Combined Social Frailty and Life-Space Activities Associated with Risk of Disability: A Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between social frailty and life-space activities, and determine whether a combined status of life-space activities and social frailty is associated with risk of disability among older adults.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

The participants were 8,301 older adults (mean age 72.9 ± 5.6 years, women [53.3%]) from a community setting.

METHODS

Life-space activities were evaluated using the Active Mobility Index (AMI) to assess activities in each life-space (distance from the respondent's home: up to 1 km, 1-10 km, or greater than 10 km) during the past 1 month. Activities were also assessed according to physical or social activity. Social frailty and characteristics were measured at the baseline. Incident disability was assessed according to long term care insurance.

RESULTS

The lowest scoring group was based on the quartile in each of the AMI scores (Q1), with reference to the highest scoring group, which had a higher odds ratios for social frailty (AMI total score Q1: OR 4.32, 95% CI 3.43-5.45, AMI physical score Q1: 2.19, 95% CI 1.79-2.69, AMI social score Q1: 5.04, 95% CI 3.94-6.44). During the follow-up (mean 23.5 months), 330 participants had incident disability. Incident disability was associated with social frailty. Combined status of social frailty and low AMI increased the risk of disability (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.52-3.03), with reference to non-frailty and higher AMI scores.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Social frailty or reduced activity in life-space assessment were identified as risk factors for incident disability. To decrease the risk of disability, the development of an intervention program to enhance activities and cope with social frailty is required.

Measurement of the Positive Muon Anomalous Magnetic Moment to 0.20 ppm

We present a new measurement of the positive muon magnetic anomaly, a_{μ}≡(g_{μ}-2)/2, from the Fermilab Muon g-2 Experiment using data collected in 2019 and 2020. We have analyzed more than 4 times the number of positrons from muon decay than in our previous result from 2018 data. The systematic error is reduced by more than a factor of 2 due to better running conditions, a more stable beam, and improved knowledge of the magnetic field weighted by the muon distribution, ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, and of the anomalous precession frequency corrected for beam dynamics effects, ω_{a}. From the ratio ω_{a}/ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, together with precisely determined external parameters, we determine a_{μ}=116 592 057(25)×10^{-11} (0.21 ppm). Combining this result with our previous result from the 2018 data, we obtain a_{μ}(FNAL)=116 592 055(24)×10^{-11} (0.20 ppm). The new experimental world average is a_{μ}(exp)=116 592 059(22)×10^{-11} (0.19 ppm), which represents a factor of 2 improvement in precision.

Predictive Validity of Different Walking Measures to Identify the Incident Long-Term Care Needs in Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

A comfortable walking speed is a suitable measurement of functional status in older adults. In addition to assessing their comfortable walking speed, two complex walking tests were administered to a cohort of older people, assuming that these tests would be a more sensitive predictor of the incident long-term care needs than comfortable walking speed.

DESIGN

A prospective observational study was conducted to collect data.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Among the initial 5,563 community-dwelling independent older adults (aged ≥ 65 years), 935 were excluded and the data of 4,628 (mean age, 73.9 ± 5.5 years, 65-94 years; 2,052 men, 2,576 women) older adults were finally analyzed.

METHODS

Three walking tasks were administered: comfortable, complicated balance, and Go-stop walking. Complicated balance walking was measured under comfortable walking conditions, with participants having to walk with their hands crossed at the shoulder joint at 90°. For the Go-stop walking test, the time taken to walk 2 meters was measured using a stopwatch. For two years following baseline assessments, participants received monthly follow-ups for incident certification of the need for care under the long-term care insurance (LTCI) system.

RESULTS

Low performance in comfortable, complicated balance, and Go-stop walking were 29.8%, 37.7%, and 35.1%, respectively. During the 24-month follow-up period, 246 participants (5.3%) required LTCI certification. The Youden Index was used to determine the cut-points of the incident long-term care needs in the comfortable, complicated balance, and Go-stop walking conditions, which were 1.055 m/s, 0.936 m/s, and 3.205 seconds, respectively. Participants classified as exhibiting low performance included 1,381 (29.8%) under comfortable walking, 1,746 (37.7%) under complicated balance walking, and 1,623 (35.1%) under the Go-stop walking tests. The C-indices of the comfortable, complicated balance, and Go-stop walking tests were 0.72 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69-0.76), 0.71 (95% CI 0.67-0.74), and 0.65 (95% CI 0.61-0.69), respectively. Cox proportional hazards regression model revealed significant relationships between the incident long-term care needs and the comfortable (hazard ratio (HR) 2.14, 95% CI 1.62-2.84), complicated balance (1.81, 1.36-2.41), and Go-stop (1.46, 1.12-1.91) walking conditions.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The findings suggest that slow walking speed has a considerably greater impact on the incident long-term care needs in older adults. However, the complex walking task did not improve the predictive performance. Comfortable walking speed tests, which can easily be measured to predict the future incident long-term care needs, are effective tools in community health promotion and primary care.

OP0112 THE EVER-LARGEST ASIAN GWAS FOR SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS AND TRANS-POPULATION META-ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED SEVEN NOVEL LOCI AND A CANDIDATE CAUSAL SNP IN A CIS-REGULATORY ELEMENT OF THE FCGR REGION

Background

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified 29 disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for systemic sclerosis (SSc) in non-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) regions (1-7). While these GWASs have clarified genetic architectures of SSc, study subjects were mainly Caucasians limiting application of the findings to Asians.

Objectives

The study was conducted to identify novel causal variants for SSc specific to Japanese subjects as well as those shared with European population. We also aimed to clarify mechanistic effects of the variants on pathogenesis of SSc.

Methods

A total of 114,108 subjects comprising 1,499 cases and 112,609 controls were enrolled in the two-staged study leading to the ever-largest Asian GWAS for SSc. After applying a strict quality control both for genotype and samples, imputation was conducted using the reference panel of the phase 3v5 1,000 genome project data combined with a high-depth whole-genome sequence data of 3,256 Japanese subjects. We conducted logistic regression analyses and also combined the Japanese GWAS results with those of Europeans (6) by an inverse-variance fixed-effect model. Polygenicity and enrichment of functional annotations were evaluated by linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC), Haploreg and IMPACT programs. We also constructed polygenic risk score (PRS) to predict SSc development.

Results

We identified three (FCRLA-FCGR, TNFAIP3, PLD4) and four (EOMES, ESR1, SLC12A5, TPI1P2) novel loci in Japanese GWAS and a trans-population meta-analysis, respectively. One of Japanese novel risk SNPs, rs6697139, located within FCGR gene clusters had a strong effect size (OR 2.05, P=4.9×10-11). We also found the complete LD variant, rs10917688, was positioned in cis-regulatory element and binding motif for an immunomodulatory transcription factor IRF8 in B cells, another genome-wide significant locus in our trans-ethnic meta-analysis and the previous European GWAS. Notably, the association of risk allele of rs10917688 was significant only in the presence of the risk allele of the IRF8. Intriguingly, rs10917688 was annotated as one enhancer-related histone marks, H3K4me1, in B cells, implying that FCGR gene(s) in B cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SSc. Furhtermore, significant heritability enrichment of active histone marks and a transcription factor C-Myc were found in B cells both in European and Japanese populations by LDSC and IMPACT, highlighting a possibility of a shared disease mechanism where abnormal B-cell activation may be one of the key drivers for the disease development. Finally, PRS using effects sizes of European GWAS moderately fit in the development of Japanese SSc (AUC 0.593), paving a path to personalized medicine for SSc.

Conclusion

Our study identified seven novel susceptibility loci in SSc. Downstream analyses highlighted a novel disease mechanism of SSc where an interactive role of FCGR gene(s) and IRF8 may accelerate the disease development and B cells may play a key role on the pathogenesis of SSc.

References

[1]F. C. Arnett et al. Ann Rheum Dis, 2010.

[2]T. R. Radstake et al. Nat Genet, 2010.

[3]Y. Allanore et al. PLoS Genet, 2011.

[4]O. Gorlova et al. PLoS Genet, 2011.

[5]C. Terao et al. Ann Rheum Dis, 2017.

[6]E. López-Isac et al. Nat Commun, 2019.

[7]W. Pu et al. J Invest Dermatol, 2021.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Na+/K+ ATPase α1 and β3 subunits are localized to the basolateral membrane of trophectoderm cells in human blastocysts

STUDY QUESTION

Is there a relation between specific Na+/K+ ATPase isoform expression and localization in human blastocysts and the developmental behavior of the embryo?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Na+/K+ ATPase α1, β1 and β3 are the main isoforms expressed in human blastocysts and no association was found between the expression level of their respective mRNAs and the rate of blastocyst expansion.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

In mouse embryos, Na+/K+ ATPase α1 and β1 are expressed in the basolateral membrane of trophectoderm (TE) cells and are believed to be involved in blastocoel formation (cavitation).

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A total of 20 surplus embryos from 11 patients who underwent IVF and embryo transfer at a university hospital between 2009 and 2018 were analyzed.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

After freezing and thawing Day 5 human blastocysts, their developmental behavior was observed for 24 h using time-lapse imaging, and the expression of Na+/K+ ATPase isoforms was examined using quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). The expressed isoforms were then localized in blastocysts using fluorescent immunostaining.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

RT-qPCR results demonstrated the expression of Na+/K+ ATPase α1, β1 and β3 isoforms in human blastocysts. Isoforms α1 and β3 were localized to the basolateral membrane of TE cells, and β1 was localized between TE cells. A high level of β3 mRNA expression correlated with easier hatching (P = 0.0261).

LARGE SCALE DATA

N/A.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The expression of mRNA and the localization of proteins of interest were verified, but we have not been able to perform functional analysis.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Of the various Na+/K+ ATPase isoforms, expression levels of the α1, β1 and β3 mRNAs were clearly higher than other isoforms in human blastocysts. Since α1 and β3 were localized to the basolateral membrane via fluorescent immunostaining, we believe that these subunits contribute to the dilation of the blastocoel. The β1 isoform is localized between TE cells and may be involved in tight junction formation, as previously reported in mouse embryos.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was supported by the JSPS KAKENHI (https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/index.html), grant number 17K11215. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The authors have no conflicts of interest.

Cumulative Incidence and Clinical Risk Factors of Radiation Cystitis after Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the cumulative incidence of overall and severe radiation cystitis following external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer and investigate the clinical factors predictive of radiation cystitis.

METHODS

This retrospective study comprised 246 patients who received external beam radiation therapy for localized or locally advanced prostate cancer between 2013 and 2016 in our institution. Of these, 189 received primary radiation therapy and 57 received adjuvant/salvage radiation therapy. Radiation cystitis was recorded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0 definition, and severe radiation cystitis was defined as grade 3 or higher. All medical records were reviewed to calculate the cumulative incidence of radiation cystitis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate its association with clinicopathologic features.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period after radiation therapy was 56 months (range 5-81). The 5-year cumulative incidence of radiation cystitis and severe radiation cystitis was 16.2% and 3.0%, respectively. Multivariate analyses identified radiation therapy in the adjuvant/salvage setting was the sole risk factor associated with the development of radiation cystitis (hazard ratio: 2.75, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Radiation therapy in the post-prostatectomy setting was associated with increased risk of radiation cystitis compared with radiotherapy as the primary treatment.

Study Protocol of a Comprehensive Activity Promotion Program for the Prevention of Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

BACKGROUND

Several technical devices are available to monitor and promote changes in behavior toward higher activity. In particular, smartphones are becoming the primary platform for recognizing human activity. However, the effects of behavior change techniques that promote physical, cognitive, and social activities on incident dementia in older adults remain unknown.

OBJECTIVES

This randomized controlled trial aims to examine the effects of behavior change techniques on the prevention of dementia among community-dwelling older adults using a smartphone as a behavior change tool.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Community in Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

The study cohort comprises 3,498 individuals, aged ≥60 years, randomized into two groups: the smartphone group (n = 1,749) and the control group (n = 1,749).

INTERVENTION

The smartphone group will be asked to use smartphone applications for at least 30 minutes daily to self-manage and improve their physical, cognitive, and social activities. The smartphone group will perform 60-minute group walking sessions using application-linked Nordic walking poles with cognitive stimulation twice a week during the intervention period. The walking poles are a dual-task exercise tool that works with a smartphone to perform cognitive tasks while walking, and the poles are equipped with switches to answer questions for simple calculation and memory tasks. The smartphone and control groups will receive lectures about general health that will be provided during the baseline and follow-up assessments.

MEASUREMENTS

Incident dementia will be detected using cognitive tests (at baseline, after 15 months, and after 30 months) and by preparing diagnostic monthly reports based on data from the Japanese Health Insurance System. Participants without dementia at baseline who will be diagnosed with dementia over the 30-month follow-up period will be considered to have incident dementia.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has the potential to provide the first evidence of the effectiveness of information communication technology and Internet of Things in incident dementia. If our trial results show a delayed dementia onset for self-determination interventions, the study protocol will provide a cost-effective and safe method for maintaining healthy cognitive aging.

Association of Daily Physical Activity with Disability in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With/Without Chronic Kidney Disease

OBJECTIVES

Physical activity is recommended for disability prevention in the older adult population; however, the level of physical activity required for older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unknown. This study aimed to examine the associations between daily physical activity and disability incidence in older adults with and without CKD to determine relevant daily physical activity levels.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

3,786 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years.

MEASUREMENTS

Mean daily times spent in light- (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were measured using triaxial accelerometers. CKD was defined by a creatinine estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Disability incidence was identified as long-term care insurance certification during a 60-month follow-up period. Associations between physical activity and disability incidence were examined using Cox proportional hazard models stratified by the CKD status. Non-linear and linear associations were tested using the restricted cubic spline.

RESULTS

A total of 1,054 individuals were identified to have CKD. Disability incidence was higher in the CKD group than in the non-CKD group. The adjusted cox proportional hazard models indicated that a 10-minute increase in MVPA time was associated with lower disability incidence in the non-CKD group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.838; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.764-0.918) and the CKD group (HR, 0.859; 95% CI: 0.766-0.960). Linear associations were observed in MVPA for the non-CKD and CKD groups.

CONCLUSION

Increasing MVPA was associated with lower disability incidence in older adults with and without CKD. These findings can help devise disability prevention strategies for older CKD patients.

Association between Non-Face-to-Face Interactions and Incident Disability in Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

This observational prospective cohort study, conducted between September 2015 and February 2019, aimed to investigate the association between the incidence of disability and non-face-to-face interactions among community-dwelling older adults in Japan.

DESIGN

Participants reported their interaction status using a self-report questionnaire. Face-to-face interactions comprised in-person meetings, while virtual interactions (e.g., via phone calls or emails) were defined as non-face-to-face interactions. We examined the relationship between their interaction status at baseline and the risk of disability incidence at follow-up. We also considered several potential confounding variables, such as demographic characteristics.

SETTING

The National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Study of Geriatric Syndromes.

PARTICIPANTS

We included 1159 adults from Takahama City aged ≥75 years (mean age ± standard deviation = 79.5 ± 3.6 years).

MEASUREMENTS

Interaction status was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire consisting of two sections (face-to-face and non-face-to-face interactions), and four questionnaire items. Based on the responses we categorized study participants into four groups: "both interactions," "face-to-face only," "non-face-to-face only," and "no interactions."

RESULTS

Individuals with both kinds of interactions (49.3/1000 person-years) or only one kind of interaction (face-to-face = 57.7/1000 person-years; non-face-to-face = 41.2 person-years) had lower incidence of disability than those with no interactions (88.9/1000 person-years). Moreover, the hazard ratios adjusted for potential confounding factors for the incidence of disability in the both interaction, face-to-face-only, and non-face-to-face only groups were 0.57 (confidence interval = 0.39-0.82; p = 0.003), 0.66 (confidence interval = 0.44-0.98; p = 0.038), and 0.47 (confidence interval = 0.22-0.99; p = 0.048), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Considering the interaction status of older adults in their day-to-day practice, clinicians may be able to achieve better outcomes in the primary prevention of disease by encouraging older adults to engage in any form of interaction, including non-face-to-face interactions.

Absence of microsatellite instability in extramammary Paget's disease

Background

Deficiency of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) induces microsatellite instability (MSI). Pembrolizumab, an antibody targeting PD‐1 (an immune checkpoint inhibitor), is more effective against MMR‐deficient tumours than against MMR‐proficient tumours. The status of MMR is a useful biomarker for predicting the effectiveness of pembrolizumab administration. Although the status of MMR has attracted attention in skin tumours, there are few reports on MSI in extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD).

Objectives

To evaluate the status of MMR in patients with EMPD.

Materials & Methods

One hundred one patients with EMPD were included. MMR status of the genomic DNA of each subject was analysed using Promega panel (approved as a companion diagnostic agent for the administration of pembrolizumab).

Results

MSI testing showed the occurrence rates of MSI‐high (more than two markers are unstable), MSI‐low (one marker is unstable) and MSS (all markers are stable) tumour tissues were 0% (0/101), 1.0% (1/101) and 99.0% (100/101), respectively.

Conclusion

The status of MMR may not be useful for the potential therapeutic application of pembrolizumab.

Measurement of the Positive Muon Anomalous Magnetic Moment to 0.46 ppm

We present the first results of the Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) Muon g-2 Experiment for the positive muon magnetic anomaly a_{μ}≡(g_{μ}-2)/2. The anomaly is determined from the precision measurements of two angular frequencies. Intensity variation of high-energy positrons from muon decays directly encodes the difference frequency ω_{a} between the spin-precession and cyclotron frequencies for polarized muons in a magnetic storage ring. The storage ring magnetic field is measured using nuclear magnetic resonance probes calibrated in terms of the equivalent proton spin precession frequency ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'} in a spherical water sample at 34.7 °C. The ratio ω_{a}/ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, together with known fundamental constants, determines a_{μ}(FNAL)=116 592 040(54)×10^{-11} (0.46 ppm). The result is 3.3 standard deviations greater than the standard model prediction and is in excellent agreement with the previous Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) E821 measurement. After combination with previous measurements of both μ^{+} and μ^{-}, the new experimental average of a_{μ}(Exp)=116 592 061(41)×10^{-11} (0.35 ppm) increases the tension between experiment and theory to 4.2 standard deviations.

Novel operative technique of advancement urethral meatoplasty utilizing buccal mucosa for Vulvar Paget's disease with urethral invasion: two case reports

BACKGROUND

Vulvar Paget's disease (VPD) is a rare malignant disorder originating in the external genitalia. It occasionally invades into urethral or vaginal mucosa of female, making surgical treatment more complicating. In case of urethral invasion of Paget's cells, systematic mapping biopsy of urethral mucosa is the standard of care to determine the range of surgical resection. Resection of urethral mucosa and simple skin grafting often result in urethral stricture after surgery, which severely deteriorates patient's quality of life.

CASE PRESENTATION

We applied a new technique of advancement urethral meatoplasty using buccal mucosa, in two Japanese cases of VPD with urethral invasion. After broad resection of vulvar skin together with the urethral mucosa, buccal mucosa was implanted between advanced urethral mucosa and skin graft. In both cases, we could prevent urethral stricture one year and two years after surgery, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This technique prevented urethral stricture after surgery and could be a useful technique as part of urethroplasty for VPD.

Impact of age, body mass index, and renal function for severe hypotension caused by oral 5-aminolevulinic acid administration in patients undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumor

BACKGROUND

Severe hypotension is a notable adverse event caused by administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) during photodynamic diagnosis-assisted transurethral resection of bladder tumor (PDD-TURBT). Hypotension can be prolonged following induction of anesthesia and may require continuous administration of a vasopressor. Here, we investigated the risk factors for severe hypotension caused by oral administration of 5-ALA.

METHODS

A total of 128 patients with bladder tumors who underwent PDD-TURBT using 5-ALA were included in this study. Clinicopathological data were collected retrospectively and the correlations between the incidence of severe hypotension and clinicopathological factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

Severe hypotension developed in 8 cases (6.3 %). Age ≥ 80 years, body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 (kg/m²), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 45 (mL/min/1.73 m²) were significantly correlated with severe hypotension (P = 0.003, 0.017, and 0.027, respectively). Severe hypotension developed in 1 of 89 cases (1.1 %) which have 0 or 1 risk factor, and in 3 of 31 cases (9.7 %) which have 2 risk factors, whereas it developed in 4 of 8 cases (50 %) which have all risk factors. Patients with all risk factors developed severe hypotension significantly more frequently compared with patients with 1 or fewer risk factors (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Age ≥ 80 years, BMI ≥ 25, and eGFR < 45 are risk factors for severe hypotension in PDD-TURBT using 5-ALA. The risk of developing severe hypotension is extremely high in patients who have all factors. Adjustment of the 5-ALA dose may be desirable in those patients.

Dermatomyositis associated with prostate adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation

Background

Although it is known that malignancies can be associated with dermatomyositis, there are few reports on dermatomyositis associated with prostate cancer with neuroendocrine differentiation.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old man visited our hospital due to pollakiuria. High levels of PSA and NSE were observed, and prostate biopsy revealed an adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. Multiple metastases to the lymph nodes, bones, and liver were identified, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was started immediately. Following 2 weeks of treatment, erythema on the skin, and muscle weakness with severe dysphagia appeared. The patient was diagnosed with dermatomyositis, and high-dose glucocorticoid therapy was initiated. ADT and subsequent chemotherapy with etoposide and cisplatin (EP) were performed for prostate cancer, which resulted in decreased PSA and NSE and reduction of all metastases. After the initiation of EP therapy, dermatomyositis improved, and the patient regained oral intake function. Although EP therapy was replaced by docetaxel, abiraterone, and enzalutamide because of adverse events, no cancer progression was consistently observed. Dermatomyositis worsened temporarily during the administration of abiraterone, but it improved upon switching from abiraterone to enzalutamide and dose escalation of glucocorticoid.

Conclusions

We successfully treated a rare case of dermatomyositis associated with prostate adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation.

Occurrence and clinical course of peri-stent contrast staining: comparison between second-generation drug-eluting stents and third generation drug-eluting stents

Background

Peri-stent contrast staining (PSS) has been reported to be associated with very late stent thrombosis.

The aims of this study was to compare the occurrence rate of PSS between second generation drug-eluting stents (2nd DES) and third generation drug-eluting stents (3rd DES), and to identify clinical characteristics associated with PSS.

Methods and results

This study comprised 1899 patients with 2493 de novo lesions treated with 2nd or 3rd DES from October 2015 to September 2018. Follow-up angiography was available for 1883 lesions (75.5%). There were 725 patients with 968 lesions treated with 2nd DES, and 716 patients with 915 lesions treated with 3rd DES. The occurrence of PSS, types of PSS, and VLST related to PSS were compared between 2nd and 3rd DES implantation. Mean follow-up period was 30±12 months. The occurrence rate of PSS and segmental type of PSS were similar between two groups (2nd DES vs. 3rd DES, 1.5% vs. 1.7%, p=0.73, 47% vs. 50%, p=0.85, and respectively). The VLST related to PSS occurred in only one case in 3rd DES group. (0% vs. 6.3%, p=0.33).

Conclusion

The occurrence rate of PSS and clinical course were similar between 2nd and 3rd DES.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Right coronary artery as a culprit artery for better prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with or without shock

Background

Although patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock, morbidity and mortality remain high even with early revascularization and modern intensive care.

Culprit artery and prognosis were associated in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Purpose

Evaluation of short- and long-term prognosis of AMI with cardiogenic shock by right coronary artery (RCA) and left coronary artery (LCR)

Method

We investigated 3400 AMI patients (age 68.8±12.7 y.o.) were enrolled from Mie ACS registry. They were divided into 4 groups according to the culprit artery and presence or absence of cardiogenic shock: RCA without shock n=1114, RCA with shock n=74, LCA without shock n=2028, LCA with shock n=184. Primary endpoint was defined as all-cause mortality.

Results

During the median follow-up periods with 743 days, 12.6% of the patients experienced all-cause death. RCA and LAC with shock groups demonstrated significantly higher in-hospital mortality compared to groups without shock (p&lt;0.001, Figure 1A). Interestingly, after discharge, LCA with shock group showed significant higher all-cause mortality compared with other 3 groups. Surprisingly, RCA with shock group showed similar favorable prognosis to that of without shock groups (Figure 1B). Multivariate analyses for after discharge mortality showed that LCA with shock group was strongest independent poor prognostic factor with hazard ratio of 2.3 (95% CI 1.4–3.7), but RCA with shock group was not.

Conclusion

Association of cardiogenic shock is the hazardous risk factor for cases with AMI, especially LCA infarction. Surprisingly, RCA AMI cases with shock showed favorable prognosis as well as AMI without shock.

Kaplan-Meier survival curves

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Inverted papilloma of the urinary bladder shows fluorescence on photodynamic diagnosis using 5-aminolevulinic acid

Photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has recently attracted attention as a diagnostic method for observing cancer lesions based on fluorescence emission using a fluorescent endoscope. However, there are few reports of false positives associated with benign bladder neoplasms. Here, we provide report of two cases of inverted papillomas of the bladder that were fluorescent on PDD using 5-ALA. In each case, a surface-smooth, pedunculated bladder tumor was observed, which fluoresced red on PDD after oral administration of 5-ALA. Histopathological findings demonstrated inverted papilloma of the bladder. Although inverted papilloma of the bladder is usually regarded as a benign neoplasm, some recent studies have revealed that it could be a risk factor for urothelial carcinoma. Our present report may support the hypothesis that inverted papilloma of the bladder has malignant potential.

The Warburg effect and tumour immune microenvironment in extramammary Paget's disease: overexpression of lactate dehydrogenase A correlates with immune resistance

BACKGROUND

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare malignant skin cancer. One of the hallmarks of cancers, including EMPD, is an enhancement of aerobic glycolysis, which is also known as the Warburg effect. In the last step of glycolysis, the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to lactic acid, the accumulation of which contributes to the creation of an acidic tumour microenvironment. This in turn results in immunosuppression in various types of cancers. However, the contribution of these pathways has not been well-studied in EMPD.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the significance of the Warburg effect and its contribution to the tumour immune microenvironment in EMPD.

METHODS

The mRNA expression levels of molecules involved in glycolysis and immune-related cytokines were examined by ddPCR. The number of immune cells was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTS

The levels of two glycolytic enzymes, HK2 and LDHA, in tumour tissues were significantly increased compared to those in paired-normal tissues. IHC analyses revealed increased numbers of PD-L1⁺ , PD-1⁺ , CD163⁺ M2 macrophages, Iba1⁺ macrophages and Foxp3⁺ Tregs that were associated with high LDHA levels in EMPD. ddPCR demonstrated that multiple cytokines including IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β and CCL-2 were upregulated and associated with high LDHA levels in EMPD. Statistical analyses showed that IL-6 mRNA expression correlated with the number of CD163⁺ , Iba-1⁺ and Foxp3⁺ cells.

CONCLUSION

The Warburg effect contributes to immunomodulation in the tumour microenvironment and further elucidation may lead to better understanding of the pathogenesis of EMPD.

P1480 A case of triple left ventricular aneurysms diagnosed by CT and echocardiography

【Background】

Left ventricular aneurysms is complication of myocardial infarction (MI) that can lead to death or serious morbidity. False aneurysm is rare complications of myocardial infarction or iatrogenic perforation and represent a contained myocardial rupture. False aneurysm does not contain all the three layers of the myocardium and is frequently lined by pericardium and mural thrombus. Definitive diagnosis is achieved by echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), angiography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Coexistence of true and false aneurysms is rare.

【Case】 A 58 years old man with a history of hypertension and MI was referred to our hospital for aneurysmectomy. During the course of prior MI, he got fever and pericardial effusion.

CT revealed that three left ventricular aneurysms were present. Also, three aneurysms were connected by narrow ducts each other. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed that three ventricular aneurysms were connected via acceleration blood flow which swirling in the spherical aneurysm. We determined that this triple ventricular aneurysms were at high risk for rupture, so we performed surgery.

The postoperative course was good and he was discharged without any complications.

【Discussion】

False aneurysms occur after hemorrhagic dissection into an area of transmural infarction and most commonly result in free intrapericardial rupture of the heart, cardiac tamponade, and death. Rarely, if the overlying pericardium becomes adherent to the epicardium along the surface of the infarct, it can contain the rupture.

We were able to evaluate the mechanism of development with triple left ventricular aneurysms using CT and TTE. We could know about spatial comprehension of triple aneurysms using CT. False aneurysms were restricted enlargement due to stiff pericardium because of complicating Dressler syndrome. We hypothesis that aneurysms were enlarging in the direction of the base of heart in the adhered pericardium space.

We were able to evaluate the thickness of aneurysms and blood flow condition using TTE. TTE revealed that the wall of aneurysm was fragile. Multimodality imaging like TTE or cardiac CT are useful diagnostic methods in this case.

Abstract P1480 Figure. Triple aneurysms

Visceral Fat Accumulation Is Associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment in Community-Dwelling Older Japanese Women

OBJECTIVES

Visceral fat accumulation is detrimental for brain health and is associated with cognitive impairment in older adults. The objectives of the present study were to examine the association between visceral fat accumulation and prevalence of mild cognitive impairment and its subtypes.

DESIGN

a cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

This study enrolled 6,109 community-dwelling older adults, including 3,434 women (mean age: 74.4 years) and 2,675 men (mean age: 74.3 years). Individuals with dementia, Parkinson's disease, stroke, Mini-Mental State Examination scores ≤23, and who could not perform basic activities of daily living independently were excluded.

MEASUREMENTS

Participants underwent neurocognitive assessments to assess mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and its subtypes. Visceral fat area (VFA) was measured using abdominal bioelectrical impedance analysis. Participants were divided into quartile groups by VFA.

RESULTS

There were 731 (21.3%) women and 562 (21.0%) men with MCI, and the median VFA values were 63.3 cm2 and 96.3 cm2, respectively. Women participants in the second (adjusted odds ratios [aOR], 0.71; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.54-0.94), third (aOR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.47-0.92), and fourth quartiles of VFA (aOR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41-0.93) had a significantly lower risk of MCI than those in the first quartile. Higher VFA quartiles in women were associated with lower risk of non-amnestic MCI. There were no significant differences in men between quartiles.

CONCLUSIONS

Visceral fat accumulation was associated with MCI, especially non-amnestic MCI, in community-dwelling older Japanese women. These results suggest that visceral fat accumulation is partially protective against cognitive impairment.

1638 A case of capturing changes in interatrial blood flow and anatomical structure during percutaneous PFO closure with platypnea orthodeoxia syndrome using intra-cardiac echocardiography

Background

Platypnea–orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is an uncommon condition characterized by positional dyspnea and hypoxemia due to intracardiac right-to-left shunting through a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The most commonly associated conditions included pneumonectomy, ascending aortic dilation, and arch surgery, as previously reported. Percutaneous closure of PFO is useful treatment for POS.

Case

A 76 year old man used home oxygen therapy because of unexplained hypoxemia. A decrease in blood oxygen saturation was observed in sitting and standing positions. The patient was diagnosed as "POS" because a shunt blood flow with PFO and atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) and eustachian valve was observed at transesophageal echocardiography. He was admitted for the purpose of percutaneous PFO closure.

He was treated with intra-cardiac echocardiography (ICE) guidance under local anesthesia because of poor lung function.

PFO closure was performed successfully with 30mm AMPLATZER Cribriform. The ICE findings prior to PFO closure showed a right-to-left shunt blood flow through the PFO in the sitting position but almost disappeared after closure. Furthermore, it was observed that the aortic artery compression was stronger in the sitting position than in the supine position with right-to-left shunt blood flow. After PFO closure, hypoxia associated with postural change improved and patient’s symptom as shortness of breath also significantly improved.

Discussion

POS is a position-dependent condition of dyspnea and hypoxemia due to right-to-left shunting. It often remains unrecognized in clinical practice, possibly because of its complex underlying pathophysiology. It is considered that the cause of POS in this patient was multiple factors such as ASA, aortic displacement, and venous valve remnant. In addition, being able to observe the change of the atrium due to compression from the aortic artery using ICE during the operation was very significant to explain the mechanism of POS.

Abstract 1638 Figure. Intra-cardiac echocardiography

P1713 A case of quadricuspid aortic valve complicated with infective endocarditis diagnosed by 3D transesophageal echocardiography

Background

Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a rare congenital heart disease with an estimated incidence of 0.008% to 1.46%. The functional status of QAV is predominantly a pure aortic regurgitation. The extensive use of echocardiography has allowed an early and accurate diagnosis of this malformation. In many cases, the transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is suitable for the diagnosis but, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), especially 3-dimensional (3D) TEE, is a tool for the accurate definition of the valve anatomy.

Clinical case

A 60-year-old female underwent a head CT for intermittent headaches for one month ago. She was admitted to neurosurgery in our hospital diagnosed of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Four mm aneurysm was found on the periphery of the right middle cerebral artery on CT examination, and a cerebral aneurysm coil embolization was performed with a catheter in emergency. The possibility of infectious cerebral aneurysm was pointed out, and we examined in cardiovascular internal medicine. TTE revealed moderate aortic regurgitation. The ventricular septum exhibits sigmoid septum. A mobile mass was found near the left ventricular outflow tract in the sigmoid septum. TEE revealed a hypoplasia cusp (accessory cusp) is found between non coronary cusp and right coronary cusp. Aortic valve leaflets have become thickened and regurgitation from the central part of the cusps. 3DTEE was able to more accurately visualize that only the accessory cusp was hypoplastic, and the size of the other three leaflets appears almost the same. Similarly, vegetation on the left ventricular outflow tract were clearly revealed by 3DTEE.

Based on the above, it was diagnosed that quadricuspid aortic valve complicated with infective endocarditis (IE) with aortic valve regurgitation. After treatment with antibiotics according to IE, surgical treatment was scheduled.

Discussion

QAV is a rare congenital heart disease, and TTE is an important imaging tool for accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, TEE, especially 3DTEE, was a more appropriate diagnostic method in QAV and IE.

Abstract P1713 Figure. 3DTEE

P1717The clinical impact of intra-aortic balloon pumping for acute coronary syndrome from Mie ACS registry

Background

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping (IABP) was widespread used in cases of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) at daily clinical situation in Japan, even though the efficacy of IABP in AMI patients with cardiogenic shock was not proved. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of IABP use in ACS patients in Japan.

Methods

We investigated 2-year all-cause-mortality of 2,660 enrolled ACS patients including 358 patients with IABP and 2,302 patients without IABP from Mie ACS registry.

Results

We compared a 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort of 426 ACS patients with or without IABP (n=213, respectively). 2-year mortality was significantly higher in patients with IABP than without IABP (p=0.02, Figure A). In addition, IABP usage was independent predictor of mortality with hazard ratio of 1.6 by multivariate analysis. However, 2-year mortality was not statistically different between 2 groups only when analyzed patients with shock (p=0.60, Figure B).

Figure 1

Conclusion

IABP was not commonly recommended in ACS patients. However, IABP was might as well used in some situation especially in shock.

P2659Difference of prognostic impact of Killip classification in ACS patients with or without hemodialysis

Background

Cardiovascular deaths are more frequently in hemodialysis (HD) patients compared to general population. However, difference of prognosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with or without HD were not well evaluated.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and prognostic characteristics of ACS patients with HD compared to that of ACS patients without HD.

Methods

We investigated 3427 ACS patients including 63 HD and 3364 non-HD patients between 2013 and 2017 using date from Mie ACS registry, a retrospective and multicenter registry. The primary outcome was defined as all-cause mortality.

Results

HD patients showed significantly higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, past treatment of coronary artery disease, history of myocardial infarction and Killip ≥2 compared to non-HD patients (p<0.05, respectively). During the follow-up periods (median 719 days), 425 (12.4%) patients experienced all-cause death. HD patients demonstrated the higher all-cause mortality rate compared to that of non-HD patients during the follow-up (11.9% versus 38.1%, p<0.001, chi square). Kaplan Meier survival curves demonstrated that HD and non-HD patients with Killip 1 showed similar 30-day mortality, and Killip ≥2 patients also showed similar prognosis (Left side of figure). On the other hand, all cause mortality at 2 years were higher in Killip 1 HD patients compared to Killip 1 non-HD patients and similar between Killip 1 HD patients and Killip ≥2 non-HD patients in the 30 days landmark analysis (Right side of figure). In addition, cox regression analyses for all cause mortality demonstrated that HD was a strongest independent prognostic factor not of 30-day mortality but of after 30-day mortality with hazard ratio of 4.09 (95% confidential interval: 2.32–7.21, p<0.001).

Figure 1

Conclusion

Careful management are required in chronic phase for ACS patients with HD even in Killip 1 classification.

Serum cell-free DNA levels are a useful marker for extramammary Paget disease

BACKGROUND

Although carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA) are useful markers for extramammary Paget disease (EMPD), serum CEA and CYFRA levels are not elevated in most patients with EMPD without metastasis. Cell-free (cf)DNA has attracted attention as an indicator of clinical conditions in several cancers.

OBJECTIVES

To identify further useful biomarkers for the detection of EMPD, including early lesions, and to study the clinical implications of cfDNA in EMPD.

METHODS

cfDNA were isolated from serum of patients with EMPD with and without metastasis, and from healthy volunteers. Serum extracts were amplified using polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Serum cfDNA levels were significantly elevated in patients with EMPD with or without metastasis compared with those in healthy controls. Serum cfDNA was a better diagnostic marker for the presence of EMPD than serum CYFRA. Moreover, the postoperative serum cfDNA levels were significantly lower than those from the preoperative samples, and the change in serum cfDNA levels reflected the clinical courses of patients with EMPD treated with chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Taking the evidence together, serum cfDNA levels may be a useful marker for diagnosis and disease progression in EMPD. What's already known about this topic? Serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA) are not elevated in most patients with extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) without metastasis. Cell-free (cf)DNA has attracted attention as an indicator of clinical conditions in several cancers. There are few reports of the clinical implications of cfDNA in dermatology. What does this study add? Serum cfDNA levels were significantly elevated in patients with EMPD with or without metastasis compared with those in healthy controls. Postoperative serum cfDNA levels were significantly lower than those from the preoperative samples. Changes in serum cfDNA levels reflected the clinical courses of patients with EMPD treated with chemotherapy. What is the translational message? Serum cfDNA levels in patients with EMPD are a useful marker for the detection of EMPD, including localized EMPD. Changes in serum cfDNA levels in an individual patient may reflect the clinical course of EMPD.

Porphyromonas endodontalis reactivates latent Epstein-Barr virus

AIM

To determine whether Porphyromonas endodontalis can reactivate latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

METHODOLOGY

The concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in P. endodontalis culture supernatants were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. A promoter region of BamHI fragment Z leftward open reading frame 1 (BZLF-1), which is a transcription factor that controls the EBV lytic cycle, was cloned into luciferase expression vectors. Then, the luciferase assay was performed using P. endodontalis culture supernatants. Histone acetylation using Daudi cells treated with P. endodontalis culture supernatants was examined using Western blotting. BZLF-1 mRNA and BamHI fragment Z EB replication activator (ZEBRA) protein were also detected quantitatively using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting. Surgically removed periapical granulomas were examined to detect P. endodontalis, EBV DNA, and BZLF-1 mRNA expression using quantitative real-time PCR. Statistical analysis using Steel tests was performed.

RESULTS

The concentrations of n-butyric acid in P. endodontalis culture supernatants were significantly higher than those of other SCFAs (P = 0.0173). Using B-95-8-221 Luc cells treated with P. endodontalis culture supernatants, the luciferase assay demonstrated that P. endodontalis induced BZLF-1 expression. Hyperacetylation of histones was also observed with the culture supernatants. BZLF-1 mRNA and ZEBRA protein were expressed by Daudi cells in a dose-dependent manner after the treatment with P. endodontalis culture supernatants. P. endodontalis and BZLF-1 in periapical granulomas were also detected. The expression levels of BZLF-1 mRNA were similar to the numbers of P. endodontalis cells in each specimen.

CONCLUSIONS

n-butyric acid produced by P. endodontalis reactivated latent EBV.

A potential role for the silent information regulator 2 homologue 1 (SIRT1) in periapical periodontitis

AIM

To investigate the role played by silent information regulator 2 homologue 1 (SIRT1) during angiogenesis of periapical periodontitis.

METHODOLOGY

Periapical granulomas were subjected to dual-colour immunofluorescence imaging and real-time polymerase chain reactions assaying the expression levels of SIRT1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VE-cadherin. The association between Ki-67 and SIRT1 expression was also examined. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with a combination of lipopolysaccharide and resveratrol (a SIRT1 activator) or sirtinol (a SIRT1 inhibitor); and the levels of mRNAs encoding SIRT1, VEGF and VE-cadherin were determined. HUVEC tube formation was assayed in the presence of resveratrol or sirtinol. The Mann-Whitney U-test or the Tukey-Kramer test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Ki-67-expressing cells, including endothelial cells, lay adjacent to SIRT1-expressing cells in periapical granulomas. In addition, SIRT1-expressing cells were detected adjacent to VEGF-expressing cells and VEGF- or VE-cadherin-expressing endothelial cells. SIRT1, VEGF and VE-cadherin mRNA expression levels in periapical granulomas were significantly higher (P = 0.0054, 0.0090 and 0.0090, respectively) than those in healthy gingival tissues. HUVECs treated with resveratrol exhibited significantly higher expression of mRNAs encoding SIRT1, VEGF and VE-cadherin (P = 0.0019, 0.00005 and 0.0045, respectively) compared with controls, but sirtinol inhibited such expression. Resveratrol caused HUVECs to form tube-like structures, whilst sirtinol inhibited this process.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that SIRT1 may stimulate angiogenesis in periapical granulomas by triggering the proliferation of endothelial cells and inducing VEGF and VE-cadherin expression.

Long and Short Sleep Duration and Physical Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate whether older adults who have a particularly long sleep duration are likely to exhibit physical frailty, similar to those with a particularly short sleep duration.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

The National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology - Study of Geriatric Syndromes.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 9,824 older adults (mean age: 73.6 ± 5.5 years, 4,812 men and 5,012 women) met the entry criteria for this study.

MEASUREMENTS

We divided the participants into three groups according to self-reported sleep duration (Short: ≤6 h, Mid: 6.1-8.9 h (control), Long: ≥ 9 h). Physical frailty was characterized based on the criteria from the Cardiovascular Health Study. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of sleep duration on physical frailty by sex.

RESULTS

Among all participants, the prevalence of physical frailty was higher in the Short (10.5%) and Long (17.9%) groups than in the Mid (7.4%) group (p < 0.001). Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that both Short and Long groups had a significantly higher odds ratio (OR) for physical frailty than the Mid group [Short: OR 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-1.87; Long: OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.90-3.00], even after adjusting for age, educational level, number of medications, body mass index, Mini Mental State Examination score, current smoking and alcohol habits, self-perceived health, and medical history.

CONCLUSION

Both long and short sleep durations were associated with physical frailty. Further studies are required to confirm the effect of sleep duration on the incidence or worsening of physical frailty in older adults.

Cognitive Frailty is Associated with Fall-Related Fracture among Older People

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive frailty refers to cognitive impairment and physical frailty. Both cognitive impairment and physical frailty include risks of falling. The purpose of the study is to examine cognitive frailty and falling with/without a fracture.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional observation study.

SETTING

General communities in Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

Data of 10,202 older adults aged ≥ 65 years were collected.

MEASUREMENTS

Physical frailty was characterized as slow walking speed and/or muscle weakness. Assessment of cognitive function included word lists memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed. Cognitive impairment refers to one or more cognitive decline indicated by at least 1.5 standard deviations below the threshold after adjusting for age and education. We operationally defined cognitive frailty as having both cognitive impairment and physical frailty. Participants were interviewed about their falling, history of fall-related fractures, and several potentially confounding factors such as demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that functional decline in all groups, as compared to the robust group, was significantly associated with falling without fractures, after adjusting for the covariates; cognitive impairment group (P = .017), physical frailty group (P = .002), and cognitive frailty group (P < .001). Only the cognitive frailty group had a significant association with fall-related fracture after adjusting for the covariates (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.20-3.08, P = .007).

CONCLUSION

Cognitive frailty is associated with not only falling but also fall-related fractures. Cognitive frailty may have a greater risk for fall-related fractures than cognitive impairment or physical frailty alone. Future research should examine causal the relationship between fall-related fractures and cognitive frailty.

Association between Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 and Frailty among Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

Frailty is a course experienced in advanced aging. Identification of a biological factor associated with frailty is required. Although serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a potential factor related with frailty, consensus has not been reached regarding this relationship. This study aimed to investigate the association between IGF-1 and frailty in older adults.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Cohort study that was part of the "National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology - Study of Geriatric Syndromes."

PARTICIPANTS

The study participants were 4133 older adults (mean age, 71.8 ± 5.4 years).

MEASUREMENTS

We assessed serum IGF-1 levels and frailty status and collected demographic variables, including cognitive function, as covariates.

RESULTS

Frailty and pre-frailty were present in 274 subjects (7%) and 1930 subjects (47%), respectively. Subjects were divided into four groups based on quartiles of IGF-1 levels. Multinomial logistic analysis showed that the lowest group had significant odds of pre-frailty (crude model: odds ratio [OR] 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30-1.90, p < .001; adjusted model: OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.13-1.68, p = .002) and frailty (crude model: OR 3.42, 95% CI 2.38-4.92, p < .001; adjusted model: OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.02-2.32, p = .039), compared with the highest group.

CONCLUSION

Lower serum IGF-1 levels were independently related with frailty in older adults.

Active control of bright electron beams with RF optics for femtosecond microscopy

A frontier challenge in implementing femtosecond electron microscopy is to gain precise optical control of intense beams to mitigate collective space charge effects for significantly improving the throughput. Here, we explore the flexible uses of an RF cavity as a longitudinal lens in a high-intensity beam column for condensing the electron beams both temporally and spectrally, relevant to the design of ultrafast electron microscopy. Through the introduction of a novel atomic grating approach for characterization of electron bunch phase space and control optics, we elucidate the principles for predicting and controlling the phase space dynamics to reach optimal compressions at various electron densities and generating conditions. We provide strategies to identify high-brightness modes, achieving ∼100 fs and ∼1 eV resolutions with 10⁶ electrons per bunch, and establish the scaling of performance for different bunch charges. These results benchmark the sensitivity and resolution from the fundamental beam brightness perspective and also validate the adaptive optics concept to enable delicate control of the density-dependent phase space structures to optimize the performance, including delivering ultrashort, monochromatic, high-dose, or coherent electron bunches.