplasia. This is a paraneoplastic syndrome caused by IGF2 activation of the insulin receptor.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 80 year old female presented with a short history of recurrent episodes of confusion with laboratory confirmed hypoglycemia with a plasma glucose of 2.7 mmol/L on fasting which fulfilled Whipple's triad. Diagnostic clues to the aetiology at presentation include the fasting pattern of hypoglycemia, hypokalaemia and the absence of weight gain. A 72 hour fast with results showed early hypoglycemia and suppression of serum insulin, c-peptide, and proinsulin. Serum insulin antibody was not detected. Subsequent measurement of the serum IGF2:IGF1 ratio was elevated at 22.3 and consistent with IGF-2 mediated hypoglycemia and imaging studies demonstrated a pelvic mass. Dietary intervention and oral prednisolone abated hypoglycemia prior to surgery. Ultimately, hypoglycemia resolved following operative intervention and steroid therapy was successfully withdrawn. Histopathology was remarkable for dual neoplastic processes with uterine solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) confirmed as the source of IGF2 hypersecretion on IGF-2 immunohistochemistry and a coincidental invasive high grade serous carcinoma involving the fimbria of the right fallopian tube.

CONCLUSION

The paradox in this case is that the benign solitary fibrous tumour accounted for patient morbidity through secretion of IGF2 and without treatment, posed a mortality risk. This is despite the synchronous presence of a highly malignant fallopian tube neoplasm. This case reinforces the need for thorough clinical evaluation of hypoglycemia to allow prompt and definitive management.

Risk factors for thrombocytopenia and analysis of time to platelet transfusion after azacitidine treatment

The use of azacitidine (AZA) has been known to lead to a high incidence of hematotoxic adverse events. The aims of this study were to identify the risk factors for thrombocytopenia after the administration of AZA and to analyze time to the initial platelet transfusion. Sixty-two patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), who were treated with AZA in Gifu Municipal Hospital between March 2012 and June 2020, were included in this study. The risk factors for thrombocytopenia were identified using univariate analysis of patient characteristics, disease type, and laboratory values immediately before the start of treatment. Variables with p<0.2 identified in the univariate analysis were used as independent variables in the multivariate analysis. This analysis identified "creatinine clearance (CCr) <60 mL/min" as a significant factor (odds ratio, 4.790; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.380-16.70; p=0.014). Subsequently, time in days to the initial platelet transfusion after the initial administration of AZA was analyzed using the log-rank test. The overall median time in days to platelet transfusion was 370 days. The log-rank test was used to determine the influence of patient characteristics, disease type, and laboratory values immediately before the start of treatment. The subsequent Cox proportional hazard regression analysis using variables with p<0.2 as independent variables identified "hemoglobin (Hb) <8.0 g/dL" as a significant factor (hazard ratio, 2.143; 95% CI, 1.001-4.573; p=0.048). The results of this study led to the following clinical implications: first, patients with CCr of <60 mL/min at the start of treatment should be treated with caution due to the risk of thrombocytopenia. Second, patients with Hb of <8.0 g/dL at the start of treatment may require platelet transfusion in the early stage of treatment.

POS0975 CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NONRADIOGRAPHIC AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS IN ASIAN COUNTRIES COMPARED TO OTHER REGIONS: RESULTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CROSS-SECTIONAL ASAS-COMOSPA STUDY

Background:

Clinical characteristics of nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-ax-SpA) are highly variable across patients, and may potentially vary across patient populations, particularly due to differing distributions of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and other genetic factors. The majority of nr-ax-SpA studies have been conducted in Europe, the United States, and small studies are reported from Asia [1].

Objectives:

To delineate clinical characteristics of patients with nr-ax-SpA in Asian countries in comparison to other areas of the world.

Methods:

Utilizing the ASAS-COMOSPA data, an international cross-sectional observational study of SpA patients, we analyzed information on demographics, disease characteristics, comorbidities, and risk factors. Patients were classified by region: Asia (China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan), and non-Asian countries (Europe, Americas, and Africa); patient characteristics, including diagnosis and treatment, were compared.

Results:

Among 3984 SpA patients included in the study, 1094 were from centers in Asian countries, and 2890 from other regions. 112/780 (14.4%) of axial SpA patients in Asian countries were nr-ax-SpA, substantially less than in other countries (486/1997, 24.3%). Nr-ax-SpA patients in Asian countries compared to nr-ax-SpA in other countries were more likely male (75.9 vs 47.1%), have onset (22.8 vs 27.8 years) and diagnosis (27.2 vs 34.5 years) at younger age, and experience less diagnostic delay (1.88 vs 2.92 years) (Table 1). Nr-ax-SpA patients in Asian countries have higher prevalence of positive HLA-B27 (90.6% vs 61.9%) and fewer peripheral signs such as arthritis, enthesitis, or dactylitis (53.6% vs 66.3%) but have similar rate of extra-articular manifestations (psoriasis, IBD, or uveitis) and co-morbidities. Disease activity, functional impairment, and inflammation on MRI were less in nr-ax-SpA patients in Asian countries. NSAIDs response was higher and use of methotrexate and b-DMARDs were lower among nr-ax-SpA in Asian countries.

Conclusion:

Among axial SpA patients, substantially lower frequency of nr-ax-SpA was observed in Asian countries compared to other regions of the world. Nr-ax-SpA patients in Asian countries were predominantly male, and had younger disease onset with higher HLA-B27 positivity rate and less peripheral signs, and better response to NSAIDs. These results offer an opportunity to improve both early diagnosis and treatment of nr-ax-SpA patients in Asian countries.

Table 1.

Characteristics of nonradiographic axial SpA in Asia versus non-Asian regions

VariablesAsianon-Asian regionsp valueN112486Age at disease diagnosis, yrs27.2 [21.1, 39.6]34.5 [27.7, 41.7]<0.001Diagnostic delay, yrs1.88 [0.27, 5.56]2.92 [0.59, 9.58]0.011Male (%)85 (75.9)229 (47.1)<0.001Sacroiliitis on MRI among tested (%)49 (67.1)341 (82.2)0.005HLA B27 positivity among measured (%)96 (90.6)273 (61.9)<0.001Inflammatory Back Pain (%)107 (95.5)478 (98.4)0.076Arthritis, enthesitis, or dactylitis (%)60 (53.6)322 (66.3)0.016Psoriasis (%)12 (10.7)82 (16.9)0.142Uveitis (%)20 (17.9)81 (16.7)0.870Inflammatory bowel disease (%)5 (4.5)27 (5.6)0.817Elevated CRP (%)37 (33.0)213 (43.8)0.048Physician global assessment (0-10)2.0 [1.0, 5.0]2.0 [1.0, 4.0]0.741Patient global assessment (0-10)3.0 [1.0, 6.0]4.0 [2.0, 6.0]0.012ASDAS-CRP1.40 [0.95, 2.08]1.97 [1.21, 2.78]<0.001BASFI0.8 [0.05, 2.65]2.9 [0.8, 5.6]<0.001Good response to NSAIDs (%)80 (71.4)272 (56.0)0.004Methotrexate use (%)18 (16.1)134 (27.6)0.016Biological DMARDs use (%)27 (24.1)191 (39.3)0.004

References:

[1]López-Medina C, Ramiro S, van der Heijde D, et al. Characteristics and burden of disease in patients with radiographic and non-radiographic axial Spondyloarthritis: a comparison by systematic literature review and meta-analysis. RMD Open. 2019 Nov 21;5(2): e001108.

Acknowledgements:

This study was conducted under the umbrella of the International Society for Spondyloarthritis Assessment (ASAS) and COMOSPA study was supported by unrestricted grants from Pfizer, AbbVie and UCB.

Disclosure of Interests:

Keisuke Ono: None declared, Mitsumasa Kishimoto Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen-Astellas BioPharma, Asahi-Kasei Pharma, Astellas, Ayumi Pharma, BMS, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Kyowa Kirin, Novartis, Ono Pharma, Pfizer, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, Teijin Pharma, and UCB Pharma, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen-Astellas BioPharma, Asahi-Kasei Pharma, Astellas, Ayumi Pharma, BMS, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Kyowa Kirin, Novartis, Ono Pharma, Pfizer, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, Teijin Pharma, and UCB Pharma, Sho Fukui: None declared, Satoshi Kawaai: None declared, Gautam A. Deshpande: None declared, Kazuki Yoshida Consultant of: OM1, Inc., Grant/research support from: Corrona, LLC, Naomi Ichikawa: None declared, Yuko Kaneko Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Astellas, Ayumi, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Hisamitsu, Jansen, Kissei, Pfizer, Sanofi, Takeda, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, and UCB, Taku Kawasaki: None declared, Kazuo Matsui: None declared, Mitsuhiro Morita: None declared, Kurisu Tada: None declared, Naoho Takizawa: None declared, Naoto Tamura: None declared, Atsuo Taniguchi: None declared, Yoshinori Taniguchi: None declared, Shigeyoshi Tsuji: None declared, Shigeto Kobayashi: None declared, Masato Okada: None declared, Clementina López-Medina: None declared, Anna Moltó Consultant of: AbbVie, Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Gilead, Lilly and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Gilead, Lilly and UCB, Désirée van der Heijde Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Astellas, AstraZeneca, Bayer, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Cyxone, Daiichi, Eisai, Eli-Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi, Takeda, UCB Pharma, Employee of: Imaging Rheumatology bv. (Director), Maxime Dougados: None declared, Yoshinori Komagata: None declared, Tetsuya Tomita: None declared, Shinya Kaname: None declared.

THU0236 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF NON-MITOGENIC ANTICD3 ANTIBODY ADMINISTRATION IN THE TREATMENT OF LUPUS-PRONE MICE

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibody and systemic tissue damages including glomerulonephritis. Immune responses mediated by autoreactive T-cells, as well as by autoantibody, is involved in the development and progression of end-organ damages1. Biologic agents which manipulate T-cell function such as CTLA4-Ig and anti-CD40L have been revisited and tried to treat human SLE, however, both of them failed to demonstrate efficacy.

A mouse specific anti-CD3ε mAb, clone 145-2C11 (2C11) is known to be immunosuppressive by down-modulation of TCR and depletion of T-cells2. Administration of Fc-deleted 145-2C11 F(ab’)2to lupus-prone mice was reported to reduce lymphadenopathy and prolong survival, but had no significant effect on anti-DNA antibody titer3. The mechanisms by which 2C11 ameliorates lupus are still unclear.

In this study, we used non-mitogenic Fc-modified silent 145-2c11 (2C11S), which disables interaction between target cells and Fc receptor-bearing cells, abolishes antibody directed cytotoxicity, and has longer half-life than F(ab’)2. 2C11S is expected to exert its effect in safe and stable as compared with functional parent-2C11 (2C11P) antibody.

Objectives:

The purpose of our study is to clarify the difference between 2C11S and 2C11P and to examine their therapeutic effects against murine lupus-prone (NZB/W F1) mice.

Methods:

20 μg of 2C11P (absolute antibody), 2C11S (absolute antibody), or isotype control immunoglobulin G1 κ (IC)(BioLegend) were administered intraperitoneally to C57BL6 mice. The difference of their action on T-cells were evaluated in a time series from peripheral blood. Plasma cytokine levels were measured within 24 hours after antibody administration.

In NZB/W F1 mice from weeks 10 or 20, 2C11P, 2C11S, and IC were administered (100 μg / week, 4 times, intraperitoneally). Plasma anti-dsDNA antibody titer, spleen and kidney blood cell subpopulation, and histology of renal tissue were evaluated before and/or after treatment.

Results:

Duration of reduced TCR expression in 2C11S group was approximately twice as long as that in 2C11P group, and the levels of plasma TNF-α was not increased in 2C11S group while significant increase was observed in 2C11P group (IC; mean 48.3 ± SD 16.7 pg/ml, 2C11S; 57.9 ± 6.12, 2C11P; 168 ± 50.6, IC VS 2C11S; p>0.99, IC VS 2C11P; p=0.03, ANOVA).

In NZB/W F1 mice, the number of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells in spleen significantly decreased in 2C11S group (IC; median 9.0*104[interquartile range 8.5*104], 2C11S; 1.8*104[1.0*104], 2C11P; 1.0*105[9.4*104], IC VS 2C11S; p=0.03, IC VS 2C11P; p>0.99, Kruskal-Wallis). The number of germinal center B (GCB) cells in spleen also decreased in 2C11S group (IC; 1.2*105[1.7*105], 2C11S; 9.0*103[2.3*104], 2C11P; 8.0*104[2.3*105], IC VS 2C11S; p=0.03, IC VS 2C11P; p>0.99). The number of infiltrating CD4+T-cells in kidney significantly reduced in 2C11S group (IC; 3.4*103[1.0*104], 2C11S; 6.4*102[8.8*102], 2C11P; 1.2*103[4.4*103], IC VS 2C11S; p=0.048, IC VS 2C11P; p=0.23). In addition, the rate of increase in anti-dsDNA IgG titers significantly decreased in 2C11S group (IC; 2.3 [1.3], 2C11S; 0.9 [1.0], 2C11P; 1.3 [1.4], IC VS 2C11S; p=0.03, IC VS 2C11P; p=0.24). Finally, glomerular hypercellularity was markedly alleviated only in 2C11S group (IC; 4.4*10 [8.4], 2C11S; 3.8*10 [1.1], 2C11P; 3.9*10 [8.2], IC VS 2C11S; p=0.02, IC VS 2C11P; p=0.57).

Conclusion:

2C11S did not induce cytokine release with maintaining longer effect on TCR down-modulation. 2C11S reduced autoantibody production by suppressing GCB differentiation, possibly through down-regulation of Tfh cell number. Consequently, 2C11S ameliorated lupus nephritis. On the other hand, 2C11P did not show therapeutic effect.

References:

[1]George C Tsokos. et al. Nat. Rev. Rheum (2016) 12: 716-730.

[2]Kuhn C. et al. Immunotherapy (2016) 8: 889-906.

[3]Henrickson M. et al. Arthritis Rheum (1994) 37: 587-589.

Disclosure of Interests: :

None declared

0590 Reliability of Simple Sleep Evaluation Device at Split-Night Polysomnography

Introduction

Watch-PAT is a sleep evaluation device that measures the peripheral blood volume continuously with a probe attached to a fingertip and does not use an electroencephalogram or a nasal cannula. There has been no report on the usefulness of watch-PAT to determine the apnea diagnosis and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use effects in split-night sleep study.

Methods

The consent of the study was obtained. Watch-PAT was simultaneously worn on a patient admitted for split-night polysomnography. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) obtained from PSG and the pAHI gained from the watch-PAT were measured when not using CPAP and when using CPAP respectively. And also we examined whether the reduction rates of AHI and pAHI could be correlated.

Results

38 subjects (32 men, age 55 ± 13 years old). BMI 28.3 ± 5.7 kg / m2. When CPAP was not used, AHI was 57.2 ± 23.3 / h and pAHI was 50.8 ± 20.3 / h (r = 0.93, p &lt; 0.0001), when CPAP was used, AHI was 5.2 ± 4.5 /h and pAHI was 6.2 ± 4.5 h (r = 0.82, p &lt; 0.0001), AHI reduction rate was 90.4 ± 8.0% and pAHI reduction rate was 85.4 ± 14.6% (r = 0.76, p &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusion

It was suggested that Watch-PAT had a good correlation with AHI at split night-sleep study.

Support

None

New physician specialty training system impact on distribution of trainees in Japan

OBJECTIVES

The problem of uneven distribution of medical services and inequitable distribution of physicians is drawing much attention worldwide. Revealing how changes in the specialty training system in Japan have affected the distribution of doctors could help us understand this problem. In 2018, a new and standardized specialty training system was implemented by the Japanese Medical Specialty Board, which is recognized by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. The purpose of this study was to investigate how this new system has affected the geographical distribution of doctors commencing specialty training (trainees) and choice of specialty in Japan.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

METHODS

The change in the number of trainees between the control period (2012-2014) and 2018 was investigated, taking into account the prefecture and specialty selected. Population, the proportion of residents aged 65 years or older (aging rate), and the total number of overall doctors in each prefecture were considered as the background characteristics of each prefecture. We created a Lorenz curve and calculated the Gini coefficient for the distribution of trainees.

RESULTS

In 2018, the number of trainees per 100,000 population increased to 6.6 nationwide compared with 5.5 during the control period. The number of trainees per 100,000 population in 2018 increased in prefectures with a large population of ≧ 2,000,000, a low aging rate (<27%), and a high doctor density (≧ 250 doctors per 100,000 population). The Gini coefficient showed an increase to 0.226 in 2018 compared with only 0.160 during the control period.

CONCLUSIONS

After the implementation of the new training system, there was an increase in the number of doctors enrolling in specialty programs, and the specialties other than internal medicine and surgery have attracted more trainees. Inequality in the distribution of doctors between urban and rural prefectures worsened. This indicates the need to explore new ways of balancing distribution while maintaining optimal opportunities for specialist training.

Expansion of mouse hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in three-dimensional cocultures on growth-suppressed stromal cell layer

With the aim of establishing an effective method to expand hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells for application in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, we performed ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells derived from mouse fetal liver cells in three-dimensional cocultures with stromal cells. In these cocultures, stromal cells were first cultured within three-dimensional scaffolds to form stromal layers and then fetal liver cells containing hematopoietic cells were seeded on these scaffolds to expand the hematopoietic cells over the 2 weeks of coculture in a serum-containing medium without the addition of cytokines. Prior to coculture, stromal cell growth was suppressed by treatment with the DNA synthesis inhibitor mitomycin C, and its effect on hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell expansion was compared with that in control cocultures in which fetal liver cells were cocultured with three-dimensional freeze-thawed stromal cells. After coculture with mitomycin C-treated stromal cells, we achieved a several-fold expansion of the primitive hematopoietic cells (c-kit⁺ hematopoietic progenitor cells >7.8-fold, and CD34⁺ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells >3.5-fold). Compared with control cocultures, expansion of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells tended to be lower, although that of hematopoietic progenitor cells was comparable. Thus, our results suggest that three-dimensional freeze-thawed stromal cells have higher potential to expand hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells compared with mitomycin C-treated stromal cells.

Early first trimester uteroplacental flow and the progressive disintegration of spiral artery plugs: new insights from contrast-enhanced ultrasound and tissue histopathology

STUDY QUESTION

Does the use of a vascular contrast agent facilitate earlier detection of maternal flow to the placental intervillous space (IVS) in the first trimester of pregnancy?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Microvascular filling of the IVS was demonstrated by contrast-enhanced ultrasound from 6 weeks of gestation onwards, earlier than previously believed.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

During placental establishment and remodeling of maternal spiral arteries, endovascular trophoblast cells invade and accumulate in the lumen of these vessels to form 'trophoblast plugs'. Prior evidence from morphological and Doppler ultrasound studies has been conflicting as to whether the spiral arteries are completely plugged, preventing maternal blood flow to the IVS until late in the first trimester.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Uteroplacental flow was examined across the first trimester in human subjects given an intravenous infusion of lipid-shelled octofluoropropane microbubbles with ultrasound measurement of destruction and replenishment kinetics. We also performed a comprehensive histopathological correlation using two separately archived uteroplacental tissue collections to evaluate the degree of spiral artery plugging and evaluate remodeling of the upstream myometrial radial and arcurate arteries.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Pregnant women (n = 34) were recruited in the first trimester (range: 6+3 to 13+6 weeks gestation) for contrast-enhanced ultrasound studies with destruction-replenishment analysis of signal intensity for assessment of microvascular flux rate. Histological samples from archived in situ (Boyd Collection, n = 11) and fresh first, second, and third trimester decidual and post-hysterectomy uterine specimens (n = 16) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (using markers of epithelial, endothelial and T-cells, as well as cell adhesion and proliferation) and ultrastructural analysis.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Contrast agent entry into the IVS was visualized as early as 6+3 weeks of gestation with some variability in microvascular flux rate noted in the 6-7+6 week samples. Spiral artery plug canalization was observed from 7 weeks with progressive disintegration thereafter. Of note, microvascular flux rate did not progressively increase until 13 weeks, which suggests that resistance to maternal flow in the early placenta may be mediated more proximally by myometrial radial arteries that begin remodeling at the end of the first trimester.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

Gestational age was determined by crown-rump length measurements obtained by transvaginal ultrasound on the day of contrast-enhanced imaging studies, which may explain the variability in the earliest gestational age samples due to the margin of error in this type of measurement.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our comprehensive in situ histological analysis, in combination with the use of an in vivo imaging modality that has the sensitivity to permit visualization of microvascular filling, has allowed us to reveal new evidence in support of increasing blood flow to the IVS from 6 weeks of gestation. Histologic review suggested the mechanism may be blood flow through capillary-sized channels that form through the loosely cohesive 'plugs' by 7 weeks gestation. However, spiral artery remodeling on its own did not appear to explain why there is significantly more blood flow at 13 weeks gestation. Histologic studies suggest it may be related to radial artery remodeling, which begins at the end of the first trimester.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This project was supported by the Oregon Health and Science University Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Center for Developmental Health and the Struble Foundation. There are no competing interests.

Elastic modulus estimation based on local displacement observation of elastic body

A method is proposed that provides estimates of the spatial variation of elastic moduli using local displacements of the elastic body. A central issue of elastography imaging has been the limited area of measurement. With the proposed method, stiffness parameter estimations are considered as minimization problems using finite-element models. The sparseness of the gradient of tissue elasticity is also exploited to improve estimation accuracy. Simulation experiments show that based on a 5% area of observation of a simple plate model with non-uniform elasticity the spatial variation of Young's modulus is reconstructed to within 5% accuracy. This result suggests that the proposed framework significantly extends the area of estimation overcoming the limitations of conventional elastography techniques.

Assessment of diastolic function of normal fetal heart using dual-gate Doppler

OBJECTIVES

The ratio of mitral peak early diastolic filling to early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/e') reflects diastolic cardiac function in adults. Dual-gate Doppler (DD) enables measurements of E/e' in the same heart beat. This study was designed to assess the utility of the DD method for measurement of fetal E/e' and determine reference ranges for normal fetuses.

METHODS

This prospective study comprised normal singleton pregnancies undergoing fetal echocardiography between 16 and 36 weeks of gestation. According to the DD method, E-wave velocity on pulsed-wave Doppler and e'-wave on tissue Doppler imaging were measured simultaneously on an apical or basal four-chamber view, and fetal E/e' was calculated. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between gestational age (GA) and E-wave and e'-wave velocities and E/e'.

RESULTS

A total of 133 pregnancies were included in this study and all E/e' measurements were successful. Significant correlation was observed between GA and both left ventricular (LV) E/e' (r _s  = -0.666, P < 0.001) and right ventricular (RV) E/e' (r _s  = -0.607, P < 0.001). The regression equations for bilateral E/e' were: LV-E/e' = 17.341 - 0.631GA + 0.008 × GA² (mean ± SD, R ²  = 0.440 ± 1.333); and RV-E/e' = 19.156 - 0.794GA + 0.012GA² (R ²  = 0.419 ± 1.329).

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral E/e' of normal fetuses, measured using the DD method, decreased with GA, which is considered to be related to myocardial maturity. DD is a useful and convenient method for evaluating fetal E/e' in order to assess diastolic function in the prenatal period. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Trend in unequal geographical distribution of doctors by age and sex in Japan from 2004 to 2014

OBJECTIVES

In Japan, the proportion of female doctors and elderly doctors is increasing as in other countries. We investigated the relationship between doctors' demographic changes and their geographical distribution.

STUDY DESIGN

A national database study.

METHODS

We assessed trends in unequal geographical distribution of the number of doctors by sex and age from 2004 to 2014 in Japan.

RESULTS

The Gini coefficient values for the number of female doctors (0.18) were larger than those for male doctors across all generations (0.13-0.14). The Gini coefficient values for the number of elderly doctors aged 60 years and older (male: 0.12, female: 0.18-0.23) were larger than those for majority age groups aged 40-59 years (male: 0.10, female: 0.16-0.17).

CONCLUSION

The persisting geographical maldistribution of doctors may be associated with demographic changes, such as increase in the number of female doctors.

The correlation between Salter's criteria for avascular necrosis of the femoral head and Kalamchi's prognostic classification following the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between Salter's criteria and Kalamchi's classification of avascular necrosis in patients treated for developmental dysphasia of the hip (DDH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study involved a retrospective analysis of 123 patients (123 hips) with DDH treated by operative and non-operative reduction before the age of two years, with a minimum follow-up of ten years. Salter's criteria (S1 to S4) were determined from radiographs obtained at one to two years post-reduction, whilst the Kalamchi grade was determined from radiographs obtained at ten or more years of age. Early post-reduction radiographs were also used to evaluate the centre-head distance discrepancy (CHDD) and the occurrence of a dome-shaped deformity of the proximal femoral metaphysis (D-shaped metaphysis). The prognosis was described as good (Kalamchi grade K0 or KI), fair (Kalamchi grade KII) or poor (Kalamchi grade KIII or KIV) for analysis and correlation with the early Salter criteria, CHDD and D-shaped metaphysis.

RESULTS

S1 and S2 criteria were predictive of a poor prognosis. The outcome following S3, S4 and S3 + S4 varied; 18 (40%) had a good prognosis, 17 (38%) a fair prognosis and ten (22%) a poor prognosis. A CHDD ≥ 10% and a D-shaped metaphysis were also predictive of a poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION

The Salter criteria were predictive of the Kalamchi grade of avascular necrosis in patients with DDH aged ten or more years after reduction of the hip. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1115-20.

Association Between the Fertile Period and Live Birth Post-Kidney Transplantation: A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Despite restoration of fertility after kidney transplantation, the benefit is limited in female kidney recipients. Our objective is to determine the reasons for this discrepancy.

METHODS

We evaluated 315 women who underwent kidney transplantation from 1983 to 2015 (a median of age at transplantation [10th-90th percentile] of 32 years [7-55 years]); 230 recipients between the ages of 15 to 49 years old as of March 2016 were observed.

RESULTS

We experienced 10 abortions and 21 live births from our 23 recipients and 2 abortions and 7 live births in 7 recipients from other transplant center. The live birth rate was 8.9 per 1000 female transplant recipients of childbearing age. Seven recipients received either treatments of artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization. Average age at pregnancy was 33.2 ± 3.2 years old, and the fertile period post-transplantation was longer in recipients with live births than those without live births (14.1 ± 7.1 vs 9.9 ± 7.3 years, P < .05). In 42.9% of recipients with live birth, pregnancy-induced hypertension was observed in the last trimester. The gestational age and the average birth weight were 32.8 ± 5.0 months and 2184 ± 632 g, respectively. During follow-up of 14.5 years, there was one case of graft loss, which is a rate of 2.5 per 1000 female recipients.

CONCLUSION

Although pregnancy complications are often observed in kidney recipients, graft survival is less influenced by pregnancy. Importantly, kidney disease at childbearing age disrupts pregnancy even after kidney transplantation.

Molecular cloning, polymorphism, and functional activity of the bovine and water buffalo Mx2 gene promoter region

Background

Bovine Mx2 gene sequences were already reported, but further information about the gene properties is not yet available. The objective of the current study was to elucidate the structural properties of the bovine Mx2 gene mainly the promoter region and its possible functional role. If available, such information would help in assessing the functional properties of the gene, which was reported to confer antiviral action against recombinant VSV.

Results

Examinations on the bovine genomic BAC clone—confirmed to contain the Mx2 gene—revealed 883-bp sequences. A computer scan unequivocally identified a 788-bp promoter region containing a typical TATA box, three ISREs and other promoter-specific motifs. Comparative analysis of nine bovine genomic DNA samples showed 19 nucleotide substitutions suggesting the existence of five different genotypes in the promoter region. The water buffalo Mx2 promoter region was determined by using primers based on the bovine Mx2 promoter region disclosing 893-bp, with 56 substitutions, two insertions, 9 and 1 nt at two different sites. A functional analysis of the putative ISRE indicated that ISRE played a synergetic role in the activation of bovine Mx2 gene transcription.

Conclusion

Bovine and water buffalo Mx2 promoter region was identified disclosing, the conserved ISRE, located in the proximal end of the promoter region like other members of the antiviral family, suggesting functional activity under interferon stimulation.

Clinical features and treatment of patients with esophageal cancer and a history of gastrectomy: a multicenter, questionnaire survey in Kyushu, Japan

It is still controversial whether patients with a history of gastrectomy have high risk of esophageal carcinogenesis. On the other hand, the treatment strategy for esophageal cancer patients after gastrectomy is complicated. The association between histories of gastrectomy and esophageal carcinogenesis was retrospectively analyzed, and the treatment of esophageal cancer patients after gastrectomy was evaluated based on questionnaire data collected from multiple centers in Kyushu, Japan. The initial subject population comprised 205 esophageal cancer patients after gastrectomy. Among them, 108 patients underwent curative surgical treatment, and 70 patients underwent chemoradiation therapy (CRT). The time between gastrectomy and esophageal cancer development was longer in peptic ulcer patients (28.3 years) than in gastric cancer patients (9.6 years). There were no differences in the location of esophageal cancer according to the gastrectomy reconstruction method. There were no significant differences in the clinical background characteristics between patients with and without a history of gastrectomy. Among the 108 patients in the surgery group, the 5-year overall survival rates for stages I (n = 30), II (n = 18), and III (n = 60) were 68.2%, 62.9%, and 32.1%, respectively. In the CRT group, the 5-year overall survival rate of stage I (n = 29) was 82.6%, but there were no 5-year survivors in other stages. The 5-year overall survival rate of patients with CR (n = 33) or salvage surgery (n = 10) was 61.2% or 36%, respectively. For the treatment of gastrectomized esophageal cancer patients, surgery or CRT is recommended for stage I, and surgery with or without adjuvant therapy is the main central treatment in advanced stages, with surgery for stage II, neoadjuvant therapy + surgery for stage III, and CRT + salvage surgery for any stage, if the patient's condition permits.

Resveratrol directly targets DDX5 resulting in suppression of the mTORC1 pathway in prostate cancer

Resveratrol has various attractive bioactivities, such as prevention of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and obesity-related diseases. Therefore, identifying its direct binding proteins is expected to discover druggable targets. Sirtuin 1 and phosphodiesterases have so far been found as the direct molecular targets of resveratrol. We herein identified 11 novel resveratrol-binding proteins, including the DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box helicase 5 (DDX5, also known as p68), using resveratrol-immobilized beads. Treatment with resveratrol induced degradation of DDX5 in prostate cancer cells. Depletion of DDX5 caused apoptosis by inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. Moreover, knockdown of DDX5 attenuated the inhibitory activities of resveratrol against mTORC1 signaling and cancer cell growth. These data show that resveratrol directly targets DDX5 and induces cancer cell death by inhibiting the mTORC1 pathway.