A novel application of data-consistent inversion to overcome spurious inference in genome-wide association studies.

The genome-wide association studies (GWAS) typically use linear or logistic regression models to identify associations between phenotypes (traits) and genotypes (genetic variants) of interest. However, the use of regression with the additive assumption has potential limitations. First, the normality assumption of residuals is the one that is rarely seen in practice, and deviation from normality increases the Type-I error rate. Second, building a model based on such an assumption ignores genetic structures, like, dominant, recessive, and protective-risk cases. Ignoring genetic variants may result in spurious conclusions about the associations between a variant and a trait. We propose an assumption-free model built upon data-consistent inversion (DCI), which is a recently developed measure-theoretic framework utilized for uncertainty quantification. This proposed DCI-derived model builds a nonparametric distribution on model inputs that propagates to the distribution of observed data without the required normality assumption of residuals in the regression model. This characteristic enables the proposed DCI-derived model to cover all genetic variants without emphasizing on additivity of the classic-GWAS model. Simulations and a replication GWAS with data from the COPDGene demonstrate the ability of this model to control the Type-I error rate at least as well as the classic-GWAS (additive linear model) approach while having similar or greater power to discover variants in different genetic modes of transmission.

Deep Learning Classification of Usual Interstitial Pneumonia Predicts Outcomes.

Rationale: Computed tomography (CT) enables noninvasive diagnosis of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), but enhanced image analyses are needed to overcome the limitations of visual assessment. Objectives: Apply multiple instance learning (MIL) to develop an explainable deep learning algorithm for prediction of UIP from CT and validate its performance in independent cohorts. Methods: We trained an MIL algorithm using a pooled dataset (n = 2,143) and tested it in three independent populations: data from a prior publication (n = 127), a single-institution clinical cohort (n = 239), and a national registry of patients with pulmonary fibrosis (n = 979). We tested UIP classification performance using receiver operating characteristic analysis, with histologic UIP as ground truth. Cox proportional hazards and linear mixed-effects models were used to examine associations between MIL predictions and survival or longitudinal FVC. Measurements and Main Results: In two cohorts with biopsy data, MIL improved accuracy for histologic UIP (area under the curve, 0.77 [n = 127] and 0.79 [n = 239]) compared with visual assessment (area under the curve, 0.65 and 0.71). In cohorts with survival data, MIL-UIP classifications were significant for mortality (n = 239, mortality to April 2021: unadjusted hazard ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.96-4.91; P < 0.001; and n = 979, mortality to July 2022: unadjusted hazard ratio, 3.64; 95% CI, 2.66-4.97; P < 0.001). Individuals classified as UIP positive by the algorithm had a significantly greater annual decline in FVC than those classified as UIP negative (-88 ml/yr vs. -45 ml/yr; n = 979; P < 0.01), adjusting for extent of lung fibrosis. Conclusions: Computerized assessment using MIL identifies clinically significant features of UIP on CT. Such a method could improve confidence in radiologic assessment of patients with interstitial lung disease, potentially enabling earlier and more precise diagnosis.

Quantification of Emphysema Progression at CT Using Simultaneous Volume, Noise, and Bias Lung Density Correction.

Background CT attenuation is affected by lung volume, dosage, and scanner bias, leading to inaccurate emphysema progression measurements in multicenter studies. Purpose To develop and validate a method that simultaneously corrects volume, noise, and interscanner bias for lung density change estimation in emphysema progression at CT in a longitudinal multicenter study. Materials and Methods In this secondary analysis of the prospective Genetic Epidemiology of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPDGene) study, lung function data were obtained from participants who completed baseline and 5-year follow-up visits from January 2008 to August 2017. CT emphysema progression was measured with volume-adjusted lung density (VALD) and compared with the joint volume-noise-bias-adjusted lung density (VNB-ALD). Reproducibility was studied under change of dosage protocol and scanner model with repeated acquisitions. Emphysema progression was visually scored in 102 randomly selected participants. A stratified analysis of clinical characteristics was performed that considered groups based on their combined lung density change measured by VALD and VNB-ALD. Results A total of 4954 COPDGene participants (mean age, 60 years ± 9 [SD]; 2511 male, 2443 female) were analyzed (1329 with repeated reduced-dose acquisition in the follow-up visit). Mean repeatability coefficients were 30 g/L ± 0.46 for VALD and 14 g/L ± 0.34 for VNB-ALD. VALD measurements showed no evidence of differences between nonprogressors and progressors (mean, -5.5 g/L ± 9.5 vs -8.6 g/L ± 9.6; P = .11), while VNB-ALD agreed with visual readings and showed a difference (mean, -0.67 g/L ± 4.8 vs -4.2 g/L ± 5.5; P < .001). Analysis of progression showed that VNB-ALD progressors had a greater decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (-42 mL per year vs -32 mL per year; Tukey-adjusted P = .002). Conclusion Simultaneously correcting volume, noise, and interscanner bias for lung density change estimation in emphysema progression at CT improved repeatability analyses and agreed with visual readings. It distinguished between progressors and nonprogressors and was associated with a greater decline in lung function metrics. Clinical trial registration no. NCT00608764 © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Goo in this issue.

FEV1/FVC Severity Stages for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Rationale: The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is based on a low FEV1/FVC ratio, but the severity of COPD is classified using FEV1% predicted (ppFEV1). Objectives: To test a new severity classification scheme for COPD using FEV1/FVC ratio, a more robust measure of airflow obstruction than ppFEV1. Methods: In COPDGene (Genetic Epidemiology of COPD) (N = 10,132), the severity of airflow obstruction was categorized by Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stages 1-4 (ppFEV1 of ⩾80%, ⩾50-80%, ⩾30-50%, and <30%). A new severity classification (STaging of Airflow obstruction by Ratio; STAR) was tested in COPDGene-FEV1/FVC ⩾0.60 to <0.70, ⩾0.50 to <0.60, ⩾0.40 to <0.50, and <0.40, respectively, for stages 1-4-and applied to the combined Pittsburgh SCCOR and Emphysema COPD Research Registry for replication (N = 2,017). Measurements and Main Results: The agreements (weighted Bangdiwala B values) between GOLD and the new FEV1/FVC ratio severity stages were 0.89 in COPDGene and 0.88 in the Pittsburgh cohort. In COPDGene and the Pittsburgh cohort, compared with GOLD staging, STAR provided significant discrimination between the absence of airflow obstruction and stage 1 for all-cause mortality, respiratory quality of life, dyspnea, airway wall thickness, exacerbations, and lung function decline. No major differences were noted for emphysema, small airway disease, and 6-minute-walk distance. The STAR classification system identified a greater number of adults with stage 3/4 disease who would be eligible for lung transplantation and lung volume reduction procedure evaluations. Conclusions: The new STAR severity classification scheme provides discrimination for mortality that is similar to the GOLD classification but with a more uniform gradation of disease severity. STAR differentiates patients' symptoms, disease burden, and prognosis better than the existing scheme based on ppFEV1, and is less sensitive to race/ethnicity and other demographic characteristics.

Augmentation Therapy for Severe Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Improves Survival and Is Decoupled from Spirometric Decline-A Multinational Registry Analysis.

Rationale: Intravenous plasma-purified alpha-1 antitrypsin (IV-AAT) has been used as therapy for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) since 1987. Previous trials (RAPID and RAPID-OLE) demonstrated efficacy in preserving computed tomography of lung density but no effect on FEV1. This observational study evaluated 615 people with severe AATD from three countries with socialized health care (Ireland, Switzerland, and Austria), where access to standard medical care was equal but access to IV-AAT was not. Objectives: To assess the real-world longitudinal effects of IV-AAT. Methods: Pulmonary function and mortality data were utilized to perform longitudinal analyses on registry participants with severe AATD. Measurements and Main Results: IV-AAT confers a survival benefit in severe AATD (P < 0.001). We uncovered two distinct AATD phenotypes based on an initial respiratory diagnosis: lung index and non-lung index. Lung indexes demonstrated a more rapid FEV1 decline between the ages of 20 and 50 and subsequently entered a plateau phase of minimal decline from 50 onward. Consequentially, IV-AAT had no effect on FEV1 decline, except in patients with a Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage 2 lung index. Conclusions: This real-world study demonstrates a survival advantage from IV-AAT. This improved survival is largely decoupled from FEV1 decline. The observation that patients with severe AATD fall into two major phenotypes has implications for clinical trial design where FEV1 is a primary endpoint. Recruits into trials are typically older lung indexes entering the plateau phase and, therefore, unlikely to show spirometric benefits. IV-AAT attenuates spirometric decline in lung indexes in GOLD stage 2, a spirometric group commonly outside current IV-AAT commencement recommendations.

Surgical microwave ablation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in 791 operations.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality and often arises in the setting of cirrhosis. The present series reviews outcomes following 791 operations. METHODS: Retrospective review surgical MWA for HCC from March 2007 through December 2022 at a high-volume institution was performed using a prospective database. Primary outcome was overall survival. RESULTS: A total of 791 operations in 623 patients and 1156 HCC tumors were treated with surgical MWA. Median tumor size was 2 cm (range 0.25-10 cm) with an average of 1 tumor ablated per operation (range 1-7 tumors). Nearly 90 % of patients had cirrhosis with a median MELD score of 8 (IQR = 6-11). Mortality within 30 days occurred in 13 patients (1.6 %). Per tumor, the rate of incomplete ablation was 2.25 % and local recurrence was 2.95 %. Previous ablation and tumor size were risk factors for recurrence. One-year overall survival was 82.0 % with a median overall survival of 36.5 months (95 % CI 15.7-93.7) and median disease-free survival of 15.9 months (range 5.7-37.3 months). CONCLUSION: Surgical MWA offers a low-morbidity approach for treatment of HCC, affording low rates of incomplete ablation and local recurrence.

Heterogeneity and Progression of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Emphysema-Predominant and Non-Emphysema-Predominant Disease.

While variation in emphysema severity between patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is well-recognized, clinically applicable definitions of the emphysema-predominant disease (EPD) and non-emphysema-predominant disease (NEPD) subtypes have not been established. To study the clinical relevance of the EPD and NEPD subtypes, we tested the association of these subtypes with prospective decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and mortality among 3,427 subjects with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) spirometric grade 2-4 COPD at baseline in the Genetic Epidemiology of COPD (COPDGene) Study, an ongoing national multicenter study that started in 2007. NEPD was defined as airflow obstruction with less than 5% computed tomography (CT) quantitative densitometric emphysema at -950 Hounsfield units, and EPD was defined as airflow obstruction with 10% or greater CT emphysema. Mixed-effects models for FEV1 demonstrated larger average annual FEV1 loss in EPD subjects than in NEPD subjects (-10.2 mL/year; P < 0.001), and subtype-specific associations with FEV1 decline were identified. Cox proportional hazards models showed higher risk of mortality among EPD patients versus NEPD patients (hazard ratio = 1.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.34, 1.60; P < 0.001). To determine whether the NEPD/EPD dichotomy is captured by previously described COPDGene subtypes, we used logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to predict NEPD/EPD membership using these previous subtype definitions. The analysis generally showed excellent discrimination, with areas under the ROC curve greater than 0.9. The NEPD and EPD COPD subtypes capture important aspects of COPD heterogeneity and are associated with different rates of disease progression and mortality.

Quantitative CT Evaluation of Emphysema Progression over 10 Years in the COPDGene Study.

Background Long-term studies of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can evaluate emphysema progression. Adjustment for differences in equipment and scanning protocols of individual CT examinations have not been studied extensively. Purpose To evaluate emphysema progression in current and former smokers in the COPDGene cohort over three imaging points obtained at 5-year intervals accounting for individual CT parameters. Materials and Methods Current and former cigarette smokers enrolled between 2008 and 2011 from the COPDGene study were prospectively followed for 10 years between 2008 and 2020. Extent of emphysema as adjusted lung density (ALD) from quantitative CT was measured at baseline and at 5- and 10-year follow-up. Linear mixed models adjusted for CT technical characteristics were constructed to evaluate emphysema progression. Mean annual changes in ALD over consecutive 5-year study periods were estimated by smoking status and baseline emphysema. Results Of 8431 participants at baseline (mean age, 60 years ± 9 [SD]; 3905 female participants), 4913 were at 5-year follow-up and 1544 participants were at 10-year follow-up. There were 4134 (49%) participants who were current smokers, and 4449 (53%) participants had more than trace emphysema at baseline. Current smokers with more than trace emphysema showed the largest decline in ALD, with mean annual decreases of 1.4 g/L (95% CI: 1.2, 1.5) in the first 5 years and 0.9 g/L (95% CI: 0.7, 1.2) in the second 5 years. Accounting for CT noise, field of view, and scanner model improved model fit for estimation of emphysema progression (P < .001 by likelihood ratio test). Conclusion Evaluation at CT of emphysema progression in the COPDGene study showed that, during the span of 10 years, participants with pre-existing emphysema who continued smoking had the largest decline in ALD. Adjusting for CT equipment and protocol factors improved these longitudinal estimates. Clinical trial registration no. NCT00608764 © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article. See the editorial by Parraga and Kirby in this issue.

Molecular networks in atopic mothers impact the risk of infant atopy.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of atopic diseases has increased with atopic dermatitis (AD) as the earliest manifestation. We assessed if molecular risk factors in atopic mothers influence their infants' susceptibility to an atopic disease. METHODS: Pregnant women and their infants with (n = 174, high-risk) or without (n = 126, low-risk) parental atopy were enrolled in a prospective birth cohort. Global differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were determined in atopic (n = 92) and non-atopic (n = 82) mothers. Principal component analysis was used to predict atopy risk in children dependent on maternal atopy. Genome-wide transcriptomic analyses were performed in paired atopic (n = 20) and non-atopic (n = 15) mothers and cord blood. Integrative genomic analyses were conducted to define methylation-gene expression relationships. RESULTS: Atopic dermatitis was more prevalent in high-risk compared to low-risk children by age 2. Differential methylation analyses identified 165 DMRs distinguishing atopic from non-atopic mothers. Inclusion of DMRs in addition to maternal atopy significantly increased the odds ratio to develop AD in children from 2.56 to 4.26. In atopic compared to non-atopic mothers, 139 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified significantly enriched of genes within the interferon signaling pathway. Expression quantitative trait methylation analyses dependent on maternal atopy identified 29 DEGs controlled by 136 trans-acting methylation marks, some located near transcription factors. Differential expression for the same nine genes, including MX1 and IFI6 within the interferon pathway, was identified in atopic and non-atopic mothers and high-risk and low-risk children. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that in utero epigenetic and transcriptomic mechanisms predominantly involving the interferon pathway may impact and predict the development of infant atopy.

Future liver remnant augmentation preceding ex vivo hepatectomy with IVC replacement: a strategy to achieve R0 margins.

PURPOSE: Ex vivo hepatectomy with autotransplantation (EHAT) provides opportunity for R0 resection. As EHAT outcomes after future liver remnant (FLR) augmentation techniques are not well documented, we examine results of EHAT after augmentation for malignant tumors. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of six cases of EHAT was performed. Of these, four occurred after preoperative FLR augmentation between 2018 and 2022. RESULTS: Six patients were offered EHAT of 26 potential candidates. Indications for resection were involvement of hepatic vein outflow and inferior vena cava (IVC) with metastatic colorectal carcinoma (n = 3), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 2), or leiomyosarcoma (n = 1). Five patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and four had preoperative liver augmentation. One hundred percent of cases achieved R0 resection. Of the augmented cases, three patients are alive after median follow-up of 28 months. Postoperative mortality due to liver failure was 25% (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: For select patients with locally advanced tumors involving all hepatic veins and the IVC for whom conventional resection is not an option, EHAT provides opportunity for R0 resection. In addition, in patients with inadequate FLR volume, further operative candidacy with acceptable results can be achieved by combined liver augmentation techniques. To better characterize outcomes in this small subset, a registry is needed.

Investigating Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Transmission at the Colorado Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program.

Rationale: Healthcare-associated transmission of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) among people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) has been investigated at CF centers worldwide, with conflicting conclusions. We investigated transmission at the Colorado Adult CF Program. Objectives: To systematically investigate healthcare-associated transmission and/or acquisition of NTM to determine similarity among respiratory and environmental isolates, and to compare home residence watershed mapping among pwCF having genetically similar NTM isolates. Methods: Whole-genome sequencing of NTM isolates from 80 pwCF was conducted to identify genetically similar isolate clusters (⩽30 SNP differences). Epidemiology, comparison of respiratory and environmental isolates, and home residence watershed mapping were analyzed. Measurements and Main Results: Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed 11 clusters of NTM [6 Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies (ssp.) abscessus, 1 M. abscessus ssp. massiliense, 2 Mycobacterium avium, and 2 Mycobacterium intracellulare] among pwCF. Epidemiologic investigation demonstrated opportunities for healthcare-associated transmission in two M. abscessus and two M. avium clusters. Respiratory and healthcare environmental isolate comparisons revealed no genetic similarity. Individuals comprising one M. abscessus cluster, with no plausible healthcare-associated transmission, resided in the same watershed. Conclusions: This study suggests healthcare-associated transmission of M. abscessus is rare and includes a report of potential healthcare-associated transmission of M. avium among pwCF. One M. abscessus cluster possibly had common acquisition arising from residing in the same watershed. The presence of genetically similar isolates is insufficient to demonstrate healthcare-associated NTM transmission. Standardizing epidemiologic investigation, combined with environmental sampling and watershed analysis, will improve understanding of the frequency and nature of healthcare-associated NTM transmission among pwCF.

Exacerbation of Renal, Cardiovascular, and Respiratory Outcomes Associated with Changes in Climate.

Exposure to environmental variables including declining air quality and increasing temperatures can exert detrimental effects on human health including acute exacerbations of chronic diseases. We aim to investigate the association between these exposures and acute health outcomes in a rural community in Colorado. Meteorological and adult emergency department visit data were retrospectively collected (2013-2017); for asthma outcomes, additional data were available (2003-2017). Daily environmental exposure data included PM10, maximum daily temperature (MDT), and mean humidity and precipitation. Total daily counts of emergency department (ED) diagnoses for myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, urolithiasis, and exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, were calculated during the study period. Time series models using generalized estimating equations were fit for each disease and included all four environmental factors. Between 2013 and 2017, asthma and COPD exacerbation accounted for 30.8% and 25.4% of all ED visits (n=5,113), respectively. We found that for every 5˚C increase in MDT, the rate of urolithiasis visits increased by 13% (95% CI: 2%, 26%) and for every 10µg/m3 increase in 3-day moving average PM10, the rate of urolithiasis visits increased by 7% (95% CI: 1%, 13%). The magnitude of association between 3-day moving average PM10 and rate of urolithiasis visits increased with increasing MDT. The rate of asthma exacerbation significantly increased as 3-day, 7-day, and 21-day moving average PM10 increased. This retrospective study on ED visits is one of the first to investigate the impact of several environmental exposures on adverse health outcomes in a rural community. Research into mitigating the negative impacts of these environmental exposures on health outcomes is needed.

The importance of robotic surgery training in HPB fellowship: a survey of the 2022 AHPBA fellows.

BACKGROUND: The 2022 incoming fellows' expectations for their robotics training, as well as their perceptions of the utility of the surgical robot, are not well defined. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of 24 AHPBA fellows in 2022, analyzed with descriptive statistics and Spearman's rho. RESULTS: Of 33 current AHPBA fellows, 22 completed the survey (66.7%). Study participants had limited-to-moderate experience with robotics prior to fellowship (mean 2.5 ± SD 1.1; range 1-4). Most participants agreed that robotics influenced their fellowship choice (mean 4.14 ± SD 0.87; range 1-5), would make then more marketable (mean 4.77 ± SD 0.52; range 1-5) and improve job prospects (mean 4.68 ± SD 0.87; range 1-5). Of the study participants, 55% responded that robotics training is "essential" in fellowship, while 64% responded that it is "essential" for their careers. Fellows were only slightly satisfied with overall robotics training within their respective programs (mean 3.44 ± SD 1.17; range 1-5) The majority (73.7%) expect that robotics will comprise <25% of their training. Notably, the majority (75%) have no formal robotics training curriculum. DISCUSSION: This survey identifies potential gaps where robotics training could be improved for future incoming AHPBA fellows.

PTPα promotes fibroproliferative responses after acute lung injury.

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major healthcare problem, accounting for significant mortality and long-term disability. Approximately 25% of patients with ARDS will develop an overexuberant fibrotic response, termed fibroproliferative ARDS (FP-ARDS) that portends a poor prognosis and increased mortality. The cellular pathological processes that drive FP-ARDS remain incompletely understood. We have previously shown that the transmembrane receptor-type tyrosine phosphatase protein tyrosine phosphatase-α (PTPα) promotes pulmonary fibrosis in preclinical murine models through regulation of transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) signaling. In this study, we examine the role of PTPα in the pathogenesis of FP-ARDS in a preclinical murine model of acid (HCl)-induced acute lung injury. We demonstrate that although mice genetically deficient in PTPα (Ptpra-/-) are susceptible to early HCl-induced lung injury, they exhibit markedly attenuated fibroproliferative responses. In addition, early profibrotic gene expression is reduced in lung tissue after acute lung injury in Ptpra-/- mice, and stimulation of naïve lung fibroblasts with the BAL fluid from these mice results in attenuated fibrotic outcomes compared with wild-type littermate controls. Transcriptomic analyses demonstrate reduced extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and remodeling in mice genetically deficient in PTPα. Importantly, human lung fibroblasts modified with a CRISPR-targeted deletion of PTPRA exhibit reduced expression of profibrotic genes in response to TGF-ß stimulation, demonstrating the importance of PTPα in human lung fibroblasts. Together, these findings demonstrate that PTPα is a key regulator of fibroproliferative processes following acute lung injury and could serve as a therapeutic target for patients at risk for poor long-term outcomes in ARDS.

Improved executive function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus following interactive digital training.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of a digital platform to assess attentional and executive function in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and to evaluate the impact of an at-home interactive digital treatment to improve cognitive dysfunction in this clinical population. BACKGROUND: Deficits in attention and executive function are common in patients with SLE. Despite these cognitive difficulties, there are limited brief assessment techniques and few treatment options to improve cognitive abilities in patients with SLE. Interactive digital treatment approaches (use of video game-based software) have been successful in identifying and improving cognition in other clinical populations. METHODS: Sixty SLE patients completed baseline neuropsychological tests (of attention, psychomotor speed, and executive function), a tablet-based digital platform (EVOTM Monitor), and biobehavioral measures. The patients were randomized into treatment SLE (n = 30) or no contact control SLE (n = 30) groups, and returned 4 weeks later for follow-up cognitive, EVO Monitor, and biobehavioral testing. The SLE treatment group was trained on a tablet-based digital treatment (AKL-T01) and was instructed to complete 5 sessions at least 5 days per week for 4-weeks for a total of approximately 25 min of gameplay per day. RESULTS: Systemic lupus erythematosus patients demonstrated impairment in visuomotor and processing speed, visual attention, and cognitive flexibility/sequencing skills at baseline. The video game-like treatment group (AKL-T01) had significant improvement in visuomotor speed (Trail Making A) and cognitive flexibility/sequencing (Trail Making B) compared to the control group at 4-week follow-up. The treatment group also demonstrated significant improvement in EVO Monitor multitasking at follow-up (with no change in controls). At baseline, a multitasking metric from EVO Monitor was associated with performance on tasks of cognitive flexibility (Trail Making B) and psychomotor speed (WAIS-IV Coding). CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide evidence that SLE patients who participated in a 4-week interactive digital video game-like activity had significant improvement in motor speed and executive functions, and would benefit from participation in digital interventions designed to target frontoparietal networks of the brain. Preliminary findings also suggest specific metrics from EVO Monitor may also be useful to detect cognitive impairment and cognitive changes in patients with SLE.

An enzyme-linked immunospot assay to evaluate Pneumovax response when on intravenous immunoglobulin.

BACKGROUND: Testing for common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) requires evaluation of specific antibody responses to vaccines. Current practice of evaluating pneumococcal serotype-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G levels after Pneumovax (P23) has several limitations and is not accurate for patients already on immunoglobulin replacement. In contrast, the enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay can be interpreted in patients on immunoglobulin replacement as ex vivo measurement of specific antibody-secreting cells (ASCs). OBJECTIVE: To optimize and test an ELISPOT assay to evaluate vaccination response to P23 and compare with P23 serotype-specific IgG for patients on intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). METHODS: We prospectively enrolled a total of 15 adults: normal controls (n = 8), patients with CVID on IVIG replacement (n = 2), patients on IVIG replacement for recurrent infections who did not meet diagnostic criteria for CVID, considered IgG deficiency (n = 2), and patients without immunodeficiency on high-dose IVIG for other diagnosis (n = 3). We measured P23 serotype-specific IgG before and 4 weeks after P23 and ELISPOT ASCs before and 1 week after P23 (with B-cell subpopulation analysis by flow cytometry in patients on IVIG). RESULTS: Normal controls had a vaccination response by P23 serotype-specific IgG, whereas patients on IVIG did not. Except for true patients with CVID on IVIG, a P23 ELISPOT ASC response was found in normal controls (highest) and most patients on IVIG for recurrent infections or other diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Our pilot study suggests that an optimized ELISPOT protocol has utility to evaluate the P23-specific antibody response after vaccination. Our ELISPOT assay seemed reliable for patients on IVIG and may help differentiate true patients with CVID from those with a less stringent diagnosis while on IVIG.

Respiratory exacerbations are associated with muscle loss in current and former smokers.

OBJECTIVES: Muscle wasting is a recognised extra-pulmonary complication in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and has been associated with increased risk of death. Acute respiratory exacerbations are associated with reduction of muscle function, but there is a paucity of data on their long-term effect. This study explores the relationship between acute respiratory exacerbations and long-term muscle loss using serial measurements of CT derived pectoralis muscle area (PMA). DESIGN AND SETTING: Participants were included from two prospective, longitudinal, observational, multicentre cohorts of ever-smokers with at least 10 pack-year history. PARTICIPANTS: The primary analysis included 1332 (of 2501) participants from Evaluation of COPD Longitudinally to Identify Predictive Surrogate Endpoints (ECLIPSE) and 4384 (of 10 198) participants from Genetic Epidemiology of COPD (COPDGene) who had complete data from their baseline and follow-up visits. INTERVENTIONS: PMA was measured on chest CT scans at two timepoints. Self-reported exacerbation data were collected from participants in both studies through the use of periodic longitudinal surveys. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Age-related and excess muscle loss over time. RESULTS: Age, sex, race and body mass index were associated with baseline PMA. Participants experienced age-related decline at the upper end of reported normal ranges. In ECLIPSE, the exacerbation rate over time was associated with an excess muscle area loss of 1.3% (95% CI 0.6 to 1.9, p<0.001) over 3 years and in COPDGene with an excess muscle area loss of 2.1% (95% CI 1.2 to 2.8, p<0.001) over 5 years. Excess muscle area decline was absent in 273 individuals who participated in pulmonary rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Exacerbations are associated with accelerated skeletal muscle loss. Each annual exacerbation was associated with the equivalent of 6 months of age-expected decline in muscle mass. Ameliorating exacerbation-associated muscle loss represents an important therapeutic target.

Fleischner Society Visual Emphysema CT Patterns Help Predict Progression of Emphysema in Current and Former Smokers: Results from the COPDGene Study.

Background The correlation between visual emphysema patterns and subsequent progression of disease may provide a way to enrich a study population for treatment trials of emphysema. Purpose To evaluate the potential relationship between emphysema visual subtypes and progression of emphysema and gas trapping. Materials and Methods Current and former smokers with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) enrolled in the prospective Genetic Epidemiology of COPD (COPDGene) study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02445183) between 2008 and 2011 had their Fleischner Society visual CT scores assessed at baseline, quantitative inspiratory, and expiratory CT and at 5 years. They also underwent pulmonary function testing at baseline CT and at 5 years. The dependent variables were inspiratory lung density at 15th percentile (adjusted for lung volume) as a measure of emphysema and percentage of lung volume with attenuation less than -856 HU at expiratory CT as a measure of air trapping. Statistical analysis used a linear mixed model, adjusted for age, height, sex, race, smoking status, and scanner make. Results A total of 4166 participants (mean age, 60 years ± 9 [standard deviation]; 2091 [50%] men) were evaluated. In participants with COPD (1655 participants, 40%), those with visual presence of mild, moderate, and confluent emphysema at baseline CT showed a mean decline in lung density of 4.6 g/L ± 1.1 (P < .001), 6.7 g/L ± 1.1 (P < .001), and 6.4 g/L ± 1.2 (P < .001), respectively, compared with 2.4 g/L ± 1.3 (P < .001) for those with trace emphysema. For participants without COPD, those with visual presence of mild and moderate emphysema at baseline CT showed a mean decline in lung density of 3.6 g/L ± 1.0 (P < .001) and 3.1 g/L ± 1.6 (P < .001), respectively, compared with 1.8 g/L ± 1.0 (P < .001) for those with trace emphysema. Conclusion The pattern of parenchymal emphysema at baseline CT was an independent predictor of subsequent progression of emphysema in participants who are current or former cigarette smokers with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. © RSNA, 2020 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Efficacy and safety of reslizumab in the treatment of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), a rare vasculitis with substantial morbidity, is characterized by asthma, eosinophilia, sinusitis, pulmonary infiltrates, neuropathy, positivity for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, and multiorgan vasculitis. Although treatment options previously included corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, anti-interleukin 5 therapies have gained interest in EGPA treatment. Mepolizumab was approved for and recently benralizumab was found to have safety and efficacy in EGPA. OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of reslizumab in EGPA. METHODS: In this open-label, pilot study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of intravenous reslizumab (3 mg/kg) in EGPA in 10 subjects. Oral corticosteroid dose, adverse events, exacerbations, symptom control, disease activity, blood markers, and lung function were evaluated before, during, and after 7 monthly reslizumab treatments. RESULTS: Reslizumab was tolerated and resulted in a significant reduction in daily oral corticosteroid (P < .05). Of the 10 subjects, 3 experienced an EGPA exacerbation during the treatment. One had a severe adverse event, requiring removal from the study. CONCLUSION: Yielding similar results to other anti-interleukin 5 biologic medications, reslizumab is generally a safe and effective treatment for EGPA that warrants further study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02947945.

Deep Learning Enables Automatic Classification of Emphysema Pattern at CT.

BackgroundPattern of emphysema at chest CT, scored visually by using the Fleischner Society system, is associated with physiologic impairment and mortality risk.PurposeTo determine whether participant-level emphysema pattern could predict impairment and mortality when classified by using a deep learning method.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective analysis of Genetic Epidemiology of COPD (COPDGene) study participants enrolled between 2007 and 2011 included those with baseline CT, visual emphysema scores, and survival data through 2018. Participants were partitioned into nonoverlapping sets of 2407 for algorithm training, 100 for validation and parameter tuning, and 7143 for testing. A deep learning algorithm using convolutional neural network and long short-term memory architectures was trained to classify pattern of emphysema according to Fleischner criteria. Deep learning scores were compared with visual scores and clinical parameters including pulmonary function tests. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate relationships between emphysema scores and survival. The algorithm was also tested by using CT and clinical data in 1962 participants enrolled in the Evaluation of COPD Longitudinally to Identify Predictive Surrogate End-points (ECLIPSE) study.ResultsA total of 7143 COPDGene participants (mean age ± standard deviation, 59.8 years ± 8.9; 3734 men and 3409 women) were evaluated. Deep learning emphysema classifications were associated with impaired pulmonary function tests, 6-minute walk distance, and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire at univariate analysis (P < .001 for each). Testing in the ECLIPSE cohort showed similar associations (P < .001). In the COPDGene test cohort, deep learning emphysema classification improved the fit of linear mixed models in the prediction of these clinical parameters compared with visual scoring (P < .001). Compared with participants without emphysema, mortality was greater in participants classified by the deep learning algorithm as having any grade of emphysema (adjusted hazard ratios were 1.5, 1.7, 2.9, 5.3, and 9.7, respectively, for trace, mild, moderate, confluent, and advanced destructive emphysema; P < .05).ConclusionDeep learning automation of the Fleischner grade of emphysema at chest CT is associated with clinical measures of pulmonary insufficiency and the risk of mortality.© RSNA, 2019Online supplemental material is available for this article.