Efficacy and safety of topically applied therapeutic ammonia oxidising bacteria in adults with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis and moderate-to-severe pruritus: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging, phase 2b trial

Background

Topical anti-inflammatory therapy is a cornerstone of treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD). However, many unmet needs remain with existing therapies. B244 is a live topical biotherapeutic being tested for the reduction of pruritus and improvement of eczema signs in patients with AD. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of B244, compared to vehicle, for patients with mild-to-moderate AD and moderate-to-severe pruritus.

Methods

In this randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 2b trial, adults aged 18-65 years with mild-to-moderate AD and moderate-to-severe pruritus were enrolled across 56 sites in the USA. Patients were randomised 1:1:1 into a low-dose (optical density at 600 nm [OD] 5.0), high-dose (OD 20.0), or vehicle group for the 4-week treatment period and a 4 week follow-up period. Patients were instructed to apply the topical spray twice daily throughout the treatment period. Randomisation was centrally based (random alternating blocks of 6 and 3) and stratified by site. All participants, investigators, and those assessing outcomes were blinded to the treatment group assignments. The primary endpoint was the mean change in pruritus as measured by the Worst Itch Numeric Rating Scale (WI-NRS) at 4 weeks. Safety was tracked throughout the study. Primary efficacy analyses included the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population, encompassing those who received at least one dose of study drug and attended at least one post-baseline visit. The safety population included all participants who received at least one does of study drug. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04490109.

Findings

Between June 4, 2020 and October 22, 2021, 547 eligible patients were enrolled. All study endpoints were meaningfully improved with B244 compared to vehicle. The WI-NRS score was reduced by 34% (-2.8 B244 vs -2.1 placebo, p = 0.014 and p = 0.015 for OD 20.0 and OD 5.0), from a baseline score of >8. B244 was well tolerated with no serious adverse events (SAEs); treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and treatment related TEAEs were low in incidence, mild in severity, and transient. 33 (18%) of 180 patients given B244 OD 5.0, 29 (16%) of 180 patients given B244 OD 20.0, and 17 (9%) of 186 patients given placebo reported treatment-emergent adverse events; headache was the most frequent (3%, 2%, and 1%, respectively).

Interpretation

B244 was well tolerated and demonstrated improved efficacy compared to vehicle in all primary, secondary, and exploratory endpoints and should be further developed as a novel, natural, fast-acting topical spray treatment option for AD and associated pruritus.

Funding

AOBiome Therapeutics.

The systemic deletion of interleukin-1α reduces myocardial inflammation and attenuates ventricular remodeling in murine myocardial infarction

Myocardial inflammation following myocardial infarction (MI) is crucial for proper myocardial healing, yet, dysregulated inflammation may promote adverse ventricular remodeling and heart failure. IL-1 signaling contributes to these processes, as shown by dampened inflammation by inhibition of IL-1β or the IL-1 receptor. In contrast, the potential role of IL-1α in these mechanisms has received much less attention. Previously described as a myocardial-derived alarmin, IL-1α may also act as a systemically released inflammatory cytokine. We therefore investigated the effect of IL-1α deficiency on post-MI inflammation and ventricular remodeling in a murine model of permanent coronary occlusion. In the first week post-MI, global IL-1α deficiency (IL-1α KO mice) led to decreased myocardial expression of IL-6, MCP-1, VCAM-1, hypertrophic and pro-fibrotic genes, and reduced infiltration with inflammatory monocytes. These early changes were associated with an attenuation of delayed left ventricle (LV) remodeling and systolic dysfunction after extensive MI. In contrast to systemic Il1a-KO, conditional cardiomyocyte deletion of Il1a (CmIl1a-KO) did not reduce delayed LV remodeling and systolic dysfunction. In conclusion, systemic Il1a-KO, but not Cml1a-KO, protects against adverse cardiac remodeling after MI due to permanent coronary occlusion. Hence, anti-IL-1α therapies could be useful to attenuate the detrimental consequences of post-MI myocardial inflammation.

Lung stereotactic radiation therapy: Intercomparison of irradiation devices in terms of outcome and predictive factors

PURPOSE

To compare three different radiotherapy devices able to perform pulmonary stereotactic radiotherapy: CyberKnife® (CK), Helical Tomotherapy® (HT), and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). This study aims to define the patients' outcome in terms of SBRT efficacy and toxicities depending of the device choice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, radiological, and dosimetric data of patients treated with lung SBRT between 2016 and 2020 at Lausanne University Hospital, using the Chi² test for proportions, the t-test for means comparisons, the Kaplan-Meier method for survival, and the Log-rank test and Cox-regression for intergroups comparisons.

RESULTS

We identified 111 patients treated by either CK (59.9%), VMAT (38.0%), or HT (2.1%). Compared to other techniques, CK treated comparable gross tumor volume (GTV; 2.1 vs. 1.4cm³, P=0.84) with smaller planning treatment volume (PTV; 12.3 vs. 21.9cm³, P=0.013) and lower V5 (13.5 vs. 19.9cm³, P=0.002). Local control rates at 2years were not different whatever the irradiation device, respectively of 96.2% (range, 90.8-100) and 98.1% (range, 94.4-100), P=0.68. Toxicity incidence significantly increased with V5 value>17.2% (56.0 vs. 77.4%, P=0.021).

CONCLUSION

Compared to other SBRT techniques, CK treatments permitted to treat comparable GTV with reduced PTV and V5. Toxicity incidence was less frequent when reducing the V5. CK is particularly attractive in case of multiple courses of lung SBRT or lung reirradiation.

CT-based sarcopenia and outcomes in patients undergoing VATS anatomical resection for NSCLC

Objective

Sarcopenia is defined by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, combined with muscle fatty infiltration. Lung cancer patients frequently suffer from sarcopenia which may be associated with poorer post-operative outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether preoperative CT-based sarcopenia was associated with postoperative outcomes and survival after VATS resections in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive patients that underwent anatomical resection for NSCLC between 2012 and 2019. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) and muscle quality (SMRA and IMAT) were measured at the L3 vertebral level on preoperative CT or PET/CT scans. We used the following SMI cut-off values for sarcopenia: 52.4 cm2 /m2 for men and 38.5 cm2 /m2 for women.

Results

In total, 401 patients (sex ratio F/M: 173/228, mean age: 67 +/- 9.3 years) underwent VATS lobectomies (n=304) and segmentectomies (n=97) for NSCLC. Overall morbidity and mortality were 42.4% and 0.2%, respectively. The median length of stay was 7 days (IQR: 4–10). Sarcopenia was identified in 92 patients (23%). Patients with sarcopenia were predominantly males (75% vs 25%, p<0.001) and had lower BMI (21.4 vs 26.5, p<0.001). Patients with sarcopenia presented significantly increased morbidity (53.2% vs 39.2%, p=0.017) and had longer lengths of stay (6 vs 8 days, p=0.032). However, only lower BMI and ASA score >2 remained associated with increased morbidity on multivariate analysis. The median overall survival was comparable between patients with sarcopenia and those without sarcopenia (41 vs. 46 months, p=0.240).

Conclusion

Based on CT assessment alone, preoperative sarcopenia appeared to have little impact on postoperative clinical outcomes or overall survival in patients undergoing VATS pulmonary resection. Further studies should also consider muscle strength and physical performance, in addition to CT imaging, for preoperative risk assessment.

Local control and short-term outcomes after VATS segmentectomy vs lobectomy for pT1c pN0 NSCLC (2–3 cm)

Objective

Pulmonary segmentectomy has shown comparable oncological results to lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) of less than 2 cm. However, controversy remains for tumors of larger size. The aim of this study was to compare short-term outcomes and local control in pT1c pN0 NSCLC that were intentionally treated by VATS segmentectomy or lobectomy.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study from January 2014 to October 2021 of 162 consecutive patients undergoing complete (R0) anatomical resections for pT1c pN0 NSCLC. Two groups, VATS lobectomy (VL) or VATS segmentectomy (VS) were defined according to the extension of the resection. Patients’ characteristics, postoperative outcomes and survival were compared.

Results

In total, 162 patients underwent VL (n=81) or VS (n=81). Except for age (median of 68 vs 71 years, p=0.034) and past medical history of cancer (32% vs 48%, p=0.038), there was no difference between VL and VS in terms of demographics and comorbidities (table1). Segmentectomies were performed in upper lobes in 68% and single segments represented 46% of all cases. Conversion thoracotomy rate was 5% in both groups. Morbidity were similar in both groups (34% vs 30%, p=0.5). The median time for chest tube removal (3 vs 2 days, p=0.002) and median LOS (6 vs 5 days, p=0.039) were in favor of the VS group. Significantly larger tumor (25 mm vs 23.5 mm p=0.001) and an increased number of lymph nodes removal (median 14 vs 10, p<0.001) were found in the VL group. During the follow-up (median: 31 months), no statistical difference was found for local and distant recurrence in VL groups (12.3%) and VS group (6.2%) (p=0.414). Overall survival was comparable in-between both groups (p=0.166).

Conclusion

Despite a short follow-up, our preliminary data shows that local control is comparable for VATS lobectomy and VATS segmentectomy. Further prospective randomized trials are needed to corroborate these results.

The Prembion® pre-biotic improves the impact of anti-CTLA4 immune checkpoint inhibitor in a murine model of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Objective

Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapy has revolutionized the outcome of certain cancers such as malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). However, patient responsiveness to this treatment remains unpredictable. Recently, a role for the gut microbiota composition has emerged for patients to generate a robust immune response against their tumors, following immunotherapy. Here, we studied the impact of Prembion®, a pre-biotic and modulator of the gut microbiota, on tumor control and lymphocyte infiltration in a murine MPM model treated by ICI.

Methods

Prembion® (diluted into drinking water) was administrated to BALBc mice for 14 days. These animals were then inoculated orthotopically with a syngeneic MPM cell line (AB12-luc cells injected in the pleura) and followed by bioluminescence imaging. We determined the tumor growth and mouse survival in different groups: untreated control, Prembion®, IgG control, anti-PDL-1, anti-CTLA4, Prembion®+anti-PDL-1 and Prembion®+anti-CTLA4. A correlation between tumor response/animal survival and MPM infiltration with CD8+ lymphocytes was also performed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Prembion® was well tolerated and did not affect animal weight or activity. Interestingly, Prembion® was as effective as anti-PDL1 and anti-CTLA4 monotherapy on tumor control, prolonging survival by 4.0 ± 1.1 days compared to controls (p<0.05). Moreover Prembion® potentiated anti-CTLA4 efficacy with a significant improvement in mouse survival of the Prembion®+anti-CTLA4 compared to controls (3.6 ± 1.1 days, p<0.05). Additionally, this finding correlated with enhanced MPM infiltration by CD8+ lymphocytes compared to controls (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Prembion® positively regulated the adaptive immune response against MPM and helped to improve the impact of anti-CTLA4 ICI on MPM. Further work focusing on the gut microbiome changes induced by Prembion® are ongoing to better understand the mechanisms involved.

Cell death in lung transplantation. The roles of apoptosis, necroptois, and pyroptosis

Objective

For patients with end stage lung disease, lung transplantation (Ltx) is the unique treatment option. Nevertheless, a large number of lung allografts fail, because of acute or chronic rejection. Innate immune responses following Ltx play a critical role in the development of primary graft dysfunction, and ultimately promote the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction, leading to increased mortality after lung transplantation. Here, we focus on the mechanisms responsible for disruption of the cells membranes integrity, resulting in the release of Damage Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) and activation of cell death pathways triggering cell injury in lungs with different preservation status.

Methods

Rat lungs were exposed to cold ischemia (CI group, n=9) or warm ischemia (WI group, n=9). In CI group, after Perfadex flushing, and hypothermic preservation (4 h) left lung was transplanted. In WI group, after 1 h of in situ WI, flashing and 3 h cold preservation the left lung was transplanted. Lung mechanics were determined during reperfusion. Recipients were sacrificed at 30, 60 and 120 min after Ltx. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed on the grafts to measure markers of cellular injury, and cytokines. Cell death markers were determined in graft tissue. Biological samples were kept at -80°C for additional analysis.

Results

Compared to CI, WI group displayed significantly decreased graft function associated with increased activation of pyroptotic cell death (NLRP3, caspase1, IL-1β) pathway, whereas apoptotic (caspas3 and caspase7) and necroptotic (RIP1, RIP3, MLKL) cell death pathways activation were similar in both groups. WI group showed more important cellular damage with DAMPs release (LDH, sRAGE, HMGB) and inflammation (CXCL1, IL1-β, IL-33).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that pyroptosis could play a critical role in the development of early graft dysfunction in lungs subjected to warm ischemia. Inhibition of pyroptotic pathway could be a strategy to improve damaged donor lungs.

Photodynamique therapy relieves tumor vascular anergy and promotes immune cell trafficking in an orthotopic mouse model of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Objective

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a deadly disease with limited treatment options. Recently, dual immune checkpoint inhibition therapy (ICI) showed improved patient survival. However, only a fraction of patients were responsive to immunotherapy. One potential mechanism of MPM resistance to ICIs could be their endothelial anergy that hampers leukocyte trafficking to the tumor bulk. Here, we hypothesized that vascular-targeted low dose photodynamic therapy (L-PDT), treatment of MPM could relieve tumor endothelial anergy and improve immunotherapy efficacy.

Methods

Using an orthotopic syngeneic MPM murine model (AB12 cells injected in the pleura of BALB/c mice), we determined the impact of L-PDT on the endothelial expression of E-Selectin, a key molecule involved in leukocyte diapedesis by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, to confirm the role of E-selectin, we determined the extravasation of effector T cells (CD8+/CD4+) by immunostaining in L-PDT treated tumors in the presence or absence of an E-selectin blocking antibody. Finally, we assessed tumor growth/survival of our MPM murine model treated with L-PDT alone or combined to ICIs.

Results

L-PDT pre-treatment enhanced MPM endothelial E-Selectin expression in vivo. The latter was associated with increased CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte infiltration of MPM following L-PDT which did not occur after E-Selectin blockade. Also, L-PDT pre-treatment of MPM influenced favorably tumor control, mouse survival and the impact of ICIs compared to controls.

Conclusion

L-PDT pre-treatment relieves endothelial anergy in MPM which improves antitumor immunity and response to ICI. This approach could constitute a promising pre-treatment option, in combination with ICIs, for the management of this deadly disease.

A pre-registered short-term forecasting study of COVID-19 in Germany and Poland during the second wave

Disease modelling has had considerable policy impact during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and it is increasingly acknowledged that combining multiple models can improve the reliability of outputs. Here we report insights from ten weeks of collaborative short-term forecasting of COVID-19 in Germany and Poland (12 October-19 December 2020). The study period covers the onset of the second wave in both countries, with tightening non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and subsequently a decay (Poland) or plateau and renewed increase (Germany) in reported cases. Thirteen independent teams provided probabilistic real-time forecasts of COVID-19 cases and deaths. These were reported for lead times of one to four weeks, with evaluation focused on one- and two-week horizons, which are less affected by changing NPIs. Heterogeneity between forecasts was considerable both in terms of point predictions and forecast spread. Ensemble forecasts showed good relative performance, in particular in terms of coverage, but did not clearly dominate single-model predictions. The study was preregistered and will be followed up in future phases of the pandemic.

Is faster better? Impact of operative time on postoperative outcomes after VATS anatomical pulmonary resection

Objective

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) is now the preferred approach for standard anatomical pulmonary resections. However, operative time (OT) for this technique is correlated to many aspects, such as the surgical complexity or the surgeon’s experience and skills. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with prolonged OTs and to assess the impact of OT on the development of post-operative complications after VATS anatomical pulmonary resections.

Methods

Retrospective monocentric study including all consecutive patients undergoing a VATS anatomical pulmonary resection for benign or malignant lesions between January 2010 and December 2019. Postoperative outcomes were compared between short (<150 minutes) and long (≥150 minutes) OTs. A multivariate analysis was carried out to identify predictors of longer OTs and post-operative complications.

Results

A total of 836 patients underwent a VATS anatomical pulmonary resection for malignant (n = 767, 91.7%) or benign (n = 69, 8.3%) lesions. Lobectomies were performed in 555 (66.4%), segmentectomies in 250 (29.9%), sleeve lobectomies in 16 (1.9%), bilobectomies in 11 (1.3%) and pneumonectomy in 4 (0.5%) patients. The conversion rate to thoracotomy was 7.7%. Of those 836 patients, 495 (59.2%) were operated within 150 minutes. During the 30-postoperative day period, the overall morbidity was significantly lower in the short OT group (29.1% vs. 40.5%; p = 0.001). Both the duration of drainage (3 vs. 4 days; p < 0.00001) and the length of hospital stay (6 vs. 7 days; p < 0.00001) were significantly reduced in the short OT group. Two predictors of long OT were identified on multivariate analysis: male sex (OR 1.41, p = 0.04) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR 3.46, p = 0.003). A long OT was identified as an individual predictor of postoperative complications (OR 1.84, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

A prolonged OT is an individual risk factor for postoperative complications in patients undergoing VATS anatomical pulmonary resection.

Intrapleural hyperthermic chemotherapy induces pro-immunogenic e-selectin expression in the vasculature of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Objective

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a deadly disease with dismal prognosis. Prior studies combining surgery with intrapleural hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHC) have shown improved survivals in selected patients with MPM. However, the mechanisms by which IPHC acts on MPM and its microenvironment remains unknown. Here we focus on tumor endothelial adhesion molecule expression patterns.

Methods

First, we determined the impact of IPHC on MPM tumor and vascular compartments in vitro using a novel bioincubater for hyperthermic cell culture. The cytotoxicity of normo (37 °C) / hyperthermic (42 °C for 60 minutes) cisplatin/carboplatin therapies were evaluated on four MPM (MSTO211H, H-Meso, AE17 and AB12) and one endothelial (EC-RF24) cell lines at a minimum of 24 hours using a presto-blue assay. Second, we treated endothelial cells with IPHC (60 min, 42 °C at optimized cytotoxic concentrations) and determined its impact on pro-immunogenic adhesion molecule (E-selectin, VE-cadherin, VCAM and Connexin-43) expression at 24 hours by Western blot.

Results

Tumor and endothelial cell viability decreased with increasing doses of both chemotherapeutics but was not affected by hyperthermia (IC50 with or without hyperthermia of each cell line at 24 hours reported in Figure 1A). Interestingly, endothelial cell line IC50 was much higher than that of MPM tumor cells for both chemotherapeutics (Figure 1A). Pro-immunogenic adhesion molecule E-Selectin was increased at 24 hours by IPHC with both chemotherapeutics while VE-Cadherin, VCAM and Connexin-43 were not affected (Figure 1B).

Conclusion

Hyperthermia adds no cytotoxicity to intrapleural chemotherapy. However, IPHC favors pro-immunogenic endothelial E-selectin expression. The latter could help induce patient immunity against their MPM and improve survival. Confirmation of these findings in vivo is mandatory.

Objective performance assessment on trainees of a VATS simulation program: A prospective single center study

Objective

A prospective single center study to assess the objective impact on motion performance of a VATS simulation program on thoracic surgery trainees.

Methods

We developed a 6-month VATS simulation training program including exercises of progressive complexity on 3 different black box simulators: a 2D and 3D lobectomy model (Stupnik®) and a 3D perfused lobectomy model (Crabtree®). Between November 2019 and 2020, all consecutive thoracic surgery residents (study group) were prospectively enrolled in this weekly training program that was supervised by a board certified thoracic surgeon. We compared an objective performance evaluation of the study group before and after the training program by assessing movement parameters (distance in cm, time in sec) and absence of shock/extreme motion (%) on 3 simple standardized thoracoscopic exercises (peg placement on a board, rope insertion in loops and precision circle cutting) using the Simball®. Also, we determined the objective performance 6 months apart of 5 final year medical students (unexperienced controls) that were not trained.

Results

There were 7 residents (2 female and 5 male, median age: 29 [range: 26-34] years) who completed the 6-month VATS simulation training program. Five residents were in their first year while two had >3 year experience. The study group's objective performance improved significantly for all three movement parameters in all standardized exercises (Figure 1) after the training program. The objective performance of the unexperienced control group was comparable to the study group before training, but it remained unchanged at 6 months (p > 0.05). When comparing unexperienced and advanced residents, we observed that the training program had more impact on improving the performance for unexperienced residents (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study suggests that the implementation of a VATS simulation training program improves the objective performance of trainees compared to controls. Such programs could be interesting adjuncts for residents.

VE/VCO2 slope predicts short- and long-term outcome after anatomical pulmonary resection by VATS

Objective

The ventilation-to-carbon dioxide output (VE/VCO2) slope could predict morbidity and mortality after lung resection. The aim of the study was to identify whether VE/VCO2 slope obtained from cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was an independent predictor of cardiopulmonary complications after anatomical pulmonary resection by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).

Methods

We reviewed the files of all consecutive patients that underwent pulmonary anatomical resections by VATS between January 2010 and October 2020. The data were extracted from the registry of the Centre for Thoracic Surgery of Western Switzerland. Pneumonectomies were excluded from the study. We used a multivariable Cox regression to investigate the risk of cardiopulmonary complications associated with the VE/VCO2 slope and other possible confounders, including the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), the CPET data and pulmonary functions.

Results

In total, 1392 patients (mean age: 66±11 years; ratio female: 47%) underwent anatomical resection by VATS. CPET was performed in 204 patients (15%). However, the VE/VCO2 slope data were available in 145 patients, which were included for the analysis. Patients underwent segmentectomies (N = 42) and lobectomies (N = 101) mainly for lung cancer (96%). The average percentage of the predicted VO2max was of 70±17%. Maximal effort during the CPET (respiratory coefficient ratio >1.1) was not reached in 30% of patients, without impact on the VE/VCO2 slope (39±6 vs 37±7, P = 0.21). Cardiopulmonary complications appeared in 32% of patients with no mortality at 90 days. In the multivariate analysis, VE/VCO2 slope >35 was correlated with cardiopulmonary complications (OR 3.5, 95% CI [1.3-9.3], P = 0.012). CCI, pulmonary functions, peak VO2 and the extension of the anatomical resection was not associated with cardiopulmonary complications.

Conclusion

VE/VCO2 slope above 35 predicts postoperative cardiopulmonary complications in anatomical resections by VATS. The VE/VCO2 slope is independent of the intensity of effort during the CPET. The impact of prehabilitation on the slope should be determined.

Conidiobolus pachyzygosporus invasive pulmonary infection in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia: case report and review of the literature

Background

Conidiobolus spp. (mainly C. coronatus) are the causal agents of rhino-facial conidiobolomycosis, a limited soft tissue infection, which is essentially observed in immunocompetent individuals from tropical areas. Rare cases of invasive conidiobolomycosis due to C. coronatus or other species (C.incongruus, C.lamprauges) have been reported in immunocompromised patients. We report here the first case of invasive pulmonary fungal infection due to Conidiobolus pachyzygosporus in a Swiss patient with onco-haematologic malignancy.

Case presentation

A 71 year-old female was admitted in a Swiss hospital for induction chemotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia. A chest CT performed during the neutropenic phase identified three well-circumscribed lung lesions consistent with invasive fungal infection, along with a positive 1,3-beta-d-glucan assay in serum. A transbronchial biopsy of the lung lesions revealed large occasionally septate hyphae. A Conidiobolus spp. was detected by direct 18S rDNA in the tissue biopsy and subsequently identified at species level as C. pachyzygosporus by 28S rDNA sequencing. The infection was cured after isavuconazole therapy, recovery of the immune system and surgical resection of lung lesions.

Conclusions

This is the first description of C. pachyzygosporus as human pathogen and second case report of invasive conidiobolomycosis from a European country.

Blood CD9+ B cell, a biomarker of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after lung transplantation

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome is the main limitation for long-term survival after lung transplantation. Some specific B cell populations are associated with long-term graft acceptance. We aimed to monitor the B cell profile during early development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after lung transplantation. The B cell longitudinal profile was analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and patients who remained stable over 3 years of follow-up. CD24^hi CD38^hi transitional B cells were increased in stable patients only, and reached a peak 24 months after transplantation, whereas they remained unchanged in patients who developed a bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. These CD24^hi CD38^hi transitional B cells specifically secrete IL-10 and express CD9. Thus, patients with a total CD9⁺ B cell frequency below 6.6% displayed significantly higher incidence of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (AUC = 0.836, PPV = 0.75, NPV = 1). These data are the first to associate IL-10-secreting CD24^hi CD38^hi transitional B cells expressing CD9 with better allograft outcome in lung transplant recipients. CD9-expressing B cells appear as a contributor to a favorable environment essential for the maintenance of long-term stable graft function and as a new predictive biomarker of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome-free survival.

Lung transplantation with donation after circulatory determination of death donors and the impact of ex vivo lung perfusion

The growing demand for suitable lungs for transplantation drives the quest for alternative strategies to expand the donor pool. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of lung transplantation (LTx) with donation after circulatory determination of death (DCDD) and the impact of selective ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP). From 2007 to 2013, 673 LTx were performed, with 62 (9.2%) of them using DCDDs (seven bridged cases). Cases bridged with mechanical ventilation/extracorporeal life support were excluded. From 55 DCDDs, 28 (51%) underwent EVLP. Outcomes for LTx using DCDDs and donation after neurological determination of death (DNDD) donors were similar, with 1 and 5-year survivals of 85% and 54% versus 86% and 62%, respectively (p = 0.43). Although comparison of survival curves between DCDD + EVLP versus DCDD-no EVLP showed no significant difference, DCDD + EVLP cases presented shorter hospital stay (median 18 vs. 23 days, p = 0.047) and a trend toward shorter length of mechanical ventilation (2 vs. 3 days, p = 0.059). DCDDs represent a valuable source of lungs for transplantation, providing similar results to DNDDs. EVLP seems an important technique in the armamentarium to safely increase lung utilization from DCDDs; however, further studies are necessary to better define the role of EVLP in this context.

Sex-specific effects of surface instability on drop jump and landing biomechanics

This study investigated sex-specific effects of surface instability on kinetics and lower extremity kinematics during drop jumping and landing. Ground reaction forces as well as knee valgus and flexion angles were tested in 14 males (age: 23±2 years) and 14 females (age: 24±3 years) when jumping and landing on stable and unstable surfaces. Jump height was found to be significantly lower (9%, p<0.001) when drop jumps were performed on unstable vs. stable surface. Significantly higher peak ground reaction forces were observed when jumping was performed on unstable versus stable surfaces (5%, p=0.022). Regarding frontal plane kinematics during jumping and landing, knee valgus angles were higher on unstable compared to stable surfaces (19-32%, p<0.05). Additionally, at the onset of ground contact during landings, females showed higher knee valgus angles than males (222%, p=0.027). Sagittal plane kinematics indicated significantly smaller knee flexion angles (6-35%, p<0.05) when jumping and landing on unstable vs. stable surfaces. During drop jumps and landings, women showed smaller knee flexion angles at ground contact compared to men (27-33%, p<0.05). These findings imply that knee motion strategies were modified by surface instability and sex during drop jumps and landings.

[Lung volume reduction (LVR) in severe emphysema: a multidisciplinary approach]

Most cases of emphysema are managed conservatively. However, in severe symptomatic emphysema associated with hyperinflation, lung volume reduction (LVR) may be proposed to improve dyspnea, exercice capacity, pulmonary functions, walk distance and to decrease long-term mortality. LVR may be achieved either surgically (LVRS) or endoscopically (EVLR by valves or coils) according to specific clinical criteria. Currently, the optimal approach is discussed in a multidisciplinary setting. The latter permits a personalized evaluation the patient's clinical status and allows the best possible therapeutic intervention to be proposed to the patient.

Bacterial biofilm composition in caries and caries-free subjects

BACKGROUND

Certain major pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp. and others have been reported to be involved in caries initiation and progression. Yet, in addition to those leading pathogens, microbial communities seem to be much more diverse and individually differing. The aim of this study, therefore, was to analyze the bacterial composition of carious dentin and the plaque of caries-free patients by using a custom-made, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay (RQ-PCR).

METHODS

The study included 26 patients with caries and 28 caries-free controls. Decayed tooth substance and plaque samples were harvested. Bacterial DNA was extracted and tested for the presence of 43 bacterial species or species groups using RQ-PCR.

RESULTS

Relative quantification revealed that Propionibacterium acidifaciens was significantly more abundant in caries samples than were other microorganisms (fold change 169.12, p = 0.023). In the caries-free samples, typical health-associated species were significantly more prevalent. Unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis showed a high abundance of P. acidifaciens in caries subjects and distinct but individually differing bacterial clusters in the caries-free subjects. The distribution of 11 bacteria allowed full discrimination between caries and caries-free subjects.

CONCLUSION

Within the investigated cohort, P. acidifaciens was the only pathogen significantly more abundant in caries subjects. Cluster analysis yielded a diverse flora in caries-free subjects, whereas it was narrowed down to a small range of a few outcompeting members in caries subjects.

[Management pulmonary metastases: when operate?]

Thirty percent of patients suffering from malignant disease will develop pulmonary metastases. Effective chemotherapy is lacking for many of these tumors. Many studies suggest survival benefit in selected patients when pulmonary metastasectomy allows complete resection. Several operative approach may be offered in order to achieve complete resection and maximal lung sparring. Pre-operative workup must assess the control of the primary tumor and the possibility of performing complete resection. Minimally invasive approaches may offer better quality life and equivalent oncologic outcomes than open approach.

[VATS lobectomy for early-stage primary lung cancer]

Lobectomy via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is now considered as a valid alternative to conventional thoracotomy for early-stage primary lung cancer. Various studies have reported that VATS lobectomy is a safe technique associated with fewer postoperative complications and better post-operative recovery than open thoracotomy. Furthermore, studies suggest oncological equivalence between VATS and open lobectomy.

A novel application of natural fluorescence to understand the sources and transport pathways of pollutants from livestock farming in small headwater catchments

This paper demonstrates the application of a low-cost and rapid natural fluorescence technique for tracing and quantifying the transport of pollutants from livestock farming through a small headwater catchment. Fluorescence intensities of Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) present in different pollutant sources and drainage waters in the Den Brook catchment (Devon, UK) were monitored through storm events occurring between January 2007 and June 2008. Contrasting fluorescence signals from different sources confirmed the technique's usefulness as a tracer of pollutants from livestock farming. Changes in fluorescence intensities of drainage waters throughout storm events were used to assess the dynamics of key pollutant sources. The farmyard area of the catchment studied was shown to contribute polluted runoff at the onset of storm events in response to only small amounts of rain, when flows in the Den Brook first-order channel were low. The application of slurry to a field within the catchment did not elevate the fluorescence of drainage waters during storm events suggesting that when slurry is applied to undrained fields the fluorescent DOM may become quickly adsorbed onto soil particles and/or immobilised through bacterial breakdown. Fluorescence intensities of drainage waters were successfully combined with discharge data in a two component mixing model to estimate pollutant fluxes from key sources during the January 2007 storm event. The farmyard was shown to be the dominant source of tryptophan-like material, contributing 61-81% of the total event flux at the catchment outlet. High spatial and temporal resolution measurements of fluorescence, possibly using novel in-situ fluorimeters, may thus have great potential in quickly identifying and quantifying the presence, dynamics and sources of pollutants from livestock farming in catchments.

Photodynamic therapy enhances liposomal doxorubicin distribution in tumors during isolated perfusion of rodent lungs

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) at low drug-light conditions can enhance the transport of intravenously injected macromolecular therapeutics through the tumor vasculature. Here we determined the impact of PDT on the distribution of liposomal doxorubicin (Liporubicin™) administered by isolated lung perfusion (ILP) in sarcomas grown on rodent lungs.

METHODS

A syngeneic methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma cell line was implanted subpleurally in the left lung of Fischer rats. Treatment schemes consisted in ILP alone (400 μg of Liporubicin), low-dose (0.0625 mg/kg Visudyne®, 10 J/cm(2) and 35 mW/cm(2)) and high-dose left lung PDT (0.125 mg/kg Visudyne, 10 J/cm(2) and 35 mW/cm(2)) followed by ILP (400 μg of Liporubicin). The uptake and distribution of Liporubicin in tumor and lung tissues were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence microscopy in each group.

RESULTS

Low-dose PDT significantly improved the distribution of Liporubicin in tumors compared to high-dose PDT (p < 0.05) and ILP alone (p < 0.05). However, both PDT pretreatments did not result in a higher overall drug uptake in tumors or a higher tumor-to-lung drug ratio compared to ILP alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative low-dose Visudyne-mediated PDT enhances liposomal doxorubicin distribution administered by ILP in sarcomas grown on rodent lungs which is predicted to improve tumor control by ILP.