COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against severe COVID-19 requiring oxygen therapy, invasive mechanical ventilation, and death in Japan: A multicenter case-control study (MOTIVATE study)

INTRODUCTION

Since the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant became dominant, assessing COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) against severe disease using hospitalization as an outcome became more challenging due to incidental infections via admission screening and variable admission criteria, resulting in a wide range of estimates. To address this, the World Health Organization (WHO) guidance recommends the use of outcomes that are more specific to severe pneumonia such as oxygen use and mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted in 24 hospitals in Japan for the Delta-dominant period (August-November 2021; "Delta") and early Omicron (BA.1/BA.2)-dominant period (January-June 2022; "Omicron"). Detailed chart review/interviews were conducted in January-May 2023. VE was measured using various outcomes including disease requiring oxygen therapy, disease requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), death, outcome restricting to "true" severe COVID-19 (where oxygen requirement is due to COVID-19 rather than another condition(s)), and progression from oxygen use to IMV or death among COVID-19 patients.

RESULTS

The analysis included 2125 individuals with respiratory failure (1608 cases [75.7%]; 99.2% of vaccinees received mRNA vaccines). During Delta, 2 doses provided high protection for up to 6 months (oxygen requirement: 95.2% [95% CI:88.7-98.0%] [restricted to "true" severe COVID-19: 95.5% {89.3-98.1%}]; IMV: 99.6% [97.3-99.9%]; fatal: 98.6% [92.3-99.7%]). During Omicron, 3 doses provided high protection for up to 6 months (oxygen requirement: 85.5% [68.8-93.3%] ["true" severe COVID-19: 88.1% {73.6-94.7%}]; IMV: 97.9% [85.9-99.7%]; fatal: 99.6% [95.2-99.97]). There was a trend towards higher VE for more severe and specific outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Multiple outcomes pointed towards high protection of 2 doses during Delta and 3 doses during Omicron. These results demonstrate the importance of using severe and specific outcomes to accurately measure VE against severe COVID-19, as recommended in WHO guidance in settings of intense transmission as seen during Omicron.

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.

Previous fracture and subsequent fracture risk: a meta-analysis to update FRAX

A large international meta-analysis using primary data from 64 cohorts has quantified the increased risk of fracture associated with a previous history of fracture for future use in FRAX.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to quantify the fracture risk associated with a prior fracture on an international basis and to explore the relationship of this risk with age, sex, time since baseline and bone mineral density (BMD).

METHODS

We studied 665,971 men and 1,438,535 women from 64 cohorts in 32 countries followed for a total of 19.5 million person-years. The effect of a prior history of fracture on the risk of any clinical fracture, any osteoporotic fracture, major osteoporotic fracture, and hip fracture alone was examined using an extended Poisson model in each cohort. Covariates examined were age, sex, BMD, and duration of follow-up. The results of the different studies were merged by using the weighted β-coefficients.

RESULTS

A previous fracture history, compared with individuals without a prior fracture, was associated with a significantly increased risk of any clinical fracture (hazard ratio, HR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.72-2.07). The risk ratio was similar for the outcome of osteoporotic fracture (HR = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.69-2.07), major osteoporotic fracture (HR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.63-2.06), or for hip fracture (HR = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.62-2.06). There was no significant difference in risk ratio between men and women. Subsequent fracture risk was marginally downward adjusted when account was taken of BMD. Low BMD explained a minority of the risk for any clinical fracture (14%), osteoporotic fracture (17%), and for hip fracture (33%). The risk ratio for all fracture outcomes related to prior fracture decreased significantly with adjustment for age and time since baseline examination.

CONCLUSION

A previous history of fracture confers an increased risk of fracture of substantial importance beyond that explained by BMD. The effect is similar in men and women. Its quantitation on an international basis permits the more accurate use of this risk factor in case finding strategies.

A Risk Prediction Model for Severe Radiation Induced Lymphopenia in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer Treated with Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

In pancreatic cancer, radiation induced lymphopenia (RIL) is associated with a poor prognosis. However, normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models predicting RIL in pancreatic cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) have yet to be developed. This study aims to develop a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-based multivariate NTCP model to predict severe RIL in patients with pancreatic cancer during CCRT and to validate the model internally.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with localized pancreatic cancer who underwent CCRT using three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy from 2013 to 2021. The exclusion criteria were patients with distant metastasis; patients who did not complete RT due to tumor progression; patients who did not have absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) data available before or during RT. An ALC of < 0.5 K/μL during CCRT was defined as severe RIL. A NTCP model of severe RIL was developed by LASSO-based multivariate analysis. We used age, sex, Karnofsky performance status, maximum tumor size, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level before RT, ALC before RT, volume of planning target volume (PTV), and dosimetric parameters for surrounding organs (including spleen, vertebrae, liver, bilateral kidneys, gastrointestinal tracts) as variables for LASSO. In addition, internal validation was performed by the bootstrap method. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve and scaled Brier score.

RESULTS

Of the 131 patients included in the study, the median age was 68 years (range, 42-84), and 55% were male. The median ALC before RT was 1.37 K/µL (0.52-3.50). The median PTV volume was 315.4 ml (86.3-1079.3). The median dose of radiotherapy was 50.4 Gy (16.2-50.4), with 1.8 Gy per fraction. Combination chemotherapy was S-1 in 99 cases (75.6%) and gemcitabine in 32 cases (24.4%). Induction chemotherapy before CCRT was performed in 39 patients (29.8%). Severe RIL was observed in 84 (63.6%) patients. The LASSO showed that low baseline ALC (p = 0.0002), large PTV volume (p < 0.0001), and a large kidney V5 defined as the percentage of bilateral kidneys receiving 5 Gy or more (p = 0.0338) were selected as parameters of the prediction model for severe RIL (AUC = 0.917) and scaled Brier score was 0.511. As a result of internal validation by the bootstrap method, the average AUC was 0.918 (95% confidence interval, 0.849-0.954).

CONCLUSION

Severe RIL occurred frequently during CCRT for pancreatic cancer, and a NTCP model for severe RIL developed and validated internally in this study showed good predictive performance. External validation is needed before this NTCP model can be used as a benchmark for treatment planning to reduce the risk of severe RIL and for considering future treatment approaches.

Early restricted oxygen therapy after resuscitation from cardiac arrest (ER-OXYTRAC): protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac arrest is a critical condition, and patients often experience postcardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) even after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Administering a restricted amount of oxygen in the early phase after ROSC has been suggested as a potential therapy for PCAS; however, the optimal target for arterial partial pressure of oxygen or peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) to safely and effectively reduce oxygen remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to validate the efficacy of restricted oxygen treatment with 94%-95% of the target SpO2 during the initial 12 hours after ROSC for patients with PCAS.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

ER-OXYTRAC (early restricted oxygen therapy after resuscitation from cardiac arrest) is a nationwide, multicentre, pragmatic, single-blind, stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial targeting cases of non-traumatic cardiac arrest. This study includes adult patients with out-of-hospital or in-hospital cardiac arrest who achieved ROSC in 39 tertiary centres across Japan, with a target sample size of 1000. Patients whose circulation has returned before hospital arrival and those with cardiac arrest due to intracranial disease or intoxication are excluded. Study participants are assigned to either the restricted oxygen (titration of a fraction of inspired oxygen with 94%-95% of the target SpO2) or the control (98%-100% of the target SpO2) group based on cluster randomisation per institution. The trial intervention continues until 12 hours after ROSC. Other treatments for PCAS, including oxygen administration later than 12 hours, can be determined by the treating physicians. The primary outcome is favourable neurological function, defined as cerebral performance category 1-2 at 90 days after ROSC, to be compared using an intention-to-treat analysis.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at Keio University School of Medicine (approval number: 20211106). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants or their legal representatives. Results will be disseminated via publications and presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000046914).

A Rare Case of Paratesticular Cystadenoma with Ovarian Stroma Found by Scrotal Ultrasound on a Cirrhotic Patient with Elevated Alpha-fetoprotein

Introduction/Objective

Paratesticular cystadenoma with ovarian stroma is a rare benign cyst-forming neoplasm with less than 10 cases reported in the literature. Typically, it presents in men aged 11 to 68 years (average 30) and is asymptomatic. The tumor is hypothesized to represent the efferent ductulus undergoing metaplastic change, the vestigial remnants of Mullerian duct, or mesothelium of the tunica vaginalis. Most tumors are considered benign, but a few cases of malignant transformation have been reported.

Methods/Case Report

We present a case of a 54-year-old male with a history of cirrhosis and elevated alpha-fetoprotein (17.85 ng/ML) who was found to have a paratesticular mass by scrotal ultrasound. Clinical history was obtained from review of electronic medical record. CD10 (Novocastra Clone 56C6) and progesterone receptor (PR) (Leica Clone 16) Immunoperoxidase stains were performed following the vendor recommendations. Surgical excision revealed a 0.6-cm polypoid nodule on tunica albuginea that was entirely submitted. Microscopically, the tumor was comprised of cystic spaces lined by cuboidal epithelium identical to that of the Fallopian tubes. There was a sparse spindle-shaped stroma underlying the epithelium similar to ovarian stroma. No nuclear atypia or mitosis was found. Immunoperoxidase stains showed the epithelium was positive for PR, and the stroma was positive for CD10. No evidence of germ cell tumor was identified.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

NA.

Conclusion

Characteristic histologic and immunophenotypic findings can aid in the diagnosis of paratesticular cystadenoma with ovarian stroma. Surgical resection for histological confirmation and long-term monitoring for the potential recurrence and metastatic spread are required.

Update of the fracture risk prediction tool FRAX: a systematic review of potential cohorts and analysis plan

We describe the collection of cohorts together with the analysis plan for an update of the fracture risk prediction tool FRAX with respect to current and novel risk factors. The resource comprises 2,138,428 participants with a follow-up of approximately 20 million person-years and 116,117 documented incident major osteoporotic fractures.

INTRODUCTION

The availability of the fracture risk assessment tool FRAX® has substantially enhanced the targeting of treatment to those at high risk of fracture with FRAX now incorporated into more than 100 clinical osteoporosis guidelines worldwide. The aim of this study is to determine whether the current algorithms can be further optimised with respect to current and novel risk factors.

METHODS

A computerised literature search was performed in PubMed from inception until May 17, 2019, to identify eligible cohorts for updating the FRAX coefficients. Additionally, we searched the abstracts of conference proceedings of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, European Calcified Tissue Society and World Congress of Osteoporosis. Prospective cohort studies with data on baseline clinical risk factors and incident fractures were eligible.

RESULTS

Of the 836 records retrieved, 53 were selected for full-text assessment after screening on title and abstract. Twelve cohorts were deemed eligible and of these, 4 novel cohorts were identified. These cohorts, together with 60 previously identified cohorts, will provide the resource for constructing an updated version of FRAX comprising 2,138,428 participants with a follow-up of approximately 20 million person-years and 116,117 documented incident major osteoporotic fractures. For each known and candidate risk factor, multivariate hazard functions for hip fracture, major osteoporotic fracture and death will be tested using extended Poisson regression. Sex- and/or ethnicity-specific differences in the weights of the risk factors will be investigated. After meta-analyses of the cohort-specific beta coefficients for each risk factor, models comprising 10-year probability of hip and major osteoporotic fracture, with or without femoral neck bone mineral density, will be computed.

CONCLUSIONS

These assembled cohorts and described models will provide the framework for an updated FRAX tool enabling enhanced assessment of fracture risk (PROSPERO (CRD42021227266)).

Multiple encephalopathy syndrome: a case of a novel radiological subtype of acute encephalopathy in childhood

INTRODUCTION

This report presents the case of a novel subtype of acute encephalopathy syndrome in childhood found in a patient with influenza type A infection; the patient exhibited evident magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

CASE REPORT

A 4-year-old boy was transferred to our hospital for prolonged (lasting 60 min) status epilepticus with influenza encephalopathy. Mild brain hypothermia therapy was applied for 72 h, followed by targeted temperature management for 96 h with mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit. Moreover, methylprednisolone pulse therapy and immunoglobulin therapy were administered. One month after the treatment, his physical status recovered such that he was able to run, take food orally, communicate verbally, and successfully return to kindergarten. Interestingly, serial MRI studies revealed findings that were compatible with 1) acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), 2) mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS type II), 3) acute cerebellitis, and 4) acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD) on days 2, 4, 7, and 16, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, these significant MRI findings associated with acute encephalopathy have never been reported. Thus, herein, we propose the new term radiological "multiple encephalopathy syndrome (MES)" based on our case of acute encephalopathy in childhood.

Diagnostic value of simultaneous 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP imaging parameters for predicting the improvement of left ventricular wall motion after acute myocardial infarction using CZT SPECT system

Background

Although the presence of 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP-mismatch, the reverse redistribution (RR) of 99mTc-sestamibi and RR of 123I-BMIPP in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are known to significant markers for predicting the improvement of LV wall motion in the infarcted territory in chronic phase, few studies were performed to analyze them by simultaneous dual-isotope imaging using cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) SPECT system.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the presence of 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP-mismatch or RR of 99mTc-sestamibi, RR of 123I-BMIPP make better prediction of the improvement of LV wall motion in the infarcted territory.

Methods

We evaluated 42 consecutive patients with AMI who had undergone both dual-isotope SPECT in acute phase and stress myocardial SPECT using 99mTc-tracers in chronic phase by Discovery NM530c. The presence of 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP-mismatch, RR of 99mTc-sestamibi and RR of 123I-BMIPP were determined using traditional definition. The improvement of LV wall motion in the infarcted territory from acute phase to chronic phase was assessed using QGS.

Results

Of 42 patients, the improvement of LV wall motion in the infarcted territory from acute phase to chronic phase was found in 29 patients. The presence of 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP-mismatch and RR of 99mTc-sestamibi and RR of 123I-BMIPP were significantly linked to predict the improvement of LV wall motion (p=0.0001, p=0.0001 and p=0.002, respectively). To predict the improvement of LV wall motion in the infarcted territory in chronic phase, the presence of 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP-mismatch showed sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 85% and accuracy of 91%, while RR of 99mTc-sestamibi and RR of 123I-BMIPP had sensitivities of 72%, 48%, specificities of 85%, 100% and accuracies of 76%, 64%, respectively. The multivariate discriminant analysis revealed that the combination of 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP-mismatch, RR of 99mTc-sestamibi and RR of 123I-BMIPP best predicted the improvement of LV wall motion in the infarcted territory in chronic phase with sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 85% and accuracy of 91% (chi-square=40.6), compared with RR of 99mTc-sestamibi and RR of 123I-BMIPP only (sensitivity 79%, specificity 85% and accuracy of 81%, chi-square=16.9).

Conclusions

The addition of 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP-mismatch on RR of 99mTc-sestamibi and RR of 123I-BMIPP in patients with AMI, help better predict the improvement of LV wall motion in the infarcted territory in chronic phase.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Intracellular localization of AMP deaminase and its novel role in BCAA and lipid metabolism in diabetic cardiomyopathy

Background

A metabolomic study in the human heart suggested a pivotal role of amino acid (AA) metabolism in fatty acid oxidation, which is dysregulated in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure. We previously reported that aberrant up-regulation of AMP deaminase 3 (AMPD3) impairs cardiac energetics in T2DM hearts, and AMPD3 was recently shown to be activated by fasting and to promote AA metabolism and fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle. A sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) has been shown to augment systemic AA metabolism, but its effect on cardiac AA metabolism remains unknown.

Purpose

We hypothesized that AMPD3 has a role in AA and lipid metabolism in cardiomyocytes and that the protective effect of an SGLT2i in diabetic hearts is mediated by modification of AA and lipid metabolism.

Methods and results

Proteomic analyses of AMPD3 immunoprecipitates in rat hearts revealed that AMPD3 interacted with the E1α and E2 components of the BCKDH complex, a rate-limiting enzyme of branched-chain AA (BCAA) catabolism. Immunoblotting using subcellular fractions revealed that BCKDH localized not only in the mitochondria matrix but also in the cytosol and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and that AMPD3 interacted with BCKDH in the cytosol and ER. Despite comparable expression of BCKDH components and phosphorylation of E1α at Ser293, significant accumulation of BCAA was observed in T2DM rats (OLETF; 317±30 nmol/g) compared to that in control rats (LETO; 213±16 nmol/g), and the accumulation of BCAA was accompanied by up-regulation of AMPD3 in the cytosol and ER by 98% and 231%, respectively. In cardiomyocytes, disruption of BCAA catabolism by knockdown of BCKDH-E1α resulted in a 5.8-fold increase in AMPD3 at the transcriptional level and blunted lipid droplet biogenesis in response to a long-chain fatty acid challenge. Next, myocardial infarction (MI) was induced in LETO and OLETF pretreated with empagliflozin (10 mg/kg/day, 14 days) or a vehicle. Pathway analysis of cardiac metabolites revealed arginine biosynthesis and BCAA metabolism as the most significantly changed pathways with empagliflozin, with BCAA (791±187 nmol/g), glutamate, glutamine and urea being significantly increased. Empagliflozin restored myocardial ATP and survival after MI in OLETF to levels comparable to those in LETO. Electron microscopy showed a significantly higher prevalence of myocardium lipid droplets in OLETF, which was further increased by empagliflozin.

Conclusions

The results support the hypotheses that imbalance of extra-mitochondrial AMPD3-BCKDH interaction underlies dysregulated BCAA metabolism in T2DM hearts and that activation of cardiac AA metabolism by an SGLT2i normalizes fatty acid overload through sequestration into intracellular lipid droplets.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Boehringer Ingelheim

OS05.8.A A Phase 0/1 ‘Trigger’ Trial of Ribociclib Plus Everolimus in Recurrent High-Grade Glioma

BACKGROUND

The RB-CDK4/6 and mTOR signaling pathways are deregulated in high-grade glioma (HGG) and mTOR activation is a potential mechanism of resistance to CDK4/6 inhibition. This study evaluates the tumor pharmacokinetics (PK) and tumor pharmacodynamics (PD) of combined CDK4/6 and mTOR inhibition in recurrent HGG patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eligible patients had recurrent HGG with (1) intact RB expression, (2) CDKN2A/B deletion or CDK4/6 amplification, and (3) PTEN loss or PIK3CA mutations. Six patients received five days of presurgical ribociclib (400mg QD) plus everolimus (2.5mg QD) and then underwent tumor resection at 2, 8 or 24 hours following the last dose. Five subsequent dose-escalation cohorts each enrolled three additional patients, reaching a maximum dose-level of ribociclib (600mg QD) plus everolimus (60mg QW). Tumor tissue (gadolinium [Gd]-enhancing and nonenhancing regions), CSF, and plasma were collected. Total and unbound drug concentrations were determined using validated LC-MS/MS methods. Tumor PD effects, including RB and S6 phosphorylation, were compared to matched archival tissue. A PK ‘trigger’ (i.e., unbound concentration &gt; 5-fold biochemical IC50) and a PD ‘trigger’ (&gt;30% decrease in both pRB and pS6) were set for each drug. Gd-nonenhancing tissue exhibiting both PK and PD effects in excess of these thresholds qualified patients for postoperative combination therapy.

RESULTS

21 patients with WHO Grade III (n=2) and WHO Grade IV (n=19) gliomas were enrolled. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. Following presurgical drug, all patients demonstrated marked decrease in Gd-enhancement on preoperative MRI. In Gd-nonenhancing tumor regions, the median unbound concentration of ribociclib was 719 nM (i.e., &gt; 5-fold biochemical IC50 for CDK4/6 inhibition), whereas the unbound everolimus tumor concentrations in all patients were below the lower limit of quantitation (i.e., &lt; 0.2 nM). The median total concentrations of everolimus in tumors at dose-levels 0 to 5 were 2.9, 8.8, 10.3, 5.0, 15.7, and 13.7 nM, respectively. Across all dose-levels, 62% (13/21) and 22% (5/21) of tumors demonstrated decreased tumor RB and S6 phosphorylation, respectively. Tumor proliferation (MIB-1) was decreased in 67% (14/21) of all patients.

CONCLUSION

In adult HGG, ribociclib achieves pharmacologically-relevant concentrations in Gd-nonenhancing tumor, consistent with the observed tumor PD effects. Everolimus exhibits very limited penetration into human glioma tissue. Our study supports further development of ribociclib, but not everolimus, for the treatment of glioma patients.

Mechanisms of instantaneous inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by silicon nitride bioceramic

The hydrolytic processes occurring at the surface of silicon nitride (Si3N4) bioceramic have been indicated as a powerful pathway to instantaneous inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, the virus inactivation mechanisms promoted by Si3N4 remain yet to be elucidated. In this study, we provide evidence of the instantaneous damage incurred on the SARS-CoV-2 virus upon contact with Si3N4. We also emphasize the safety characteristics of Si3N4 for mammalian cells. Contact between the virions and micrometric Si3N4 particles immediately targeted a variety of viral molecules by inducing post-translational oxidative modifications of S-containing amino acids, nitration of the tyrosine residue in the spike receptor binding domain, and oxidation of RNA purines to form formamidopyrimidine. This structural damage in turn led to a reshuffling of the protein secondary structure. These clear fingerprints of viral structure modifications were linked to inhibition of viral functionality and infectivity. This study validates the notion that Si3N4 bioceramic is a safe and effective antiviral compound; and a primary antiviral candidate to replace the toxic and allergenic compounds presently used in contact with the human body and in long-term environmental sanitation.

Cribriform carcinoma in the lymph nodes is associated with distant metastasis, recurrence, and survival among patients with node-positive colorectal cancer

Cribriform lymph node pattern is an independent risk factor for metachronous or synchronous distant metastasis in patients with stage III and IV node-positive colorectal cancer. Multivariable analysis in patients with stage III disease indicated that the cribriform pattern of carcinoma in the lymph nodes was an independent risk factor for recurrence and survival. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that the group with stage III cribriform-type lymph node carcinoma had shorter recurrence-free and overall survival times than the stage III group with the tubular type (P &lt; 0.001).

An infantile late-onset case Group of B Streptococcus meningitis diagnosed with a rapid latex kit

Globally, vaccination has reduced the prevalence of meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. However, neonatal Group B Streptococcus (GBS) meningitis continues to remain a problematic infection of the central nervous system. Here, we report a case of bacterial meningitis in a 34-day old male baby who presented with fever. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test on the day of admission showed an increase in cell count with decreased glucose level. A rapid latex test of the CSF using a commercial kit diagnosed the causative pathogen as GBS. We administered the antibiotics ampicillin, cefotaxime, gentamicin and panipenem/betamipron to the patient for over 14 days. Partial seizures were frequently observed during the course and were well-controlled with midazolam and phenobarbital. Brain magnetic resonance imaging on day 17 showed subdural hygroma in the frontal region, and 99mTc ethyl-cysteinate dimer-single photon emission computed tomography confirmed a decreased cerebral blood flow predominantly in the left frontal region. After three years of follow-up, the condition of the patient improved without any neurological sequelae. Our report highlights that rapid identification of the causative organism is essential in infantile late-onset meningitis. In addition, we consider that the latex kit-based rapid testing of CSF is beneficial for identifying the causative agent of bacterial meningitis.

Insulinoma induces a hyperinsulinemia-mediated decrease of GLUT2 and GLP1 receptor in normal pancreatic β-cells

There have been several clinical reports of transient postoperative hyperglycemia in patients with insulinoma, but the effect of insulinoma on normal β-cells has not been investigated. We examined the glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R) expression in normal pancreatic β-cells of five patients with insulinoma and five patients with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) as controls. The positive rate of GLUT2-or GLP1R-positive islets in the nontumor area was calculated by the ratio with the analyzed islets. For functional in vitro analyses, q-PCR and Western blotting were performed after insulin loading on MIN6 cells. The expression rates of both GLUT2 and GLP1R were significantly lower in nontumor area islets of insulinoma patients than in patients with NGT (GLUT2: 31.6 ± 15.3% vs 95.9 ± 6.7%, p < 0.01, GLP1R: 66.8 ± 15.0% vs 96.7 ± 5.0%, p < 0.01). Exposure of MIN6 cells to high concentrations of insulin resulted in a significant decrease in GLUT2 protein for 12 h and GLP1R protein for 24 h (GLUT2; 1.00 ± 0.079 vs 0.81 ± 0.04. p = 0.02, GLP1R; 1.00 ± 0.10 vs 0.50 ± 0.24, p = 0.03) but not in those mRNAs. Our findings show that insulinoma is associated with the downregulation of GLUT2 and GLP1R expression in nontumor area islets. These phenomena may be caused by high levels of insulin.

Prediction of the improvement of left ventricular wall motion after acute myocardial infarction by simultaneous dual-isotope imaging with 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP using cadmium-zinc-telluride SPECT

Background/Introduction

Although both the presence of 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP mismatch and the reverse redistribution of 99mTc-sestamibi in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are known to significant markers for predicting the improvement of left ventricular (LV) wall motion in the infarcted territory in chronic phase, few studies evaluated them by simultaneous dual-isotope (99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP) imaging using cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) SPECT system.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the presence of 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP mismatch or the reverse redistribution of 99mTc-sestamibi make better prediction of the improvement of LV wall motion in the infarcted territory.

Methods

We evaluated 30 consecutive patients with AMI who had undergone both dual-isotope (99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP) SPECT in acute phase and stress myocardial SPECT using 99mTc-tracers in chronic phase by Discovery NM530c. Both 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP mismatch and reverse redistribution of 99mTc-sestamibi were determined using traditional definition. The improvement of LV wall motion in the infarcted territory from acute phase to chronic phase was assessed using QGS.

Results

Of 30 patients, the improvement of LV wall motion in the infarcted territory from acute phase to chronic phase was found in 20 patients. Both the presence of 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP mismatch and reverse redistribution of 99mTc-sestamibi were significantly linked to predict the improvement of LV wall motion (p=0.0001, p=0.011, respectively). The respective sensitivities, specificities and accuracies in the prediction of the improvement of LV wall motion in the infarcted territory were 90%, 90% and 90% with 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP mismatch, and 60%, 90%, 70% with reverse redistribution of 99mTc-sestamibi.

Conclusions

In the simultaneous 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP dual-isotope imaging using CZT SPECT system, both the presence of 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP mismatch and the reverse redistribution of 99mTc-sestamibi in acute phase are useful for predicting the improvement of LV wall motion in chronic phase, but the presence of 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP mismatch is superior to the reverse redistribution of 99mTc-sestamibi for it.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Prediction of myocardial viability in chronic phase in patients with acute myocardial infarction by simultaneous dual-isotope imaging with 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP SPECT using CZT camera system

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal cut-off value of % uptake of simultaneous dual-isotope (99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP) SPECT in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) for prediction of myocardial viability in chronic phase.

Methods

We evaluated 30 consecutive patients with AMI who had undergone both dual-SPECT in acute phase and stress myocardial SPECT using 99mTc-tracers in chronic phase by Discovery NM530c. Regional % uptake with a 17-segment model was obtained using QPS software. The presence of myocardial viability was defined when regional % uptake ≥50% in 99mTc SPECT at rest in chronic phase was observed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed to determine the optimal cutoff values of regional % uptake in both left anterior descending artery (LAD) territory and non-LAD coronary territory in acute phase to predict the myocardial viability in chronic phase.

Results

The cutoff values for prediction of viable myocardium were %uptake ≥47% for 99mTc-sestamibi, %uptake ≥31% for 123I-BMIPP in acute phase in LAD territory and %uptake ≥52% for 99mTc-sestamibi, %uptake ≥48% for 123I-BMIPP in non-LAD territory. The respective sensitivities, specificities and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) values in the prediction of myocardial viability were 92%, 92% and 0.94 with 99mTc-sestamibi, 90%, 85%, 0.92 with 123I-BMIPP in LAD territory, and 81%, 93% and 0.92 with 99mTc-sestamibi, 81%, 90%, 0.92 with 123I-BMIPP in non-LAD territory. There were no significant differences in AUC values between 99mTc-sestamibi and 123I-BMIPP in both LAD territory and non-LAD coronary territory.

Conclusions

In the simultaneous 99mTc-sestamibi/123I-BMIPP dual-isotope imaging in patients with AMI, these results suggest that not only 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT, but also 123I-BMIPP SPECT may be possible to predict the presence of myocardial viability in chronic phase. But it should be noted that the optimal cutoff values of regional % uptake in acute phase to predict the myocardial viability may differ for LAD territory and non-LAD coronary territory.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

AB0213 THE USE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL ULTRASOUND AND PATIENT REPORTED OUTCOMES TO IDENTIFY THE FACTOR TO GIVE RESIDUAL SYMPTOMS AMONG PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN SDAI-REMISSION OR LOW DISEASE ACTIVITY

Background:

The goal of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is to achieve remission. There is the patient with residual symptoms in the Japanese RA patient who achieved clinical remission. There are not many studies to examine the relation between everyday life, social activity and evaluation of disease activities using musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS).

Objectives:

To identify the factor to give residual symptoms of RA patients in SDAI-remission (REM) or low disease activity (LDA), using MSKUS.

Methods:

300 patients were enrolled. The synovitis evaluated gray scale (GS) and power doppler (PD) with 22 both hands joints by MSKUS. We evaluated age, sex, the number of tender joint (TJ) and swelling joint (SJ), the serologic characteristics (CRP, ESR, CCP, RF, MMP-3), Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) (morning stiffness (MS), pain-VAS, fatigue-VAS), HAQ and EQ5D-5L.

Results:

(1). Stratified analysis was performed between HAD/MDA group (N=106) and LDA/REM group (N=194). As a result of single variable analysis, many factors were extracted with significant difference. As a result of the multivariate analysis, MTX dose, number of TJ and SJ, MS, fatigue-VAS, HAQ, EQ5D-5L, and GS≧2 were extracted with a dominant difference. (2). For the stratified analysis in GS≧2, the ratio was low, and the disease duration was short significantly in the LDA/REM group. (3). Next, stratified analysis was performed between Low group (N=95) and REM group (N=99). As a result of single variable analysis, number of TJ and SJ, MTX dose, HAQ, EQ5D-5L, MS, pain-VAS, fatigue-VAS, EGA, GS≧1, GS≧2, GS total score, PD≧1 and PD total score were extracted with significant difference. As a result of the multivariate analysis, number of TJ and fatigue-VAS were extracted with a dominant difference.

Conclusion:

(1). It became clear that the factor which participated in the achievement with SDAI-remission or low disease activity was enough quantity of MTX dose, use of b/t DMARD, US-GS level, residual symptoms (lassitude · pain joint) to be caused by RA. Particularly, the ratio of GS≧2 was low, and the disease was short. (2). In the LDA patients (who do not achieve clinical remission), they had residual symptoms (fatigue and TJ). (3). In the REM patients, remaining inflammation was not seen in MSKUS. The conclusion is that the induction of remission is important from the viewpoint of not only the prevention of joint destruction but also improvement and maintenance of long-term QoL.

Disclosure of Interests:

MASAO NAWATA Grant/research support from: Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Masashi funada: None declared, YUYA FUJITA: None declared, Atsushi Nagayasu: None declared, Kazuki Someya: None declared, SAITO KAZUYOSHI: None declared, Yoshiya Tanaka Grant/research support from: Asahi-kasei, Astellas, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Chugai, Takeda, Sanofi, Bristol-Myers, UCB, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Pfizer, and Ono, Consultant of: Abbvie, Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Daiichi-Sankyo, Astellas, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, AbbVie, YL Biologics, Bristol-Myers, Takeda, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Novartis, Eisai, Janssen, Sanofi, UCB, and Teijin

Direct observation of imploded core heating via fast electrons with super-penetration scheme

Fast ignition (FI) is a promising approach for high-energy-gain inertial confinement fusion in the laboratory. To achieve ignition, the energy of a short-pulse laser is required to be delivered efficiently to the pre-compressed fuel core via a high-energy electron beam. Therefore, understanding the transport and energy deposition of this electron beam inside the pre-compressed core is the key for FI. Here we report on the direct observation of the electron beam transport and deposition in a compressed core through the stimulated Cu Kα emission in the super-penetration scheme. Simulations reproducing the experimental measurements indicate that, at the time of peak compression, about 1% of the short-pulse energy is coupled to a relatively low-density core with a radius of 70 μm. Analysis with the support of 2D particle-in-cell simulations uncovers the key factors improving this coupling efficiency. Our findings are of critical importance for optimizing FI experiments in a super-penetration scheme.

DWI for Monitoring the Acute Response of Malignant Gliomas to Photodynamic Therapy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Photodynamic therapy is a novel treatment that provides effective local control, but little is known about photodynamic therapy-induced changes on MR imaging. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of DWI and ADC in monitoring the response of malignant gliomas to photodynamic therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Time-dependent changes in DWI and ADC values after photodynamic therapy were analyzed in a group that received photodynamic therapy in comparison with a group that did not.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients were enrolled (photodynamic therapy, n = 14; non-photodynamic therapy, n = 10). In all patients who received photodynamic therapy, linear high signals on DWI in the irradiated area were detected adjacent to the resection cavity and were 5-7 mm in depth from 1 day posttreatment and disappeared in about 30 days without any neurologic deterioration. The non-photodynamic therapy group did not show this change. The photodynamic therapy group had significantly lower ADC values from 1 day posttreatment (P < .001), which increased steadily and disappeared by 30 days. There was no decline or time-dependent change in ADC values in the non-photodynamic therapy group.

CONCLUSIONS

The acute response of malignant gliomas to photodynamic therapy was detected as linear high signals on DWI and as a decrease in ADC values. These findings were asymptomatic and transient. Although the photodynamic therapy-induced acute response on MR imaging disappeared after approximately 30 days, it may be helpful for confirming the photodynamic therapy-irradiated area.