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Πέμπτη 13 Δεκεμβρίου 2018

Leukemia Lymphoma Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Myeloma Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs)

A Phase 2 Study of Actinium-225 (225Ac)-Lintuzumab in Older Patients with Untreated Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) - Interim Analysis of 1.5 µci/Kg/Dose
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1457

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Older patients (pts) with AML unfit for intense induction chemotherapy have a poor prognosis with a 5 year survival of <10%. 225Ac-lintuzumab is composed of 225Ac linked to a humanized anti-CD33 monoclonal antibody. Data were previously presented on the initial 13 pts who received 2.0 µCi/kg/dose on Days 1 and 8 (ASH, 2017, Abstract 616). Although that dose resulted in a high respon...

64cu-DOTA-Anti-CD33 PET-CT Imaging for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Image-Guided Treatment
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/2747

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly aggressive form of leukemia that results a poor survival outcome. Currently, diagnosis and prognosis are based on invasive single-point bone marrow biopsies (iliac crest). Although non-invasive positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has been developed for almost all solid tumors and some hematological malignancies, there is currently no...

Cell Type-Specific Deregulation of Polypyrimidine Tract- Binding Proteins (PTBPs) Drive Aberrant Splicing in Multiple Myeloma (MM) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3895

Nov 21st, 2018 - Genome-wide transcriptome profiling detected an increased splicing alterations in MM and AML. While these malignancies are derived from different cell linages, their tumor cells acquire similar aberrant splicing (AbSp), mostly intron retentions. To delineate AbSp mechanism in MM/AML, we focused on PTBPs (1/2/3) that play a critical role in intron excision. We have previously reported deregulate...

Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Patients with Wild-Type Transthyretin and AL Cardiac Amyloidosis Confirmed By Mass Spectrometry
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3126

Nov 21st, 2018 - INTRODUCTION: Cardiac involvement is common in both wild-type transthyretin (wATTR) and AL amyloidosis and these entities can have overlapping clinical features (Banypersad et al, JAHA 2012). Accurate diagnosis is vital given differences in spectrum of disease, management, and prognosis. We examined the presenting clinical features and survival outcome of patients diagnosed with cardiac wATTR a...

Single Doses of Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) Targeted to CD117 or CD45 Have Potent In Vivo Anti-Leukemia Activity and Survival Benefit in Patient Derived AML Models
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3316

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background. Allogeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a potentially curative approach in patients with refractory or high risk hematologic malignancies, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Prior to transplant, patients are prepared with non-specific, high dose chemotherapy alone or in combination with total body irradiation, which are associated with early...

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) Shape the Leukemic Microenvironment
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/5428

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) compose a naturally occurring, heterogeneous group of membrane-bound, nano-sized particles shed by all cells. Depending on cellular type, physiological state, and mode of secretion some harbor potent regenerative properties while others have the propensity to induce disease. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived EVs harbor regenerative pot...

Systematic Review of Non-Conventional Dosing of Oral Anticancer Therapies in Malignant Haematology
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/5915

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction Survival outcomes for patients with lymphoid, myeloid and plasma cell malignancies, have improved with the use of oral small molecule inhibitory agents. Oral anti-cancer therapies are often administered continuously and can have significant side-effects, which can adversely impact adherence, quality of life (QoL) and survival outcomes. In order to improve tolerability, non-standard...

The Impact of a Physical Activity Intervention Can be Accurately Assessed By Smart Watches in Patients Completing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Lymphoma or Multiple Myeloma: Results of a...
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/5911

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Based on cohort studies and a limited number of prospective studies, physical activity (PA) can improve quality of life (QoL) in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), multiple myeloma (MM), and patients (pts) undergoing autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). There are also data to suggest that survival (Pophali et al, ASH 2017) is improved with increased PA in NHL pts. After ASCT, it is know...

Pegfilgrastim Versus Filgrastim in the Management of Therapy-Related Neutropenia in Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma in Treatment with Pomalidomide-Dexamethasone
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/5905

Nov 21st, 2018 - Aims: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of pegfilgrastim in patients affected by heavily pretreated MM, treated with pomalidomide-dexamethasone, in order to determine whether a single subcutaneous injection of pegfilgrastim is as effective as daily injections of standard filgrastim, in terms of haematological toxicity, febrile neutropenic episodes, antibiotic us...

Monitoring Minimal Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Using Genomic or cfDNA with MyMRD®, a Targeted NGS Panel
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/5268

Nov 21st, 2018 - Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous disorder. Precision therapies for AML have been developed that target specific driver mutations. The efficacies of these therapies are variable, making it critical to determine successful therapies prior to patient relapse. For patients achieving a first complete remission, minimum residual disease (MRD) is an import...

An Exploratory Study of Cytokine Markers of Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Hematological Malignancy
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/5914

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction. Cancer-related cognitive impairment is a distressing symptom that affects numerous patients after cancer therapy, including those treated for hematological malignancy. The lack of effective interventions has driven interest in determining underlying mechanisms. Accumulating evidence in the context of solid tumours suggests inflammatory processes are involved in the development of ...

A Twenty Years Epidemiology Study of 2nd Hematological Malignancies Post to the Initial Tumor Treatment: Report from Southern China Single Cancer Group
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/5903

Nov 21st, 2018 - Objective: To investigate the clinical features of 2nd hematological malignancies post to the initial cancer treatment. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed to analyze the available clinical data of 116 patients diagnosed with 2nd hematologic malignancies after treatment of various malignant tumors from June 1998 to June 2018 at Sun Yat-sen University cancer center. RESULTS: The charact...

Identification and Characterization of Potential Candidates for Treatment Targeting Apoptosis Pathways in Patients with Hematological Neoplasms
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/4098

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Resistance to apoptosis is one of the hallmarks in hematological neoplasms, most typically via dysregulation of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. The most important antiapoptotic/pro-survival proteins in this pathway are BCL2, BCL2L1 and MCL1. Molecules targeting each of these proteins are in various stages of preclinical and clinical development. The BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax is...

Natural History of Asymptomatic IgM Monoclonal Gammopathies: Impact of the Bone Marrow Aspiration into the Classification and Prognosis
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1610

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: As in multiple myeloma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is preceded by an asymptomatic phase, mainly as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or by a smoldering WM (SWM) phase. It has recently been reported that patients with IgM MGUS have a higher risk of progression in comparison to those with other MGUS isotypes. Moreover, it has been described that if th...

Targeting the Glyco-Antigen CD75s with the Tetravalent, Fc-Engineered Antibody 'Ebu-141 Tetra' Induces Potent Killing of B Cell Lymphoma and Plasma Cell Tumors
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/4178

Nov 21st, 2018 - While monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) are already well established for the treatment of B cell-derived malignancies and usually show a good safety profile, not all patients benefit and relapses may be a problem. In order to identify novel surface structures suitable for antibody-based therapies and to improve killing mechanisms, 'EBU-141 Tetra' was developed. The parental MoAb EBU-141 is of mouse ...

A New Prognostic Index for Waldenström Macroglobulinemia Based on a Multicenter Retrospective Study of the Japanese Society of Myeloma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/5320

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: We recently reported that the International Prognostic Scoring System for Waldenström macroglobulinemia (ISSWM), which is widely used to predict the prognosis of WM patients, might not be applicable to Japanese patients, and evidence of pleural effusion might be a novel adverse prognostic factor for symptomatic WM in the rituximab era. Further studies with a large number of patients...

Evaluation of T Cell and Monocyte Immune Subsets in the Stem Cell Product of Patients Developing Engraftment Syndrome Following Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma and Lymphoma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/4604

Nov 21st, 2018 - BACKGROUND: High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is now standard of care for newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and is used for some forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, providing improved outcomes. ASCT has been associated with a high incidence of engraftment syndrome (ES), which clinically presents as skin rashes, diarrhea, non-infectious f...

Efficacy of a New Small-Molecule Inhibitor of Histone Deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) in Preclinical Models of B-Cell Lymphoma and Acute Myeloid Leukemia
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/5383

Nov 21st, 2018 - Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is a protein modifier that is an increasingly attractive pharmacological target. Interestingly, the observation that the HDAC6 knock-out mouse is not lethal, in contrast to those undergoing complete loss of class I, II and III HDACs, suggests that specific HDAC6 inhibitors may be better tolerated than pan-HDAC inhibitors or drugs that target the other HDAC classes....

SLAMF7 in Primary Effusion Lymphoma, Target for Individualized Therapy?
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/5300

Nov 21st, 2018 - Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare, aggressive form of B-cell lymphoma. With a median survival time of around six months the prognosis for PEL patients is poor. Therefore, there is a medical need for novel therapeutic strategies. We performed expression array analysis to find potential targets for antibody-based therapy. Unsupervised clustering analysis revealed that PEL cell lines group...

Frequency of Acquired Genetic Mutations and Their Prognostic Impact on Patients with Incidental Finding of Isolated 20q- in Bone Marrow without Morphologic Evidence of a Myeloid Neoplasm
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/4382

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are heterogeneous myeloid disorders characterized by dysplasia in one or more hematopoietic cell lines, peripheral cytopenia(s), and distinct cytogenetic abnormalities. The presence of certain cytogenetic abnormalities [e.g. 7/del(7q), -5/del(5q), 13/del(13q), i(17p)], in the setting of unexplained persistent cytopenia, has been considered presumptiv...

Bion-1301 Blocks APRIL-Induced Anti-Apoptotic Signaling, Immune Suppressive Phenotype, and Chemokine Production Associated with Multiple Myeloma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1908

Nov 21st, 2018 - A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) is produced by multiple accessory and myeloid cells in the bone marrow niche. Through binding to its receptors B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI), APRIL plays an important role in the development and maintenance of cells derived from the B cell lineage. Both APRIL and its receptors have been identified ...

Solid Tumors in Post-Polycythemia Vera and Post-Essential Thrombocythemia Myelofibrosis: A Study on 2220 Patients
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3039

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) are myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) that can progress to post-PV (PPV) myelofibrosis (MF) and post-ET (PET) MF, from now on referred to as secondary myelofibrosis (SMF). Recent studies have shown an increased risk of developing solid tumors (ST) in MPN patients in comparison to the general population. Information on develo...

18f-FDG PET/CT and the Revised International Staging System Are More Discriminating of Survival Outcomes in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/4483

Nov 21st, 2018 - Purpose : This study evaluated the prognostic role of 18F-FDG PET/CT at baseline in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloa (MM) and evaluated the prognostic relevance of 18F-FDG PET/CT for each stage according to the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS). Method: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 167 patients with newly diagnosed MM. 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed prior to ...

A Phase 2 Study of Carfilzomib Plus Elotuzumab Plus Dexamethasone for Myeloma Patients Relapsed after 1-3 Prior Treatment Lines
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1975

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: The median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of multiple myeloma (MM) patients have been prolonged due to novel agents combined with ASCT but the median OS in MM is still 7-8 years. Thus, the feasibility of new combinations and dosing of available agents must be investigated. The first proteasome inhibitor (PI), bortezomib (B), combined with elotuzumab and ...

Carfilzomib Cardiovascular Disease: Use of the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Score to Predict Cardiovascular Events in Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated with Carfilzomib
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3254

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: In the ASPIRE and ENDEAVOR trials, multiple myeloma (MM) patients treated with carfilzomib (K) had significantly improved progression‐free survival and overall survival compared with standard of care. The incidence of all-grade adverse cardiovascular events (ACVE) was 26.6% and 24.5% in the K treated groups in ASPIRE and ENDEAVOR respectively. The atherosclerotic cardiovascular di...

A Phase II Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Lenalidomide, Subcutaneous Bortezomib and Dexamethasone (RVD) Combination Therapy for Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: Promising Activi...
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1981

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: Patients (pts) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) are commonly treated with the standard of care combination of lenalidomide (Len), bortezomib (Bz), and dexamethasone (Dex), also known as RVD. A recent randomized phase 3 study found that the addition of Bz to Len and Dex significantly increased median overall and progression free survival as well as response rate (Durie et...

A Rapid Functional Screen for Small Molecule and Monoclonal Antibody Drug Sensitivity in Multiple Myeloma Patients
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3203

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: The oncogenic drivers and progression factors in multiple myeloma (MM) are heterogeneous and difficult to target therapeutically. As a result, personalized medicine approaches have not yet been realized. However, clinical availability of numerous anti-myeloma drugs and readily obtainable bone marrow (BM) aspirates raises the possibility to benefit patients by profiling the drug sens...

A Role for Syntenin-1 in Multiple Myeloma Cell Survival
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1008

Nov 21st, 2018 - Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematological malignancy in the U.S. with an estimated 30,700 new diagnoses in 2018. It is a clonal disease of plasma cells that, despite recent therapeutic advances, remains incurable. Myeloma cells retain numerous characteristics of normal plasma cells including reliance on survival signals in the bone marrow for long term viability. However, maligna...

A Single-Cell Transcriptional Analysis of Tumour Cells and the Immune Microenvironment during Disease Evolution in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Myeloma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/56

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is consistently preceded by pre-malignant asymptomatic monoclonal gammopathies (AMG). To date, our understanding of the pathogenesis of progression to MM remains incomplete. Genetic analyses of AMG cells compared to MM-derived plasma cells (PCs) have found few differences, suggesting that progression may be mediated in part by tumour-extrinsic mechanisms. To ...

Carfilzomib-Lenalidomide-Dexamethasone Versus Bortezomib-Lenalidomide-Dexamethasone in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: Results from the Prospective, Longitudinal, Observational Comm...
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/799

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: Triplet regimens incorporating a proteasome inhibitor and immunomodulatory drug are standards of care for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). The combinations of carfilzomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (KRd) and bortezomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (VRd) are recommended regimens for the treatment of NDMM by the National Comprehensive Care Networ...

Long-Lasting Remissions for Myeloma Patients on Daratumumab Therapy from the GEN501 and GEN503 Trials
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3308

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction The first two trials to test the activity of daratumumab (DARA) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) were GEN501 (DARA monotherapy) and GEN503 (DARA in combination with lenalidomide [LEN] and dexamethasone [DEX]). GEN501 enrolled 104 participants from 2008 and GEN503 enrolled 45 participants from 2012. GEN501 has been completed; GEN503 is active but has finished accrual. We...

Activating KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF Mutants Enhance Proteasome Capacity and Reduce Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Multiple Myeloma, Thereby Promoting Plasma Cell Survival and Proteasome Inhibitor Resi...
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/406

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: Multiple myeloma, a malignant proliferation of differentiated plasma cells, is the second most commonly diagnosed hematologic malignancy, and the number of cases may grow by almost 60% between 2010 and 2030. Recent therapeutic advances, including the use of proteasome inhibitors (PIs), have contributed to a doubling of the median overall survival in myeloma patients. This has been...

Long-Term Follow-up Identifies Double Hit and Key Mutations As Impacting Progression Free and Overall Survival in Multiple Myeloma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/110

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: The study of multiple myeloma (MM) genomics has identified many abnormalities that are associated with poor progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Copy number abnormalities have been extensively studied in many datasets with long follow-up, however, the prognostic impact of mutations have not been extensively studied and available datasets have generally had a ...

Addition of Ixazomib to an Rd Backbone Improves Clinical Benefit in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM) Patients (Pts) with Non-Canonical NF-KB Activation — Results from the Tourmaline-MM1 ...
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/473

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background Ixazomib, the first oral proteasome inhibitor, is approved in combination with lenalidomide-dexamethasone (Rd) for pts with MM who have received at least 1 prior therapy. Approval was based on the phase 3 TOURMALINE-MM1 study (NCT01564537), in which ixazomib showed a consistent progression-free survival (PFS) benefit in combination with Rd (IRd) in the ITT population as well as in pr...

Long-Term Survivorship with Active Multiple Myeloma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1912

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background The survival of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has improved significantly over the past two decades with the introduction of novel treatment agents. However, MM is still largely considered an incurable malignancy with a relapsing-remitting course. A follow-up of at least 10 years from active disease is required to determine whether a plateau in progression-free survival has been...

CD38 Specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor KHYG-1 Natural Killer Cells: A Potential "Off the Shelf" Therapy for Multiple Myeloma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3261

Nov 21st, 2018 - Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) are engineered transmembrane proteins consisting of an antibody-derived antigen recognition domain linked to intracellular cell signaling domains. CAR engineered autologous T cells have been successful in the treatment of a variety of hematologic malignancies. However, several major caveats, including lack of universal donors, long manufacturing times, and abse...

AL Amyloidosis — Pathogenesis and Prognosis Are Determined By the Amyloidogenic Potential of the Light Chain and the Molecular Characteristics of Malignant Plasma Cells
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/187

Nov 21st, 2018 - INTRODUCTION. Systemic light chain amyloidosis (AL) is caused by accumulation of plasma cells producing misfolded monoclonal light chains depositing as amyloid fibrils in different organs, most frequently heart and kidney. AIM of our study is first assessing the molecular characteristics of malignant plasma cells from AL-patients in relation to those from MGUS, asymptomatic, and symptomatic mye...

CD38-Deficient, CD16-Engineered NK Cells Exhibit Enhanced Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity without NK Cell Fratricide to Augment Anti-Myeloma Immunity in Combination with Daratumumab
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3224

Nov 21st, 2018 - Daratumumab targets the cell surface protein CD38 and is the only FDA approved monoclonal antibody that has demonstrated single agent efficacy in relapsed refractory myeloma. CD38 is broadly expressed in the immune system, and its high expression on multiple myeloma cells allows for effective targeting by daratumumab. Daratumumab induces myeloma cell death through multiple mechanisms, including...

Evaluation of Re-Intensification of Daratumumab to Weekly or Biweekly Dosing Schedule
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/2024

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a hematologic cancer caused by malignant plasma cells. Daratumumab is an immunoglobin G1 kappa human monoclonal antibody that targets CD38 antigen which is a cell surface glycoprotein highly expressed on myeloma cells. Daratumumab is FDA approved as monotherapy and in combination with dexamethasone and lenalidomide, bortezomib or pomalidomide in relapsed/r...

Lyra: A Phase 2 Study of Daratumumab (Dara) Plus Cyclophosphamide, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone (Cybord) in Newly Diagnosed and Relapsed Patients (Pts) with Multiple Myeloma (MM)
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/152

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Dara, a human IgGκ monoclonal antibody that targets CD38, is approved in combination with bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone (VMP) for the treatment of newly diagnosed (ND) MM. CyBorD is another commonly used immunomodulatory drug-sparing regimen for MM. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of dara-CyBorD and administered the first dara infusion as a split dose over 2 days in pts...

Altering Glycosphingolipid Composition to Improve Multiple Myeloma Bone Complication
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1942

Nov 21st, 2018 - Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable cancer of plasma cells (PC), with a median survival of 5-7 years. Osteolytic bone disease and skeletal complications occur in more than 80% of MM patients and significantly contribute to the morbidity and mortality of these patients. Glycosphingolipid (GSL), an essential constituent of the outer leaflet of the cellular membrane, is altered in MM and other h...

Evaluation of the Revised International Staging System in 400 Patients with Symptomatic Myeloma in a Japanese Clinical Setting
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/4477

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background:In 2015, the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) developed the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS), which combined the ISS with the status of high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (CAs) and serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase to identify three multiple myeloma (MM) entities with clearly different outcomes. However, although MM tends to affect older adults, the origina...

An Acquired High-Risk Chromosome Instability Phenotype in Multiple Myeloma: Jumping 1q Syndrome
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/4489

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction Chromosome instability (CIN) is a driver of copy number aberrations (CNAs) in cancer, and is a major factor leading to tumor heterogeneity and resistance to therapy. By definition, CIN is an increased rate or ongoing acquisition and accumulation of CNAs and not simply the existence of structurally and numerically abnormal aneuploid clones. In multiple myeloma (MM), the most common ...

Maintenance with Carfilzomib Following Carfilzomib, Cyclophosphamide and Dexamethasone at First Relapse or Primary Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM) on the Phase 2 Muk Five Study: Effect on Minimal ...
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/802

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background The benefit of single agent maintenance is largely established from studies in newly diagnosed patients, while extended therapy combination regimens are more commonly used in relapsed disease. Extended therapy on combination protocols may be limited by tolerability and safety, as well as patient compliance. Fixed duration combination treatment followed by single agent maintenance may...

Characterising the Immunological Microenvironment in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Bone Marrow By Time of Flight Cytometry Reveals Abnormalities in Antigen Presenting and Effector Lymphocyte Pop...
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/58

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background Loss of immune surveillance is thought to contribute to disease progression and treatment resistance in a range of malignancies including multiple myeloma (MM). Understanding the degree and pattern of immunological abnormality present within the bone marrow microenvironment at the time of MM diagnosis is vital if we are to utilize emerging immunological therapeutic strategies success...

Analysis of the Multiple Myeloma HLA Peptidome Identifies a Naturally Presented Bcma-Derived Peptide As an Immunogenic T-Cell Epitope for Immunotherapeutic Approaches
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3173

Nov 21st, 2018 - The B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is selectively expressed by cells of the B-lineage, including multiple myeloma (MM) cells, and constitutes a promising target for immunotherapeutic approaches. At present, BCMA is being evaluated as target for immunotherapeutic approaches, such as CAR T cells and bispecific antibodies, which have demonstrated promising results in phase I clinical trials. The...

APRIL Is Significantly Elevated at All Stages of Multiple Myeloma (MM) and Interferes with Anti-Bcma Monoclonal Antibody-Mediated Cytolysis, Supporting the Clinical Evaluation of Bion-1301 As a Nov...
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3209

Nov 21st, 2018 - A proliferation inducing ligand (APRIL) is a natural ligand with higher affinity than BAFF for both B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI), which are overexpressed on multiple myeloma (MM) cells. APRIL, which is abundantly secreted by myeloma-supporting osteoclasts and macrophages, promotes MM cell progression in vivo and further induces regulato...

Maximizing Pre-Transplant Response Is Associated with Improved Outcome for Myeloma Patients: Exploratory Analysis of the Myeloma XI Trial
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3280

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: The depth of response both pre- and post- autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) has been shown to correlate with clinical outcome for myeloma patients. Maximizing response can be achieved by modifying therapy either at induction, transplant, consolidation or during maintenance. In this work we explore the role of pre-transplant induction therapy in the UK NCRI Myeloma XI clinical t...

MCL-1 Inhibition Is Highly Effective Against Multiple Myeloma Cells from Poor Prognosis Patients
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1916

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: Despite recent advances in treatment, multiple myeloma (MM) is still considered incurable. Several novel therapies with different mechanisms of action are currently being studied for use in MM. These include targeted therapies such as pathway inhibitors and BCL-2 homology domain 3 (BH3) mimetics. BH3-mimetics overcome apoptosis resistance by binding and inhibiting select pro-survi...

MCRN¯003/MYX·1: A Single Arm Phase II Study of High-Dose Weekly Carfilzomib Plus Cyclophosphamide and Dexamethasone in the Treatment of Relapsed Multiple Myeloma after 1-3 Prior Therapies
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1984

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Carfilzomib, a second generation proteosome inhibitor, is effective in the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Recent phase II and phase III trials have demonstrated the efficacy of weekly dosing strategies. The aim of this study was to examine high dose once weekly carfilzomib in combination with weekly dexamethasone and low dose weekly cyclophosphamide (w...

FDA Analysis of Outcomes in Older Adults with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3287

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a disease of older adults with a median age of onset of 70 years. Approximately 20% of the incident cases are diagnosed in patients 85 years and older. There is significant heterogeneity among older adults with regards to the tolerability of myeloma directed therapy. In newly diagnosed transplant ineligible patients with MM, available evidence indicates that...

Baseline and on-Treatment Bone Marrow Microenvironments Predict Myeloma Patient Outcomes and Inform Potential Intervention Strategies
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1882

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction The multiple myeloma (MM) tumor microenvironment (TME) strongly influences patient outcomes as evidenced by the success of immunomodulatory therapies. To develop precision immunotherapeutic approaches, it is essential to identify and enumerate TME cell types and understand their dynamics. Methods We estimated the population of immune and other non-tumor cell types during the course...

Clinical Responses and Pharmacokinetics of MCARH171, a Human-Derived Bcma Targeted CAR T Cell Therapy in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Final Results of a Phase I Clinical Trial
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/959

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: BCMA targeted CAR T cell therapy has shown promising results in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Herein, we report on the safety and efficacy of MCARH171, a second generation, human derived BCMA targeted autologous 4-1BB containing CAR T cell therapy, including a truncated epidermal growth factor receptor safety system (Smith EL. Mol Ther 2018). Methods: Th...

Metabolomic Profiling of Serum from Myeloma and MGUS Patients - a Novel Strategy to Identify Potential Biomarkers of Myeloma Development and Progression
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1891

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: Drivers that underlie the progression of MGUS (Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) to multiple myeloma are yet largely unknown. Because of the vast number of potential players, these drivers may not necessarily aimed to transform plasma cell or the bone marrow niche, but rather remodel a supporting microenvironment. Metabolic alterations have been linked to cancer ...

Fully Human Bcma Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Administered in a Defined Composition Demonstrate Potency at Low Doses in Advanced Stage High Risk Multiple Myeloma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1011

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Despite advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) almost all patients relapse and high risk features continue to portend a short median survival. The adoptive transfer of B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells is demonstrating early promise in MM, but the durability of response has not been established. The infusion of genetically modified ...

Functional Analysis of HDAC11 in Plasma Cell Development and Multiple Myeloma Survival
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3223

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are potential novel therapeutic targets for multiple myeloma (MM) treatment. A pan-HDAC inhibitor (HDI) panobinostat was approved by the FDA in 2015 to treat relapsed/refractory MM patients, and several other HDIs are currently in different phases of clinical trials. However, unfavorable side-effects of the non-selective HDIs necessitate further dissecti...

Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Analysis Using Multiparametric Flow Cytometry (MFC) and Identification of Differences in Subpopulations Using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in the Bone Marrow (BM)...
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3222

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: MM is characterized by the accumulation of aberrant BM plasma cells (aPCs). The use of novel agents for anti-MM treatment has enabled the achievement of deeper responses and prolonged progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). These advances have created the need for sensitive means to detect residual PCs. MFC allows aPC detection with high sensitivity and is used ...

Functional Cure, Defined As PFS of More Than 7 Years, Is Achieved in 9% of Myeloma Patients in the Era of Conventional Chemotherapy and of First-Generation Novel Anti-Myeloma Agents; A Single-Cente...
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1968

Nov 21st, 2018 - Advances in the management of multiple myeloma (MM) led to a significant prolongation of overall survival (OS), mainly of the younger patients; almost 10% of them experience more than 10-year OS. Although long progression-free survival (PFS) correlates with extended OS, there is very limited information for the characteristics of patients who manage to be progression-free for a long period afte...

Molecular Characterization By Immune Profiling of Paired Blood and Bone Marrow in Multiple Myeloma and Its Precursor States
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/4461

Nov 21st, 2018 - INTRODUCTION: Progression from precursor states, MGUS and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), to multiple myeloma (MM) is dependent upon adaptive and innate immune contexture shaped by cross-talk between malignant plasma cells and bone marrow (BM) milieu. The complexity and heterogeneity of interactions between the immune system and plasma cells in BM triggers alterations in peripheral blood (PB...

Preclinical Validation Studies Support Causal Machine Learning Based Identification of Novel Drug Targets for High-Risk Multiple Myeloma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3210

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction Regardless of significant advances in the therapy of multiple myeloma (MM) there is still a lack of effective treatment options for patients with high-risk disease. In this context, we recently developed a network of high-risk disease based on more than 30 000 genomic and clinical variables from 645 patients of the CoMMpass dataset (Gruber et al., ASH 2016). Validation of these fin...

Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance - Patient Characteristics and Referral Patterns
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/4496

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a prevalent hematological condition among elderly population with incidence rates of 3% and 5% over the age of 50 and 70 years, respectively (Kyle et al., 2018). It is considered a premalignant state of multiple myeloma with a risk of progression of 1% per year. It has also been shown that MGUS patients have a shorter sur...

Comprehensive Multi-Omics Analysis of Gene Fusions in a Large Multiple Myeloma Cohort
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1898

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: Gene fusions are the result of genomic rearrangements that create hybrid protein products or bring the regulatory elements of one gene into close proximity of another. Fusions often dysregulate gene function or expression through oncogene overexpression or tumor suppressor underexpression (Gao, Liang, Foltz, et al. Cell Rep 2018). Some fusions such as EML4--ALK in lung adenocarcin...

Genomic Abnormalities Among African Individuals with Monoclonal Gammopathies Using Calculated Ancestry
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/4458

Nov 21st, 2018 - Monoclonal gammopathies, including multiple myeloma (MM), represent a group of plasma cell (PC) disorders that comprise of mostly incurable hematopoietic malignancies with an increasing incidence in the US. Previous epidemiological studies demonstrated a 2-3 fold higher incidence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and a similarly higher incidence of MM along with a ~4-...

Preliminary Analysis of the Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group (ALLG) MM17 Trial: Response Adaptive Salvage Treatment with Carfilzomib-Thalidomide-Dexamethasone (KTd) for Newly Diagnosed Tra...
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3279

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background Data from the Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry (MRDR) shows that 85% of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients (pts) in ANZ are induced with bortezomib(V)-containing therapies, predominantly triplets of V-cyclophosphamide-dexamethasone (VCD). Of these, 15% demonstrate treatment failure - either a sub-optimal response (

CRISPR Activation Screen for Drivers of MM Cell Proliferation
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3197

Nov 21st, 2018 - CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing has become a powerful tool for loss-of-function (LOF) studies and has allowed us to systematically interrogate the function of genes regulating the survival and proliferation of multiple myeloma (MM) cells in vitro, in vivo and in the context of treatment resistance (e.g. De Matos Simoes et al., Shirasaki et al., and Gandolfi et al. ASH 2017). We reasoned, however...

Preliminary Results from a Phase I Study of Isatuximab (ISA) in Combination with Bortezomib, Lenalidomide, Dexamethasone (VRd), and in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM) Non-Elig...
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/595

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Isatuximab (ISA) is an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody with multiple modes of action for killing tumor cells via direct tumor targeting and immune cell engagement. ISA, combined with bortezomib, has demonstrated strong potentiation in a multiple myeloma (MM) xenograft model (Clin Cancer Res 2014:20:4754). This supported evaluation of ISA with bortezomib combinations in pts with newly ...

Multidimensional Immunophenotyping Identifies Hallmarks of Systemic Light-Chain Amyloidosis (AL) and Maps the Disease in the Crossroad between MGUS and Multiple Myeloma (MM)
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3170

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Since survival in AL mainly depends on the extent of organ involvement of patients at presentation, early diagnosis and risk stratification are key to improve patients' outcome. Therefore, together with surrogates of organ involvement, biomarkers identifying patients with MGUS or MM at greater risk of developing AL would be highly valuable to prevent organ damage, to maximize therap...

CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated CD45 Knockout Inactivates Src Family Kinases and Impairs Cell Migration in Multiple Myeloma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1907

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy that manifests continuous cell dissemination to multiple bone marrow (BM) niches and extramedullary (EM) sites. However, the molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain elusive. CD45, a receptor tyrosine phosphatase, is an important regulator for T-cell and B-cell signaling pathways. In MM, the loss of CD45 expression has bee...

Global 3D-Epigenetic Dysregulation of Cyclin D1 and D2 Actively Controls Their Expression Pattern in Multiple Myeloma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3904

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the over-expression of D-cyclin genes and the expression is tightly linked to cytogenetic subgroups. For instance, overexpression of CCND1 in the t(11;14) and CCND3 in the t(6;14) is direct through IgH super-enhancer translocation, and CCND2 overexpression in t(4;14), t(14;16) and t(14;20) indirectly, presumably as a result of transcriptio...

Critical Role for Apobec and Its Interacting Partners in Mediating Mutations and Cell Growth in Multiple Myeloma (MM)
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/4462

Nov 21st, 2018 - The APOBEC family of cytidine deaminases include AID (activity induced deaminase) and 10 related APOBEC enzymes (A1,A2,A3A,A3B,A3C,A3D,A3F,A3G,A3H and A4). AID is well studied for its role in somatic hyper mutation and class switch recombination of immunoglobulin genes. APOBECs (apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like) have been shown to have roles in mRNA editing and i...

Graded Cardiac Response Correlates with Relapse and Survival in AL Amyloidosis
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/4486

Nov 21st, 2018 - Seventy percent of all patients with light chain amyloidosis (AL) have cardiac involvement, and most of those patients ultimately die from complications related to their heart disease. While consensus guidelines outline criteria for grading hematologic response to chemotherapy for AL, there are no currently validated criteria for grading cardiac response to therapy. Recently, Muchtar et al. cre...

Cybord-Dara Is a Highly Effective Upfront Treatment for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma. Initial Efficacy Results of the 16-Bcni-001/Ctrial-IE (ICORG) 16-02 Study
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3242

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: Daratumumab (DARA), a human IgG1k monoclonal antibody with single activity in multiple myeloma (MM) shows strong synergy in combination with other anti-MM agents, including immunomodulatory drug (IMiDs) and proteasome inhibitors (PI). This has led to the exploration of DARA in combination with front line regimens. Triplets including a PI and an IMiD are considered an ideal backbon...

HDP101, a Novel B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA)-Targeted Antibody Conjugated to α-Amanitin, Is Active Against Myeloma with Preferential Efficacy Against Pre-Clinical Models of Deletion 17p
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/593

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Deletion (del) of 17p involving the p53 tumor suppressor (TP53) remains an adverse prognostic factor in multiple myeloma (MM) despite the use of novel agents as well as high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue. Genomic TP53 deletion can cause haploinsufficiency of nearby genes, such as RNA polymerase II subunit A (POLR2A), which ia also located on 17p13.1. We therefor...

Cyclophosphamide, Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone Significantly Improves Response over Poma/Dex in Relapsed/Refractory Myeloma Patients Previously Treated with Cyclophosphamide Combination Therapy -...
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3274

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background and aims Treatment of relapsed/refractory myeloma (RRMM) remains a challenge as most approved and commonly accessible doublet treatments induce responses (≥PR) in less than half of patients. The combination of the classical alkylator cyclophosphamide with thalidomide (CTD) or lenalidomide (CRD) is standard of care in early lines of therapy in the UK and elsewhere. Data on the clinica...

Myeloma Patient-Derived MCL1 Point Mutations Can Influence MCL1-Inhibitor Function
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/951

Nov 21st, 2018 - Multiple myeloma is a malignancy of long-lived plasma cells of the bone marrow that is rarely curable. Thus, despite recent advances in the development of new therapies, additional approaches are required. We investigated potential molecular vulnerabilities in the BCL2 family. Using the MMRF CoMMpass (NCT0145429) study (IA13), we determined the frequency of nonsynonymous coding mutations in the...

Hematogenous Extramedullary Relapse in Multiple Myeloma - A Multicenter Retrospective Study in 127 Patients
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/2004

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Hematogenous extramedullary multiple myeloma (HEMM), though rare, is mainly observed in MM patients at relapse. The current study assesses the characteristics and outcomes of patients with MM who develop HEMM in the novel agent era. Methods: Consecutive patients, treated in 16 participating centers and diagnosed with HEMM, were included. Patient characteristics at diagnosis and at H...

Deciphering Clonal Evolution and Dissemination of Multiple Myeloma Cells In Vivo
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/55

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a genetically complex and evolutionary process with well defined precursor states, which offer a unique opportunity to study the sequential evolution of the disease. A small number of detectable pre-malignant clones are present in early stage and continue to acquire more genomic abnormalities leading to overt disease. The interaction between cancer cells a...

Progression Free Survival below 12 Months Following Stem Cell Transplant Is a Hallmark of High-Risk Myeloma Which Is Associated with Inferior Overall Survival — Data from the Ukmrc Myeloma XI Trial
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/122

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction Multi-agent induction chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is a standard of care for younger patients with multiple myeloma, aimed at maximising the depth and duration of first response (PFS1). However, the duration of PFS1 is variable between patients. Improved understanding of how to identify high risk patients who relapse early and the ability to desig...

High Levels of APOBEC3B Gene Expression Contribute to Poor Prognosis in Multiple Myeloma Patients
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3897

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: Poor prognosis and drug resistance in multiple myeloma (MM) is associated with increased mutational load. APOBEC3B is a major contributor to mutagenesis, especially in myeloma patients with t(14;16) MAF subgroup. It was shown recently that presence of the APOBEC signature at diagnosis is an independent prognostic factor for progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)...

Deep Immunoprofiling of the Bone Marrow Microenvironmental Changes Underlying the Multistep Progression of Multiple Myeloma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/243

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction The multistep progression of multiple myeloma from a normal plasma cell to a system with the features of invasive cancer provides a unique opportunity to understand the co-evolution of the malignant clone within its microenvironment. Understanding these changes is becoming increasingly important as we attempt to design early intervention strategies and to precisely leverage emergin...

Proliferation and Molecular Risk Score of Low Risk Myeloma Cells Are Increased in High Risk Microenvironment Via Augmented Bioavailability of Growth Factors
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1929

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) cells from patients with smoldering MM (SMM) and low-risk (LR) MM harbor genetic alterations typically seen in patients with high-risk (HR) disease. To test whether the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment plays a role in controlling growth of LR MM cells, we established an experimental model that mimics a HR microenvironment by co-culturing normal mesenchymal s...

Next-Generation Sequencing-Based Assay Shows High Clonal Characterization Success Rate for Plasma Cell Neoplasms, and Concordance with Flow Cytometry in Minimal Residual Disease Detection
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/4475

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction After therapy or stem cell transplantation, multiple myeloma patients achieving complete response (CR) or stringent complete response (sCR) can still have a significant risk of disease relapse, illustrating the importance of using highly sensitive methods for minimal residual disease (MRD) detection and prognostication. Two techniques used clinically for MRD detection include multi...

Development and Evaluation of CART Targeting Bcma with Humanized Alpaca-Derived Single-Domain Antibody As Antigen Recognition Domain
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1976

Nov 21st, 2018 - Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CART) targeting CD19 have shown substantial activity against leukemia and lymphoma, which motivated developing CART cell therapy for Multiple myeloma (MM). B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is the target molecule in MM. Several kinds of CART targeting BCMA have been created from 2016. Among these, the Bluebird Bio uses the humanized murine BCMA scFv to make CAR...

Identification of Specificity Groups in Myeloma Patients T Cell Receptor (TCR) Repertoire through Single Cell TCR Sequencing
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/4459

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: A renewed interest in immune and cellular based therapeutics in multiple myeloma was recently fueled by the development of CD38 targeting monoclonal antibodies as well as the introduction of engineered CAR-T cells. Daratumumab treatment in myeloma patients was demonstrated to expand clonal CD8+T cells and T cell clonality was correlated with the depth of response consistent with a d...

Novel Combination Therapy Targeting rDNA Transcription and Histone Deacetylation Provides Effective Treatment for Multiple Myeloma, and Synergises in Bortezomib-Resistant MM
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/1945

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) requires combination drug therapies to delay acquired drug resistance and clinical relapse. We co-developed CX-5461, a highly-selective inhibitor of RNA polymerase I-mediated rDNA transcription(1), currently in phase I trials for relapsed haematological malignancies (Peter Mac). CX-5461 produces a targeted nucleolar DNA damage response (DDR), triggering both a ...

Quantitative Integrative Prediction of Survival Probability in Multiple Myeloma Using Molecular and Clinical Prognostic Factors in 657 Patients Treated with Bortezomib-Based Induction, High-Dose Th...
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/403

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background Survival in multiple myeloma ranges from months to decades and the majority of patients remain incurable with current treatment approaches. Given this high variability, it would be clinically very useful to quantitatively predict survival on a continuous scale. Current risk prediction models attribute patients to 2-3 groups, i.e. high, intermediate, and low risk. Group size and survi...

Immune Mediated Mechanisms of Resistance to Daratumumab
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3201

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: Daratumumab (Dara) is a human monoclonal antibody targeting the highly expressed multiple myeloma (MM) surface receptor CD38, with significant activity in relapsed MM. However, resistance to Dara develops in virtually all patients (pts). Thus, in order to maximize its clinical activity and prevent resistance, it is imperative to understand why pts stop responding. Our group recent...

Real World Analysis of the Incidence and Impact of Hypertension and Cardiac Toxicity Associated with Carfilzomib for Patients with Multiple Myeloma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3255

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Carfilzomib (CFZ) is a potent, irreversible proteasome inhibitor (PI) licenced in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) demonstrating improved progression free and overall survival (OS) to standard of care therapies. However, CFZ is also associated with hypertension (HTN) and rarely cardiac toxicity. The exact mechanism is unclear but may be due to a disturbance of endothelial nitric ...

Real World Data on the Efficacy and Safety of Daratumumab in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Data Collected from the Hungarian Hematology Centers
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3257

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Daratumumab is one of the most effective new myeloma drugs recently approved for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM), first in monotherapy in heavily pretreated patients, later in triplet combinations from first relapse, based on the results of the SIRIUS, POLLUX and CASTOR trials that showed good tolerability and high effectivity of daratumumab both in monotherapy and combine...

Durable Remission Achieved from Bcma-Directed CAR-T Therapy Against Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/956

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Promising results are seen from several early phase clinical trials on the cellular immunotherapy based on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T (CAR-T) targeting B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) for the treatment of relapsed/refractory (RR) multiple myeloma (MM). We developed an anti-BCMA CAR-T cell product manufactured via gamma-retrovirus-mediated transduction of activated...

Immunoglobulin Lambda Translocations Identify Poor Outcome and IMiD Resistance in Multiple Myeloma and Co-Occur with Hyperdiploidy
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/405

Nov 21st, 2018 - Patients with the plasma cell malignancy multiple myeloma now benefit from treatments such as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs), autologous stem cell transplant, and monoclonal antibodies. However, 20% of patients still relapse or die within two years and are deemed 'high risk'. Current markers fail to identify all high-risk patients resulting in misdiagnoses, therefor...

Real-World Outcomes with Bortezomib-Containing Regimens and Lenalidomide Plus Dexamethasone for the Treatment of Transplant Ineligible MM Patients: A Multi-Institutional Report from the National My...
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/2008

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: Bortezomib-containing regimens (BCRs) have been the standard frontline approach for the treatment of transplant ineligible multiple myeloma (TIMM) patients in Canada for many years. Based on recent randomized clinical trial results lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Ld) has become another provincially funded option in Canada in the same therapeutic space. We aimed to compare the effe...

Outcome of Soft-Tissue Plasmocytomas in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated with New Drugs
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3235

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction Multiple myeloma (MM) can be associated with paraskeletal (PP) or extramedullary (EMP) plasmocytomas (PL). Although PLs are relatively frequent, even at diagnosis, our knowledge on the subject mainly relies on small case series or single center experiences. Remarkably, little is known regarding the role of new drugs on MM with PL. Aim To perform a meta-analysis of 8 EMN-GIMEMA stud...

E2F1 Is a Biomarker of Selinexor Resistance in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Patients
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3216

Nov 21st, 2018 - Selinexor (KPT-330) is a selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) which specifically targets XPO1 (Exportin 1)-mediated nuclear export, leading to increased nuclear retention of major tumor suppressor proteins and inducing selective apoptosis in cancer cells. Several phase I and II clinical trials demonstrate evidence of anti-cancer activity of Selinexor in solid tumors (i.e metastatic pros...

Outcomes of Black Patients with Multiple Myeloma in the Veterans Health Administration
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/840

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is the most common hematologic malignancy in blacks with more than twice the incidence of non-black populations in national registry data. Prior studies have shown that blacks present with MM at an earlier age and have improved survival compared to non-blacks, contrary to the pattern in most malignancies. These findings have been theorized due to the effects of...

Early Serum Free Light Chain (SFLC) Kinetics Is Highly Predictive of Renal Response in Carfilzomib/ Dexamethasone (Cfz/Dex) in Myeloma (MM) Patients with Renal Impairment (RI) — Interim Analysis of...
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3283

Nov 21st, 2018 - BACKGROUND & METHODS Cfz/Dex is a standard of care in relapsed MM, and renal impairment is a poor prognostic factor. The ALLG MM16 trial was initiated to assess the feasibility of treating patients (pts) who have significant RI (eGFR 15 - 40 ml/min) with Cfz/Dex, and to determine whether an early reduction in serum free light chains (SFLC), with a short half-life, could predict renal outcome. A...

Impact of Early Progression on Long Term Outcomes Among Myeloma Patients Receiving Lenalidomide, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone (RVD) Induction Therapy
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3302

Nov 21st, 2018 - Background: The incorporation of modern day induction regimens, autotransplant and continuous maintenance has resulted in better long-term outcomes for myeloma patients. Experience and trials demonstrated that by prolonging 1st progression-free survival (PFS1) and pushing the relapse farther, we can gain the OS advantage (McCarthy et al NEJM 2012). Unfortunately, a subgroup of patients fail to ...

Impact of HIV on Clinical Presentation and Outcomes of Individuals with Multiple Myeloma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3162

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: HIV infection and the resulting immunodeficiency predispose individuals to various plasma cell disorders including reactive plasmacytosis, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), multiple myeloma (MM) and plamacytomas. Studies have demonstrated nearly 4.5-fold increased risk of MM in HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals. Limited evidence from case reports/small serie...

Impact of Treatment on B-Cell Regeneration By Next Generation Flow Cytometry in Patients with Multiple Myeloma
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/4491

Nov 21st, 2018 - Introduction: Several studies have shown the role of the immune system in the development of MM, but there is no systematic description of normal B-cell regeneration during treatment points. Recently, EuroFlow consortium has developed NGF panel with high sensitivity to evaluated MRD and potentially, to assess of the normal B-cell compartment of patients with MM. Aims: Here we evaluated the B ce...

Effective Lipidoid Nanoparticle Delivery In Vivo of siRNA Targeting Kappa Light Chain Production in a Murine Xenograft Model
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/3208

Nov 21st, 2018 - INTRODUCTION: Despite advances in therapy, patients with relapsed AL amyloidosis die of resistant disease. New therapies are needed. siRNA directed at the constant regions of Ig light chains (LC) reduces LC mRNA and protein from patient cells, from human myeloma and AL cell lines, and in a flank plasmacytoma model with in vivo electroporation (Blood 2014;123:3440; Gene Ther 2016;23:727). To del...

Use of the myocutaneous serratus anterior free flap for reconstruction after salvage glossectomy

Abstract

Purpose

To describe the use of a myocutaneous serratus anterior free flap (SAFF) for tongue reconstruction after salvage subtotal (STG) and total glossectomy (TG).

Methods

In this prospective case series, seven patients underwent salvage STG or TG and reconstruction with a myocutaneous SAFF between 10/2015 and 02/2017. Functional and oncologic outcomes were prospectively evaluated. Donor side morbidity was determined using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score.

Results

SAFF with mean skin paddles of 6.7 cm × 8.7 cm was used in five STG and two TG patients, respectively. There was a 100% flap survival and a mean DASH score of 10.8 reflected normal arm and shoulder function after surgery. One year after salvage surgery, 1 (14.3%) and 4 (57.1%) patients were tracheostomy and gastrostomy tube dependent. Gastrostomy tube dependence was significantly worse in patients with tumors of the base of tongue compared to other tumor sites (p = 0.030) and in patients who underwent transcervical compared to transoral tumor resection (p = 0.008). Local recurrence rate was 57.1% with a disease-free survival of 17.6 months.

Conclusion

The myocutaneous SAFF represents a safe and reliable flap for tongue reconstruction after salvage glossectomy with satisfying functional outcomes and low donor side morbidity.



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CD4+ T cells induce productions of IL-5 and IL-13 through MHCII on ILC2s in a murine model of allergic rhinitis

CD4+ T cells play an important role not only in the induction of allergy but also in allergic inflammation. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) also mediate type 2 immune responses in allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the relationships between CD4+ T cells and ILC2s in allergic condition are currently not well defined. The study aimed to evaluate the potential influences of CD4+ T cells on ILC2s in the murine model of AR.

https://ift.tt/2PC8NGa

The differences in the expression of fractalkine and its receptor in conditions of tonsillar hypertrophy and chronic tonsillitis

Fractalkine, member of chemokine family, is involved in many inflammatory processes in the human body. The aim of this study is to compare expression levels of fractalkine ligand and its receptor in chronic tonsillitis and hypertrophic tonsil samples.

https://ift.tt/2zUrsI7

An internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm with neck hematoma: A rare cause of a life-threatening neck mass mimicking an abscess

A neck mass has a broad and complex differential diagnosis, generally divided into neoplastic, congenital and inflammatory categories. An internal carotid artery hemorrhage with pseudoaneurysm formation is a very rare entity that may resemble other common conditions in the differential diagnosis. Large, expanding or symptomatic pseudoaneurysm is critical to efficiently diagnose and manage, due to risk of life-threatening hemorrhage. We present a case of an adult male patient with clinical and laboratory signs of severe neck cellulitis and a large gradually increasing neck mass, primarily suggestive of an abscess.

https://ift.tt/2PC8FXc

Association between treatment delays and oncologic outcome in patients treated with surgery and radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

Abstract

Background

This study sought to determine the oncologic impact of delays to surgery, radiotherapy, and completion of therapy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

The impact of biopsy to surgery (BTS) time, surgery to start of radiation time (STSR), and radiation treatment time (RTT) on locoregional recurrence (LRR), distant metastases (DMs), and cancer‐specific mortality (CSM) was examined. The cumulative incidences (CI) of LRR, DMs, and CSM were examined using Fine–Gray testing.

Results

A total of 277 patients treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy were analyzed. On multivariable testing, BTS >50 days was associated with DM (P = .03), whereas RTT and STSR were not. RTT >43 days was associated with LRR (P = .02) in patients with non‐p16‐positive‐oropharynx cancer.

Conclusions

An increase in DM appears to be the mechanism by which prolonged time to treatment initiation leads to worse overall survival. Prolonged RTT has the greatest impact on patients with non‐p16 positive oropharynx cancers.



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AHNS series: Do you know your guidelines? Diagnosis and management of salivary gland tumors

Abstract

This article is the next installment of the series "Do you know your guidelines" presented by the Education Committee of the American Head and Neck Society. Guidelines for the workup and management of tumors of the major and minor salivary glands are reviewed.



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Detection of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐encoded microRNAs in plasma of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) latently infected by Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) expresses 40 EBV BART microRNAs (miRNAs). Difference in diagnostic efficacy of these miRNAs on NPC detection was observed. Here, we performed a comprehensive evaluation on the efficacy of these miRNAs.

Methods

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed on plasma nucleic acid isolated from patients with NPC and noncancer donors.

Results

For primary NPC, BART2‐5P, BART6‐3P, BART7‐3P, BART7‐5P, BART9‐5P, BART11‐3P, BART17‐5P, and BART19‐5P were significantly elevated. For recurrent NPC, plasma levels of BART2‐3P, BART2‐5P, BART5‐3P, BART5‐5P, BART6‐3P, BART8‐3P, BART9‐5P, BART17‐5P, BART19‐3P, and BART20‐3P were significantly increased. Area under curve (AUC) analysis showed that BART19‐5P had the best performance to identify NPC which was serologically EBV DNA undetectable. For recurrent NPC, BART8‐3P and BART10‐3P had highest AUC value for identifying cancer in EBV DNA undetectable plasma.

Conclusion

Our data supported the use of circulating EBV miRNAs in NPC and recurrent NPC detection.



https://ift.tt/2SN5cHw

18F‐FDG PET/MRI vs MRI in patients with recurrent adenoid cystic carcinoma

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate and compare the diagnostic potential of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (18FDG‐PET/MRI) and MRI for recurrence diagnostics after primary therapy in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC).

Methods

A total of 32 dedicated head and neck 18F‐FDG PET/MRI datasets were included in this analysis. MRI and 18F‐FDG PET/MRI datasets were analyzed in separate sessions by two readers for tumor recurrence or metastases.

Results

Lesion‐based sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy were 96%, 84%, 90%, 93%, and 91% for 18F‐FDG PET/MRI and 77%, 94%, 95%, 73%, and 84% for MRI, resulting in a significantly higher diagnostic accuracy of 18F‐FDG PET/MRI compared to MRI (P < .005).

Conclusion

18F‐FDG PET/MRI is superior to MRI in detecting local recurrence and metastases in patients with ACC of the head and neck. Especially concerning its negative predictive value, 18F‐FDG PET/MRI outperforms MRI.



https://ift.tt/2SO4N7C

Plasma metabolite profiling and chemometric analyses of tobacco snuff dippers and patients with oral cancer: Relationship between metabolic signatures

Abstract

Background

Cancer of oral cavity is a seriously growing problem in many parts of the world. In Indian subcontinent, most of these cases have been attributed to the use of tobacco‐related products. This study is focused on the identification of distinguishing metabolites of oral cancer in comparison with tobacco snuff dippers and healthy controls.

Methods

A total of 234 plasma samples including 62 healthy controls, 81 tobacco snuff dippers, and 91 oral cancer samples were analyzed using mass spectrometry.

Results

Twenty‐nine of 3326 metabolites were found to distinguish among oral cancer, tobacco snuff dippers, and healthy controls using P‐value ≤.001 and fold change ≥3. Prediction model was generated with an overall accuracy of 89.3%. Two metabolites, that is, stearyl alcohol and sucrose, can be used as predictive biomarkers showing progression of tobacco snuff dippers toward oral cancer.

Conclusion

The unique metabolite profile gives evidence of a strong correlation between tobacco snuff dipping and oral cancer.



https://ift.tt/2QO3JmO

Trends in Female Leadership at High‐Profile Otolaryngology Journals, 1997–2017

Objectives

To determine the proportion and relative advancement of women in leadership positions at high‐impact otolaryngology journals.

Methods

Nine clinical otolaryngology journals were selected based on high impact factor and subspecialty representation (journal impact factor, 2016: 1.16–2.95). The proportion of women editorial board members associate and/or section editors, and/or editor‐in‐chief was measured from 1997 to 2017. Comparisons were made to the proportion of women otolaryngology faculty at U.S. medical schools in 2017.

Results

From 1997 to 2017, female editorial board membership increased from 7.2% (range: 0.0%–12.8%) to 17.7% (range: 10.9%–38.9%) (P = 0.0001). In 2017, the proportion of female editorial board members was significantly less than the proportion of female academic otolaryngology faculty (17.7% vs. 27.7%, P = 0.0001), and there was threefold variation between journals. From 1997 to 2017, the proportion of female associate and/or section editors increased from 9.3% (range: 0.0–27.3) to 20.9% (range: 5.3% to 45.5%) (P = 0.09). In 2017, the proportion of female associate and/or section editors was not significantly different than the proportion of female associate or full professor academic otolaryngology faculty (20.9% vs. 19.5%, P = 0.73), but there was ninefold variation between journals.

Conclusion

Women were underrepresented on eight of nine otolaryngology editorial boards but appropriately represented at the associate and/or section editorship level. There was remarkable variation in representation at individual journals, which may provide future opportunities to examine best practices. Disparity exists in leadership at the most senior level of these high‐profile otolaryngology journals: none had women editor‐in‐chiefs.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 2018



https://ift.tt/2CayNVR

How Much Blood Could a JP Suck If a JP Could Suck Blood?

Objective

Active surgical drains minimize fluid accumulation in the postoperative period. The Jackson‐Pratt (JP) system consists of a silicone drain connected by flexible tubing to a bulb. When air in the bulb is evacuated, negative pressure is applied at the surgical site to aspirate fluid. The objective of this study was to determine if the evacuation method and volume of accumulated fluid affect the pressure generated by the bulb.

Methods

Bulbs were connected to a digital manometer under various experimental conditions. A random number generator determined the initial evacuation method for each bulb, either side‐in or bottom‐up. Subsequent evacuations were alternated until data was collected in triplicate for each method. Predetermined amounts of water were placed into the bulb; air was evacuated; and pressure was recorded. The digital manometer was allowed to equilibrate for 1 minute prior to data acquisition.

Results

The average amount of pressure after a side‐in evacuation of a JP bulb was 87.4 cm H2O compared to 17.7 cm H2O for a bottom‐up evacuation (P < 0.0001). When the drain contained 25 mL, 50 mL, 75 mL, and 100 mL of fluid, the pressure applied dropped to 72.6, 41.3, 37.0, and 35.6 cm H2O, respectively.

Conclusions

JP drains generate negative pressure in order to reduce fluid accumulation at surgical sites. Although its function is frequently taken for granted, this study demonstrates that both the specific method for evacuating the bulb as well as the amount of fluid in the bulb significantly affect the performance of this device.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 2018



https://ift.tt/2CaySJ9

Immunologic modification in mono‐ and poly‐sensitized patients after sublingual immunotherapy

Objectives/Hypothesis

To compare immunologic modification and treatment outcomes after 2 years of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with house dust mite extracts (HDM) between monosensitized and polysensitized patients with allergic rhinitis.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Among the patients who were prospectively enrolled in the SLIT cohort study, patients with allergic rhinitis who were sensitized to HDM and treated with SLIT for at least 2 years were studied. All participants underwent serologic tests at baseline and after SLIT to evaluate changes in immunologic parameters. The total nasal symptom score (TNSS) was measured before and after SLIT, and effective and less effective responder groups were categorized depending on whether patients had a TNSS reduction of 50%, as compared with baseline.

Results

The increase in Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae specific immunoglobulin G4 levels was significantly higher in monosensitized patients than in polysensitized patients (P = .020 and P = .005, respectively). The TNSS significantly improved after SLIT in both the monosensitized and polysensitized groups (P < .001 in both groups). However, the difference in the changes in TNSS from baseline was not significant between the two groups (P = .374).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated different immunologic modifications after SLIT between monosensitized and polysensitized patients. However, patients in the polysensitized group who were treated with single‐allergen SLIT experienced clinical improvement in TNSS that was comparable with that in the monosensitized group despite demonstrating different immunologic changes.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 2018



https://ift.tt/2Lfc1yU

Transoral rigid 70‐degree laryngoscopy in a pediatric voice clinic

Objective

Complaints of dysphonia and dysphagia frequently require rigid or flexible laryngoscopy in the office to aid in diagnosis. For young children, flexible laryngoscopy can be uncomfortable and often requires multiple adults to restrain the child. Rigid laryngoscopy does not result in crying but does require patient cooperation; thus, it is used primarily in adults. This project describes our experience using rigid laryngoscopy in a pediatric cohort.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of patients at a pediatric voice clinic who underwent laryngoscopy from December 2011 through March 2017. Data analysis is via Student t test and descriptive analysis.

Results

Three hundred and eleven patients were identified with 423 unique laryngoscopy exams. Of those, 212 of the exams were flexible and 210 were rigid. One patient did not tolerate either rigid or flexible exam. There was a statistically significant difference in age between children diagnosed via rigid mean 10.92 years (range 2.39–19.14 years) versus flexible mean 6.51 years (range 0.41–19.29 years), P ≤ 0.01. Of the 44 children under 3 years of age, flexible laryngoscopy was used almost exclusively, with 43 of 44 (97.7%) flexible scope exams. Rigid laryngoscopy was performed on 24 of 115 (20.9%) children aged 3 to 5 years, 26 of 40 (65%) aged 6 years, and 159 of 223 (71.3%) aged 7 and older.

Conclusion

Transoral 70o rigid laryngoscopy can be used in select children as young as 3 years of age. This modality allows for improved visualization of lesions with greater comfort for patients. Laryngoscope, 2018



https://ift.tt/2C95IK8

Impact of Balloon Diameter on Dilation Outcomes in a Model of Rabbit Subglottic Stenosis

Objective

To determine the appropriate balloon size for dilation using a previously described reproducible survival animal model of subglottic stenosis.

Study Design

Prospective animal study.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study including 16 New Zealand White rabbits. The airway of each animal was sized with an endotracheal tube (ETT), and subglottic stenosis (SGS) was endoscopically induced using Bugbee electrocautery to 75% of the circumference of the subglottis, followed by 4‐hour intubation. Two weeks postoperatively, the rabbits' airways were sized and then dilated using a 6‐, 7‐, 8‐, or 9‐mm balloon, with four animals in each experimental group. Following dilation, animals were again sized and subsequently euthanized. The cricoid lumen was measured microscopically in each animal.

Results

Prior to inducing stenosis, all animals were sized with a 3.5 ETT. After inducing injury but prior to dilation, airways showed grade 2 SGS that sized with a 2.5 ETT with no leak. Postdilation, animals dilated with 6‐ or 7‐mm balloons (n = 8) sized with a 3.0 ETT, and animals dilated with an 8‐ or 9‐mm balloon (n = 8) sized with a 3.5 ETT. Postdilation median cricoid lumen measurements were 12.5 mm2 (6‐mm balloon), 13.92 mm2 (7 mm), 16.83 mm2 (8 mm), and 17.15 mm2 (9 mm); two cricoid fractures occurred in the 9‐mm group.

Conclusion

The postdilation cricoid lumen diameter increased with increased balloon size, and the use of an 8‐mm balloon achieved the largest cricoid lumen diameter without causing fracture. Further research is necessary to determine the ideal duration of dilation and optimal intervals between dilations.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 2018



https://ift.tt/2Lfk1jn

Isolated Recovery of Adductor Muscle Function Following Bilateral Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to analyze the phoniatric and respiratory outcomes of a subset of bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP) patients who were all treated with unilateral endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy (EAAL). EAAL is a nondestructive, minimally invasive glottis widening operation, which does not damage either the surgically treated or the contralateral vocal cord. Therefore, it does not impair the regeneration potential of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Study Design

Case series.

Methods

Ten out of 21 BVCP patients who were treated with EAAL showed signs of isolated adduction recovery at 1 year and were chosen for this study. Functional results (objective and subjective voice analysis, spirometric measurement) and vocal cord movements were assessed preoperatively, 1 week and 1 year after EAAL. Laryngeal electromyography was performed on the 12th postoperative month.

Results

The volitional adductor movement seen on laryngoscopy was corroborated by laryngeal electromyography evaluation. Peak inspiratory flow increased significantly after EAAL. Quality‐of‐life scores also showed high patient satisfaction. Shimmer showed consistent improvement along with harmonic‐to‐noise ratio and average maximal phonation time in parallel with the improving vocal cord movement. Complex voice analysis and subjective self‐evaluation tests also demonstrated significant improvement.

Conclusions

EAAL, as a minimally invasive, nondestructive airway widening technique, does not interfere with the potential regeneration process that can still occur after BVCP, allowing for laryngeal functional recovery. It is a safe and effective treatment for BVCP that allows a simple solution with good phonatory, swallowing, and respiratory benefits by unilateral passive and reversible vocal cord lateralization.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 2018



https://ift.tt/2LfIx3X

Vestibular atelectasis: Decoding pressure and sound‐induced nystagmus with bilateral vestibulopathy

We present the case of a 27‐year‐old male who presented with vertigo when pressing the entrance of his right auditory meatus and exposing his right ear to loud noise. A diagnostic procedure revealed bilateral labyrinth weakness, which was confirmed by caloric and rotational testing. The ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials investigation demonstrated a significant weakness of the right utriculus, whereas the cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials were normal, indicating preservation of the saccular response. Radiologic studies did not show evidence of labyrinthine dehiscence. We suspect the newly described association of this clinical syndrome with the previously described histopathology of vestibular atelectasis accounts for these findings. Laryngoscope, 2018



https://ift.tt/2CbxPZm

Office‐based transnasal esophagoscopy biopsies for histological diagnosis of head and neck patients

Objectives/Hypothesis

To present yield of transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) biopsies of upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) lesions and define the role of TNE as a safe alternative to rigid endoscopy.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

All patients who underwent TNE‐guided biopsies attempted over a 2‐year period were included. Patients were identified using coding records and outpatient diaries. Demographic data were recorded as well as the histological diagnosis and additional histological diagnostic procedures.

Results

During the observation period, 134 TNE‐guided procedures were attempted. The procedure could not be completed in 19 patients. There were 102/115 (89%) patients who did not require further interventions for histological diagnosis of the tumor. The most common biopsied area was the larynx (53), followed by the tongue base (29). The most common malignancy was invasive squamous cell carcinoma in 42/115 (36.5%).

Conclusions

The work presented in this article strongly suggests that TNE‐guided biopsy is a valuable diagnostic tool for patients suspected of having carcinoma of the UADT.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2018



https://ift.tt/2LfIuoN

The incredible effect of OSA surgery on blood pressure: Too good to be true?



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Vocal fold botulinum toxin injection for refractory paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder

Objective

Demonstrate efficacy of vocal fold botulinum toxin injection for treatment of refractory paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (PVFMD).

Methods

A retrospective review was completed of patients diagnosed with PVFMD who underwent vocal fold botulinum toxin injection for dyspnea symptoms that persisted despite laryngeal control therapy, medical management, and biofeedback therapy. Outcomes measured included overall improvement and resolution of dyspnea symptoms, number of botulinum toxin injections and dose range, change in dyspnea severity index (DSI) scores, and adverse effects of injection therapy.

Results

Thirteen patients (9 female/4 male) underwent vocal fold botulinum toxin injection for refractory PVFMD. The average dose was 2.55 units per vocal fold (range 1.75–5.5 units). The average number of injections was 3.85 (range 1–12 injections). Eleven of 13 (84.6%) patients experienced improvement in dyspnea symptoms, with two of 11 (18.2%) having complete resolution of symptoms. There was a statistically significant improvement in DSI scores because the mean preinjection DSI was 30.43 and improved to 17.43 postinjection (P = 0.017). Temporary breathy voice quality was experienced by all patients with no other adverse side effects.

Conclusion

Vocal fold botulinum toxin injection is a safe and effective treatment option for PVFMD and should be considered in patients with refractory dyspnea symptoms following appropriate medical therapy and respiratory retraining protocols.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 2018



https://ift.tt/2LhoWQS

Severe Facial-Disfiguring Xeroderma Pigmentosum With Rapidly Progressing Malignant Tumors

A 6-year-old boy presented with several tumoral lesions, which developed from local freckles beginning at 6 months of age and gradually spread with protruding growth. What is your diagnosis?

https://ift.tt/2RYrohw

Association Between Conventional Bicycle Helmet Use and Facial Injuries After Bicycle Crashes

This cohort study examines the association between use of bicycle helmets and the incidence of facial injuries after bicycle crashes.

https://ift.tt/2Quwc1K

The Essentials-Only Emergency Tracheotomy Pan

This case series describes the development and use of a novel mini-tracheostomy tray for procedures involving the upper airway.

https://ift.tt/2S4XvMw

Is It Time to Rethink the Approach to Internal Nasal Valve Stenosis?

This Viewpoint examines several previous studies of internal nasal valve stenosis and questions if there is potential for a less invasive technique.

https://ift.tt/2Quw7uY

Using craniofacial characteristics to predict optimum airway pressure in obstructive sleep apnea treatment

Publication date: Available online 12 December 2018

Source: Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Author(s): Thays Crosara Abrahão Cunha, Thais Moura Guimarães, Fernanda R. Almeida, Fernanda L.M. Haddad, Luciana B.M. Godoy, Thulio M. Cunha, Luciana O. Silva, Sergio Tufik, Lia Bittencourt

Abstract
Introduction

Manual titration is the gold standard to determinate optimal continuous positive airway pressure, and the prediction of the optimal pressure is important to avoid delays in prescribing a continuous positive airway pressure treatment.

Objective

To verify whether anthropometric, polysomnographic, cephalometric, and upper airway clinical assessments can predict the optimal continuous positive airway pressure setting for obstructive sleep apnea patients.

Methods

Fifty men between 25 and 65 years, with body mass indexes of less than or equal to 35 kg/m2 were selected. All patients had baseline polysomnography followed by cephalometric and otolaryngological clinical assessments. On a second night, titration polysomnography was carried out to establish the optimal pressure.

Results

The average age of the patients was 43 ± 12.3 years, with a mean body mass index of 27.1 ± 3.4 kg/m2 and an apnea–hypopnea index of 17.8 ± 10.5 events/h. Smaller mandibular length (p = 0.03), smaller atlas–jaw distance (p = 0.03), and the presence of a Mallampati III and IV (p = 0.02) were predictors for higher continuous positive airway pressure. The formula for the optimal continuous positive airway pressure was: 17.244 − (0.133 × jaw length) + (0.969 × Mallampati III and IV classification) − (0.926 × atlas–jaw distance).

Conclusion

In a sample of male patients with mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea, the optimal continuous positive airway pressure was predicted using the mandibular length, atlas–jaw distance and Mallampati classification.

Resumo
Introdução

A titulação manual é o padrão ouro para determinar a pressão ideal para o tratamento com a pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas; e a predição da pressão ideal é importante para evitar retardos na sua prescrição.

Objetivo

Verificar se as avaliações clínicas antropométricas, polissonográficas, cefalométricas e das vias aéreas superiores podem predizer a configuração ideal da pressão do aparelho de pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas para pacientes com apneia obstrutiva do sono.

Método

Foram selecionados 50 homens entre 25 e 65 anos, com índice de massa corporal menor ou igual a 35 kg/m2. Todos os pacientes realizaram polissonografia basal, seguida de avaliações clínicas cefalométricas e otorrinolaringológicas. Na segunda noite, foi realizada polissonografia de titulação para estabelecer a pressão ideal.

Resultados

A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 43 ± 12,3 anos, com índice de massa corporal médio de 27,1 ± 3,4 kg/m2 e índice de apneia-hipopneia de 17,8 ± 10,5 eventos por hora. Menor comprimento mandibular (p = 0,03), menor distância atlas-maxila (p = 0,03) e a presença de Mallampati III e IV (p = 0,02) foram preditores de pressão mais elevada. A fórmula para a pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas foi: 17,24 − (0,133 × comprimento da mandíbula) + (0,969 × classificação de Mallampati III e IV) − (0,926 × distância atlas-mandíbula).

Conclusão

Em uma amostra de homens com apneia obstrutiva do sono leve a moderada, a pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas foi predita usando o comprimento mandibular, a distância atlas-mandíbula e a classificação de Mallampati.



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The effect of very low dose pulsed magnetic waves on cochlea

Publication date: Available online 12 December 2018

Source: Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Author(s): Birgül Tuhanioğlu, Sanem Okşan Erkan, Seren Gülşen Gürgen, Talih Özdaş, Orhan Görgülü, Figen Çiçekc, İsmail Günay

Abstract
Introduction

In daily life biological systems are usually exposed to magnetic field forces at different intensities and frequencies, either directly or indirectly. Despite negative results, the therapeutic use of the low dose magnetic field has been found in recent studies. The effect of magnetic field forces on cochlear cells is not clear in the literature.

Objective

In our study, we first applied in vivo pulsed magnetic fields to laboratory rats to investigate the effects on cochlea with distortion product otoacoustic emission test followed by histopathological examinations.

Methods

Twelve rats were included in this study, separated into two groups as study group and control group. The rats in the study group were exposed to 40 Hz pulsed magnetic field for 1 h/day for 30 days; the hearing of the rats was controlled by otoacoustic emission test. Also, their cochleas were removed and histochemical examination was performed by Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and TUNEL methods.

Results

A statistically significant difference was determined (p < 0.05) when the hearing thresholds of the groups obtained by using 5714 Hz and 8000 Hz stimuli were compared by Kruskal–Wallis test. A significant reaction was observed in the study group, especially in the outer ciliated cells during immunohistochemical examinations by using Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 methods. A significantly positive difference was determined in the study group, especially at the outer ciliated cells and the support cells of the corti organ, when compared to the control group (p < 0.05) by the TUNEL method.

Conclusion

According to the results of our study, the very low dose magnetic field, which is considered to be used for therapeutic purposes recently, can cause both auditory function defects and histopathologic damage in cochlear cells.

Resumo
Introdução

Os sistemas biológicos são geralmente expostos a forças de campo magnético em diferentes intensidades e frequências, direta ou indiretamente, na vida diária. Apesar dos resultados negativos, o uso terapêutico do campo magnético de baixa dose tem sido encontrado em estudos recentes. O efeito das forças do campo magnético sobre as células cocleares não está claro na literatura.

Objetivo

Em nosso estudo, aplicamos pela primeira vez campos magnéticos pulsados in vivo em ratos de laboratório para investigar os efeitos na cóclea através do teste de emissão otoacústica por produto de distorção e análises histopatológicas.

Método

Doze ratos foram incluídos neste estudo, os quais foram separados em dois grupos, grupo de estudo e grupo controle. Os ratos do grupo de estudo foram expostos a campo magnético pulsado de 40 hz por 1 hora/dia por 30 dias, e a audição dos ratos foi controlada por testes de emissão otoacústica. Além disso, suas cócleas foram colhidas e o exame histoquímico foi realizado pelos métodos caspase-3, caspase-9 e TUNEL.

Resultados

Foi determinada uma diferença estatisticamente significante (p < 0,05) quando os limiares auditivos dos grupos obtidos por meio dos estímulos de 5714 Hz e 8000 Hz foram comparados pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis. Uma reação significante foi observada no grupo de estudo, especialmente nas células ciliadas externas nas análises imunohistoquímicas, utilizando os métodos Caspase-3 e Caspase-9. Uma diferença significantemente positiva foi determinada no grupo de estudo, especialmente nas células ciliadas externas e nas células de suporte do órgão de Corti, quando comparadas ao grupo controle (p < 0,05) pelo método TUNEL.

Conclusão

De acordo com os resultados do nosso estudo, o campo magnético de dose baixa, que tem sido considerado para uso terapêutico recentemente, pode causar defeitos na função auditiva e danos histopatológicos nas células cocleares.



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A systematic review of current methodology of high resolution pharyngeal manometry with and without impedance

Abstract

Purpose

This systematic review appraises and summaries methodology documented in studies using high resolution pharyngeal manometry (HRM) with and without impedance technology (HRIM) in adult populations.

Methods

Four electronic databases CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library were searched up to, and including March 2017. Studies reporting pharyngeal HRM/HRIM for swallowing and/or phonatory assessment, published in peer-reviewed journals in English, German, or Spanish were assessed for the inclusion criteria. Of the selected studies, methodological aspects of data acquisition and analysis were extracted. Publications were graded based on their level of evidence and quality of methodological aspects was assessed.

Results

Sixty-two articles were identified eligible, from which 50 studies reported the use of HRM and 12 studies used HRIM. Of all included manuscripts, the majority utilized the ManoScan™ system (64.5%), a catheter diameter of 4.2 mm was most prevalently documented (30.6%). Most publications reported the application of topical anesthesia (53.2%). For data analysis in studies using HRM, software intrinsic to the recording system was reported most frequently (56%). A minority of the studies using HRM provided data about measurement reliability (10%). This is higher for studies using HRIM (50%).

Conclusions

Considerable methodological variability exists regarding data acquisition and analysis in published studies using HRM/HRIM. Lacking reports of methodology make study replications difficult and reduce the comparability across studies. More data regarding the impact of individual methodological aspects on study outcomes are further required for the development of methodological recommendations.



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Unilateral oral, pharyngeal and laryngeal vesicles

Publication date: Available online 13 December 2018

Source: European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases

Author(s): L. Alciato, P. Bonfils, F. Rubin



https://ift.tt/2rzhXd9

Happy Holidays


Τετάρτη 31 Οκτωβρίου 2018

Glucose metabolism in patients with psoriasis

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


Risk factors for treatment failure in scabies: a cohort study

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


16th Indonesian Society of Dermatology and Venereology Annual Meeting Together with the 23rd Asian–Australasian Regional Conference of Dermatology, Surabaya, Indonesia

Dermatologic Therapy, EarlyView.


Topical urea in skincare: A review

Dermatologic Therapy, EarlyView.


Two case reports of unusual phimosis in rhesus monkeys (Macaca Mulatta)

Journal of Medical Primatology, EarlyView.


Τρίτη 30 Οκτωβρίου 2018

Prurigo pigmentosa – Response to treatment with Q‐Switched neodymium: YAG at 532 nm

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


Scalp BCC's and meningioma following X‐ray epilation for tinea capitis

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


REACH Worker Exposure Model for Co-formulants Used in Plant Protection Products

Abstract
Background
Substances used as co-formulants in plant protection products (PPP) may require registration under Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH), and additionally where an exposure assessment is required, this must take into consideration the specifics of the PPP use.
Objectives
This work reports a customized screening level model developed to support human health risk assessment of operators, workers, and bystanders (OWB) for co-formulants used in PPP. The OWB model was designed to closely integrate with REACH generic exposure scenarios (GES) for PPP developed by the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA). The use of these tools in combination is expected to lead to a more standardized and hence efficient risk assessment of co-formulants. This study describes the basis for OWB exposure predictions as well as benchmarking against relevant REACH exposure models for equivalent tasks. The benchmarking was carried out to gain some insight into the initial assumption that the most commonly used tier 1 REACH model would be more conservative than the specific PPP models used for regulatory risk assessments under PPP legislation.
Method
Existing exposure models with regulatory acceptance for the most common types of PPP and their professional and consumer uses were selected. The German BBA model was used to assess spray applications. Granule and seed dispersal was assessed using the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Pesticide Handlers Exposure Database (PHED). ECETOC TRA was employed to assess exposure during certain tasks performed in seed treatment, not covered by these PPP models. Where the underlying models featured multiple exposure determinants, the exposure was calculated for all permutations, and the worst-case exposure selected and reported for use in risk assessment. The PPP models are based on measured data collected during actual application of PPP; hence, the worst-case exposure predicted was expected to reflect a realistic worst case for these tasks.
Results
OWB was implemented as an Excel spreadsheet. Exposure models, parameters, and exposure and risk estimates are reported in a REACH-compliant output format to facilitate the registration of co-formulant uses. As would be expected, benchmarking OWB against the PPP-specific exposure models demonstrated equivalence with the worst-case prediction from these underlying PPP models. For the scenarios modelled, the tier 1 ECETOC TRA gave more conservative predictions than OWB. The reduction in conservatism is attributed to the underlying PPP models being based on measured data collected specifically during the use of PPP, compared to the data underlying ECETOC TRA, based mainly on industrial workplace uses.
Conclusions
OWB provides inhalation and dermal exposure estimates for co-formulants used in PPP which are equivalent to the worst-case estimates from existing specialized PPP exposure models based on measured data. OWB has simplified information requirements in comparison to higher-tier REACH or PPP models. Use of OWB in combination with the defined ECPA GES facilitates an efficient and standardized REACH risk assessment and registration of co-formulant uses in PPP. A defined assessment framework and default inputs potentially decreases the anticipated inter-user variability compared with the use of higher-tier PPP or REACH models in this screening level context.

Beyond the L-Strut: Redefining the Biomechanics of Rhinoplasty Using Topographic Optimization Modeling

Abstract
Rhinoplasty utilizes cartilage harvested from the nasal septum as autologous graft material. Traditional dogma espouses preservation the "L-strut" of dorsal and caudal septum which is as less resistant to axial loading than virgin septum. With the 90° angle between dorsal and caudal limbs the traditional L-strut also suffers from localized increases in internal stresses leading to premature septal 'cracking', structural-scale deformation or both. Deformation and failure of the L-strut leads to nasal deviation, saddle deformity, loss of tip support or restriction of the nasal valve. The balance between cartilage yield and structural integrity is a topographical optimization problem. Guided by finite element (FE) modelling, recent efforts have yielded important modifications including the chamfering of right-angled corners to reduce stress concentrations and the preservation of a minimum width along the inferior portion of the caudal strut. However, all existing FE studies make simplified assumptions to make the construct easier to model. This review article highlights advances in our understanding of septal engineering and identifies areas that require more work in order to further refine the balance between the competing interests of graft acquisition and the maintenance of nasal structural integrity.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Breaches: What You Should Know



Commentary on: The Excision of the Buccal Fat Pad for Cheek Refinement: Volumetric Considerations

The authors have presented a study of 22 patients who requested buccal lipectomy, within whom they studied the anatomy and volume of the buccal fat pad (BFP) by means of transbuccal ultrasound.1 Thirteen of the patients were subsequently deemed "suitable" for surgery and underwent excision of the BFP. The author's conclusions are based on these findings.

A Global MicroRNA Profile in Fanconi Anemia: A Pilot Study

Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, Ahead of Print.


RNA-Seq analysis of Polyrhachis vicina Roger and insights into the heat shock protein 90 and 70 families

Abstract

The heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and heat shock cognate proteins (Hsc70) have been identified as chaperones of the ecdysone receptor (EcR)/ultraspiracle protein (USP) heterocomplex. However, little is known about the status of Hsp90 and Hsc70 in Polyrhachis vicina Roger. Here, we sequenced the transcriptomes of adult ants in P. vicina for the first time. Clean reads in female, male, and worker ants were annotated into 40,147 transcripts, and 37,488, 28,300, and 33,638 unigenes were assembled in female, male, and worker ants, respectively. According to RPKM, the numbers of differentially expressed genes between female and male ants, between female and worker ants, and between male and worker ants and the common differentially expressed genes were 12,657, 21,630, 15,112 and 3704, respectively. These results reveal that caste differentiation, caste specificity formation, and social divisions of P. vicina ants may be due to gene expression differences. Moreover, PvEcR and PvUSP were also detected as differentially expressed genes in the ants; specifically, PvUSP expression was higher than PvEcR expression in all castes. We speculate that PvUSP may have a role similar to that of juvenile hormone receptor. Four identified PvHsp90 family members and 23 identified PvHsp70 family members were found in the ants, and 2 PvHsp90 genes and 8 PvHsp70 genes were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Among those genes, the expression of 2 PvHsp90 genes and 5 PvHsp70 genes coincided with the expression profiles of PvEcR and PvUSP, which suggest that the characterization of PvHsp90 and PvHsc70 may be as EcR/USP molecular chaperones in P. vicina.



Molecular diversity of “ Candidatus Phytoplasma mali” strains associated with apple proliferation disease in Bulgarian germplasm collection

Abstract

A quarantine organism, "Candidatus Phytoplasma mali," is the causal agent of apple proliferation, one of the most important apple diseases in Europe. The genetic diversity of this pathogen in Central and Southern Europe has already been reported; however, almost no data exists from Eastern Europe. In this study, "Ca. P. mali" strains, which were identified in 14 apple trees from the Bulgarian germplasm collection, were characterized by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequence analysis of four genomic loci. In total, nine distinct genetic lineages were recognized based on the combination of the following detected RFLP profiles: two profiles for the 16S-23S rDNA region (16SrX-A2, -A3), four profiles for the secY gene (one previously known: secY(X)-A, and three new: secY-C, secY-D, secY-E), three profiles for the rpl22-rps3 genes (rpX-A, rpX-B, rpX-F), and one profile for the nitroreductase- and rhodanese-like gene (AT-1). Phylogenetic analysis of the Bulgarian and other European "Ca. P. mali" strains based on 16S-23S rRNA gene sequences confirmed RFLP grouping, regardless of the phytoplasma origin. In a phylogenetic tree based on the secY data, only German strains formed separate clade from the other strains. The tree based on rp genes did not correspond to RFLP profiles. Unexpectedly, when using nitroreductase and rhodanese-like gene sequences, the Bulgarian strains clustered separately from the other European strains. Apart from the identification of different "Ca. P. mali" strains, the paper also recommends the unification of the rpX-subgroup nomenclature to avoid future confusions. Both aims of this paper provide valuable tools to understand the epidemiology of this quarantine pathogen.



Analysis of sulfated glycosaminoglycan composition change in intrinsically aged and photoaged human skin using an enzymatic degradation method

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are long and linear polysaccharides composed of repeating specific disaccharide units, and 6 different GAGs are known: chondroitin sulfate (CS), dermatan sulfate (DS), heparan sulfate (HS), heparin (HP), keratan sulfate (KS), and hyaluronic acid (HA) [1]. GAGs exist as alone (HA) or proteoglycan-attached forms (others) in extracellular matrix and cell surface throughout the body, and participate in diverse structural and physiological functions [1].

Pannexin-3 deficiency delays skin wound healing in mice due to defects in channel functionality

Pannexin-3 (Panx3) is a gap junction protein and is required for regulating cell cycle exit and the differentiation of osteoblasts and chondrocytes during skeletal development. However, the role of Panx3 in skin tissue regeneration remains unclear. Following dorsal skin punch biopsies, Panx3 knockout mice exhibited a significant delay in wound healing with insufficient re-epithelialization, decreased inflammatory reaction and reduced collagen remodeling. Panx3 expression coincided with inflammatory reactions both in vivo and in vitro.

Meta-analysis Identifies MHC Loci in or near HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQA1, HLA-C as Associated with Leprosy in Chinese Han Population



Game Changer: Oral tranexamic acid (TA) in the treatment of melasma: A retrospective analysis



Game Changer: Oral tranexamic acid (TA) in the treatment of melasma: A retrospective analysis



Game Changer: Oral tranexamic acid (TA) in the treatment of melasma: A retrospective analysis



Game Changer: Dupilumab therapy provides clinically meaningful improvement in patient-reported outcomes (PROs): A phase IIb, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial in adult patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD)



When Adolescents Give Up Pot, Their Cognition Quickly Improves

Even a week without marijuana use improves young people

When researchers convinced a group of young people to stop smoking pot, their cognition quickly improved. This adds to research warning against teen pot use, despite marijuana's growing acceptance.

(Image credit: BURGER/Canopy/Getty Images)

npr-rss-pixel.png?story=662127406

Aesthetic Properties, History and Perception

Abstract
If artworks and their aesthetic properties stand in constitutive relationships to historical context and circumstances, so that some understanding of relevant facts is involved in responding to a work, what becomes of the intuitive view that we see artworks and at least some of their aesthetic properties? This question is raised by arguments in both aesthetics and art history for the historical nature of works of art. The paper argues that the answer needs to take philosophy of perception into account. The principal development that has shaped philosophy of perception in the last thirty years—explaining perceptual experience in terms of contents that represent that such-and-such is the case—is directly relevant to key arguments for the historical nature of art because contents can represent complex kinds and properties. Conceptual realism is especially well-suited for explaining perception of artworks and aesthetic properties because it emphasizes that forms of understanding—in the sense of capacities, abilities and techniques—are involved in perceptual engagement with individual objects and instances of properties. To make this case, the paper examines influential arguments for the historical nature of art and aesthetic properties by Arthur C. Danto and Kendall L. Walton; and examines art-historical discussions by Michael Baxandall, Linda Nochlin and T. J. Clark. The paper argues that the aesthetic properties of an artwork depend on human intentional uses of properties, colours and contours among them, and such uses may themselves be aesthetic. The Wittgensteinian notion of use is contextual and historical, and uses are perceptible.

Binding and Unbinding the Mondrian Stimulus

Abstract
This paper considers the use of the 'Mondrian Stimulus', invented by Edwin H. Land of the Polaroid Corporation, in various investigations in the visual neuropsychology, the neuroaesthetics, and the social psychology of aesthetic response to works of visual art (notably, investigations by Semir Zeki and A. Michael Noll). What difference does it make—in the set-up of these investigations and in our interpretation of their putative results—that the Mondrian Stimulus might be taken to be a 'real' painting by the actual Dutch artist Piet Mondrian? How does the existence of a set of 'real' Mondrians—more or less well known to many people, including those investigated in experiments by Land, Zeki, and Noll—affect the ways in which the Mondrian Stimulus is apprehended? The paper argues that the Mondrian Stimulus is 'bound' to the history and visual recollection of 'real Mondrians' at the same time as the 'real Mondrians'—in their historical afterlives—are bound to other creations of 'modern abstract art'. These proposals enable a revised approach to the relations between invariant visual responses (such as Land and Zeki derived for colour vision) on the one hand, and different visual cultures or visuality on the other; because of its own special history of 'binding' and 'unbinding', the Mondrian Stimulus works as an interface between—a binding of—both 'bottom-up' perceptual input and processing and 'top-down' direction of attention.

Nickel induces migratory and invasive phenotype in human epithelial cells by epigenetically activating ZEB1

Epigenetic mechanisms Novus Biologicals

By Jamshed Arslan Pharm.D.

Nickel (Ni) is a naturally abundant metallic element. It is a major component of stainless steel, coins, and many other items of daily use. Disturbingly, Ni exposure is associated with cancer and several diseases of the lung, kidney and cardiovascular system. Despite being carcinogenic, Ni's ability to cause DNA mutations and induce oxidative stress is low. To explain this paradox and investigate how the impact of carcinogen exposure may last for months or even years, researchers at the New York University and University of Virginia examined Ni-induced changes in transcription and cellular regulation in human epithelial cells from lung and urinary bladder. They found that Ni induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by epigenetically activating ZEB1. As a result of such irreversible activation of EMT master regulator ZEB1, the invasive mesenchymal phenotype in Ni-exposed cells persisted even after the termination of exposure.

e-cadherin expression in human kidney distal tubules IHCImmunohistochemistry-Paraffin: [E-Cadherin Antibody (7H12) NBP2-19051] - Human kidney distal tubules stained with E-CAD antibody. Secondary antibody: Donkey anti-Mouse Alexa Fluor 555. Imaging with a 40x objective from Zeiss Observer microscope with Apotome2. Image from verified customer review.

Nickel induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)

The researchers exposed non-malignant human bronchial epithelial cells to a non-cancerous dose of Ni. RNA-seq revealed that a subset of genes was persistently down- or up-regulated even two weeks after the removal of Ni from the culture medium. Functional enrichment analysis, used to determine overrepresented classes of genes, showed that the major pathway associated with these differentially expressed genes was epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulation. The mesenchymal phenotype in Ni-exposed cells was confirmed when a downregulation of epithelial markers (CDH1 and CLDN1) was observed concomitantly with an upregulation of mesenchymal marker (FN1), at both mRNA and protein levels. Likewise, wound-healing and transwell invasion assays revealed heightened migratory and invasive abilities of these Ni-exposed cells.

Similar findings in a non-invasive human bladder cancer cell line led to the conclusion that chronic Ni exposure induces EMT. The next step was to find the mechanistic basis behind this phenomenon.

Nickel-induced EMT is ZEB1-dependent

Gene expression analysis of the EMT signaling pathway showed ZEB1, a negative regulator of CDH1, to be among the highly upregulated genes in Ni-exposed cells as compared to untreated cells. Analysis of mRNA and protein levels corroborated these findings. Knocking down ZEB1 through shRNA, recovered CDH1 protein and decreased the invasive and migratory abilities of Ni-exposed cells. These results showed the ZEB1-dependent induction of EMT by Ni.

To explore possible epigenetic basis of this observation, the team observed ZEB1 promoter by performing chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR analysis. They found that histone modifications related to gene activation (H3K4me3) at ZEB1 promoter in Ni-exposed human epithelial cells remained similar to untreated cells. However, the levels of histone modifications associated with gene repression (H3K27me3) decreased significantly. Likewise, a persistent downregulation of miRNAs that act as ZEB1 repressors (miR-200/205), which could be reversed by ZEB1 depletion, meant that ZEB1 suppresses these miRNAs in Ni-exposed cells.

In short, certain histone modifications and the suppression of ZEB1-repressing miRNAs lead to a sustained ZEB1 upregulation, which in turn promotes a highly migratory and invasive mesenchymal phenotype in Ni-exposed cells.

Significance

This study provides a plausible explanation to why environmental exposure to certain contaminants persists long after the termination of exposure. It helps understanding diseases associated with chronic exposure to a physiologically relevant dose of Ni.

Learn more about tools for epigenetic analysis


Jamshed Arslan Jamshed Arslan, Pharm D.
University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine
Dr. Arslan studies cell signaling in mitochondrial defects in C. elegans
and transgenic mice.


References

Jose, Cynthia C., et al. "Nickel Exposure Induces Persistent Mesenchymal Phenotype in Human Lung Epithelial Cells through Epigenetic Activation of ZEB1." Molecular Carcinogenesis, vol. 57, no. 6, 2018, pp. 794 – 806. doi: 10.1002/mc.22802.

 

 

 



Lipome péri-unguéal : une localisation inhabituelle

Publication date: Available online 30 October 2018

Source: Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie

Author(s): S. Gallouj, N. Aqil, F. Zahra Mernissi

Résumé
Introduction

Les lipomes sont des tumeurs mésenchymateuses bénignes courantes composées de cellules graisseuses matures qui peuvent être ou non entourées d'une fine capsule fibreuse. Les lipomes impliquant les doigts sont extrêmement rares mais doivent être pris en compte dans le diagnostic différentiel des masses bénignes des tissus mous de localisation digitale. Nous décrivons un cas de lipome péri-unguéal.

Observation

Une femme de 65 ans se présentait en consultation avec une tuméfaction de l'index droit évoquant un lipome. Elle ne se plaignait d'aucune douleur mais avait une légère limitation des mouvements du doigt affecté. Les diagnostics différentiels qu'on pouvait envisager étaient un neurofibrome, un fibromyxome acral superficiel et une tumeur à cellules géantes des gaines synoviales des tendons. Une excision chirurgicale était effectuée. L'examen histologique confirmait le diagnostic de lipome. Il n'y avait pas d'antécédent de traumatisme de l'ongle, d'autres lipomes sur le corps ni d'antécédents familiaux de lipomatose. Il n'y a pas eu de récidive après une année de suivi.

Discussion

Les lipomes des doigts sont extrêmement rares. À notre connaissance, six cas de localisation sous-unguéale et quatre cas situés dans le bord latéral de l'ongle ont été décrits dans la littérature. Nous rapportons un autre cas de localisation inhabituelle, péri-unguéale postérieure. Des examens radiologiques peuvent être réalisés pour aider au diagnostic. Bien que les lipomes des doigts soient des entités rares, ils doivent être pris en compte dans le diagnostic différentiel des masses bénignes des tissus mous du doigt.

Summary
Background

Lipomas are common benign mesenchymal tumors composed of mature fat cells that may or may not be surrounded by a thin fibrous capsule. Lipomas involving the fingers are extremely rare but must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of benign soft tissue masses of unusual localization. We describe a case of digital periungual lipoma.

Patients and methods

A 65-year-old Moroccan woman presented with a tumefaction of the right index finger reminiscent of a lipoma. There was no history of nail trauma, other lipomas on the body, or a family history of lipomatosis. She did not complain of any pain, but she had a slight limitation on the movement of the affected finger. Surgical excision was performed. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lipoma. There was no recurrence after one year of follow-up.

Discussion

Lipomas of the fingers are extremely rare. To our knowledge, 6 cases of subungual localization and 4 cases in the lateral edge of the nail have been described in the literature. We report another case of unusual posterior periungual localization. In our case, the suspected diagnoses were either neurofibroma, superficial acral fibromyxoma, or giant cell tumor of the synovial sheaths of the tendons. Radiological examinations may be performed to aid diagnosis. Although finger lipomas are rare entities, they must be considered in the differential diagnosis of benign soft tissue masses of the finger.



Subdermal nitrous oxide delivery increases skin microcirculation and random flap survival in rats

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Outcomes from a regional synchronous tele-allergy service

Publication date: Available online 29 October 2018

Source: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice

Author(s): Kirk H. Waibel, Richard A. Bickel, Tyson Brown

Abstract
Background

While the framework and potential benefits for using telemedicine have been described, allergy-specific outcomes are often limited or have a narrow focus.

Objective

To determine the percentage of new and follow-up visits conducted via synchronous telemedicine requiring an in-person visit.

Methods

A retrospective review evaluating synchronous tele-allergy appointments in a hospital-based allergy clinic was performed.

Results

A total of 360 unique patients participated in 423 synchronous tele-allergy visits from January 2016 through December 2017; 275 (65.0%) were new consultations, 54% were male, and 118 (28%) visits were for children. Allergic rhinitis (35%), asthma (24%), and food allergy (10%) represented the top three diagnoses. New and follow-up tele-allergy visits accounted for 13.1% (275/2,097) and 10.4% (148/1,426) of all outpatient visits during the study period, respectively. Sixty-five (23.4%) new patients and 14 (9.5%) follow-up patients were recommended for an in-person appointment. (P < .001). Compared to follow-up tele-allergy visits, new visits were more likely to have medication prescribed (64.4% vs 49.0%, P < .002) and laboratory tests ordered (46.2% vs 7.4%, P <.001); there were no differences between new and follow up tele-allergy visits for mean study observation period (P = 0.68), subsequent in-person visits conducted based on provider recommendation (P = 0.12), or telephone consultations (P = 0.19). One-hundred forty (33.1%) patients completed an anonymous satisfaction survey with 98.8% of patients both recommending telehealth and reporting high satisfaction. Based on 423 visits from 13 originating sites, patients saved an average of USD $485 in travel expenses, 438 driving miles, and 2.3 days of work or school per visit.

Conclusion

Coupled with high patient satisfaction and significant time and cost savings, tele-allergy supported the majority of new and follow up visits without an in-person recommendation. While not all tele-allergy efforts incorporate a synchronous modality with a dedicated patient presenter, allergists should continue to seek opportunities to incorporate synchronous tele-allergy with a trained patient presenter into their clinical practice.



Bariatric surgery: relevant cofactor for systemic food-borne allergic reactions

Publication date: Available online 29 October 2018

Source: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice

Author(s): Lisanne Janke Wolters, Marloes.Willemijn Heijstek, Pieter Weijert Holm, Hanneke Nicola Gertrude Oude Elberink, Annick Augustina Josephina Maria Van de Ven



Acquired Cold-Induced Urticaria in Pediatric Patients: a 22-year Experience in a Tertiary Care Center (1996-2017)

Publication date: Available online 29 October 2018

Source: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice

Author(s): Christina S.K. Yee, Kristel El Khoury, Sultan Albuhairi, Ana Broyles, Lynda Schneider, Rima Rachid

Abstract
Background

Acquired cold urticaria (ACU) has not been well evaluated in pediatrics.

Objective

To further evaluate the presentation of ACU in children and associated risk of anaphylaxis.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed in children ≤18 years old diagnosed with (ACU) at Boston Children's Hospital (US, Northeast) from 1996-2017.

Results

415 patients with ACU were identified, aged 4 months-18.3 years old at time of diagnosis, with similar male:female distribution. Most patients had history of atopic disease (78.3%), and 25.8% had other urticaria. Around 2/3rd of patients experienced only localized cold-induced symptoms (grade 1), while 14.0% had diffuse cutaneous symptoms (grade 2) as the most severe reaction, and 18.6% experienced anaphylaxis (grade 3). Swimming triggered 77.6% of grade 3 reactions, while the rest were secondary to ingestion of cold food or beverages, or cold air or cold water exposure. 7.0% of subjects had more than one episode of anaphylaxis. Cold stimulation test (CST) was performed in 61.7% patients, and was positive in 69.9% of those tested. Positive CST was significantly associated with increased risk of anaphylaxis. There was a 11.7% rate of anaphylaxis amongst patients with negative CST. Disease resolution at any point in the study period was documented in 8.9% of patients and was associated with a negative history of anaphylaxis.

Conclusions

In the largest study to date on ACU, grade 3 reactions occurred in about a fifth of patients. Positive CST was associated with higher risk for anaphylaxis from ACU. Epinephrine prescription and patient/family counseling about risk factors for grade 3 reactions are recommended.



Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) experiences: an ethnographic approach to their expression on the Internet forums

Abstract

This contribution aims at describing the experiences of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as discussed on Internet forums. Since the 2000s, increasing attention has been paid to health practices associated with the use of the Internet, whether by medical professionals, public authorities or researchers in the social sciences. We know that Internet is used by patients with Parkinson's disease, in order to discuss about their lived experiences. This contribution will present how these Internet users address the specific theme of DBS. We will examine how their use and the information sharing associated to it participate in the "shaping" of the lived experience of deep cerebral stimulation. This contribution will be introduced by an analysis of the state-of-the-art in sociological and anthropological international research on the topic of "Internet health". On the basis of this analysis, it will propose a framework to describe and understand the various uses of the web that are made to give an account of the experience of stimulation. The existence of collective mobilizations in Parkinson's disease, an old Internet experience and media oppositions concerning certain antiparkinsonian drugs, are conditions which push us to question these themes concerning DBS. This paper is a description, for the first time, of roles played by the users of these Internet forums and the different online activities produced about DBS subject. In an ethnographic perspective, we had to imagine that we were an Internet user seeking patient experiences with this surgical procedure to understand these interactions about DBS. The main goal of this contribution is to describe the attention paid by users for medical information about DBS in the identity and self-help process. The interest of such an approach is to open an anthropological reflection on the place and the role of the medical representations in the testimonies of experience of the disease or the treatments.



Photodynamic therapy: Toward a systemic computational model

Publication date: Available online 30 October 2018

Source: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology

Author(s): N. López-Marína, R. Mulet, R. Rodríguez

Abstract

We have designed a systemic model to understand the effect of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) on long time scales. The model takes into account cell necrosis due to oxygen reactive species, cell apoptosis through the caspase pathway and the competition between healthy and tumor cells. We attempted to describe the system using state of the art computational techniques (necrosis and apoptosis) and simple models that allow a deeper understanding of the long time scale processes involved (healing and tumor growth). We analyzed the influence of the surface and tumor depth on the effectiveness of different treatment plans and we proposed, for the set of parameters used in this work, an optimum timing between sessions of PDT.



Irradiation by ultraviolet light-emitting diodes inactivates influenza a viruses by inhibiting replication and transcription of viral RNA in host cells

Publication date: Available online 29 October 2018

Source: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology

Author(s): Risa Nishisaka, Kazuaki Mawatari, Tomomi Yamamoto, Mizuki Kojima, Takaaki Shimohata, Takashi Uebanso, Mutsumi Nakahashi, Takahiro Emoto, Masatake Akutagawa, Yohsuke Kinouchi, Takahiro Wada, Masayuki Okamoto, Hiroshi Ito, Ken-ichi Yoshida, Tomo Daidoji, Takaaki Nakaya, Akira Takahashi

Abstract

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) pose a serious global threat to humans and their livestock, especially poultry and pigs. This study aimed to investigate how to inactivate IAVs by using different ultraviolet-light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs). We developed sterilization equipment with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) those peak wavelengths were 365 nm (UVA-LED), 310 nm (UVB-LED), and 280 nm (UVC-LED). These UV-LED irradiations decreased dose fluence-dependent plaque-forming units of IAV H1N1 subtype (A/Puerto Rico/8/1934) infected Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, but the inactivation efficiency of UVA-LED was significantly lower than UVB- and UVC-LED. UV-LED irradiations did not alter hemagglutination titer, but decreased accumulation of intracellular total viral RNA in infected MDCK cells was observed. Additionally, UV-LED irradiations suppressed the accumulation of intracellular mRNA (messenger RNA), vRNA (viral RNA), and cRNA (complementary RNA), as measured by strand-specific RT-PCR. These results suggest that UV-LEDs inhibit host cell replication and transcription of viral RNA. Both UVB- and UVC-LED irradiation decreased focus-forming unit (FFU) of H5N1 subtype (A/Crow/Kyoto/53/2004), a highly pathogenic avian IAV (HpaI), in infected MDCK cells, and the amount of FFU were lower than the H1N1 subtype. From these results, it appears that IAVs may have different sensitivity among the subtypes, and UVB- and UVC-LED may be suitable for HpaI virus inactivation.



Fracture patterns and causes in the craniofacial region: an 8-year review of 2076 patients.

Related Articles

Fracture patterns and causes in the craniofacial region: an 8-year review of 2076 patients.

Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg. 2018 Dec;40(1):29

Authors: Jin KS, Lee H, Sohn JB, Han YS, Jung DU, Sim HY, Kim HS

Abstract
Background: For proper recovery from craniofacial fracture, it is necessary to establish guidelines based on trends. This study aimed to analyze the patterns and causes of craniofacial fractures.
Methods: This retrospective study analyzed patients who underwent surgery for craniofacial fractures between 2010 and 2017 at a single center. Several parameters, including time of injury, region and cause of fracture, alcohol intoxication, time from injury to surgery, hospitalization period, and postoperative complications, were evaluated.
Results: This study analyzed 2708 fracture lesions of 2076 patients, among whom males aged 10 to 39 years were the most numerous. The number of patients was significantly higher in the middle of a month. The most common fractures were a nasal bone fracture. The most common causes of fracture were ground accidents and personal assault, which tended to frequently cause more nasal bone fracture than other fractures. Traffic accidents and high falls tended to cause zygomatic arch and maxillary wall fractures more frequently. Postoperative complications-observed in 126 patients-had a significant relationship with the end of a month, mandible or panfacial fracture, and traffic accidents.
Conclusions: The present findings on long-term craniofacial fracture trends should be considered by clinicians dealing with fractures and could be useful for policy decisions.

PMID: 30370262 [PubMed]



Atopic Dermatitis in America Study: a cross-sectional study examining the prevalence and disease burden of atopic dermatitis in the US adult population

Population-based estimates on the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in adults vary widely. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in the population of the United States, distribution of disease severity, and assess its impact on health-related quality of life. Among 1,278 participating adults, the prevalence (95%CI) of atopic dermatitis was 7.3% (5.9-8.8). 60.1% (56.1-64.1%) of participants were classified as mild 28.9% (25.3-32.7%) as moderate and 11% as severe (8.6-13.7%).

Wound healing property of a gel prepared by the combination of Pseudomonas aeruginosa alginate and Alhagi maurorum aqueous extract in rats

Dermatologic Therapy, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


A liposome‐based formulation containing equol, dihomo‐γ‐linolenic acid (DGLA), and propionyl‐L‐carnitine to prevent and treat hair loss: a prospective investigation

Dermatologic Therapy, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


Does chronic immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune disease influence the risk of developing active tuberculosis?

Dermatologic Therapy, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


Computer-assisted delineation of hematoma from CT volume using autoencoder and Chan Vese model

Abstract

Purpose

To reduce the inter- and intra- rater variability as well as time and effort, a method for computer-assisted delineation of hematoma is proposed. Delineation of hematoma is done for further automated analysis such as the volume of hematoma, anatomical location of hematoma, etc. for proper surgical planning.

Methods

Fuzzy-based intensifier was used as a pre-processing technique for enhancing the computed tomography (CT) volume. Autoencoder was trained to detect the CT slices with hematoma for initialization. Then active contour Chan–Vese model was used for automated delineation of hematoma from CT volume.

Results

The proposed algorithm was tested on 48 hemorrhagic patients. Two radiologists have independently segmented the hematoma manually from CT volume. The intersection of two volumes was used as ground-truth for comparison with the segmentation performed by the proposed method. The accuracy was determined by using similarity matrices. The result of sensitivity, positive predictive value, Jaccard index and Dice similarity index were calculated as 0.71 ± 0.12, 0.73 ± 0.18, 0.55 ± 0.14, and 0.70 ± 0.12 respectively.

Conclusions

A new approach for delineation of hematoma is proposed. The algorithm works well with the whole volume. Similarity indices of the proposed method are comparable with the existing state of art.



Tau PET imaging evidence in patients with cognitive impairment: preparing for clinical use

Abstract

Purpose

The development and validation of molecular imaging markers for the neuropathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases associated with cognitive impairment is a reality since two decades. Amyloid PET tracers have been validated analytically and are currently tested for their clinical utility. More recently tracers targeting specifically tau deposits have been developed and are currently tested in large clinical studies. The availability of these markers opens the possibility for precision medicine in a field that was limited by a gold standard diagnosis occurring only postmortem. Aim of this review is to summarize the main findings obtained using tau-specific PET tracers in clinical cohorts of patients with cognitive impairment.

Methods and Results

We report the results of a systematic literature review. Various approaches for automated image assessment have been tested, while visual rating strategies have not been validated yet. In the AD spectrum an increase in cortical binding has been consistently observed, with a topography correlated with the profile of cognitive impairment and in agreement with the knowledge on tau pathology from neuropathological series. The evidence in non-AD diseases is more limited, with discordant findings in different cohorts and with different tracers.

Conclusion

Post-mortem validations of in vivo data in large cohorts and studies investigating the clinical added value of this biomarker in comparison with others will be required before routine clinical use of this new modality.



Vanadium contact dermatitis: Case report and studies performed

Contact Dermatitis, EarlyView.


Nickel deposition and penetration into the stratum corneum after short metallic nickel contact: An experimental study

Contact Dermatitis, EarlyView.


Peculiar contact dermatitis in a construction worker

Contact Dermatitis, EarlyView.


Patch test diagnosis of non‐immediate cutaneous reaction to myrrh following oral intake of a traditional Chinese medicine decoction

Contact Dermatitis, EarlyView.


Ossification into the osteo‐nevus of Nanta: an interpretative insight

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


DNA Damage‐Inducible Transcript 4 Is an Innate Guardian for Human Squamous Cell Carcinoma and an Molecular Vector for Anti‐carcinoma Effect of 1,25(OH)2D3

Experimental Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


Senescent fibroblasts in melasma pathophysiology

Experimental Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


Patients with Congenital Ichthyosis and TGM1 Mutations Overexpress Other ARCI Genes in the Skin: Part of a Barrier Repair Response?

Experimental Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


Effects of mesenchymal stem cell therapy on alopecia areata in cellular and hair follicle organ culture models

Experimental Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


Radiopharmacology and molecular imaging of PD-L1 expression in cancer

Abstract

Introduction

Immunotherapy [(specifically, antibodies blocking programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1)] is a valuable option in cancer treatment because it leads to durable tumour regression and improves survival in several cancers. Patients with PD-L1 expressing tumours benefit from this therapy, but currently it can only be determined through biopsy, which may be inconclusive or impossible due to lesion location, associated risks, intratumoral and interlesional heterogeneity. Therefore, radio-immune-imaging with a specific radiopharmaceutical is ideally placed to play an important role when performing real-time, in vivo, whole-body and non-invasive PD-L1 expression mapping.

Purpose

To describe and summarise published scientific data on imaging PD-L1 expression using radiopharmaceuticals and discuss future directions in this research field.

Methods

A summary review of the literature was done through PubMed to search papers that described and included radiopharmaceuticals to image PD-L1 expression. Only English papers published until April 2018 that detailed laboratorial and animal procedures were selected.

Results

Eleven pre-clinical papers published between 2015 and 2018 were included. Four studies used anti-PD-L1 radiopharmaceuticals labelled with Indium-111, 4 with Copper-64, 2 with Fluoride-18 and 1 with both Copper-64 and Gallium-68. All of them had identical protocols and showed similar radiopharmaceutical biodistribution. They reported successful anti-PD-L1 labelling, with high tumour–background ratio (mainly when spleen uptake was saturated with unlabelled/cold antibody).

Conclusions

All reported radiopharmaceuticals had high sensitivity and specificity to identify tumours with PD-L1 expression in animal model. Clinical experiments appear to be now justifiable.



A fresh breeze sweeps through nuclear medicine 2018