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NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? The impact of pulmonary arterial hypertension on open-loop baroreflex function, which determines how powerfully and rapidly the baroreflex operates to regulate arterial pressure, remains poorly understood. What is the main finding and its importance? The gain of the baroreflex total arc, indicating the baroreflex pressure-stabilizing function, is markedly attenuated in rats with monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension. This is caused by a rightward shift of the baroreflex neural arc and a downward shift of the peripheral arc. These findings contribute greatly to our understanding of arterial pressure regulation by the sympathetic nervous system in pulmonary arterial hypertension. ABSTRACT Sympathoexcitation has been documented in patients with established pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Although the arterial baroreflex is the main negative feedback regulator of sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), the way in which PAH impacts baroreflex function remains poorly understood. In this study, we conducted baroreflex open-loop analysis in a rat model of PAH. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with monocrotaline (MCT) s.c. to induce PAH (60 mg kg-1 ; n = 11) or saline as a control group (CTL; n = 8). At 3.5 weeks after MCT injection, bilateral carotid sinuses were isolated, and intrasinus pressure (CSP) was controlled while SNA at the coeliac ganglia and arterial pressure (AP) were recorded. To examine the static baroreflex function, CSP was increased stepwise while steady-state AP (total arc) and SNA (neural arc) responses to CSP and the AP response to SNA (peripheral arc) were measured. Monocrotaline significantly decreased the static gain of the baroreflex total arc at the operating AP compared with CTL (-0.80 ± 0.31 versus -0.22 ± 0.22, P

Background The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend considering postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) for completely resected T1/2N0M0 salivary mucoepidermoid carcinomas when they show tumor spillage, perineural invasion, or intermediate/high-grade histology. CRTC1/3-MAML2 fusions have been associated with a favorable clinical outcome. Methods Forty-seven T1/2N0M0 mucoepidermoid carcinoma cases positive for CRTC1/3-MAML2 fusions were completely resected and were not treated with PORT. Results Pathologically, none of the cases showed tumor spillage or perineural invasion. Cases with intermediate/high-grade histology numbered 9 (19%) to 26 (55%) with the currently used 3 different grading systems. During the follow-up (median 60 months), locoregional tumor recurrence occurred in 4 cases, which were treated with surgery alone. At the last follow-up (median 60 months; 7-160), all patients were alive with no evidence of disease. Conclusion An excellent prognosis may be achieved without PORT in T1/2N0M0 mucoepidermoid carcinoma patients positive for CRTC1/3-MAML2 fusions when the tumors are completely resected without tumor spillage.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC), one of the most common salivary gland carcinomas, usually has a fatal outcome. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway gene mutations are important in predicting a patient's prognosis and estimating the efficacy of molecular therapy targeting the EGFR pathway. In this study of salivary gland AdCC (SAdCC), we looked for gene mutations in EGFR, RAS family (KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS), PIK3CA, BRAF, and AKT1, using a highly sensitive single-base extension multiplex assay, SNaPshot. Out of 70 cases, EGFR pathway missense mutations were found in 13 (18.6%): RAS mutations in 10 (14.3%), EGFR in one (1.4%), and PIK3CA in 5 (7.1%). None of the cases showed an EGFR deletion by direct sequencing. Concurrent gene mutations were found in three cases (4.3%). EGFR pathway mutations were significantly associated with a shorter disease-free (p = 0.011) and overall survival (p = 0.049) and RAS mutations were as well; (p = 0.010) and (p = 0.024), respectively. The gene fusion status as determined by a FISH assay had no significant association with mutations of the genes involved in the EGFR pathway. In conclusion, EGFR pathway mutations, especially RAS mutations, may be frequent in SAdCC, and associated with a poor prognosis for the patient.

The prognostic significance of glandular differentiation in urothelial carcinoma (UC) is controversial, and thus far there is no established treatment strategy against metastasis of glandular component. We describe here a case of metastatic UC with glandular differentiation that had histological disappearance of adenocarcinoma components at autopsy after sequential chemotherapy with S-1 and cisplatin (CDDP) and with mFOLFOX6 (fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and leucovorin) plus bevacizumab (mFOLFOX6+Bev). A 62-year-old Asian male was diagnosed with invasive UC with glandular differentiation (T2N0M0) by radical cystectomy and ileal conduit, and careful follow-up observation was made. Eight years after radical operation, peritoneal metastases occurred, and a biopsy specimen using colon fiber revealed high-grade adenocarcinomas with an immunohistochemical profile that included positivity for cytokeratin 7 (CK7) and negativity for cytokeratin 20 (CK20) and uroplakin, which was identical to the radical cystectomy specimen. Thus, he received combination chemotherapy consisting of S-1 and CDDP; however, the peritoneal metastasis worsened after 2 cycles. Therefore, second-line mFOLFOX6+Bev chemotherapy was performed for a total of 5 courses. In spite of this, the patient died, and the final diagnosis by autopsy was multiple metastases of infiltrating pure UC to the lung, bone, and peritoneum. Interestingly, there were no pathological findings of adenocarcinoma, and the immunohistochemical profile of the metastatic lesions was identical to that of the previous specimens from the bladder and colon. This suggests that sequential chemotherapy of S-1 and CDDP and second-line mFOLFOX6+Bev might be a feasible option in metastatic UC with glandular differentiation.

Aims Cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) are detected in cancer cells but not in healthy normal tissues, with the exception of gametogenic tissues. CTAs are highly immunogenic proteins, and thus represent ideal targets for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-mediated specific immune therapy. The aim of this study was to screen CTA expression in various types of salivary gland carcinoma and to clarify clinicopathological significance of MAGE-A and NY-ESO-1 expression in adenoid cystic carcinomas (AdCCs) of the salivary gland, which is one of the most common salivary gland carcinomas, and usually has a fatal outcome. Methods and results We used immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of four CTAs (MAGE-A, NY-ESO-1, CT7, and GAGE7) in various types of salivary gland carcinoma (n = 95). When carcinoma cases were divided into low-grade and intermediate/high-grade types, NY-ESO-1 and CT7 were expressed more frequently in intermediate/high-grade carcinomas. We then focused on MAGE-A and NY-ESO-1 expression in a large cohort of adenoid cystic carcinomas (AdCCs) (n = 46). MAGE-A and NY-ESO-1 were frequently expressed in AdCC; specifically, MAGE-A was expressed in >60% of the AdCC cases. MAGE-A expression and tumour site (minor salivary gland) were identified as independent risk factors for locoregional tumour recurrence. Conclusions These findings suggest that CTAs may be expressed in a variety of salivary gland carcinomas, especially in those with higher histological grades. In addition, MAGE-A, which is frequently expressed in AdCC cases, may be a useful prognostic factor for poorer locoregional recurrence-free survival.

BACKGROUND Hypertension is a major cause of heart failure. Excessive sympathoexcitation in patients with heart failure leads to poor prognosis. Since carotid body denervation (CBD) has been shown to reduce sympathetic nerve activity in animal models of hypertension and heart failure, we examined if bilateral CBD attenuates the progression of hypertensive heart failure and improves survival. METHODS We randomly allocated Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed a high-salt diet from 6 weeks of age into CBD (n = 31) and sham-operation (SHAM; n = 50) groups, and conducted CBD or SHAM at 7 weeks of age. We examined the time course of 24-hour urinary norepinephrine (uNE) excretion, blood pressure (BP) and the percent fractional shortening assessed by echocardiography, and estimated the pressure–natriuresis relationship at 14 weeks of age. Finally, we assessed hemodynamics, histological findings, and survival at 16 weeks of age. RESULTS Compared to SHAM, CBD significantly reduced 24-hour uNE at 12, 14, and 16 weeks of age, shifted the pressure–natriuresis relationship leftward without changing its slope, and attenuated the increase in BP. CBD preserved percent fractional shortening (34.2 ± 1.2 vs. 29.1 ± 1.3%, P < 0.01) and lowered left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (5.0 ± 0.9 vs. 9.0 ± 1.4 mm Hg, P < 0.05). Furthermore, CBD significantly attenuated myocardial hypertrophy (P < 0.01) and fibrosis (P < 0.01). Consequently, CBD markedly improved survival (relative risk reduction: 64.8%). CONCLUSIONS CBD attenuated the progression of hypertension and worsening of heart failure possibly through sympathoinhibition, and markedly improved survival in a rat model of hypertensive heart failure.

Background Postpartum haemorrhage is a direct cause of maternal death worldwide and usually occurs during the third stage of labour. Most women receive some type of prophylactic management, which may include pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions. The objective of this study was to summarize systematic reviews that assessed the effects of postpartum haemorrhage prophylactic management during the third stage of labour. Methods We applied the guidelines for conducting an overview of reviews from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to identify all relevant systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials of prophylactic management of postpartum haemorrhage in the third stage of labour compared with no treatment, placebo, or another management technique. Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed methodological quality using a measurement tool to assess reviews and quality of evidence using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation for primary outcomes, summarizing results narratively. Results We identified 29 systematic reviews: 18 Cochrane and 11 non-Cochrane. Cochrane systematic reviews were high quality, while the quality of non-Cochrane systematic reviews varied. The following techniques suggested effective, third-stage interventions to reduce the incidence of severe postpartum haemorrhage: active management of the third stage of labour compared to physiological management, active management compared to expectant management, administration of oxytocin compared to placebo, and use of tranexamic acid compared to placebo. The following third-stage management approaches reduced the need for blood transfusion: active management compared to physiological management, active management compared to expectant management, oral misoprostol compared to placebo, and tranexamic acid compared to placebo. Conclusions No effective prophylactic management techniques were identified for maternal mortality. Most methods of effective prophylactic management of postpartum haemorrhage were supported by evidence; however, they were limited to low- or moderate-quality evidence, and high-quality studies are therefore needed. Outcome measures of the included systematic reviews varied. It is recommended that outcome measures in preventive postpartum haemorrhage intervention trials align with the World Health Organization guidelines. Systematic review registration PROSPERO: CRD42016049220. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13643-018-0817-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Challenges of lithography performance, dry etch resistance, and substrate dependency in resist materials dedicated to negative tone development (NTD) process were studied. The gamma-parameter in contrast curve was increased to achieve improvement in lithography performances, and CD-uniformity (CDU), DOF, and circularity of dense C/H pattern were studied for the resist material. Ohnishi-parameter of de-protected polymer was decreased to improve dry etch resistance, and dissolution property and lithography performance were studied to look at maturity of materials. Formulation dependency on pattern collapse property on spin-on-type Si-hard mask (Si-HM) were studied, and material property to suppress pattern collapse was discussed.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Since carotid body denervation (CBD) inhibits excessive sympatho-excit...

Background: We previously showed that volume loading activates low pressure baroreflex (L-BARO) and causes biphasic change in sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). We examine if chronic heart failure (...

Background: The hypersensitive peripheral chemoreflex induces sympathoexcitation and vagolysis and is known to associate with the poor prognosis of chronic heart failure (CHF). We hypothesized that denervation of carotid body (CBD) improves CHF and restore the normal autonomic balance in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI)-induced CHF. Methods: We created MI-induced CHF in rats. Surviving rats at 4 weeks after MI were randomized into CBD (n=10) and sham-operated (Sham; n=10) group. To establish CBD, we removed the tissues around the carotid bifurcation. Two months after CBD, we evaluated physiological and histological findings. Results: CBD significantly reduced biventricular weight (2.9±0.1 vs. 3.3±0.1 g/kg, p

Background: Although VNS is known to have a powerful anti-infarct effect, the technical difficulty associated with VNS precludes its application under emergent settings of AMI. We developed a novel...

Background: We aimed to elucidate the prognostic impacts of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods and Results: We examined 4,818 consecutive patients with Stage C/D CHF registered in our CHART-2 Study (N510,219). Among them, 1,859 (38.6%) had AF at enrollment. As compared with the remaining 2,953 patients with sinus rhythm at enrollment, patients with AF were characterized by higher age (71 vs. 68 yrs.), lower esti- mated glomerular filtration rate (58.9 vs. 61.9 ml/min/1.73m 2 ), higher brain natri- uretic peptide (BNP) levels (152 vs. 74.5 pg/ml), comparable LVEF (56.8 vs 56.5%) and similar prescription rate of beta-blocker (48.1 vs. 50.6%) and renin- angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor (72.9 vs. 71.6%). Among the patients with si- nus rhythm at enrollment, 106 (3.6%) developed de-novo AF (dnAF) during the median follow-up for 3.2 years, which was associated with an increased mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.72, P50.013). In contrast, neither paroxysmal AF (pAF) nor chronic AF (cAF) at enrollment was associated with mortality (pAF, adjusted HR 1.10, P50.491; cAF, adjusted HR 1.00, P 50.992). IPTW analysis revealed that neither beta-blockers nor RAS inhibitors was associated with reduced mortality in AF patients, regardless of pAF or cAF. Conclusions: These results indicate that development of dnAF, but not pAF or cAF at enrollment, was associated with increased mortality in CHF patients. Background: We previously reported that the activation of low-pressure baroreflex (LBARO) by volume infusion biphasically altered sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). We examined whether chronic heart failure (CHF) changed LBARO. Methods: In 14 anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats, we created CHF by myocardial infarction. We isolated carotid sinuses to abolish the arterial baroreflex. We infused blood stepwise to activate LBARO, and recorded SNA and hemodynamics. Result: In the normal group (n56), volume loading increased both central venous pressure (CVP) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and biphasically changed SNA with a maximal response of 48621%. In contrast, CHF (n58) markedly reduced the maximum response (1567%, p!0.05) and abolished the biphasic change of SNA (Figure). Conclusions: CHF induces the L-BARO failure. How the LBARO failure impacts the pathophysiology of CHF remains to be investigated.