Pulmonary hypertension in an adult patient with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome: a case report

Background

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a life-threatening disorder of autonomic respiratory control. Mutations in the paired-like homeobox 2B (PHOX2B) gene impair respiratory drive, causing hypercarbia and hypoxaemia. Most patients with CCHS are diagnosed in the neonatal period; however, a few are diagnosed in adulthood.

Case summary

We report a 32-year-old man with a history of unexplained cyanosis 14 days after birth. He presented to our hospital with breathlessness and abnormal electrocardiogram findings discovered in a health check-up. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was suspected based on electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evidence of right ventricular (RV) overload. Results of pulmonary function tests and chest computed tomography were normal. Arterial blood gas analysis revealed type 2 respiratory failure without a significant alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient, indicating alveolar hypoventilation. Right heart catheterization (RHC) showed pre-capillary PH [pulmonary artery pressure 47/24 (35) mmHg], and a hyperventilation challenge test and a non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) treatment during RHC provided drastic improvement in PH [pulmonary artery pressure 28/12 (18) mmHg]. Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome was diagnosed based on genetic testing (20/25 polyalanine repeat expansion mutations in PHOX2B). After NPPV therapy initiation, the RV overload was slightly improved.

Discussion

Some patients with CCHS develop mild hypoventilation without overt clinical signs, and PH can be the first clinical manifestation. In our case, the hyperventilation challenge test improved PH. Although CCHS causes chronic alveolar hypoxia and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction with subsequent PH, optimal ventilation therapy can improve pulmonary circulation even in affected adults.

A new therapeutic target for systemic lupus erythematosus: the current landscape for drug development of a toll-like receptor 7/8 antagonist through academia-industry-government collaboration

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in multiple organs. A few treatments for SLE currently exist, including antimalarials, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and two recently approved antibody agents; however, an unmet medical need remains for SLE. In addition, developing new drugs targeting SLE is a challenge since no specific biomarkers exist for the prediction of disease progression or drug response. A new drug candidate, E6742, is a specific antagonist of the toll-like receptors 7/8. To address the challenges for drug development in SLE, the process of developing E6742 utilizes a unique system of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), the Cyclic Innovation for Clinical Empowerment (CiCLE) program. In the CiCLE program, a Phase 1 study in healthy adults was completed (NCT04683185) and a Phase 1/2 study in patients with SLE is on-going (NCT05278663). One of the potential benefits of this program is to conduct academia-led clinical research to identify specific biomarkers for E6742 in parallel with clinical studies (UMIN000042037). The aim of this review is to present current progress within the strategic collaboration of the AMED CiCLE program that optimize clinical development for patients with SLE.

Prognostic Value and Pathological Correlation of Peritumoral Radiomics in Surgically Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To determine the additional value of peritumoral radiomics in predicting overall survival (OS) in surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its correlation with pathological findings.

METHODS

A total of 526 patients with surgically resected NSCLC were included (191 training, 160 internal validation, and 175 external validation cohorts). CT images were used to segment the gross tumor volume (GTV) and peritumoral volume (PTV) within distances of 3, 6, 9 mm from the tumor boundary (PTV3, PTV6, and PTV9), and radiomic features were extracted. Four prognostic models for OS (GTV, GTV + PTV3, GTV + PTV6, and GTV + PTV9) were constructed using the training cohort. The prognostic ability and feature importance were evaluated using the validation cohorts. Pathological findings were compared between the two patient groups (n = 30 for each) having the top 30 and bottom 30 values of the most important peritumoral feature.

RESULTS

The GTV+ PTV3 models exhibited the highest predictive ability, which was higher than that of the GTV model in the internal validation cohort (C-index: 0.666 vs. 0.616, P = 0.027) and external validation cohort (C-index: 0.705 vs. 0.656, P = 0.048). The most important feature was GLDM_Dependence_Entropy, extracted from PTV3. High peritumoral GLDM_Dependence_Entropy was associated with a high proportion of invasive histological types, tumor spread through air spaces, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The GTV and PTV3 combination demonstrated a higher prognostic ability, compared to GTV alone. Peritumoral radiomic features may be associated with various pathological prognostic factors.

A novel Toll-like receptor 7/8-specific antagonist E6742 ameliorates clinically relevant disease parameters in murine models of lupus

The sensing of self RNA by the endosomal Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 7 and 8 initiates pathogenic mechanisms underlying the autoimmune disease lupus. A blockade of the TLR7/8 signals may, therefore, be a novel therapeutic intervention for lupus. To test the hypothesis, a novel compound E6742 that blocks TLR7/8 activation was identified. The mode of action of E6742 was investigated by analysis of the tertiary structure of TLR7 and 8 in complex with E6742. The in vitro activities of the compound were examined in cellular systems and its therapeutic potential was evaluated in murine lupus models. Tertiary structures of the extracellular domain of TLR7 and 8 in complex with E6742 showed that E6742 binds specifically and non-covalently to the hydrophobic pocket located at the interface of TLR7 or TLR8 homodimers. E6742 potently and selectively inhibited several TLR7/8-mediated cytokine responses in human PBMC. In two mouse models of lupus, oral dosing of E6742 after the onset of disease suppressed increase in autoantibodies and blocked the advance of organ damage. Collectively, the data show that TLR7/8 activation contributes to disease progression and its blocking by E6742 has potential as a therapeutic intervention for lupus.

Synthesis and anti-tumor activities in human leukemia-derived cells of polyenylpyrroles with a methyl group at the conjugated polyene terminus

To develop novel drugs for treating T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) which are highly malignant hematological tumors, a series of analogs having a polyenylpyrrole structure of natural compounds (rumbrin and auxarconjugatin B) were synthesized and investigated their structure-activity relationships (SAR) of in vitro anti-T-ALL and anti-AML activities. We obtained three findings: (1) introduction of a methyl group at the conjugated polyene terminus enhanced anti-T-ALL activity, (2) analogs with a 3-chloropyrrole moiety had even higher selectivity for T-ALL cells, and (3) some analogs were effective against AML-derived cells. Among the studied compounds, 3-chloro-2-(8-ethoxycarbonylnona-1,3,5,7-tetraenyl) pyrrole 4e was the most promising candidate of T-ALL- and AML-treating drug. This study provides useful structural information for designing novel drugs treating T-ALL and AML.

Identification of compounds that preferentially suppress the growth of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia-derived cells

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is one of the most frequently occurring cancers in children and is associated with a poor prognosis. Here, we performed large-scale screening of natural compound libraries to identify potential drugs against T-ALL. We identified three low-molecular-weight compounds (auxarconjugatin-B, rumbrin, and lavendamycin) that inhibited the proliferation of the T-ALL cell line CCRF-CEM, but not that of the B lymphoma cell line Raji in a low concentration range. Among them, auxarconjugatin-B and rumbrin commonly contained a polyenyl 3-chloropyrrol in their chemical structure, therefore we chose auxarconjugatin-B for further analyses. Auxarconjugatin-B suppressed the in vitro growth of five human T-ALL cell lines and two T-ALL patient-derived cells, but not that of adult T-cell leukemia patient-derived cells. Cultured normal T cells were several-fold resistant to auxarconjugatin-B. Auxarconjugatin-B and its synthetic analogue Ra#37 depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential of CCRF-CEM cells within 3 h of treatment. These compounds are promising seeds for developing novel anti-T-ALL drugs.

Quantitative MR texture analysis for the differentiation of uterine smooth muscle tumors with high signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging

The purpose of this study was to distinguish leiomyosarcomas/smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) from leiomyomas with high signal intensity (SI) on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) using quantitative MR texture analysis combined with patient characteristics and visual assessment. Thirty-one leiomyomas, 2 STUMPs, and 6 leiomyosarcomas showing high SI on T2WI were included. First, we searched for differences in patient characteristics and visual assessment between leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas/STUMPs. We also compared the MR texture on T2WI and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) to identify differences between leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas/STUMPs. In the univariate analysis, significant differences between leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas/STUMPs were observed in age, menopausal status, margin, hemorrhage, long diameter, T2-variance, T2-volume, ADC-variance, ADC-entropy, ADC-uniformity, ADC-90th and 95th percentile values, and ADC-volume (P < .05, respectively). There were significantly more postmenopausal patients with leiomyosarcomas/STUMPs than with leiomyomas, and leiomyosarcomas/STUMPs had more irregular margins, more frequent presence of hemorrhage and exhibited larger tumor diameters, T2-volume, T2-variance, ADC-volume, ADC-variance, ADC-entropy, and higher ADC-90th and 95th percentile values but lower ADC-uniformity. Multivariate analyses revealed that the independent differentiators were menopausal status, hemorrhage and ADC-entropy (P < .05, respectively). The area under the curve obtained by combining the 3 items was 0.980. The best cutoff value for ADC-entropy was 9.625 (sensitivity: 100%, specificity: 58%). The combination of menopausal status, hemorrhage, and ADC-entropy can help accurately distinguish leiomyosarcomas/STUMPs from leiomyomas with high SI on T2WI; however, external validation in a larger population is required because of the small sample size of our study.

Differential toxicity and localization of arginine-rich C9ORF72 dipeptide repeat proteins depend on de-clustering of positive charges

Arginine-rich dipeptide repeat proteins (R-DPRs), poly(PR) and poly(GR), translated from the hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-causative C9ORF72 gene, contribute significantly to pathogenesis of ALS. Although both R-DPRs share many similarities, there are critical differences in their subcellular localization, phase separation, and toxicity mechanisms. We analyzed localization, protein-protein interactions, and phase separation of R-DPR variants and found that sufficient segregation of arginine charges is necessary for nucleolar distribution. Proline not only efficiently separated the charges, but also allowed for weak, but highly multivalent binding. In contrast, because of its high flexibility, glycine cannot fully separate the charges, and poly(GR) behaves similarly to the contiguous arginines, being trapped in the cytoplasm. We conclude that the amino acid that spaces the arginine charges determines the strength and multivalency of the binding, leading to differences in localization and toxicity mechanisms.

Effectiveness of one-shot dual-energy subtraction chest radiography with flat-panel detector in distinguishing between calcified and non-calcified nodules

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the added value of the soft tissue image obtained by the one-shot dual-energy subtraction (DES) method using a flat-panel detector compared with the standard image alone in distinguishing calcified from non-calcified nodules on chest radiographs. We evaluated 155 nodules (48 calcified and 107 non-calcified) in 139 patients. Five radiologists (readers 1 - 5) with 26, 14, 8, 6 and 3 years of experience, respectively, evaluated whether the nodules were calcified using chest radiography. CT was used as the gold standard of calcification and non-calcification. Accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were compared between analyses with and without soft tissue images. The misdiagnosis ratio (false positive plus false negative ratios) when nodules and bones overlapped was also examined. The accuracy of all radiologists increased after adding soft tissue images (readers 1 - 5: 89.7% vs. 92.3% [P = 0.206], 83.2% vs. 87.7% [P = 0.178], 79.4% vs. 92.3% [P < 0.001], 77.4% vs. 87.1% [P = 0.007], and 63.2% vs. 83.2% [P < 0.001], respectively). AUCs for all the readers improved, except for reader 2 (readers 1 - 5: 0.927 vs. 0.937 [P = 0.495], 0.853 vs. 0.834 [P = 0.624], 0.825 vs. 0.878 [P = 0.151], 0.808 vs. 0.896 [P < 0.001], and 0.694 vs. 0.846 [P < 0.001], respectively). The misdiagnosis ratio for nodules that overlapped with the bone decreased after adding soft tissue images in all readers (11.5% vs. 7.6% [P = 0.096], 17.6% vs. 12.2% [P = 0.144], 21.4% vs. 7.6% [P < 0.001], 22.1% vs. 14.5% [P = 0.050] and 35.9% vs. 16.0% [P < 0.001], respectively), particularly that of readers 3 - 5. In conclusion, the soft tissue images obtained using one-shot DES with a flat-panel detector have added value in distinguishing calcified from non-calcified nodules on chest radiographs, especially for less experienced radiologists.

Formation and evolution of carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu: Direct evidence from returned samples

Samples of the carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu were brought to Earth by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. We analyzed 17 Ryugu samples measuring 1 to 8 millimeters. Carbon dioxide-bearing water inclusions are present within a pyrrhotite crystal, indicating that Ryugu's parent asteroid formed in the outer Solar System. The samples contain low abundances of materials that formed at high temperatures, such as chondrules and calcium- and aluminum-rich inclusions. The samples are rich in phyllosilicates and carbonates, which formed through aqueous alteration reactions at low temperature, high pH, and water/rock ratios of <1 (by mass). Less altered fragments contain olivine, pyroxene, amorphous silicates, calcite, and phosphide. Numerical simulations, based on the mineralogical and physical properties of the samples, indicate that Ryugu's parent body formed ~2 million years after the beginning of Solar System formation.

The ULK complex-LRRK1 axis regulates Parkin-mediated mitophagy via Rab7 Ser-72 phosphorylation

Mitophagy, a type of selective autophagy, specifically targets damaged mitochondria. The ULK complex regulates Parkin-mediated mitophagy, but the mechanism through which the ULK complex initiates mitophagosome formation remains unknown. The Rab7 GTPase (herein referring to Rab7a) is a key initiator of mitophagosome formation, and Ser-72 phosphorylation of Rab7 is important for this process. We have previously identified LRRK1 as a protein kinase responsible for Rab7 Ser-72 phosphorylation. In this study, we investigated the role of LRRK1 in mitophagy. We showed that LRRK1 functions downstream of ULK1 and ULK2 in Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ectopic targeting of active LRRK1 to mitochondria is sufficient to induce the Ser-72 phosphorylation of Rab7, circumventing the requirement for ATG13, a component of the ULK complex. Thus, the ULK complex recruits LRRK1 to mitochondria by interacting with ATG13 to initiate mitophagosome formation. This study highlights the crucial role of the ULK complex-LRRK1 axis in the regulation of Parkin-mediated mitophagy.

First-in-Human Study of the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of E6742, a Dual Antagonist of Toll-like Receptors 7 and 8, in Healthy Volunteers

The first-in-human phase I study for E6742, a dual toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 and TLR8 antagonist, has been conducted to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of E6742 in healthy volunteers. In a single ascending dose (SAD) study, 42 subjects received 10-800 mg of E6742 in the fasted state, as well as a 100-mg cohort in the fed state for evaluating the effect of food. In a multiple ascending dose (MAD) study, 18 subjects received 100-400 mg of E6742 twice daily for 7 days. E6742 was rapidly absorbed with a median t_max ranging from 1.50 to 2.50 hours across dose groups under the fasted condition, and eliminated with a median t_½ ranging from 2.37 to 14.4 hours. After multiple oral doses, a steady state was reached by day 7. In the SAD study, dose proportionality was observed for C_max , AUC_(0-t) , and AUC_(0-inf) values of E6742 up to 800 mg, but these values were slightly less than dose proportional at 10 mg. In the MAD study, the C_max and AUC_(0-12h)ss of E6742 appeared to be almost dose proportionally increased between 100 and 200 mg, while these parameters showed more than a dose proportional increase at 400 mg. In addition to safety and good tolerability, this study demonstrated cytokine concentrations in cultured peripheral blood in response to E6742 were suppressed in a dose-dependent manner. Further clinical studies targeting systemic lupus erythematosus patients are currently underway.

Role of intratumoral and peritumoral CT radiomics for the prediction of EGFR gene mutation in primary lung cancer

Objectives

To determine the added value of combining intratumoral and peritumoral CT radiomics for the prediction of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations in primary lung cancer (PLC).

Methods

This study included 478 patients with PLC (348 adenocarcinomas and 130 other histological types) who underwent surgical resection and EGFR gene testing. Two radiologists performed segmentation of tumors and peritumoral regions using precontrast high-resolution CT images, and 398 radiomic features (212 intra- and 186 peritumoral features) were extracted. The peritumoral region was defined as the lung parenchyma within a distance of 3 mm from the tumor border. Model performance was estimated using Random Forest, a machine-learning algorithm.

Results

EGFR mutations were found in 162 tumors; 161 adenocarcinomas, and one pleomorphic carcinoma. After exclusion of poorly reproducible and redundant features, 32 radiomic features remained (14 intra- and 18 peritumoral features) and were included in the model building. For predicting EGFR mutations, combining intra- and peritumoral radiomics significantly improved the performance compared to intratumoral radiomics alone (AUC [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve], 0.774 vs 0.730; p < 0.001). Even in adenocarcinomas only, adding peritumoral radiomics significantly increased performance (AUC, 0.687 vs 0.630; p < 0.001). The predictive performance using radiomics and clinical features was significantly higher than that of clinical features alone (AUC, 0.826 vs 0.777; p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Combining intra- and peritumoral radiomics improves the predictive accuracy of EGFR mutations and could be used to aid in decision-making of whether to perform biopsy for gene tests.

Advances in knowledge

Adding peritumoral to intratumoral radiomics yields greater accuracy than intratumoral radiomics alone in predicting EGFR mutations and may serve as a non-invasive method of predicting of the gene status in PLC.

Transcatheter coil embolization for large pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae through an artificial tricuspid ball valve

Pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae (PAFs) occur congenitally or are acquired. A PAF can cause hypoxemia, sudden death from rupture, abscess formation, and embolism. Treatment for PAF is transcatheter embolization or surgery. Transcatheter embolization is the first choice of treatment; however, this treatment is impossible to perform if a patient has had tricuspid or pulmonary valve replacement. In this paper, we describe a case of PAFs complicated with tricuspid valve replacement with a ball valve (which had been performed 40 years earlier) that was treated with transcatheter embolization. <Learning objective: Although the ball valve was discontinued more than 40 years ago, it is still the only mechanical valve that allows catheter passage. We report a case of successful treatment of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula by passing a catheter through a ball valve.>.

Assessment of the 2015 cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines for patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: results from the All-Japan Utstein registry

Background

The 2015 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines have stressed that high-quality CPR improves survival from cardiac arrest (CA). In particular, the guidelines recommended that it is reasonable for rescuers to perform chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120/min in adult CA patients. However, it is unknown whether the 2015 guidelines contributed to favorable neurological outcome in adult CA patients. The present study aimed to clarify the effects of the 2015 guidelines in adult CA patients, using the data of the All-Japan Utstein Registry, a prospective, nationwide, population-based registry of out-of-hospital CA (OHCA).

Methods

From the data of this registry between 2011 and 2016, we included adult witnessed OHCA patients due to cardiac etiology, who had non-shockable rhythm as an initial rhythm. We excluded patients who received prehospital care in 2015 because it was difficult to distinguish prehospital care based on either 2010 CPR guidelines or 2015 CPR guidelines. We also excluded patients who received bystander CPR by citizens because we cannot assess the quality of bystander CPR in this registry. Study patients were divided into five groups based on different years (figure). The endpoint was the favorable neurological outcome at 30 days after OHCA. Potential confounding factors based on biological plausibility and previous studies were included in the multivariable logistic regression analysis. These variables included the age, sex (male, female), advanced airway or not, the administration of adrenaline or not, the administration of saline or not, instructed by dispatcher or not, and time interval from call EMS to scene.

Results

The figure showed favorable neurological outcomes at 30 days. In the multivariate analysis, the adjusted odds ratio for 30-day favorable neurological outcome in OHCA patients in 2016 as compared to in 2011 was 1.32 (95% CI: 1.04–1.68, p=0.022). On the other hands, there were no significant differences from 2011 to 2014.

Conclusion

In the OHCA patients with non-shockable rhythm, the 2015 guidelines were superior to the 2010 guidelines, in terms of neurological benefits.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Screening and follow-up of chronic liver diseases with understanding their etiology in clinics and hospitals

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Considering the increasing prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the development of an effective screening and follow-up system that enables the recognition of etiological changes by primary physicians in clinics and specialists in hospitals is required.

METHODS

Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV), NASH, and alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) patients who were assayed for Mac-2-binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) (n = 272) and underwent magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) (n = 119) were enrolled. Patients who underwent MRE were also tested by ultrasound elastography (USE) (n = 80) and for M2BPGi (n = 97), autotaxin (ATX) (n = 62), and platelet count (n = 119), and their fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index was calculated (n = 119).

RESULTS

FIB-4 index >2, excluding HBV-infected patients, M2BPGi >0.5, ATX >0.5, and platelet count <20 × 104/μL were the benchmark indices, and we took into consideration other risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and age, to recommend further examinations, such as USE, based on the local situation to avoid overlooking hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the clinic. During specialty care in the hospital, MRE exhibited high diagnostic ability for fibrosis stages >F3 or F4; it could efficiently predict collateral circulation with high sensitivity, which can replace USE. We also identified etiological features and found that collateral circulation in NASH/ASH patients tended to exceed high-risk levels; moreover, these patients exhibited more variation in HCC-associated liver stiffness than the HBV and HCV patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Using appropriate markers and tools, we can establish a stepwise, practical, noninvasive, and etiology-based screening and follow-up system in primary and specialty care.

0903 Screening Of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Video Monitoring

Introduction

In Japan, the many of the patients are not able to access the specialized sleep medical facilities for overnight polysomnography(PSG) due to less availability and cost issues. Purpose of the study is to examine whether combination of video monitoring and other clinical examinations can reliably predict the severity of pediatric OSA compared with PSG.

Methods

Between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2019, total of 175 children (3-12 years of age, boy 122, girl 53) with SDB were enrolled in this individual prospective-cohort study. In-laboratory based PSG were performed for all patients and sleep stages and respiratory events were manually scored. Video monitoring was performed during PSG. Modified video-recording test scoring system (based on Sivan et al 1996), were scored by laboratory technicians. Other clinical examinations were extracted from each PSG with ENT examinations, cephalogram, and rhinomanometry for all patient

Results

Multiple linear regression analyses was performed with a forward stepwise approach in which independent predictors that were significantly related to severity of OSA (AHI: 5/hr and 10/hr). Applying the multiple logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors for AHI 5/hr were ODI 3% &gt;3/hr, rhinomanometry (NR&gt;0.5 Pa/cm3/sec), enlargement of tonsils (Brodsky classification more than 2), two video monitoring items and total score, with an accuracy of predictive statistic model was 88.0% (sensitivity 78.3%, and specificity 93.0%). For the severity above AHI 10/hr, the independent predictors were Cephalogram parameter (Fx&gt;84°), Oximetry (ODI 3% &gt;5/hr) and BMI&lt;15 with the video monitoring parameters of whole night inspiratory noise (loud) and chest retraction contribute to predict with the sensitivity 91.5%, the specificity 82.6% and the accuracy 88.0%.

Conclusion

Video monitor scoring parameters contributed to predict both AHI 5/hr and 10/hr with good overall sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy compare with the combination of objective results alone. Instead of PSG, the combination of video scoring system and multiple clinical examinations could potentially provide reliable diagnostic approach for pediatric OSA with high accuracy. These results will support to establish more efficient diagnostic strategy for both patients and physicians

Support

N/A

0618 What are the Benefits of Remote Monitoring Polysomnography

Introduction

The use of information and communication technology (ICT) for sleep testing is mainly aimed at improving the accuracy of out-of-center sleep testing (OCST) by remote monitoring. In this study, as the first achievement in Japan, we report the results of our sleep medical clinic and hospital unit. For the diagnosis of sleep disorders, monitoring polysomnography (PSG) attending sleep technologist is the gold standard and is positioned as Type I. On the other hand, diagnosis using OCST has become acceptable because many patients can be diagnosed quickly and cost can be reduced.When using Type II devices that measure electroencephalogram at home, the measurement accuracy is inevitable, including poor recording, because it is performed in a non-monitoring situation. As an attempt to improve this situation, our clinic and hospital unit have established a remote monitoring PSG system that can be upgraded from Type II to Type I level by remote monitoring by a sleep technologist to ensure recording accuracy.

Methods

During the period from April 2004 to December 2017, a total of 286 remote monitoring PSGs were performed by dedicated sleep technologists at the Ota Memorial Sleep Center for patients admitted to a private room at Ota General Hospital.

Results

The breakdown of the reasons for requesting remote monitoring tests is about 30% of patients scheduled to undergo surgerysuch as palatine tonsillectomy or soft palate plastic surgery the next day, and 24% of hospitalized patients with risky complications %, 17% of patients expected to have a high probability of nighttime seizures and abnormal behavior, and 15% were physically disabled or paralyzed.

Conclusion

Our remote monitoring PSG system is effectively used in the clinic for the general hospital for patients who need nighttime safety management and nursing management.

Support

non

Morphological lymphocytic reaction, patient prognosis and PD-1 expression after surgical resection for oesophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as antibody against programmed cell death protein (PD-1), have demonstrated antitumour effects in patients with malignancies, including oesophageal cancer. A lymphocytic reaction observed by pathological examination is a manifestation of the host immune response to tumour cells. It was hypothesized that a stronger lymphocytic reaction to tumours might be associated with favourable prognosis in oesophageal cancer.

METHODS

Using a database of resected oesophageal cancers, four morphological components of lymphocytic reactions (peritumoral, intranest, lymphoid and stromal) to tumours were evaluated in relation to clinical outcome, PD-1 expression by immunohistochemistry and total lymphocyte count in blood.

RESULTS

Resected oesophageal cancer specimens from 436 patients were included in the study. Among the four morphological components, only peritumoral reaction was associated with patient prognosis (multivariable P for trend <0·001); patients with a higher peritumoral reaction had significantly longer overall survival than those with a lower reaction (multivariable hazard ratio 0·48, 95 per cent c.i. 0·34 to 0·67). The prognostic effect of peritumoral reaction was not significantly modified by other clinical variables (all P for interaction >0·050). Peritumoral reaction was associated with total lymphocyte count in the blood (P < 0·001), supporting the relationship between local immune response and systemic immune competence. In addition, higher morphological peritumoral reaction was associated with high PD-1 expression on lymphocytes in tumours (P = 0·034).

CONCLUSION

These findings should help to improve risk-adapted therapeutic strategies and help stratify patients in the future clinical setting of immunotherapy for oesophageal cancer.

A soluble endoplasmic reticulum factor as regenerative therapy for Wolfram syndrome

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated cell death is an emerging target for human chronic disorders, including neurodegeneration and diabetes. However, there is currently no treatment for preventing ER stress-mediated cell death. Here, we show that mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF), a neurotrophic factor secreted from ER stressed cells, prevents ER stress-mediated β cell death and enhances β cell proliferation in cell and mouse models of Wolfram syndrome, a prototype of ER disorders. Our results indicate that molecular pathways regulated by MANF are promising therapeutic targets for regenerative therapy of ER stress-related disorders, including diabetes, retinal degeneration, neurodegeneration, and Wolfram syndrome.

Identification of prognostic factors to predict cognitive decline of patients with early Alzheimer's disease in the Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study

Introduction

The objective of this study was to determine the factors including neuropsychological test performances and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers which can predict disease progression of early Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a Japanese population.

Methods

The group classification on early AD population in both Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (J-ADNI) and North American ADNI (NA-ADNI) was performed using the inclusion criteria including brain amyloid positivity on positron emission tomography or CSF. Participants with early AD from each cohort were stratified into two groups based on a cutoff 1.0 of Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) change at month 24 (m24): participants in "progress group" have CDR-SB change ≥ 1.0 and participants in "stable group" have CDR-SB change < 1.0. Then, we performed identification of prognostic factors from baseline items including neuropsychological scores (Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale[ADAS-cog 13], Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), CDR, FAQ, and Geriatric Depression Scale ), CSF markers (t-tau, p-tau, and beta-amyloid 1-42), vital signs (body weight, pulse rate, etc.,), by using two statistical approaches, Welch's t-test and simple linear regression by ordinary least squares. Comparisons between participants with J-ADNI and participants with NA-ADNI were also performed.

Results

Trends of CDR-SB changes were very similar between J-ADNI and NA-ADNI early AD population enrolled in this study. Baseline levels of CSF t-tau, p-tau, Mini-Mental State Examination, FAQ, and ADAS-cog13 were identified as prognostic factors in both J-ADNI and NA-ADNI. Based on a detailed subscale analysis on ADAS-cog13, four subscales (Q1: word recall, Q3: construction, Q4: delayed word recall, and Q8: word recognition) were identified as prognostic factors in both J-ADNI and NA-ADNI.

Discussion

Characterizing population with early AD can provide benefits for promoting efficiency in conducting AD clinical trials for disease-modifying treatments. Thus, implementing these prognostic factors into clinical trials may be potentially a good method to enrich participants with early AD who are suitable for evaluating treatment effects.

LRRK1 phosphorylation of Rab7 at S72 links trafficking of EGFR-containing endosomes to its effector RILP

Ligand-induced activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) initiates trafficking events that re-localize the receptor from the cell surface to intracellular endocytic compartments. EGFR-containing endosomes are transported to lysosomes for degradation by the dynein-dynactin motor protein complex. However, this cargo-dependent endosomal trafficking mechanism remains largely uncharacterized. Here, we show that GTP-bound Rab7 is phosphorylated on S72 by leucine-rich repeat kinase 1 (LRRK1) at the endosomal membrane. This phosphorylation promotes the interaction of Rab7 (herein referring to Rab7a) with its effector RILP, resulting in recruitment of the dynein-dynactin complex to Rab7-positive vesicles. This, in turn, facilitates the dynein-driven transport of EGFR-containing endosomes toward the perinuclear region. These findings reveal a mechanism regulating the cargo-specific trafficking of endosomes.

Abstract P6-01-02: Machine learning-based structural analysis and oxygen saturation measurement of tumor-associated vessels in breast cancer using a photoacoustic tomography system

Introduction

Breast cancer induces angiogenesis, one of the primary factors responsible for tumor progression. Therefore, the ability to visualize angiogenesis at a higher resolution is crucial. Photoacoustic tomography is a noninvasive method of visualizing angiogenesis involving light absorption and ultrasonic wave emission. If the irradiation light wavelength is adjusted for hemoglobin, vascular imaging is possible. Furthermore, using two wavelengths for oxidized and reduced hemoglobin, “S-factor,” can be calculated, which nearly corresponds to oxygen saturation. Therefore, photoacoustic imaging allows the assessment of breast lesions from vascular structural and functional viewpoints.

Objectives

This study aimed to demonstrate the possible utility of photoacoustic tomography for clinical application focusing on the morphologic features and oxygen saturation status of breast tumor-related vessels.

Methods

For the morphological analysis, we applied a machine learning-based method for automatic vessel extraction, and for the functional analysis we evaluated hemoglobin oxygen saturation calculating signals obtained at two wavelengths. In our system, a 3D ultrasound image was simultaneously acquired as a volume image of a tumor, which helped analyze the positional relationship between the vessels and the tumor.

Results

On morphological analysis, the fine structure of tumor-related vessels was rendered in high resolution. In our system, the blood vessels branched toward the tumor 2-3 more times more frequently than observed on contrast-enhanced MRI, illustrating a finer level of blood vessels near the tumor on our system than on MRI. Next, we analyzed the six morphologic features of vessels (radius, volume, curvature, contraction, maximum angle and vessel branch number) that are associated with the pathologic condition in neuroscience. We determined that the feature distribution of vessels located close to the tumor differed from that located away from the tumor. For example, vessels near the tumor had higher curvature, which means they are more tortuous than healthy vessels. The difference in the distribution of all six features was statistically significant on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.

On functional analysis, S-factor measurement of the healthy human breast demonstrated clearly demarcated arteries and veins. The S-factor of any artery was nearly 100%, while that of the veins inside the breast cancer tended to be a little higher (approximately 5%) compared to that in the healthy part. This tendency of veins was not recognized in benign tumors. This could show arteriovenous shunt in cancer microenvironment. We found low saturation signals emerging in the tumor tissue following bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy, indicating the possibility that our system reveals microenvironment changes.

Discussion

If our system can identify the structure or oxygen saturation characteristics unique to tumor-associated vasculature, it could contribute to the improved accuracy of breast cancer diagnosis and allow the observation of tumor vessel normalization because of the drug treatment. An earlier grasp of the therapeutic effect could lead to the provision of individualized medicine.

Citation Format: Matsumoto Y, Gu L, Bise R, Asao Y, Sekiguchi H, Yoshikawa A, Ishii T, Takada M, Kataoka M, Sakurai T, Yagi T, Sato I, Togashi K, Shiina T, Toi M. Machine learning-based structural analysis and oxygen saturation measurement of tumor-associated vessels in breast cancer using a photoacoustic tomography system [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-01-02.

The hydrocarbon-bearing clathrasil chibaite and its host-guest structure at low temperature

The natural sII-type clathrasil chibaite [chemical formula SiO2·(M12,M16), where Mx denotes a guest mol-ecule] was investigated using single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy in the temperature range from 273 to 83 K. The O atoms of the structure at room temperature, which globally conforms to space group [V = 7348.9 (17) Å3, a = 19.4420 (15) Å], have anomalous anisotropic displacement parameters indicating a static or dynamic disorder. With decreasing temperature, the crystal structure shows a continuous symmetry-lowering transformation accompanied by twinning. The intensities of weak superstructure reflections increase as temperature decreases. A monoclinic twinned superstructure was derived at 100 K [A2/n, V = 7251.0 (17) Å3, a' = 23.7054 (2), b' = 13.6861 (11), c' = 23.7051 (2) Å, β' = 109.47°]. The transformation matrix from the cubic to the monoclinic system is ai ' = (½ 1 ½ / ½ 0 -½ / ½ -1 ½). The A2/n host framework has Si-O bond lengths and Si-O-Si angles that are much closer to known values for stable silicate-framework structures compared with the averaged model. As suggested from band splitting observed in the Raman spectra, the [512]-type cages (one crystallographically unique in , four different in A2/n) entrap the hydro-carbon species (CH4, C2H6, C3H8, i-C4H10). The [51264]-type cage was found to be unique in both structure types. It contains the larger hydro-carbon mol-ecules C2H6, C3H8 and i-C4H10.

New Left Lobe Transplantation Procedure with Caval Reconstruction Using an Inverted Composite Graft for Chronic Budd-Chiari Syndrome in Living-Donor Liver Transplantation-A Case Report

When the Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) lesion extends to the inferior vena cava (IVC) or the orifices of the hepatic vein, the thickened IVC and/or hepatic vein wall must be removed and IVC reconstruction is required in living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In various reports about IVC resection in LDLT for BCS, there are none about left lobe liver transplantation with reconstruction of the retrohepatic IVC (rhIVC). To overcome removal and reconstruction of the rhIVC in LDLT for BCS, we introduced a composite IVC graft that is applicable to both right and left lobe partial liver grafts for LDLT for BCS. Pathogenic IVC was removed together with the native liver between the lower edge of the right atrium and 5 cm above the renal vein junction with the use of venovenous bypass. The e-polytetrafluoroethylene graft was anastomosed to the suprarenal intact IVC. Then the native part was detached at the level of just above the renal junction. The composite graft was inverted and a half rim of the native part of the graft was anastomosed to the posterior wall of the right atrium. Next, the common venous orifice of the left lobe graft was anastomosed to the wall defect which was composed of the anterior wall of the right atrium and the distal end of the native part of the composite graft. In conclusion, our inverted composite graft technique will overcome the weak points of LDLT for BCS, such as incomplete removal of the pathogenic caval wall and reconstruction of the rhIVC.

The first multi-centre point-prevalence survey in four Japanese university hospitals

BACKGROUND

The Japanese government adopted a national action plan on antimicrobial resistance, which aims to reduce drug-resistant pathogens and antimicrobial use. A point-prevalence survey (PPS) is a useful surveillance method to gain information about hospital epidemiology; however, no multi-centre PPS has previously been performed in Japan.

AIM

To investigate general information about hospital epidemiology, healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs), and antimicrobial use in multiple Japanese university hospitals.

METHODS

In July 2016, a multi-centre PPS was conducted using a standardized protocol at four university hospitals in Japan.

FINDINGS

A total of 3199 patients were included. Median age and duration of hospital stay were 64 years and 10 days, respectively. A total of 246 (7.7%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.8-8.7) patients had 256 active HCAIs, and 933 (29.2%; 95% CI: 27.6-30.8) patients received 1318 antimicrobials. Pneumonia and gastrointestinal system infection were the most common HCAIs (N = 42, 16.4%), and Enterobacteriaceae (N = 49, 30.8%) were the predominant causative organisms. Carbapenems (N = 52, 17.8%), anti-MRSA medications, and cephems with antipseudomonal activity were the most frequently prescribed antimicrobials for HCAIs. As surgical prophylaxis, 46 of 278 antimicrobials (16.5%) were administered orally. Proportions of HCAI and antimicrobial use in each hospital ranged from 4.8% to 9.5% and 19.3%-35.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This multi-centre PPS recorded detailed HCAI data and distinct antimicrobial use in Japanese university hospitals. Further surveillance is necessary to reduce HCAIs and formulate feasible plans to achieve the national action plan on antimicrobial resistance.

Label-free photoacoustic imaging of human palmar vessels: a structural morphological analysis

We analysed the vascular morphology of the palm using a photoacoustic tomography (PAT) instrument with a hemispherical detector array. The three-dimensional (3D) morphology of blood vessels was determined noninvasively. Overall, 12 females and 11 males were recruited as healthy volunteers. Their ages were distributed almost evenly from 22 to 59 years. In all cases, many vascular networks were observed just beneath the skin and were determined to be veins anatomically. To analyse the major arteries, the layer containing the subcutaneous venous network was removed from the image. The analysis focused on the common and proper palmar digital arteries. We used the curvature of these arteries as a parameter to analyse their morphologies. There was no significant difference in the curvature between genders when comparing the subjects as a whole. The blood vessel curvature increased with age. Good agreement was found between the 3D numerical analysis results and the subjective evaluation of the two-dimensional (2D) projection image. The PAT system enabled visualization of the 3D features of blood vessels in the palm and noninvasive analysis of arterial tortuousness.

Dominant ER Stress-Inducing WFS1 Mutations Underlie a Genetic Syndrome of Neonatal/Infancy-Onset Diabetes, Congenital Sensorineural Deafness, and Congenital Cataracts

Neonatal diabetes is frequently part of a complex syndrome with extrapancreatic features: 18 genes causing syndromic neonatal diabetes have been identified to date. There are still patients with neonatal diabetes who have novel genetic syndromes. We performed exome sequencing in a patient and his unrelated, unaffected parents to identify the genetic etiology of a syndrome characterized by neonatal diabetes, sensorineural deafness, and congenital cataracts. Further testing was performed in 311 patients with diabetes diagnosed before 1 year of age in whom all known genetic causes had been excluded. We identified 5 patients, including the initial case, with three heterozygous missense mutations in WFS1 (4/5 confirmed de novo). They had diabetes diagnosed before 12 months (2 before 6 months) (5/5), sensorineural deafness diagnosed soon after birth (5/5), congenital cataracts (4/5), and hypotonia (4/5). In vitro studies showed that these WFS1 mutations are functionally different from the known recessive Wolfram syndrome-causing mutations, as they tend to aggregate and induce robust endoplasmic reticulum stress. Our results establish specific dominant WFS1 mutations as a cause of a novel syndrome including neonatal/infancy-onset diabetes, congenital cataracts, and sensorineural deafness. This syndrome has a discrete pathophysiology and differs genetically and clinically from recessive Wolfram syndrome.

Abstract P4-01-10: Development of photoacoustic vascular imaging system for breast cancer

Background:

Tumor angiogenesis and hypoxia are associated with breast cancer growth and metastasis. Photoacoustic (PA) tomography is an optical imaging technology that visualizes distribution and oxygenation status of hemoglobin with high spatial resolution. Initially we developed a photoacoustic mammography (PAM) having a flat-shaped scanning detector that could detect breast tumors. Nevertheless, the flat-shaped detector array has the drawback of a limited view. Here we developed a novel PAM system with a hemispherical-shaped detector array (HDA), which enables us to identify microvasculatures non-invasively and allow the collection of nearly spatially isotropic three-dimensional reconstructed image of blood vessels. This non-invasive vascular imaging system may be able to characterize tumor angiogenesis and analyze the status of microcirculation. The aim of this study was to analyze the imaging findings of tumor-related vasculature in breast cancer patients.

Patients and method:

A PAM system with HDA has been generated in a cooperation project between Canon Inc., Japan, and Kyoto University. Twenty-two primary breast cancer patients, including 5 patients with non-invasive cancer and 17 patients with invasive cancer, diagnosed between December 2014 and December 2015 underwent the PAM imaging analysis. We also applied the breast deformation algorithm from the breast shape in a MRI image to that in a PA image in order to create a fusion image of the two modalities for the analysis. Features of peri- and intra-tumoral vasculature, and their oxygenation status were evaluated. The study protocol was approved by the institutional review board at Kyoto University Hospital (UMIN000012251). All patients provided informed consent to participate in this study.

Results:

The abnormal peri-tumoral vasculature was detected in 86% of all non-invasive and invasive disease cases. In invasive cancer cases, most tumor-related blood vessels were centripetally directed toward the tumor, and 93% of centripetal blood vessels appeared to be disrupted or rapidly narrowed at the tumor boundary. The centripetal blood vessel structure was frequently observed in invasive cancer compared with non-invasive cancer (61% vs 35%). PA images before and after preoperative chemotherapy were obtained in one case, where intra-tumoral blood vessels became finer after chemotherapy, reflecting normalization of intra-tumoral microcirculation induced by chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

A PAM system with HDA has provided a high-resolution vascular images of primary breast cancers. The morphological differences of peri-tumoral vasculature were observed between invasive disease and non-invasive disease. These results suggest the potential of PA imaging as a non-invasive tool to analyze tumor vasculature of human breast cancers and maybe be helpful for breast cancer diagnosis.

(Acknowledgements)

This work was partially supported by the Innovative Techno-Hub for Integrated Medical Bio-imaging Project of the Special Coordination Funds for Promoting Science and Technology from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, Japan.

Citation Format: Toi M, Asao Y, Takada M, Kataoka M, Endo T, Kawashima M, Yamaga I, Nakayama Y, Tokiwa M, Fakhrejahani E, Torii M, Kawaguchi-Sakita N, Kanao S, Matsumoto Y, Yagi T, Sakurai T, Togashi K, Shiina T. Development of photoacoustic vascular imaging system for breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-01-10.

Visualization of tumor-related blood vessels in human breast by photoacoustic imaging system with a hemispherical detector array

Noninvasive measurement of the distribution and oxygenation state of hemoglobin (Hb) inside the tissue is strongly required to analyze the tumor-associated vasculatures. We developed a photoacoustic imaging (PAI) system with a hemispherical-shaped detector array (HDA). Here, we show that PAI system with HDA revealed finer vasculature, more detailed blood-vessel branching structures, and more detailed morphological vessel characteristics compared with MRI by the use of breast shape deformation of MRI to PAI and their fused image. Morphologically abnormal peritumoral blood vessel features, including centripetal photoacoustic signals and disruption or narrowing of vessel signals, were observed and intratumoral signals were detected by PAI in breast cancer tissues as a result of the clinical study of 22 malignant cases. Interestingly, it was also possible to analyze anticancer treatment-driven changes in vascular morphological features and function, such as improvement of intratumoral blood perfusion and relevant changes in intravascular hemoglobin saturation of oxygen. This clinical study indicated that PAI appears to be a promising tool for noninvasive analysis of human blood vessels and may contribute to improve cancer diagnosis.