Multicenter randomized phase II study on S-1 and oxaliplatin therapy as an adjuvant after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (YCOG1001)

PURPOSE

The high recurrence rate of colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM) after surgery remains a crucial problem. However, adjuvant chemotherapy after hepatectomy for CRCLM has not yet been established. This study evaluated the efficacy of adjuvant therapy with S-1 and oxaliplatin (SOX).

METHODS

In a multicenter, randomized, phase II study, patients undergoing curative resection of CRCLM were randomly enrolled in a 1:1 ratio to either the low- or high-dose group. S-1 and oxaliplatin were administered from days 1 to 14 of a 3-week cycle as a 2-h infusion every 3 weeks. The dose of S-1 was fixed at 80 mg/m2. The doses in the low- and high-dose oxaliplatin groups were 100 mg/m2 (low-dose group) and 130 mg/m2 (high-dose group), respectively. This treatment was repeated eight times. The primary endpoint was the rate of discontinuation owing to toxicity. The secondary endpoints were the relapse-free survival (RFS) and frequency of adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

Between August 2010 and March 2015, 44 patients (low-dose group: 31 patients and high-dose group: 13 patients) were enrolled in the study. Of these, one patient was excluded from the efficacy analysis. In the high-dose group, five of nine patients were unable to continue the study due to toxicity in February 2013. At that time, recruitment to the high-dose group was stopped from the protocol. The relative dose intensity (RDI) for S-1 in the low- and high-dose groups were 49.8 and 48.7% (p = 0.712), and that for oxaliplatin was 75.9 and 73.0% (p = 0.528), respectively. The rates of discontinuation due to toxicity were 60 and 53.8% in the low- and high-dose groups, respectively, with no marked difference noted between the groups (p = 0.747). The frequency of grade ≥ 3 common adverse events was neutropenia (23.3%/23.1%), diarrhea (13.3%/15.4%), and peripheral sensory neuropathy (6.7%/7.7%). The disease-free survival (DFS) at 3 years was 52.9% in the low-dose group, which was not significantly different from that in the high-dose group (46.2%; p = 0.705).

CONCLUSIONS

SOX regimens as adjuvant therapy after hepatectomy for CRCLM had high rates of discontinuation due to toxicity in both groups. In particular, the RDI of S-1 was < 50%. Therefore, the SOX regimen is not recommended as adjuvant chemotherapy after hepatectomy for CRCLM.

Health care transition for cerebral palsy with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Today, most individuals with cerebral palsy are adults who need a paediatric-to-adult health care transition. However, many remain in paediatric care for treatment of adult-onset health issues. Therefore, a systematic review based on the 'Triple Aim' framework was performed to determine the status of paediatric-to-adult health care transition for people with cerebral palsy. A comprehensive evaluation of transitional care was proposed for using this framework. It consists of 'experience of care', meaning satisfaction with the care, 'population health', meaning the well-being of patients, and 'cost', meaning cost-effectiveness.

METHOD

Electronic database (PubMed) searches were performed. The inclusion criteria were original articles published between 1990 and 2020. The search terms used in this study were ('cerebral palsy' AND 'transition to adult health care') OR ('cerebral palsy' AND 'transition'). The study type had to be epidemiological, case report, case-control, and cross-sectional, but not qualitative. The outcomes of the studies were categorised into 'care experience', 'population health', and 'cost', according to the Triple Aim framework.

RESULTS

Thirteen articles met the abovementioned inclusion criteria. Few studies have examined the effect of the intervention of transition for young adults with cerebral palsy. Participants in some studies had no intellectual disability. Young adults were dissatisfied with the 'care experience', 'population health', and 'cost' and had unmet health needs and inadequate social participation.

INTERPRETATION

Further transition intervention studies with a comprehensive assessment and proactive involvement of individuals are warranted. The presence of an intellectual disability should be considered.

Incidental Gallbladder Cancer on Cholecystectomy: Strategy for Re-resection of Presumed Benign Diseases from a Retrospective Multicenter Study by the Yokohama Clinical Oncology Group

BACKGROUND/AIM

Current expert consensus recommends re-resection for incidental gallbladder cancer (IGBC) of pT1b-3. This study examined whether this consensus was reasonably applicable to patients with IGBC in one Japanese region.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a multicenter, retrospective analysis of cholecystectomies for presumed benign diseases between January 2000 and December 2009.

RESULTS

IGBC was diagnosed in 70 (1.0%) out of 6,775 patients undergoing cholecystectomy. Five-year disease-specific cumulative survival was 100% in 19 patients with pT1a, 80.0% in five with pT1b, 49.5% in 33 with pT2, and 23.1% in 13 with pT3. Re-resection was not performed for the 24 patients with pT1a/1b disease, whereas 24 out of 46 patients with pT2/3 underwent re-resection. Regardless of re-resection, independent factors associated with a poor prognosis on multivariate analysis were grade 2 or poorer disease and bile spillage at prior cholecystectomy. In the 24 patients with pT2/3 re-resection, 11 patients without either of these two factors had significantly better 5-year disease-specific cumulative survival than the 13 patients with one or two independent factors associated with a poor prognosis (72.7% vs. 30.8%, p=0.009).

CONCLUSION

This Japanese regional study suggests that indication of re-resection for IGBC should not be determined by pT-factor alone and that much more attention should be paid to pathological and intraoperative findings at prior cholecystectomy.

impact of dapagliflozin on left ventricular diastolic function in diabetic patients with heart failure complicating cardiovascular risk factors

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a well-known risk factor for heart failure (HF), even in patients without a structural heart disease or a symptom of HF. Diabetes-related cardiomyopathy is presented as an left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, which, like cardiovascular disease, is a contributor of the development of HF in both patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Furthermore, comorbid factors other than T2DM also have been identified as high risk factors for of progression to HF. Dapagliflozin is a sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, and represents a new class of anti-hyperglycemic agents for T2DM. A result from a recent large clinical trial showed that dapagliflozin reduced risk of worsening HF or death from cardiovascular causes for patients with HFrEF compared to those who received a placebo, regardless of the presence or absence of T2DM. However, the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on LV diastolic function in T2DM patients with HF who had cardiovascular risk factors other than T2DM remains uncertain.

Purpose

Our purpose was to investigate the impact of dapagliflozin on LV diastolic function in T2DM patients with stable HF complicating cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

We analyzed data from our previous prospective multicenter study, which investigate the effect of dapagliflozin on LV diastolic function of 53 T2DM patients with stable HF at five institutions in Japan. Patients who had been taking at least one antidiabetic drugs other than SGLT2 inhibitor started the administration of dapagliflozin. Cardiovascular risk factors other than T2DM was determined as age, gender, hypertension, dyslipidemia, history of cardiovascular events and overweight.

Results

E/e′ significantly decreased from 9.3 to 8.5 cm/s 6 months after administration of dapagliflozin (p = 0.020) as previously described. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that dyslipidemia was the only independent determinant of an improvement of E/e’ among cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, relative changes in E/e’ from baseline to 6 months after administration of dapagliflozin seen in HFpEF patients with dyslipidemia were significantly larger than those in HFpEF patients without dyslipidemia (-15.2% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.014), but such a difference was not observed in non-HFpEF patients. In addition, relative changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) from baseline to 6 months after administration of dapagliflozin had significant correlation with those in E/e’ (r=-0.300, p = 0.038). However, such correlations were not observed in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (r = 0.05, p = 0.72 and r = 0.05, p = 0.73). Conclusion: Dapagliflozin was more beneficial effect on LV diastolic function for T2DM patients with stable HF, especially those with complicating dyslipidemia. Our findings may thus offer a new insight into the management of T2DM patients with HF.

Abstract Figure.

Positive effect of dapagliflozin on left ventricular longitudinal function for type 2 diabetic mellitus patients with chronic heart failure

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has come to be considered an independent predictor of mortality, and also a contributor to the development of heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Left ventricular (LV) longitudinal myocardial dysfunction as assessed in terms of lower global longitudinal strain (GLS), has been identified even in T2DM patients with preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and should be considered the first marker of a preclinical form of DM-related cardiac dysfunction, leading to HFpEF. Sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors represent a new class of anti-hyperglycemic agents for T2DM, but the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on LV longitudinal myocardial function in T2DM patients with HF remains uncertain. To examine this effect, as well as the association of LV longitudinal myocardial function with LV diastolic function after administration of SGLT2 inhibitor in T2DM patients with stable HF, we analyzed data from our previous prospective multicenter study, in which we investigated the effect of SGLT2 inhibitor on LV diastolic functional parameters of T2DM patients with stable HF at five institutions in Japan.

Methods

Our previous trial was a prospective multicenter study of 58 T2DM patients with stable HF at five institutions in Japan. Patients who had been taking at least one antidiabetic drugs other than SGLT2 inhibitors started the administration of 5 mg/day of dapagliflozin. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and 6 months after administration of dapagliflozin. LV diastolic function was defined as the ratio of mitral inflow E to mitral e' annular velocities (E/e'). LV longitudinal myocardial function was assessed as GLS based on the current guidelines.

Results

E/e' significantly decreased from 9.3 to 8.5 cm/s 6 months after administration of dapagliflozin (p=0.020) as previously described, while GLS showed significant improvement from 15.5±3.5% to 16.9±4.1% (p&lt;0.01) 6 months after administration of dapagliflozin. Furthermore, improvement of GLS in HFpEF patients was more significant from 17.0±1.9% to 18.7±2.0% (p&lt;0.001), compared to that in HFrEF patients from 11.3±3.8% to 11.8±4.6% (p=0.13). It was noteworthy that multiple regression analysis showed that the change in GLS after administration of dapagliflozin was the only independent determinant parameter for the change in E/e' after administration of dapagliflozin.

Conclusion

Dapagliflozin was found to be associated with improvement of LV longitudinal myocardial function, which led to further improvement of LV diastolic function of T2DM patients with stable HF. GLS-guided management may thus lead to improved management of T2DM patients with stable HF.

Representative case

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Utility of transcranial color flow imaging for detecting high risk morphology of patent foramen ovale in patients with cerebral infarction

Background

Micro-bubble test by using transcranial color flow imaging (TCCFI) is important as a screening evaluation for diagnosis of paradoxical cerebral embolism which requires the proof of right to left shunt at atrial septum. In addition, high risk features of patent foramen ovale (PFO) that may allow thrombus to easily pass through the PFO itself were previously reported. However, little is known about the association between the degrees on micro-bubble test by TCCFI and the features of high risk PFO.

Purpose

Our aim is to clarify the relationship between the degree of micro-bubble test in TCCFI and the morphology of PFO from transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Methods

Seventy-seven patients in whom cardiogenic embolism was strongly suspected by neurologists in Showa University from April to December in 2019 were retrospectively studied. 55 patients underwent both TCCFI and TEE with sufficient Valsalva stress. TCCFI grade of micro-bubble test was classified into 3 groups (A: none, B: small, and C: massive), in which signified “none” is no sign of micro-embolic signals (MES) within 30 seconds, “small” is 1 or more MES, and “massive” is so much MES look like a curtain (Figure). Evaluated high risk characteristics of PFO for cerebral embolism as previously reported were as follows; (1) tunnel height, (2) tunnel length, (3) total excursion distance into right and left atrium, (4) existence of Eustachian valve or Chiari network, (6) angle of PFO from inferior vena cava (7) large shunt (20 or more micro-bubbles).

Results

Of all TCCFI-positive patients (n=32; Group B=19, Group C=13) with cerebral embolism, PFOs were detected in 23 patients in TEE. Therefore, the sensitivity and specificity of TCCFI to PFO were 87% and 63% (AUC=0.75, p&lt;0.001, respectively). Interestingly, all 13 patients (Group C) had manifest PFOs. Moreover, group C include 2 patients with platypnea orthodeoxia syndrome in which hypoxia in the sitting position becomes apparent. Among PFO-positive patients, tunnel height, length, total excursion distance into right and left atrium, and large shunt in TEE were significantly larger in Group C than Group B (p&lt;0.05).

Conclusions

Micro-bubble test by using TCCFI may have screening advantages in predicting paradoxical cerebral embolism, high-risk morphology of PFO, and platypnea orthodeoxia syndrome.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Gradient subthalamic neurodegeneration and tau pathology in the hypoglossal nucleus as essential pathological markers of progressive supranuclear palsy - Richardson syndrome

Progressive supranuclear palsy - Richardson syndrome (PSP-RS) was first described in 1964 by Steele et al. Tau pathology has not been reported in the hypoglossal nuclei of PSP-RS patients, whereas Steele et al. described gliosis with no remarkable neuronal losses in the hypoglossal nucleus. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and degree of tau pathology-associated neurodegeneration, with an emphasis on the hypoglossal nucleus, in patients with PSP-RS. Six clinicopathologically proven PSP-RS cases were included in this study. All patients were clinicopathologically and immunohistochemically re-evaluated. This study confirmed the following neuropathological characteristics of PSP-RS: (1) neurodegeneration usually affects the striatonigral system and cerebellar dentate nucleus; (2) the cerebellar afferent system in PSP-RS is affected by absent-to-mild neurodegeneration; and (3) the extent of tau distribution throughout the central nervous system is greater than the extent of neurodegeneration. Furthermore, we found that subthalamic neurodegeneration was more prominent in the ventromedial region than in the dorsolateral region. Nevertheless, the tau pathology showed no remarkable differences between these two sites. Interestingly, the tau pathology was frequently observed in the hypoglossal nuclei of PSP-RS patients. Gradient neurodegeneration of the subthalamus and tau pathology in the hypoglossal nucleus could be regarded as essential pathological features of PSP-RS.

Randomized clinical trial of extensive intraoperative peritoneal lavage versus standard treatment for resectable advanced gastric cancer (CCOG 1102 trial)

BACKGROUND

A survival benefit of extensive intraoperative peritoneal lavage (EIPL) has been reported in patients with gastric cancer with positive peritoneal cytology. The hypothesis of this study was that EIPL may reduce peritoneal recurrence in patients with advanced gastric cancer who undergo surgery with curative intent.

METHODS

This was an open-label, multi-institutional, randomized, phase 3 trial to assess the effects of EIPL versus standard treatment after curative gastrectomy for resectable gastric cancer of T3 status or above. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS); secondary endpoints were overall survival, peritoneal recurrence-free survival and incidence of adverse events.

RESULTS

Between July 2011 and January 2014, 314 patients were enrolled from 15 institutions and 295 patients were analysed (145 and 150 in the EIPL and no-EIPL groups respectively). The 3-year DFS rate was 63·9 (95 per cent c.i. 55·5 to 71·2) per cent in the EIPL group and 59·7 (51·3 to 67·1) per cent in the control group (hazard ratio (HR) 0·81, 95 per cent c.i. 0·57 to 1·16; P = 0·249). The 3-year overall survival rate was 75·0 (67·1 to 81·3) per cent in the EIPL group and 73·7 (65·9 to 80·1) per cent in the control group (HR 0·91, 0·60 to 1·37; P = 0·634). Peritoneal recurrence-free survival was not significantly different between the two groups (HR 0·92, 0·62 to 1·36; P = 0·676). No intraoperative complications related to EIPL were observed.

CONCLUSION

EIPL did not improve survival or peritoneal recurrence in patients who underwent gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. Registration number: 000005907 (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm).

High-Mobility Group Box 1 expression predicts survival of patients after resection of adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater

Background

Expression of High-Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1), a multifunctional protein involved in DNA function as well as cell proliferation, inflammation, and the immune response, has been reported to be prognostic in several types of malignancies. However, the prognostic value of HMGB1 in ampullary cancer has not been studied.

Methods

Patients with adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater who underwent R0 resection with pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2001 and 2011 were included in the present multi-institutional study. The degree of HMGB1 expression was examined in each resected specimen by immunohistochemical staining.

Results

A total of 101 patients were enrolled of which, 79 patients were eligible. High expression of HMGB1 was observed in 31 (39%) patients. Blood loss, transfusion, tumor stage, nodal status, and HMGB1 expression were identified as predictors with univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that transfusion, lymph-node metastasis, and high HMGB1 expression were independent predictors of poor overall survival. Subgroup analysis showed that high HMGB1 expression was predictive, especially in patients who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusions

High HMGB1 expression is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients with adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater not treated with adjuvant chemotherapy.

The influence of compressive forces across the patellofemoral joint on patient-reported outcome after bi-cruciate stabilized total knee arthroplasty

AIMS

Patellofemoral problems are a common complication of total knee arthroplasty. A high compressive force across the patellofemoral joint may affect patient-reported outcome. However, the relationship between patient-reported outcome and the intraoperative patellofemoral contact force has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not a high intraoperative patellofemoral compressive force affects patient-reported outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective study included 42 patients (42 knees) with varus-type osteoarthritis who underwent a bi-cruciate stabilized total knee arthroplasty and in whom the planned alignment was confirmed on 3D CT. Of the 42 patients, 36 were women and six were men. Their mean age was 72.3 years (61 to 87) and their mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.4 kg/m ² (18.2 to 34.3). After implantation of the femoral and tibial components, the compressive force across the patellofemoral joint was measured at 10°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, and 140° of flexion using a load cell (Kyowa Electronic Instruments Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) manufactured in the same shape as the patellar implant. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship between intraoperative patellofemoral compressive force and patient-reported outcome two years after implantation.

RESULTS

No patient had anterior knee pain after total knee arthroplasty. The compressive force across the patellofemoral joint at 140°of flexion was negatively correlated with patient satisfaction (R ² = 0.458; β = -0.706; p = 0. 041) and Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12; R ² = .378; β = -0.636; p = 0. 036). The compressive force across the patellofemoral joint at 60° of flexion was negatively correlated with the patella score (R ² = 0.417; β = -0.688; p = 0. 046).

CONCLUSION

Patient satisfaction, FJS-12, and patella score were affected by the patellofemoral compressive force at 60° and 140° of flexion. Reduction of the patellofemoral compressive forces at 60° and 140° of flexion angle during total knee arthroplasty may improve patient-reported outcome, but has no effect on anterior knee pain.

Surgical Results of Combined Pars Plana Vitrectomy, Phacoemulsification, and Intraocular Lens Implantation for various Vitreoretinal Diseases

PURPOSE

To evaluate the results and complications of combined pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), phacoemulsification and aspiration (PEA), and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

METHODS

A total of 117 eyes from 114 patients who had undergone PPV combined with PEA and IOL implantation were retrospectively analyzed. Combined surgery was performed for a wide variety of vitreoretinal diseases. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also reviewed.

RESULTS

The postoperative BCVA improved by 2 lines or more in 85 eyes (72.6%). Intraoperative complications consisted of retinal tears in 14 eyes (12.0%) and posterior capsular rupture in 2 eyes (1.7%). Iatrogenic retinal tears occurred more frequently in eyes with a macular hole than in eyes with any other disease (p=0.005, chi-square test). Postoperative complications consisted of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) (21 eyes), transient IOP elevation (29 eyes), vitreous hemorrhage (6 eyes), anterior chamber fibrin exudation (11 eyes), posterior iris synechia (8 eyes), neovascular glaucoma (1 eye), and recurrent retinal detachment (RD) (2 eyes). Fibrin exudation occurred more frequently in eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and RD than in eyes with any other disease (p=0.03, chi-square test). PCO occurred more frequently in eyes with PDR than in eyes with any other disease (p=0.03, chi-square test).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that a high success rate can be achieved when recently improved PPV techniques are combined wi th PEA and IOL implantation. The complications that were observed following this combined treatment varied with respect to the vitreoretinal disease present prior to surgery.

Predictive factors for bile leakage after hepatectomy for hepatic tumors: a retrospective multicenter study with 631 cases at Yokohama Clinical Oncology Group (YCOG)

BACKGROUND

International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) proposed the standardized definition for bile leakage (BL) after hepatectomy (Hx) at 2011 to precisely perceive incidence and predictive factors of this critical condition.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter retrospective study using the ISGLS definition of BL after Hx.

RESULTS

Perioperative data regarding 631 patients undergoing elective Hx for hepatic tumors without biliary reconstruction performed between January 2009 and December 2011 were analyzed. BL was observed in 30 patients (4.8%). (Grade A, 8 (1.3%); B, 21(3.3%); C, 1 (0.2%)). Five independent predictors (diagnosis of liver metastases, prolonged operation, high risk procedures defined as Hx with broad exposure of the hilar Glissonean sheath, low platelet count and high serum total bilirubin on postoperative day 1) for grade B/C BL were elucidated by the multivariate analysis. When the study cohorts were divided into groups by number of accompanying these predictors, the more the accompanying independent predictors, the higher the incidence of BL. Notably, incidence of BL exceeded 40% in patients with four or more of these predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk stratification for BL after Hx can be achievable using independent predictors clarified in this study. However, proper management for high risk patients remains to be elucidated.

Myocardial torsional deformations in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography

OBJECTIVES

The objective of our study was to quantitatively measure systolic torsional deformations in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and in controls.

ANIMALS

Twenty-six client-owned cats with HCM and 14 healthy cats. HCM cats were categorized based on their symptoms (asymptomatic and symptomatic) and with or without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (obstructive and non-obstructive).

METHODS

The cats were examined for myocardial deformations using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography and were evaluated for peak systolic rotation and the rotation rate at each basal and apical view. Cats were also evaluated for the peak systolic torsion and torsion rate.

RESULTS

The peak systolic apical rotation and torsion were higher in asymptomatic and symptomatic cats with HCM than in control cats. Also, the peak systolic apical rotation, apical rotation rate, torsion, and torsion rate were higher in cats with obstructive HCM than in control cats.

CONCLUSIONS

Myocardial torsional deformations assessed by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography may be useful for evaluating compensatory myocardial function of HCM.

Weekly injection of teriparatide for bone ingrowth after cementless total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

To compare bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with or without weekly injection of teriparatide to promote bone ingrowth after cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

Records of 8 men and 32 women (mean age, 75.6 years) who underwent cementless TKA for medial knee osteoarthritis with (n=20) or without (n=20) once-weekly subcutaneous/hypodermic injection of teriparatide for 48 weeks were reviewed. BMD and bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) of the bone-prosthesis interface of the proximal tibia in 6 regions of interest (ROI) were assessed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months using multi-detector computed tomography.

RESULTS

Patients with or without weekly injection of teriparatide after cementless TKA were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics and pre- and post-operative knee range of motion and Knee Society knee and function scores. In ROI 1 (medial), ROI 3 (anteromedial), and ROI 4 (posteromedial), the BV/TV increased throughout the postoperative period in patients with weekly injection of teriparatide and declined after 6 months in patients without weekly injection of teriparatide. These 3 ROIs of the 2 groups differed significantly only in BMD at 6, 9, and 12 months. In ROI 2 (lateral), ROI 5 (anterolateral), and ROI 6 (posterolateral), both BV/TV and BMD showed a decreasing trend, and these 3 ROIs of the 2 groups did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSION

Weekly injection of teriparatide after cementless TKA promoted bone ingrowth mostly in the medial aspect of the bone-prosthesis interface.

Dobutamine stress echocardiography for assessment of systolic function in dogs with experimentally induced mitral regurgitation

Background

Systolic dysfunction is associated with poor outcomes in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease. However, assessment of systolic variables by conventional echocardiographic methods is difficult in these dogs because of mitral regurgitation (MR).

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that assessment of systolic function by dobutamine stress may identify systolic dysfunction in dogs with MR, and that 2‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE) could quantitatively evaluate myocardial function.

Animals

Anesthetized dogs with experimentally induced MR.

Methods

Dogs were examined for systolic myocardial deformations using 2D‐STE during dobutamine infusion before and 3 and 6 months after MR induction. We evaluated peak systolic rotation and rotation rate in each basal and apical view; peak systolic torsion and torsion rate were also calculated.

Results

Invasive peak positive first derivatives of left ventricular pressure (dp/dt) were significantly decreased in dogs 6 months after induction of MR compared with pre‐MR results. After 3 and 6 months of MR, dogs had diminished peak systolic torsion values and torsion rates in response to dobutamine infusion compared with pre‐MR results (3 months, P < .001 and P = .006; 6 months, P = .003 and P = .021). These results were significantly correlated with overall invasive dp/dt (r = 0.644, P < .001; r = 0.696, P < .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Decreased torsion during dobutamine infusion in dogs with MR may reflect latent systolic dysfunction. Dobutamine infusion, therefore, may be useful for the assessment of systolic function in dogs with MR.

Aggressive pulmonary calcification developed after living donor kidney transplantation in a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism

Metastatic pulmonary calcification, defined as calcium deposition in the intact lung, is commonly seen in patients with chronic renal failure, and it is known to be a benign clinical condition when detected by chance in an asymptomatic patient. Here we report the case of a 33-year-old woman who developed rapid and aggressive metastatic pulmonary calcification shortly after a living donor kidney transplantation, which induced acute antibody-mediated rejection. The patient's metastatic pulmonary calcification was successfully improved by extensive treatment for graft rejection, the correction of her accompanying primary hyperparathyroidism, and medical treatment with a bisphosphonate and sodium thiosulfate. Aggressive pulmonary calcification is reported as a rare complication seen in patients who have undergone a failed renal transplantation. A failed renal graft and accompanying secondary hyperparathyroidism seem to accelerate metastatic calcification. Most of the patients who develop aggressive pulmonary calcification suffer from the rapid progression of dyspnea and occasionally fever, and they die of respiratory failure. Pulmonary calcification should be considered in a patient developing dyspnea and unexplained pulmonary infiltrate, especially in the context of renal graft rejection; otherwise the prognosis of the patient will be very poor.

A pilot study of social competence assessment using interaction rating scale advanced

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the validity of the Interaction Rating Scale Advanced (IRSA) as an evidence-based practical index of social skills. Methods. The participants in our study were 17 high school students. The participants completed the five-minute interaction session and were observed using the IRSA. Their teacher evaluated their social competence based on regular observation in school. Results. The results indicated the high correlation between IRSA scores and teacher's practical evaluation. IRSA can measure social competence with high validity. Conclusion. The IRSA provides further evidence of the fact that in order to study social competence development, it is important to evaluate various features of the interaction like IRSA subscales.

Induction of basophilic and eosinophilic differentiation in the human leukemic cell line KU812

We have demonstrated that an immature prebasophilic cell line,KU812 cells can be induced to differentiate into basophil-like cells when cultured with hydrocortisone (HC) with enhanced cell surface expression of FcepsilonRI, a high affinity IgE receptor. In this study, we report that sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an intracellular NO donor, also induces cell surface expression of FcepsilonRI on KU812 cells. Cell surface FcepsilonRI expression was detected in about 20% of KU812 cells treated with SNP for 14 days as well as the cells treated with HC for 7 days, while non-treated KU812 cells did not express FcepsilonRI on their cell surface. However, Wright-Giemsa staining and flowcytometry analysis of CD13 and CD15 antigens on HC and SNP treated KU812 cells demonstrated that SNP induced eosinophilic differentiation in KU812 cells differently from HC which induced basophilic differentiation. To further confirm this result, we performed RT-PCR against mRNAs specific for eosinophils, such as eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) and eosinophil peroxidase(EPO). SNP treated KU812 cells but not HC treated cells expressed EDN and EPO mRNA depending upon the induction of differentiation,clearly demonstrating that SNP induces eosinophilic differentiation in KU812 cells. To clarify that different signaling cascades were activated in HC and SNP treated KU812 cells, we analyzed activities of AP-1, NF-AT and NF-kappaB transcription factors by EMSA, which are known to be involved in signal transduction pathways downstream from the FcepsilonRI molecule of basophils. All these three transcription factors were activated in HC treated KU812 cells,but not in non-treated and SNP treated KU812 cells. These results indicate that KU812 cells are multi-potent precursor cells which can be induced to differentiate into basophils and eosinophils upon exogenous signals, and that NO is an important factor to decide the eosinophilic differentiation in KU812 cells with enhanced surface expression of FcepsilonRI, and further suggest that different signaling cascades can be activated between basophilic and eosinophilic differentiation in KU812 cells.

Is patella eversion during total knee arthroplasty crucial for gap adjustment and soft-tissue balancing?

INTRODUCTION

Assessment of soft-tissue balance by the gap technique in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) impacts femoral component rotation positioning. Proper femoral component rotation is a critical factor in TKA, both for adequate patellar tracking and in achieving a symmetrical flexion gap. Soft tissue balance assessment and gap measurements are performed at 90° flexion and with the patella everted in conventional TKA; during MIS-TKA, this step is performed with the patella in situ. We therefore investigated intraoperative joint gap parameters at 90° flexion with and without patellar eversion during conventional TKA, so as to better understand the influence of this intraoperative patellar position factor on final ligament balance.

HYPOTHESIS

Conducting TKA without patellar eversion increases both gap size and gap inclination.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-four osteoarthritic knees were included in the study. Joint gap size and inclination were measured intraoperatively on a knee in 90° flexion, with and without patellar eversion.

RESULTS

The joint gap with patella in situ (17.0±3.4 mm) was significantly greater than with patellar eversion (15.4±3.0 mm), as was gap inclination at 90° flexion with the patella in situ (4.9±3.1°) compared to with patellar eversion (4.0±2.9°).

DISCUSSION

The flexion gap inclination obtained without patellar eversion was steeper than with patellar eversion. This induced more externally rotated femoral positioning in absence of patellar eversion. These results ought to be taken into account by surgeons considering switching from conventional to MIS-TKA.

[A case report of bi-weekly docetaxel and S-1 combination chemotherapy for gastric cancer with carcinomatous lymphangitis of the lung]

A 38-year-old man with complaints of nausea, epigastralgia, cough, and decrease body weight was given a diagnosis of advanced gastric cancer (type 4) with carcinomatous lymphangitis of the lung (UM-circ cT3, N3, H0, P0, M1, stage IV, por2). He was treated with combination of docetaxel (DOC) 40 mg/m(2)/day (days 1, 15) and S-1 orally 80 mg/m(2)/day (days 1-7, 15-21), 1 week administered 1 week rest. After 2 courses of treatment, the patient achieved a partial response in the carcinomatous lymphangitis of the lung. Tumor markers decreased and symptoms improved. He experienced grade 2 peripheral neuropathy but with no grade 3 adverse events. Although the prognosis of gastric cancer with carcinomatous lymphangitis is poor. These results indicate that bi-weekly DOC and S-1 combination chemotherapy might be effective for gastric cancer with carcinomatous lymphangitis of the lung.

Enhancement of bone formation in an experimental bony defect using ferumoxide-labelled mesenchymal stromal cells and a magnetic targeting system

We used interconnected porous calcium hydroxyapatite ceramic to bridge a rabbit ulnar defect. Two weeks after inducing the defect we percutaneously injected rabbit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells labelled with ferumoxide. The contribution of an external magnetic targeting system to attract these cells into the ceramic and their effect on subsequent bone formation were evaluated. This technique significantly facilitated the infiltration of ferumoxide-labelled cells into ceramic and significantly contributed to the enhancement of bone formation even in the chronic phase. As such, it is potentially of clinical use to treat fractures, bone defects, delayed union and nonunion.

[A case report of bi-weekly docetaxel and S-1 combination chemotherapy for gastric cancer with multiple liver metastases and esophageal invasion]

A 61-year-old man with the chief complaint of pressure with swallowing was referred to our hospital with type 3 cardiac gastric cancer. Gastrofiberscope showed type 3 cardiac cancer with esophageal invasion. On the abdominal computed tomography, there was evidence of lymph node swelling in the lesser curvature and multiple liver metastases. Blood tumor markers were elevated: CEA 200 ng/mL, CA19-9 2,490 U/mL. He was diagnosed as unresectable advanced gastric cancer UE-circ, type-3, c-T3N2H1P0M1, Stage IV. A biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma (tub2-por1). We started bi-weekly docetaxel and S-1 combination chemotherapy(DOC 40 mg/m2 day 1, 14, S-180 mg/m2 day 1-7, 14-21). After completion of the first course of this combination therapy, his feeling of pressure was relieved and CT showed reduction of multiple liver lesions and lymph node metastases, indicating partial response. No regrowth was seen for 7 courses of the therapy. Regarding toxicity, grade 2 nausea and grade 1 nail pain were observed. After 7 courses, because of serum CEA elevation, bi-weekly CPT-11/CDDP therapy (CPT-11 60 mg/m2, CDDP 30 mg/m2) was administered followed by weekly PTX therapy (65 mg/m2 day 1, 7, 14; total of 4 weeks). To date, 17 months after administration of chemotherapy, he has been treated on an outpatient basis. Biweekly DOC/S-1 therapy can be novel antitumor therapy which can be conducted safely in an outpatient setting for advanced gastric cancer.

A phase II study of radical surgery followed by postoperative chemotherapy with S-1 for gastric carcinoma with free cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity (CCOG0301 study)

BACKGROUND

Patients with gastric cancer who have positive cytologic results for cancer cells in peritoneal washings (CY1) have poor outcomes, even in the absence of other distant metastases. A standard treatment for such patients remains to be established.

METHODS

We conducted a phase II trial with the 2-year survival rate as the primary endpoint. Patients who had gastric cancer with CY1 status but no other residual disease received postoperative chemotherapy with S-1 (1M tegafur-0.4M gimestat-1M otastat potassium) at a daily dose of 80mg/m(2) for 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of rest. This cycle was continued until disease progression or intolerable adverse events. D2 dissection was the recommended surgical procedure; splenectomy could be omitted at the discretion of the surgeon. Accrual of 50 patients was planned, and a 2-year survival rate of more than 36% was needed to exceed the historical control.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients were enrolled, among whom 47 were assessable for survival and 46 for adverse reactions. Median overall survival was 705 days, and progression-free survival was 376 days. The 2-year survival rate was 47%. Median time to treatment failure was 288 days. Neutropenia was the commonest > or = grade 3 toxicity (6 patients), and anorexia was the most frequent > or = grade 2 non-hematologic toxicity (10 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

Gastrectomy followed by S-1 monotherapy resulted in survival that surpassed historical data and can serve as an active control treatment for future trials in patients who have gastric cancer with CY1 status in the Far East.

A case of perforation and fistula formation resulting from metallic stent for sigmoid colon stricture in Crohn's disease

A 52-year-old male was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at the age of 25 years. Thereafter, he underwent three operations for intestinal strictures or fistula. A self-expanding metallic stent was inserted into the sigmoid colon stricture endoscopically in November 1999. Thirty two months later, he presented left lower abdominal pain. Endoscopic and radiographic examinations demonstrated perforation of the stent and ileosigmoid fistula. Laparotomy revealed an inflammatory mass around the sigmoid colon, and the wire frame of the metallic stent had penetrated the colonic wall and had fistulized to the ileum. The affected sigmoid colon was resected and low anterior resection and ileostomy were performed. Metallic stent for intestinal stricture of Crohn's disease with active ulceration may postpone surgery temporarily but can be a potentially dangerous procedure.

Magnetic stimulation in cervical radiculopathy and health controls

Magnetic stimulation was performed in 15 cases of unilateral cervical radiculopathy and 16 age-matched healthy controls. Among the muscle potentials which have acute slope and high amplitude, the difference between the minimal and the maximal latency in the same muscle was defined as variability. In the healthy control group, the variability of the muscle potentials evoked by head magnetic stimulation was approximately 2 ms. In cervical radiculopathy, the muscle potential latencies in head magnetic stimulation were normal except for one case because of the wide normal range. However, the interside difference of the muscle potential latency in head magnetic stimulation was significantly greater in the cervical radiculopathy group than in the healthy control group. This suggests that the interside difference of the muscle potential latency is more sensitive than the muscle potential latency in head magnetic stimulation in unilateral radiculopathy.