Definition, criteria, and core concepts of guidelines for the management of obesity disease in Japan

To identify those who might benefit from weight reduction within a large population of obese individuals, Japan Society for the Study of Obesity (JASSO) advocated the concept of "obesity disease." Here we summarize the definition, criteria, and core concepts for the management of obesity disease based on JASSO's latest guideline. JASSO defines obesity as excessive fat storage in adipose tissue associated with a BMI of ≥25 kg/m2. The threshold BMI of obesity is low as compared to Western countries given that Japanese individuals tend to develop obesity-related health disorders at lower BMI. Obesity with a BMI of ≥35 kg/m2 is referred to as "high-degree obesity" as treatment strategies vary based on the degree of obesity. Obesity is diagnosed as "obesity disease" if accompanied by any of the 11 specific obesity-related health disorders that weight reduction can prevent or alleviate, or if it meets the criteria for visceral fat obesity with a visceral fat area of ≥100 cm2. The initial weight reduction goals for high-degree obesity disease range from 5% to 10% of their current body weight, depending on the associated health disorders. That for those with obesity disease who do not qualify as high-degree is 3% or more. If these initial goals are not achieved, intensifying dietary therapy or introducing drug therapy (or both) may be necessary. While surgical treatment is primarily indicated for high-degree obesity disease, it might be appropriate for cases of obesity disease with a BMI <35 kg/m2, depending on the accompanying health disorders. Enhancing the quality of life for individuals with obesity or obesity disease necessitates a broader societal approach, emphasizing the resolution of related stigma.

Predicting new-onset heart failure hospitalization of patients with atrial fibrillation: development and external validations of a risk score

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a well-known risk factor for heart failure (HF), and HF development as a complication of AF is associated with a decline in the quality of life and poor prognosis. However, unlike thrombotic events, incidence of HF in patients with AF has not changed for decades, and a preventive strategy has yet to be developed.

Purpose

We sought to develop a risk model for new-onset HF admission in patients with AF and without a history of HF. Additionally, we attempted to externally validate the developed risk model.

Methods

We utilized two multicenter, prospective, observational registries of AF and analyzed the patients without a history of AF. One of which is defined as a derivation cohort, which included 2,857 patients, and the other is defined as a validation cohort, which included 2,516 patients. We developed a risk model by selecting variables with regularized regression and weighing coefficients by Cox regression analysis with the derivation cohort. The external validity was tested in the validation cohort.

Results

During the follow-up period, 148 patients (5.2%) in the derivation cohort and 104 patients (4.1%) in the validation cohort developed HF during the median follow-up period of 1,396 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1,078–1,820) days and 1,168 (IQR: 844–1,309) days, respectively. In the derivation cohort, four predictors (age, hemoglobin, serum creatinine, and log-transformed brain natriuretic peptide) were identified as potential risk factors for HF development. The developed risk model showed good discrimination and calibration in both the derivation (area under the curve [AUC], 0.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73–0.81]; Hosmer-Lemeshow test, P=0.257) and validation cohorts (AUC: 0.76 [95% CI 0.72–0.81]; Hosmer-Lemeshow test, P=0.475). Considering death not due to HF as a competing risk, the cumulative incidence curves for HF admission stratified by the risk score were generated, which showed higher HF hospitalization rate for the higher risk score categories.

Conclusion

The newly developed risk model with four readily available clinical characteristics and biomarkers performed well in the prediction of new-onset HF admission of patients with AF in both derivation and validation cohort.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Repeat procedures and reconnection rates after cryoballoon PVI with phrenic nerve injury

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Aims

Cryoballoon (CB) based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). The most frequent complication during CB-based PVI is right-sided phrenic nerve injury which is leading to premature abortion of the freeze cycle. Here we analysed repeat procedures and reconnection rates after CB-based PVI and phrenic nerve injury in a large-scale population. Due to the fact that the freezing process was prematurely interrupted the data may offer unique findings in optimizing the CB dosing protocols.

Methods and Results

In the YETI registry a total of 17356 patients underwent CB-based PVI in 33 centers and 731 (4.2%) patients experienced phrenic nerve injury. A total of 111 / 731 (15.2%) patients received a repeat procedure utilizing a 3D mapping system due to AF recurrence. In 94/111 (84.7%) of patients data on repeat procedures was available. During their initial PVI procedures, phrenic nerve injury occurred during treatment of RSPV (n=80), RIPV (n=13) and LSPV (n=1). A total of 89/94 (94.7%) target PVs have been isolated during the initial PVI (RSPV: 75/80, 94%; RIPV: 13/13; 100%; LSPV: 1/1; 100%). The mean freezing time was 127±46s and the mean minimal temperature was -49±7°C. During the repeat procedures 67 of initially 89 isolated PVs showed persistent isolation (75%, for RSPV: 55/75; 73%; RIPV: 11/13; 85%; LSPV: 1/1; 100%).

Conclusion

In patients initially treated by CB-based PVI with interruption of the freezing due to phrenic nerve injury, a high rate of durable isolated PVs has been detected at repeat procedures. Our data may help to identify the optimal dosing protocol in CB-based PVI procedures

Involvement of autophagy in the maintenance of rat intervertebral disc homeostasis: an in-vitro and in-vivo RNA interference study of Atg5

OBJECTIVE

In the largest avascular low-nutrient intervertebral disc, resident cells would utilize autophagy, a stress-response survival mechanism by self-digestion and recycling wastes. Our goal was to elucidate the involvement of autophagy in disc homeostasis through RNA interference of autophagy-related gene 5 (Atg5).

DESIGN

In vitro, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting autophagy-essential Atg5 were transfected into rat disc cells. Cell viability with levels of autophagy including Atg5 expression, apoptosis, and senescence was assessed under serum starvation and/or pro-inflammatory interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) stimulation. In vivo, time-course autophagic flux was monitored following Alexa Fluor® 555-labeled Atg5-siRNA injection into rat tail discs. Furthermore, 24-h temporary static compression-induced disruption of Atg5 siRNA-injected discs was observed by radiography, histomorphology, and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

In disc cells, three different Atg5 siRNAs consistently suppressed autophagy with Atg5 protein knockdown (mean 44.4% [95% confidence interval: -51.7, -37.1], 51.5% [-80.5, -22.5], 62.3% [-96.6, -28.2]). Then, Atg5 knockdown reduced cell viability through apoptosis and senescence not in serum-supplemented medium (93.6% [-0.8, 21.4]) but in serum-deprived medium (66.4% [-29.8, -8.6]) further with IL-1β (44.5% [-36.9, -23.5]). In disc tissues, immunofluorescence detected intradiscal signals for the labeled siRNA even at 56-d post-injection. Immunoblotting found 56-d autophagy suppression with prolonged Atg5 knockdown (33.2% [-52.8, -5.3]). With compression, Atg5 siRNA-injected discs presented radiographic height loss ([-43.9, -0.8]), histological damage ([-5.5, -0.2]), and immunofluorescent apoptosis ([2.2, 22.2]) and senescence ([4.1, 19.9]) induction compared to control siRNA-injected discs at 56 d.

CONCLUSIONS

This loss-of-function study suggests Atg5-dependent autophagy-mediated anti-apoptosis and anti-senescence. Autophagy could be a molecular therapeutic target for degenerative disc disease.

NF-kB decoy oligodeoxynucleotide preserves disc height in a rabbit anular-puncture model and reduces pain induction in a rat xenograft-radiculopathy model

While it is known that the degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD) is one of the primary reasons for low-back pain and subsequent need for medical care, there are currently no established effective methods for direct treatment. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a transcription factor that regulates various genes' expression, among which are inflammatory cytokines, in many tissues including the IVD. NF-κB decoy is an oligodeoxynucleotide containing the NF-κB binding site that entraps NF-κB subunits, resulting in suppression of NF-κB activity. In the present preclinical study, NF-κB decoy was injected into degenerated IVDs using the rabbit anular-puncture model. In terms of distribution, NF-κB decoy persisted in the IVDs up to at least 4 weeks after injection. The remaining amount of NF-κB decoy indicated that it fit a double-exponential-decay equation. Investigation of puncture-caused degeneration of IVDs showed that NF-κB decoy injection recovered, dose-dependently, the reduced disc height that was associated with reparative cell cloning and morphological changes, as assessed through histology. Gene expression, by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), showed that NF-κB decoy attenuated inflammatory gene expression, such as that of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α, in rabbit degenerated IVDs. NF-κB decoy also reduced the pain response as seen using the "pain sensor" nude rat xenograft-radiculopathy model. This is the first report demonstrating that NF-κB decoy suppresses the inflammatory response in degenerated IVDs and restores IVD disc height loss. Therefore, the intradiscal injection of NF-κB decoy may have the potential as an effective therapeutic strategy for discogenic pain associated with degenerated IVDs.

Expressions of conventional vitellogenin and vitellogenin-like A in worker brains are associated with a nursing task in a ponerine ant

In eusocial insect colonies, non-reproductive workers often perform different tasks. Tasks of an individual worker are shifted depending on various factors, e.g., age and colony demography. Although a vitellogenin (Vg) gene play regulatory roles in both reproductive and non-reproductive division of labours in a honeybee, it has been shown that the insect Vg underwent multiple gene duplications and sub-functionalisation, especially in apical ant lineages. The regulatory roles of duplicated Vgs were suggested to change evolutionarily among ants, whereas such roles in phylogenetically basal ants remain unclear. Here, we examined the expression patterns of conventional Vg (CVg), Vg-like A, Vg-like B and Vg-like C, as well as Vg receptor, during the task shift in an age-dependent manner and under experimental manipulation of colony demography in a primitive ant Diacamma sp. Expressions of CVg and Vg-like A in a brain were associated with a nursing task. It is suggested that associations of brain expressions of these Vgs with worker tasks were acquired in the basal ant lineage, and that such Vg functions could have sub-functionalised in the derived ant lineage.

Respiratory Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Respiratory Disability: Concepts, Diagnosis, and Treatment

The condition of muscle fiber atrophy and weakness that occurs in respiratory muscles along with systemic skeletal muscle with age is known as respiratory sarcopenia. The Japanese Working Group of Respiratory Sarcopenia of the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Nutrition narratively reviews these areas, and proposes the concept and diagnostic criteria. We have defined respiratory sarcopenia as "whole-body sarcopenia and low respiratory muscle mass followed by low respiratory muscle strength and/or low respiratory function." Respiratory sarcopenia can be caused by various factors such as aging, decreased activity, undernutrition, disease, cachexia, and iatrogenic causes. We have also created an algorithm for diagnosing respiratory sarcopenia. Respiratory function decreases with age in healthy older people, along with low respiratory muscle mass and strength. We have created a new term, "Presbypnea," meaning a decline in respiratory function with aging. Minor functional respiratory disability due to aging, such as that indicated by a modified Medical Research Council level 1 (troubled by shortness of breath when hurrying or walking straight up hill), is an indicator of presbypnea. We also define sarcopenic respiratory disability as "a disability with deteriorated respiratory function that results from respiratory sarcopenia." Sarcopenic respiratory disability is diagnosed if respiratory sarcopenia is present with functional disability. Cases of respiratory sarcopenia without functional disability are diagnosed as "at risk of sarcopenic respiratory disability." Functional disability is defined as a modified Medical Research Council grade of 2 or more. Rehabilitation nutrition, treatment that combines rehabilitation and nutritional management, may be adequate to prevent and treat respiratory sarcopenia and sarcopenic respiratory disability.

Cardioprotection using strain-guided management of potentially cardiotoxic cancer therapy: 1 year results of the SUCCOUR trial

Background

Conventional criteria for diagnosis of chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) are dependent on the recognition of heart failure (HF) symptoms and/or changes in LVEF. However, the low sensitivity of EF for minor changes in LV function may delay initiation of cardio-protective therapy (CPT). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a robust and sensitive marker of LV dysfunction (LVD), but existing observational data are insufficient to justify changing the diagnostic criteria for CTRCD.

Purpose

To identify whether GLS guidance of CPT would improve cardiac function of at risk patients undergoing potentially cardiotoxic chemotherapy, compared with usual care.

Methods

In this international multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial, 331 pts from 23 international sites taking anthracyclines with another risk factor for HF were randomly allocated into 166 undergoing GLS-guided (CPT for &gt;12% relative reduction in GLS using Echopac software) and 165 EF-guided (CPT for &gt;10% absolute reduction of EF). Pts were followed over 1 year for the primary end-point (ΔEF) with 3D echo (3DE); 2D echo (2DE) was used when 3D images were unsuitable for measurement. Development of CTRCD (EF reduction of 10% to &lt;55%) was a secondary endpoint.

Results

Of 331 randomized patients, 24 withdrew before follow-up imaging was performed (2 died, and rest withdrew or were lost to follow-up). Among 307 patients (age 54±12 years, 94% women) with follow-up 1.0±0.2 years, 277 had breast cancer, 30 had lymphoma/leukemia. HF risk factors were prevalent: 89 (29%) had hypertension and 39 (13%) had diabetes mellitus. The most common chemotherapy regimen during this study was the combination of anthracycline and trastuzumab. The baseline 3D LVEF was 61±5%, and GLS was −20.8±3.2%. At 1 year follow-up, 31 (10%) met CTRCD and was reduced in the GLS-guided arm (Table 1), although new LV dysfunction (EF&lt;55%) and change of EF were not different.

Conclusion

In this international multicentre trial, the incidence of CTRCD was reduced by strain-guided cardioprotection. Although the final EF and the number of pts developing EF &lt;55% was not altered by strain-guided therapy, this reduces meaningful reduction of EF to the abnormal range. The results support the use of GLS in surveillance for CTRCD.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): General Electric Medical Systems

Effects of PCSK9 inhibitor on adverse limb outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia

Background

The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor (PCSK9-I), evolocumab, reduced the risk of cardiovascular event in patients with peripheral artery disease in FOURIER trial. However, the effects of evolocumab on favorable limb outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) is still unclear.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts of evolocumab on favorable limb outcomes and lipid profile in patients with CLI.

Methods

This was a single center, prospective observational study. A total of 39 patients with CLI were enrolled between November 2016 to May 2019. The subjects were divided into 2 groups based on evolocumab administration: evolocumab-treated group: E group (mean 69.4±11.7 years, n=14) and evolocumab non-treated group: Non-E group (mean 74.0±8.8 years, n=25). Baseline characteristics were assessed at admission. Lipid profile was evaluated at admission, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. The primary outcome was defined 18-month amputation-free survival (AFS). The secondary outcomes were defined 18-month overall survival (OS) and wound-free limb salvage. Mean follow-up period was 18±11 months.

Results

The patients in E group had greater reduction in levels of LDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol than those in Non-E group over time. The reduction in MDA-LDL level was maintained at 1, 3, 6, 12 months, respectively. The 18-month AFS rate in the E-group was significantly higher than those in the Non-E group (log-rank p=0.02). The patients receiving evolocumab had a lower hazard regarding AFS (hazard ratio, 0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.94; P=0.043) and a higher proportion of wound-free limb salvage at 12 months (E group [92%] vs Non-E group [57%], P=0.034) and 18 months (92% vs 52%, P=0.03). Otherwise, evolocumab administration was not associated with 18-month OS (log-rank p=0.053).

Conclusions

Evolocumab administration may be associated with the favorable outcome of 18-month AFS in the patients with CLI. Additionally, long-term administration of evolocumab over 12 months may improve wound-free limb salvage.

Effects of evolocumab on limb outcomes

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Amyloid Signature Proteins in Feline Amyloidosis

In human amyloidoses, amyloid signature proteins (ASPs), such as serum amyloid P component (SAP) and apolipoprotein E (ApoE), are deposited in tissues together with amyloid fibrils and are implicated in the pathogenesis of amyloidosis. Few reports describe ASPs in animals. In this study, we examined feline amyloidosis and performed immunohistochemical and proteomic analyses of SAP, ApoE, apolipoprotein A-I (ApoAI) and apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoAIV). Ten cases of systemic amyloidosis, three cases of amyloid-producing odontogenic tumour and three cases of islet amyloidosis were used for immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or proteomic analyses. IHC showed that ApoE was present in amyloid deposits in all samples. ApoAI and ApoAIV differed in the degree of co-deposition with amyloid depending on the type of amyloid and the affected organ. SAP was negative in all amyloid deposits. Proteomic analysis showed that ApoE was present in all samples, but ApoAI and ApoAIV were detected only in some samples and SAP was not detected in any samples. The observation that ApoE was detected in all types of amyloid suggests the involvement of ApoE in the development of feline amyloidosis. ASPs in feline amyloidosis are significantly different from those in human amyloidosis, suggesting that the involvement of ASPs in the pathological condition differs between animal species.

6121Phrenic nerve injury during pulmonary vein isolation using the second-generation cryoballoon: characteristics and follow-up - The YETI registry

Background

Second-generation cryoballoon (CB2) based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has emerged as a safe and effective treatment option for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Although published complication rates of CB2 based-PVI are relatively low and several safety algorithms have been implemented in the protocols the most frequent complication is right-sided phrenic nerve injury (PNI). The reported incidence of PNI varies from 2–5% of patients. However data on PNI characteristics as well as follow-up is sparse.

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the incidence, characteristics and outcome of PNI during after CB2 based-PVI in a large patients population.

Methods and results

From July 2012 to November 2018 a total of 13693 patients received CB2 or CB3 (third-generation) based-PVI in 23 EP centers (Germany: 12, China: 1, Turkey: 3, Japan: 3, USA: 1, Austria: 1, Poland: 1, Swizerland: 1). A total of 596 (4.4%) of patients experienced PNI during treatment of the right superior (84%) right inferior (15%) right middle (0.3%) (and left superior (0.3%) pulmonary veins. The mean time to PNI was 127±51 seconds and the mean temperature at the time of PNI was −49±7 °C. The target PV was isolated at time of PNI in 84% of cases. The applications were interrupted using double-stop technique in (71%). In 212/306 (52%) a CMAP was utilized.

At the end of the procedure PNI persistent in 45% of patients. Fluoroscopic or sonographic evaluation of PNI was performed 1–3 days after the procedure and revealed persistent PNI in 35% of patients. Dyspnea before discharge was reported in 18% of patients with persistent PNI. Patients follow up at 1–3, and 6–12 months included fluoroscopy and a visit in an outpatient clinic. After 1–3 months 18% of patients showed persistent PNI including 13% of patients complaining of dyspnea. After 6–12 months of follow-up including fluoroscopic evaluation PNI was persistent in 1.8% of patients while dyspnea was reported by 1.7% patients. Only 0.08% of the overall population of 13693 patients showed permanent and symptomatic PNI.

Conclusion

The incidence of PNI during CB2-based PVI is low. About 55% of PNI recovered until the end of the procedure. Most of PNI recovered within 12 months. Symptomatic permanent PNI is very rare in patients after CB2/CB3-based PVI.

P3389Angioscopic differences in quality and quantity of neointima in patients experiencing an acute coronary syndrome treated with bare metal, first-, second-, and third generation drug-eluting stents

Background

Although drug-eluting stents (DES) have substantially reduced the need for early target lesion revascularization (TLR) compared with bare-metal stents (BMS) by inhibiting neointima hyperplasia, early generation DES have been associated with an increased risk of very late stent failure (VLSF) due to stent thrombosis and TLR after 1 year. Although the incidence of VLSF is reduced with newer generation DES, VLSF remains an unresolved problem and its mechanisms are not fully explored.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate quality and quantity of neointima and presence of thrombus by using coronary angioscopy at long-term follow-up in patients who experienced an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with BMS and DES on dual antiplatelet therapy.

Methods

Coronary angioscopy was performed at 6 and 10 months after BMS and DES implantation, respectively, in ACS patients. We assessed neointimal coverage (NC) of the stent struts, yellow color grade (YG) of stented segment and the existence of thrombus. Angioscopic NC was defined as follows: grade 0= fully visible struts; grade 1= visible struts through thin neointima; grade 2= no visible struts. We determined maximum (Max-NC) and minimum coverage (Min-NC) grades and the dominant NC grades. YG was classified into 4 grades (0= white; 1= slight yellow; 2= yellow; 3= intensive yellow). The obtained findings were compared with BMS, first-generation (1st-) DES, second-generation (2nd-) DES and third-generation (3rd-) DES.

Results

A total of 212 patients were enrolled: BMS (n=127), 1st DES (n=26, sirolimus-eluting stent), 2nd-DES (n=38, permanent polymer everolimus-eluting stent), and 3rd-DES (n=21, bioresorbable polymer everolimus-eluting stent). Max-NC and Min-NC grade were significantly lower with 1st- and 2nd-DES than with BMS and 3rd-DES (Figure). The same trend was also observed in the dominant NC grades. There was a lower trend of YG in BMS and 3rd-DES than in 1st or 2nd-DES (Figure). The presence of thrombus was significantly lower in 3rd-DES in comparison with BMS, 1st-, and 2nd-DES (3rd-DES 0%, BMS 20.5%, 1st-DES 24%, 2nd-DES 13.5%, P=0.01).

Figure 1

Conclusion

Patients treated with 3rd-DES have higher NC grade, lower incidence of intrastent thrombus, and lower YG than in 1st and 2nd-DES. These findings may explain the lower incidence of VLSF associated with these newer generation stent platforms.

P5641Impact of lethal arrhythmias on medical castration in patients with prostate cancer

Background

Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous malignancy in men and has been steadily rising in an aging society. Medical castration had been widely applied as a treatment for prostate cancer. Sex steroid hormones regulate cardiac ion channels. However, the proarrhythmic properties of medical castration have not been reported.

Methods

This prospective observational study consisted of 149 patients (75±6 years) who underwent hormonal therapy using gonadotropin-releasing hormone with or without anti-androgen for prostate cancer. The changes of electrocardiogram (ECG) findings during the therapy and the associations of ECG findings with lethal arrhythmias were studied.

Results

QT (394±32 to 406±39 ms, p<0.001) and QTc intervals (416±27 to 439±31 ms, p<0.001) significantly prolonged during the therapy as compared to baseline. Heart rate significantly increased during the therapy as compared to baseline (68±11 to 71±14 / min, p=0.006). PQ interval and QRS duration were similar before and during the therapy. During the hormonal therapy, 2 patients (1.3%) presented with torsades de pointes and ventricular fibrillation. The first patient was 71 year-old and the second patient was 70 year-old. The period of the therapy was 6 and 45 months, respectively. Both patients had no structural heart disease. The magnitude of QTc interval change during the therapy as compared to baseline (Δ QTc interval) was significantly greater in patients with VF than those without (p<0.001), however the magnitude of Δ heart rate, Δ PQ interval, and Δ QRS duration were similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Medical castration significantly prolonged QT/QTc interval and could be a trigger of lethal arrhythmias in patients with prostate cancer.

P6339Sequential organ failure assessment score on admission predicts long-time mortality of the patients with acute heart failure

Background

Despite the remarkable advances in the treatment options of acute heart failure (HF), prognosis assessment remains an ongoing challenge. Previous studies revealed only a moderate accuracy of models predicting mortality. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) Score are widely used in the intensive care unit (ICU) to predict outcome and predicted higher long-time mortality in unselected patients in cardiac ICU. In addition, the American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines–Heart Failure (GWTG-HF) risk score allows for risk stratification of 30-day outcome for patients hospitalized with HF. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether SOFA score on admission is useful for long-time mortality prediction in acute HF patients and also to assess the discriminative performance as compared with GWTG-HF risk score.

Methods

This was a single-centre, retrospective cohort study. Between January 2007 and December 2016, we screened eligible 661 consecutive patients with acute HF administered at our hospital. SOFA score on admission of 294 patients was able to calculate retrospectively. We enrolled 269 patients who could complete follow up evaluation for more than 1 year. Endpoint was all-cause mortality after admission. Additive information of SOFA score was evaluated by area under the curve (AUC), net reclassification improvement (NRI), integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

The 269 patients were included in this study (78.5±10.9 years; 136 men; left ventricular ejection fraction [EF], 49.8±16.6%) during a mean follow-up of 32.1±22.3 months. Patients with all-cause death had higher SOFA score (4.2±2.3 versus 2.8±1.8, p<0.001; AUC, 0.689) and GWTG-HF risk score (44.0±7.6 versus 38.1±7.9, P<0.001, AUC, 0.692).

Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated higher SOFA scores (P<0.001) and GWTG-HF risk scores (P<0.001) appears to be related to increase probabilities of all cause death. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model were made with adjustment for SOFA score, GWTG-HF risk score, age, gender and ejection fraction. As a result, SOFA score (hazard ratio [HR] 1.227; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.130 to 1.326; P<0.001), GWTG-HF (HR, 1.054; 95% CI, 1.029 to 1.078; P<0.001) and age (HR, 1.069; 95% CI 1.048 to 1.092; P<0.001) were independent predictors of all cause death and HR of SOFA score was the highest in these parameters. Incorporating SOFA score into GWTG-HF score yielded a significant NRI (0.528 (95% CI 0.291 to 0.765) and IDI (0.046 (95% CI 0.020 to 0.072). In DCA, compared with the reference model, the net benefit for SOFA score model was greater across the range of threshold probabilities.

Conclusions

The SOFA score, simple and validated mortality risk score can predict long-term all-cause mortality in patients with acute HF. Discriminative performance metrics such as NRI, IDI and DCA were improved on incorporation of the SOFA score for prediction of mortality.

Pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1 but not mTORC2 protects against human disc cellular apoptosis, senescence, and extracellular matrix catabolism through Akt and autophagy induction

OBJECTIVE

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that integrates nutrients to execute cell growth. We hypothesized that mTOR is influential in the intervertebral disc-largest avascular, low-nutrient organ. Our objective was to identify the optimal mTOR inhibitor for treating human degenerative disc disease.

DESIGN

mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) regulates p70/ribosomal S6 kinase (p70/S6K), negatively regulates autophagy, and is controlled by Akt. Akt is controlled by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). mTORC1 inhibitors-rapamycin, temsirolimus, everolimus, and curcumin, mTORC1&mTORC2 inhibitor-INK-128, PI3K&mTOR inhibitor-NVP-BEZ235, and Akt inhibitor-MK-2206-were applied to human disc nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. mTOR signaling, autophagy, apoptosis, senescence, and matrix metabolism were evaluated.

RESULTS

mTORC1 inhibitors decreased p70/S6K but increased Akt phosphorylation, promoted autophagy with light chain 3 (LC3)-II increases and p62/sequestosome 1 (p62/SQSTM1) decreases, and suppressed pro-inflammatory interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)-induced apoptotic terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positivity (versus rapamycin, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.431 to -0.194; temsirolimus, 95% CI -0.529 to -0.292; everolimus, 95% CI -0.477 to -0.241; curcumin, 95% CI -0.248 to -0.011) and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase-9 cleavage, senescent senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) positivity (versus rapamycin, 95% CI -0.437 to -0.230; temsirolimus, 95% CI -0.534 to -0.327; everolimus, 95% CI -0.485 to -0.278; curcumin, 95% CI -0.210 to -0.003) and p16/INK4A expression, and catabolic matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) release and activation. Meanwhile, dual mTOR inhibitors decreased p70/S6K and Akt phosphorylation without enhanced autophagy and suppressed apoptosis, senescence, and matrix catabolism. MK-2206 counteracted protective effects of temsirolimus. Additional disc-tissue analysis found relevance of mTOR signaling to degeneration grades.

CONCLUSION

mTORC1 inhibitors-notably temsirolimus with an improved water solubility-but not dual mTOR inhibitors protect against inflammation-induced apoptosis, senescence, and matrix catabolism in human disc cells, which depends on Akt and autophagy induction.

Atrial Fibrillation Had Less Impact on the Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Non-anticoagulated Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: Insight from the RAKUEN study

Objective The progress of non-anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing hemodialysis has not been determined. Using data from the RAKUEN (Registry of Atrial fibrillation in chronic Kidney disease Under hEmodialysis from Niigata) study, we examined the clinical characteristics and outcomes among hemodialysis patients with AF who were not receiving a vitamin K antagonist (VKA). Methods and Results Forty-three of 423 patients undergoing hemodialysis (-10%) were prescribed a VKA. The remaining 380 patients (age 64.8±12.8 years, male 70%) were enrolled in the present study. During a mean observation period of 36 months, AF (n=55) was independently associated with all-cause death (hazard ratio, 1.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.94; p=0.014), but was not associated with ischemic stroke (hazard ratio, 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-4.92; p=0.177) and major bleeding (hazard ratio, 1.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-4.08; p=0.150). The crude incidence rates of all-cause death and ischemic stroke in the AF patients were 15.75 (2.5-fold higher compared to the non-AF patients) and 3.63 (1.7-fold higher compared to the non-AF patients) per 100 person-years, respectively. Conclusion A great impact on death, but not ischemic stroke, was observed in non-anticoagulated hemodialysis patients with AF in comparison to those without AF from the analysis of the RAKUEN study.

Proteome Profiling of Diabetic Mellitus Patient Urine for Discovery of Biomarkers by Comprehensive MS-Based Proteomics

Diabetic mellitus (DM) is a disease that affects glucose homeostasis and causes complications, such as diabetic nephropathy (DN). For early diagnosis of DN, microalbuminuria is currently one of the most frequently used biomarkers. However, more early diagnostic biomarkers are desired in addition to microalbuminuria. In this study, we performed comprehensive proteomics analysis of urine proteomes of diabetic mellitus patients without microalbuminuria and healthy volunteers to compare the protein profiles by mass spectrometry. With high confidence criteria, 942 proteins in healthy volunteer urine and 645 proteins in the DM patient urine were identified with label-free semi-quantitation, respectively. Gene ontology and pathway analysis were performed with the proteins, which were up- or down-regulated in the DM patient urine to elucidate significant changes in pathways. The discovery of a useful biomarker for early DN discovery is expected.

Renal histopathological findings of retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy

Retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy (RVCL) is a rare autosomal dominant systemic microvascular disease. Neurological disorders and visual disturbance are highlighted as manifestations of RVCL; however, there are few reports focused on nephropathy. Herein, we describe detailed renal histopathological findings in a daughter and father with RVCL, proven by TREX1 genetic analysis. A kidney biopsy of the daughter, 35-year-old with asymptomatic proteinuria, revealed unique and various glomerular changes. Atypical double contour (not tram track-like) of the capillary wall was widely found, an apparent characteristic finding. Glomerular findings were varied due to a combination of new and old segmental mesangial proliferative changes, mesangiolysis, and segmental glomerulosclerosis-like lesions; these changes may be related to endothelial cell damage. Collapsed tufts were also found and thought to be the result of ischemia due to arterial changes. Glomerular findings in a kidney biopsy of the father revealed similarity to the daughter's glomerulus at a relatively advanced stage, but the degree of variety in the glomerular findings was much less. Kidney biopsy findings suggesting endothelial cell damage of unknown etiology need to be considered for possible RVCL.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Pilot Trial of Rice Endosperm Protein Supplementation in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

In maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, low protein intake is associated with protein-energy wasting, a risk factor that affects outcome. However, increased protein intake may lead to hyperphosphatemia and hyperkalemia, which are also mortality risk factors. Here, we evaluated the safety and effects of purified rice endosperm protein (REP), which contains less phosphorus and potassium than soy and casein proteins, as a supplemental protein source for MHD patients. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study of REP supplementation (5 g/day × 4 weeks) was carried out in 50 Japanese adult MHD patients (1 dropped out); the primary outcome was the change in the urea kinetic-based normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), an indicator of protein intake in MHD patients. Intention-to-treat analyses of 24 patients in the REP-first group and 25 in the placebo-first group showed that REP supplementation increased nPCR significantly by 0.07 g/kg/day (95% confidence interval, 0.03–0.11), whereas changes in serum phosphorus and potassium concentrations were not different from the placebo. REP supplementation did not show a significant effect on other nutritional or metabolic parameters and no specific complications. In conclusion, purified REP with efficient bioavailability may be safe and useful for dietary supplementation in MHD patients.

Selective interference of mTORC1/RAPTOR protects against human disc cellular apoptosis, senescence, and extracellular matrix catabolism with Akt and autophagy induction

OBJECTIVE

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that integrates nutrients to execute cell growth and protein synthesis. We hypothesized that mTOR is essential for the intervertebral disc, the largest avascular, low-nutrient organ. Our objective was to elucidate roles of mTOR signaling in human disc cells.

DESIGN

The mTOR exists in two complexes: mTORC1 containing the regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (RAPTOR) and mTORC2 containing the rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (RICTOR). To analyze their functions in human disc nucleus pulposus cells, RNA interference (RNAi) of mTOR targeting mTORC1 and mTORC2, RAPTOR targeting mTORC1, or RICTOR targeting mTORC2 or rapamycin, a pharmacological mTORC1 inhibitor, was applied. First, mTOR signaling including Akt, p70/ribosomal S6 kinase (p70/S6K), and autophagy were assessed. Then, apoptosis, senescence, and matrix metabolism were evaluated under pro-inflammatory interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) stimulation.

RESULTS

Western blotting showed significant decreases in specific proteins by each RNAi (all P < 0.0001). In mTOR signaling, RNAi of mTOR and RICTOR decreased p70/S6K and Akt phosphorylation, whereas RAPTOR RNAi decreased p70/S6K but increased Akt phosphorylation. All RNAi treatments increased light chain 3 (LC3)-II and decreased p62/sequestosome 1 (p62/SQSTM1), indicating enhanced autophagy. In apoptosis, IL-1β-induced terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase-9 cleavage decreased by RAPTOR RNAi. In senescence, IL-1β-induced senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-gal)-positive cells and p16/INK4A expression also decreased by RAPTOR RNAi. In matrix metabolism, RAPTOR RNAi reduced IL-1β-induced catabolic matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) release and activation and up-regulated anabolic gene expression. These findings were all consistent with rapamycin administration. Additional disc-tissue analysis detected expression and phosphorylation of mTOR-signaling molecules in varying ages.

CONCLUSION

Selective interference of mTORC1/RAPTOR protects against inflammation-induced apoptosis, senescence, and matrix catabolism possibly through Akt and autophagy induction in human disc cells.

The number of microvascular complications is associated with an increased risk for severity of periodontitis in type 2 diabetes patients: Results of a multicenter hospital-based cross-sectional study

Aims/Introduction

To explore the relationships between periodontitis and microvascular complications as well as glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients.

Materials and Methods

This multicenter, hospital‐based, cross‐sectional study included 620 patients with type 2 diabetes. We compared the prevalence and severity of periodontitis between patients with ≥1 microvascular complication and those without microvascular complications. We also compared the prevalence and severity of periodontitis among patients with different degrees of glycemic control.

Results

After adjusting for confounding factors, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the severity of periodontitis was significantly associated with the number of microvascular complications (odds ratio 1.3, 95% confidence interval 1.1–1.6), glycated hemoglobin ≥8.0% (64 mmol/mol; odds ratio 1.6; 95% confidence interval 1.1–2.3), and older age (≥50 years; odds ratio 1.7; 95% confidence interval 1.1–2.6). However, the prevalence of periodontitis was not significantly associated with the number of microvascular complications, but was associated with male sex, high glycated hemoglobin (≥8.0% [64 mmol/mol]), older age (≥40 years), longer duration of diabetes (≥15 years) and fewer teeth (≤25). Furthermore, propensity score matching for age, sex, diabetes duration and glycated hemoglobin showed that the incidence of severe periodontitis was significantly higher among patients with microvascular complications than among those without microvascular complications (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The number of microvascular complications is a risk factor for more severe periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes, whereas poor glycemic control is a risk factor for increased prevalence and severity of periodontitis.

Evaluation of calcium hydrogen carbonate mesoscopic crystals as a disinfectant for influenza A viruses

In this study, the virucidal effect of a novel electrically charged disinfectant CAC-717 was investigated. CAC-717 is produced by applying an electric field to mineral water containing calcium hydrogen carbonate to generate mesoscopic crystals. Virus titration analysis showed a >3 log reduction of influenza A viruses after treatment with CAC-717 for 1 min in room temperature, while infectivity was undetectable after 15 min treatment. Adding bovine serum albumin to CAC-717 solution did not affect the disinfectant effect. Although CAC-717 is an alkaline solution (pH=12.39), upon contact with human tissue, its pH becomes almost physiological (pH 8.84) after accelerated electric discharge, which enables its use against influenza viruses. Therefore, CAC-717 may be used as a preventative measure against influenza A viruses and for biosecurity in the environment.

In-situ straining and time-resolved electron tomography data acquisition in a transmission electron microscope

This paper reports the preliminary results of a new in-situ three-dimensional (3D) imaging system for observing plastic deformation behavior in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) as a directly relevant development of the recently reported straining-and-tomography holder [Sato K et al. (2015) Development of a novel straining holder for transmission electron microscopy compatible with single tilt-axis electron tomography. Microsc. 64: 369-375]. We designed an integrated system using the holder and newly developed straining and image-acquisition software and then developed an experimental procedure for in-situ straining and time-resolved electron tomography (ET) data acquisition. The software for image acquisition and 3D visualization was developed based on the commercially available ET software TEMographyTM. We achieved time-resolved 3D visualization of nanometer-scale plastic deformation behavior in a Pb-Sn alloy sample, thus demonstrating the capability of this system for potential applications in materials science.

The Japanese Postmarketing Adverse Event Relief System: A Confluence of Regulatory Science, the Legal System, and Clinical Pharmacology

The Japanese Postmarketing Relief System provides for compensation to patients with adverse reactions, based on the acknowledgment that unpredicted adverse events occur inevitably once a drug is marketed. The system also provides new knowledge about the benefit-risk profile of a drug that may be incorporated into product labeling. The system relies on causality assessments that are based on sound clinical pharmacology principles. The system may serve as a model for other countries' healthcare systems.

Effect of Antihypertensive Drugs on Uric Acid Metabolism in Patients with Hypertension: Cross-Sectional Cohort Study

Background: Hypertension is a common complication in patients with gout and/or hyperuricemia. Besides, hyperuricemia is a risk factor of gout as well as ischemic heart disease in hypertensive patients. Moreover, the risk of gout is modified by antihypertensive drugs. However, it remains unclear how antihypertensive agents affect uric acid metabolism. Purpose: In the present study, we investigated the uric acid metabolism in treated hypertensive patients to find out whether any of them would influence serum levels of uric acid. Patients and methods: 751 hypertensive patients (313 men and 438 women) under antihypertensive treatment were selected. Blood pressure (BP), serum uric acid (SUA) and serum creatinine (Scr) were measured and evaluated statistically. Results: In patients treated with diuretics, beta-blockers and/or alpha-1 blockers SUA levels were significantly higher than in patients who were not taking these drugs. Besides, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients treated with diuretics, beta-blockers and/or alpha-1 blockers was negatively correlated with SUA level. There were gender differences in the effects of beta-blockers and alpha-1 blockers. Multiple regression analysis indicated that both diuretics and beta-blockers significantly contributed to hyperuricemia in patients with medication for hypertension. Conclusion: Diuretics, beta-blockers and alpha-1 blockers reduced glomerular filtration rate and raised SUA levels. Calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, including losartan, did not increase SUA levels.