Faster acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging sequences of the knee via deep learning reconstruction: a volunteer study

AIM

To evaluate whether deep learning reconstruction (DLR) can accelerate the acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences of the knee for clinical use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a 1.5-T MRI scanner, sagittal fat-suppressed T2-weighted imaging (fs-T2WI), coronal proton density-weighted imaging (PDWI), and coronal T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) were performed. DLR was applied to images with a number of signal averages (NSA) of 1 to obtain 1DLR images. Then 1NSA, 1DLR, and 4NSA images were compared subjectively, and by noise (standard deviation of intra-articular water or medial meniscus) and contrast-to-noise ratio between two anatomical structures or between an anatomical structure and intra-articular water.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven healthy volunteers (age: 40.6 ± 11.9 years) were enrolled. Three 1DLR image sequences were obtained within 200 s (approximately 12 minutes for 4NSA image). According to objective evaluations, PDWI 1DLR images showed the smallest noise and significantly higher contrast than 1NSA and 4NSA images. For fs-T2WI, smaller noise and higher contrast were observed in the order of 4NSA, 1DLR, and 1NSA images. According to the subjective analysis, structure visibility, image noise, and overall image quality were significantly better for PDWI 1DLR than 1NSA images; moreover, the visibility of the meniscus and bone, image noise, and overall image quality were significantly better for 1DLR than 4NSA images. Fs-T2WI and T1WI 1DLR images showed no difference between 1DLR and 4NSA images.

CONCLUSION

Compared to PDWI 4NSA images, PDWI 1DLR images were of higher quality, while the quality of fs-T2WI and T1WI 1DLR images was similar to that of 4NSA images.

Prognostic impact of MRI-derived feature tracking myocardial strain in patients with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To evaluate the clinical utility of feature tracking (FT)-derived myocardial strain in patients with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic database searches of PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane advanced search, and EMBASE were performed. Studies on NIDCM were divided into categories according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; <30%, 30-40%, >40%), and correlations between strains and prevalence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were evaluated by weighted correlation coefficients. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) hazard ratios were also integrated for prediction of future adverse events.

RESULTS

The present meta-analysis analysed data from 5,767 patients with NIDCM from 30 eligible studies. GLS and global circumferential strain significantly differed across the three LVEF categories (all p<0.05); however, global radial strain did not. Only GLS showed a strong correlation with the prevalence of LGE (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.61). The pooled HR of GLS for predicting adverse events was 1.15 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.23, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

In this meta-analysis, FT-derived GLS was strongly correlated with myocardial fibrosis and was an important predictor of future adverse events. These results suggest that FT-derived GLS may be useful in the pathological evaluation and risk stratification of NIDCM.

Viewing the immune checkpoint VISTA: landscape and outcomes across cancers

BACKGROUND

Optimizing immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy may require identification of co-targetable checkpoint pathways via immune profiling. Herein, we analyzed the transcriptomic expression and clinical correlates of V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), a promising targetable checkpoint.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

RNA sequencing was carried out on 514 tissues reflecting diverse advanced/metastatic cancers. Expression of eight immune checkpoint markers [lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3), tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 14 (TNFRSF14), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), programmed death-ligand 2 (PD-L2), B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4)], in addition to VISTA, was analyzed, along with clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

High VISTA RNA expression was observed in 32% of tumors (66/514) and was the most common highly expressed checkpoint among the nine assessed. High VISTA expression was independently correlated with high BTLA, TIM-3, and TNFRSF14, and with a diagnosis of pancreatic, small intestine, and stomach cancer. VISTA transcript levels did not correlate with overall survival (OS) from metastatic/advanced disease in the pan-cancer cohort or with immunotherapy outcome (progression-free survival and OS from the start of ICI) in 217 ICI-treated patients. However, in ICI-treated pancreatic cancer patients (n = 16), median OS was significantly shorter (from immunotherapy initiation) for the high- versus not-high-VISTA groups (0.28 versus 1.21 years) (P = 0.047); in contrast, VISTA levels were not correlated with OS in 36 pancreatic cancer patients who did not receive ICI.

CONCLUSION

High VISTA expression correlates with high BTLA, TIM-3, and TNFRSF14 checkpoint-related molecules and with poorer post-immunotherapy survival in pancreatic cancer, consistent with prior literature indicating that VISTA is prominently expressed on CD68+ macrophages in pancreatic cancers and requiring validation in larger prospective studies. Immunomic analysis may be important for individualized precision immunotherapy.

Pth1r in Neural Crest Cells Regulates Nasal Cartilage Differentiation

Neural crest cells (NCC) arise from the dorsal margin of the neural plate border and comprise a unique cell population that migrates to and creates the craniofacial region. Although factors including Shh, Fgf8, and bone morphogenetic proteins have been shown to regulate these biological events, the role of parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (Pth1r) has been less studied. We generated an NCC-specific mouse model for Pth1r and researched gene expression, function, and interaction focusing on nasal cartilage framework and midfacial development. Wnt1-Cre;Pth1rfl/fl;Tomatofl/+ mice had perinatal lethality, but we observed short snout and jaws, tongue protrusion, reduced NCC-derived cranial length, increased mineralization in nasal septum and hyoid bones, and less bone mineralization at interfrontal suture in mutants at E18.5. Importantly, the mutant nasal septum and turbinate cartilage histologically revealed gradual, premature accelerated hypertrophic differentiation. We then studied the underlying molecular mechanisms by performing RNA seq analysis and unexpectedly found that expression of Ihh and related signaling molecules was enhanced in mutant nasomaxillary tissues. To see if Pth1r and Ihh signaling are associated, we generated a Wnt1-Cre; Ihhfl/fl;Pth1rfl/fl;Tomatofl/+ (DKO) mouse and compared the phenotypes to those of each single knockout mouse: Wnt1-Cre; Ihhfl/fl;Pth1rfl/+;Tomatofl/+ (Ihh-CKO) and Wnt1-Cre;Ihhfl/+;Pth1rfl/fl;Tomatofl/+ (Pth1r-CKO). Ihh-CKO mice displayed a milder effect. Of note, the excessive hypertrophic conversion of the nasal cartilage framework observed in Pth1r-CKO was somewhat rescued DKO embryos. Further, a half cAMP responsive element and the 4 similar sequences containing 2 mismatches were identified from the promoter to the first intron in Ihh gene. Gli1-CreERT2;Pth1rfl/fl;Tomatofl/+, a Pth1r-deficient model targeted in hedgehog responsive cells, demonstrated the enlarged hypertrophic layer and significantly more Tomato-positive chondrocytes accumulated in the nasal septum and ethmoidal endochondral ossification. Collectively, the data suggest a relevant Pth1r/Ihh interaction. Our findings obtained from novel mouse models for Pth1r signaling illuminate previously unknown aspects in craniofacial biology and development.

Effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease: a prespecified secondary analysis from the empa-kidney trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. However, their effects on kidney disease progression in some patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear because few clinical kidney outcomes occurred among such patients in the completed trials. In particular, some guidelines stratify their level of recommendation about who should be treated with SGLT2 inhibitors based on diabetes status and albuminuria. We aimed to assess the effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease both overall and among specific types of participants in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA), and included individuals aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or with an eGFR of 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher. We explored the effects of 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily versus placebo on the annualised rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR slope), a tertiary outcome. We studied the acute slope (from randomisation to 2 months) and chronic slope (from 2 months onwards) separately, using shared parameter models to estimate the latter. Analyses were done in all randomly assigned participants by intention to treat. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and then followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroups of eGFR included 2282 (34·5%) participants with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, 2928 (44·3%) with an eGFR of 30 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, and 1399 (21·2%) with an eGFR 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or higher. Prespecified subgroups of uACR included 1328 (20·1%) with a uACR of less than 30 mg/g, 1864 (28·2%) with a uACR of 30 to 300 mg/g, and 3417 (51·7%) with a uACR of more than 300 mg/g. Overall, allocation to empagliflozin caused an acute 2·12 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (95% CI 1·83-2·41) reduction in eGFR, equivalent to a 6% (5-6) dip in the first 2 months. After this, it halved the chronic slope from -2·75 to -1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (relative difference 50%, 95% CI 42-58). The absolute and relative benefits of empagliflozin on the magnitude of the chronic slope varied significantly depending on diabetes status and baseline levels of eGFR and uACR. In particular, the absolute difference in chronic slopes was lower in patients with lower baseline uACR, but because this group progressed more slowly than those with higher uACR, this translated to a larger relative difference in chronic slopes in this group (86% [36-136] reduction in the chronic slope among those with baseline uACR <30 mg/g compared with a 29% [19-38] reduction for those with baseline uACR ≥2000 mg/g; ptrend<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Empagliflozin slowed the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease among all types of participant in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, including those with little albuminuria. Albuminuria alone should not be used to determine whether to treat with an SGLT2 inhibitor.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly.

Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial

BACKGROUND

The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62-0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16-1·59), representing a 50% (42-58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1).

INTERPRETATION

In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council.

Genomic characterization of thymic epithelial tumors in a real-world dataset

BACKGROUND

Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare neoplasms arising in the mediastinum, including thymic carcinomas and thymomas. Due to their rarity, little is known about the genomic profiles of TETs. Herein, we investigated the genomic characteristics of TETs evaluated in a large comprehensive genomic profiling database in a real-world setting.

METHODS

We included data from two different cohorts: Foundation Medicine Inc. (FMI) in the United States and the Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics (C-CAT) in Japan. Samples profiled were examined for all classes of alterations in 253 genes targeted across all assays. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 794 patients were collected in our study, including 722 cases from FMI and 72 cases from C-CAT. In the FMI data, CDKN2A (39.9%), TP53 (30.2%) and CDKN2B (24.6%) were frequently altered in thymic carcinoma, versus TP53 (7.8%), DNMT3A (6.8%), and CDKN2A (5.8%) in thymoma. TMB-high (≥10 mutations/Mb) and MSI were present in 7.0% and 2.3% of thymic carcinomas, and 1.6% and 0.3% of thymomas, respectively. Within C-CAT data, CDKN2A (38.5%), TP53 (36.5%) and CDKN2B (30.8%) were also frequently altered in thymic carcinoma, while alterations of TSC1, SETD2 and LTK (20.0% each) were found in thymoma.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest cohort in which genomic alterations, TMB and MSI status of TETs were investigated. Potential targets for treatment previously unbeknownst in TETs are identified in this study, entailing newfound opportunities to advance therapeutic development.

Pth1r Signal in Gli1+ Cells Maintains Postnatal Cranial Base Synchondrosis

Cranial base synchondroses are the endochondral ossification centers for cranial base growth and thus indispensable for proper skull, brain, and midfacial development. The synchondroses are composed of mirror-image growth plates that are continuously maintained from the embryonic to postnatal stage through chondrocyte differentiation. Several factors, including Pth1r signaling, are known to control fetal synchondrosis development. However, there are currently no reports regarding any role for Pth1r signaling in postnatal cranial base and synchondrosis development. Also, the mesenchymal cells that source Pth1r signaling for synchondroses are not known. Here, we employed an inducible mouse model, a hedgehog-responsive Gli1-CreERT2 driver, focusing on the postnatal study. We performed 2 inducible protocols using Gli1-CreERT2;Tomatofl/+ mice that uncovered distinct patterning of Gli1-positive and Gli1-negative chondrocytes in the synchondrosis cartilage. Moreover, we generated Gli1-CreERT2;Pth1rfl/fl;Tomatofl/+ mice to assess their functions in postnatal synchondrosis and found that the mutants had survived postnatally. The mutant skulls morphologically presented unambiguous phenotypes where we noticed the shortened cranial base and premature synchondrosis closure. Histologically, gradual disorganization in mutant synchondroses caused an uncommon remaining central zone between hypertrophic zones on both sides while the successive differentiation of round, flat, and hypertrophic chondrocytes was observed in control sections. These mutant synchondroses disappeared and were finally replaced by bone. Of note, the mutant fusing synchondroses lost their characteristic patterning of Gli1-positive and Gli1-negative chondrocytes, suggesting that loss of Pth1r signaling alters the distribution of hedgehog-responsive chondrocytes. Moreover, we performed laser microdissection and RNA sequencing to characterize the flat proliferative and round resting chondrocytes where we found flat chondrocytes have a characteristic feature of both chondrocyte proliferation and maturation. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Pth1r signaling in Gli1-positive cells is essential for postnatal development and maintenance in cranial base synchondroses. Our findings will elucidate previously unknown aspects of Pth1r functions in cranial biology and development.

Significance of Hypofractionated Radiotherapy in Postoperative Irradiation for Breast Cancer: An Asian Multi-institutional Prospective Study

AIMS

There is a need for the adequate distribution of healthcare resources in Southeast Asia. Many countries in the region have more patients with advanced breast cancer who are eligible for postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT). Therefore, it is critical that hypofractionated PMRT is effective in most of these patients. This study investigated the significance of postoperative hypofractionated radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer, including advanced breast cancer, in these countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen facilities in 10 Asian countries participated in this prospective, interventional, single-arm study. The study included two independent regimens: hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation (WBI) for patients who had undergone breast-conserving surgery and hypofractionated PMRT for patients who had undergone total mastectomy at a dose of 43.2 Gy in 16 fractions. In the hypofractionated WBI group, patients with high-grade factors received additional 8.1 Gy boost irradiation sessions for the tumour bed in three fractions.

RESULTS

Between February 2013 and October 2019, 227 and 222 patients were enrolled in the hypofractionated WBI and hypofractionated PMRT groups, respectively. The median follow-up periods in the hypofractionated WBI and hypofractionated PMRT groups were 61 and 60 months, respectively. The 5-year locoregional control rates were 98.9% (95% confidence interval 97.4-100.0) and 96.3% (95% confidence interval 93.2-99.4) in the hypofractionated WBI and hypofractionated PMRT groups, respectively. Regarding adverse events, grade 3 acute dermatitis was observed in 2.2% and 4.9% of patients in the hypofractionated WBI and hypofractionated PMRT groups, respectively. However, no other adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSION

Although further follow-up is required, hypofractionated radiotherapy regimens for postoperative patients with breast cancer in East and Southeast Asian countries are effective and safe. In particular, the proven efficacy of hypofractionated PMRT indicates that more patients with advanced breast cancer can receive appropriate care in these countries. Hypofractionated WBI and hypofractionated PMRT are reasonable approaches that can contain cancer care costs in these countries. Long-term observation is required to validate our findings.

Cancer: slaying the nine-headed Hydra

Modern medicine continues to evolve, and the treatment armamentarium for various diseases grows more individualized across a breadth of medical disciplines. Cure rates for infectious diseases that were previously pan-fatal approach 100% because of the identification of the specific pathogen(s) involved and the use of appropriate combinations of drugs, where needed, to completely extinguish infection and hence prevent emergence of resistant strains. Similarly, with the assistance of technologies such as next-generation sequencing and immunomic analysis as part of the contemporary oncology armory, therapies can be tailored to each tumor. Importantly, molecular interrogation has revealed that metastatic cancers are distinct from each other and complex. Therefore, it is conceivable that rational personalized drug combinations will be needed to eradicate cancers, and eradication will be necessary to mitigate clonal evolution and resistance.

Alleviative effects of glutamate against chemotherapeutic agent-induced intestinal mucositis

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most widely used chemotherapeutic agents; however, it often causes intestinal mucositis with severe diarrhea. An efficient treatment strategy to reduce this side effect is lacking. Glutamate (Glu), a nonessential amino acid, is the most important energy source in the small intestine and has been shown to maintain intestinal morphology, barrier function, and antioxidative capacity. However, the effects of Glu on intestinal mucositis induced by chemotherapeutic agents have not been explored. This study aimed to demonstrate the alleviative effects of Glu on 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis. Mucositis was induced in C57B/6N mice by intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU (50 mg/kg) for 6 days and assessed by histological and physiological analyses. Glu (500 or 1000 mg/kg) was orally administered as a pretreatment twice daily for 7 days before the initial treatment of 5-FU. Cellular proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using Ki-67 immunostaining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, respectively. Furthermore, fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran infiltration was assessed to measure intestinal permeability. In vitro experiments using rat intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6 cells) were performed to clarify the effect of Glu on 5-FU-induced barrier dysfunction. Glu alleviated 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis by reducing villi shortening, enhancing cell proliferation, and suppressing apoptosis. It also alleviated the 5-FU-induced increased intestinal permeability. In vitro studies revealed significantly increased trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in Glu-pretreated IEC-6 cells compared to that in 5-FU-treated and control cells. In conclusion, the findings of this study provide evidence for the potential of Glu to protect against 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis in patients with cancer.

Association of differential expression of immunoregulatory molecules and presence of targetable mutations may inform rational design of clinical trials

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and genomic biomarker-driven targeted therapies have revolutionized the modern oncologic treatment arsenal. The next step has been to combine targeted agents and ICIs. In doing so, some combination regimens may be more logical than others.

Patients and methods

Whole-exome and whole-transcriptome sequencing were performed on 2739 unselected later-stage clinical cases from 24 solid tumor subtypes in the NantHealth database, and data were also curated from 5746 similarly sequenced patients across 28 solid tumor subtypes in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Significant differential expression of 10 immunoregulatory molecules [IRMs (genes)] was analyzed for association with mutant versus wild-type genes.

Results

Twenty-three significant associations between currently actionable variants and RNA-expressed checkpoint genes were identified in the TCGA cases; 10 were validated in the external cohort of 2739 clinical cases from NantHealth (P values were adjusted using Benjamini–Hochberg multiple hypothesis correction to reduce false-discovery rate). Within the same 5746 TCGA profiles, 2740 TCGA patients were identified as having one or more potentially oncogenic single-nucleotide variant (SNV) mutation within an established 50-gene hotspot panel. Of the 50 genes, SNVs within 15 were found to be significantly associated with differential expression of at least one IRM after adjusting for tissue enrichment; six were confirmed significant associations in an independent set of 2739 clinical cases from NantHealth.

Conclusions

Logically combining ICIs with targeted therapies may offer unique treatment strategies for patients with cancer. The presence of specific mutations impacts the expression of IRMs, an observation of potential importance for selecting combinations of gene- and immune-targeted therapeutics.

•

Altered actionable genes correlated with specific checkpoint transcripts.

•

Associations between IRMs and altered genes were validated in independent datasets.

•

Combining immune- and gene-targeted drugs based on IRM/gene correlations merits study.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 1284-1382

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Antartica, Cladosporium austrolitorale from coastal sea sand. Australia, Austroboletus yourkae on soil, Crepidotus innuopurpureus on dead wood, Curvularia stenotaphri from roots and leaves of Stenotaphrum secundatum and Thecaphora stajsicii from capsules of Oxalis radicosa. Belgium, Paraxerochrysium coryli (incl. Paraxerochrysium gen. nov.) from Corylus avellana. Brazil, Calvatia nordestina on soil, Didymella tabebuiicola from leaf spots on Tabebuia aurea, Fusarium subflagellisporum from hypertrophied floral and vegetative branches of Mangifera indica and Microdochium maculosum from living leaves of Digitaria insularis. Canada, Cuphophyllus bondii from a grassland. Croatia, Mollisia inferiseptata from a rotten Laurus nobilis trunk. Cyprus, Amanita exilis on calcareous soil. Czech Republic, Cytospora hippophaicola from wood of symptomatic Vaccinium corymbosum. Denmark, Lasiosphaeria deviata on pieces of wood and herbaceous debris. Dominican Republic, Calocybella goethei among grass on a lawn. France (Corsica), Inocybe corsica on wet ground. France (French Guiana), Trechispora patawaensis on decayed branch of unknown angiosperm tree and Trechispora subregularis on decayed log of unknown angiosperm tree. Germany, Paramicrothecium sambuci (incl. Paramicrothecium gen. nov.) on dead stems of Sambucus nigra. India, Aureobasidium microtermitis from the gut of a Microtermes sp. termite, Laccaria diospyricola on soil and Phylloporia tamilnadensis on branches of Catunaregam spinosa. Iran, Pythium serotinoosporum from soil under Prunus dulcis. Italy, Pluteus brunneovenosus on twigs of broadleaved trees on the ground. Japan, Heterophoma rehmanniae on leaves of Rehmannia glutinosa f. hueichingensis. Kazakhstan, Murispora kazachstanica from healthy roots of Triticum aestivum. Namibia, Caespitomonium euphorbiae (incl. Caespitomonium gen. nov.) from stems of an Euphorbia sp. Netherlands, Alfaria junci, Myrmecridium junci, Myrmecridium juncicola, Myrmecridium juncigenum, Ophioceras junci, Paradinemasporium junci (incl. Paradinemasporium gen. nov.), Phialoseptomonium junci, Sporidesmiella juncicola, Xenopyricularia junci and Zaanenomyces quadripartis (incl. Zaanenomyces gen. nov.), from dead culms of Juncus effusus, Cylindromonium everniae and Rhodoveronaea everniae from Evernia prunastri, Cyphellophora sambuci and Myrmecridium sambuci from Sambucus nigra, Kiflimonium junci, Sarocladium junci, Zaanenomyces moderatricis-academiae and Zaanenomyces versatilis from dead culms of Juncus inflexus, Microcera physciae from Physcia tenella, Myrmecridium dactylidis from dead culms of Dactylis glomerata, Neochalara spiraeae and Sporidesmium spiraeae from leaves of Spiraea japonica, Neofabraea salicina from Salix sp., Paradissoconium narthecii (incl. Paradissoconium gen. nov.) from dead leaves of Narthecium ossifragum, Polyscytalum vaccinii from Vaccinium myrtillus, Pseudosoloacrosporiella cryptomeriae (incl. Pseudosoloacrosporiella gen. nov.) from leaves of Cryptomeria japonica, Ramularia pararhabdospora from Plantago lanceolata, Sporidesmiella pini from needles of Pinus sylvestris and Xenoacrodontium juglandis (incl. Xenoacrodontium gen. nov. and Xenoacrodontiaceae fam. nov.) from Juglans regia. New Zealand, Cryptometrion metrosideri from twigs of Metrosideros sp., Coccomyces pycnophyllocladi from dead leaves of Phyllocladus alpinus, Hypoderma aliforme from fallen leaves Fuscopora solandri and Hypoderma subiculatum from dead leaves Phormium tenax. Norway, Neodevriesia kalakoutskii from permafrost and Variabilispora viridis from driftwood of Picea abies. Portugal, Entomortierella hereditatis from a biofilm covering a deteriorated limestone wall. Russia, Colpoma junipericola from needles of Juniperus sabina, Entoloma cinnamomeum on soil in grasslands, Entoloma verae on soil in grasslands, Hyphodermella pallidostraminea on a dry dead branch of Actinidia sp., Lepiota sayanensis on litter in a mixed forest, Papiliotrema horticola from Malus communis, Paramacroventuria ribis (incl. Paramacroventuria gen. nov.) from leaves of Ribes aureum and Paramyrothecium lathyri from leaves of Lathyrus tuberosus. South Africa, Harzia combreti from leaf litter of Combretum collinum ssp. sulvense, Penicillium xyleborini from Xyleborinus saxesenii, Phaeoisaria dalbergiae from bark of Dalbergia armata, Protocreopsis euphorbiae from leaf litter of Euphorbia ingens and Roigiella syzygii from twigs of Syzygium chordatum. Spain, Genea zamorana on sandy soil, Gymnopus nigrescens on Scleropodium touretii, Hesperomyces parexochomi on Parexochomus quadriplagiatus, Paraphoma variabilis from dung, Phaeococcomyces kinklidomatophilus from a blackened metal railing of an industrial warehouse and Tuber suaveolens in soil under Quercus faginea. Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Inocybe nivea associated with Salix polaris. Thailand, Biscogniauxia whalleyi on corticated wood. UK, Parasitella quercicola from Quercus robur. USA, Aspergillus arizonicus from indoor air in a hospital, Caeliomyces tampanus (incl. Caeliomyces gen. nov.) from office dust, Cippumomyces mortalis (incl. Cippumomyces gen. nov.) from a tombstone, Cylindrium desperesense from air in a store, Tetracoccosporium pseudoaerium from air sample in house, Toxicocladosporium glendoranum from air in a brick room, Toxicocladosporium losalamitosense from air in a classroom, Valsonectria portsmouthensis from air in men's locker room and Varicosporellopsis americana from sludge in a water reservoir. Vietnam, Entoloma kovalenkoi on rotten wood, Fusarium chuoi inside seed of Musa itinerans, Micropsalliota albofelina on soil in tropical evergreen mixed forests and Phytophthora docyniae from soil and roots of Docynia indica. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation: Crous PW, Osieck ER, Jurjević Ž, et al. 2021. Fungal Planet description sheets: 1284-1382. Persoonia 47: 178-374. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2021.47.06.

Denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaw after tooth extraction and the effects of a short drug holiday in cancer patients: a multicenter retrospective study

Pre-existing inflammation, corticosteroid therapy, periapical periodontitis, longer duration of denosumab therapy, and female sex were significantly associated with an increased risk of denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaw after tooth extraction in patients with cancer on oncologic doses of denosumab. A short drug holiday did not protect against this complication.

INTRODUCTION

This study retrospectively investigated the relationship between various risk factors, including brief discontinuation of denosumab, and development of denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (DRONJ) after tooth extraction in patients with cancer who were receiving oncologic doses of this agent.

METHODS

Data were collected on demographic characteristics, duration of denosumab therapy, whether or not denosumab was discontinued before tooth extraction (drug holiday), duration of discontinuation, presence of pre-existing inflammation, and whether or not additional surgical procedures were performed. Risk factors for DRONJ after tooth extraction were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 136 dental extractions were performed in 72 patients (31 men, 41 women) with cancer who were receiving oncologic doses of denosumab. Post-extraction DRONJ was diagnosed in 39 teeth (28.7%) in 25 patients. Tooth extraction was significantly associated with development of DRONJ only in patients with pre-existing inflammation (odds ratio [OR] 243.77), those on corticosteroid therapy (OR 73.50), those with periapical periodontitis (OR 14.13), those who had been taking oncologic doses of denosumab for a longer period (OR 4.69), and in women (OR 1.04). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of DRONJ between patients who had a drug holiday before tooth extraction and those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that inflamed teeth should be extracted immediately in patients with cancer who are receiving oncologic doses of denosumab. Drug holidays have no significant impact on the risk of DRONJ.

Long-term prognostic factors of coronary artery disease patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Background

The long-term prognosis of survival in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains poor.

Methods

There were 2391 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients transferred to 2 hospitals. We included 405 cardiovascular arrest patients, who got return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) from January 2015 to December 2018. Among them, 204 patients had CAD that caused OHCA (39%: multi-vessel disease, 19%: chronic total occlusion (CTO), 13%: vasospastic angina (VSA)). To predict mortality, we investigated patients' characteristics, pre-hospital information and findings of CAG.

Results

At 1-year later, 104 patients (51%) survived. Younger age (P&lt;0.001), VF survivor (P&lt;0.001), pre-hospital ROSC (P&lt;0.001), bystander CPR (P=0.013), without ECMO (P&lt;0.001), lower lactate level on admission (P&lt;0.001), and higher geriatric nutritional risk index score (P&lt;0.001) were associated with low 1-year mortality, while with ST-segment elevation (P=0.778), BMI level (P=0.344), and sex (0.401) were not. And in the findings of CAG, the past history of CAD (P=0.049), the higher number of coronary vessel disease (P=0.003) such as multi-vessel disease (P=0.022), higher SYNAX score (P=0.016), and larger infarct size (max CK level; P=0.013, max CK-MB level; P&lt;0.001) were associated with high 1-year mortality. On the other hand, acute coronary syndrome (P=0.300), any coronary lesion (RCA (P=0.447), LAD (P=0.089), LCX (P=0.096), or LMT (P=0.842)), and with CTO lesion (P=0.140) were not associated. Zero-vessel disease (VSA, P=0.001) had lower mortality among the CAD patients. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, age (hazards ratio; HR: 1.03, 95%confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.06, P&lt;0.001) and bystander CPR (HR: 0.36, 95% CI 0.20–0.65, P&lt;0.001) were the independent predictors of mortality.

Conclusions

Younger age and pre-hospital support after OHCA with CAD were the predictors of low mortality. Pre-hospital information, systemic condition on arrival, or anatomical coronary complexity were important to predict low mortality.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Effect of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphism on cardiovascular death and nonfatal myocardial infarction in Japanese general population

Introduction

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) have been reported to be associated with diabetes mellitus and myocardial infarction. However, few reports have prospectively investigated the effects of NOS3 SNP on cardiovascular death and nonfatal myocardial infarction.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of NOS3 SNP on cardiovascular death and the development of nonfatal myocardial infarction.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 2,752 subjects (aged ≥40) who participated in a community based health checkup. We genotyped two SNPs within NOS3 (rs1808593, rs1799983). All subjects were prospectively followed during the median follow-up period of 15.4 years with the end point of cardiovascular death and nonfatal myocardial infarction.

Results

The homozygous G-allele (GG), heterozygous (GT), and homozygous T-allele (TT) carriers of rs1808593 were identified in 60 (2%), 706 (26%), and 1,986 (72%) subjects, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that homozygous G-allele carriers of rs1808593 had the greater risk than those without. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that the homozygous G allele of rs1808593 was associated with cardiovascular death and the development of nonfatal myocardial infarction after adjusting for confounding risk factors.

Conclusions

NOS3 gene polymorphism could be a genetic risk factor for cardiovascular death and nonfatal myocardial infarction in the Japanese general population.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

Neurological outcome at 30-day as an estimator of 1-year functional status after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with post-encephalopathy

Background

Implantation of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) for secondary prevention is fully recommended for those with an estimated survival over 1-year with a good functional status. However, we often face the difficulty to estimate the functional status and hesitate to implant ICD for patients with post-resuscitation encephalopathy.

Methods

There were 2391 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients transferred to 2 hospitals. We included 405 cardiovascular arrest patients, who got return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) from January 2015 to December 2018. Among the patients, 343 patients could be considered to be implanted ICD for secondary prevention according to the initial waveform or the causes of OHCA. At 1-month later, 184 patients (54%) survived. To assess the association of functional status at 30-day and 1-year, we investigated patients' characteristics, pre-hospital information and clinical findings, and evaluated the neurological outcome according to the cerebral performance category (CPC) scale.

Results

At 1-month later, 145 patients (79%) survived with CPC≤2, and 39 patients (21%) survived with CPC&gt;2. Bystander CPR (P=0.009), pre-hospital ROSC (P&lt;0.001), low lactate level on admission (P=0.001), high geriatric nutritional risk index score (P&lt;0.001) and without ECMO (P=0.002) were significantly associated with good neurological outcome at 30-day. The 1-year Kaplan-Meier event rate revealed significantly different survival rate (CPC&gt;2 at 30-day:38.5%, vs CPC≤2 at 30-day:97.2%; P&lt;0.001). In multivariate analysis, CPC scale at 30-day (OR 0.022; 95% CI 0.003–0.140; p&lt;0.001) was the independent predictor of favorable neurological outcome at 1-year. Among the patients with CPC&gt;2 at 30-day, only 3 patients (7.7%) of CPC=3 achieved the improvement of neurological outcome at 1-year (CPC≤2), while no patient of CPC=4 did. And one patient (2.5%) with CPC=3 was implanted ICD during the follow-up period. Twenty-five patients (64%) died of non-cardiovascular death with frailty of post-resuscitation encephalopathy after they were transferred to other hospital with the acceptation and intention of the do-not-attempt-resuscitation.

Conclusions

Neurological prognosis at 30-day after OHCA might be an estimator of 1-year functional status to guide us to implant ICD for secondary prevention.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Gender differences in the impact of plasma xanthine oxidoreductase activity on coronary artery spasm

Background

It has been reported that decreased nitric oxide bioavailability due to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the most important causes of coronary artery spasm (CAS). Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is the rate-limiting enzyme for uric acid (UA) production and plays a pivotal role in generating ROS. It was reported that the gender differences exist in the impact of serum UA levels on cardiovascular risks. We previously demonstrated that increased plasma XOR activity is significantly associated with the incidence of CAS. However, the gender differences in the impact of plasma XOR activity on CAS remain unclear.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the gender differences in the clinical impact of plasma XOR activity on CAS.

Methods

We investigated plasma XOR activity in 132 patients suspected for CAS (male, n=78; female, n=54), and underwent intracoronary acetylcholine provocation test. XOR activity assay was performed using stable isotope-labeled substrate and liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Provoked CAS was defined as total or subtotal occlusion (≥90%) with accompanying symptoms of chest pain and/or ischemic ST-segment changes on the electrocardiogram. We excluded the patients who had significant coronary artery stenosis (≥50%) and/or were taking XOR inhibitors.

Results

Plasma XOR activity was significantly lower in female compared with male patients (30.3 pmol/h/mL, interquartile range (IQR) 22.8–42.7 vs. 51.7 pmol/h/mL, IQR 34.7–101.8; P&lt;0.001). CAS was provoked in 36 male patients and 17 female patients, and they each had significantly higher plasma XOR activity compared with those without, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that plasma XOR activity was independently associated with the incidence of CAS in both genders after adjustment for confounding factors. The optimal cut-off values for predicting CAS were lower in female than those in male patients (52.3 vs. 91.6 pmol/h/mL). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that female patients with high XOR activity (≥52.3 pmol/h/mL; odds ratio [OR] 22.6, P&lt;0.001) exhibited a higher incidence of CAS compared with that in male patients (≥91.6 pmol/h/mL; OR 8.2, P&lt;0.001).

Conclusions

Plasma XOR activity was an independent predictor for the incidence of CAS in both genders. The impact of plasma XOR activity on CAS was stronger in female patients than in male patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1Figure 2

Fungal Planet description sheets: 1284-1382

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Antartica, Cladosporium austrolitorale from coastal sea sand. Australia, Austroboletus yourkae on soil, Crepidotus innuopurpureus on dead wood, Curvularia stenotaphri from roots and leaves of Stenotaphrum secundatum and Thecaphora stajsicii from capsules of Oxalis radicosa. Belgium, Paraxerochrysium coryli (incl. Paraxerochrysium gen. nov.) from Corylus avellana. Brazil, Calvatia nordestina on soil, Didymella tabebuiicola from leaf spots on Tabebuia aurea, Fusarium subflagellisporum from hypertrophied floral and vegetative branches of Mangifera indica and Microdochium maculosum from living leaves of Digitaria insularis. Canada, Cuphophyllus bondii from a grassland. Croatia, Mollisia inferiseptata from a rotten Laurus nobilis trunk. Cyprus, Amanita exilis on calcareous soil. Czech Republic, Cytospora hippophaicola from wood of symptomatic Vaccinium corymbosum. Denmark, Lasiosphaeria deviata on pieces of wood and herbaceous debris. Dominican Republic, Calocybella goethei among grass on a lawn. France (Corsica), Inocybe corsica on wet ground. France (French Guiana), Trechispora patawaensis on decayed branch of unknown angiosperm tree and Trechispora subregularis on decayed log of unknown angiosperm tree. Germany, Paramicrothecium sambuci (incl. Paramicrothecium gen. nov.) on dead stems of Sambucus nigra. India, Aureobasidium microtermitis from the gut of a Microtermes sp. termite, Laccaria diospyricola on soil and Phylloporia tamilnadensis on branches of Catunaregam spinosa. Iran, Pythium serotinoosporum from soil under Prunus dulcis. Italy, Pluteus brunneovenosus on twigs of broadleaved trees on the ground. Japan, Heterophoma rehmanniae on leaves of Rehmannia glutinosa f. hueichingensis. Kazakhstan, Murispora kazachstanica from healthy roots of Triticum aestivum. Namibia, Caespitomonium euphorbiae (incl. Caespitomonium gen. nov.) from stems of an Euphorbia sp. Netherlands, Alfaria junci, Myrmecridium junci, Myrmecridium juncicola, Myrmecridium juncigenum, Ophioceras junci, Paradinemasporium junci (incl. Paradinemasporium gen. nov.), Phialoseptomonium junci, Sporidesmiella juncicola, Xenopyricularia junci and Zaanenomyces quadripartis (incl. Zaanenomyces gen. nov.), from dead culms of Juncus effusus, Cylindromonium everniae and Rhodoveronaea everniae from Evernia prunastri, Cyphellophora sambuci and Myrmecridium sambuci from Sambucus nigra, Kiflimonium junci, Sarocladium junci, Zaanenomyces moderatricis-academiae and Zaanenomyces versatilis from dead culms of Juncus inflexus, Microcera physciae from Physcia tenella, Myrmecridium dactylidis from dead culms of Dactylis glomerata, Neochalara spiraeae and Sporidesmium spiraeae from leaves of Spiraea japonica, Neofabraea salicina from Salix sp., Paradissoconium narthecii (incl. Paradissoconium gen. nov.) from dead leaves of Narthecium ossifragum, Polyscytalum vaccinii from Vaccinium myrtillus, Pseudosoloacrosporiella cryptomeriae (incl. Pseudosoloacrosporiella gen. nov.) from leaves of Cryptomeria japonica, Ramularia pararhabdospora from Plantago lanceolata, Sporidesmiella pini from needles of Pinus sylvestris and Xenoacrodontium juglandis (incl. Xenoacrodontium gen. nov. and Xenoacrodontiaceae fam. nov.) from Juglans regia. New Zealand, Cryptometrion metrosideri from twigs of Metrosideros sp., Coccomyces pycnophyllocladi from dead leaves of Phyllocladus alpinus, Hypoderma aliforme from fallen leaves Fuscopora solandri and Hypoderma subiculatum from dead leaves Phormium tenax. Norway, Neodevriesia kalakoutskii from permafrost and Variabilispora viridis from driftwood of Picea abies. Portugal, Entomortierella hereditatis from a biofilm covering a deteriorated limestone wall. Russia, Colpoma junipericola from needles of Juniperus sabina, Entoloma cinnamomeum on soil in grasslands, Entoloma verae on soil in grasslands, Hyphodermella pallidostraminea on a dry dead branch of Actinidia sp., Lepiota sayanensis on litter in a mixed forest, Papiliotrema horticola from Malus communis, Paramacroventuria ribis (incl. Paramacroventuria gen. nov.) from leaves of Ribes aureum and Paramyrothecium lathyri from leaves of Lathyrus tuberosus. South Africa, Harzia combreti from leaf litter of Combretum collinum ssp. sulvense, Penicillium xyleborini from Xyleborinus saxesenii, Phaeoisaria dalbergiae from bark of Dalbergia armata, Protocreopsis euphorbiae from leaf litter of Euphorbia ingens and Roigiella syzygii from twigs of Syzygium chordatum. Spain, Genea zamorana on sandy soil, Gymnopus nigrescens on Scleropodium touretii, Hesperomyces parexochomi on Parexochomus quadriplagiatus, Paraphoma variabilis from dung, Phaeococcomyces kinklidomatophilus from a blackened metal railing of an industrial warehouse and Tuber suaveolens in soil under Quercus faginea. Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Inocybe nivea associated with Salix polaris. Thailand, Biscogniauxia whalleyi on corticated wood. UK, Parasitella quercicola from Quercus robur. USA, Aspergillus arizonicus from indoor air in a hospital, Caeliomyces tampanus (incl. Caeliomyces gen. nov.) from office dust, Cippumomyces mortalis (incl. Cippumomyces gen. nov.) from a tombstone, Cylindrium desperesense from air in a store, Tetracoccosporium pseudoaerium from air sample in house, Toxicocladosporium glendoranum from air in a brick room, Toxicocladosporium losalamitosense from air in a classroom, Valsonectria portsmouthensis from air in men's locker room and Varicosporellopsis americana from sludge in a water reservoir. Vietnam, Entoloma kovalenkoi on rotten wood, Fusarium chuoi inside seed of Musa itinerans, Micropsalliota albofelina on soil in tropical evergreen mixed forests and Phytophthora docyniae from soil and roots of Docynia indica. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation: Crous PW, Osieck ER, Jurjević Ž, et al. 2021. Fungal Planet description sheets: 1284-1382. Persoonia 47: 178-374. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2021.47.06.

Gamma-Ray Observation of the Cygnus Region in the 100-TeV Energy Region

We report observations of gamma-ray emissions with energies in the 100-TeV energy region from the Cygnus region in our Galaxy. Two sources are significantly detected in the directions of the Cygnus OB1 and OB2 associations. Based on their positional coincidences, we associate one with a pulsar PSR J2032+4127 and the other mainly with a pulsar wind nebula PWN G75.2+0.1, with the pulsar moving away from its original birthplace situated around the centroid of the observed gamma-ray emission. This work would stimulate further studies of particle acceleration mechanisms at these gamma-ray sources.

First Detection of sub-PeV Diffuse Gamma Rays from the Galactic Disk: Evidence for Ubiquitous Galactic Cosmic Rays beyond PeV Energies

We report, for the first time, the long-awaited detection of diffuse gamma rays with energies between 100 TeV and 1 PeV in the Galactic disk. Particularly, all gamma rays above 398 TeV are observed apart from known TeV gamma-ray sources and compatible with expectations from the hadronic emission scenario in which gamma rays originate from the decay of π^{0}'s produced through the interaction of protons with the interstellar medium in the Galaxy. This is strong evidence that cosmic rays are accelerated beyond PeV energies in our Galaxy and spread over the Galactic disk.

3D Quantitative Synthetic MRI in the Evaluation of Multiple Sclerosis Lesions

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Synthetic MR imaging creates multiple contrast-weighted images based on a single time-efficient quantitative scan, which has been mostly performed for 2D acquisition. We assessed the utility of 3D synthetic MR imaging in patients with MS by comparing its diagnostic image quality and lesion volumetry with conventional MR imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four patients with MS prospectively underwent 3D quantitative synthetic MR imaging and conventional T1-weighted, T2-weighted, FLAIR, and double inversion recovery imaging, with acquisition times of 9 minutes 3 seconds and 18 minutes 27 seconds for the synthetic MR imaging and conventional MR imaging sequences, respectively. Synthetic phase-sensitive inversion recovery images and those corresponding to conventional MR imaging contrasts were created for synthetic MR imaging. Two neuroradiologists independently assessed the image quality on a 5-point Likert scale. The numbers of cortical lesions and lesion volumes were quantified using both synthetic and conventional image sets.

RESULTS

The overall diagnostic image quality of synthetic T1WI and double inversion recovery images was noninferior to that of conventional images (P = .23 and .20, respectively), whereas that of synthetic T2WI and FLAIR was inferior to that of conventional images (both Ps < .001). There were no significant differences in the number of cortical lesions (P = .17 and .53 for each rater) or segmented lesion volumes (P = .61) between the synthetic and conventional image sets.

CONCLUSIONS

Three-dimensional synthetic MR imaging could serve as an alternative to conventional MR imaging in evaluating MS with a reduced scan time.

Relationship between cardiac magnetic resonance derived extracellular volume fraction and myocardial strain in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

Background

The feature tracking (FT) technique has been proposed as a robust method to evaluate the myocardial strain using conventional cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the left ventricle. Data is limited regarding the relationship between FT-derived myocardial strain and diffuse myocardial fibrosis evaluated by T1 mapping in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM).

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between extracellular volume (ECV) by T1 mapping and myocardial strain by FT in patients with NIDCM.

Methods

A total of sixty-four patients with NIDCM (62±12 years) and 15 controls (62±11 years) were studied. Using a 1.5T MR scanner, pre- and post- T1 mapping images of LV wall at mid-ventricular level was acquired to calculate ECV by modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) sequence. Radial strain (RS), circumferential strain (CS) and longitudinal strain (LS) was assessed by FT technique. ECV and myocardial strain were compared using a 6-segment model at mid-ventricular level.

Results

Compared to the controls, the NIDCM patients had a significantly higher ECV (0.30±0.02 vs. 0.24±0.01, p&lt;0.001) and impaired myocardial strain (RS, 24.2±3.0 vs. 52.2±6.2, p&lt;0.001; CS, −7.5±2.1 vs. −15.3±2.2, p&lt;0.001; LS −10.4±3.5 vs. −20.2±4.7, p&lt;0.001, respectively). Similar results were obtained when comparing all 6 myocardial segments (segment 7–12) (all p values &lt;0.001). In a segment-based analysis, a significant positive correlation was found between the ECV and CS (r=0.26 to 0.41; all p values &lt;0.05), a negative correlation was found between the ECV and RS (r=−0.31 to −0.41; all p values &lt;0.05). In a patient-based analysis, there were significant positive correlations between the ECV and CS (r=0.45, p&lt;0.001), ECV and LS from 2-chamber view (r=0.30, p=0.006), ECV and LS from 4-chamber view (r=0.37, p&lt;0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between the ECV and RS (r=−0.43, p&lt;0.001) (FIGURE)

Conclusions

In NIDCM patients, severity of myocardial fibrosis evaluated by T1 mapping is associated with impaired myocardial strain by FT technique.

Correlation between the ECV and strain

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Elevated serum carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen predicts clinical outcome in patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention

Introduction

Serum carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (I-CTP) is a collagen degradation product of type I collagen in the extracellular matrix of the heart, blood vessels, and bone. The serum levels of I-CTP were reportedly a predictive marker for cardiac remodeling after acute myocardial infarction. However, it remains unclear whether I-CTP can predict poor clinical outcome in patient with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum levels of I-CTP and clinical outcome in patients with ACS.

Methods

Serum levels of I-CTP were measured in 200 patients with ACS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). All patients were prospectively followed during the median follow-up period of 1312 days with the end point of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We divided the patients into tertiles according to serum I-CTP level: low I-CTP group (≤4.4 ng/ml, n=72), middle I-CTP group (4.4–6.4 ng/ml, n=65), and high I-CTP group (≥6.5 ng/ml, n=63).

Results

There were 44 MACE, including 24 all-cause death and 9 rehospitalization due to heart failure. I-CTP was significantly higher in patients with MACE than those without (4.90 [interquartile range (IQR): 3.80–6.38] ng/ml vs. 6.65 [IQR: 5.00–10.08] ng/ml, p&lt;0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that patients in the highest tertile of I-CTP had the greatest risk of MACE. In a univariate analysis, age, Albumin, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and I-CTP were significant predictors of MACE. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that the high I-CTP group had a higher risk for MACE (Hazard ratio [HR] 2.6, p=0.049) compared with the low I-CTP group after adjusting for confounding factors.

Conclusions

I-CTP was significantly associated with MACE, suggesting that I-CTP could be a reliable marker for clinical outcome in patients with ACS who underwent PCI.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Impact of percutaneous coronary intervention on short and long-term prognosis of elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction from 2010 to 2017 in Japanese population

Background

Advances in therapies have successfully decreased short-term mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although aging population is recently increasing in developed countries, there are few reports about the association between prevalence of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and long-term prognosis in elderly patients with AMI in Japan.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to clarify the prevalence of PCI and the impact of PCI on short and long-term prognosis of elderly patients with AMI.

Methods and results

We investigated the prevalence of PCI and short-term mortality in 4,109 patients with AMI who were registered in Yamagata AMI Registry from 2010 to 2017. Long-term mortality was investigated using data from death certification in July 2019. We divided patients with AMI into three age groups (group 1, &lt;65 years old; group 2, 65–79 years old; and group 3, ≥80 years old). Short-term mortality within 30 days was 6.5%, 12.1%, and 28.6%, respectively. Also, prevalence of PCI was 88.0%, 84.7%, and 62.7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, PCI, and severity of Killip classification were significantly associated with short-term mortality after adjustment for confound factors in group 3. Since the prevalence of PCI in group 3 was the lowest among three groups, the cause of PCI not being executed was investigated in 1,429 patients aged ≥80 years old. Elderly patients who didn't undergo PCI was older, more women, and had higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease, previous stroke, and severe Killip classification. Multivariate analysis revealed that age and Killip III/IV were significantly associated with non-executed PCI after adjustment for confound factors. Next, we investigated impact of PCI on long-term mortality in elderly patients who escaped acute death. Multivariate Cox hazard analysis revealed that PCI was associated with lower mortality after adjustment for confound factors (adjusted hazard ratio 2.47, 95% CI: 1.47–4.06; p=0.0008).

Conclusion

Lower prevalence of PCI and higher short-term mortality were observed in elderly patients with AMI aged ≥80 years old. PCI ameliorated long-term mortality as well as short-term mortality in elderly patients with AMI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Extracellular volume fraction by T1 mapping predicts omprovement of left ventricular ejection fraction after catheter ablation in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation

Background

The Catheter Ablation versus Standard Conventional Therapy in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Atrial Fibrillation (CASTLE-AF) trial has shown that the catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly reduced the risk of death and hospitalization for heart failure in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) and AF (N Engl J Med 2018; 378:417–27). In addition, the Catheter Ablation Versus Medical Rate Control in Atrial Fibrillation and Systolic Dysfunction (CAMERA-MRI) study demonstrated that the absence of myocardial fibrosis on late gadolinium enhanced (LGE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is associated with improvement of left ventricular systolic function after CA in NIDCM patients with AF (J Am Coll Cardiol 2017; 70:1949–61). Extracellular volume fraction (ECV) by T1 mapping has emerges as a non-invasive mean to quantify diffuse myocardial fibrosis.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the predictive value of LGE-MRI and ECV by T1 mapping for the prediction of improvement of LVEF after CA in NIDCM patients.

Methods

A total of twenty-eight patients with NIDCM and AF (age: 67±10 years; 25 (89%) male; LVEF: 34.1±8.8%) were studied. Using a 1.5T MR scanner and 32 channel cardiac coils, cine MRI, LGE-MRI, pre- and post- T1 mapping images of LV wall at mid-ventricular level (modified Look-Locker inversion recovery sequence) were acquired. Myocardial fibrosis on LGE was defined as area with &gt;5SD signal intensity of normal myocardium. ECV from six segments of mid ventricular level were averaged for each patient. All patients underwent CA for AF, and the improvement of LVEF before and after CA were evaluated by echocardiography.

Results

All patients restored sinus rhythm after CA at the time of echocardiography. The mean LVEF was 34.1±8.8% before CA and 49.1±12.0% after CA (p&lt;0.001), resulting an improvement of 15.0±11.8%. Significant correlation was found between improvements in LVEF and amount of fibrosis on LGE-MRI (r=−0.40, p=0.034), improvement of LVEF and ECV (r=−0.55, p=0.008). In the ROC analysis, ECV had a higher discriminative ability for the improvement of LVEF after CA compared with amount of fibrosis on LGE-MRI (AUC 0.885 vs 0.650) (Figure).

Conclusions

In NIDCM patients with AF, ECV by T1 mapping had better predictive ability for improvement of LVEF after CA in comparison to LGE-MRI.

ROC curves of ECV and LGE-MRI

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Ultra-low-loss nanofiber Fabry-Perot cavities optimized for cavity quantum electrodynamics

We demonstrate the fabrication of ultra-low-loss, all-fiber Fabry-Perot cavities that contain a nanofiber section, optimized for cavity quantum electrodynamics. By continuously monitoring the finesse and fiber radius during the fabrication of a nanofiber between two fiber Bragg gratings, we were able to precisely evaluate taper transmission as a function of radius. The resulting cavities have an internal round-trip loss of only 0.31% at a nanofiber waist radius of 207 nm, with a total finesse of 1380, and a maximum expected internal cooperativity of ∼1050 for a cesium atom on the nanofiber surface. Our ability to fabricate such high-finesse nanofiber cavities may open the door for the realization of high-fidelity scalable quantum networks.

Which is more important in the management of splenic flexure colon cancer: strict central lymph node dissection or adequate bowel resection margin?

BACKGROUND

What qualifies as optimal lymph node (LN) dissection in the surgical management of splenic flexure colon cancer (SFCC) still remains controversial because few studies have evaluated the distribution of LN metastasis of SFCC. The aim of this study was to clarify detailed distribution of LN metastasis and long-term outcomes of SFCC.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled patients who had curative colectomy for primary transverse or descending colon cancer of pathological stage I, II, or III at a single high-volume cancer center between April 2002 and December 2018. The 538 eligible patients were divided into three groups: patients with SFCC (SFCC group, n = 168), patients with proximal transverse colon cancer (PTCC group, n = 290), and patients with distal descending colon cancer (DDCC group, n = 80). LNs were classified into horizontal (pericolic) and vertical (intermediate and main) nodes. Intermediate and main LN station numbers were defined according to the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum classification. Distributions of LN metastasis and long-term outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

In the SFCC group, the mean age was 67.3 ± 10.5 years and 110 patients (65.5%) were male. The proportion of patients with LN metastasis in the intermediate or main region was significantly lower in the SFCC group (8%) than in the PTCC (37%) (p < 0.01) or DDCC group (29%) (p < 0.01) in pathological stage III patients. In the SFCC group, the incidence of pericolic LN metastasis on the oral side of tumor (43%) was significantly higher than in the PTCC group (21%) (p < 0.01) and was similar to that in the DDCC group (42%) (p = 0.51), while in the SFCC group, the incidence of pericolic LN metastasis on the anal side of tumor (17%) was lower than in the PTCC group (31%) and was also similar to that in the DDCC group (21%). There were no significant differences in disease-specific survival rates among all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

LN metastasis occurred mainly in the pericolic region, especially on the oral side of the tumor in SFCC. It may, therefore, be important to have an adequate bowel resection margin, especially on the oral side, for SFCC.

Bone strength of the proximal femur in healthy subjects with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

We compared the bone strength measured via quantitative computed tomography-based finite element method (QCT/FEM) between healthy adults with and without ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). No statistically significant difference was observed in the bone strength between healthy adults with and without OPLL. Hyperostosis of the posterior longitudinal ligament in OPLL may not be associated with the systemic bone strength.

INTRODUCTION

Although patients with OPLL have been reportedly associated with increased level of bone mineral density (BMD) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), little is known about the bone strength in OPLL subjects. The aim of this study is to investigate the bone strength measured via QCT/FEM in healthy subjects with OPLL using the medical check-up data, including whole-body CT scans.

METHODS

We examined 796 participants (529 men and 267 women) who underwent CT scans in a single health center between January 2008 and May 2009. We identified OPLL in whole spine and divided the subjects into two groups: non-OPLL and OPLL groups. We calculated the predicted bone strength (PBS) of the proximal femur using QCT/FEM and examined the bone mineral status of the calcaneus using quantitative ultrasound (QUS). We compared the PBS and the QUS parameters between the non-OPLL and OPLL groups.

RESULTS

Seventy-four subjects (9.3%; 57 men and 17 women) were diagnosed with OPLL in the whole spine. The OPLL group was significantly older than the non-OPLL group. No statistically significant difference was observed in the PBS and the QUS parameters between the non-OPLL and OPLL groups in both sexes. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was noted in the PBS and the QUS parameters between two groups in age- and gender-matched analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that hyperostosis of the posterior longitudinal ligament in OPLL may not be associated with bone strength and bone mineral status at the extremities.

Centronuclear Myopathy with Abundant Nemaline Rods in a Japanese Black and Hereford Crossbred Calf

Histopathological examination was performed on skeletal and diaphragmatic muscles from an 8-month-old male crossbred calf showing abnormal gait and tremor of the hindlimbs. There were numerous round fibres with centrally placed nuclei forming nuclear chains in longitudinal sections, associated with interstitial fibrosis or adipose tissue infiltration. On nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide tetrazolium reductase (NADH-TR) staining, some muscle fibres in severe lesions showed a spoke-like appearance due to a radial arrangement of sarcoplasmic strands. Additionally, increased NADH-TR activity in the subsarcolemmal structures, appearingas ring-like or necklace-like forms, were observed. Transmission electron microscopy revealed dilated sarcoplasmic reticulum and variably shaped electron-dense inclusions consisting of myofibrillar streams. Another prominent feature was the existence of numerous nemaline rods within muscle fibres; these were stained red by Gomori's trichrome stain. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the nemaline rods showed strong immunoreactivity with α-actinin and desmin antibodies. Electron microscopically, these structures were composed of dense-homogeneous material and continuous with the Z disk. The case was diagnosed as centronuclear myopathy with increased nemaline rods.

5950Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio could predict adverse clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Background

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasing with aging of the population, whereas the mechanisms of HFpEF remain poorly understood. It was reported that systemic inflammation is associated with pathophysiology of HFpEF. Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) is a marker of systemic inflammation, which predicts clinical outcomes in various cancers. However, the prognostic value of LMR has not yet been elucidated in patients with HFpEF.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of LMR on clinical outcomes in patients with HFpEF.

Methods and results

We prospectively analyzed 414 consecutive patients with HFpEF. Preserved EF was defined as an EF ≥50%. During a median follow-up period of 740 days, there were 111 major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). When patients were divided into tertiles according to LMR, Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that the low LMR was associated with the greatest risk for MACE. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that the low LMR was significantly associated with MACE after adjustment for confounding factors.

Conclusions

Low LMR could predict poor clinical outcomes in patients with HFpEF. LMR is a feasible marker for predicting MACE in patients with HFpEF.

129Elevated plasma xanthine oxidoreductase activity predicts cardiovascular events in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Background

The pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains poorly understood, although reactive oxygen species (ROS) is reportedly involved in underlying mechanisms. Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is the rate-limiting enzyme of purine metabolism that plays an important role in producing uric acid, and also generates the ROS. However, the impact of plasma XOR activity on the clinical outcomes in patients with HFpEF remains unclear.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess whether plasma XOR activity predicts cardiovascular events in patients with HFpEF.

Methods and results

We measured plasma XOR activity in 257 patients with HFpEF. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on XOR activity: low XOR group (<33 pmol/h/mL, n=45), normal XOR group (33 - 120 pmol/h/mL, n=160), and high XOR group (≥120 pmol/h/mL, n=52). During a median follow-up period of 809 days, there were 74 major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that the patients with high XOR activity were at greatest risk for MACEs. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that high XOR activity was significantly associated with MACEs after adjustment for confounding factors. Furthermore, we divided the patients into 4 groups according to the presence of high XOR activity and/or hyperuricemia. Cox multivariate hazard regression analysis revealed that the patients with high XOR activity were associated with cardiovascular events in patients with HFpEF, regardless of whether hyperuricemia was present or not.

Conclusions

Elevated plasma XOR activity is significantly associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with HFpEF. Inhibition of XOR could be a potential therapy for HFpEF.

P1918Comparison of the clinical outcome of pulmonary vein isolation with cryoballoon and radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation with pulmonary vein triggers

Background

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using radiofrequency (RF) or cryoballoon (CB) has been an established treatment for atrial fibrillation. PVI using RF is the most common method with a rather complex technique of a point-by-point tissue heating and navigation of electro-anatomical-guided mapping system, and PVI with CB is also the common method with a relatively simple technique of freezing balloon occlusion. These 2 types of ablation are comparable in terms of the efficacy of the PVI procedure.

Purpose

The data on the clinical outcome of each AF type with PV triggers has been limited. We compared the outcome of success rate between RF and CB group with respect to each AF type, and further assessed the efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation for AF patients with the origin of only PV.

Methods

A total of 3402 AF patients (age 64±11; 2463 males) underwent initial PVI from May 2009 to July 2018 (PAF: 67%, non-PAF: 37%). Radiofrequency using irrigation-tip catheter was employed to 1796 patients since May 2009 (RF-PAF: 55%, RF-non-PAF: 45%). Second-generation cryoballoon was employed to other 1606 patients since September 2014 (CB-PAF: 81%, CB-non-PAF: 19%). In CB group, PV touch-up ablation with RF was needed for 113 patients (7%) (CB-PAF: 6%, CB-non-PAF: 13%; p<0.001). After PVI, additional ablation for non-PV foci was undergone after the induction by using isoproterenol infusion and rapid atrial pacing (RF-AF: 34%, CB-AF: 32%; p=0.107).

Results

In all PAF patients, AF free survival rate was significantly superior in CB group (2-years Kaplan-Meir event rate, CB 83.2%, RF 75.2%; log-rank p<0.001). The percentage of patients with non-PV foci was almost equivalent in both group (CB 30%, RF 31%, p=0.644). And in PAF patients with only PV-foci, AF free survival rate was significantly superior in CB group (2-years Kaplan-Meir event rate, CB 85.0%, RF 78.8%; log-rank p<0.001). On the other hand, in all non-PAF patients, AF free survival rate was almost equivalent in both non-PAF group (2-years Kaplan-Meir event rate, CB 65.5%, RF-non-PAF 70.0%; log-rank p=0.9). The percentage of patients with non-PV foci was almost equivalent in both group (CB 40%, RF 39%, p=0.731), And in non-PAF patients with only PV-foci, AF free survival rate was almost equivalent in both non-PAF group (2-years Kaplan-Meir event rate, CB 69.7%, RF 73.0%; log-rank p=0.376).

Conclusions

Our study showed better outcome of PVI with CB for PAF patients with PV triggers, and indicated the non-inferiority of PVI with CB for non-PAF patients with PV triggers to PVI with RF.

P6380The impact of coronary artery disease to predict mortality and neurological outcome in post-cardiac arrest patients

Background

Some studies reported that performing coronary angiography (CAG) for patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is effective for the prognosis and neurological outcome. However, the impact of complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD) on CAG findings has not been evaluated sufficiently.

Purpose

We sought to investigate the complexity of CAD to predict the prognosis and neurological outcome in patients with OHCA.

Methods

A total of 1382 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients were transferred to our critical care center, of which 252 cardiovascular arrest patients achieving the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) were extracted from the institutional consecutive database between January 2015 and December 2018. Among those patients, we performed CAG for 160 patients. To predict mortality in hospital and neurological outcome at 30 days, we investigated basic patients' characteristics, pre-hospital information, coronary anatomical angiographical findings.

Results

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) (P=0.001), younger age (P=0.007), pre-hospital ROSC (P<0.001) and normal coronary artery on CAG findings (P=0.014) were associated with low 30-days mortality in hospital. VF (P=0.003), younger age (P=0.004), pre-hospital ROSC (P<0.001), bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (P=0.043) and normal coronary artery (P=0.001) were associated with good neurological outcome (cerebral-performance-category (CPC) =1 or 2) at 30 days. We further investigated 100 patients who had any coronary artery stenosis on CAG findings. Among these patients, 55 patients (55.0%) had multi-vessel coronary artery disease and 29 patients (29.0%) had at least a chronic total occlusion lesion. VF survivor (P=0.035), without previous history of CAD (P=0.008), pre-hospital ROSC (P=0.013), and Syntax score (P=0.002) were associated with low 30-days mortality. In multivariate analysis, Syntax score (OR 0.94; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88–0.99; P=0.042) was independent predictor of mortality. Bystander CPR (P=0.001), pre-hospital ROSC (P<0.001) were associated with good neurological outcome at 30 days. Bystander CPR (OR 5.92; 95% CI 2.01–17.5; P<0.001) and pre-hospital ROSC (OR 9.22; 95% CI 3.34–25.5; P<0.001) were predictive for good neurological outcome.

Conclusions

OHCA patients with any coronary stenosis had high mortality and bad neurological outcome in comparison with those who had normal coronary arteries. OHCA patients with CAD had complex lesions such as multi-vessel disease or chronic total occlusion lesions. The coronary complexity in patients with OHCA was a predictor of in-hospital 30-days mortality. However, pre-hospital care such as bystander CPR and pre-hospital ROSC were the most important to achieve good neurological outcome at 30 days in the present study.

P1626MicroRNA-21 deteriorates left ventricular reverse remodeling by promoting cardiac fibrosis in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy

Background

Left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) contributes to better outcomes in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). It is reported that LVRR is associated with progression of cardiac fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRs) have emerged as powerful regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression. We focused on miR-21, which plays a key role in pathogenesis of fibrosis in multiple organs. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of miR-21 on cardiac fibrosis and LVRR in patients with NICM.

Methods

We measured plasma miR-21 levels in 16 patients with NICM. LVRR was defined as increased LVEF by ≥10% and decreased LV end-diastolic diameter index by ≥10% from baseline data after optimal medication treatment at 1-year of follow-up. Further, we examined miR-21 expression and its potential role in cardiac fibrosis induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in mice and angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulation in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs).

Results

There were 12 patients without LVRR and 4 patients with LVRR. Plasma miR-21 levels were significantly higher in patients without LVRR compared with those with LVRR. In TAC mice heart, miR-21 levels were significantly increased and programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), a main target of miR-21, was decreased. In vitro, miR-21 levels were significantly increased and its upstream transcriptional factor, activator protein 1 (AP-1), was activated by Ang II stimulation in NRCMs. After transfection of miR-21 specific inhibitor, PDCD4 levels were upregulated. Furthermore, AP-1 activity, expression of collagen type I, and α-smooth muscle actin levels were significantly decreased after miR-21 inhibition.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that miR-21/PDCD4/AP-1 feedback loop pathway was involved in LVRR in patients with NICM by promoting cardiac fibrosis. MiR-21 can be the therapeutic target in NICM.

5945Single nucleotide polymorphisms of PAR2 gene is associated with subclinical myocardial damage in the general population

Introduction

The protease activated receptor (PAR) 2 is a G protein-coupled receptor and expressed in cardiomyocytes, vascular cells, and leukocytes. Experimental studies demonstrated that PAR2 signaling is associated with adverse cardiac remodeling, heart failure, vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. Recently, we and others demonstrated that subclinical myocardial damage is associated with cardiovascular mortality in general population. However, the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PAR2 gene on subclinical myocardial damage in general population is unclear.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate whether SNPs of PAR2 gene is associated with subclinical myocardial damage in general population.

Methods

The present study included 2,926 apparently healthy subjects (aged ≥40) who participated in a community-based health checkup. We investigated 639 SNPs and measured serum heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) as markers of subclinical myocardial damage.

Results

We found the association of SNPs rs616235 within a PAR2 gene with subclinical myocardial damage. The homozygous A-allele (AA), heterozygous (AG), and homozygous G-allele (GG) carriers of rs616235 were identified in 2084 (71%), 791 (27%), and 51 (2%) subjects, respectively. The prevalence rates of subclinical myocardial damage were 29% in AA carriers, 23% in AG carriers, and 18% in GG carriers. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the homozygous (AA) of rs616235 was independently associated with subclinical myocardial damage (odds ratio: 1.330, 95% confidence interval: 1.077–1.641, P=0.0080) after adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions

Genetic variant of PAR2 gene was independently associated with subclinical myocardial damage in the general population.

P6379The impact of coronary artery evaluation and intervention to predict mortality and neurological outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with extra corporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Background

Refractory cardiac arrest (CA), as defined by the absence of a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is associated with poor prognosis. Current guidelines advocate the use of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for selected patients with CA. Although previous studies have reported the association of survival with some prognostic factors such as age, bystander CPR attempt, low-flow duration or lactate serum level, the impact of the evaluation of coronary artery by coronary angiography (CAG) and the revascularization of coronary artery stenosis have not been sufficiently elucidated.

Purpose

We sought to investigate impact of the CAG and the revascularization of coronary artery stenosis to predict mortality and neurological outcome at 30 days in out-of-hospital CA (OHCA) patients resuscitated by ECPR.

Methods

1382 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients were transferred to our critical care center, of which 899 patients with refractory CA at the emergency department were extracted from the institutional consecutive database between January 2015 and December 2018. Among those patients, we performed ECPR for 85 patients, who were successfully resuscitated. To predict mortality in hospital and neurological outcome at 30 days, we investigated basic patients' characteristics, pre-hospital information, and post-hospital care including CAG and coronary revascularization.

Results

Among those who had first resuscitated by ECPR, 20 patients (23.5%) survived and 10 patients (11.8%) achieved good neurological outcome (cerebral-performance-category (CPC) =1 or 2) at 30 days. We performed CAG for 40 patients (47.1%) and revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention for 25 patients (29.4%). Younger age (P=0.037), CAG (P=0.001), PCI (P=0.001), and hypothermia therapy (P<0.001) were associated with low mortality. In the multivariate analysis, age (Odds ratio (OR) 0.95; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91–0.99; P=0.0025), PCI (OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.15–17.6; P=0.031), and hypothermia therapy (OR 13.7; 95% CI 1.52–124; P=0.020) were independent predictors of 30-days survival. Without diabetes mellitus (P=0.024), CAG (P<0.001), PCI (P=0.006), and hypothermia therapy (P=0.038) were associated with good neurological outcome. PCI (OR 7.39; 95% CI 1.73–31.6; P<0.001) was independently predictive for good neurological outcome.

Conclusions

Successful PCI was an independent predictor of 30-days survival and good neurological outcome in OHCA patients who were resuscitated by ECPR.