Assisted reproductive techniques and subsequent risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis in offspring: a nationwide birth cohort study in South Korea

OBJECTIVE

The relationship between assisted reproductive techniques (ART) and the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) is controversial. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relationship between ART and the risk of asthma and AR in a nationwide, large-scale birth cohort.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study utilized the National Health Insurance Service data in South Korea to conduct a nationwide, large-scale, population-based birth cohort. We included all infants born between 2017 and 2018. AR, asthma, food allergies, and atopic dermatitis were defined using the International Classification of Diseases tenth edition codes. Asthma was classified as allergic or non-allergic based on accompanying allergic diseases (AR, food allergy, or atopic dermatitis). Using 1:10 propensity score matching, we compared infants conceived through ART with those conceived naturally (non-ART). After matching, logistic regression was used to compare the hazard ratio for asthma and AR between the two groups.

RESULTS

We included 543,178 infants [male infants, 280,194 (51.38%)]. After matching, 8,925 and 74,229 infants were selected for the ART and non-ART groups, respectively. The ART group showed a decreased risk of asthma in the offspring [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.41-0.48]. Similarly, for AR, being conceived by ART was associated with a decreased risk of AR (aHR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.12-0.37). ART offspring showed a decreased risk of asthma and AR in offspring compared to that observed in non-ART offspring.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study offers important insights for clinicians, researchers, and parents regarding the health outcomes of ART-conceived infants and enhances our understanding of ART's impact on respiratory health.

P-233 Deep ensembles-based AI as a tool to support embryo grading and clinical pregnancy prediction

Study question

Can deep learning accurately evaluate embryo grades and predict clinical pregnancy while providing relevant clinical evidence, not just results from a black box?

Summary answer

The sophisticated ensemble method can improve the predictive performance for embryo grades and clinical pregnancy, while providing clinically relevant evidence.

What is known already

Previous studies have shown that AI can predict the IVF outcomes by analyzing the images of embryos. In many literature, AI outperformed human because AI could identify features human eyes could not easily detect. However, clinicians have been cautious to adopt the AI technology due to the black box nature of AI algorithms. In this study, we increased the predictive power of AI as well as providing evidence of the prediction by using deep ensembles and Grad-CAM images.

Study design, size, duration

We performed a retrospective study of single static images of 727 Day 5 blastocysts from 270 patients who underwent single embryo transfer at a single in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic between January 2015 and March 2021. The images were collected from standard optical light microscopes and matched with metadata such as embryo grades and pregnancy outcomes.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Two different models were designed: an automatic embryo grading model and a pregnancy prediction model. Embryologists labeled a day 5 embryo “GEM,” a good embryo if 4AA/AB or above in the Gardner system and pregnancy was defined as the presence of a fetal heartbeat (FHB). Deep ensembles were applied by training four convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Grad-CAM images were extracted from the last layer and reviewed by experts.

Main results and the role of chance

Under several single CNNs, the highest AUROCs of the embryo grading model and the pregnancy prediction model were 0.80 and 0.67, respectively. After applying deep ensembles, the AUROCs of the two models increased to 0.84 and 0.72, respectively. When the F1-score for the positive cases were maximized by adjusting the threshold of ensembles, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the embryo grading model were 88.1%, 92.9% and 62.5% respectively. For the pregnancy prediction model, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were 66.3%, 77.1% and 55.6% respectively. The accuracy of GEM predicting pregnancy for the embryologists and the embryo grading AI model was 47.3% and 59.2%, respectively. It is noteworthy that the AI pregnancy prediction model outperformed the embryologists while successfully auto-grading embryos, a strong evidence that AI considered more features for prediction than what was used for grading. It was also noted from the review of the Grad-CAM images that the both AI models were focusing on the ICM, TE and hatching. Although their area of focus was the same, the pregnancy prediction model was able to make better predictions than the embryologists and the embryo grading model.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This study has limitations as it is a retrospective study performed on embryo images from a single IVF center. In addition, including other variables such as clinical data may enhance the models.

Wider implications of the findings

We showed that deep learning can automatically grade embryos and more accurately predict pregnancy than embryologists. Furthermore, the embryologists confirmed the model was looking at key features like ICM, TE and hatching. Sharing such evidence with clinicians can be a necessary step for AI to be adopted for clinical practice.

Trial registration number

not applicable

POS0779 STANDARDIZED MORTALITY RATIO AND RISK FACTORS FOR DEATH IN SOUTHERN CHINESE PATIENTS WITH THE ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME (APS)

Objectives

To report the mortality rate and risk factors for death in southern Chinese patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

Methods

The HKAPS registry was established in early 2020 by the Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology to study the outcomes of Chinese patients with APS treated in public hospitals in Hong Kong. Patients aged ≥18 years were identified by the Hospital Authority Clinical Data retrieval system using the ICD-10 diagnostic code of APS. The medical history and APS diagnosis was verified by sub-investigators in different hospitals using the 2006 modified consensus criteria for the APS. Eligible patients were classified into definite APS or probable APS, which was further categorized into primary (without underlying rheumatic diseases) and secondary types. The treatment and outcome (recurrence and mortality) of the patients was studied by Kaplan-Meier analysis and risk factors for recurrence of thrombosis and mortality were studied by Cox regression.

Results

428 APS patients were studied - 282 fulfilled the 2006 criteria for APS while 146 patients had probable APS (anti-phospholipid [aPL] antibodies positive once or with non-criteria manifestations). All were ethnic Chinese. The mean age at diagnosis was 44.1±15.6 years and the female to male ratio was 3.4:1. APS was primary in 211 patients and secondary to concomitant rheumatic diseases in 217 patients (SLE in 89.9%). 369(86.4%) patients had thromboembolic manifestations, 85(19.9%) had obstetric morbidities and 20(4.7%) had both. In patients with secondary APS, 23% thrombotic or obstetric manifestations occurred before diagnosis of the rheumatic diseases. Lupus anticoagulant (LAC), moderate/high titers of IgG anticardiolipin and anti-β2glycoprotein-1 antibodies was present in 326(76.1%), 242(56.5%) and 29(6.7%) patients, respectively. 137(32%) patients were double positive while 19(4.4%) patient was triple positive for these aPL antibodies. Among the thromboembolic manifestations, arterial thrombosis (n=201) was more common than venous thrombosis (n=186). The following treatment regimens were used: warfarin (63.6%), aspirin plus subcutaneous heparin (6.8%), aspirin plus warfarin (3%), aspirin alone (17.8%) and direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) (2.8%). Bleeding complications developed in 77(18%) patients.

After a mean follow-up of 8.0±14.1 years, recurrence of thromboembolic or obstetric complications occurred in 83(19.4%) and 14(3.3%) patients, respectively (1 patient had recurrence of both thrombosis and obstetric complications). Cox regression did not reveal any factors significantly associated with recurrence of thrombosis. A total of 67(15.7%) patients succumbed (median time to death 7.3 years). The causes of death were vascular in 29.9% (intracranial haemorrhage [35%], myocardial infarction [30%], limb ischemia [10%], ischemic stroke[10%], bowel ischemia[5%]) and non-vascular in 70.1% of patients (infection [59.6%], malignancy [10.6%], SLE activity [6.4%], pulmonary arterial hypertension [2.1%], organ failure [6.4%] and others). The cumulative risk of mortality over time was 6.4% at 5 years and 11.9% at 10 years. The age and sex adjusted standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of our APS patients relative to the general population was 18.2(14.2-23.0). In patients with thrombotic APS, mortality was associated with older age (≥60 years) (HR 2.57[1.34-4.95]) and the presence of LAC (HR 2.01[1.07-3.75]), adjusted for age, sex and vascular risk factors that included hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, smoking and atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

APS in southern Chinese is relatively uncommon and most cases were associated with SLE. In contrast to the Caucasians, venous thrombosis related to APS is less frequent. Over 8 years, recurrence of thrombotic events is uncommon. The mortality of APS in our Chinese patients was increased, with older age and the presence of LAC being independent risk factors.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0773 CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND OUTCOMES OF THE ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME (APS) IN SOUTHERN CHINESE PATIENTS: THE HONG KONG APS REGISTRY

Objectives:

To report the clinical presentation and outcomes of the APS in Hong Kong Chinese patients.

Methods:

The HKAPS registry was established in early 2020 by the Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology to study the outcomes of Chinese patients with APS treated in public hospitals in Hong Kong. Patients aged ≥18 years were identified by the Hospital Authority Clinical Data retrieval system using the ICD-10 diagnostic code of APS. The medical history and APS diagnosis was verified by sub-investigators in different hospitals using the 2006 modified consensus criteria for the APS. Eligible patients were classified into definite APS or probable APS, which was further categorized into primary (without underlying rheumatic diseases) and secondary types. The presentation, treatment and outcomes of these patients were summarized.

Results:

232 APS patients (76.3% women) were identified. All were ethnic Chinese. A total of 160 patients fulfilled the 2006 criteria for APS (definite APS) while 72 patients had probable APS (anti-phospholipid [aPL] antibodies positive once or with non-criteria manifestations). In those with definite APS, the mean age at diagnosis was 44.9±15.8 years and the female to male ratio was 3.1:1. APS was primary in 82 patients while 78 patients had concomitant rheumatic diseases (SLE in 95% of patients). 130(81%) patients had thromboembolic manifestations, 20(13%) had obstetric morbidities and 10(6%) had both. In patients with secondary APS, 23% thrombotic or obstetric manifestations occurred before diagnosis of the rheumatic diseases (ie. evolved from primary APS). Lupus anticoagulant was present in 81(51%) patients, moderate/high titers of anti-cardiolipin were present in 90(56%) patients and anti-β2glycoprotein-1 was present in 6(4%) patients. Sixteen (10%) patients were double positive while 1 patient was triple positive for these aPL antibodies. Among the thromboembolic manifestations, arterial thrombosis (n=84) (ischemic stroke 77%, myocardial infarction 4.8%, peripheral vascular disease with limb/digital gangrene 2.4%, retinal artery 2.4%, splenic artery 1.2%, bowel infarct 1.2%) was more common than venous thrombosis (n=73) (calf vein thrombosis ± pulmonary embolism 86%, cerebral veins 2.7%, inferior vena cava/iliac veins 6.8%, retinal vein 2.7%, splenic vein 1.4%). The following treatment regimens were used in our APS patients: warfarin (71%), aspirin plus subcutaneous heparin (4%), aspirin + warfarin (3.1%), aspirin alone (17%) and the direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) (5%). Bleeding complications developed in 35(22%) patients. Over a mean follow-up of 9.9±7.0years, recurrence of thromboembolic or obstetric manifestations recurred in 39(24%) and 6(4%) patients, respectively. A total of 29(18%) patients succumbed (median time to death: 6.4 years) and the causes of death were: pneumonia (24%), septicemia (17%), intracranial hemorrhage (14%), myocardial infarction (10%), ischemic stroke (3%), bowel infarct (3%), pulmonary hypertension (6.9%) and sudden death with unknown causes (14%).

Conclusion:

APS in southern Chinese is relatively uncommon and most cases were associated with SLE. In contrast with the Caucasians, venous thrombosis related to APS is less frequent than arterial thrombosis in Chinese patients. With long-term anticoagulation treatment, the outcome is satisfactory with relatively low rates of recurrence and mortality. Expansion of the sample size to study factors associated with recurrence and mortality by involving more hospitals is in progress.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Molecular insights into the development of hepatic metastases in colorectal cancer: a metastasis prediction study

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer is presently the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. In this study, we identified molecular differences between hepatic and non-hepatic metastases in colorectal cancer and evaluated their prognostic significance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We downloaded primary data from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE6988, GSE62321, GSE50760, and GSE28722). To identify the molecular differences, we used the Significance Analysis of Microarray method. We selected nine prognostic genes (SYTL2, PTPLAD1, CDS1, RNF138, PIGR, WDR78, MYO7B, TSPAN3, and ATP5F1) with hepatic metastasis prediction score in colorectal cancer (hereafter referred to as LASSO Score). We confirmed the prognostic significance of the LASSO Score by using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, multivariate analysis, the time-dependent area under the curve (AUC) of Uno's C-index, and the AUC of the receiver operating characteristic curve at 1-5 years.

RESULTS

Survival analysis revealed that a high LASSO Score is associated with a poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients with hepatic metastases (p = 0). Analysis of C-indices and AUC values from the receiver operating characteristic curve further supported this prediction by the LASSO Score. Multivariate analysis confirmed the prognostic significance of the LASSO Score (p = 1.13e-06).

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals the biological mechanisms underlying hepatic metastases in colorectal cancer and will help in developing targeted therapies for colorectal cancer.

0971 Mother’s Parenting Style As A Moderator In The Relationship Between Temperament And Sleep Problems In Children With Obesity

Introduction

Based on past studies, a child’s temperament and parenting style greatly affect a child’s sleep. However, there are limited studies that have investigated how parenting styles and a child’s temperament interact and affect the child’s sleep in obese children. Thus, this study investigated parenting styles as a moderator in the relationship between temperament and sleep in obese children.

Methods

Seventy-seven obese children (male=66.2%, average BMI = 27.35±2.78) participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 10.82(± 1.00) years. The primary caregiver (mother) of the participants completed the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (J-TCI), and Parents as Social Context Questionnaire (K-PSCQ), and Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Among the different subscales, only Novelty Seeking (NS) and Reward Dependence (RD) were used for analysis among Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (J-TCI) components.

Results

In this sample, 66 children (85.7%) reported significant levels of sleep problems based on the CSHQ. Novelty seeking (NS) and reward dependence (RD) significantly predicted sleep problems (B=-.771, p<.05, B=-.683, p<.01). Additionally, mother’s negative parenting style moderated the relationship between NS and the child’s sleep problem [B=.03, 95% CI=.007, .049] and the relationship between RD and the child’s sleep problem [B=.031, 95% CI=.013, .049]. The more negative mother’s parenting style, the higher the child’s NS or RD scores had a negative effect on sleep.

Conclusion

The results of this study show that obese children experience high levels of sleep disturbance. Additionally, the mother’s negative parenting style moderated the relationship between temperament and sleep problems in obese children. The results suggest that sleep interventions for obese children should include the mother, especially in children with high novelty seeking and reward dependence.

Support

This work was supported by Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention & Korea National Research Institute of Health (2019020660E-00)

Nanoscale heat transport through the hetero-interface of SrRuO3 thin films

A SrRuO₃ thin film has been widely used as a metal electrode in electronic devices based on transition metal oxides, and hence it is important to understand its thermal transport properties to minimize a thermal degradation problem during the device operation. Using the time-domain thermoreflectance measurement technique, we investigate the cross-plane thermal conductivity of the SrRuO₃ thin films with a thickness variation from 1 μm to 8 nm. We find that the thermal conductivity is reduced from about 6 W m^-1 K^-1 for the 1 μm thick film to about 1.2 W m^-1 K^-1 for the 8 nm thick film, and attribute this behavior to the boundary scattering of thermal carriers which originally have the mean free path of about 20 nm in a bulk state. Also, we observe a clear dip behavior of the thermal conductivity in the intermediate thickness around 30 nm which suggests an existence of a strong scattering source other than the film boundary. We explain this result by considering an additional interfacial scattering at the tetragonal-orthorhombic phase boundary which is formed during the strain relaxation with an increase of the film thickness.

Automatic matching of computed tomography and stereolithography data

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Computed tomography (CT) is one of the most frequently used medical imaging methods. An important application area of CT is dental implants, which require precise inspection and analysis of oral structures. Since CT provides a precise 3D model of the teeth, bones and nerves, it can be used as a surgical guide for dental implants. Along with CT, optical 3D images called stereolithography (STL) have also been widely used. STL images obtained from optical 3D images can be used to show the 3D surfaces of oral structures. Since CT data and STL data deploy different technologies to obtain dental information, we can obtain more accurate dental implants by combining the two datasets. Since the two datasets are acquired by using different sensors, the datasets need to be registered.

METHODS

An automatic matching algorithm is proposed for CT and STL image registration, which is based on depth maps and maximum intensity projection. Then, fine tuning was performed based on volume matching.

RESULTS

When applied to real-world databases, the proposed method provided an average matching error of 2.7 mm for the upper jaw and 2.3 mm for the lower jaw with an average processing time of about 19 s.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed method performs accurate registration of CT and STL.

The Kaiser Permanente Northern California research program on genes, environment, and health (RPGEH) pregnancy cohort: study design, methodology and baseline characteristics

Background

Exposures during the prenatal period may have lasting effects on maternal and child health outcomes. To better understand the effects of the in utero environment on children’s short- and long-term health, large representative pregnancy cohorts with comprehensive information on a broad range of environmental influences (including biological and behavioral) and the ability to link to prenatal, child and maternal health outcomes are needed. The Research Program on Genes, Environment and Health (RPGEH) pregnancy cohort at Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) was established to create a resource for conducting research to better understand factors influencing women’s and children’s health. Recruitment is integrated into routine clinical prenatal care at KPNC, an integrated health care delivery system. We detail the study design, data collection, and methodologies for establishing this cohort. We also describe the baseline characteristics and the cohort’s representativeness of the underlying pregnant population in KPNC.

Methods

While recruitment is ongoing, as of October 2014, the RPGEH pregnancy cohort included 16,977 pregnancies (53 % from racial and ethnic minorities). RPGEH pregnancy cohort participants consented to have blood samples obtained in the first trimester (mean gestational age 9.1 weeks ± 4.2 SD) and second trimester (mean gestational age 18.1 weeks ± 5.5 SD) to be stored for future use. Women were invited to complete a questionnaire on health history and lifestyle. Information on women’s clinical and health assessments before, during and after pregnancy and women and children’s health outcomes are available in the health system’s electronic health records, which also allows long-term follow-up.

Discussion

This large, racially- and ethnically-diverse cohort of pregnancies with prenatal biospecimens and clinical data is a valuable resource for future studies on in utero environmental exposures and maternal and child perinatal and long term health outcomes. The baseline characteristics of RPGEH Pregnancy Cohort demonstrate that it is highly representative of the underlying population living in the broader community in Northern California.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12884-016-1150-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The anti-angiogenic herbal extract from Melissa officinalis inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and suppresses adipocyte hypertrophy in high fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Melissa officinalis L. (Labiatae; lemon balm) has been used traditionally and contemporarily as an anti-stress herb. Current hypotheses suggest that not only chronic stress promotes angiogenesis, but angiogenesis also modulates adipogenesis and obesity. Because the herbal extract ALS-L1023 from M. officinalis L. (Labiatae; lemon balm) has an anti-angiogenic activity, we hypothesized that ALS-L1023 could inhibit adipogenesis and adipocyte hypertrophy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ALS-L1023 was prepared by a two-step organic solvent fractionation from M. officinalis. The effects of ALS-L1023 on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and adipocyte hypertrophy in high fat diet (HFD)-fed obese mice were measured using in vivo and in vitro approaches.

RESULTS

ALS-L1023 inhibited angiogenesis in a dose-dependent manner in the HUVEC tube formation assay in vitro. Treatment of cells with ALS-L1023 inhibited lipid accumulation and adipocyte-specific gene expression caused by troglitazone or MDI differentiation mix. ALS-L1023 reduced mRNA expression of angiogenic factors (VEGF-A and FGF-2) and MMPs (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in differentiated cells. In contrast, mRNA levels of angiogenic inhibitors (TSP-1, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2) increased. Protease activity, as measured by zymography, showed that activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 decreased in ALS-L1023-treated cells. ALS-L1023 also inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 reporter gene expression in the presence of the MMP inducer phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. An in vivo study showed that ALS-L1023 not only decreased adipose tissue mass and adipocyte size, but also reduced mRNA levels of adipose tissue angiogenic factors and MMPs in HFD-fed obese mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the anti-angiogenic herbal extract ALS-L1023 suppresses adipogenesis and adipocyte hypertrophy, and this effect may be mediated by inhibiting angiogenesis and MMP activities. Thus, by curbing adipogenesis, anti-angiogenic ALS-L1023 yields a possible therapeutic choice for the prevention and treatment of human obesity and its associated conditions.

Reduction of Adipose Tissue Mass by the Angiogenesis Inhibitor ALS-L1023 from Melissa officinalis

It has been suggested that angiogenesis modulates adipogenesis and obesity. This study was undertaken to determine whether ALS-L1023 (ALS) prepared by a two-step organic solvent fractionation from Melissa leaves, which exhibits antiangiogenic activity, can regulate adipose tissue growth. The effects of ALS on angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling were measured using in vitro assays. The effects of ALS on adipose tissue growth were investigated in high fat diet-induced obese mice. ALS inhibited VEGF- and bFGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation and suppressed matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in vitro. Compared to obese control mice, administration of ALS to obese mice reduced body weight gain, adipose tissue mass and adipocyte size without affecting appetite. ALS treatment decreased blood vessel density and MMP activity in adipose tissues. ALS reduced the mRNA levels of angiogenic factors (VEGF-A and FGF-2) and MMPs (MMP-2 and MMP-9), whereas ALS increased the mRNA levels of angiogenic inhibitors (TSP-1, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2) in adipose tissues. The protein levels of VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were also decreased by ALS in adipose tissue. Metabolic changes in plasma lipids, liver triglycerides, and hepatic expression of fatty acid oxidation genes occurred during ALS-induced weight loss. These results suggest that ALS, which has antiangiogenic and MMP inhibitory activities, reduces adipose tissue mass in nutritionally obese mice, demonstrating that adipose tissue growth can be regulated by angiogenesis inhibitors.

Herbal composition Gambigyeongsinhwan (4) from Curcuma longa, Alnus japonica, and Massa Medicata Fermentata inhibits lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells and regulates obesity in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Adipocyte lipid accumulation due to impaired fatty acid oxidation causes adipocyte hypertrophy and adipose tissue increment, leading to obesity. The aim of this study was to determine the antiobesity effects of the herbal composition Gambigyeongsinhwan (4) (GGH(4)) composed of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), Alnus japonica (Thunb.) Steud. (Betulaceae), and the fermented traditional Korean medicine Massa Medicata Fermentata.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of GGH(4) and the individual components on lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and body weight gain in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats were examined using Oil red O staining, hematoxylin and eosin staining, quantitative real-time PCR, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) transactivation assay.

RESULTS

GGH(4), individual components, and an active principle of Curcuma longa curcumin inhibited lipid accumulation and mRNA levels of adipocyte-specific genes (PPARγ, aP2, and C/EBPα) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes compared with control cells. Treatment with GGH(4), the individual components or curcmumin increased mRNA levels of mitochondrial (CPT-1, MCAD, and VLCAD) and peroxisomal (ACOX and thiolase) PPARα target genes. GGH(4) and the individual components also increased PPARα reporter gene expression compared with control cells. These effects were most prominent in GGH(4)-treated cells. However, the PPARα antagonist GW6471 reversed the inhibitory effects of GGH(4) on adipogenesis. An in vivo study showed that GGH(4) decreased body weight gain, adipose tissue mass, and visceral adipocyte size with increasing mRNA levels of adipose tissue PPARα target genes in OLETF rats.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that GGH(4) has an antiobesity effects through the inhibition of adipocyte lipid accumulation, and this process may be mediated in part through adipose PPARα activation.

Switching bipolar hepatic radiofrequency ablation using internally cooled wet electrodes: comparison with consecutive monopolar and switching monopolar modes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether switching bipolar radiofrequency ablation (SB-RFA) using three internally cooled wet (ICW) electrodes can induce coagulations >5 cm in porcine livers with better efficiency than consecutive monopolar (CM) or switching monopolar (SM) modes.

METHODS

A total of 60 coagulations were made in 15 in vivo porcine livers using three 17-gauge ICW electrodes and a multichannel radiofrequency (RF) generator. RF energy (approximately 200 W) was applied in CM mode (Group A, n = 20) for 24 min, SM mode for 12 min (Group B, n = 20) or switching bipolar (SB) mode for 12 min (Group C, n = 20) in in vivo porcine livers. Thereafter, the delivered RFA energy, as well as the shape and dimension of coagulations were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

Spherical- or oval-shaped ablations were created in 30% (6/20), 85% (17/20) and 90% (18/20) of coagulations in the CM, SM and SB groups, respectively (p = 0.003). SB-RFA created ablations >5 cm in minimum diameter (Dmin) in 65% (13/20) of porcine livers, whereas SM- or CM-RFA created ablations >5 cm in only 25% (5/20) and 20% (4/20) of porcine livers, respectively (p = 0.03). The mean Dmin of coagulations was significantly larger in Group C than in Groups A and B (5.1 ± 0.9, 3.9 ± 1.2 and 4.4 ± 1.0 cm, respectively, p = 0.002) at a lower delivered RF energy level (76.8 ± 14.3, 120.9 ± 24.5 and 114.2 ± 18.3 kJ, respectively, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

SB-RFA using three ICW electrodes can create coagulations >5 cm in diameter with better efficiency than do SM- or CM-RFA.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

SB-RFA can create large, regular ablation zones with better time-energy efficiency than do CM- or SM-RFA.

The herbal composition GGEx18 from Laminaria japonica, Rheum palmatum, and Ephedra sinica inhibits visceral obesity and insulin resistance by upregulating visceral adipose genes involved in fatty acid oxidation

CONTEXT

The herbal composition Gyeongshingangjeehwan 18 (GGEx18) extracted from Rheum palmatum L. (Polygonaceae), Laminaria japonica Aresch (Laminariaceae), and Ephedra sinica Stapf (Ephedraceae) is traditionally used as an anti-obesity drug by local clinics in Korea.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the effects of GGEx18 on visceral obesity and insulin resistance and determines the molecular mechanisms involved in this process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with GGEx18 (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) for 8 weeks and 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with GGEx18 (0.1, 1, and 10 μg/ml); variables and determinants of visceral obesity and insulin resistance were measured using in vivo and in vitro approaches.

RESULTS

Administration of GGEx18 to obese mice decreased visceral adipose tissue weight with an ED50 value of 232 mg/kg. 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with GGEx18 showed a reduction in lipid accumulation with an ED50 value of 0.7 µg/ml. GGEx18 significantly increased the expression of fatty acid oxidation genes, including adiponectin, AMPKs, PPARα and its target enzymes, and CPT-1, in both mesenteric adipose tissues and 3T3-L1 cells. However, GGEx18 treatment decreased the mRNA levels of adipocyte marker genes such as PPARγ, aP2, TNFα, and leptin. GGEx18 normalized hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in obese mice. Blood glucose levels of GGEx18-treated mice were significantly reduced during oral glucose tolerance tests compared with obese controls.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These results suggest that GGEx18 may treat visceral obesity and visceral obesity-related insulin resistance by upregulating the visceral adipose expression of fatty acid oxidative genes.

Quantitative insight in utilizing circulating angiogenic factors as biomarkers for antiangiogenic therapy: systems pharmacology approach

Circulating angiogenic factors (CAF) like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), and sVEGFR2 have potential as biomarkers for antiangiogenic therapy. The interpretation of changes in CAF is complicated by the dynamic nature of the tumor and host cells emanating CAF in response to VEGF pathway inhibition. We developed a systems pharmacology model of anti-VEGF agents to investigate CAF modulation by tumor and host cells, and the relationship between overall CAF changes in response to sunitinib and antitumor efficacy. This model distinguishes between the tumor cells' contributions from tumor-independent response to therapy and total plasma CAF correlating with antitumor activity. Altered VEGF is more likely to serve as a useful biomarker reflecting tumor responses in cancer patients whose pretreatment VEGF is higher than baseline VEGF in healthy subjects. Our findings provide a mechanistic insight into tumor modulation of angiogenic molecules, and may explain the inconsistent results found in previous biomarker studies.

Ninety-one osteoporosis patients affected with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a case series

Bisphosphonate (BP)-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) presents with necrotic bone in the mouth in the setting of BP exposure. It has been studied in cancer patients taking high-dose BP, but BRONJ has also been noted in patients taking lower-dose BP for osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to characterize the phenotypes and outcomes in a large series of patients with osteoporosis and BRONJ in the setting of BP exposure. We conducted a retrospective case series. The sample was composed of subjects with BRONJ and osteoporosis. Subjects with a history of BP treatment for myeloma or metastatic cancer to the bones were excluded. Descriptive statistics were computed for the study variables. Ninety-one cases of BRONJ met the inclusion criteria. Subjects had a median age of 71 years and were predominantly female (94.5 %). The median time of BP exposure was 60 months (range 2-120). Most subjects were treated with alendronate (82.4 %). The mandible was involved more frequently (58.2 %) than the maxilla (37.3 %). Subjects commonly (65.9 %), but not universally, reported pain. For subjects with treatment outcome data (n = 0), most reported improvement (80.0 %). Although BRONJ is an uncommon condition, the absolute number of cases is fairly large due to the very large number of patients taking BPs for osteoporosis. The findings of this study confirm that BRONJ primarily affects the mandible, a substantial minority present without pain, and patients typically improve with treatment.

An elevated apolipoprotein B/AI ratio is independently associated with microalbuminuria in male subjects with impaired fasting glucose

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The ratio of apolipoprotein B/AI (apo B/AI) has been used as a marker to predict the risk of coronary artery disease. Recent studies have suggested an association between apolipoprotein B level and microalbuminuria in diabetic subjects. This study was performed to assess a possible association between the apo B/AI ratio and microalbuminuria in male subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG).

METHODS AND RESULTS

In 1266 patients with fasting serum glucose level in the pre-diabetic range, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR, μg mg(-1)) was measured from single morning voided urine. The presence of microalbuminuria was defined as a UACR between 30 and 299 μg mg(-1). Participants were stratified into four groups by apo B/AI quartiles, from the lowest to the highest. Apo B/AI was higher with increasing body mass index, higher serum triglyceride and serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure values, but lower with higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. After adjusting for these and other confounding factors, an increased apo B/AI ratio was independently associated with the presence of microalbuminuria. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, apo B/AI ratio showed the highest correlation with the presence of microalbuminuria among the variables, although statistically not different.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that apo B/AI ratio shows significant association with microalbuminuria in Korean male subjects with IFG.

An interim analysis of a phase II study of the combination of TACE and sorafenib in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in National Cancer Center Korea (COTSUN KOREA, NCT00919009)

253

Background: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the palliative treatment for patients with unresectable HCC. TACE-induced ischemic injury is known to increase circulating VEGF and related with poor prognosis.The aim of this study is to evaluate efficacy and safety of combined TACE with sorafenib, VEGFR inhibitor in unresectable HCC patients.

Methods: This study is a non-randomized, open-labeld, single-arm, phase II investigator-initiated clinical study. Estimated number of subjects was 50 under the assumption of 3.2 months of median time to progression (TTP) with TACE alone. All patients are Child-Pugh class A or superb B. Sorafenib begins to be administered on 3 days after the first session of TACE and will be subsequently administered up to 24 weeks. Efficacy of TACE was evaluated after 4 weeks from TACE by dynamic CT. Repeated TACE is performed “on demand” in case of PR or SD according to CT/MRI evaluation.

Results: A total of 50 patients were enrolled for this interim analysis. Male was 84% and mean age was 61.5years. Causes of underlying chronic liver disease were HBV in 28 patients (65.1%). Patients were categorized into modified UICC stage II (15, 30.0%), III (24, 48.0%) and IVA (11, 22.0%). Median follow-up period was 5.3 months (range, 1.0–13.1). The size of index lesions was ranged from 1.0 cm to 13.1 cm, and number of lesions was between 1 and 5. Number of TACE sessions was 1.0 (range, 1–4). Common adverse events (AE) during sorafenib therapy were elevation of serum AST/ALT (96.8%), hypocalcemia (90.0%), thrombocytopenia (84.0%), and hyperbilirubinemia (76.0%). Hand-foot skin reaction was most frequently observed among AE of NCI CTCAE grade 3 or higher (40.0%), followed by elevation of serum ALT (38.0%). Dose reduction of sorafenib was needed most commonly due to hand-food skin reaction (n=29). Median TTP was 5.1 months (range, 3.8–6.3).

Conclusions: Adverse events were approved as acceptable by independent monitoring system. Preliminary evidence of antitumor activity was also observed. This trial can be safely performed with close monitoring in inoperable and/or unresectable HCC patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Lympho-Vascular Invasion by Detecting D2-40 Was the Potent Prognostic Predictor in Breast Cancer Patients

(Introduction) Distant metastasis and recurrence are the major factors of prognosis in breast cancer patients. Both of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and blood vascular invasion (BVI) are known to be the important route for metastasis to regional lymph nodes and systemic metastasis. Despite the importance of vascular invasion as a prognostic factor, the application of vascular invasion as a histopathologic criterion is controversial. The aims of this study were to distinguish between LVI and BVI for the role of prognosis and recurrence in breast cancer patients by using an endothelial subtype specific immunohitochemical stain (podoplanin, D2-40 and CD31)Methods) Sections from 80 paraffin-embedded archival specimens of invasive breast cancer were stained for expression of podoplanin, D2-40, and CD31. The results of immunohistochemical staining were correlated with clinicopathologic features, such as tumor size, the status of lymph node metastases, estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status and HER2 expression, and recurrence. The patients with ductal carcinoma in situ and stage 4 breast cancer were excluded.Results) A significant correlation was found in the higher expression of D2-40, and lymph node metastasis. (P=0.02) We found a significant correlation between the expression of D2-40 and the recurrence of breast cancer. (P=0.04) However, there was no significant correlation between BVI and recurrence. A poorer disease free survival was shown in the higher expression of D2-40. (P&lt;0.01) In multivariate analysis, the higher expression of D2-40 revealed a significant association with decreased disease-free survival.Conclusion) The higher expression of D2-40 was the more prognostic predictor than blood vascular invasion in breast cancer patients.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 6171.

CT features of lobular capillary hemangioma of the nasal cavity

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Lobular capillary hemangioma is a benign capillary proliferation of unknown etiology. To our knowledge, no comprehensive review of imaging findings of LCHNC has been presented. Thus, we investigated characteristic CT features of LCHNC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 6 patients (2 men and 4 women; age range, 30-65 years; mean age, 49.2 years) with histologically proved LCHNC. We evaluated the size, site of origin, attenuation on NECT, degree and pattern of enhancement, and bony changes.

RESULTS

The LCHNC lesion was 13.0-45.0 mm (average, 25.0 mm) in diameter. These lesions arose from the inferior turbinate in 5 (83.3%) patients and the anterior nasal septum in 1 (16.7%). Compared with the masticator muscles, the LCHNC lesion was hypoattenuating in 2 (33.3%) and isoattenuating on NECT in 4 (66.7%) patients. In 5 (83.3%) patients, the LCHNC lesion consisted of 2 distinct areas on CECT: a lobular intensely enhancing mass and an iso- or hypoattenuating cap of variable thickness around the intensely enhancing mass. Bony changes included erosion in 3 (50.0%) and displacement in 2 (33.3%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CT features of LCHNC consist of an intensely enhancing mass and an iso- or hypoattenuating cap on CECT. The inferior turbinate seems to be a common site of origin, and bony changes are not uncommon features of LCHNC. CT is useful not only in identifying the site of origin and assessing the extent but also in suggesting the nature of LCHNC.

Factors affecting the production of Trichoderma harzianum secondary metabolites during the interaction with different plant pathogens

AIMS

Strains of Trichoderma spp. produce numerous bioactive secondary metabolites. The in vitro production and antibiotic activities of the major compounds synthesized by Trichoderma harzianum strains T22 and T39 against Leptosphaeria maculans, Phytophthora cinnamomi and Botrytis cinerea were evaluated. Moreover, the eliciting effect of viable or nonviable biomasses of Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium ultimum or B. cinerea on the in vitro production of these metabolites was also investigated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

T22azaphilone, 1-hydroxy-3-methyl-anthraquinone, 1,8-dihydroxy-3-methyl-anthraquinone, T39butenolide, harzianolide, harzianopyridone were purified, characterized and used as standards. In antifungal assays, T22azaphilone and harzianopyridone inhibited the growth of the pathogens tested even at low doses (1-10 microg per plug), while high concentrations of T39butenolide and harzianolide were needed (>100 microg per plug) for inhibition. The in vitro accumulation of these metabolites was quantified by LC/MS. T22azaphilone production was not enhanced by the presence of the tested pathogens, despite its antibiotic activity. On the other hand, the anthraquinones, which showed no pathogen inhibition, were stimulated by the presence of P. ultimum. The production of T39butenolide was significantly enhanced by co-cultivation with R. solani or B. cinerea. Similarly, viable and nonviable biomasses of R. solani or B. cinerea increased the accumulation of harzianopyridone. Finally, harzianolide was not detected in any of the interactions examined.

CONCLUSIONS

The secondary metabolites analysed in this study showed different levels of antibiotic activity. Their production in vitro varied in relation to: (i) the specific compound; (ii) the phytopathogen used for the elicitation; (iii) the viability of the elicitor; and (iv) the balance between elicited biosynthesis and biotransformation rates.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The use of cultures of phytopathogens to enhance yields of Trichoderma metabolites could improve the production and application of novel biopesticides and biofertilizers based on the active compounds instead of the living microbe. This could have a significant beneficial impact on the management of diseases in crop plants.