Reversible cerebral Vasoconstriction syndrome intERnational CollaborativE (REVERCE) network: Study protocol and rationale of a multicentre research collaboration

INTRODUCTION

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a rare, but increasingly recognised cerebrovascular condition with an estimated annual age-standardised incidence of approximately three cases per million. Knowledge about risk factors and triggering conditions and information about prognosis and optimal treatment in these patients are limited.

METHODS

The REversible cerebral Vasoconstriction syndrome intERnational CollaborativE (REVERCE) project aims to elucidate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of RCVS by collecting individual patient data from four countries (France, Italy, Taiwan and South Korea) in the setting of a multicentric study. All patients with a diagnosis of definite RCVS will be included. Data on the distribution of risk factors and triggering conditions, imaging data, neurological complications, functional outcome, risk of recurrent vascular events and death and finally the use of specific treatments will be collected. Subgroup analyses will be made based on age, gender, aetiology, ethnicity and geographical region of residence.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval for the REVERCE study will be obtained from national or local institutional review boards in the participating centres. When needed, a standardised data transfer agreement will be provided for participating centres. We plan dissemination of our results in peer-reviewed international scientific journals and through conference presentations. We expect that the results of this unique study will lead to better understanding of clinical and epidemiological characteristics of RCVS patients.

Epidemiology, burden and clinical spectrum of cluster headache: a global update

BACKGROUND

This narrative review aims to broaden our understanding of the epidemiology, burden and clinical spectrum of cluster headache based on updated findings with a global perspective.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search on the following topics: (a) epidemiology; (b) burden: quality of life, disability, economic burden, job-related burden and suicidality; and (c) clinical spectrum: male predominance and its changes, age, pre-cluster and pre-attack symptoms, aura, post-drome, attack characteristics (location, severity, duration and associated symptoms), bout characteristics (attack frequency, bout duration and bout frequency), circadian and seasonal rhythmicity and disease course.

RESULTS

New large-scale population-based reports have suggested a lower prevalence than previous estimations. The impact of cluster headache creates a significant burden in terms of the quality of life, disability, economic and job-related burdens and suicidality. Several studies have reported decreasing male-to-female ratios and a wide age range at disease onset. The non-headache phases of cluster headache, including pre-cluster, pre-attack and postictal symptoms, have recently been revisited. The latest data regarding attack characteristics, bout characteristics, and circadian and seasonal rhythmicity from different countries have shown variability among bouts, attacks, individuals and ethnicities. Studies on the disease course of cluster headache have shown typical characteristics of attacks or bouts that decrease with time.

CONCLUSIONS

Cluster headache may be more than a "trigeminal autonomic headache" because it involves complex central nervous system phenomena. The spectrum of attacks and bouts is wider than previously recognised. Cluster headache is a dynamic disorder that evolves or regresses over time.

Outcome of epidural blood patch for imaging-negative spontaneous intracranial hypotension

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is diagnosed by an abnormal finding in brain MRI, spinal imaging, or lumbar puncture. However, the sensitivity of each test is low. We investigated whether patients with suspected spontaneous intracranial hypotension and negative imaging findings would respond to epidural blood patch.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited patients with new-onset orthostatic headache admitted at the Samsung Medical Center from January 2017 to July 2021. In patients without abnormal imaging findings and no history of prior epidural blood patch, treatment outcome-defined as both 50% response in maximal headache intensity and improvement of orthostatic component-was collected at discharge and three months after epidural blood patch.

RESULTS

We included 21 treatment-naïve patients with orthostatic headache and negative brain and spinal imaging results who received epidural blood patch. After epidural blood patch (mean 1.3 times, range 1-3), 14 (66.7%) and 19 (90.5%) patients achieved both 50% response and improvement of orthostatic component at discharge and three months post-treatment, respectively. Additionally, complete remission was reported in 11 (52.4%) patients at three-month follow-up, while most of the remaining patients had only mild headaches. Among nine (42.9%) patients who underwent lumbar puncture, none had an abnormally low opening pressure (median 13.8 cm H₂O, range 9.2-21.5).

CONCLUSION

Given the high responder rates of epidural blood patch in our study, empirical epidural blood patch should be considered to treat new-onset orthostatic headache, even when brain and spinal imaging are negative. The necessity of lumbar puncture is questionable considering the high response rate of epidural blood patch and low rate of "low pressure."

The impact of nonoptimal lipids on the progression of coronary artery calcification in asymptomatic young adults: results from the KOICA registry

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Recently, as cumulative exposure of lipids for a lifetime has become important to prevent and predict atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), it is recommended to obtain the optimal lipid levels from a young age. However, questions remain regarding the vascular changes in young adulthood by nonoptimal lipid levels.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) according to lipid profiles in Korean young adults.

Methods

From the KOrea Initiative on Coronary Artery calcification registry, we collected 2,940 statin-naïve adults under 45-year-old, undergoing serial coronary artery calcium scans for the purpose of routine health check-ups between 2002 and 2017. CAC progression was assessed according to the optimality of lipid levels and each lipid variable.

Results

In this cohort (mean age, 41.3 years; man 82.4%), only 477 subjects (16.2%) had the optimal lipid profile, defined as triglycerides <150 mg/dl, LDL cholesterol <100 mg/dl, and HDL cholesterol ≥45 mg/dl. During follow-up (median 39.7 months), CAC progression was observed in 438 participants (14.8%) and more frequent in nonoptimal lipid group (16.5% vs 5.9%; p<0.001). Nonoptimal lipid levels during young adulthood increased the risk of CAC progression after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors (adjusted HR, 2.36; p=0.001), with a stepwise risk increase according to lipid levels. In particular, in the subjects with an initial calcium score of zero (adjusted HR, 2.13; p=0.014), those in their 20s or 30s (adjusted HR 2.70; p=0.029), and those without any other risk factors (adjusted HR 2.51; p=0.025), deemed as very low-risk groups, nonoptimal lipid levels more than doubled the risk of CAC progression, respectively. Among lipid variables, high triglycerides appeared to provide the greatest impact on CAC progression of young adults.

Conclusions

The proportion of young adults with optimal lipid levels was lower than expected. Nonoptimal lipid level was significantly associated with the risk of CAC progression in young adults, even with low-risk. Triglycerides had the strongest association with the risk of CAC progression. Screening and intervention for nonoptimal lipid levels, particularly triglycerides, from an early age might be of clinical value.

Mask-induced dermatoses during the COVID-19 pandemic: a questionnaire-based study in 12 Korean hospitals

BACKGROUND

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, various adverse skin reactions to long-term mask wearing have been reported.

AIM

To assess the clinical features of mask-induced dermatoses and to recommend prevention and treatment options.

METHODS

From April to August 2020, questionnaires including topics such as demographic information, pre-existing skin disorders, reported mask-related symptoms, daily mask-wearing duration and frequency, types of masks used and whether the participant was a healthcare worker, were distributed to patients in 12 hospitals. Dermatologists assessed skin lesions, confirmed diagnosis and recorded treatments.

RESULTS

Itchiness was the most frequent symptom, mostly affecting the cheeks. The most common skin disease was new-onset contact dermatitis (33.94%), followed by new-onset acne (16.97%) and worsening of pre-existing acne (16.97%). Daily wearing of masks was significantly (P = 0.02) associated with new-onset contact dermatitis. More than half of patients with pre-existing skin problems experienced disease worsening while wearing masks. Longer duration of wearing (> 6 h/day, P = 0.04) and use of cotton masks (P < 0.001) significantly increased acne flare-up. Healthcare workers had a higher incidence of skin disease. Skin lesions were generally mild and well tolerated with topical treatment. The study had some limitations: the effect of seasonal characteristics and other risk factors were not assessed, and the patients were visiting dermatological clinics and had interest in their skin status, thus, there may have been selection bias.

CONCLUSION

Mask-induced/-triggered dermatoses contribute to increase the dermatological burden during the pandemic.

A study of the microbiological profile of filler-induced skin necrosis

Skin necrosis is one of the most severe complications following filler injections, and can result in permanent aesthetic defects. Although an increasing number of studies have addressed the management of dermal filler complications, no study has described the spectrum of microbial pathogens. The aim of this study was to delineate the bacterial profile and prognostic factors of filler-related skin necrosis by reviewing the clinical and microbiological features of these patients. A retrospective medical record review of patients undergoing treatment for skin necrosis induced by fillers was conducted. In total, 10 cases were identified, with injection sites being the nasolabial fold (70%; n = 7), nasal dorsum (20%; n = 2) and nasal tip (10%; n = 1). Reviewing the culture results, the true culture-positive rate was found to be 50% after cases of contamination were excluded. To avoid permanent sequelae, all physicians should be aware of possible secondary infections when treating filler-induced skin necrosis.

Prenylflavonoids isolated from Macaranga tanarius stimulate odontoblast differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells and tooth root formation via the mitogen-activated protein kinase and protein kinase B pathways

AIM

To identify odontogenesis-promoting compounds and examine the molecular mechanism underlying enhanced odontoblast differentiation and tooth formation.

METHODOLOGY

Five different nymphaeols, nymphaeol B (NB), isonymphaeol B (INB), nymphaeol A (NA), 3'-geranyl-naringenin (GN) and nymphaeol C (NC) were isolated from the fruit of Macaranga tanarius. The cytotoxic effect of nymphaeols on human DPSCs was observed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The effect of nymphaeols on odontoblast differentiation was analysed with Alizarin Red S staining and odontoblast marker expression was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The molecular mechanism was investigated with Western blot analysis. In order to examine the effect of INB on dentine formation in the developing tooth germ, INB-soaked beads were placed under the tooth bud explants in the collagen gel; thereafter, the tooth bud explant-bead complexes were implanted into the sub-renal capsules for 3 weeks. Tooth root formation was analysed using micro-computed tomography and histological analysis. Data are presented as mean ± standard error (SEM) values of three independent experiments, and results are compared using a two-tailed Student's t-test. The data were considered to have statistical significance when the P-value was less than 0.05.

RESULTS

Three of the compounds, NB, INB, and GN, did not exert a cytotoxic effect on human DPSCs. However, INB was most effective in promoting the deposition of calcium minerals in vitro (P < 0.001) and induced the expression of odontogenic marker genes (P < 0.05). Moreover, this compound strongly induced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases and protein kinase B (AKT) (P < 0.05). The inhibition of p38 MAP, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and AKT substantially suppressed the INB-induced odontoblast differentiation (P < 0.001). In addition, isonymphaeol B significantly induced the formation of dentine and elongation of the tooth root in vivo (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Prenylflavonoids, including INB, exerted stimulatory effects on odontoblast differentiation and tooth root and dentine formation via the MAP kinase and AKT signalling pathways. These results suggest that nymphaeols could stimulate the repair processes for dentine defects or injuries.

Analysis of local invasion and regional spread in malignant sublingual gland tumour: Implications for surgical planning

Malignant tumours arising from the sublingual glands are very rare, and the extent and frequency of local invasion or regional spread in malignant sublingual gland tumour (MSLT) has not been fully studied due to the disease rarity. To provide comprehensive features of local and regional spread of MSLT, we reviewed 20 surgical cases for detailed pathological analyses among 26 cases diagnosed as having primary MSLT. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) was the most common pathological subtype, followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Disease-free and overall survivals at 5 years were 76.1 % and 77.7 %, respectively. High-grade malignant tumours and grade 2-3 ACC accounted for 41.7 % and 85.7 %. Clinical and pathological extraparenchymal extensions were found in 34.6 % and 80.0 %, respectively. Tumour invasion to the lingual nerve and submandibular gland/ductal system were also detected in 40.0 % and 28.6 %. The incidences of lingual nerve invasion in ACC and ACC ≥4 cm were 30.8 % and 42.9 %. Regional nodal involvement occurred in seven of 26 cases, and all metastatic lymph nodes were found in neck levels Ib and IIa. In summary, a significant portion of MSLT cases consisted of high-grade tumours and grade 2-3 ACC; therefore local invasion into adjacent structures should be cautiously evaluated in cases of MSLT.

Vesicular glutamate transporter-immunopositive axons that coexpress neuropeptides in the rat and human dental pulp

AIM

To examine the type of vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT)-immunopositive (+) axons that coexpress neuropeptides in the rat and human dental pulp, which may help understand peripheral mechanism of pulpal inflammatory pain in rats and humans.

METHODOLOGY

The trigeminal ganglia (TG) and the dental pulp of the maxillary molar teeth from three male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 300-330 g and dental pulps of three healthy human (male) maxillary premolar teeth from three 16 to 28-year-old patients extracted for orthodontic treatment were used. The type of VGLUT + axons that coexpress substance P (SP)- and/or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and parvalbumin in the rat TG and in the axons of the rat and the human dental pulp was examined by double fluorescence immunohistochemistry and quantitative analysis. Results were analyzed using one-way anova and the Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

SP and CGRP were expressed in many human VGLUT1 + pulpal axons but not in the rat VGLUT1 + TG neurons and pulpal axons (P < 0.05). SP and CGRP were expressed in a considerable number of human VGLUT2 + pulpal axons and also in many rat TG neurons and pulpal axons. The fraction of VGLUT1 + axons expressing parvalbumin was about three times higher in the rat than in the human dental pulp (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the types of VGLUT + axons, which release neuropeptides, may be different between the rat and the human dental pulp, raising a possibility that peripheral mechanism of pulpal inflammatory pain may be different between rats and humans.

Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations for Chronic Conditions among Youth

Objective

Chronic, preventable conditions like diabetes and hypertension previously seen primarily in adults are increasing among young people. Chronic disease-related potentially preventable hospitalizations (PPH) are costly. The study goal was to quantify potentially preventable hospitalizations (PPH) for chronic disease in those aged 5-29 years in one diverse state of the USA.

Methods

With Hawai'i statewide inpatient 2015-2016 data across all payers, we used standard metrics to capture asthma, diabetes, and hypertension PPH. Denominators were obtained by age group, gender, race/ethnicity, and living in O'ahu vs. other Hawaiian Islands from American Community Survey data. A multivariable negative binomial regression model predicted having a PPH adjusting for age group, gender, race/ethnicity, and O'ahu residency.

Results

Six percent (775) of inpatient hospitalizations among young people, representing 455 unique individuals, were PPH for a chronic disease. The types of PPH inpatient hospitalizations include diabetes (436), asthma (261), heart disease (64) and hypertension (14). The number of PPH visits per individual ranged from 1-20 with a mean of 1.7 (SD: 2.28) visits. The total cost of these PPH during this 2-year time period was $16,762,262. Among unique individuals with a chronic disease PPH (N = 455), the mean age was 17.5 (SD: 8.2); 55% were male. In the multivariable model, those who were between 10-14 years (RR:0.47;0.32-0.69) and 15-19 years (RR:0.46;0.31-0.69) were significantly less likely to have a PPH compared to those aged 5-9 years. Other Pacific Islanders were significantly more likely to have a PPH (RR: 3.08; 2.05-4.63) compared to whites.

Conclusions

Many hospitalizations by those aged 5-29 years were PPH. Pacific Islander youth had PPH chronic disease disparities. Chronic disease prevention and management is critical. Solutions may include equitable chronic disease prevention policies and improving access to culturally relevant care.

Key messages

This study reveals important disparities in youth that may lead to future health risks as well as current poor outcomes.

Other Pacific Islanders were at significantly increased risk for PPH for chronic disease compared to other racial/ethnic groups from early childhood to young adulthood.

Chronic conditions among children, adolescents, and young adults in acute care settings

Background

Despite a growing prevalence of chronic disease risk factors, such as obesity, among young people in the United States and other countries, little is known about actual disease prevalence in this population. Almost nothing is known about this topic in many racial/ethnic groups that are rapidly growing in the United States, including Native Hawaiians, Other Pacific Islanders, and Filipinos. Yet these understudied groups are at high risk. The study goal was to determine the statewide prevalence of chronic disease in acute care for those aged 5-29 years, including Native Hawaiians, Filipinos, and Pacific Islanders.

Methods

Using Hawai'i statewide inpatient and emergency department (ED) data across all payers from 2015-2016, we considered the presence of at least one of five target chronic conditions (asthma, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, stroke) from 13,514 inpatient stays by 9,467 unique individuals and 228,548 ED visits by 127,854 individuals.

Results

Twenty-eight percent of youth who were hospitalized and 12% with an ED visit had at least one chronic condition. In both inpatient and ED settings, race/ethnicity, age group, and payer varied significantly when comparing those with a chronic condition to those without a chronic condition. Notably, those with a chronic condition were disproportionately Native Hawaiian, Filipino, and Pacific Islander; 32.3% percent of those with an inpatient chronic condition and 34.9% of those with an ED chronic condition were Native Hawaiian.

Conclusions

Chronic diseases, including those more often seen in adulthood, are prevalent in young people in acute care settings in the state of Hawai'i with notable disparities. This data can help justify, guide, and support programs urgently needed to address these changing epidemiological trends, which may be of particular interest for Medicaid.

Key messages

We show that chronic conditions are prevalent in young people in acute care settings in the state of Hawai‘i with notable disparities. This can help justify, guide, and support programs to address these troubling epidemiological trends.

430 Relation of blood pressure to coronary artery calcium and mortality

Background

Diastolic blood pressure has a J-curve relation with coronary heart disease and death, but it is debating whether a J-curve association exists in general population. We aimed to assess the relation of blood pressure to mortality, and whether their association is interacted with presence of high coronary artery calcium (CAC).

Methods

The KOICA registry is a retrospective, multicenter observational study designed to investigate the effectiveness and prognostic value of CAC score for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in asymptomatic Korean adults. The association between CAC score and blood pressure was assessed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the baseline CACS (&gt; 300 and ≤ 300), and all-cause mortality was assessed.

Results

The study population composed 48903 subjects with a mean age of 54 ± 9. There were 425 (0.9%) deaths during follow-up. At baseline, SBP (systolic blood pressure) more than 110 mmHg and DBP (diastolic blood pressure) more than 80 mmHg was associated with increased risk for CACS &gt; 300. In patients with baseline CACS ≤ 300, all-cause mortality was increased in patients with SBP of 110-119 mmHg (HR 1.47, p = 0.023), 130-139 mmHg (HR 1.72, p = 0.002) and ≥ 140 mmHg (HR 1.47, p = 0.042) compared to SBP of 120-129 mmHg, whereas DBP did not predict all-cause mortality. In contrast, SBP was not associated to all-cause mortality in patients with CACS &gt; 300, whereas DBP &lt; 60 mmHg (HR 3.53, p =0.018) and 70-79 mmHg (HR 2.21, p = 0.042) was associated with increased risk for all-cause mortality compared to DBP of 80-89 mmHg.

Conclusion

Low DBP was associated with increased risk for all-cause mortality in subjects with high CAC score, suggesting high-risk for coronary artery disease. However, this J-curve relation was not shown in the population with low CAC score.

P4791Performance of the HAS-BLED, ATRIA, and PRECISE-DAPT Bleeding Risk Scores in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Using Antiplatelet Agents or Oral Anticoagulants

Background

Various bleeding risk scores have been proposed to assess the risk of bleeding in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients undergoing anticoagulation. PRECISE DAPT score has been developed to assess the out-of hospital bleeding risk in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Our objective was to compare the predictive performance between the HAS-BLED (Hypertension, Abnormal Renal/Liver Function, Stroke, Bleeding History or Predisposition, Labile International Normalized Ratio, Elderly, Drugs/Alcohol), ATRIA (Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation), and PRECISE-DAPT (Predicting Bleeding Complication in Patients Undergoing Stent Implantation and Subsequent Dual Antiplatelet therapy) score in AF patients using antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants

Methods

We recruited 1,114 consecutive AF patients (51% male; median age, 71 years) receiving antiplatelet agents or oral anticoagulants from January 2014 through December 2018. Major bleeding was defined as according to the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria (type 3 or 5: hemodynamic instability, need for transfusion, drop in hemoglobin ≥3 g, and intracranial, intraocular or fatal bleeding). The performance of risk scores were assessed by C-statistic.

Results

Bleeding events occurred in 135 patients (12.1%) during 30 days, and 72 patients (6.5%) from 30 days till 1-year follow-up. Based on the C-statistic, PRECISE-DAPT score (AUC: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.69–0.75) had a good performance, significantly better than HAS-BLED (AUC: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.61–0.67) (p=0.008) or ATRIA scores (AUC: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.54–0.60) (p<0.001) for 30-days bleeding prediction. Also, PRECISE-DAPT score had a good C-statistic (AUC: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.69–0.75) for 1-year bleeding events compared with HAS-BLED (AUC: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.60–0.67) (p=0.02) or ATRIA (AUC: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.58–0.65) (p=0.01).

ROC curve for bleeding

Conclusions

The PRECISE-DAPT score has been used for assessing bleeding events during DAPT. Also, the PRECISE-DAPT score predicted bleedings better than HAS-BLED or ATRIA scores in AF patients. So, the PRECISE-DAPT score may be considered as bleeding risk score during DAPT or oral anticoagulation in clinical practice.

P4776Age-dependent anti-thrombotic therapy for atrial fibrillation patients with intermediate risk (CHA2DS2-VASc Score of 1 or 2) of ischemic stroke

Background

Although older age is one of the most important risk factor for stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF), it is unclear whether oral anticoagulants are beneficial for AF patients with intermediate CHA2DS2-VASc score (1 for male or 2 for female) according to age threshold. We sought to investigate the effect of age-dependent antithrombotic therapy for ischemic stroke in Korean intermediate risk AF patients.

Methods

We enrolled 29,592 patients (males with CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1 and females with CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2) using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. The clinical endpoint was the occurrence of ischemic stroke. The propensity score matching method was used to balance covariates across treated and untreated patients.

Results

Treated male AF patients were 6,570 (67.1%) with age <55 years, 7,115 (70.9%) with 55–64 years and 6,470 (68.3%) with 65–74 years in each age risk criterion. Also, treated female AF patients were 3,156 (71.3%) with age <55 years, 2,838 (71.0%) with 55–64 years and 3,440 (72.6%) with 65–74 years in each age risk criterion. Among male and female patients (age <55 years and 55–64 years) with 1 risk factor, an annual ischemic stroke rate was not significantly different between treated and untreated patients at full follow-up. However, treated AF patients who are in age 65–74 year without other risk factor had a much lower annual risk of ischemic stroke [(1.05%/year (male) and 1.04%/year (female)] compared with untreated patients [(1.77%/year (male) (p<0.026) and 1.86%/year (female) (p<0.041).

Conclusions

Age is an important predictor in determining the risk of ischemic stroke in AF patients with intermediate CHA2DS2-VASc scores (1 for male or 2 for female). We suggest that the benefit of anti-thrombotic therapy for intermediate risk AF patients depends on age threshold.

P5661Validation of CHA2DS2-VA score (excluding female sex) in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients: a nationwide population-based study

Background

Sex category (Sc, ie, female sex) confers 1 point on CHA2DS2-VASc score. So, no woman with atrial fibrillation (AF) can have a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0. This study aimed to compare CHA2DS2-VA (excluding female sex) and CHA2DS2-VASc score in Korean AF patients.

Methods

Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we analyzed the risk of ischemic stroke in non-valvular AF patients between 2013 and 2017. The predictive value of the CHA2DS2-VA and CHA2DS2-VASc scores for ischemic stroke was evaluated by c-statistic difference and net reclassification improvement (NRI). The propensity score matching method was used to balance covariates across male and female AF patients.

Results

A total of 182,133 patients with AF (49.2% women) were included to this study. The adjusted incidence rate (IR) of ischemic stroke was not significantly different between males and females (0.89%/y and 0.90%/y, respectively, p=0.411) in low-risk patients without risk factor. Also, no sex difference was found in high-risk patients with above 2 risk factors for ischemic stroke (4.46%/y for male and 4.49%/y for male, p=0.498). In c-statistic analysis for ischemic stroke, there was no significant difference between the CHA2DS2-VA and CHA2DS2-VASc scores (AUC 0.662 vs. 0.664, z=1.572, p=0.116). When compared with CHA2DS2-VASc score, CHA2DS2-VA score was not significantly inferior in net reclassification improvement (NRI 0.031, 95% CI 0.002–0.037, p=0.118) for ischemic stroke.

C-statistics

Conclusions

In Korean AF patients, the CHA2DS2-VA score excluding female sex is a useful risk scoring system for ischemic stroke.

P6435A diagnostic prediction model of coronary artery disease in patient with chest pain using machine learning

Background

Chest pain is a major symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to acute coronary syndrome and sudden cardiac death. Accurate diagnosis of CAD in patients who experience chest pain is crucial to provide appropriate treatment and optimize clinical outcomes.

Objective

This study was to develop a machine learning model which can predict and diagnose CAD in patients complaining of chest pain based on a large real-world prospective registry database and computing power.

Method

A total of 10,177 subjects with typical or atypical chest pain who underwent a coronary angiography at the cardiovascular center of our University Hospital, South Korea between November 2004 and May 2014 were evaluated in this study. The generation of the diagnostic prediction model for CAD used the classification application by technical support of MATLAB R2017a. The performance evaluation of the learning model generated by machine learning was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

The diagnostic prediction model of CAD had been generated according to the user's accessibility such as the general public or clinician (Model 1–4). The performance of the models has ranged from 0.78 to 0.96 by the AUC of ROC analysis. The prediction accuracy of the models ranged from 70.4% to 88.9%. The performance of the diagnostic prediction model of CAD by machine learning improved as the input information increased.

Figure 1. Study Flow Chart

Conclusion

A diagnostic prediction model of CAD using the machine learning method and the registry database was developed. Further studies are needed to verify our results.

6112Usefulness of the trans-stent fractional flow reserve gradient for predicting clinical outcomes

Aims

The clinical meaning of a trans-stent pressure gradient after DES implantation has not been estimated adequately. We evaluated the usefulness of a fractional flow reserve (FFR) gradient across the stent (ΔFFRstent) for long-term clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a drug-eluting stent (DES).

Methods and results

FFR pull-back and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) were performed after successful PCI in 135 left anterior descending artery lesions. ΔFFRstent was defined as the FFR gradient across the stent. The ΔFFRstent/length was defined as the ΔFFRstent value divided by the total stent length multiplied by 10 [= (ΔFFRstent ÷ stent length) x 10]. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were the composite of all-cause death, target vessel related myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularisation. Despite successful PCI without significant complications on IVUS, ΔFFRstent >0 was observed in 98.5% of cases. ΔFFRstent ≥0.04 and ΔFFRstent/length ≥0.009 predicted suboptimal stenting defined as final minimal stent area <5.5 mm2. During 2183±898 days, the MACE-free survival rate was significantly lower in patients with ΔFFRstent ≥0.04 and ΔFFRstent/length ≥0.009 compared to those with lower values (69.6 vs. 93.4%, log-rank p=0.031; 72.1 vs. 97.7%, log-rank p=0.003, respectively). ΔFFRstent/length ≥0.009 (hazard ratio 10.1, p=0.032) was an independent predictor of MACE.

Trans-stent FFR and MACE

Conclusion

A trans-stent FFR gradient was frequently observed in DES-treated patients despite successful PCI results. ΔFFRstent and ΔFFRstent/length are useful indicators for optimising a DES and are related to long-term outcomes.

P1944Relationship between the duration of hypertension and cerebral and cardiovascular disease in the adult Korean population

Background

Although advances in medical technology and health care have led to increased life expectancy, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular events has increased.

Purpose

This study evaluated the prevalence of hypertension, treatment, and the impact of hypertension on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke risk in Koreans.

Methods

The Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (KNHANES) database, which is a stratified random sampling to assess the health and nutritional status of Koreans (https://knhanes.cdc.go.kr), was analyzed for this study. The subjects of the survey were sampled to represent the entire population of the Republic of Korea. The endpoints of the study are the risk of CVD and stroke due to the prevalence of hypertension. We also examined the relationship between the control of hypertension and the risk of CVD and stroke.

Results

The prevalence of hypertension has increased rapidly as with longer life expectancy of the population. As the duration of hypertension increases, CVD and stroke risks are increased. Achieving a target goal blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg can reduce the risk of all CVD and stroke by nearly half.

Korea-HTN

Conclusion

The risk of CVD and stroke in hypertensive patients can be significantly reduced by achieving optimal blood pressure control.

Low rates of osteoporosis treatment after hospitalization for hip fracture in Hawaii

We evaluated osteoporosis treatment and DEXA utilization rates of patients who were admitted for hip fracture in a single healthcare system in Hawaii from 2015 to 2016. We found that osteoporosis treatment and DEXA utilization rates were low, highlighting a critical gap in osteoporosis care after admission for hip fracture.

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to evaluate osteoporosis care after an admission for hip fracture at three community hospitals within a single healthcare system in Hawaii.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted (n = 428) of patients ≥ 50 years and hospitalized for hip fractures between January 1, 2015, and May 31, 2016, at three major hospitals within Hawaii Pacific Health, a large healthcare system in Hawaii. Basic demographics were collected, and medications prescribed were quantified and described within 1 year of hip fracture. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between collected variables and the odds of osteoporosis treatment.

RESULTS

Only 115 (26.9%) patients were prescribed a medication for osteoporosis as a secondary prevention within a year of hospitalization for hip fracture. DEXA scans were performed in 137 (32.0%) patients. Most of the treated patients were prescribed oral bisphosphonates. Treatment facility, female gender, and higher BMI were found to be predictive factors for osteoporosis treatment.

CONCLUSION

The use of osteoporosis medication for secondary prevention after admission for hip fracture in Hawaii is low. Efforts need to be made to improve treatment rates, especially among males.

Identification of small droplets of photosynthetic squalene in engineered Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 using TEM and selective fluorescent Nile red analysis

To identify microbial squalene that has been widely used in various industrial applications, intracellular formation of photosynthetic squalene was investigated using the previously engineered Synechococcus elongatusPCC 7942 strain. Unlike the proposed localization of squalene in the membrane bilayer, small droplets were identified in the cytoplasm of S. elongatusPCC 7942 as squalene using transmission electron microscopy analysis. Determination of the diameters of the squalene droplets with manual examination of 1016 droplets in different squalene-producing strains indicated larger squalene droplets in larger cells. Based on the observation of a sole droplet of squalene in a cyanobacterium, fluorescent Nile red was used for the selective staining of squalene. The fluorescent intensities were correlated with squalene contents determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Photosynthetic squalene was identified as a small droplet in S. elongatusPCC 7942, and this noninvasive quantitative method could be useful to promote high-throughput strain development for squalene production.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Engineering of Cyanobacteria has focused on sustainable production of squalene by converting CO₂ . Before improving the photosynthetic squalene production, we characterized formation of squalene, showing small droplets in the cytoplasm instead of single granule. Based on the finding and the analysis, this study has provided valuable evidences how further metabolic engineering strategies should apply to enhance the production yield.

The Use of Patient Education Video in Improving Patient Satisfaction in the Accident and Emergency Department

Objective

To study the impact of patient education video in improving patient satisfaction in the accident and emergency department (AED).

Methods

This was a descriptive questionnaire study. A 20-minute patient education video in Cantonese was produced. The video was shown in the waiting hall from 9 am to 5 pm during the weekdays of a week in January 2008. All category 4 (semi-urgent) and category 5 (non-urgent) patients were invited to fill in an evaluation questionnaire after watching the video. The demographics of the patients were collected. There were two parts in the questionnaire. Part 1 contained four questions to test patients' knowledge retention after watching the video. These included questions on pharmacy location, triage system, use of patient identification slip and scope of the AED service. Part 2 contained six evaluation items (based on the 5-point Likert scale) to assess patients' opinion on the education video, understanding of the AED workflow and level of satisfaction after watching. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the knowledge retention scores and the Likert responses between different age and education level subgroups.

Results

Altogether 177 questionnaires were returned; 72 were excluded due to incomplete answers or absent patient gum label; and 105 completed questionnaires were analysed. Of the latter, 83 (79%) respondents scored 75% or more in the questions on knowledge retention, 79 (75%) respondents agreed that they understood the workflow of the AED better, 63 (60%) respondents thought that the video covered most frequently asked questions, and 69 (66%) respondents agreed that their level of satisfaction had improved after watching the video. There was no statistically significant difference on comparing the knowledge retention scores between different age and education level subgroups. Respondents more than 60 years old stated a better understanding about the location of consultation rooms after watching the video.

Conclusion

A patient education video is useful in providing information about operation and improving patient satisfaction in the accident and emergency department.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas with liver metastasis initially misinterpreted as benign haemorrhagic cyst

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is considered a low-malignant neoplasm with a good prognosis. However, 5% to 15% of patients with SPNs develop metastatic disease, most commonly in the liver. Metastatic hepatic malignancies that show pseudocystic features are rare. Here we describe the case of a middle-aged female with a cystic liver metastasis from SPN. To the best of our knowledge, SPN with a single cystic liver metastasis has not been described, although these tumours frequently undergo haemorrhagic-cystic degeneration. Thus, in these patients the marked cystic change could be misinterpreted as a benign lesion.

Efficacy and safety of non-invasive body tightening with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive skin-tightening devices have become increasingly popular in response to increasing demand for improvements in skin laxity and tightening with minimal risk and recovery time.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of HIFU for skin tightening in the face and body.

METHODS

A total of 32 Korean subjects enrolled in this prospective clinical trial. The subjects were treated with HIFU to both cheeks, lower abdomen, and thigh. Skin elasticity was measured before and after treatment using a Cutometer (CT575, Courage and Khazaka^® , Cologne, Germany). Three blinded, experienced dermatologists evaluated paired pre- and post-treatment (week 4 and 12) photographs according to the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Participants also completed self-assessments using GAIS. Subjects rated their pain on a numeric rating scale (NRS) immediately, 7 days, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

Skin elasticity measured via a Cutometer was significantly improved 12 weeks after treatment at all treated sites (P<.05). Both IGAIS and SGAIS showed significant improvements 12 weeks after treatment. Immediately after treatment the mean NRS score was 3.00±1.586, but no pain was reported at 4 and 12 weeks post-treatment. No serious adverse effects were observed during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

HIFU safely and effectively improves skin elasticity and clinical contouring of the face and body.

Mechanical thrombolysis as an adjunct therapy to management of portal vein thrombosis following Radio Frequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has evolved to become the treatment of choice for non-resectable recurrent colorectal liver metastasis. It is however, not without complications. Portal vein thrombosis following RFA is rare but can be fatal to the outcome of the patient. Here, we present a case of a 66-year-old man who developed portal vein thrombosis following RFA. CT scan revealed a left portal vein thrombosis. This case report highlights the challenges and multimodal treatment of portal vein thrombosis following Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in a cirrhotic patient.

Depression, Impulse Control Disorder, and Life Style According to Smartphone Addiction

We examined depression, impulse control disorder, and life style by degree of smartphone addiction. Chi-square tests and ANOVA were used to identify significant variables. CART was used to generate a decision making diagram of variables affecting smartphone addiction. The severe smartphone addiction group had rates of depression and impulse control disorder than the initial smartphone group.

Passive Q-switching of microchip lasers based on Ho:YAG ceramics

A Ho:YAG ceramic microchip laser pumped by a Tm fiber laser at 1910 nm is passively Q-switched by single- and multi-layer graphene, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and Cr²⁺:ZnSe saturable absorbers (SAs). Employing SWCNTs, this laser generated an average power of 810 mW at 2090 nm with a slope efficiency of 68% and continuous wave to Q-switching conversion efficiency of 70%. The shortest pulse duration was 85 ns at a repetition rate of 165 kHz, and the pulse energy reached 4.9 μJ. The laser performance and pulse stability were superior compared to graphene SAs even for a different number of graphene layers (n=1 to 4). A model for the description of the Ho:YAG laser Q-switched by carbon nanostructures is presented. This modeling allowed us to estimate the saturation intensity for multi-layered graphene and SWCNT SAs to be 1.2±0.2 and 7±1  MW/cm², respectively. When using Cr²⁺:ZnSe, the Ho:YAG microchip laser generated 11 ns/25 μJ pulses at a repetition rate of 14.8 kHz.

Heterotopic ossification in appendiceal mucinous neoplasms: clinicopathological characteristics of 3 cases

Heterotopic bone formation is a very rare event in the gastrointestinal tract including in the appendix. Here we report three cases of heterotopic ossification in appendiceal mucinous neoplasms, one occurring in an appendiceal mucinous cystadenoma, another in a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, and the third occurring in an appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma. The clinicopathologic characteristics of these three present cases and two previously reported cases are discussed in detail. The mechanism of heterotopic ossification in appendiceal mucinous neoplasm is still unclear, but mucin extravasation and subsequent calcification may be predisposing events.

Osteogenic cell response to 3-D hydroxyapatite scaffolds developed via replication of natural marine sponges

Bone tissue engineering may provide an alternative to autograft, however scaffold optimisation is required to maximize bone ingrowth. In designing scaffolds, pore architecture is important and there is evidence that cells prefer a degree of non-uniformity. The aim of this study was to compare scaffolds derived from a natural porous marine sponge (Spongia agaricina) with unique architecture to those derived from a synthetic polyurethane foam. Hydroxyapatite scaffolds of 1 cm(3) were prepared via ceramic infiltration of a marine sponge and a polyurethane (PU) foam. Human foetal osteoblasts (hFOB) were seeded at 1 × 10(5) cells/scaffold for up to 14 days. Cytotoxicity, cell number, morphology and differentiation were investigated. PU-derived scaffolds had 84-91% porosity and 99.99% pore interconnectivity. In comparison marine sponge-derived scaffolds had 56-61% porosity and 99.9% pore interconnectivity. hFOB studies showed that a greater number of cells were found on marine sponge-derived scaffolds at than on the PU scaffold but there was no significant difference in cell differentiation. X-ray diffraction and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry showed that Si ions were released from the marine-derived scaffold. In summary, three dimensional porous constructs have been manufactured that support cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation but significantly more cells were seen on marine-derived scaffolds. This could be due both to the chemistry and pore architecture of the scaffolds with an additional biological stimulus from presence of Si ions. Further in vivo tests in orthotopic models are required but this marine-derived scaffold shows promise for applications in bone tissue engineering.

Malignant mesonephric tumor of the cervix with an initial manifestation as pulmonary metastasis: case report and review of the literature

Malignant mesonephric tumor (MMT) is a relatively uncommon malignancy of the female genital tract. The diagnosis of metastatic MMT is difficult because cytological, pathological, immunohistochemical characteristics of MMT are under-recognized. The authors present a 55-year-old female with metastatic pulmonary nodules. The bronchial washing cytology revealed three dimensional clusters of bland epithelial cells with slight nuclear grooves. A corresponding lung histology had ductal or tubular clusters of epithelial cells with intraglandular eosinophilic materials. These epithelial cells were positive for immunohistochemical stain of CD10, suggesting metastasis from MMT. The cervical smear showed clusters of bland, gland-forming epithelial cells with intraglandular eosinophilic materials. On histologic examination, mesonephric adenocarcinoma with papillary and solid proliferation was identified in the uterine cervix. A review of the literature for 72 cases of MMT is also included. Clinical and cytopathological features of MMT are herein made available.

High intensity focused ultrasound as a potential new modality for the treatment of pigmentary skin disorder

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The clinical skin tightening benefits of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) have been established, but its mechanism of action in pigmented skin disorders remains unknown. We macroscopically and histopathologically investigated dermatological changes after HIFU at different exposure doses in a UVB-induced guinea pig model of hyperpigmentation.

METHODS

We applied HIFU irradiation at 0.1 and 0.2 J/cm(2) to UVB-induced spotty hyperpigmentation in guinea pig skin. The therapeutic effects of HIFU were judged based on gross appearance using photography, dermoscopy, and chromametry during a period of 3 weeks after HIFU irradiation. Histological assessments were performed using Fontana-Masson staining 1 day before and 3 weeks after HIFU irradiation.

RESULTS

Macroscopically, UVB-induced hyperpigmentation was significantly reduced 2 weeks after HIFU with 0.2 J/cm(2) , and 3 weeks after HIFU with 0.1 J/cm(2) . Histopathologically, the heavy deposition of melanin in the epidermis induced by UVB exposure was reduced 3 weeks after HIFU irradiation.

CONCLUSION

We confirmed that HIFU has a positive effect on UVB-induced hyperpigmentation as well as mechanical destructive activity. We suggest that HIFU may be useful as an alternative modality for human patients suffering from skin pigmentary conditions.

Antioxidative effects of ethyl 2-(3-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)ureido)acetate against amyloid β-induced oxidative cell death via NF-κB, GSK-3β and β-catenin signaling pathways in cultured cortical neurons

We have previously shown that 2-(3-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)ureido)acetate (KHG21834) attenuates amyloid beta(Aβ)25-35-induced apoptotic death and shows anti-inflammatory activity against Aβ25-35-induced microglial activation. However, antioxidative effects of KHG21834 against Aβ-induced oxidative stress have not yet been reported. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidative function of KHG21834 in primary cultured cortical neurons, to expand the potential therapeutic efficacy of KHG21834. Pretreatment with KHG21834 protected against Aβ-induced neuronal cell death and mitochondrial damage, and significantly restored GSH levels and the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, and also suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species and protein oxidation. These results imply that KHG21834 may play a role in cellular defense mechanisms against Aβ-induced oxidative stress in cultured cortical neurons. Furthermore, KHG21834 significantly attenuated the effects of Aβ treatment on levels of NF-κB, β-catenin, and GSK-3β proteins in cortical neurons. Taken together, our results suggest that the antioxidant effects of KHG21834 may result at least in part from its ability to regulate the NF-κB, β-catenin, and GSK-3β signaling pathways. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing that KHG21834 significantly attenuates Aβ25-35-induced oxidative stress in primary cortical neurons, and provides novel insights into KHG21834 as a possible therapeutic agent for the treatment of Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity involving oxidative stress.

Ginsenoside Rg3 enhances islet cell function and attenuates apoptosis in mouse islets

BACKGROUND

The transplantation of isolated islets is thought to be an attractive approach for curative treatment of diabetes mellitus. Panax ginseng has been used in oriental countries for its pharmacologic effects, such as antidiabetic and antiinflammatory activities. 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), an active ingredient of ginseng saponins, has been reported to enhance insulin secretion-stimulating and antiapoptotic activities in pancreatic beta cells. We performed this study to examine the hypothesis that preoperative Rg3 administration can enhance islet cell function and antiapoptosis before islet transplantation.

METHODS

Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the administration of Rg3 after islet isolation. Mouse islets were cultured in medium supplemented with or without Rg3. In vitro, islet viability and function were assessed. After treatment of islets with a cytokine cocktail (tumor necrosis factor α, interferon-γ, and interleukin-1β), cell viability, function, and apoptosis were assessed.

RESULTS

Cell viability was similar between the 2 groups. Islets cultured in medium supplemented with Rg3 showed 2.3-fold higher glucose-induced insulin secretion than islets cultured in medium without Rg3. After treatment with a cytokine cocktail, glucose-induced insulin release, total insulin content of islets, and apoptosis were significantly improved in Rg3-treated islets compared with cytokine-treated islets. Cytokine-treated islets produced significantly higher levels of nitric oxide (NO) than islets treated with Rg3.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that preoperative Rg3 administration enhanced islet function before islet transplantation and attenuated both cytokine-induced damage associated with NO production and apoptosis. Rg3 administration might be a prospective management to enhanced islet function and ameliorate early inflammation after transplantation.

Incidental renal cell carcinoma originating from a native kidney after en-bloc resection for adrenal carcinoma in a kidney transplant recipient

BACKGROUND

Renal transplantation is the best treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. Although there is significantly increased risk of malignancy after renal transplantation, carcinoma of the native kidney is very rare, and moreover, the risk of endocrinologic malignancy after renal transplantation is lower than in the general population and adrenal cortical carcinoma extremely rare. We report a case of incidental renal cell carcinoma originating from a native kidney after en-bloc resection for adrenal carcinoma in a kidney transplant recipient.

CASE REPORT

A 57 year-old male patient had undergone living-donor kidney transplantation for chronic renal failure from hypertension 15 years earlier and had a right adrenal tumor diagnosed on surveillance abdomen-pelvis computerized tomography. Based on 24-hour catecholamine laboratory findings, nonfunctioning tumor was suspected. The planned en-bloc resection of right adrenal gland and right native kidney combining the perirenal tissue and Gerota fascia was performed, because the tumor was suspicious for malignancy and could possibly invade the perirenal tissue or right kidney. On the final pathology, combined adrenal cortical carcinoma and incidental renal cell carcinoma was confirmed. Renal cell carcinoma was papillary, type I, and stage T1N0M0. Adrenal cortical carcinoma was 7.6 × 6.5 cm in size, had marked nuclear atypia, and was grade IV/IV. Mitotic counts were >10 per high-power field, but it had no capsular invasion or vascular invasion, and free resection margin was confirmed. In the preoperative period, he had taken immunosuppressants FK506 and mycophenolate sodium, but after combined carcinomas were confirmed, the regimen of combination of immunosuppressants was changed to sirolimus with low-dose FK506 and half-dose mycophenolate sodium.

Does procurement technique affect posttransplant graft function in deceased donor liver transplantation?

INTRODUCTION

Various techniques have been described deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) procurement. One is a technique whereby almost total dissection is done in the porta hepatis and perihepatic detachment is carried out before cross-clamping the donor aorta. In another approach, after the donor aorta is cross-clamped, rapid and minimal en bloc dissection is performed with minimal manipulation. We evaluated early posttransplant graft function among liver procurement techniques.

METHOD

Between January 2008 and August 2012, we performed 45 consecutive adult DDLTs. One patient was excluded from this analysis due to early death from sepsis after transplantation. The 44 included patients were divided into two cohorts according to the procurement technique: A warm dissection (n = 23; 52%) and a cold dissection group (n = 21; 48%). We compared early posttransplant graft function using the aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (T-bil), and prothrombin time (PT) values of the two groups from the first to seventh postoperative day.

RESULT

The AST values in the warm group were significantly greater than those in the cold group on postoperative days 3 and 5. In addition, the ALT values in the warm group were greater than those in the cold group on postoperative days 4, 5, and 6. Moreover, the T-bil values in the warm group were greater than those in the cold group on postoperative days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. However, there were no differences in PT values.

CONCLUSION

During liver procurement for DDLT, rapid en bloc procurement with minimal manipulation after clamping the donor aorta achieved better early graft function posttransplantation.

S100A9 and EGFR gene signatures predict disease progression in muscle invasive bladder cancer patients after chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

In our previous gene expression profile analysis, IL1B, S100A8, S100A9, and EGFR were shown to be important mediators of muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) progression. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of these gene signatures to predict disease progression after chemotherapy in patients with locally recurrent or metastatic MIBC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with locally advanced MIBC who received chemotherapy were enrolled. The expression signatures of four genes were measured and carried out further functional analysis to confirm our findings.

RESULTS

Two of the four genes, S100A9 and EGFR, were determined to significantly influence disease progression (P = 0.023, 0.045, respectively). Based on a receiver operating characteristic curve, a cut-off value for disease progression was determined. Patients with the good-prognostic signature group had a significantly longer time to progression and cancer-specific survival time than those with the poor-prognostic signature group (P < 0.001, 0.042, respectively). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, gene signature was the only factor that significantly influenced disease progression [hazard ratio: 4.726, confidence interval: 1.623-13.763, P = 0.004]. In immunohistochemical analysis, S100A9 and EGFR positivity were associated with disease progression after chemotherapy. Protein expression of S100A9/EGFR showed modest correlation with gene expression of S100A9/EGFR (r = 0.395, P = 0.014 and r = 0.453, P = 0.004). Our functional analysis provided the evidence demonstrating that expression of S100A9 and EGFR closely associated chemoresistance, and that inhibition of S100A9 and EGFR may sensitize bladder tumor cells to the cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The S100A9/EGFR level is a novel prognostic marker to predict the chemoresponsiveness of patients with locally recurrent or metastatic MIBC.

Carbon nanotube mode-locked optically-pumped semiconductor disk laser

An optically pumped semiconductor disk laser was mode-locked for the first time by employing a single-walled carbon nanotube saturable absorber. Stable passive fundamental mode-locking was obtained at a repetition rate of 613 MHz with a pulse length of 1.23 ps. The mode-locked semiconductor disk laser in a compact geometry delivered a maximum average output power of 136 mW at 1074 nm.