Citations

Abstract Aims Graft dysfunction (GD) after heart transplantation (HTx) can develop without evidence of cell- or antibody-mediated rejection. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has an evolving role in detecting rejection; however, its role in biopsy-negative GD has not been described. This study examines CMR findings, evaluates outcomes based on CMR results, and seeks to identify the possibility of rejection missed through endomyocardial biopsy by using CMR in HTx recipients with biopsy-negative GD. Methods and results HTx recipients with GD [defined as a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by >5% and LVEF < 50%] in the absence of rejection by biopsy or allograft vasculopathy and who underwent CMR were included in the study. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality, re-transplantation, or persistent LVEF < 50%. Overall, 34 HTx recipients developed biopsy-negative GD and underwent CMR. Left ventricular late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on CMR was observed in 16 patients with two distinct patterns: diffuse epicardial (n = 13) and patchy (n = 3) patterns. Patients with LGE developed GD later after HTx [4 (1.4–6.8) vs. 0.8 (0.3–1.2) years, P < 0.001], were more often symptomatic (88% vs. 56%, P = 0.06), and had greater haemodynamic derangement (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure: 19 ± 7 vs. 13 ± 3 mmHg, P = 0.002) as compared with those without LGE. No significant difference was observed in the primary composite outcome between patients with LGE and those without LGE (50% vs. 38% of patients with events, P = 0.515). During a median follow-up of 3.8 years, mean LVEF improved similarly in the LGE-negative (37–55%) and LGE-positive groups (32–55%) (P = 0.16). Conclusions Biopsy-negative GD occurs with and without LGE when assessed by CMR, indicative of possible rejection/inflammation occurring only in a subset of patients. Irrespective of LGE, LVEF improvement occurs in most GD patients, suggesting that other neurohormonal or immunomodulatory mechanisms may also contribute to GD development.

Abstract Purpose: Prostate cancer (CaP) is the most common cancer in Black men (BM), and the number of Black CaP survivors is rapidly increasing. Although Black immigrants are among the fastest-growing and most heterogeneous ethnic groups in the US, limited data exist regarding their CaP experiences. Therefore, this study aimed to explore and model the experiences of ethnically diverse Black men with CaP. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 34 participants: Native-born BM (NBBM) (n=17), African-born BM (ABBM) (n=11), and Caribbean-born BM (CBBM) (n=6) CaP survivors recruited through QR-code embedded flyers posted in Black businesses, clinics, social media platforms, and existing research networks within the US. Guided by Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory methodology, the interviews were analyzed using constant comparison following key stages of initial, focused, and theoretical coding using Atlas.ti v23. Results: Participants were thirty-four men aged 49-84 years (mean±SD, 66±8). Most were married (77%), likely to be diagnosed at Stage I (35%), and treated with radiotherapy (56%). Our study findings explored the complex trajectory of Black prostate cancer (CaP) survivors, unveiling a comprehensive model termed "Journeying through Unfamiliar Terrain." Comprising three phases and 11 sub-phases, this model uniquely captures the pre-diagnosis awareness and post-treatment adaptation among survivors. Conclusion: The resulting theoretical model delineates the entire CaP survivorship process among BM, providing contextual and conceptual understanding for developing interventions and enhancing patient-centered care for ethnically diverse CaP survivors, pivotal in bridging the gaps in survivorship research and healthcare practices.

OBJECTIVES: Among patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI) admitted to the ICU in high-income countries, regional practice variations for fluid balance (FB) management, timing, and choice of renal replacement therapy (RRT) modality may be significant. DESIGN: Secondary post hoc analysis of the STandard vs. Accelerated initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy in Acute Kidney Injury (STARRT-AKI) trial (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02568722). SETTING: One hundred-fifty-three ICUs in 13 countries. PATIENTS: Altogether 2693 critically ill patients with AKI, of whom 994 were North American, 1143 European, and 556 from Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Total mean FB to a maximum of 14 days was +7199 mL in North America, +5641 mL in Europe, and +2211 mL in ANZ (p < 0.001). The median time to RRT initiation among patients allocated to the standard strategy was longest in Europe compared with North America and ANZ (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Continuous RRT was the initial RRT modality in 60.8% of patients in North America and 56.8% of patients in Europe, compared with 96.4% of patients in ANZ (p < 0.001). After adjustment for predefined baseline characteristics, compared with North American and European patients, those in ANZ were more likely to survive to ICU (p < 0.001) and hospital discharge (p < 0.001) and to 90 days (for ANZ vs. Europe: risk difference [RD], –11.3%; 95% CI, –17.7% to –4.8%; p < 0.001 and for ANZ vs. North America: RD, –10.3%; 95% CI, –17.5% to –3.1%; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Among STARRT-AKI trial centers, significant regional practice variation exists regarding FB, timing of initiation of RRT, and initial use of continuous RRT. After adjustment, such practice variation was associated with lower ICU and hospital stay and 90-day mortality among ANZ patients compared with other regions.

Introduction: Smoking-related diseases affect 16 million Americans, causing approximately 480,000 deaths annually. The prevalence of cigarette smoking varies regionally across the United States, and previous research indicates that regional rates of smoking-related diseases demonstrate a negative association with altitude. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between altitude and the prevalence of cigarette smoking by county (N = 3106) in the United States. We hypothesized that smoking prevalence among adults would be negatively associated with mean county altitude. Methods: A multivariate linear regression was performed to examine the relationship between county-level mean altitude and county smoking rate. Covariates were individually correlated with 2020 smoking data, and significant associations were included in the final model. Results: The multivariate linear regression indicated that the county-level smoking rates are significantly reduced at high altitudes (p < 0.001). The model accounted for 89.5% of the variance in smoking prevalence, and for each 1000-foot increase in altitude above sea level, smoking rates decreased by 0.143%. Based on multivariate linear regression, the following variables remained independently and significantly associated: race, sex, educational attainment, socioeconomic status, unemployment, physical inactivity, drinking behavior, mental distress, and tobacco taxation. Conclusions: Our results indicate that smoking rates are negatively associated with altitude, which may suggest that altitude affects the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and mechanistic pathways involved in cigarette use. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between altitude and smoking and how altitude may serve as a protective factor in the acquisition and maintenance of tobacco use disorders.

Abstract Emerging studies have identified the critical roles of tissue-resident memory CD8+ T (TRM) and B (BRM) cells in the protection against mucosal viral infections, but the underlying mechanisms regulating robust development of TRM and BRM cells remain incompletely understood. We have recently shown that tissue-resident helper CD4+ T (TRH) cells, developed following influenza virus infection, function to sustain the optimal maintenance of TRM and BRM cells at the mucosal surface. In this study, we have explored the cellular and molecular cues modulating lung TRH persistence after influenza infection in C57BL/6 mice. We found that TRH cells were colocalized in tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) with local B cells. Abolishing TLSs or the depletion of B cells impaired lung TRH cell numbers. Of note, we found that persistent TCR signaling is needed for the maintenance of TRH cells after the clearance of infectious influenza virus. Furthermore, selective ablation of B cell–derived MHC class II resulted in partial reduction of lung TRH cell number after influenza infection. Our findings suggest that the interaction between lung-resident TRH cells and B cells, along with persistent Ag stimulation, is required to maintain TRH cells after respiratory viral infection.

AbstractBackgroundRoutine defibrillation threshold testing (DFT) of transvenous implantable defibrillators (ICDs) has largely been in decline. In patients with non‐transvenous ICDs that utilize subcutaneous and pleural ICD leads, serial DFT testing can detect a significant number of failures. Data about the utility of follow‐up defibrillation safety margin testing (DSM) testing in pediatric patients and young adults with an epicardial ICD are lacking.MethodsPatients aged < 25 years old who underwent epicardial ICD placement at Mayo Clinic from 2014 to 2023 with at least one follow‐up DSM test were included. The patients were divided into a “routine” (R) and “clinically indicated” (CI) group based on the index of clinical concern. Inadequate DSM was defined as unsuccessful defibrillation at an output of less than 10 J below the maximum output of the device. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of follow‐up DSM testing.ResultsAn epicardial ICD system was placed in 122 patients. A total of 26 patients met inclusion criteria and underwent a total of 47 DSM follow up tests. Inadequate DSM occurred in 1/33 (3%) in the R group and 2/14 (14%) DSM tests in the CI group. The median follow‐up period was 54 and 36 months for the R and CI group, respectively.ConclusionsOur data suggest that epicardial ICDs are reliable and routine follow‐up DSM testing may not be necessary for all patients. DSM testing should be performed in individuals with epicardial ICD systems when there is clinical concern about lead or coil performance.

Abstract The absence of a standardized definition for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) flares and data on its clinical course are significant concerns. We retrospectively evaluated 968 patients across 23 Mount Sinai Acute GVHD International Consortium (MAGIC) transplant centers who achieved complete response (CR) or very good partial response (VGPR) within 4 weeks of treatment. The cumulative incidence of flares within 6 months was 22%, and flares were associated with a higher risk of nonrelapse mortality (NRM; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 4.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.19-7.36; P &lt; .001). Flares were more severe (grades 3/4, 41% vs 16%; P &lt; .001) and had more frequent lower gastrointestinal (LGI) involvement (55% vs 32%; P &lt; .001) than the initial GVHD. At CR/VGPR, elevated MAGIC biomarkers predicted the future occurrence of a flare, along with its severity and LGI involvement. In multivariate analyses, higher Ann Arbor (AA) biomarker scores at CR/VGPR were significant risk factors for flares (AA2 vs AA1: aHR, 1.81 [95% CI, 1.32-2.48; P = .001]; AA3 vs AA1: aHR, 3.14 [95% CI, 1.98-4.98; P &lt; .001]), as were early response to initial treatment (aHR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.21-2.80; P = .004) and HLA-mismatched unrelated donor (aHR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.00-3.02; P = .049). MAGIC biomarkers also stratified the risk of NRM both at CR/VGPR and at the time of flare. We conclude that GVHD flares are common and carry a significant mortality risk. The occurrence of future flares can be predicted by serum biomarkers that may serve to guide adjustment and discontinuation of immunosuppression.

Abstract Introduction Limited data are available on the efficacy of collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) on Peyronie’s disease (PD) in men with ventral curvatures. Our team previously published a limited series of outcomes of 25 men with ventral curvatures who underwent CCH. Given the paucity of data available, we sought to provide an updated series of outcomes in this important cohort. Objective To report outcomes of men undergoing CCH injections for PD based on initial direction of curvature, including absolute and percent improvement in curvature, adverse events (AE), and other subjective outcomes. Methods A prospective registry has been maintained of all men undergoing CCH injections since 2014. All men underwent curvature assessments and subjective questioning at the time of initial evaluation and prior to each subsequent series of injections. The method of injection and subsequent protocol have changed in a stepwise fashion since 2014 and currently include injecting 0.9 mg (diluted to 0.8 mL) on back-to-back days, injecting into the point of max curve with an erection on day 1, performing in-office modeling on day 2, utilizing Restorex traction beginning on day 2, and wrapping for 4-8 days depending on results. To review outcomes, clinicopathologic data were abstracted from the registry including relevant history, exam, and data obtained at the time of penile ultrasound and curvature assessment. Outcomes are reported using a “Most Recent” definition (most recent data point used, regardless if the patient continues or finished treatment) and “Completed 8 or Satisfied” (only included if the patient indicated that they were done with treatment or had finished the full 8 injections). Results A total of 560 patients (mean age 57 years) were identified from March 2014 through Feb 2023 and comprise our study cohort. Overall, 85 men had a ventral component to their curvature and 475 non-ventral. Baseline demographics and clinical factors were similar between groups, with the exception of penile length (ventral 14.0 cm, non-ventral 12.0 cm, p&lt;0.0001), Psych and Physical subdomain of the Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire (10 vs 12, p=0.03), and prior treatment with CCH (3% vs 16%, p=0.03). Following treatment, men in the ventral cohort exhibited possibly greater improvements in curvature (Most Recent Definition: -25 degrees vs -24, p=0.08; 45% vs 34%, p=0.03; Completed 8 or Satisfied Definition: -35 vs -25, p&lt;0.05, 48% vs 38%, p=0.11). However, all other outcomes were similar between cohorts, including differences in subdomains of the IIEF and PDQ, use of traction therapy, and adverse events including ecchymoses, hematomas, and popping sensations. Importantly, no urethral complications were experienced in the ventral group. Conclusions Men with ventral PD may be effectively treated with CCH with similar AEs compared to other directions. Ventral curvatures are likely associated with greater overall curvature improvements compared to other directions. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Endo - Matt Ziegelmann.

Abstract Introduction Since the FDA approval of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) for the treatment of Peyronie’s Disease (PD), there has been significant debate as to its role and comparable efficacy in relation to surgical therapies. We have previously published results comparing the two therapies at 3-months post-treatment. Objective To compare various objective and subjective outcome measures at 12-months post-treatment between men undergoing CCH or surgery for PD. Methods A randomized, controlled trial (NCT04786106) is ongoing. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive either CCH + traction (RestoreX) + sildenafil or penile surgery (plication and/or incision and grafting) + traction + sildenafil for PD. Objective, standardized (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF] and Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire [PDQ]), and non-standardized assessments were obtained at baseline, and post-treatment at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. Key outcomes included differences in standardized questionnaires, penile curvature, penile length, subsequent interventions, and non-standardized questionnaire responses. Curvature was measured in two planes and summed to provide a composite curvature. Penile length was measured from pubic symphysis to corona. All adjunctive therapies were stopped at 3-months post treatment completion (i.e., traction and sildenafil). Results A total of 40 men were randomized, with 38 completing treatment and 12-month data available on 28 men (CCH=12, surgery=16). Mean age at enrollment was 54.7 years, PD duration 37.4 months (mo), composite curvature 73.1 degrees (deg), and penile length 12.7 cm. All baseline variables were statistically similar between cohorts. Regarding primary outcomes, at 12-months post-treatment, CCH men reported being very satisfied 36%, satisfied 27%, and neutral 36% with none dissatisfied. Men in the Surgery cohort reported 14% very satisfied, 64% satisfied, 0% neutral, and 21% dissatisfied (p&lt;0.01). For secondary outcomes, the median differences between CCH and Surgery were: IIEF-EFD (+2.0 vs +2.0, p=0.82), PDQ-physical (-5 vs -5, p=0.77, note, lower is better for PDQ scales), PDQ-pain (-1 vs 0, p=0.92), PDQ-bother (-7 vs -3, p=0.12), length change (+1.0 vs -0.13 cm, p&lt;0.05), curvature absolute change (-37.5 vs -53.8 degrees, p=0.17), and curvature % improvement (55% vs 82%, p=0.15). Compared to 3-month data, Surgery men experienced greater curve recurrence (objective: Surgery +5 degrees vs -5 degrees CCH, p&lt;0.05), decreased subjective penile length 62% vs 9% CCH (p&lt;0.01) and decreased sensitivity (54% vs 27% CCH, p&lt;0.05). Both groups reported similar rates of improved sexual function (CCH 82% vs 64%, p=0.30) and change in erectile function (CCH 55% improved, 9% worsened; Surgery 62% improved, 8% worsened, p=0.53). Both groups were also equally satisfied with their curvature (CCH 55% vs Surgery 54%, p=0.97), despite greater overall curve improvements in the Surgery arm. 75% of CCH men reported improved indentation/hourglass vs 56% Surgery, p&lt;0.05. Both groups reported similar rates of being willing to do their treatment again (CCH 73% vs 77%, p=0.64), while 91% of CCH men would recommend it to a friend vs 77% Surgery (p=0.35). Conclusions Preliminary data suggests that when compared to surgery at 12-months, CCH men were more likely to be very satisfied, experience penile length increases, and less likely to experience dissatisfaction, curvature recurrence, and decreased penile sensation. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Endo Pharmaceuticals. Clarification: Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study. Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Matthew Ziegelmann - Endo Pharmaceuticals.