Comparing Various Resin Luting Cement Systems in Different Etching Modes Through Bond Durability and Morphological Features

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate bond performance of various resin luting cement (RLC) systems on enamel and dentin in different etching modes and to compare the RLC-tooth interface morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The self-adhesive RLC systems used in combination with universal adhesives were as follows: Scotchbond Universal Adhesive Plus + RelyX Universal (3M Oral Care) and Clearfil Universal Bond Quick ER + SA Luting Multi (Kuraray Noritake Dental). These RLC systems were also used alone as self-adhesive RLC systems without universal adhesives (self-adhesive mode). The conventional RLC systems for comparison materials were as follows: BeautiBond Xtream + ResiCem EX (Shofu) and Tooth Primer + Panavia V5 (Kuraray Noritake Dental). Twelve specimens were prepared for each group to measure shear bond strength (SBS) in different etching modes. A stainless-steel rod was used as a substitute for indirect restorations. Bonded specimens were allocated to baseline (stored for 24 hours) and artificially aged (thermocycling [TC] for 10,000 cycles) groups. Representative treated tooth surfaces and RLC-tooth interfaces were observed using SEM.

RESULTS

Three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that all the factors (etching mode, storage period, and RLC system) had a significant influence on the enamel SBS values (p<0.05). Enamel SBS was significantly higher in etch-&-rinse (ER) mode than in self-etch (SE) mode, regardless of RLC system or storage period. Three-way ANOVA showed that all the factors had a significant influence on the dentin SBS values (p<0.001). Most RLC systems showed significantly higher dentin SBS in SE mode than in ER mode, regardless of storage period. However, the combination with Scotchbond Universal Adhesive Plus and RelyX Universal showed no significant difference in SBS values between etching modes at the baseline and showed a significantly higher SBS value in ER mode than in SE mode after TC.

CONCLUSIONS

The self-adhesive RLC systems with universal adhesives tended to show higher enamel and dentin bond performance than the self-adhesive RLC systems alone. The morphology of treated tooth surfaces and resin cement-tooth interfaces were dependent on the RLC system and etching mode used. The RLC systems with primer application showed a thin, high-density layer above the intact dentin in both etching modes, suggesting chemical interaction.

Phase II Clinical Trial of Hypofractionated Image-Guided Proton Therapy with 12 Fractions for Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Towards hypofractionated proton therapy for prostate cancer for improving convenience for patients to receive treatment and improving therapeutic efficacy, image-guided technique with hydrogel spacer solved the late gastrointestinal toxicity, but it is unclear whether acute genitourinary (GU) toxicity is acceptable. The aim of this phase II study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of hypofractionated image-guided proton therapy (IGPT) with 12 fractions for prostate cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Eligibility criteria were as follows: (1) histologically confirmed primary prostate cancer; (2) T1-T3bN0M0 staged by (UICC TNM8th); (3) ECOG-PS ≤ 2; (4) age ≥ 20 years; (5) no serious underlying disease or other cancers; (6) technically capable of proton therapy, and (7) written informed consent. Primary endpoint was the ratio of grade 2 or more acute genitourinary toxicity. We used the modified CTCAE grading of grade 2 GU toxicities, in which prescribing two and more types of drugs for dysuria within 3 months of the start of radiation was considered to indicate grade 2 GU toxicity. A phase II trial was planned based on the minimax Simon's two-stage design with a significance level of 0.05 and a power of 90%. The acceptable incidence is considered to be less than 5%, and the unacceptable incidence is considered to be more than 15%. A total of 83 patients is required for completion of the trial (7 patients or fewer). After evaluating the primary endpoint in 83 patients, 217 additional patients were registered and a total of 300 patients were registered in order to further examine the safety and efficacy. The prescribed dose to the isocenter was 51.6 GyRBE in 12 fractions (4 days a week).

RESULTS

From January 2020 to March 2021, 30, 53, and 217 patients (total 300) were enrolled. The patient characteristics were as follows: median age, 70 (48-83) years; low/intermediate/high risk, 44/132/124. Forty-nine and 38 patients had benign prostatic hyperplasia and diabetes mellitus, respectively. Grade 2 acute GU toxicities were observed in 1, 5 and 13 patients, respectively (total 6.3%). No grade 3 or higher acute GU toxicities were observed. However, urinary retention during IGPT, which was not previously observed, was observed in 3 cases, and temporary urethral catheterization was performed (Grade 2). Most of the acute GU toxicity tended to improve at 1 month after IGPT, and almost improved at 3 months. Mean score deteriorations beyond the minimum clinically important difference threshold (1/2 SD) were observed only at 1 month in the following scales: summary (-6.0), bother (-7.0), and irritative/obstructive (-6.3).

CONCLUSION

Hypofractionated IGPT with 12 fractions for prostate cancer is well tolerated in acute GU toxicities. Longer follow-up is necessary to evaluate the efficacy and late toxicities. Further investigation of hypofractionated IGPT with 12 fractions for prostate cancer is warranted. Since April 2021, an additional 1000 cases of prospective registration study have been conducted.

Hamster Sperm Possess Functional Na+/Ca2+-Exchanger 1: Its Implication in Hyperactivation

Previous studies demonstrated that hamster sperm hyperactivation is suppressed by extracellular Na⁺ by lowering intracellular Ca²⁺ levels, and Na⁺/Ca²⁺-exchanger (NCX) specific inhibitors canceled the suppressive effects of extracellular Na⁺. These results suggest the involvement of NCX in the regulation of hyperactivation. However, direct evidence of the presence and functionality of NCX in hamster spermatozoa is still lacking. This study aimed to reveal that NCX is present and is functional in hamster spermatozoa. First, NCX1 and NCX2 transcripts were detected via RNA-seq analyses of hamster testis mRNAs, but only the NCX1 protein was detected. Next, NCX activity was determined by measuring the Na⁺-dependent Ca²⁺ influx using the Ca²⁺ indicator Fura-2. The Na⁺-dependent Ca²⁺ influx was detected in hamster spermatozoa, notably in the tail region. The Na⁺-dependent Ca²⁺ influx was inhibited by the NCX inhibitor SEA0400 at NCX1-specific concentrations. NCX1 activity was reduced after 3 h of incubation in capacitating conditions. These results, together with authors' previous study, showed that hamster spermatozoa possesses functional NCX1 and that its activity was downregulated upon capacitation to trigger hyperactivation. This is the first study to successfully reveal the presence of NCX1 and its physiological function as a hyperactivation brake.

Prevalence and correlates of stocking up on drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic: Data from the C3PNO Consortium

BACKGROUND

Data from the COVID-19 pandemic describes increases in drug use and related harms, especially fatal overdose. However, evidence is needed to better understand the pathways from pandemic-related factors to substance use behaviours. Thus, we investigated stockpiling drugs among people who use drugs (PWUD) in five cities in the United States and Canada.

METHODS

We used data from two waves of interviews among participants in nine prospective cohorts to estimate the prevalence and correlates of stockpiling drugs in the previous month. Longitudinal correlates were identified using bivariate and multivariate generalized linear mixed-effects modeling analyses.

RESULTS

From May 2020 to February 2021, we recruited 1873 individuals who completed 2242 interviews, of whom 217 (11.6%) reported stockpiling drugs in the last month at baseline. In the multivariate model, stockpiling drugs was significantly and positively associated with reporting being greatly impacted by COVID-19 (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]= 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09-1.45), and at least daily use of methamphetamine (AOR = 4.67, 95% CI: 2.75-7.94) in the past month.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed that approximately one-in-ten participants reported stocking up on drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This behaviour was associated with important drug-related risk factors including high-intensity methamphetamine use. While these correlations need further inquiry, it is possible that addressing the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable PWUD could help limit drug stockpiling, which may lower rates of high-intensity stimulant use.

Usefulness of echocardiographic parameters in predicting the incidence of ischemic stroke in Japanese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a risk factor for ischemic stroke (IS). We developed a novel risk score of IS (HELT-E2S2 score) in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients from the combined database of 5 major AF registries in Japan. However, this score does not include echocardiographic (Echo) parameters that have been reported to be risk factors of IS, such as left atrial diameter (LAD) enlargement or increased relative wall thickness (RWT) of left ventricle (LV).

Purpose

To investigate the predictive value of Echo parameters in Japanese patients with NVAF.

Methods

After excluding patients without the Echo data, 6,032 NVAF patients were analyzed in the present study. LAD was measured in the parasternal long axis view at the end-ventricular systole. RWT was calculated as (2x posterior wall thickness)/ LV end-diastolic dimension. We compared clinical characteristics and the incidence of IS between NVAF patients divided by LAD level (High/Low LAD group) and RWT level (High/Low RWT group). To balance the follow-up period among the registries, event data from individuals whose follow-up period exceeded 730 days were excluded from the analysis.

Results

The optimal cut-off value of LAD and RWT to predict the incidence of IS with the receiver operating characteristic analysis was 43.3 mm and 0.4167, respectively. Between the High/Low LAD groups (High LAD: n=2,640 vs. Low LAD: n=3,392), age (70.3±12.1 vs. 68.3±12.5 years; p&lt;0.001), CHA2DS2-VASc score (3.02±1.84 vs. 2.57±1.78; p&lt;0.001), HELT-E2S2 score (2.20±1.31 vs. 1.55±1.33; p&lt;0.001), the prescription of oral anticoagulants (OACs) (69.5 vs. 51.5%; p&lt;0.001), LV ejection fraction (60.4±13.4 vs. 64.4±10.7%; p&lt;0.001) and RWT (0.401±0.091 vs. 0.396±0.082; p=0.02) were significantly different. Between the High/Low RWT groups (High RWT: n=2,293 vs. Low RWT: n=3,739), percentage of female (35.6 vs. 27.8%; p&lt;0.001), age (71.2±12.1 vs. 68.0±12.4 years; p&lt;0.001), CHA2DS2-VASc score (3.08±1.82 vs. 2.58±1.79; p&lt;0.001), HELT-E2S2 score (2.10±1.39 vs. 1.67±1.31; p&lt;0.001), the prescription of OACs (62.6 vs. 57.4%; p&lt;0.001), LV ejection fraction (65.5±9.9 vs. 60.9±13.0%; p&lt;0.001) and LAD (43.0±8.1 vs. 42.4±8.3; p=0.004) were significantly different. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, the incidence of IS was different between the groups during the median follow-up period of 730 days (High LAD vs. Low LAD; 1.82 vs. 1.00 per 100 person-years; p&lt;0.001, by log-rank test, High RWT vs. Low RWT; 1.86 vs. 1.06; p&lt;0.001) (Figure). Both High LAD (hazard ratio: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.12–2.46; p=0.01) and High RWT (hazard ratio: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.01–2.04; p=0.045) were independent predictors of the incidence of IS after adjustment by the components of the HELT-E2S2 score and other clinically relevant variables including co-existing diseases, gender, and the prescription of OACs (Table).

Conclusion

Echo parameters, LAD and RWT, were independently associated with the incidence of IS among Japanese patients with NVAF.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development

Utility of in vivo zebrafish cardiac assay to predict the functional impact of KCNQ1 variants

Background

Genetic testing for inherited arrhythmias and discriminating pathogenic from benign variants are integral for the gene-based medicine. However, the high throughput in vivo functional analysis for the rare variants of the KCNQ1 potassium channel is scarce.

Purpose

We tested the utility of the in vivo zebrafish cardiac assay for determining the pathogenicity of the KCNQ1 variants identified in patients with long QT syndrome (LQTS) and atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

We generated a knock-out zebrafish with CRISPR-mediated insertions or deletions of the KCNQ1 homolog in zebrafish (kcnq1+/+). To test the utility of the cardiac assay, we used five KCNQ1 variants identified in patients with LQTS or familial AF. Human wild-type or mutant KCNQ1 cRNA (Q1) was co-injected with human KCNE1 cRNA (E1) into the F3 generation embryos with homozygous deletions. We dissected the hearts from the thorax at 72 hour-post-fertilization and measured transmembrane potential in zebrafish heart using the disrupted patch technique. Action potential duration was calculated as the time interval between the peak maximum upstroke velocity and 90% of repolarization (APD90). We compared the APD90s with patients' clinical phenotype and IKs density measured by patch-clamp technique in heterologous system.

Results

The mean APD90 of embryos with kcnq1del/del was 279±48 ms, which was restored by injecting Q1 WT and E1 (159±29 ms) to that with kcnq1+/+ (167±28 ms). We tested if the mean APD90 of embryos with kcnq1del/del was restored (shortened) by injecting the KCNQ1 variants. First we tested the dominant negative variant p.S277L and the trafficking deficient variant p.T587M. Patients with these variants showed significant prolonged QT intervals, and patch clamp study showed both variants caused the non-functional channels. Zebrafish cardiac assay showed the mean APD90 of embryos with kcnq1del/del+ Q1 S277L+E1 or Q1 T587M+E1 was significantly longer than that with kcnq1del/del+Q1 WT+E1 (Table). Next we tested in-frame variant c.1472_1473 ins GGACCT, which was identified from a patient with AF and normal QT interval. Patch clamp study showed the current density of the mutant KCNQ1 channel with KCNE1 was comparable to that of wild-type KCNQ1 channel with KCNE1. Zebrafish assay showed the mean APD90 of embryos with kcnq1del/del shortened by injecting Q1 insACCTGG +E1 (Table). Finally we tested a missense variant p.R451Q, which was identified from a patient with LQTS. Patch clamp study showed the currents in the cells transfected with R451Q+KCNE1 were similar to those with WT+KCNE1. Zebrafish assay showed the mean APD90 of embryos with kcnq1del/del+Q1 R451Q+E1 was longer than that with kcnq1del/del+Q1 WT+E1 (Table).

Conclusions

Functional analysis of in vivo zebrafish cardiac assay might be useful for determining the pathogenicity of rare variants in patients with LQTS.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)

High incidence of pulmonary artery thrombosis after balloon pulmonary angioplasty in CTEPH patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants

Background

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) requires life-long anticoagulant therapy, whereas limited data exist on the safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) along with balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA).

Objectives

To evaluate outcomes and complications in CTEPH following BPA for individuals receiving DOACs or VKAs.

Methods

Consecutive CTEPH patients underwent BPA from September 2014 to August 2021 were included in a retrospective analysis. Complications during BPA, post-BPA hemodynamics and bleeding events were obtained from patient's medical records. Our routine follow-up “selective” pulmonary angiography, to evaluate all segmental pulmonary arteries one by one at six months and every year after final BPA session, was performed to elucidate the incidence of in-situ fresh floating thrombus.

Results

Of total 250 individuals, 104 were treated with DOACs and 146 with VKAs following BPA. Mean observation period was 905 (SD ± 660) days. Total 1278 BPA sessions were performed among the period in which 409 sessions were treated with DOACs and 869 sessions with VKAs. Significant improvements in hemodynamics and functional status were observed in both groups following BPA. There was no significant difference of hemoptysis during BPA between DOACs and VKAs (7.1% vs 10.1%, P=0.131). Major bleeding events during observation period were equivalent in those treated with DOACs and VKAs. No significant re-elevation of pulmonary artery pressure was observed in both groups after BPA. Follow-up selective pulmonary angiography identified in-situ fresh floating thrombus in pulmonary artery in 22 cases of total 769 follow-up sessions. The occurrence of fresh thrombus was significantly higher in those receiving DOACs than VKAs in therapeutic range of PT-INR &gt;1.8 (3.9% vs 1.2%, P=0.023) whereas no significant difference between DOACs and overall VKAs (3.9% vs 2.4%, P=0.177)

Conclusions

Post-BPA hemodynamic outcomes and bleeding events appear unaffected by choice of anticoagulant. However, the incidence of in-situ pulmonary thrombosis detected by selective pulmonary angiography was significantly higher in those receiving DOACs than VKAs in therapeutic range, suggesting inadequate anticoagulation under current dose of DOACs. Our study provides a rationale for further examination to evaluate the efficacy of DOACs in CTEPH.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

O-294 In-vitro maturation of oocytes from ovary tissue and ovarian longevity

Study question

Is it possible to accomplish simple and robust in-vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes from human ovarian tissue using principles of in vitro gametogenesis?

Summary answer

Many mature oocytes can be obtained from ovary tissue with simple media and no need for ovarian stimulation.

What is known already

IVM from ovarian tissue has been difficult in the past. To mature primordial follicles in vitro has become possible in mice utilizing eight ‘core genes’. It has not yet been performed in humans, and will be complicated. However, culturing germinal vesicle oocytes that have already become meiotically competent by in-vivo IVD and IVG would not be expected to be difficult. In addition, it is far easier to obtain many germinal vesicle oocytes with cortical dissection rather than with a needle.

Study design, size, duration

After the ovarian cortex has been dissected from the medulla and divided into slices for cryopreservation, the ‘spent’ medium in which the dissection took place was examined for free, loose cumulus complexes, and cultured for 24 to 48 hours. A variety of different culture media and gonadotrophin concentrations were employed, based on previously published data from in vitro gametogenesis in mice.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

A total of 119 female patients between age 2 and 35 years old underwent ovary cryopreservation (as well as in-vitro maturation of oocytes and IVM in the last 13 individuals) over a 24 year period. Up to 22 years later, 17 returned to have their ovary tissue thawed and transplanted back.

Main results and the role of chance

Every woman had return of ovarian function 5 months after transplant, similar to previous observations. As observed before, AMH concentration rose as FSH fell 4 months later. The grafts continued to work up to 8 years. Of the 17, 13 (76%) became pregnant with intercourse at least once, resulting in 19 healthy live births, including six live births from three women who had leukemia. Of the harvested germinal vesicle oocytes, 35% developed with simple culture media into mature metaphase II oocytes. Maturation of germinal vesicle to MII oocytes was detected between 24 and 48 h of exposure to the HCG-containing media. For most participants, the number of mature oocytes was what would be obtained from ovarian stimulation. Surprisingly, the success of IVM was not related to the specific media or to the concentration of gonadotrophin in the media. A variety of media and concentrations were intentionally used in light of now-established mechanisms of in-vitro oogenesis, to see if this understanding could be used for a simplification of IVM.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This is an early pilot study only, but the results are strikingly consistent with our extensive work with IVG in mice.

Wider implications of the findings

This study and the results of in-vitro gametogenesis reveal the limited role of the ovulatory cycle and ovarian stimulation in oocyte development other than for the oocyte to exit the ovary. The normal ovulation cycle is not needed for meiotic competence. Ovarian stimulation is only required for easy oocyte retrieval.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

POS0728 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN TREATMENT GOAL ACHIEVEMENT AND GRIT PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF ATTENDING PHYSICIAN IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: A MULTICENTER CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background

In clinical practice for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the concept of “treat to target” has been introduced with an established goal of reducing glucocorticoid dose as much as possible while controlling disease activity. Although it has been shown that various personality characteristics of patients with SLE affect their disease activity and damage, it is not clear whether the personality characteristics of attending physicians affect the outcomes of patients with SLE. Grit is a personality trait characterized by perseverance and passion for achieving long-term goals.

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between attending physicians’ grit personality characteristics and treatment goal achievements in patients with SLE.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 386 patients with SLE in five referral hospitals in Japan. The main exposure was the “perseverance” and “consistency” (scores 1-5) of the attending physicians, as measured by the Short Grit Scale, and the primary outcome was the achievement of the Lupus Low Disease Activity Score (LLDAS). Considering the clustering of achievement of LLDAS by each attending physician, the association between attending physician’s personality and LLDAS was analyzed by logistic regression with cluster robust variance estimation. Odds ratios to assess the relationship between perseverance and consistency and LLDAS were estimated with adjustment for confounders (age, sex, disease duration, hydroxychloroquine use, immunosuppressant use, and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics-Damage Index). We used multiple imputation to handle the uncertainty caused by missing values of potential confounders on the assumption of missing at random.

Results

The median age of the patients was 45 years (interquartile range[IQR],36-56), 88% were female, and the median disease duration was 152 months(IQR, 80-240). Thirty-seven doctors were in charge of the patients (1-79 patients/each doctor). The median age of the attending physicians was 40 years (IQR, 35-43), and 19% were female. The median perseverance and consistency scores of attending physicians were 3.1 (IQR, 3.0-3.5) and 3.3 (IQR, 2.8-3.8), respectively. Of the enrolled patients, 154 (40%) had achieved LLDAS. The attending physicians with a lower consistency score of <3 were more frequent in the patients who achieved LLDAS (40% vs. 29%, p=0.026). The lower consistency score of attending physicians was still related to LLDAS independently (adjusted odds ratio 1.63, 95% confidential interval 1.17-2.27). There was no association between the achievement of LLDAS and perseverance.

Conclusion

The grit personality characteristics of the attending physician may affect the achievement of treatment goals in patients with SLE.

Disclosure of Interests

KEN-EI SADA Speakers bureau: I received speaker’s fees from Glaxo Smith Kline K.K., Grant/research support from: I received a research grant from Pfizer Inc., Yoshia Miyawaki: None declared, Kenta Shidahara: None declared, Shoichi Nawachi: None declared, Yu Katayama: None declared, Yosuke ASANO: None declared, Keigo Hayashi: None declared, Keiji Ohashi: None declared, Eri Katsuyama: None declared, Takayuki Katsuyama: None declared, Mariko Narazaki: None declared, Yoshinori Matsumoto: None declared, Nao Oguro: None declared, Yuichi Ishikawa: None declared, Natsuki Sakurai: None declared, Chiharu Hidekawa: None declared, Ryusuke Yoshimi: None declared, Takanori Ichikawa: None declared, Dai Kishida: None declared, Yasuhiro Shimojima: None declared, Noriaki Kurita: None declared, Nobuyuki Yajima: None declared

Different changes in the biomarker C-terminal telopeptides of type II collagen (CTX-II) following intra-articular injection of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid and oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a multi-center randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVES

We previously reported, based on a multicenter randomized-control study, that the efficacy of intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid (IA-HA) was not inferior to that of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, the molecular effects on the pathophysiology of knee OA remain unclear. C-terminal telopeptides of type II collagen (CTX-II) is reported to primarily originate from the interface between articular cartilage and subchondral bone, which is a site of potential remodeling in OA. We performed a predefined sub-analysis of the previous study to compare the changes of urinary CTX-II (uCTX-II) in response to IA-HA to those in response to NSAID for knee OA.

DESIGN

A total of 200 knee OA patients were registered from 20 hospitals and randomized to receive IA-HA (2,700 kDa HA, 5 times at 1-week intervals) or NSAID (loxoprofen sodium, 180 mg/day) for 5 weeks. The uCTX-II levels were measured before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The uCTX-II levels were significantly increased by IA-HA treatment (337.7 ± 193.8 to 370.7 ± 234.8 ng/μmol Cr) and were significantly reduced by NSAID treatment (423.2 ± 257.6 to 370.3 ± 250.9 ng/μmol Cr). The %changes of uCTX-II induced by IA-HA (11.6 ± 29.5%) and NSAID (-9.0 ± 26.7%) was significantly different (between-group difference: 20.6, 95% confidence intervals: 10.6 to 30.6).

CONCLUSIONS

While both IA-HA and NSAID improved symptoms of knee OA, uCTX-II levels were increased by IA-HA and reduced by NSAIDs treatment, suggesting these treatments may improve symptoms of knee OA through different modes of action.

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

POS1404 SHARED DECISION MAKING AND INTERNET USE FOR GATHERING HEALTH INFORMATION IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: A MULTICENTER CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background

It is well known that providing appropriate health information to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has an advantage in the treatment decision making process. In modern information society the growing popularity of smartphones and social networking services, patients have more access to online health information. However, there are concerns that Internet use may inversely affect the shared decision making (SDM) process with their attending physicians if they receive inaccurate information.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate how online information gathering behavior affects SDM with their attending physicians.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, information of 386 patients with SLE, which were enrolled from five Japanese institutions between June 2020 and August 2021, were analyzed. The main exposure was time spent on the Internet per day (excluding time used for working). It was divided into four categories (none, <1 hour, 1-2 hours, > 2 hours). Patients were asked to select the source of health care information they would like to access first and were categorized into physicians, the Internet, and other media sources (family and friends, healthcare professionals other than physicians, or TV and radio, etc.). Outcome was shared decision making measured via the 9-item Shared Decision Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9 [scores 0-100]). To assess the relationship between the time of Internet use and SDM, we fitted general linear models adjusted for age, gender, education level, household income, marital status, history of cancer, disease duration, and disease activity. Chained equations were used to impute missing values of covariates.

Results

This study ultimately employed 334 patients whose mean age and female ratio were 45.3 years (standard deviation 13.8) and 87.7%, respectively. 68.9% of the patients indicated that they would like to access their physicians first, and 19.5% indicated that they would like to access the Internet first. Compared to patients who chose their physician as their first access to health information, there was no difference in SDM-Q-9 among patients who chose the Internet, but patients who chose other media had significantly lower SDM-Q-9 (-7.7 point, 95% confident interval [CI] -14.4 to -0.92, P=0.026). Besides, SDM-Q-9 scores were significantly lower in patients who did not use the Internet compared to those who used it for more than two hours except for their work activities (-9.6, 95%CI -18.9 to -0.26, P=0.044).

Conclusion

The present study suggests that SDM between physicians and patients is positively rather than adversely associated with online information-gathering behavior. Rheumatologists also need to be aware that how patients prefer to access health information to establish a good physician-patient relationship for SDM. In addition, rheumatologists may need to introduce their patients to websites offering appropriate health information.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0474 IMPACT OF HEALTH LITERACY ON TRUST IN PHYSICIANS AMONG PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: THE TRUMP2-SLE PROJECT

Background

Information technology has expanded the gap in patient health literacy (HL), and HL has various implications on the trust in patient-doctor relationship. Previously, only functional HL, the ability to interpret health information through reading and writing skills, has been studied in patients with SLE (1).

Objectives

We examined how trust in physicians is affected by the broader concept of HL, including communicative HL, the ability to extract health information from communication to use, and critical HL, the ability to discern and use such information (2).

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled 362 SLE patients at 5 sites between June 2020 and August 2021. Three domains of HL (i.e., functional HL, communicative HL, and critical HL) were assessed using the 14-item FCCHL scale (range: 1-4 points for each domain). The outcomes were patients’ trust in their physicians and physicians in general and were measured using the Japanese version of the 5-item Wake Forest Physician Trust scales (range: 0-100 points for each scale). General linear models adjusted for age, gender, education, income, SLEDAI, disease duration, depression, and hours of Internet use were conducted. Subsequently, a series of general linear models were then fit to each of the three domains of HL to examine whether or not it was associated with the aforementioned covariates.

Results

The median age of the patients was 45 (interquartile range [IQR],34-55), 88% were female. The median value of SLEDAI was 4 ([IQR], 2-8), Trust in one’s physician was 80 ([IQR], 70-95) and trust in physicians generally was 65 ([IQR], 50-80). Trust in one’s physician increased with higher functional and communicative HL (per 1-pt increase, 3.2 [95%CI 0.7 to 5.9]; 5.4 [95%CI 1.6 to 9.3]). Trust in doctors generally increased with higher communicative HL and decreased with higher critical HL (per 1-pt increase, 6.8 [95% CI 2.0 to 12]; -6.7 [95% CI -12 to -1.9]). Lower functional HL was associated with older age and depression, while higher HL was associated with higher educational level. Higher communicative HL and critical HL were each associated with longer Internet use.

Conclusion

In patients with SLE, higher trust in one’s physician was associated with both functional and communicative HL, while higher trust in physicians generally was associated with higher communicative HL and lower critical HL. Our findings suggest that trusting relationships may be fostered by the encouragement of rheumatologists to cultivate patients’ ability to share their health problems with their physicians and family members and to obtain useful health information (i.e., communicative HL), rather than to improve their ability to discern health information (i.e., critical HL).

References

[1]Maheswaranathan M, Cantrell S, Eudy AM, Rogers JL, Clowse MEB, Hastings SN, et al. Investigating Health Literacy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a Descriptive Review. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2020;20(12):79.

[2]Ishikawa H, Takeuchi T, Yano E. Measuring functional, communicative, and critical health literacy among diabetic patients. Diabetes Care. 2008;31(5):874-9.

Disclosure of Interests

Nao Oguro: None declared, Nobuyuki Yajima: None declared, Yoshia Miyawaki: None declared, Ryusuke Yoshimi: None declared, Yasuhiro Shimojima: None declared, KEN-EI SADA Speakers bureau: He received speaker’s fees from Glaxo Smith

Kline K.K., Grant/research support from: He received a research grant from Pfizer Inc.,, Keigo Hayashi: None declared, Kenta Shidahara: None declared, Natsuki Sakurai: None declared, Chiharu Hidekawa: None declared, Dai Kishida: None declared, Takanori Ichikawa: None declared, Yuichi Ishikawa: None declared, Noriaki Kurita: None declared

LAT1-specific inhibitor ameliorates severe autoimmune arthritis in SKG mouse

L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1, slc7a5) supplies large neutral amino acids to highly proliferative cells. LAT1 is an attractive therapeutic target for treating overactive T cell-mediated immune disorders due to its high expression in activated T cells, but not in resting T cells. Here, we demonstrate that LAT1 plays a crucial role in T helper (Th) 17-mediated autoimmune arthritis in SKG mice, an animal model of human rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Administration of JPH203, a LAT1-specific inhibitor, suppressed mannan-induced joint swelling, synoviocyte proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration in SKG mice. A diminished metabolic reprogramming, including a decrease in oxidative phosphorylation that regulates Hif-1α expression and subsequent control of glycolysis enzymes, was involved in the downregulation of Th17 differentiation by LAT1 inhibition. Moreover, publicly released database analysis revealed facilitated expression of LAT1 in T cells with cytotoxic features in patients with RA. Our results demonstrate the essential contribution of LAT1 to the development of RA, proposing a potential therapeutic approach targeting amino acid transporters for treating hypersensitive immune diseases.

Impact of radiologic variables on item responses of ODI, SRS22 and SF-36. in adult spinal deformity patients: differential item functioning (DIF) analysis results from a multi-center database

PURPOSE

To determine if responses given to each question of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS22), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires are influenced by the radiological parameters.

METHODS

Patients enrolled in a multi-centre prospectively collected adult spinal deformity database who had complete SRS22, ODI and SF-36 data at baseline and at one-year follow-up were analysed. The presence of a differential item function of each question within each score in relation to radiological parameters was analysed using a mixed Rasch model with the radiological threshold value(s) determined.

RESULTS

Of those patients analysed (n = 1745; 1406 female, average age 51.0 ± 19.8 years), 944 were surgically and 801 were non-surgically treated. For the SRS22, questions (Q) 3, 5 and 18 were sensitive to almost all radiological parameters and the overall score was found sensitive to the Cobb angle. For the ODI, Q3, 6, 9 and 10 were not sensitive to any radiologic parameters whereas Q4 and 5 were sensitive to most. In contrast, only 3 of the SF-36 items were sensitive to radiological parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

78% of the SRS-22, 60% of the ODI and 8% of the questions in the SF-36 are sensitive to radiological parameters. Sagittal imbalance is independently associated with a poor overall outcome, but affects mental status and function more than pain and self-image. The assembly of questions responsive to radiological parameters may be useful in establishing a connection between changes in radiologic parameters and HRQL.

Results of the 𝚵− atomic X-ray measurement in J-PARC E07

Ξ− atomic X-ray spectroscopy is one of the most useful methods for investigation of the Ξ-nucleus strong interaction. A serious problem in the measurement is the significant background coming from in-flight Ξ− decay. For the first Ξ− atomic X-ray spectroscopy experiment, a novel method of identifying stopped Ξ− events using nuclear emulsion was developed to reject background photons from in-flight Ξ− decay. We succeeded in reducing the background to 1/170 by this method employing coincidence measurements using the nuclear emulsion and X-ray detectors.

[Possible therapeutic use of L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1)-specific inhibitor for intractable asthma treatment]

Bronchial asthma (asthma) is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, reversible obstruction, and hyperresponsive conditions. Although most asthma patients have been becoming controllable by virtue of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), substantial number of patients still do not respond to the steroid-based therapy. Mast cells, eosinophils, and helper T (Th) 2 cells have been considered as key players in asthma pathogenesis. However, emerging studies have revealed that Th subsets other than Th2, as well as various other immune cells, significantly contribute to the development of steroid-resistant intractable asthma. T cells and other inflammatory cells require incorporating a large amount of nutrients such as amino acids and glucose to exhibit their full function following activation. Based on this remarkable character, it has recently been suggested that the pharmacological inhibition of amino acid transporters is promising for treating immunological and inflammatory disorders through the suppression of inflammatory cell activation. In this review, we explore the possible management of intractable asthma by developing a selective inhibitor for L-type amino acid transporter (LAT) 1.

L-type amino acid transporter 1 as a target for inflammatory disease and cancer immunotherapy

Ingestion of amino acids is fundamental for cellular activity. Amino acids are important components for protein synthesis but are also crucial for intracellular metabolic reactions and signal transduction. Following activation, immune cells induce metabolic reprogramming to generate adequate energy and constitutive substances. Hence, the delivery of amino acids by transporters is necessary for the progression of metabolic rewiring. In this review, we discuss how amino acids and their transporters regulate immune cell functions, with emphasis on LAT1, a transporter of large neutral amino acids. Furthermore, we explore the possibility of targeting amino acid transporters to improve immune disorders and cancer immune therapies.

Nuclear magnetic resonance measurements in dynamically controlled field pulse

We present the architecture of the versatile nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer with software-defined radio technology and its application to the dynamically controlled pulsed magnetic fields. The pulse-field technology is the only solution to access magnetic fields greater than 50 T, but the NMR experiment in the pulsed magnetic field was difficult because of the continuously changing field strength. The dynamically controlled field pulse allows us to perform NMR experiment in a quasi-steady field condition by creating a constant magnetic field for a short time around the peak of the field pulse. We confirmed the reproducibility of the field pulses using the NMR spectroscopy as a high precision magnetometer. With the highly reproducible field strength, we succeeded in measuring the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate 1/T₁, which had never been measured by the pulse-field NMR experiment without dynamic field control. We also implement the NMR spectrum measurement with both the frequency-sweep and field-sweep modes and discuss the appropriate choices of these modes depending on the magnetic properties of the sample to be measured. This development, with further improvement at a long-duration field pulse, will innovate the microscopic measurement in extremely high magnetic fields.

Influences of smoking on central blood pressure in hypertensive subjects

Background/Introduction

Smoking is known to induce systemic vascular damage, leading to cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies demonstrated that central blood pressure has a greater impact on cardiovascular events than brachial blood pressure.

Purpose

We investigated influences of habitual smoking on central systolic blood pressure (CSBP) in hypertensive subjects.

Methods

A total of 5630 subjects (male = 2622, 51.7±12.0 year-old at baseline), who visited our hospital for a physical check-up at least twice during the last 10 years and underwent CSBP measurement at each visit, were enrolled, and they were divided into three groups; normotensive (n=4634), non-treated hypertensive (n=91) and treated hypertensive subjects (n=905). Then, the influences of smoking on the average and yearly changes of CSBP (median follow-up 5 years) were analyzed. Brachial blood pressure (oscillometer) and radial artery pressure waveforms (tonometer) were recorded using an automated device, and the pressure corresponding to the second systolic peak of radial pressure waveforms was taken as CSBP (HEM-9000AI, Omron Healthcare, Kyoto). Hypertension was defined as brachial BP ≥140/90mmHg or the use of antihypertensive medications. A yearly change in CSBP was calculated in each subject by linear regression analysis using longitudinal data.

Results

The average CSBP was higher in habitual smokers than in non-smokers when analyzed in normotensive (109.1±11.7 vs. 107.6±12.8 mmHg, p&lt;0.001) and non-treated hypertensive subjects (150.7±14.8 vs. 142.8±16.7 mmHg, p&lt;0.05), whereas in hypertensive subjects under medication the average CSBP was lower in smokers than in non-smokers (124.6±12.4 vs. 127.8±13.6 mmHg, p&lt;0.01). Smoking status did not affect yearly changes of CSBP in normotensive (habitual smokers vs. non-smokers; 1.38±6.00 vs. 1.44±6.04 mmHg/year), treated hypertensive (−0.16±7.08 vs. −0.66±8.24 mmHg/year), and non-treated hypertensive subjects (4.09±15.1 vs. −0.53±10.3 mmHg/year).

Conclusions

Habitual smoking increases CSBP, however, antihypertensive medications counteract the unfavorable effects of smoking on CSBP. These results imply a new pathway underlying the development of cardiovascular diseases in smokers. Unfavorable changes in the cardiovascular system caused by smoking may quite slowly progress that short period of observation in the present study could not have detected enhanced yearly increases of CSBP by smoking.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Relationship between year-to-year blood pressure variability and target organ damage in the general population

Background/Introduction

Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability (BPV) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events as well as target organ damage (TOD) in hypertension. However, effects of year-to-year BPV on the development of TOD have not been investigated in the general population.

Purpose

The present study was designed to investigate a possible relationship between year-to-year BPV and TOD in the general population.

Methods

Consecutive 5542 subjects (male=3771, 58.6±10.7 yea-old) who visited our hospital for an annual physical check-up for 5 years in a row during 2008 and 2013 were enrolled. The average, standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), and average real variability (ARV) of systolic blood pressure (SBP) were calculated using data during the period. Other baseline data were obtained in 2013; left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH; Sokolow-Lyon voltage &gt;3.8 mV and/or Cornell product &gt;2440 mm ms) and kidney impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate; eGFR&lt;60) were taken as TOD. Then, subjects without TOD at baseline (2013) (n=3801, male=2584, 57.4±10.4 yea-old) were followed up until 2019 (median = 5 years) and the impact of BPV on the development of TOD was investigated.

Results

The average, SD, CV and ARV of SBP were 123.8 mmHg, 8.04 mmHg, 6.50%, and 9.19 mmHg, respectively. At baseline, these parameters were higher in subjects with TOD than those without TOD (Table 1-A). During the follow-up of subjects without TOD at baseline, LVH and kidney impairment developed in 425 and 623 subjects (24.7 and 35.8 per 1000 person-year), respectively. In retrospective analysis, the average, SD, and ARV were higher in subjects with than without future TOD (Table 1-B). Although some indices of year-to-year BPV predicted future development of TOD in univariate Cox-hazard analysis, only the average of SBP predicted incident TOD after adjustment.

Conclusions

Year-to-year BPV is a marker of the incident TOD in the general population. However, these indices do not independently predict the onset of TOD and, thus, there may be unknown pathway that links TOD and BPV.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Table 1. BP variability and TODTable 2. Cox-hazard analyses

Novel variant of the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-1 Like (GPD1-L) gene in Japanese Brugada syndrome patients

Background

The incidence of Brugada syndrome (BrS) varies among racial groups. Several studies reported Glycerol-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase 1-Like (GPD1-L) gene is associated with BrS. However, most of these studies were reported from Western countries, so the evidence about GPD1-L mutation is limited especially among Asian BrS patients. This study aimed to search for rare variants in GPD1-L among Japanese BrS patients and to investigate the pathogenicity.

Method

We performed whole-exome sequencing for patients with Brugada type 1 ECG pattern from Japanese multicenter BrS cohort consisting of SCN5A-negative BrS probands (n=288) and controls (n=372). We conducted patch-clamp study in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells cotransfected with the wild-type sodium channel (SCN5A) and wild-type or mutant GPD1-L expression plasmid.

Results

We identified a rare variant in GPD1-L, p.D262N (c.784g&gt;a) in 2 of 288 BrS probands, which was not identified in 372 controls. The minor allele frequency of the variant is 0.0014% in the Genome Aggregation Database. One proband was a 49-year-old man and the other was 34-year-old man who both developed a ventricular fibrillation. ECGs of both probands showed Brugada Type 1 pattern after administration of the pilsicainide. In functional study, coexpression of D262N GPD1-L with SCN5A in HEK293 cells significantly reduced inward sodium currents compared with wild-type GPD1-L. Additionally, inward sodium currents with D262N were similar to those with A280V GPD1-L, which was associated with BrS in previous reports (Figure). Also, several pathogenicity prediction programs, such as SIFT (score: 0.031) and PolyPhen2 (score: 0.937) predicted deleterious effects of GPD1-L D262N.

Conclusion

We identified a rare variant in GPD1-L at the rate of 0.7% in Japanese BrS patients without SCN5A mutations. GPD1-L, p.D262N reduces inward sodium currents and may be a novel susceptible variant for BrS in the Japanese population.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. Current–voltage curve

Clinical Significance of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose and Glucose Transporter 1 mRNA in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIM

¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake measurement on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is difficult in renal tumors because of the nearby renal parenchyma and urinary tract, which excrete FDG. We carefully examined the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV_max) on FDG-PET/CT and investigated the relationship between major glucose transporters in the kidney and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) progression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-five patients with ccRCC underwent FDG-PET/CT for staging and nephrectomy. Glucose transporter mRNA expression was examined in the removed kidney.

RESULTS

SUV_max was increased in high-stage and high-grade tumors. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) mRNA expression was higher in tumor tissues, in contrast to other glucose transporters. SUV_max was not correlated with GLUT1 mRNA expression. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed reduced overall and recurrence-free survival in the high SUVmax group.

CONCLUSION

Primary ccRCC lesions show a high SUV_max and GLUT1 mRNA over-expression. SUV_max increases with tumor upstaging and upgrading.

The Effects of Trypsin Inhibitor on Insulin Secretion Using Rat Pancreas in an Organ Bath

BACKGROUND/AIM

We developed an experimental method to reproduce insulin secretion from isolated rat pancreas preparations using an organ bath system. However, secretion of trypsin, another pancreatic enzyme, interferes with insulin production in such systems. We aimed to ascertain the minimum trypsin inhibitor (TI), dose for obtaining a sustained, stable rate of insulin secretion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The action of TI (1-10 μg/ml) on pancreatic preparations of male Wistar-Imamichi rats in organ bath experiments was assessed by measuring insulin, amylase, and trypsin activity.

RESULTS

The level of insulin outflow remained steady in the TI-treated samples, in contrast to that in the untreated control, where insulin secretion decreased over time. The level of amylase outflow did not change significantly. Trypsin activity was significantly lower in the TI-treated samples than in the control.

CONCLUSION

Even low concentrations of TI can maintain insulin secretion by inhibiting trypsin activity in organ bath experiments.

Antitumor effect of dimethyl itaconate on thymic carcinoma by targeting LDHA-mTOR axis

AIMS

Thymic carcinoma is a rare type of cancer without an established standard pharmaceutical treatment. This study investigated the antitumor effect of dimethyl itaconate (DI), a cell-permeable derivative of itaconate, on human thymic carcinoma cell line.

MAIN METHODS

Human thymic carcinoma cell line Ty82 was used to evaluate the effect of DI on cell viability. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to determine the molecular mechanism of antitumor effects of DI on Ty82.

KEY FINDINGS

DI suppressed cell growth and promoted apoptosis of Ty82. The suppressive effect of DI on Ty82 was mediated by the downregulation of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), and the subsequent decrease in the activity of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). DI exhibited synergistic antitumor effects with a specific inhibitor of large neutral amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), an amino acid transporter currently being investigated as a novel target for cancer therapy.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings demonstrate that DI is a novel potential strategy for thymic carcinoma treatment.

L-type amino acid transporter 1 inhibitor suppresses murine Th2 cell-mediated bronchial hyperresponsiveness independently of eosinophil accumulation

Background

The activation of Th2 cells that play a pivotal role in the development of allergic eosinophilic inflammation is regulated by an L-type amino acid transporter (LAT) 1. However, the contribution of LAT1 to the pathogenesis of Th2 cell-mediated airway inflammation has not been investigated.

Objective

In this study, we investigated the effect of a LAT1 inhibitor, JPH203, on Th2 cell-mediated airway eosinophilic inflammation.

Methods

BALB/c mice were transferred with ovalbumin (OVA)-specific Th2 cell and challenged by corresponding allergen with or without administration of JPH203. Then, the infiltration of inflammatory cells including eosinophils and allergen-specific Th2 cells in the lungs and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) was assessed.

Results

Inflammatory responses in the lungs with massive accumulation of eosinophils and BHR were induced in Th2 cell-transferred mice upon challenge with OVA. The treatment with JPH203 significantly suppressed the allergen-induced BHR but not eosinophil infiltration. The infused Th2 cells were also accumulated in the lungs upon allergen challenge, though the response was not affected by JPH203 treatment.

Conclusion

JPH203 suppressed Th2 cell-mediated BHR through the mechanisms independently of the lung accumulation of eosinophils and Th2 cells.

L-type amino acid transporter 1 is essential for Th2 cell-mediated allergic inflammation

L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), a transporter of large neutral amino acids, is rarely expressed in resting T cells, whereas its expression is remarkably upregulated upon activation. We have proven the essential role of T cells in the development of allergic inflammation in various target organs, though the contribution of LAT1 to T cell function in allergic diseases has not been clarified. Here, we investigated the effect of a LAT1 inhibitor, JPH203, on antigen-induced inflammatory responses in the skin, lungs, and nasal mucosa of immunized mice or mice transferred with in vitro-differentiated antigen-specific Th2 cells. Consistent with the augmented expression of LAT1 in skin-accumulated CD4+ T cells of atopic dermatitis patients, antigen-induced skin inflammation with eosinophil infiltration and Th2 cytokine production developed in immunized and Th2 cell-transferred mice was suppressed by JPH203 treatment. Essentially the same efficacy of JPH203 was seen in antigen-induced nasal eosinophilic inflammation accompanied by nasal hyperresponsiveness evoked in both mice. Remarkably, antigen-induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness was suppressed, whereas lung accumulation of eosinophils or antigen-specific T cells was not affected, by JPH203 in Th2 cell-transferred mice. The blockade of LAT1-mediated glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and activating transcription factor 4-regulated amino acid starving responses in cytokine production and proliferation of Th2 was suggested to be involved in the efficacy of JPH203. LAT1 is essential for the pathogenesis of activated Th2 cell-mediated allergic inflammation and would be a promising target for the development of new means to treat allergic diseases.

The Impact of Corrective Surgery on Health-Related Quality of Life Subclasses in Adult Scoliosis: Will Degree of Correction Prognosticate Degree of Improvement?

PURPOSE

Objectives in scoliosis corrective surgery include restoration of normal sagittal and coronal parameters to achieve patient satisfaction. HRQLs improvements remain limited after corrective surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the HRQL subclass variability specific to the sagittal and coronal correction in adult scoliosis surgery.

METHODS

This multi-centre prospective analysis of consecutive adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients, from five European centres, only included multilevel instrumentation for scoliosis. d-(delta) values for each parameter represented pre to post-operative changes. Parameters included demographics, baseline, 1- and 2-year. HRQL outcomes (Oswestry disability index (ODI), Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 and Short Form (SF36)), sagittal correction including relative spinopelvic alignment (dRSA) and coronal correction including major Cobb (dCobb) angles.

RESULTS

A total of 353 patients reached 1-year and 2-year follow up. All HRQL total scores significantly improved postoperatively, including ODI, SRS-22 and SF36. HRQL subclasses which displayed persistent improvements correlated to dRSA included sex-life, self-image, fatigue, vitality, social functioning. The only HRQL subclass improvement that correlated with dCobb was self-image.

CONCLUSION

Adult scoliosis surgery improves overall HRQL, having a minimal effect on each variable. Importantly, greater coronal deformity correction affects only greater self-image scores, whereas with greater sagittal correction there are many greater HRQL sub-class impacts. Correction and restoration of coronal balance is one of the surgical goals in adult scoliosis but the degree to which Cobb angle is corrected, apart from self-image, does not correlate with gains in sub-classes of HRQL. These results need to be taken into account when planning surgery.

The novel Mechanical Ventilator Milano for the COVID-19 pandemic

This paper presents the Mechanical Ventilator Milano (MVM), a novel intensive therapy mechanical ventilator designed for rapid, large-scale, low-cost production for the COVID-19 pandemic. Free of moving mechanical parts and requiring only a source of compressed oxygen and medical air to operate, the MVM is designed to support the long-term invasive ventilation often required for COVID-19 patients and operates in pressure-regulated ventilation modes, which minimize the risk of furthering lung trauma. The MVM was extensively tested against ISO standards in the laboratory using a breathing simulator, with good agreement between input and measured breathing parameters and performing correctly in response to fault conditions and stability tests. The MVM has obtained Emergency Use Authorization by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in healthcare settings during the COVID-19 pandemic and Health Canada Medical Device Authorization for Importation or Sale, under Interim Order for Use in Relation to COVID-19. Following these certifications, mass production is ongoing and distribution is under way in several countries. The MVM was designed, tested, prepared for certification, and mass produced in the space of a few months by a unique collaboration of respiratory healthcare professionals and experimental physicists, working with industrial partners, and is an excellent ventilator candidate for this pandemic anywhere in the world.

Associations of PD-L1, PD-L2, and HLA class I expression with responses to immunotherapy in patients with advanced sarcoma: post hoc analysis of a phase 1/2 trial

BACKGROUND

Although immunotherapy is thought to be a promising cancer treatment, most patients do not respond to immunotherapy. In this post hoc analysis of a phase 1/2 study, associations of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), PD-L2, and HLA class I expressions with responses to dendritic cells (DCs)-based immunotherapy were investigated in patients with advanced sarcoma.

METHODS

This study enrolled 35 patients with metastatic and/or recurrent sarcomas who underwent DC-based immunotherapy. The associations of PD-L1, PD-L2, and HLA class I expressions in tumor specimens, which were resected before immunotherapy, with immune responses (increases of IFN-γ and IL-12) and oncological outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients who were PD-L2 (+) showed lower increases of IFN-γ and IL-12 after DC-based immunotherapy than patients who were PD-L2 (-). The disease control (partial response or stable disease) rates of patients who were PD-L1 (+) and PD-L1 (-) were 0% and 22%, respectively. Disease control rates of patients who were PD-L2 (+) and PD-L2 (-) were 13% and 22%, respectively. Patients who were PD-L1 (+) tumors had significantly poorer overall survival compared with patients who were PD-L1 (-). No associations of HLA class I expression with the immune response or oncological outcomes were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that PD-L1 and PD-L2 are promising biomarkers of DC-based immunotherapy, and that addition of immune checkpoint inhibitors to DC-based immunotherapy may improve the outcomes of DC-based immunotherapy.

Impact of COVID-19 on the pain and disability of patients with adult spinal deformity

PURPOSE

To evaluate the pain and functional effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with ASD reflected by their response to SRS-22, ODI, and SF-36 questionnaires.

METHODS

Patients who had stable pain and functional outcome scores over the preceding 2 years were enrolled in a local prospectively collected adult spinal deformity (ASD) database. A reanalysis of their SRS22, ODI and SF-36 data 14 days into confinement were compared to their last pre-confinement scores.

RESULTS

89 patients were included in this study (average age 60.7 years, 91% female) with an average time from last FU until confinement of 9.6 months. The ODI total score worsened by 5 points post-confinement with no difference seen in personal care, walking and social life. In contrast, the SRS-22 score showed small improvements in function/activity and satisfaction, but no significant differences for the other domains. Similarly, the SF-36 showed small improvements in physical function, physical and emotional role, vitality and PCS.

CONCLUSION

The global COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing confinement had variable overall effects on ASD patients, without the expected marked worsening. In addition, this study illustrates that the SRS-22 questionnaire is less influenced by environmental and psychological factors than the ODI supporting its objectivity and accuracy in the evaluation of the QoL of ASD patients.

Tipping the immunostimulatory and inhibitory DAMP balance to harness immunogenic cell death

Induction of tumor cell death is the therapeutic goal for most anticancer drugs. Yet, a mode of drug-induced cell death, known as immunogenic cell death (ICD), can propagate antitumoral immunity to augment therapeutic efficacy. Currently, the molecular hallmark of ICD features the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) by dying cancer cells. Here, we show that gemcitabine, a standard chemotherapy for various solid tumors, triggers hallmark immunostimualtory DAMP release (e.g., calreticulin, HSP70, and HMGB1); however, is unable to induce ICD. Mechanistic studies reveal gemcitabine concurrently triggers prostaglandin E2 release as an inhibitory DAMP to counterpoise the adjuvanticity of immunostimulatory DAMPs. Pharmacological blockade of prostaglandin E2 biosythesis favors CD103+ dendritic cell activation that primes a Tc1-polarized CD8+ T cell response to bolster tumor rejection. Herein, we postulate that an intricate balance between immunostimulatory and inhibitory DAMPs could determine the outcome of drug-induced ICD and pose COX-2/prostaglandin E2 blockade as a strategy to harness ICD.

Effects of cyclic stretching exercise on long-lasting hyperalgesia, joint contracture, and muscle injury following cast immobilization in rats

The effects of exercise on mechanical hyperalgesia, joint contracture, and muscle injury resulting from immobilization are not completely understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cyclic stretching on these parameters in a rat model of chronic post-cast pain (CPCP). Seventeen 8-week-old Wistar rats were randomly assigned to (1) control group, (2) immobilization (CPCP) group, or (3) immobilization and stretching exercise (CPCP+STR) group. In the CPCP and CPCP+STR groups, both hindlimbs of each rat were immobilized in full plantar flexion with a plaster cast for a 4-week period. In the CPCP+STR group, cyclic stretching exercise was performed 6 days/week for 2 weeks, beginning immediately after cast removal prior to reloading. Although mechanical hyperalgesia in the plantar skin and calf muscle, ankle joint contracture, and gastrocnemius muscle injury were observed in both immobilized groups, these changes were significantly less severe in the CPCP+STR group than in the CPCP group. These results clearly demonstrate the beneficial effect of cyclic stretching exercises on widespread mechanical hyperalgesia, joint contracture, and muscle injury in a rat model of CPCP.

Recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation is associated with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events: insights from AF frontier ablation registry

Background

Recent observational studies have suggested that catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is significantly associated with reduced risk for stroke, cardiovascular events and all-cause death. However, little is known whether late recurrence of AF after catheter ablation is associated with worse clinical outcomes.

Purpose

We aimed to clarify whether late recurrence of AF after catheter ablation is associated with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 2,737 participants (74.4% men, mean age 63.4±10.3 years, 62.7% paroxysmal AF) who received first catheter ablation for AF and completed follow-up more than 3 months after the procedure from AF Frontier Ablation Registry, a multicenter cohort study in Japan. We evaluated an association between late recurrence of AF after catheter ablation and first MACCE in cox-regression hazard models adjusted for known risk factors. MACCE were defined as stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), cardiovascular events or all-cause death. Late recurrence was defined as AF relapse more than 3 months after the procedure.

Results

During a mean follow-up period of 25.2 months, 2,070 patients (75.6%) were free from AF after catheter ablation and 122 patients (4.5%) had MACCE (ischemic stroke 18 [14.8%], hemorrhagic stroke 16 [13.1%], TIA 7 [5.7%], hospitalization for heart failure 19 [15.6%], acute coronary syndrome 19 [15.6%], hospitalization for other cardiovascular events 24 [20%] and all-cause death 19 [15.6%]). The MACCE occurred significantly more frequently in the recurrence group than in non-recurrence group (7.5% vs. 3.5%; hazard ratio [HR] 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–2.65; P=0.001) (Figure). Multivariate analysis revealed that baseline age (HR 1.05; 95% CI 1.03–1.08; P&lt;0.001), heart failure (HR 1.76; 95% CI 1.17–2.66; P=0.007), old myocardial infarction (HR 4.49; 95% CI 2.59–7.81; P&lt;0.001), non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (HR 2.56; 95% CI 1.47–4.46; P=0.001), left atrial diameter (HR 1.22 per 5-mm increase; 95% CI, 1.06–1.41; P=0.006) and recurrence of AF (HR 1.69; 95% CI 1.17–2.44; P=0.005) were independently associated with the incidence of MACCE after catheter ablation.

Conclusion

In the Japanese multicenter cohort of AF ablation, late recurrence of AF was independently associated with increased MACCE, suggesting the significance of sinus rhythm maintenance by catheter ablation.

Kaplan-Meier curves for MACCE

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation with motion assistance from wearable cyborg hybrid assistive limb in patients with chronic heart failure: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Recent Cochrane Systematic Review suggested that the participation in cardiac rehabilitation is associated with approximately 20% lower cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Exercise therapy is the key component of cardiac rehabilitation programs. In recent years, innovative technologies have been introduced into the field of rehabilitation, and a typical example is the wearable cyborg Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL). The wearable cyborg HAL provides motion assistance based on detection of bioelectrical signals on the skin surface when muscle forces are generated. The lumbar-type HAL is expected to expand the therapeutic options for severe cardiac patients who have difficulty in performing usual cardiac rehabilitation programs, such as bicycle pedaling or walking.

Purpose

We aim to compare the efficacy of exercise therapy performed with motion assistance from a lumbar-type HAL versus conventional training (sit-to-stand exercise without HAL) in patients with chronic heart failure.

Methods

This clinical trial is a randomized, non-blinded, and controlled study. Twenty-eight heart failure patients (73.1±13.8 years) who have difficulty in walking at the usual walking speed of healthy subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups (HAL group or control group) with a 1:1 allocation ratio and performed sit-to stand exercise either with HAL or without HAL for 5 to 30 minutes once a day, and 6 to 10 days during the study period. The brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), isometric knee extensor strength, standing ability (30-seconds chair-stand test: CS-30), short physical performance battery (SPPB) and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) were measured before and after the completion of cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac events such as death, re-hospitalization, myocardial infarction and worsening of angina pectoris and heart failure during 1 year after discharge were evaluated.

Results

There was no significant difference in the number of days of exercise therapy between the two groups. BNP, SPPB and 6MWD were improved in both groups. In the HAL group, the isometric knee extensor strength (0.29±0.11 vs 0.35±0.11 kgf/kg, p=0.003) significantly improved and CS-30 (5.5±5.1 vs 8.2±5.3, p=0.054) tended to improve. However, in the control group, either the isometric knee extensor strength (0.35±0.11 vs 0.36±0.14 kgf/kg, p=0.424) or CS-30 (6.0±4.3 vs 9.2±6.2, p=0.075) did not significantly change. HAL group showed significantly more improvement in the isometric knee extensor strength than control group (p=0.045). Cardiac events occurred in 20% in the HAL group and 43% in the control group.

Conclusion

The improvement in isometric knee extensor strength with the assistance from lumbar-type HAL suggests that exercise therapy using this device may be useful in chronic heart failure patients with flail or sarcopenia, a strong poor prognostic factor in these patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): This work was supported in part by a grant-in-aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture of Japan (JSPS KAKENHI grant number JP17K09485) and funded by the ImPACT Program of the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (Cabinet Office, Government of Japan) (grant number 2017-PM05-03-01).