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Subgroups of T-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia (T-PLL) Discovered By High-Throughput Ex Vivo Drug Testing and Genetic Profiling
Adnan, Shady, Bellanger, Dorine , Schrader, Alexandra , Mateos, Carlos C, Faber, Edgar , Herling, Marco , Andersson, Emma Irene , Sellner, Leopold , Crispatzu, Giuliano , Zhang, Henan , Koschmieder, Steffen , Brümmendorf, Tim H. , Wennerberg, Krister , Ding, Wei , Stern, Marc‐Henri , Anders, Simon , Huber, Wolfgang K. , Zenz, Thorsten , Mustjoki, Satu M.

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 315-315

10.1182/blood.v126.23.315.315 Get It

Abstract T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare disease with an aggressive clinical course and a median overall survival of less than three years. Although almost 75% of T-PLL patients are reported to harbor translocations causing the activation of the proto-oncogene TCL1A, T-PLL is genetically heterogenous: most T-PLL patients also have mutations or deletions in the ATM gene and the genes involved in the JAK-STAT pathway are mutated in 76% of cases. There is an urgent need for more rational based therapies, but clinical trials are difficult to perform due to the rareness of the disease. Here, we systematically explored the diversity of drug responses in T-PLL patient samples ex vivo using a drug sensitivity and resistance testing (DSRT) system including 306 oncology drugs (approved or investigational). We also aimed to determine any associations between the genetic aberrations and drug sensitivities in T-PLL patients. Primary mononuclear cells were gathered from 30 T-PLL patients for drug testing. Cells were plated in 384-well plates and subjected to the 306 substances using a 10,000-fold concentration range. After 72 hours, cell viabilities were measured, the results were depicted as dose-response curves for each compound, and differential drug sensitivity scores (sDSS), representing leukemia-specific responses, were computed by comparing patient samples to healthy donors. Drug response profiles across patients were clustered and visualized by hierarchical clustering. The subgroups resulting from the clustering were statistically compared using a two-sample t-test to understand which drug classes were driving the grouping. To delineate heterogeneous pathway dependencies, drug sensitivities were correlated with somatic genetic variants and recurrent chromosomal aberrations. Genetic characterization was performed by targeted amplicon sequencing of tumor cells to profile known recurrent genetic variants (STAT5b, IL2RG, JAK1, JAK3, ATM). Information on chromosomal aberrations (TCL1A translocations, ATM deletions) was derived from parallel clinicopathologic databases. Amplicon sequencing revealed that 70% of T-PLL patients (21/30) harbored a mutation in genes involved in the JAK-STAT pathway (JAK1, JAK3, STAT5b or IL2RG). The most prevalent mutation led to an M511I amino acid exchange in the JAK3 protein (26% of patients). Interestingly, the STAT5b mutations (5/30) did not coexist with any of the JAK mutations in our cohort. Based on DSRT analysis, all T-PLL samples were sensitive to the CDK-inhibitor SNS-032 and the anti-cancer antibiotic actinomycin D. Next, we clustered patients using sDSS values for all 306 different substances, and this showed that patient samples could be divided into 3 main groups, based on their drug responses (Figure). According to two-sample t-test, the grouping was driven by the selective sensitivities of Groups II and III to HDAC inhibitors (belinostat, panobinostat, quisinostat, CUDC-101 and vorinostat) and the selective sensitivity of Group III to PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors (AZD-8055, MK-2206, apitolisib, dactolisib, PF-04691502, ZSTK474, and omipalisib), HSP90 inhibitors (BIIB021, luminespib, alvespimycin, and tanespimycin) as well as JAK inhibitors (ruxolitinib, momelotinib, tofacitinib, gandotinib). Group I samples were on the other hand relatively resistant to these classes of drugs. Surprisingly, despite the prevalence of the signature event of activation of TCL1 (the established AKT coactivator) in nearly all cases, only a subset of cases (group III) responded to PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors. Strikingly, the grouping of selective responses to HDAC, JAK, PI3K/mTOR/Akt and HSP90 inhibitors did not link to the presence of JAK/STAT mutations, TCL1A translocations, or ATM deletion status. Ex vivo drug screening of primary T-PLL samples revealed heterogenous selective drug responses in specific drug classes (such as HDAC-, JAK-, HSP90- and PI3K/Akt/mTOR-inhibitors). Surprisingly, the drug response patterns did not correlate with known recurrent genetic aberrations suggesting that sequencing for recurrent genetic biomarkers cannot easily be turned into effective therapeutic strategies in T-PLL, and that further elucidation of the biological pathways driving T-PLL is needed. Figure 1. Mutation status and clustering of HDAC-, PI3K/mTOR/Akt-, HSP90-, and JAK-inhibitor responses in PLL patients based on sDSS values Figure 1. Mutation status and clustering of HDAC-, PI3K/mTOR/Akt-, HSP90-, and JAK-inhibitor responses in PLL patients based on sDSS values Disclosures Koschmieder: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel reimbursement for scientific conferences, Research Funding; Novartis Foundation: Research Funding; Baxalta/CTI: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen Cilag: Other: Travel reimbursement for scientific conferences ; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel reimbursement for scientific conferences. Wennerberg:Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding. Ding:Merek: Research Funding. Mustjoki:Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding.
Clinico-Pathological Features and Outcomes in Patients with Congenital Sideroblastic Anemias
Schmelkin, Leah A., Howard, Matthew T., Rodriguez, Vilmarie , Khan, Shakila P. , Gangat, Naseema , Wolanskyj, Alexandra P., Patnaik, Mrinal M. , Steensma, David P. , Fleming, Mark D.

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 3355-3355

10.1182/blood.v126.23.3355.3355 Get It

Abstract Background: Ring sideroblasts (RS) are erythroid precursors with perinuclear mitochondrial iron accumulation seen in clonal disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and non-clonal conditions, including copper deficiency, lead poisoning, and congenital sideroblastic anemias (CSAs). CSAs involve a broad clinical and pathological spectrum related to mutations in ALAS2, ABCB7, etc. or mitochondrial aberrations (Pearson Syndrome; Myopathy, Lactic Acidosis and Sideroblastic Anemia (MLASA); etc.). MDS-RS is often associated with SF3B1 mutations, which have not been reported in other SAs. This study sought to further describe the characteristics and outcomes of patients with CSAs. Methods: After due IRB approval, we retrospectively identified all patients with a CSA diagnosis seen at our institution from 1990-2014. All bone marrow (BM) slides were re-reviewed to confirm the presence of RS. Secondary causes of SA were excluded. Genetic testing on the BM specimen was carried out when possible through research collaborations with the Boston Children's Hospital. Data was retrospectively extracted and is reported in Table 1. Data was analyzed based on the presence or absence of mitochondrial inheritance. Results: Seventeen patients with CSA were identified, 3 (17.6%) with mitochondrial inheritance. In the non-mitochondrial inheritance group, the median age at diagnosis was 29 years (range, 1-61 years). Six (42.9%) were males. At a median follow-up of 119 months (range, 1-401 months), 1 (7.1%) death was documented. The median overall survival (OS) has not been reached. Six of 14 (42.9%) underwent genetic testing, and a mutation was identified in 4 (ALAS -2, FECH -1, and a novel mutation, currently being validated). Six of 6 (100%) samples analyzed for SF3B1 mutations were negative. Median laboratory values at diagnosis included hemoglobin 9.5 g/dL, MCV 85.8, WBC 6.4, and platelets 297,000. Three (21.4%) patients had splenomegaly. Nine (64.3%) had iron overload; 3 (33%) were treated with iron chelation therapy, with only 1 documented response (≥ 500 µg/L reduction in serum ferritin). Twelve (85.7%) were treated with pyridoxine. Outcomes of pyridoxine treatment are described in Table 1. Three of 14 (21.4%) received red blood cell transfusions, and 3 (21.4%) received erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA). One (7.1%) patient underwent allogeneic stem cell transplant. Three patients had SAs of mitochondrial inheritance; aberrations were identified in 2 (YARS2 and a 4 kilobase mitochondrial deletion). In this group, the median age at diagnosis was 2 years (range, 1-13 years), and all were males. At a median follow-up of 173 months (range, 119-329 months), 2 (66.7%) deaths were documented. Median laboratory values at diagnosis included hemoglobin 9.0 g/dL, MCV 97.0, WBC 5.2, and platelets 175,000. Conclusions: Congenital SAs are rare, and the majority are of non-mitochondrial inheritance. The molecular basis for disease can be ascertained in less than 50% of patients. Unlike MDS with RS, CSAs are not characterized by the SF3B1 mutation, which may be used to establish clonality. With appropriate supportive care measures, survival for non-mitochondrially inherited CSA remains favorable. Table 1. Demographics and Outcomes for 17 Patients with CSA Age at Diagnosis (Years) Gender Molecular Mutation Additional Features Pyridoxine Response Iron Overload Survival (Months) Outcomes Non-Mitochondrial Inheritance 5 M R452H in ALAS2 N Y2 Y 173 Alive3 3 M Mutation being validated Splenomegaly Y2 Y 254 Alive3 6 M Unknown, PTPN11, ALAS 2, ABCB7 negative Splenomegaly N Y 137 Alive, status-post transplant 29 F Unknown1 N N/A N 131 Alive3 41 F Unknown1 N Y2 N 83 Alive4 40 M Promoter mutation in ALAS2 Splenomegaly N N 106 Alive4 31 F Unknown1 N N Y 401 Deceased 54 M Unknown1 N Lost to follow-up Y 1 Alive3 3 M FECH N N/A N 189 Alive3 1 F SCAD -VUS N Lost to follow-up Y 13 Alive3 29 F Unknown1 N N Y 205 Alive3 58 F Unknown1 N N Y 47 Alive, unknown transfusion status 61 F Unknown1 N Y2 Y 58 Alive3 23 F Unknown1 Alpha-thalassemia-2-trait Y2 N 37 Alive3 Mitochondrial Inheritance 13 M YARS2 MLASA N Y 329 Alive4 2 M Unknown, mitochondrial deletions and ABCB7 negative Myopathy, Ataxia N/A N 173 Deceased 1 M 4 kilobase mitochondrial deletion Pearson Syndrome, B cell lymphoma Y2 N 119 Deceased 1No molecular testing performed 2Sustained hemoglobin response of ≥ 1 g/dL over baseline for ≥ 12 weeks 3Transfusion-independent 4Transfusion-dependent Disclosures Steensma: Incyte: Consultancy; Onconova: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy.
A Phase II Study of CC-5013 Treatment for Myelofibrosis with Myeloid Metaplasia: A Preliminary Report.
Tefferi, Ayalew , Wolanskyj, Alexandra P., Shaw, Trudy A., Reyes, Gayle E., Hoering, Antje , McClure, Rebecca F., Hogan, William J. , Mesa, Ruben A.

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 104 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 1505-1505

10.1182/blood.v104.11.1505.1505 Get It

Abstract Background : CC-5013 (Revlimid™) is an immunomodulatory analog of thalidomide that is substantially more potent than the parent drug in terms of both anti-angiogenic and anti-TNF-α activity. CC-5013 has shown therapeutic activity in thalidomide-responsive hematological malignancies including relapsed multiple myeloma (Blood2002;100:3063) and myelodysplastic syndrome (Blood2002;100:96a). Myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) has also been shown to respond to thalidomide (BJH2002;117:288). Furthermore, both angiogenesis and altered TNF-α activity have been pathogenetically implicated in MMM. Methods : The current report considers the first 15 patients in an ongoing phase II treatment trial of single agent CC-5013 in MMM based on a minimum of 3 month follow-up from day 1 of protocol treatment. Study eligibility criteria included no concomitant MMM-directed therapy, a hemoglobin (Hgb) level of < 10 g/dL, an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of ≥ 1 x 109/L, and a platelet count of ≥ 100 x 109/L. Previous thalidomide therapy in the absence of high-grade skin toxicity was allowed. All patients were started with daily oral CC-5013 (10 mg/day) to be taken for three 28-day treatment cycles. Three additional treament cycles were planned in case of anemia response. Results : Median age was 64 years (range, 40–75) and 10 pts were males. Twelve of the 15 study pts (80%) were red cell transfusion-dependent, 14 (93%) were previously treated including 12 with cytoreductive and 4 with thalidomide therapy. The spleen was palpably enlarged in 13 pts (median 18 cm, range 7–23). Eight of the 15 pts (53%) successfully completed 3 months of protocol treatment. Treatment was discontinued in the remaining 7 pts because of drug toxicity (2 pts), disease progression (1 pt), other co-morbid condition (3 pts), or patient discretion (1 pt). Treatment response data : Clinically relevant responses were documented in 4 patients (27%) and consisted of measurable improvements in anemia (2 pts), splenomegaly (2 pts), and/or constitutional symptoms (3 pts). One pt experienced an increase in Hgb level from 8.3 to 13.4 g/dL, a decrease in leukocyte count from 66.2 to 7.7 x 109/L, and complete resolution of myelophthisis including disapperance of circulating blasts that measured 9% before treatment. Another pt became transfusion-independent (Hgb level increased to > 10 g/dL) as well as enjoyed a profound improvement in constitutional symptoms. Interestingly, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level decreased in 11 pts (73%) to either within the normal ramge (5 pts) or by more than 30 % (6 pts). Treatment toxicity data : Grade 3 or 4 adverse events that were possibly, probably, or definitely attributed to CC-5013 included rash (2 pts), neutropenia (5 pts), thrombocytopenia (3 pts), and fatigue (2 pts). In addition, 3 patients experienced drug-associated extreme thrombocytosis while a histologically-proven disseminated extramedullary hematopoiesis was documented in one patient after one month of CC-5013 treatment. Conclusion : The current preliminary report suggests a substantial biological activity of CC-5013 in MMM with a therapeutic potential for a subset of patients. Additional studies with a longer duration of therapy, different dose schedules, and combinations of CC-5013 and corticosteroids are warranted.
Mean muscle attenuation correlates with severe acute pancreatitis unlike visceral adipose tissue and subcutaneous adipose tissue
Sternby, Hanna , Mahle, Mariella, Linder, Nicolas , Erichson-Kirst, Laureen, Dimova, Alexandra , Ignatavičius, Povilas , Ilzarbe, Lucas , Koiva, Peeter, Penttilä, Anne , Regnér, Sara , Bollen, Thomas L., Brill, Richard , Stangl, Franz , Wohlgemuth, Walter A. , Singh, Vijay , Busse, Harald , Beer, Sebastian , Singh, Vijay P , Verdonk, Robert C , Michl, Patrick , Rosendahl, Jonas , Regnér, Sara

United European Gastroenterology Journal | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 7 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 1312-1320

10.1177/2050640619882520 | PMID 31839956 Get It

Background Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a frequent disorder with considerable morbidity and mortality. Obesity has previously been reported to influence disease severity. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the association of adipose and muscle parameters with the severity grade of AP. Methods In total 454 patients were recruited. The first contrast‐enhanced computed tomography of each patient was reviewed for adipose and muscle tissue parameters at L3 level. Associations with disease severity were analysed through logistic regression analysis. The predictive capacity of the parameters was investigated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results No distinct variation was found between the AP severity groups in either adipose tissue parameters (visceral adipose tissue and subcutaneous adipose tissue) or visceral muscle ratio. However, muscle mass and mean muscle attenuation differed significantly with p ‐values of 0.037 and 0.003 respectively. In multivariate analysis, low muscle attenuation was associated with severe AP with an odds ratio of 4.09 (95% confidence intervals: 1.61–10.36, p ‐value 0.003). No body parameter presented sufficient predictive capability in ROC‐curve analysis. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that a low muscle attenuation level is associated with an increased risk of severe AP. Future prospective studies will help identify the underlying mechanisms and characterise the influence of body composition parameters on AP.
Differences in the Distribution of Cytogenetic Subtypes Between Multiple Myeloma Patients with and without a History of Familial MGUS and Multiple Myeloma
Greenberg, Alexandra J. , Cousin, Margot A. , Vachon, Celine M. , Colby, Colin , Kumar, Shaji , Vachon, Celine M. , Larson, Dirk R. , Rajkumar, S. Vincent

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4000-4000

10.1182/blood.v120.21.4000.4000 Get It

Abstract Abstract 4000 Background: We have previously reported that there is an increased risk of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in first-degree relatives of patients with multiple myeloma (Vachon CM. Blood 2009 114: 785–790). There are several cytogenetic subtypes of myeloma, and there are no data on whether certain cytogenetic subtypes of myeloma are more frequently associated with familial MGUS. Methods: We studied patients with myeloma who participated in the familial MGUS study in whom presence or absence of MGUS in the first-degree relatives had been ascertained (Vachon CM. Blood 2009 114: 785–790). Probands were seen at the Mayo Clinic Hematology/Oncology practice (Rochester, MN, USA) between February 2006 and September 2007. Cytogenetic data was acquired via electronic medical record abstraction of fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) lab reports, and used to categorize patients into one of nine cytogenetic subgroups: trisomy(ies), t(6;14), t(11;14), t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20), Mixed (those with trisomy(ies) and an IgH translocation), other cytogenetic abnormalities (in the absence of trisomy(ies) or IgH translocation), and normal (Kumar S. Blood 2012;119:2100–2105). We examined whether a difference in the distribution of the six primary cytogenetic categories of myeloma existed between probands with a family history of MGUS and/or myeloma and those without. Results and Conclusions: Of the 248 patients invited to participate, FISH data (with sufficient plasma cells) was available on 119 participants to establish the primary molecular cytogenetic classification of myeloma. All had available information regarding family history of MGUS and multiple myeloma. 27 had an affected first-degree relative with MGUS, and 92 did not. Distributions of cytogenetic subtypes in the two groups are shown in Table 1. IgH translocated MM was more common in myeloma patients who lacked an affected first-degree relative compared to those with familial MGUS (19% vs 30%, P=0.32) Interestingly, the t(11;14) subtype was more common in myeloma patients without familial MGUS compared to those with an first-degree relative with MGUS (19.6% vs 7.4%, P=0.24). The differences in Table 1 did not reach statistical significance, possibly due to the small numbers of individuals with a family history in this sample. However, the distribution (Table 1) suggests that the distribution of cytogenetic subtypes may be different in myeloma that is not associated with familial MGUS compared with myeloma in which a familial tendency is detected. IgH translocated MM appears to have a lower risk of familial tendency. Further investigation is needed to estimate the risk of familial MGUS within each cytogenetic subtype. Disclosures: Kumar: Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria; Millennium: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding.
Inherited variants at 3q13.33 and 3p24.1 are associated with risk of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and implicate immune pathways
Kleinstern, Geffen , Yan, Huihuang , Berndt, Sonja I. , Ghesquières, Hervé , McKay, James , Wang, Sophia , Nieters, Alexandra, Ye, Yuanqing , Monnereau, Alain , Brooks‐Wilson, Angela , Lan, Qing , Melbye, Mads , Jackson, Rebecca D. , Purdue, Mark P. , Vajdic, Claire M. , Vermeulen, Roel , Cocco, Pier Luigi, Birmann, Brenda M. , Zeleniuch‐Jacquotte, Anne , Crouch, Simon , Sarangi, Vivekananda , Asmann, Yan W. , Offit, Kenneth , Salles, Gilles , Wu, Xifeng , Smedby, Karin E. , Skibola, Christine F., Rothman, Nathaniel , Cocco, Pierluigi , Asmann, Yan, Cocco, Pierluigi , Brooks-Wilson, Angela R , Vajdic, Claire M , Salles, Gilles A , Wang, Sophia S , Birmann, Brenda M , Zeleniuch-Jacquotte, Anne , Hildebrandt, Michelle A.T. , Vijai, Joseph , Teras, Lauren R. , Giles, Graham G. , Kraft, Peter , Albanes, Demetrius , Zhang, Yawei , Slager, Susan L. , Chanock, Stephen Jacob , Cerhan, James R.

Human Molecular Genetics | October 1, 2019 | Volume: 29 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 70-79

10.1093/hmg/ddz228 | PMID 31600786 Get It

Abstract We previously identified five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at four susceptibility loci for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in individuals of European ancestry through a large genome-wide association study (GWAS). To further elucidate genetic susceptibility to DLBCL, we sought to validate two loci at 3q13.33 and 3p24.1 that were suggestive in the original GWAS with additional genotyping. In the meta-analysis (5662 cases and 9237 controls) of the four original GWAS discovery scans and three replication studies, the 3q13.33 locus (rs9831894; minor allele frequency [MAF] = 0.40) was associated with DLBCL risk [odds ratio (OR) = 0.83, P = 3.62 × 10−13]. rs9831894 is in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with additional variants that are part of a super-enhancer that physically interacts with promoters of CD86 and ILDR1. In the meta-analysis (5510 cases and 12 817 controls) of the four GWAS discovery scans and four replication studies, the 3p24.1 locus (rs6773363; MAF = 0.45) was also associated with DLBCL risk (OR = 1.20, P = 2.31 × 10−12). This SNP is 29 426-bp upstream of the nearest gene EOMES and in LD with additional SNPs that are part of a highly lineage-specific and tumor-acquired super-enhancer that shows long-range interaction with AZI2 promoter. These loci provide additional evidence for the role of immune function in the etiology of DLBCL, the most common lymphoma subtype.
Case report: Paradoxical responses to short acting beta-agonists in a pediatric patient
Graden, Alexandra, Gandhi, Sonia , Joshi, Avni Y. , Gandhi, Sonia

Journal of Asthma | October 1, 2019 | Volume: 58 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 213-215

10.1080/02770903.2019.1668009 | PMID 31573361 Get It

CLEC3B p.S106G Mutant in a Caucasian Population of Successful Neurological Aging
Kolicheski, Ana , Walton, Ronald L., Soto‐Beasley, Alexandra I. , Uitti, Ryan J. , Parfitt, Francine, Graff-Radford, Michelle R , Ross, Owen A. , Ross, Owen A , Beasley, Alexandra I , Heckman, Michael G. , Wszołek, Zbigniew K. , Graff, Caroline

The Journals of Gerontology: Series A | October 1, 2019 | Volume: 75 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 1618-1623

10.1093/gerona/glz213 | PMID 31570938 Get It

Abstract A number of efforts are underway to better understand the role of genetic variation in successful aging and longevity. However, to date, only two genes have been consistently associated with longevity in humans: APOE and FOXO3, with the APOE ɛ2 allele also protective against dementia. Recently, using an exome-wide SNP array approach, a missense variant CLEC3B c.316G&gt;A (rs13963 p.S106G) was reported to associate with longevity in two independent cohorts of Japanese and Chinese participants. Interestingly, CLEC3B p.S106G is more frequent in Caucasian populations. Herein, we examined the frequency of CLEC3B p.S106G in a Caucasian series of 1,483 neurologically healthy individuals with a specific subset &gt;80 years of age. Although our findings do not support an association between CLEC3B p.S106G and aging without neurological disease (p = .89), we confirmed the association between the APOE ε2 allele and better survival without neurological disease (p = .001). Further assessment of healthy aged cohorts that retain intact neurological function will be critical to understand the etiology of neurodegenerative disease and the role of age at risk.
Online Health Information Seeking Among US Adults: Measuring Progress Toward a Healthy People 2020 Objective
Rutten, Lila J. Finney , Blake, Kelly D. , Greenberg, Alexandra J. , Allen, Summer V. , Finney Rutten, Lila J , Moser, Richard P. , Hesse, Bradford W.

Public Health Reports® | September 12, 2019 | Volume: 134 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 617-625

10.1177/0033354919874074 | PMID 31513756 Get It

Objective: During the past decade, the availability of health information online has increased dramatically. We assessed progress toward the Healthy People 2020 (HP2020) health communication and health information technology objective of increasing the proportion of health information seekers who easily access health information online. Methods: We used data from 4 administrations of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 2008-2017) (N = 18 103). We conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis to evaluate trends over time in experiences with accessing health information and to examine differences by sociodemographic variables (sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, income, metropolitan status) separately for those who used the internet (vs other information sources) during their most recent search for health information. Results: Among US adults who looked for health information and used the internet for their most recent search, the percentage who reported accessing health information without frustration was stable during the study period (from 37.2% in 2008 to 38.5% in 2017). Accessing information online without frustration was significantly and independently associated with age 35-49 (vs age 18-34) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 -1.73), non-Hispanic black (vs non-Hispanic white) race/ethnicity (OR = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.55-2.97), and annual household income <$20 000 (vs >$75 000) (OR = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.47-0.93). The percentage of adults who used an information source other than the internet and reported accessing health information online without frustration ranged from 31.3% in 2008 to 42.7% in 2017. Survey year 2017 (vs 2008) (OR = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.09-2.35) and high school graduate education (vs college graduate) (OR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.49-0.97) were significantly and independently associated with accessing health information without frustration from sources other than the internet. Conclusions: The percentage of online health information seekers reporting easily accessing health information did not meet the HP2020 objective. Continued efforts are needed to enable easy access to online health information among diverse populations.
Normal range for MR elastography measured liver stiffness in children without liver disease
Sawh, Mary Catherine, Newton, Kimberly P. , Goyal, Nidhi , Angeles, Jorge E., Harlow, Kathryn E., Bross, Craig, Schlein, Alexandra , Hooker, Jonathan , Sy, Ethan , Glaser, Kevin J. , Yin, Meng , Schwimmer, Jeffrey B. , Schwimmer, Jeffrey B , Yin, Meng , Ehman, Richard L. , Sirlin, Claude B.

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging | August 27, 2019 | Volume: 51 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 919-927

10.1002/jmri.26905 | PMID 31452280 Get It

BackgroundMagnetic resonance elastography (MRE) can determine the presence and stage of liver fibrosis. Data on normative MRE values, while reported in adults, are limited in children.PurposeTo determine the distribution of MRE‐measured liver stiffness in children without liver disease.Study TypeProspective, observational.PopulationEighty‐one healthy children (mean 12.6 ± 2.6 years, range 8–17 years).Field Strength/Sequence3.0T Signa HDxt, General Electric MR Scanner; 2D GRE MRE sequence.AssessmentHistory, examination, laboratory evaluation, and (MR) exams (proton density fat fraction, PDFF, and MRE) were performed. MR elastograms were analyzed manually at two reading centers and compared with each other for agreement and with published values in healthy adults and thresholds for fibrosis in adult and pediatric patients.Statistical TestsDescriptive statistics, Bland–Altman analysis, t‐test to compare hepatic stiffness values with reference standards.ResultsStiffness values obtained at both reading centers were similar, without significant bias (P = 0.362) and with excellent correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.782). Mean hepatic stiffness value for the study population was 2.45 ± 0.35 kPa (95th percentile 3.19 kPa), which was significantly higher than reported values for healthy adult subjects (2.10 ± 0.23 kPa, P < 0.001). In all, 74–85% of subjects had stiffness measurements suggestive of no fibrosis.Data ConclusionMean liver stiffness measured with MRE in this cohort was significantly higher than that reported in healthy adults. Despite rigorous screening, some healthy children had stiffness measurements suggestive of liver fibrosis using current published thresholds. Although MRE has the potential to provide noninvasive assessment in patients with suspected hepatic disease, further refinement of this technology will help advance its use as a diagnostic tool for evidence of fibrosis in pediatric populations.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: 5J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:919–927.