Systemic amyloid A amyloidosis of the bladder after transurethral resection of urothelial carcinoma

Introduction

Amyloid A amyloidosis of the bladder is not a major disease. We report a patient with systemic amyloid A amyloidosis of the bladder after transurethral resection of urothelial carcinoma.

Case presentation

An 87-year-old Japanese man had bladder carcinoma. He was followed up regularly with cystoscopy. Cystoscopy revealed multiple polypoid tumors 6 months after the first transurethral resection of urothelial carcinoma. Pathologic specimens contained the amyloid A component. He had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, valvular disorders, and arrhythmias. His cardiac disease may have resulted from amyloid A amyloidosis. We speculated the patient had systemic amyloid A amyloidosis of the heart and bladder.

Conclusion

We determined the type of amyloidosis via a biopsy of the bladder tumors. Our patient had cardiac disease. Therefore, systemic amyloid A amyloidosis could have caused his cardiac disease. The pathologic findings of bladder tumors can contribute to detecting systemic amyloid A amyloidosis.

Prognostic Evaluation of HER2-positive Early Breast Cancers Using Clinico-pathological Criteria

Background/Aim

HER2-positive breast carcinomas (BCs) generally behave more aggressively and show higher cytological and histological grade than HER2-negative BCs. However, the clinical properties of HER2-positive early BCs have not been studied extensively. Hence, the therapeutic significance of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for this BC remains debatable.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively examined the clinicopathological features of 94 HER2-positive early BCs who perioperatively received anti-HER2 drugs, without undergoing NAC prior to surgery.

Results

The patients' five year-disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 95.6% and 100%, respectively. Univariate analysis demonstrated significant differences in distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) between clinical and pathological tumor stages (T stages). Pathological T1 stage and clinical T1 stage tumors showed significantly higher DMSF than pT2-3 and cT2-3 (p=0.0002 and 0.0294). Multivariate analysis disclosed no significant differences in DFS, OS, and DMFS with respect to preoperative clinical tumor stage, patient age, type of surgery, postoperative therapy, and pathological factors. Recurrences occurred in nine patients: four (4.3%) and five (5.3%) patients showed local and distant recurrences, respectively. One patient with cT2 BC died of disease. Interestingly, four of the five BCs with distant recurrence pathologically demonstrated lymph vessel invasion. The prognoses of patients with HER2-positive stage cT1/2N0M0 BC were highly favorable.

Conclusion

The indications for NAC in small, localized, and node-negative HER2-positive BC should be carefully assessed based on the presence of a larger tumor size, postoperative pathological evaluation of tumor size, and lymph vessel invasion.

A case of recurrent follicular cholangitis leading to decompensated cirrhosis after left-sided hepatectomy

Follicular cholangitis (FC) is a rare non-neoplastic biliary tract disease first reported in 2003. A 74-year-old woman underwent extended left hepatectomy with a diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen demonstrated no malignant findings, and lymphocytic infiltration with lymphoid follicles was observed within the bile duct wall. Along with immunohistochemical findings, the patient was diagnosed with FC. More than 3 years after surgery, the patient exhibited elevated hepatobiliary enzymes and total bilirubin. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography revealed stricture and dilation from the extrahepatic bile duct to the right intrahepatic bile duct. Histopathological findings uncovered lymphocytic infiltration without malignant results. It was concluded that bile duct stricture due to FC had newly developed in her remnant liver. Subsequently, the patient developed hypoalbuminemia, and abdominal computed tomography revealed atrophy of the remnant liver and ascites accumulation. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy exposed the development of esophageal varices, which were not observed preoperatively. The patient was diagnosed with decompensated liver cirrhosis accompanied by portal hypertension. This case strongly suggests that long-term follow-up after surgery may be required for patients with FC for screening of potential new bile duct stricture and progression to liver cirrhosis due to cholestasis.

Influence of splenomegaly on aortic and liver parenchymal CT numbers during contrast-enhance CT in patients with cirrhosis

INTRODUCTION

To compare CT (computed tomography) values for enhancement of the abdominal aorta and liver parenchyma during dynamic contrast enhancement (CE) CT in cirrhotic patients with and without splenomegaly (SM).

METHODS

We considered 258 patients (83 males and 46 females for the splenomegaly group, and 83 males and 46 females for the control group) for this retrospective study. We measured CT values in the abdominal aorta and hepatic parenchyma during the hepatic arterial (HAP) and portal venous (PVP) phases. The aortic CE at HAP and the hepatic parenchymal CE at PVP were compared between the two groups. For success rate of scans, we also calculated the optimal CE rates (>280 HU in the abdominal aorta and >50 HU in the hepatic parenchyma) for each group.

RESULTS

In the SM group, the CE for abdominal aorta was decreased during the aortic phase for a dynamic CE-CT (p < 0.05). When evaluating the success rates, they were found to be 65.1 % and 58.9 % in the SM group and 81.4 % and 72.3 % in the non-SM group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The success rate of scans and CE for the abdominal aorta during the aortic phase exhibited a significant decrease during dynamic CE-CT scans on patients with SM. Patients with SM may have reduced diagnostic ability with typical contrast injection protocols.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

It may be necessary to change the injection rates and contrast medium volume during CE-CT depending on the presence or absence of SM.

Direct Measurement of the Spectral Structure of Cosmic-Ray Electrons+Positrons in the TeV Region with CALET on the International Space Station

Detailed measurements of the spectral structure of cosmic-ray electrons and positrons from 10.6 GeV to 7.5 TeV are presented from over 7 years of observations with the CALorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET) on the International Space Station. The instrument, consisting of a charge detector, an imaging calorimeter, and a total absorption calorimeter with a total depth of 30 radiation lengths at normal incidence and a fine shower imaging capability, is optimized to measure the all-electron spectrum well into the TeV region. Because of the excellent energy resolution (a few percent above 10 GeV) and the outstanding e/p separation (10^{5}), CALET provides optimal performance for a detailed search of structures in the energy spectrum. The analysis uses data up to the end of 2022, and the statistics of observed electron candidates has increased more than 3 times since the last publication in 2018. By adopting an updated boosted decision tree analysis, a sufficient proton rejection power up to 7.5 TeV is achieved, with a residual proton contamination less than 10%. The observed energy spectrum becomes gradually harder in the lower energy region from around 30 GeV, consistently with AMS-02, but from 300 to 600 GeV it is considerably softer than the spectra measured by DAMPE and Fermi-LAT. At high energies, the spectrum presents a sharp break around 1 TeV, with a spectral index change from -3.15 to -3.91, and a broken power law fitting the data in the energy range from 30 GeV to 4.8 TeV better than a single power law with 6.9 sigma significance, which is compatible with the DAMPE results. The break is consistent with the expected effects of radiation loss during the propagation from distant sources (except the highest energy bin). We have fitted the spectrum with a model consistent with the positron flux measured by AMS-02 below 1 TeV and interpreted the electron+positron spectrum with possible contributions from pulsars and nearby sources. Above 4.8 TeV, a possible contribution from known nearby supernova remnants, including Vela, is addressed by an event-by-event analysis providing a higher proton-rejection power than a purely statistical analysis.

Localized Amyloid A amyloidsis of ureter: A case report

Amyloidosis of the ureter is a rare disease, distinguishing it from a neoplasm is difficult. A 64-year-old Japanese woman suffered from macrohematuria and left side hydronephrosis with ultrasound in 2014. Retrograde pyelography revealed no ureter tumor at that time. The patient had macrohematuria, left side hydronephrosis, and ureteral stenosis in the left ureter on retrograde pyelography. She was suspected of having a ureter tumor when she was 71 years old in 2021. The patient underwent ureteroscopy with biopsy. Pathological specimens contained the amyloid A component, based on immunohistochemistry staining. We diagnosed the patient with amyloid A amyloidosis of the ureter.

Distinct pathways for export of silencing RNA in Caenorhabditis elegans systemic RNAi

Dietary supplied double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can trigger RNA interference (RNAi) systemically in some animals, including the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Although this phenomenon has been utilized as a major tool for gene silencing in C. elegans, how cells spread the silencing RNA throughout the organism is largely unknown. Here, we identify two novel systemic RNAi-related factors, REXD-1 and TBC-3, and show that these two factors together with SID-5 act redundantly to promote systemic spreading of dsRNA. Animals that are defective in all REXD-1, TBC-3, and SID-5 functions show strong deficiency in export of dsRNA from intestinal cells, whereas cellular uptake and processing of dsRNA and general secretion events other than dsRNA secretion are still functional in the triple mutant animals. Our findings reveal pathways that specifically regulate the export of dsRNA in parallel, implying the importance of spreading RNA molecules for intercellular communication in organisms.

Dynamics of depressive states among university students in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interrupted time series analysis

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was reported to have increased depression among university students which was associated with impairments in their campus lives. This study examined changes in depressive states among Japanese university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A secondary data analysis from a factorial randomized controlled trial involving smartphone-based cognitive-behavioral therapy was performed. Six cohorts (N = 1626) underwent an 8-week intervention during the spring or autumn of 2019-2021, with a 9-month follow-up. We evaluated participants' depressive states weekly using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) during the intervention, with monthly evaluations thereafter. The follow-up periods included Japan's four states of emergency (SOEs) to control COVID-19. Hypothesizing that SOEs caused a sudden worsening of depressive states, Study 1 compared the cohorts' PHQ-9 scores, and Study 2 employed time series analysis with a mixed-effects model to estimate identified changes in PHQ-9 scores.

RESULTS

Although no changes in depressive states were observed in relation to the SOEs, Study 1 identified sudden increases in PHQ-9 scores at the 28-week evaluation point, which corresponded to the beginning of the new academic year for the three autumn cohorts. In contrast, the three spring cohorts did not exhibit similar changes. Study 2 showed that, for all three autumn cohorts (n = 522), the 0.60-point change was significant (95% CI 0.42-0.78; p < .001) at 28 weeks; that is, when their timeline was interrupted.

CONCLUSIONS

While the results do not indicate any notable impact of the SOEs, they highlight the influence of the new academic year on university students' mental health during COVID-19. Trial registration UMIN, CTR-000031307. Registered on February 14, 2018.

Erratum: Charge-Sign Dependent Cosmic-Ray Modulation Observed with the Calorimetric Electron Telescope on the International Space Station [Phys. Rev. Lett. 130, 211001 (2023)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.130.211001.

An endomembrane zinc transporter negatively regulates systemic RNAi in Caenorhabditis elegans

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) regulates gene expression in a sequence-dependent manner. In Caenorhabditis elegans, dsRNA spreads through the body and leads to systemic RNA silencing. Although several genes involved in systemic RNAi have been genetically identified, molecules that mediate systemic RNAi remain largely unknown. Here, we identified ZIPT-9, a C. elegans homolog of ZIP9/SLC39A9, as a broad-spectrum negative regulator of systemic RNAi. We showed that RSD-3, SID-3, and SID-5 genetically act in parallel for efficient RNAi, and that zipt-9 mutants suppress the RNAi defects of all the mutants. Analysis of a complete set of deletion mutants for SLC30 and SLC39 family genes revealed that only zipt-9 mutants showed altered RNAi activity. Based on these results and our analysis using transgenic Zn²⁺ reporters, we propose that ZIPT-9-dependent Zn²⁺ homeostasis, rather than overall cytosolic Zn²⁺, modulates systemic RNAi activity. Our findings reveal a previously unknown function of zinc transporters in negative RNAi regulation.

Charge-Sign Dependent Cosmic-Ray Modulation Observed with the Calorimetric Electron Telescope on the International Space Station

We present the observation of a charge-sign dependent solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) with the Calorimetric Electron Telescope onboard the International Space Station over 6 yr, corresponding to the positive polarity of the solar magnetic field. The observed variation of proton count rate is consistent with the neutron monitor count rate, validating our methods for determining the proton count rate. It is observed by the Calorimetric Electron Telescope that both GCR electron and proton count rates at the same average rigidity vary in anticorrelation with the tilt angle of the heliospheric current sheet, while the amplitude of the variation is significantly larger in the electron count rate than in the proton count rate. We show that this observed charge-sign dependence is reproduced by a numerical "drift model" of the GCR transport in the heliosphere. This is a clear signature of the drift effect on the long-term solar modulation observed with a single detector.

Direct Measurement of the Cosmic-Ray Helium Spectrum from 40 GeV to 250 TeV with the Calorimetric Electron Telescope on the International Space Station

We present the results of a direct measurement of the cosmic-ray helium spectrum with the CALET instrument in operation on the International Space Station since 2015. The observation period covered by this analysis spans from October 13, 2015, to April 30, 2022 (2392 days). The very wide dynamic range of CALET allowed for the collection of helium data over a large energy interval, from ∼40  GeV to ∼250  TeV, for the first time with a single instrument in low Earth orbit. The measured spectrum shows evidence of a deviation of the flux from a single power law by more than 8σ with a progressive spectral hardening from a few hundred GeV to a few tens of TeV. This result is consistent with the data reported by space instruments including PAMELA, AMS-02, and DAMPE and balloon instruments including CREAM. At higher energy we report the onset of a softening of the helium spectrum around 30 TeV (total kinetic energy). Though affected by large uncertainties in the highest energy bins, the observation of a flux reduction turns out to be consistent with the most recent results of DAMPE. A double broken power law is found to fit simultaneously both spectral features: the hardening (at lower energy) and the softening (at higher energy). A measurement of the proton to helium flux ratio in the energy range from 60  GeV/n to about 60  TeV/n is also presented, using the CALET proton flux recently updated with higher statistics.

Multiple Mechanisms in Proton-Induced Nucleon Removal at ∼100 MeV/Nucleon

We report on the first proton-induced single proton- and neutron-removal reactions from the neutron-deficient ^{14}O nucleus with large Fermi-surface asymmetry S_{n}-S_{p}=18.6  MeV at ∼100  MeV/nucleon, a widely used energy regime for rare-isotope studies. The measured inclusive cross sections and parallel momentum distributions of the ^{13}N and ^{13}O residues are compared to the state-of-the-art reaction models, with nuclear structure inputs from many-body shell-model calculations. Our results provide the first quantitative contributions of multiple reaction mechanisms including the quasifree knockout, inelastic scattering, and nucleon transfer processes. It is shown that the inelastic scattering and nucleon transfer, usually neglected at such energy regime, contribute about 50% and 30% to the loosely bound proton and deeply bound neutron removal, respectively. These multiple reaction mechanisms should be considered in analyses of inclusive one-nucleon removal cross sections measured at intermediate energies for quantitative investigation of single-particle strengths and correlations in atomic nuclei.

Relationships between squamous cell carcinoma antigen and cytokeratin 19 fragment values and renal function in oral cancer patients

Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) and cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA) are used to screen and monitor oral cancer patients. However, recent studies have reported that tumour markers become elevated as renal function decreases, regardless of tumour progression. A retrospective study was performed of 423 oral cancer patients who underwent blood testing for these tumour markers and other blood analytes during a 10-year period. The values of SCC-Ag and CYFRA increased significantly with decreasing renal function (P < 0.01), and the values were abnormal at a median 2.6 ng/ml for SCC-Ag and 4.7 ng/ml for CYFRA in the group with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values of< 30 ml/min/1.73 m². The factors that were related to the variation in tumour markers were albumin and creatinine. The cut-off values of eGFR were 59.7 ml/min/1.73 m² for SCC-Ag and 63.6 ml/min/1.73 m² for CYFRA, and the cut-off age when the tumour markers might rise due to the effect of renal function were 72 years for SCC-Ag and 73 years for CYFRA. In conclusion, decreased renal function should be taken into account when evaluating tumour markers in oral cancer. In addition, tumour markers are likely to be overestimated in patients over the age of 72-73 years.

Global survival trends for brain tumors, by histology: analysis of individual records for 556,237 adults diagnosed in 59 countries during 2000-2014 (CONCORD-3)

BACKGROUND

Survival is a key metric of the effectiveness of a health system in managing cancer. We set out to provide a comprehensive examination of worldwide variation and trends in survival from brain tumors in adults, by histology.

METHODS

We analyzed individual data for adults (15-99 years) diagnosed with a brain tumor (ICD-O-3 topography code C71) during 2000-2014, regardless of tumor behavior. Data underwent a 3-phase quality control as part of CONCORD-3. We estimated net survival for 11 histology groups, using the unbiased nonparametric Pohar Perme estimator.

RESULTS

The study included 556,237 adults. In 2010-2014, the global range in age-standardized 5-year net survival for the most common sub-types was broad: in the range 20%-38% for diffuse and anaplastic astrocytoma, from 4% to 17% for glioblastoma, and between 32% and 69% for oligodendroglioma. For patients with glioblastoma, the largest gains in survival occurred between 2000-2004 and 2005-2009. These improvements were more noticeable among adults diagnosed aged 40-70 years than among younger adults.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the largest account to date of global trends in population-based survival for brain tumors by histology in adults. We have highlighted remarkable gains in 5-year survival from glioblastoma since 2005, providing large-scale empirical evidence on the uptake of chemoradiation at population level. Worldwide, survival improvements have been extensive, but some countries still lag behind. Our findings may help clinicians involved in national and international tumor pathway boards to promote initiatives aimed at more extensive implementation of clinical guidelines.

Association and dose-response relationship between exposure to alcohol advertising media and current drinking: a nationwide cross-sectional study of Japanese adolescents

BACKGROUND

Underage drinking is a public health concern. However, few studies have examined the association between alcoholic beverage advertising and underage drinking, particularly in countries with low underage drinking rates, such as Japan. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship between exposure to advertising in various media and alcohol drinking among Japanese adolescents.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 15,683 adolescents (51% girls) using data from a nationwide lifestyle survey in 2021 among junior and senior high schools across Japan. Media types were websites, stores, and public transportation. We defined current drinking as alcohol consumption of ≥1 day in the 30 days preceding the survey. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between exposure to alcohol advertisements and current drinking, adjusting for sex, grades, school area, lifestyle (bedtime and having fun at school), and addictive behaviors (smoking status and parents' alcohol consumption).

RESULTS

The prevalence of current drinking was 2.2% (2.3% of boys and 2.0% of girls). Students who were exposed to any alcohol advertising media had higher odds of current drinking compared with those who were not (odds ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-1.87). Students who were exposed to web, in-store, and public transportation advertisements had odds ratios of 1.44 (95% CI, 1.14-1.81), 1.62 (1.28-2.05), and 1.45 (1.06-1.98) of current drinking, respectively, compared with those who were not. The association of exposure to alcohol advertising media with the prevalence of current drinking was similar among boys and girls (all p for sex interaction >0.1), except for that of exposure to web advertisements; its association with current drinking was more pronounced in girls (p for sex interaction = 0.046). Exposure to a larger cumulative number of different alcohol advertising media was independently associated with a higher prevalence of current drinking among all students, boys, and girls (p-values for trend <0.001, 0.031, and <0.001, respectively; p for sex interaction = 0.085).

CONCLUSIONS

We found an association with a dose-response relationship between exposure to alcohol advertisements and current drinking among adolescents in junior and senior high schools across Japan. Our findings highlight the need for further advertising regulations to prevent underage drinking.

Extended p_{3/2} Neutron Orbital and the N=32 Shell Closure in ^{52}Ca

The one-neutron knockout from ^{52}Ca in inverse kinematics onto a proton target was performed at ∼230  MeV/nucleon combined with prompt γ spectroscopy. Exclusive quasifree scattering cross sections to bound states in ^{51}Ca and the momentum distributions corresponding to the removal of 1f_{7/2} and 2p_{3/2} neutrons were measured. The cross sections, interpreted within the distorted-wave impulse approximation reaction framework, are consistent with a shell closure at the neutron number N=32, found as strong as at N=28 and N=34 in Ca isotopes from the same observables. The analysis of the momentum distributions leads to a difference of the root-mean-square radii of the neutron 1f_{7/2} and 2p_{3/2} orbitals of 0.61(23) fm, in agreement with the modified-shell-model prediction of 0.7 fm suggesting that the large root-mean-square radius of the 2p_{3/2} orbital in neutron-rich Ca isotopes is responsible for the unexpected linear increase of the charge radius with the neutron number.

Cosmic-Ray Boron Flux Measured from 8.4 GeV/n to 3.8 TeV/n with the Calorimetric Electron Telescope on the International Space Station

We present the measurement of the energy dependence of the boron flux in cosmic rays and its ratio to the carbon flux in an energy interval from 8.4  GeV/n to 3.8  TeV/n based on the data collected by the Calorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET) during ∼6.4  yr of operation on the International Space Station. An update of the energy spectrum of carbon is also presented with an increase in statistics over our previous measurement. The observed boron flux shows a spectral hardening at the same transition energy E_{0}∼200  GeV/n of the C spectrum, though B and C fluxes have different energy dependences. The spectral index of the B spectrum is found to be γ=-3.047±0.024 in the interval 25<E<200  GeV/n. The B spectrum hardens by Δγ_{B}=0.25±0.12, while the best fit value for the spectral variation of C is Δγ_{C}=0.19±0.03. The B/C flux ratio is compatible with a hardening of 0.09±0.05, though a single power-law energy dependence cannot be ruled out given the current statistical uncertainties. A break in the B/C ratio energy dependence would support the recent AMS-02 observations that secondary cosmic rays exhibit a stronger hardening than primary ones. We also perform a fit to the B/C ratio with a leaky-box model of the cosmic-ray propagation in the Galaxy in order to probe a possible residual value λ_{0} of the mean escape path length λ at high energy. We find that our B/C data are compatible with a nonzero value of λ_{0}, which can be interpreted as the column density of matter that cosmic rays cross within the acceleration region.

Discovery of ^{39}Na

The new isotope ^{39}Na, the most neutron-rich sodium nucleus observed so far, was discovered at the RIKEN Nishina Center Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory using the projectile fragmentation of an intense ^{48}Ca beam at 345  MeV/nucleon on a beryllium target. Projectile fragments were separated and identified in flight with the large-acceptance two-stage separator BigRIPS. Nine ^{39}Na events have been unambiguously observed in this work and clearly establish the particle stability of ^{39}Na. Furthermore, the lack of observation of ^{35,36}Ne isotopes in this experiment significantly improves the overall confidence that ^{34}Ne is the neutron dripline nucleus of neon. These results provide new key information to understand nuclear binding and nuclear structure under extremely neutron-rich conditions. The newly established stability of ^{39}Na has a significant impact on nuclear models and theories predicting the neutron dripline and also provides a key to understanding the nuclear shell property of ^{39}Na at the neutron number N=28, which is normally a magic number.

Observation of Spectral Structures in the Flux of Cosmic-Ray Protons from 50 GeV to 60 TeV with the Calorimetric Electron Telescope on the International Space Station

A precise measurement of the cosmic-ray proton spectrum with the Calorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET) is presented in the energy interval from 50 GeV to 60 TeV, and the observation of a softening of the spectrum above 10 TeV is reported. The analysis is based on the data collected during ∼6.2  years of smooth operations aboard the International Space Station and covers a broader energy range with respect to the previous proton flux measurement by CALET, with an increase of the available statistics by a factor of ∼2.2. Above a few hundred GeV we confirm our previous observation of a progressive spectral hardening with a higher significance (more than 20 sigma). In the multi-TeV region we observe a second spectral feature with a softening around 10 TeV and a spectral index change from -2.6 to -2.9 consistently, within the errors, with the shape of the spectrum reported by DAMPE. We apply a simultaneous fit of the proton differential spectrum which well reproduces the gradual change of the spectral index encompassing the lower energy power-law regime and the two spectral features observed at higher energies.

Larger Posterior Revascularization Associated with Reduction of Choroidal Anastomosis in Moyamoya Disease: A Quantitative Angiographic Analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Choroidal anastomosis, a hemorrhage-prone periventricular collateral manifestation in Moyamoya disease, outflows to the cortex posterior to the central sulcus. The objective of the present study was to test whether the angiographic extent of revascularization posterior to the central sulcus contributes to the postoperative reduction of choroidal anastomosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included choroidal anastomosis-positive hemispheres before direct bypass surgery. The postoperative reduction of choroidal anastomosis was determined by a consensus of 2 raters according to the previous research. An imaging software automatically traced the angiographic revascularization area, which was subsequently divided into anterior and posterior parts by an anatomic line corresponding to the central sulcus. Each area was quantitatively measured as a percentage relative to the whole supratentorial area.

RESULTS

Postoperative reduction of choroidal anastomosis was achieved in 68 (85.0%) of the 80 included hemispheres. The revascularization area posterior to the central sulcus was significantly larger in the hemispheres with reduction than in those with no reduction (mean, 15.2% [SD, 7.1%] versus 4.2% [SD, 3.4%], P < .001), whereas no significant difference was observed in the revascularization area anterior to the central sulcus. Multivariate analysis revealed that the revascularization area posterior to the central sulcus was the only significant factor associated with reduction (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.21-2.03, for every 1% increase).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that a larger revascularization posterior to the central sulcus is associated with postoperative reduction of choroidal anastomosis regardless of the extent of anterior revascularization. It might facilitate optimal selection of the revascularization site for preventing hemorrhage.

Expression of T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domains (TIGIT) in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint proteins have not been fully examined in follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinoma and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most aggressive carcinomas. Even multimodal treatment does not result in favorable clinical outcomes for patients with ATC. Anti-tumor immunity has therefore been highlighted as having therapeutic promise for ATC.

METHODS

We examined a novel immune checkpoint receptor, T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domains (TIGIT), in variable thyroid lesions: adenomatous goiter, follicular adenoma, and thyroid carcinoma (TC) using immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTS

Our IHC results showed that TIGIT expression was detected in cancer cells of MTC and high-grade TC: poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) and ATC. Neoplastic cells were positive for TIGIT in four of five MTCs (80.0%), 17 of 31 ATCs (54.8%) and in 3 of 12 PDTCs (25.0%). TIGIT was not detected in any adenomatous goiters, thyroid benign tumors, or differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTCs). Intriguingly, ATC cells showing pleomorphic/giant cell features were positive for TIGIT, while ATC cells with other cell morphologies lacked the immunoreactivity. Intra-tumoral immune cell was inclined to be enriched in TIGI-positive ATC. Although coexisting papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) components demonstrated high-grade microscopic features, neither the PTC nor follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) components expressed TIGT in any composite ATCs.

CONCLUSION

TIGIT was immunohistochemically found in MTC with high frequency and partially in high-grade TC. TIGIT expression in cancer cells may be beneficial for a potential utility in MTC and a subset of high-grade TC, especially ATC therapy.

Optimisation of Radiation Therapy in Bladder Preservation Therapy for Patients With Clinical Stage T2N0M0 Bladder Cancer

AIMS

A novel bladder preservation therapy, the OMC (Osaka Medical College) regimen, which combines radiation therapy with balloon-occluded arterial infusion of anticancer agents, is a treatment option for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). We retrospectively analysed the effects of changes in radiation dose and irradiation field on treatment efficacy and adverse events.The purpose of this study is to use the results of this study to help determine a course of radiation therapy for bladder preservation therapy of cT2N0M0 MIBC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined 352 patients with clinical stage T2N0M0 (cT2N0M0) MIBC classified into the following groups based on the irradiation method: group A, the whole pelvis (50 Gy/25 fractions) + local bladder (10 Gy/5 fractions); group B, the small pelvis (50 Gy/25 fractions) + local bladder (10 Gy/5 fractions); group C, the whole pelvis (40 Gy/20 fractions) + local bladder (10 Gy/5 fractions).

RESULTS

The complete response rate, 3-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates in group A were 92.9%, 94.9% and 82.1%, respectively; in group B were 87.2%, 86.7% and 76.7%, respectively; and in group C were 95.2%, 92.6% and 71.1%, respectively. No significant differences between the groups were noted. The incidence of ≥grade 3 urinary tract and gastrointestinal toxicities were not significantly different among the groups (group A: 7.8%, 1.7%; B, 11.1%, 0%; C, 7.1%, 1.8%, respectively). The 3-year progression-free rates of the common iliac lymph node (CILN) region in patients who received whole-pelvis and small-pelvis irradiation were 99.0 and 89.0% (P < 0.01), respectively, with the latter group having significantly high lymph node recurrence in the CILN region.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed that the optimal radiation therapy for patients with cT2N0M0 MIBC undergoing the OMC regimen is whole-pelvis irradiation including the CILN region, with a total dose of 50 Gy/25 fractions.

POS1224 RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS DISEASE ACTIVITY ASSESSED BY PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOMES AND FLOW CYTOMETRY BEFORE AND AFTER AN ADDITIONAL DOSE OF COVID-19 VACCINE

Background

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an additional dose (AddDose) of COVID-19 vaccine for moderately/severely immunosuppressed individuals following an initial vaccine series. The American College of Rheumatology suggests that patients interrupt use (hold) certain DMARDs around the time of COVID-19 vaccination to improve immunogenicity. Whether holding DMARDs around an AddDose of COVID-19 vaccine affects RA disease activity or affects frequencies of lymphocyte populations that may be associated with RA disease activity remains unknown.

Objectives

To test whether RA disease activity and frequencies of lymphocyte populations change pre- vs. post-AddDose of COVID-19 vaccine, overall and stratified by holding vs. continuation of DMARDs around the AddDose.

Methods

Prospective observational cohort study of patients with RA who had completed an initial COVID-19 vaccine series (2 doses of mRNA vaccine or 1 dose of adenovirus vector vaccine). Subjects enrolled July-November 2021, prior to receiving an AddDose. Subjects held or continued DMARDs around the AddDose based on discussion with their rheumatologist and/or personal decision-making. RA disease activity was assessed weekly using the validated patient-reported RA Disease Activity Index-5 (RADAI-5) from enrollment through 4 weeks post-AddDose. We compared mean RADAI-5 pre- vs. post-AddDose using generalized estimating equations to account for correlated data among individual subjects. We aimed to enroll 60 subjects to achieve 91% power to detect a 15% non-inferiority margin in mean RADAI-5 post- vs. pre-AddDose. A subset of subjects with seropositive RA provided blood for flow cytometry at enrollment and week 4 post-AddDose. Frequencies of lymphocyte populations (T peripheral helper [Tph] cells, T follicular helper [Tfh] cells, age-associated B cells [ABC], and plasmablasts) were compared pre- vs. post-AddDose using Wilcoxon paired tests with Bonferroni correction.

Results

Among 71 subjects, mean age was 62 (SD 12) years, 85% were female, and 87% had seropositive RA. Methotrexate (42%) and TNF inhibitors (38%) were the most common DMARDs; 21% were taking prednisone. One subject reported COVID-19 infection prior to the AddDose. The mean RADAI-5 was 3.20 (SD 0.23) pre-AddDose compared to 3.25 (SD 0.23) after (difference of 1.6%, p=0.51). Figure 1 displays mean RADAI-5 in 35 (49%) subjects that held at least 1 DMARD and 36 (51%) subjects that continued all DMARDs around the AddDose. Mean change in RADAI-5 between pre- vs. post-AddDose did not significantly differ based on whether subjects held vs. continued DMARDs (p for interaction = 0.16). Frequencies of Tph, Tfh, ABC, and plasmablast populations did not significantly differ between the pre- and post-AddDose timepoints in subjects that held at least 1 DMARD (n=16) or subjects that continued all DMARD (n=11) (Figure 1).

Conclusion

RA disease activity, measured weekly with a validated patient-reported outcome, is stable around the time of an AddDose of COVID-19 vaccine. Lymphocyte subsets of interest in RA were also similar before and after the AddDose, supporting the observation of stable patient-reported RA disease activity. Holding DMARDs was not associated with greater RA disease activity following the AddDose.

Disclosure of Interests

Sara Tedeschi Consultant of: NGM Biopharmaceuticals: payment to Dr. Tedeschi, Grant/research support from: Moderna: research support to institution, Jacklyn Stratton: None declared, Jack Ellrodt: None declared, Mary Grace Whelan: None declared, Keigo Hayashi: None declared, Kazuki Yoshida Consultant of: OM1, Inc: consulting fees paid to Dr. Yoshida, Lin Chen: None declared, Ifeoluwakiisi Adejoorin: None declared, Kathryne E. Marks: None declared, A. Helena Jonsson Grant/research support from: Moderna: research support to institution

Amgen: payment to institution for unrelated project, Deepak Rao Speakers bureau: Merck: honoraria lecture paid to Dr. Rao, Consultant of: Janssen: consulting fees paid to Dr. Rao

Bristol Myers Squibb: participation on scientific advisory board with compensation paid to Dr. Rao, Grant/research support from: Moderna: research funding paid to institution

Janssen: research funding paid to institution

Merck: research funding paid to institution, Daniel Solomon Grant/research support from: Moderna: payment made to institution

Amgen: payment to institution

Abbvie: payment to institution

CorEvitas: payment to institution

Direct Measurement of the Nickel Spectrum in Cosmic Rays in the Energy Range from 8.8 GeV/n to 240 GeV/n with CALET on the International Space Station

The relative abundance of cosmic ray nickel nuclei with respect to iron is by far larger than for all other transiron elements; therefore it provides a favorable opportunity for a low background measurement of its spectrum. Since nickel, as well as iron, is one of the most stable nuclei, the nickel energy spectrum and its relative abundance with respect to iron provide important information to estimate the abundances at the cosmic ray source and to model the Galactic propagation of heavy nuclei. However, only a few direct measurements of cosmic-ray nickel at energy larger than ∼3  GeV/n are available at present in the literature, and they are affected by strong limitations in both energy reach and statistics. In this Letter, we present a measurement of the differential energy spectrum of nickel in the energy range from 8.8  to 240  GeV/n, carried out with unprecedented precision by the Calorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET) in operation on the International Space Station since 2015. The CALET instrument can identify individual nuclear species via a measurement of their electric charge with a dynamic range extending far beyond iron (up to atomic number Z=40). The particle's energy is measured by a homogeneous calorimeter (1.2 proton interaction lengths, 27 radiation lengths) preceded by a thin imaging section (3 radiation lengths) providing tracking and energy sampling. This Letter follows our previous measurement of the iron spectrum [1O. Adriani et al. (CALET Collaboration), Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 241101 (2021).PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.126.241101], and it extends our investigation on the energy dependence of the spectral index of heavy elements. It reports the analysis of nickel data collected from November 2015 to May 2021 and a detailed assessment of the systematic uncertainties. In the region from 20 to 240  GeV/n our present data are compatible within the errors with a single power law with spectral index -2.51±0.07.

Effects of antipsychotics on intravenous sedation with midazolam and propofol during dental treatment for patients with intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND

Some patients with intellectual disabilities (ID) are prescribed antipsychotic drugs for symptomatic treatment of behavioural disorders. Nevertheless, it can still prove difficult to perform dental treatments safely for some patients with ID. In such cases, treatment under intravenous sedation (IVS) is one option. Sedative, hypnotic and α-blocking effects of antipsychotic drugs may cause adverse events, such as severe hypotension, among patients who take antipsychotic drugs regularly. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral antipsychotic medication on cardiovascular function during IVS. Accordingly, we compared mean blood pressure (MBP) and heart rate (HR) between patients who regularly take antipsychotic drugs and patients who do not.

METHODS

Thirty-seven patients with ID were enrolled in this study. All participants were outpatients of Special Care Dentistry of general hospital and received dental treatment under IVS performed with a combination of midazolam and propofol. Eighteen patients regularly took antipsychotics (medication group), and 19 patients were not currently taking antipsychotics (non-medication group). MBP, HR, dose, and effect-site concentration of intravenous sedative medications were measured at three points: 'before IVS', 'at optimal sedation', and 'during dental treatment'.

RESULTS

The magnitude of reduction of MBP was significantly smaller in the medication group than in the non-medication group (P < 0.023). However, there were no differences in MBP, HR, dose, and effect-site concentration of midazolam and propofol between groups at any point.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that antipsychotic medication may not have clinically significant adverse effects on cardiovascular fluctuations during dental treatment under IVS for persons with ID.

Oligodeoxynucleotides Modified with 2'-O-(Cysteinylaminobutyl)carbamoylethylribothymidine Residues for Native Chemical Ligation with Peptide at Internal Positions

We used native chemical ligation (NCL) to synthesize a 2'-O-{N-[N-(S-tert-butylthiocysteinyl)aminobutyl]carbamoylethyl} (CysBCE) ribothymidine-derived oligonucleotide to expand the variety of peptide conjugation sites, allowing the incorporation of peptides at the 2'-hydroxy group when the oligonucleotide forms a duplex with the complementary strand. The NCL reaction with a peptide thioester and the modified oligonucleotide proceeded smoothly even when the CysBCE modification was in the middle of the oligonucleotide sequence. In addition, we incorporated two CysBCEs into an oligonucleotide to conjugate two peptides to one oligonucleotide. The results indicated that the tandem NCL reactions proceeded efficiently when the oligonucleotide hybridized to the complementary strand to avoid intramolecular disulfide formation between the two CysBCE groups. This method could be useful for peptide conjugation on the 2'-position.

Improvement of (S)-Selective Imine Reductase GF3546 for the Synthesis of Chiral Cyclic Amines

An engineered (S)-selective imine reductase from Streptomyces sp. GF3546 (SIR46) showed twice the activity of the wild type and high thermostability at 50°C. Using a biocatalyst based on SIR46, we...

Distal thigh compression garment improves knee control and safety perceptions during single leg triple-hop for distance

INTRODUCTION

Frontal plane knee control is essential to athletic knee injury prevention.

AIM

To evaluate knee valgus frontal plane projection angle (FPPA), knee safety, and sports movement capability confidence during single leg triple hop for distance (SLTHD) under knee sleeve, distal thigh compression garment (DTCG), and no device (control) conditions.

METHODS

A single-session, experimental study was performed using a within-subject design, and randomized device order. Two-dimensional FPPA measurements were collected during the final SLTHD landing of 18 healthy female college athletes for each condition. Sports movement capability and knee safety confidence were measured using 10-cm visual analog scale questions. One-way ANOVA assessed group differences, and Pearson correlations delineated FPPA, knee safety and sports movement capability confidence relationships (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The DTCG group had less valgus FPPA than the control group. The knee sleeve group had greater knee safety confidence than the control group. The DTCG (r = 0.48) had a moderate positive relationship between mean SLTHD and knee safety confidence. The DTCG group also had a moderate relationship between maximum SLTHD and knee safety confidence (r = 0.52). The DTCG and knee sleeve groups displayed moderate direct, and moderate inverse relationships between FPPA and sports movement capability confidence (r = 0.48 and r = -0.44, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Reduced FPPA and relationships between maximum SLTHD magnitude and knee safety confidence, and between FPPA magnitude and sports movement capability confidence suggests that the DTCG may enhance pelvic deltoid kinesthetic acuity and dynamic knee stability through iliotibial tract compression.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The DTCG was superior to the standard knee sleeve or control conditions for displaying characteristics that might better prevent knee injury, while still enabling effective sports movement capability.

Effects of an elemental diet to reduce adverse events in patients with esophageal cancer receiving docetaxel/cisplatin/5-fluorouracil: a phase III randomized controlled trial-EPOC 2 (JFMC49-1601-C5)

Background

Oral mucositis (OM) is an unpleasant adverse event in patients receiving chemotherapy. A prospective feasibility study showed that elemental diet (ED), an oral supplement that does not require digestion, may prevent OM. Based on this, we established a central review system for oral cavity assessment by dental oncology specialists blinded to background data. We used this system to elucidate the preventive effect of an ED against OM in patients with esophageal cancer receiving docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) therapy.

Patients and methods

In this phase III, multicenter, parallel-group, controlled trial, patients consuming a normal diet orally were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to receive two cycles of DCF with (group A) or without (group B) an ED (Elental® 160 g/day). We assessed the incidence of grade ≥2 OM evaluated by two reviewers, changes in body weight, prealbumin, C-reactive protein, and DCF completion rate based on ED compliance.

Results

Of the 117 patients randomly assigned to treatment, four failed to start treatment and were excluded from the primary analysis; thus, groups A and B comprised 55 and 58 patients, respectively. There were no significant differences in background characteristics. Grade ≥2 OM was observed in eight (15%) and 20 (34%) patients in groups A and B, respectively (P = 0.0141). Changes in body weight and prealbumin during the two DCF cycles were significantly higher in group A than B (P = 0.0022 and 0.0203, respectively). During the first cycle, changes in C-reactive protein were significantly lower in group A than B (P = 0.0338). In group A (receiving ED), the DCF completion rate was 100% in patients with 100% ED compliance and 70% in patients failing ED completion (P = 0.0046).

Conclusions

The study findings demonstrate that an ED can prevent OM in patients with esophageal cancer receiving chemotherapy.

•

Patients receiving docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) chemotherapy commonly develop oral mucositis (OM).

•

An elemental diet (ED) was able to prevent OM in patients with esophageal cancer receiving DCF.

•

Grade ≥2 OM was observed in 15% of patients receiving the ED versus 34% of those not receiving the ED (P = 0.0141).

•

Body weight was maintained in the ED group, and hematologic toxicities were lower, compared with the non-ED group.

•

The DCF completion rate significantly correlated with ED compliance (P = 0.0046).

Dec1 deficiency restores the age-related dysfunctions of submandibular glands

Age-related organ and tissue-specific cell kinetic and morphological alterations are associated with the incidence of numerous diseases in old age. Salivary dysfunction frequently appears in a wide range of older people and thus is a physiological and biological aspect of aging. The transcription factor Dec1 (differentiated embryo chondrocyte expressed gene 1) is essential for the regulation of cellular senescence. Here, we explored the morphological and physiological abnormalities and the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in the submandibular glands (SMGs) of young (3-month-old) and of aged (24-month-old) wild-type (WT) and Dec1KO mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (H-E) staining, Masson's Trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real time PCR were employed. MicroRNA (miRNA) expression profiles were examined using an Agilent system with a Mouse 8x60K array. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed an increased oxidative stress response (8-OHdG), increased expression levels of type I collagen in the fibrotic tissues with substantial amounts of fibroblasts and collagen fibers, the presence of CCl-22-positive lymphocytes infiltrating the SMGs of aged WT mice and a subsequently enhanced expression of fibrosis-associated gene (MMP-2) in the aged SMGs. The water channel protein aquaporin-5 (AQP5) was expressed in the basal cytoplasmic regions of acini in young SMGs but showed a decreased expression in aged SMGs. Myoepithelial cell markers (p63 immunoreactivity and a-SMA immunofluorescence staining) were also decreased in aged SMGs. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed decreased mRNA expression levels of AQP5 and increased mRNA expression levels of Dec1 in aged WT mice. All those characteristics were attenuated in aged Dec1KO mice. There were no apparent differences between young WT and Dec1KO mice. Of the miRNAs analyzed, miR-181c-5p, miR-141-3p, miR-374c-5p and miR-466i-3p are proposed regulatory targets of Dec1 and AQP5 genes that are involved in SMG dysfunction in aged mice. We suggest that a Dec1 deficiency might alleviate the aging-induced hypofunction of SMGs and relevant alterations of Dec1 would be useful to keep SMGs healthy. This study provides clues for determining unique microRNAs concerned with SMG dysfunction. Subsequent activation of such diversely expressed miRNAs be of great value in clarifying the nature of age-related alterations in SMGs.

Predictor of buckwheat allergy in children based on challenge test results: a retrospective observational study in Japan

Summary

Buckwheat (BW) is a major food allergen and one of the leading causes of food-induced anaphylaxis in Japan. The standard method of diagnosing food allergy is the oral food challenge (OFC). The BW-specific IgE (BW-sIgE) value is used to assess BW allergy but its utility is limited.The aim of the present study was to identify factors with predictive value for the diagnosis of BW allergy using the OFC.We evaluated 37 patients who were classified into the positive or negative group according to their OFC results. Ten patients (27.0%) showed objective or persistent, moderate, subjective symptoms during the OFC. The positive group had a significantly higher BW-sIgE/total IgE ratio than the negative group (p less than 0.001), but the total IgE (p = 0.139) and BW-sIgE (p = 0.130) did not differ significantly. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the BW-sIgE/total IgE ratio had a larger area under the curve (AUC, 0.885) than BW-sIgE (AUC, 0.667). The statistically optimal cut-off was 0.0058 for the BW-sIgE/total IgE ratio, which corresponded to a clinical sensitivity and specificity of 90.0% and 81.5%, respectively.BW-s IgE/total IgE ratio may be more useful predictor of BW OFC results than BW-s IgE.

Pairing Forces Govern Population of Doubly Magic ^{54}Ca from Direct Reactions

Direct proton-knockout reactions of ^{55}Sc at ∼220  MeV/nucleon were studied at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory. Populated states of ^{54}Ca were investigated through γ-ray and invariant-mass spectroscopy. Level energies were calculated from the nuclear shell model employing a phenomenological internucleon interaction. Theoretical cross sections to states were calculated from distorted-wave impulse approximation estimates multiplied by the shell model spectroscopic factors, which describe the wave function overlap of the ^{55}Sc ground state with states in ^{54}Ca. Despite the calculations showing a significant amplitude of excited neutron configurations in the ground-state of ^{55}Sc, valence proton removals populated predominantly the ground state of ^{54}Ca. This counterintuitive result is attributed to pairing effects leading to a dominance of the ground-state spectroscopic factor. Owing to the ubiquity of the pairing interaction, this argument should be generally applicable to direct knockout reactions from odd-even to even-even nuclei.

The structure of aqueous solutions of hexafluoro-iso-propanol studied by neutron diffraction with hydrogen/deuterium isotope substitution and empirical potential structure refinement modeling

Neutron diffraction measurements of H/D isotopic substitution are made at room temperature for seven H/D substituted hexafluoro-iso-propanol (HFIP; 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol)-water mixtures at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 HFIP mole fraction (xHFIP). The eight partial structure factors except for the H(CH)-H(CH) pair obtained are subjected to an empirical potential structure refinement (EPSR) method to derive all site-site pair correlation functions. It is found that with increasing HFIP concentration the ice-like network of water disappears between xHFIP = 0.1 and 0.2, followed by the formation of a chain-like water structure embedded in an intrinsic structure of HFIP evolved at xHFIP = 0.4. The hydroxyl group of HFIP forms hydrogen bonds with the surrounding water molecules at all HFIP mole fractions investigated. There is no evidence that the water structure is well defined around the CF3 groups of HFIP, but water molecules surround tangentially the CF3 groups of HFIP.

Measurement of the Iron Spectrum in Cosmic Rays from 10 GeV/n to 2.0 TeV/n with the Calorimetric Electron Telescope on the International Space Station

The Calorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET), in operation on the International Space Station since 2015, collected a large sample of cosmic-ray iron over a wide energy interval. In this Letter a measurement of the iron spectrum is presented in the range of kinetic energy per nucleon from 10  GeV/n to 2.0  TeV/n allowing the inclusion of iron in the list of elements studied with unprecedented precision by space-borne instruments. The measurement is based on observations carried out from January 2016 to May 2020. The CALET instrument can identify individual nuclear species via a measurement of their electric charge with a dynamic range extending far beyond iron (up to atomic number Z=40). The energy is measured by a homogeneous calorimeter with a total equivalent thickness of 1.2 proton interaction lengths preceded by a thin (3 radiation lengths) imaging section providing tracking and energy sampling. The analysis of the data and the detailed assessment of systematic uncertainties are described and results are compared with the findings of previous experiments. The observed differential spectrum is consistent within the errors with previous experiments. In the region from 50  GeV/n to 2  TeV/n our present data are compatible with a single power law with spectral index -2.60±0.03.

Development of an application tool to support returnees in Fukushima

To promote radiation protection and health promotion among returning residents (returnees) in coastal areas of Fukushima, eHealth principles were used to develop a new application tool (app) that can record radiation exposure and health status while providing comprehensive support to returnees. Intended users are returnees and health and welfare workers. After assessing their needs, a flowchart and prototype for operational logic were created using commercially available software tools. Professional developers will focus on improving the user interface and ensuring data security. The finished app will be compatible with mobile telephones and tablets. Utility and ease of use are paramount to serve returnees of all ages effectively.

AB0136 ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIP AMONG OBESITY, GENETIC POLYMORPHISM, AND CLINICAL PARAMETERS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Several study suggested body mass index(BMI) may influence development of rheumatoid arthritis(RA). There are conflicting reports concerning the impact of high BMI on development of RA, but several reports of obese on drug resistance and functional impairment. The relationship of genetic polymorphism on obesity is unclear in RA.

Objectives:

To examine the relationship among BMI, genetic polymorphism of obesity, disease activity of RA, laboratory parameters, and therapeutic agent of RA.

Methods:

We have carried out a retrospective observational study by systematically analyzing medical records of total 289 patients diagnosed with RA in Shinko Hospital between March 2016 and December 2019. We also conducted genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including FTO (rs1558902 and rs9939609), UCP1 (rs1800592), ADR2(rs1042713) and ADR3(rs4994) after informed consent. Obesity was defined as BMI over than 25 and patients were divided between obese (“Ob”) and non-obese (“non-Ob”). These SNPs, DAS28CRP, laboratory parameters, methotrexate dose, use of biological DMARDs were compared between Ob and non-Ob patients.

Results:

Of these 289 patients, 82.7% was female, mean age was 61.9 years and BMI was 22.4. Univariate logistic regression showed differences (p<0.1) between Ob and non Ob groups in UCP1 gene mutation(63.6% vs 78%, P=0.018), DAS(2.24 vs 1.99, P=0.033),triglyceride abnormality(23.8% vs 9.3%, P=0.021), HDL(56 vs 71, P=0.00009), HbA1c abnormality(26.5% vs 12.1%, P=0.019),γGTP(32 vs 21, P=0.00037), ALP (253 vs 230, P=0.0058), ALT (26.5 vs 20, P=0.029),and MTX dose(6 vs 8, P=0.066). Multivariate logistic regression showed that Ob group was significantly associated with HDL(OR=0.976, 95%CI 0.958 to 0.995), UCP1 gene mutation(OR=0.446, 95%CI 0.202 to 0.984), γGTP(OR=2.321, 95%CI 1.269 to 4.245), and MTX dose(OR=0.866, 0.784 to 0.957).

Conclusion:

Obesity in patients with RA had significant positive correlation with γGTP, and negative correlation with HDL, UCP gene mutation and MTX dose.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

OP0101 RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS DISEASE ACTIVITY OVER TIME AND SUBSEQUENT CARDIOVASCULAR RISKS

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events not fully explained by traditional CV risk factors. The relationship between fluctuating inflammation due to RA disease activity and CV events is of interest.

Objectives:

To examine the influence of time-varying disease activity on the subsequent risks of CV disease.

Methods:

We followed patients from a large US registry of clinically diagnosed RA patients, starting at their first visit with a Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) through the end of follow-up or first CV event. Exposure of interest was disease activity measured by categorical CDAI (high, moderate, low, and remission) averaged within each 6-month window. The outcome of interest was major adverse CV events (MACE) defined as non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke (excluding transient ischemic attacks), and CV death. For baseline confounders we considered age, gender, race, disease duration, Health Assessment Questionnaire, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, family history of premature (age<50) CV events, and RF/ACPA seropositivity. For time-varying variables we considered tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi), non-TNFi biologic, methotrexate, oral glucocorticoid, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, statin, and aspirin use. We used the marginal structural model (MSM) framework to examine the impact of CDAI at each 6-month interval on MACE. We estimated time-varying hazard ratios (HRs) comparing high CDAI during follow-up to CDAI remission. Several predicted survival curves were constructed under different hypothetical CDAI scenarios, such as early and late transition to CDAI remission.

Results:

40,721 patients were eligible for our analyses. 77% were female and 84% were Caucasian. The mean age was 58 (SD 13) years with mean disease duration of 8.8 (median 5) years. Mean CDAI at their first registry visit was 14 (SD 13; remission 19%, low 31%, moderate 28%, and high 22%). Other baseline characteristics include: 41% current/former smokers, 31.5% with hypertension, 8.6% with diabetes, 18% with hyperlipidemia, and 52% seropositive. The average follow-up duration after baseline was 4.4 (median 3.3; max. 17.6) years. The crude event count of MACE was 1,050 events / 180,402 person-years.

In the MSM analysis, the average HRs, assuming a constant HR, were 1.31 [0.90, 1.90] for low, 1.46 [1.01, 2.10] for moderate, and 1.43 [0.89, 2.31] for high CDAI disease activity categories during each 6-month interval. When approximating time-varying HR with linear trends, the highest estimates during the first 6 months of follow up were 1.61 [0.93, 2.77] for low CDAI, 1.97 [1.13, 3.43] for moderate CDAI, and 2.11 [1.13, 3.96] for high CDAI. These HRs gradually diminished during the follow up (Table). When we constructed hypothetical survival curves with transition to CDAI remission at different time points, earlier transition to CDAI remission was related to better event-free survival (Figure).

Table 1.

Time-varying hazard ratio estimates [95% confidence intervals] by duration in study

Disease activity measured by CDAIYearRemissionLowModerateHigh0.51.00 [ref]1.61 [0.93, 2.77]1.97 [1.13, 3.43]2.11 [1.13, 3.96]11.00 [ref]1.54 [0.97, 2.44]1.85 [1.17, 2.93]1.94 [1.13, 3.31]21.00 [ref]1.42 [1.00, 2.01]1.63 [1.16, 2.29]1.62 [1.04, 2.54]31.00 [ref]1.31 [0.90, 1.90]1.43 [0.97, 2.11]1.36 [0.80, 2.31]41.00 [ref]1.20 [0.72, 2.02]1.26 [0.72, 2.21]1.14 [0.55, 2.36]51.00 [ref]1.11 [0.54, 2.26]1.11 [0.51, 2.42]0.96 [0.36, 2.53]Figure 1.

MACE-free survival curves under hypothetical CDAI scenarios

Conclusion:

High and moderate CDAI were associated with higher hazard of MACE during the earlier period of follow-up, but the increased hazard diminished over time. In hypothetical senarios, earlier transition to CDAI remission would improve MACE free-survival.

Acknowledgements:

This study was sponsored by Corrona, LLC. Corrona is supported through contracted subscriptions with multiple pharmaceutical companies. The analysis was financially supported by Amgen Inc.

Disclosure of Interests:

Kazuki Yoshida Consultant of: OM1, Inc., Grant/research support from: Corrona, LLC., Hongshu Guan: None declared, Scott Stryker Shareholder of: Amgen, Inc., Employee of: Amgen, Inc., Elaine Karis Shareholder of: Amgen, Inc., Employee of: Amgen, Inc., Leslie Harrold Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genentech/Roche, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Daniel Solomon Grant/research support from: DHS receives salary support from research contracts through Brigham and Women’s Hospital with Abbvie, Amgen, Corrona, Genentech and Janssen.

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

Background:

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

Objectives:

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

Methods:

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

Results:

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

Conclusion:

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

Table 1.

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

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

References:

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

Acknowledgements:

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

Disclosure of Interests:

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

POS0868 THE FORMULA TO PREDICT TACROLIMUS CONCENTRATION ACCORDING TO GENOTYPING OF CYP3A5 IS USEFUL FOR EFFECTIVE TREATMENT IN INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE WITH DERMATOMYOSITIS

Background:

Tacrolimus (TAC), an immunosuppressant, can be used in second-line maintenance therapy for interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with dermatomyositis (DM) [1]. Although some studies reported the clinical efficacy of initial high-trough levels of TAC in combination with GC and IVCY in induction therapy for severe DM-ILD [2], there have been no useful clinical tools for deciding suitable initial dose of TAC. Genotype of polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5 enzyme was reported to play an important role in pharmacokinetics of TAC [3], and we made a formula for deciding initial dose of TAC according to CYP3A5 genotypes in our previous study.

Objectives:

In our previous study (retrospective study), we set the target trough according to the severity for nine DM-ILD patients, six of whom were CYP3A5 *3/*3 and investigated the dose of TAC that could attain the trough using their CYP3A5 genootyping. Using these results, we developed a formula for deciding initial daily dose of TAC (target trough*weight / [(151.1, if CYP3A5 *3/*3) or (86.5, if CYP3A5 *1 allele)]). In this study, we prospectively examined the usefulness and accuracy of this formula.

Methods:

We introduced TAC for new six DM-ILD patients who visited our hospital between November 2019 and May 2020 (prospective study). The starting dose of TAC was decided by using the formula. We assessed the association between predicted and observed trough concentration of TAC at first measurement date (from day 2 to day4), using linear regression analysis. We also assessed the days for attaining the target trough concentration between the patients using the formula (prospective group) and six patients with CYP3A5 *3/*3 (retrospective group).

Results:

CYP3A5 genotype of all six DM-ILD patients were *3/*3 and underwent the TAC treatment by using the formula. The predicted and observed trough concentration of first measurement date were significantly correlated in the patients (r 2= 0.897, p=0.0041) (Fig.1). Compared with our retrospective study, target trough was more quickly attained in patients of the prospective study (Fig.2).

Conclusion:

The formula which we made for attainment target trough concentration based on CYP3A5 genotype was useful for deciding the starting dose of TAC. We also showed that we could attain the target trough concentration at early stage of initial treatment by using the formula.

References:

[1]Oddis CV and Aggarwal R. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2018;14(5):279-89.

[2]Suzuka T et al. Int J Rheum dis 2019;22: 303-13.

[3]Y. Muraki et al. Exp Ther Med 2018;15:532-38.

Figure 1.

Correlation of predicted and observed tacrolimus trough concentration at first measurement in the prospective study

Figure 2.

Days to attain the target trough concentration of tacrolimus in the prospective group and the retrospective group

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Diagnostic Accuracy of Screening Arterial Spin-Labeling MRI Using Hadamard Encoding for the Detection of Reduced CBF in Adult Patients with Ischemic Moyamoya Disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Adult patients with ischemic Moyamoya disease are advised to undergo selective revascularization surgery based on cerebral hemodynamics. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of arterial spin-labeling MR imaging using Hadamard-encoded multiple postlabeling delays for the detection of reduced CBF in such patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-seven patients underwent brain perfusion SPECT and pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling MR imaging using standard postlabeling delay (1525 ms) and Hadamard-encoded multiple postlabeling delays. For Hadamard-encoded multiple postlabeling delays, based on data obtained from the 7 sub-boluses with combinations of different labeling durations and postlabeling delays, CBF corrected by the arterial transit time was calculated on a voxel-by-voxel basis. Using a 3D stereotaxic template, we automatically placed ROIs in the ipsilateral cerebellar hemisphere and 5 MCA territories in the symptomatic cerebral hemisphere; then, the ratio of the MCA to cerebellar ROI was calculated.

RESULTS

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for detecting reduced SPECT-CBF ratios (<0.686) was significantly greater for the Hadamard-encoded multiple postlabeling delays-CBF ratios (0.885) than for the standard postlabeling delay-CBF ratios (0.786) (P = .001). The sensitivity and negative predictive value for the Hadamard-encoded multiple postlabeling delays-CBF ratios were 100% (95% confidence interval, 100%-100%) and significantly higher than the sensitivity (95% CI, 44%-80%) and negative predictive value (95% CI, 88%-97%) for the standard postlabeling delay-CBF ratio, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

ASL MR imaging using Hadamard-encoded multiple postlabeling delays may be applicable as a screening tool because it can detect reduced CBF on brain perfusion SPECT with 100% sensitivity and a 100% negative predictive value in adult patients with ischemic Moyamoya disease.

Endometrial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by menstruation-related inflammatory factors during hypoxia

Endometriosis is characterised by inflammation and fibrotic changes. Our previous study using a mouse model showed that proinflammatory factors present in peritoneal haemorrhage exacerbated inflammation in endometriosis-like grafts, at least in part through the activation of prostaglandin (PG) E2 receptor and protease-activated receptor (PAR). In addition, hypoxia is a well-known inducer of fibrosis that may be associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the complex molecular interactions between hypoxia and proinflammatory menstruation-related factors, PGE2 and thrombin, a PAR1 agonist, on EMT in endometriosis have not been fully characterised. To explore the effects of hypoxia and proinflammatory factors on EMT-like changes in endometrial cells, we determined the effects of PGE2 and thrombin (P/T) on EMT marker expression and cell migration in three dimensional cultured human endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) and endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Treatment of EECs with P/T under hypoxia stimulated cell migration, increased the expression of mesenchymal N-cadherin, vimentin and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), and reduced the expression of epithelial E-cadherin. Furthermore, treatment with C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), a ligand for CXCR4, increased EMT marker expression and cell migration. In ESCs, P/T or oestrogen treatment under hypoxic conditions increased the expression and secretion of CXCL12. Taken together, our data show that hypoxic and proinflammatory stimuli induce EMT, cell migration and inflammation in EECs, which was increased by CXCL12 derived from ESCs. These data imply that inflammatory mediators in retrograde menstrual fluid contribute to ectopic endometrial EMT and migration in the presence of peritoneal hypoxia.

A genetically defined signature of responsiveness to erlotinib in early-stage pancreatic cancer patients: Results from the CONKO-005 trial

Background

high recurrence rates of up to 75% within 2 years in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients resected for cure indicate a high medical need for clinical prediction tools and patient specific treatment approaches. Addition of the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib to adjuvant chemotherapy failed to improve outcome but its efficacy in some patients warrants predictors of responsiveness.

Patients and Methods

we analysed tumour samples from 293 R0-resected patients from the randomized, multicentre phase III CONKO-005 trial (gemcitabine ± erlotinib) with targeted sequencing, copy number, and RNA expression analyses.

Findings

a total of 1086 mutations and 4157 copy-number aberrations (CNAs) with a mean of 17.9 /tumour were identified. Main pathways affected by genetic aberrations were the MAPK-pathway (99%), cell cycle control (92%), TGFβ signalling (77%), chromatin remodelling (71%), and the PI3K/AKT pathway (65%). Based on genetic signatures extracted with non-negative matrix factorization we could define five patient clusters, which differed in mutation patterns, gene expression profiles, and survival. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, SMAD4 aberrations were identified as a negative prognostic marker in the gemcitabine arm, an effect that was counteracted when treated with erlotinib (DFS: HR=1.59, p = 0.016, and OS: HR = 1.67, p = 0.014). Integration of differential gene expression analysis established SMAD4 alterations with low MAPK9 expression (n = 91) as a predictive biomarker for longer DFS (HR=0.49; test for interaction, p = 0.02) and OS (HR = 0.32; test for interaction, p = 0.001).

Interpretation

this study identified five biologically distinct patient clusters with different actionable lesions and unravelled a previously unappreciated association of SMAD4 alteration status with erlotinib effectiveness. Confirmatory studies and mechanistic experiments are warranted to challenge the hypothesis that SMAD4 status might guide addition of erlotinib treatment in early-stage PDAC patients.