Evaluating the impact of adjunctive istradefylline on the cumulative dose of levodopa-containing medications in Parkinson's disease: study protocol for the ISTRA ADJUST PD randomized, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Levodopa remains the most effective symptomatic treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD) more than 50 years after its clinical introduction. However, the onset of motor complications can limit pharmacological intervention with levodopa, which can be a challenge when treating PD patients. Clinical data suggest using the lowest possible levodopa dose to balance the risk/benefit. Istradefylline, an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist indicated as an adjunctive treatment to levodopa-containing preparations in PD patients experiencing wearing off, is currently available in Japan and the US. Preclinical and preliminary clinical data suggested that adjunctive istradefylline may provide sustained antiparkinsonian benefits without a levodopa dose increase; however, available data on the impact of istradefylline on levodopa dose titration are limited. The ISTRA ADJUST PD study will evaluate the effect of adjunctive istradefylline on levodopa dosage titration in PD patients. METHODS: This 37-week, multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group controlled study in PD patients aged 30-84 years who are experiencing the wearing-off phenomenon despite receiving levodopa-containing medications ≥ 3 times daily (daily dose 300-400 mg) began in February 2019 and will continue until February 2022. Enrollment is planned to attain 100 evaluable patients for the efficacy analyses. Patients will receive adjunctive istradefylline (20 mg/day, increasing to 40 mg/day) or the control in a 1:1 ratio, stratified by age, levodopa equivalent dose, and presence/absence of dyskinesia. During the study, the levodopa dose will be increased according to symptom severity. The primary study endpoint is the comparison of the cumulative additional dose of levodopa-containing medications during the treatment period between the adjunctive istradefylline and control groups. Secondary endpoints include changes in efficacy rating scales and safety outcomes. DISCUSSION: This study aims to clarify whether adjunctive istradefylline can reduce the cumulative additional dose of levodopa-containing medications in PD patients experiencing the wearing-off phenomenon, and lower the risk of levodopa-associated complications. It is anticipated that data from ISTRA ADJUST PD will help inform future clinical decision-making for patients with PD in the real-world setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, jRCTs031180248 ; registered 12 March 2019.

Modafinil alleviates levodopa-induced excessive nighttime sleepiness and restores monoaminergic systems in a nocturnal animal model of Parkinson's disease.

Treatment with dopaminergic agents result excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and some studies have shown the benefit of using modafinil for treating excessive daytime sleepiness of Parkinson's disease (PD) patient. We investigated whether modafinil have ameliorative properties against levodopa induced excessive nighttime sleepiness (ENS) in MPTP-treated murine nocturnal PD model. Our EEG analyses of whole day recordings revealed that modafinil reduce ENS of this nocturnal PD models with levodopa medications. Therefore, we investigated whether, modafinil post-treatment followed by MPTP shows any effect on monoamine contents of brain and found to robustly increased noradrenaline (NA) concentration of MPTP treated mice. Modafinil post-treatment, in neurorestorative context (5 days post-lesion) led to increased striatal dopamine (DA) concentrations of MPTP-treated mice. Here, we first confirmed that modafinil ameliorates levodopa induced excessive sleepiness and restores monoaminergic systems. The arousal and anti-parkinsonian effects displayed by modafinil indicate that in combination with dopaminergic agents, modafinil co-administration may be worthwhile in trying to suppress the excessive daytime sleepiness and progressive dopaminergic neuron loss in PD.

Microglia may compensate for dopaminergic neuron loss in experimental Parkinsonism through selective elimination of glutamatergic synapses from the subthalamic nucleus.

Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms do not become apparent until most dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) degenerate, suggesting that compensatory mechanisms play a role. Here, we investigated the compensatory involvement of activated microglia in the SN pars reticulata (SNr) and the globus pallidus (GP) in a 6-hydroxydopamine-induced rat hemiparkinsonism model. Activated microglia accumulated more markedly in the SNr than in the SNc in the model. The cells had enlarged somata and expressed phagocytic markers CD68 and NG2 proteoglycan in a limited region of the SNr, where synapsin I- and postsynaptic density 95-immunoreactivities were reduced. The activated microglia engulfed pre- and post-synaptic elements, including NMDA receptors into their phagosomes. Cells in the SNr and GP engulfed red fluorescent DiI that was injected into the subthalamic nucleus (STN) as an anterograde tracer. Rat primary microglia increased their phagocytic activities in response to glutamate, with increased expression of mRNA encoding phagocytosis-related factors. The synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone overcame the stimulating effect of glutamate. Subcutaneous single administration of dexamethasone to the PD model rats suppressed microglial activation in the SNr, resulting in aggravated motor dysfunctions, while expression of mRNA encoding glutamatergic, but not GABAergic, synaptic elements increased. These findings suggest that microglia in the SNr and GP become activated and selectively eliminate glutamatergic synapses from the STN in response to increased glutamatergic activity. Thus, microglia may be involved in a negative feedback loop in the indirect pathway of the basal ganglia to compensate for the loss of dopaminergic neurons in PD brains.

Mutations in MME cause an autosomal-recessive Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify new causes of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease in patients with autosomal-recessive (AR) CMT. METHODS: To efficiently identify novel causative genes for AR-CMT, we analyzed 303 unrelated Japanese patients with CMT using whole-exome sequencing and extracted recessive variants/genes shared among multiple patients. We performed mutation screening of the newly identified membrane metalloendopeptidase (MME) gene in 354 additional patients with CMT. We clinically, genetically, pathologically, and radiologically examined 10 patients with the MME mutation. RESULTS: We identified recessive mutations in MME in 10 patients. The MME gene encodes neprilysin (NEP), which is well known to be one of the most prominent beta-amyloid (Aß)-degrading enzymes. All patients had a similar phenotype consistent with late-onset axonal neuropathy. They showed muscle weakness, atrophy, and sensory disturbance in the lower extremities. All the MME mutations could be loss-of-function mutations, and we confirmed a lack/decrease of NEP protein expression in a peripheral nerve. No patients showed symptoms of dementia, and 1 patient showed no excess Aß in Pittsburgh compound-B positron emission tomography imaging. INTERPRETATION: Our results indicate that loss-of-function MME mutations are the most frequent cause of adult-onset AR-CMT2 in Japan, and we propose that this new disease should be termed AR-CMT2T. A loss-of-function MME mutation did not cause early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Identifying the MME mutation responsible for AR-CMT could improve the rate of molecular diagnosis and the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of CMT.

Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Corneal and Conjunctival Diseases: Classification of Application and Outcomes from Analysis of 95 cases.

Purpose: To evaluate the indications and outcomes of amniotic membrane (AM) transplantation for corneal and conjunctival diseases. Subjects and methods: Ninety-five eyes of ninety patients who underwent AM transplantation between January 2007 and May 2016 were included in this study. The surgical procedures, diagnosis and postoperative outcomes were investigated retrospectively. Results: Transplantation was conducted in three surgical procedures. AM patch, for the promotion of corneal re-epithelialization, was performed in 14 cases with persistent epithelial defects. Thirteen cases healed with total epithelialization. Corneal perforation was noted in Stevens-Johnson syndrome and cured with keratoplasty. AM graft for basement membrane supply, was performed in 72 cases. Of these, 32 cases had been followed for at least one year after AM graft out of which pterygium recurred at one year in 5. Conjunctival tumor recurred in 3 out of 17 cases, and was treated with a repeated of AM graft. AM stuff for substrate supply to the deep corneal layer, was performed in 9 cases with corneal perforation. Leakage of aqueous humor was cured in all 9 cases. Seven cases had keratoplasty performed after the AM stuff and recovered completely. The other 2 cases were observed without additional surgery. There were no complications due to the AM transplantation during the course of treatment in any of the 95 cases. Conclusion: AM transplantation is applied in three different procedures. Each of these was effective in achieving the corneal and conjunctival reconstruction designed for it.

Vascular rarefaction at the choriocapillaris in acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy viewed on OCT angiography.

Few cases have been reported describing choroidal vasculature in acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography. We report choroidal vasculature changes in an APMPPE patient with the clinical course characterized by OCT angiography. A 39-year-old female was referred to us for bilateral multiple white spots in bilateral fundus. The best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/50 in the left eye. Multiple yellowish-white placoid lesions were observed in bilateral fundus, and fluorescein angiography showed a "block early, stain late" pattern at the placoid lesions characteristic of APMPPE. The placoid lesion represented vascular rarefaction at the choriocapillaris in the OCT angiography en face view. While the clinical course of symptoms and most of the low vascular rarefaction lesions regressed in 6 months, some new lesions were subclinically noted. Blurred vision recurred at 9 months from the first visit, and the vascular rarefaction lesions developed in different areas than those observed in the initial visit. Multiple yellowish-white placoid lesions in an APMPPE patient represented vascular rarefaction at the choriocapillaris in OCT angiography. The vascular rarefaction recovered and then recurred during the clinical course. OCT angiography can visualize changes of the choroidal vessels during APMPPE.

Long-term outcome of amniotic membrane transplantation combined with mitomycin C for conjunctival reconstruction after ocular surface squamous neoplasia excision.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the long-term clinical results of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) combined with mitomycin C (MMC) for reconstruction of conjunctival defects created during the excision of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). Eight consecutive eyes of seven patients (five males and two females; mean age, 64 ± 19 years) treated by one surgeon (KH) were included in this study. AMT was performed after excision of a mass region, along with 0.04 % MMC treatment for the exposed sclera. The tumor size, histopathological retrieval, AM graft size after tumor excision, recurrence, and postoperative complications were recorded. During a mean postoperative follow-up period of 60.9 ± 14.6 months (range 36-78 months), the ocular surfaces completely re-epithelialized in all cases. The median size of the tumor was 44.4 ± 21.2 mm2 (range 13-67 mm2). The histopathological diagnoses were five cases of squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCC in situ) and three cases of dysplasia. The median size of the AM graft after tumor excision was 100.8 ± 32.7 mm2 (range 49-151 mm2). A case of recurrent SCC in situ with a preoperative history of using MMC eye drops developed further corneal limbal deficiency and was treated with therapeutic soft contact lenses. A case of dysplasia with a history of large pterygial excision developed symblepharon postoperatively was treated with AMT 6 months after tumor excision. The tumors recurred in two eyes with SCC in situ and were successfully treated with continuous AMT and MMC. No severe complications, such as infections, corneal or scleral thinning, or ulceration developed in all cases. The combination of AMT and MMC is effective for safe reconstruction over the long-term after the excision of OSSN with postoperative careful observation and treatment. In recurrent tumor excision cases, AMT is a suitable technique for repeated ocular surface reconstruction.

Successful prism treatment for cyclic esotropia: A case report.

Purpose: To report a case of cyclic esotropia successfully treated with prismatic correction. Observations: A 9-year-old girl presented with intermittent esotropia and diplopia occurring over the previous 4 months. The patient had 30 prism diopters (PD) of esotropia at both distance and near. Ocular motility testing, other ophthalmic examinations, and brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed no abnormalities. At the third visit, the patient had 6 PD of intermittent esotropia without diplopia, and the eye position diary demonstrated esotropia every other day, which led to a diagnosis of cyclic esotropia with a 48-h cycle. The cyclic pattern persisted for 9 months following the initial visit. However, during a subsequent regular visit, the patient reported a newfound ability to self-adjust from "esotropic" days to "straight" days by tightly closing the eyes immediately after waking up in the morning, particularly when wishing to avoid strabismus. To address the condition, we affixed a Fresnel membrane prism on the glasses to compensate for the latent deviation on a "straight" day. During the subsequent 18 months, the esotropia completely resolved, and the patient was followed up with gradual decreases in prism power. Conclusions and Importance: Correcting latent deviation using a prism lens is a simple approach without potential side effects. The present findings suggest that this approach is a viable treatment option for cyclic esotropia during its early and periodic stages.

Safinamide as adjunctive therapy to levodopa monotherapy for patients with Parkinson's disease with wearing-off: The Japanese observational J-SILVER study.

BACKGROUND: Safinamide is an effective adjunctive therapy for wearing-off in Parkinson's disease (PD); however, evidence is lacking in older patients and those in the early stages of wearing-off. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of safinamide as adjunctive therapy in patients with PD treated with levodopa monotherapy in clinical practice. METHODS: This multicentre, open-label observational study was conducted at five sites in Japan. Patients diagnosed with PD and wearing-off initiated safinamide as adjunctive therapy with levodopa monotherapy. Efficacy endpoints were mean changes in Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Part I, III, and IV scores; daily ON-time without dyskinesia using 24-h patient symptom diaries; and 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) scores at 18 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: In total, 24 patients initiated safinamide (66.7% were aged ≥75 years); the mean duration of wearing-off was 1.2 years. MDS-UPDRS Part III total score, Part IV total score, and PDQ-39 summary index decreased significantly from baseline (mean change -7.0 [p = 0.012], -2.4 [p = 0.007] and - 5.3 [p = 0.012], respectively). There was a non-statistically significant increase of 1.55 h in mean daily ON-time without dyskinesia. Numerical Rating Scale total score for pain (p = 0.015), and scores for OFF-period pain (p = 0.012) and nocturnal pain (p = 0.021) subdomains were significantly improved in the subgroup with pain. Most reported adverse events were classified as mild. CONCLUSION: Safinamide improved motor and non-motor symptoms and quality of life-related measures in older patients with PD in the early stages of wearing-off without new safety concerns. STUDY REGISTRATION: University Hospital Medical Information Network in Japan; study ID: UMIN000044341.

Impact of Istradefylline on Levodopa Dose Escalation in Parkinson's Disease: ISTRA ADJUST PD Study, a Multicenter, Open-Label, Randomized, Parallel-Group Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: A higher levodopa dose is a risk factor for motor complications in Parkinson's disease (PD). Istradefylline (IST) is used as adjunctive treatment to levodopa in PD patients with off episodes, but its impact on levodopa dose titration remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of IST on levodopa dose escalation in PD patients with wearing-off. METHODS: This was a multicenter, open-label, randomized, parallel-group controlled study (ISTRA ADJUST PD) in which PD patients experiencing wearing-off (n = 114) who were receiving levodopa 300-400 mg/day were randomized to receive IST or no IST (control). Levodopa dose was escalated according to clinical severity. The primary endpoint was cumulative additional levodopa dose, and secondary endpoints were changes in symptom rating scales, motor activity determined by a wearable device, and safety outcomes. RESULTS: The cumulative additional levodopa dose throughout 37 weeks and dose increase over 36 weeks were significantly lower in the IST group than in the control group (both p < 0.0001). The Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part I and device-evaluated motor activities improved significantly from baseline to 36 weeks in the IST group only (all p < 0.05). Other secondary endpoints were comparable between the groups. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occurred in 28.8% and 13.2% of patients in the IST and control groups, respectively, with no serious ADRs in either group. CONCLUSION: IST treatment reduced levodopa dose escalation in PD patients, resulting in less cumulative levodopa use. Adjunctive IST may improve motor function more objectively than increased levodopa dose in patients with PD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials: jRCTs031180248.

Efficacy and Safety of Elobixibat in Parkinson's Disease with Chronic Constipation: CONST-PD Study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic constipation is a common digestive complication of Parkinson's disease (PD). OBJECTIVES: To verify the usefulness of elobixibat, an ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor, for chronic constipation in PD. METHODS: This double-blind, placebo-controlled study consisted of a 2-week observation/washout period and a 4-week treatment period. All patients received a Bowel Movement Diary at Week -2 and were allocated to elobixibat (10 mg) or placebo at Week 0. Patients visited at Weeks 2 and 4 to report daily spontaneous bowel movements (SBM), stool form, drug use, quality of life (QOL), and safety. Changes in these parameters were assessed. RESULTS: The study included 38 patients in the elobixibat group and 39 in the placebo group, and 37 each completed the study. SBM frequency/week (mean ± standard deviation) increased significantly from 4.2 ± 2.6 at baseline to 5.9 ± 3.2 at Week 4 in the elobixibat group (P = 0.0079), but not in the placebo group (4.5 ± 2.7 to 5.3 ± 3.5; P = 0.0889). On analysis of covariance, the between-group difference in frequency changes at Week 4 (primary endpoint) was not significant after adjustment by baseline and sex (point estimate = 0.8; 95% confidence interval = -0.57 to 2.09, P = 0.2601), although a significant difference (P = 0.0011) was evidenced at Week 1 by a similar analysis. Stool form and scores of satisfaction and stigma were improved by elobixibat. Adverse events were as previously reported. CONCLUSIONS: Elobixibat improved the SBM frequency, though the defined primary endpoint was not evidenced. QOL parameters (stool consistency and treatment satisfaction) were also improved. Elobixibat may have therapeutic benefits in PD patients suffering from chronic constipation. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Trial Registration Number: JPRN-jRCTs031200172 (submitted: October 26, 2020; first patient enrolment: December 23, 2020; https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCTs031200172).

Exercise Habits in People with Parkinson's: A Multinational Survey.

BACKGROUND: Exercise has been demonstrated to result in improvements in physical function, cognition, and quality of life in People with Parkinson's (PwP) but its adoption is variable. OBJECTIVES: To investigate exercise preferences, levels, influencing factors among a diverse Parkinson's disease (PD) population, to understand exercise adoption patterns and plan informed interventions. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey collected data through online platforms and paper-based methods. The Exercise Index (ExI) calculated exercise level based on frequency and duration. RESULTS: Of 2976 PwP, 40.6% exercised regularly, 38.3% occasionally, and 21.2% did not exercise. The overall mean ExI was 18.99 ± 12.37. Factors associated with high exercise levels included exercising in groups (ExI 24-26), weightlifting (ExI 27 (highest)), using muscle-building equipment (ExI 25-26), and exercising at home following an app (ExI 26). A positive trend between ExI and varied exercise groups, locations, types, and equipment was observed. No expected benefit from exercise achieved the lowest ExI (8). Having at least two exercise-promoting factors, a bachelor's degree or higher, receiving exercise advice at initial visits, and aged ≤40 years at PD onset were strong predictors of exercise (adjust OR = 7.814; 6.981; 4.170; 3.565). Falls and "other" most troublesome PD symptoms were negative predictors (aOR = 0.359; 0.466). Barriers to exercise did not predict the odds of exercise. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that PwP's exercise behavior is influenced by their exercise belief, age at PD onset, doctor's advice at initial visits, education level, symptoms, and exercise-promoting factors. High exercise levels were associated with certain types of exercises and exercising in groups.

[Dose-reduction Efficiency by Breast Compression in Digital Mammography].

PURPOSE: Although breast compression has been an efficient practice to reduce the breast dose in mammography, there may be some differences between analog and digital systems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dose-reduction efficiency by breast compression in digital mammography under its own criterion that signal difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR) be kept at a certain value. METHOD: By adopting SDNR as an image quality indicator and average glandular dose (AGD) as a dose indicator, we measured SDNR versus AGD relationship for each breast depth. Then by utilizing figure of merit (FOM), we calculated the breast depth that we had to reduce for halving the breast dose while keeping the SDNR. RESULT: To halve the dose, 1.49 cm compression was necessary for 0% breast density, 1.25 cm for 50%, and 1.06 cm for 100%. CONCLUSION: Through FOM analysis, we quantitatively revealed the dose-reduction efficiency by breast compression in digital mammography.

Prism adaptation response and surgical outcomes of acquired nonaccommodative comitant esotropia.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical factors influencing the prism adaptation response of acquired non-accommodative comitant esotropia (ANAET) and evaluate the surgical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. METHODS: This study assessed patients with ANAET who underwent strabismus surgery based on the results of a short prism adaptation test (PAT). Patients wore Fresnel trial prisms based on alternate prism cover tests in outpatient clinics. The cover test was then performed after 15-20 minutes; if the deviation increased, the power of the prism was increased to neutralize the angle. The test was repeated until the angle was stable. Patients were classified as either prism builders (angle increased by ≥ 10 prism diopters [PD] compared with the entry angle) or prism non-builders (angle increased by < 10 PD). The following clinical characteristics were noted: age at onset, age at surgery, duration of esotropia, refractive error, angle of deviation, presence or absence of intermittent esotropia at near, and pre- and postoperative sensory status. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients (median age, 15.4 years) were evaluated. The mean (standard deviation) spherical equivalent refractions were -3.03 (3.33) diopters (D) and -3.05 (3.23) D in the right and left eyes, respectively. Twenty-seven (66%) patients were prism builders. The prism builders had greater myopia (builders vs. non- builders, right eye: -3.97 [2.97] vs. -1.22 [3.33] D, P = .01; left eye: -4.08 [2.78] vs. -1.07 [3.20] D; P = .003), lower angle of deviation at near (median [interquartile range] 30.0 [20.0, 35.0] vs. 42.5 [35.0, 49.4] PD; P = .009), much more preoperative intermittent esotropia or esophoria at near (44% vs. 7%, P = .03) and diplopia (96% vs. 64%, P = .01), and better postoperative stereoacuity (50 [40, 110] vs. 100 [60, 400] arcsec, P = .02) than the prism non-builders. The overall success rate was 83%, without a significant difference between the two groups (builders vs. non-builders, 89% vs. 71%, P = .21). CONCLUSION: In cases of myopic refractive error, a small entry angle with intermittency at near, and good binocularity, it is recommended that surgery is performed based on prism-adapted angle to prevent under-correction.

Classification of l-DOPA pharmacokinetics shapes and creating a predictive model.

BACKGROUND: It is known that the pharmacokinetics (PK) of levodopa (LD) varies considerably. Difference in PK shapes is expected to affect drug efficacy and development of dyskinesia. In this study, the authors aimed to explore correlations between PK series data of LD and clinical characteristics and dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: We studied 270 PD patients who underwent PK assessment after administration of LD/carbidopa (100/10 mg) in non-compartmental analysis. The patients were grouped according to similarities in time series data of blood LD concentration. Each group was analyzed with respect to clinical characteristics and PK parameters. We created a model to predict PK patterns based on these findings. RESULTS: PD patients were divided into three groups by clustering analysis: blood LD concentration of the patients in Groups 1 (n = 129), 3 (n = 44) and 2 (n = 97) rose rapidly, relatively slowly and at an intermediate rate, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in patient characteristics except age among the three groups (one-way ANOVA). Multivariate analysis showed that frequency of dyskinesias in Group 1 was significantly higher than that in Group 2. We successfully created a PK pattern prediction model based on body weight and blood LD concentration at 15 and 30 min after administration. CONCLUSIONS: The PK series data of LD was classified into three patterns. The rapid absorption was associated with dyskinesias. Patients' PK patterns were successfully predicted based on their body weight and two-point LD concentration.

Evaluation of x-ray effective focal spot size dependency on x-ray exposure settings using edge response analysis.

The effective focal spot size of x-ray tubes is one of the major factors that substantially affect the resultant x-ray images, and it is known to be dependent on the x-ray exposure setting used. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the effective focal spot size and the tube current and voltage and assess its reproducibility among several x-ray tubes. The evaluation was performed using edge response analysis, in which a 1-mm thick tungsten edge was projected onto a flat panel detector with a magnification factor of 2. The edge image was then differentiated to obtain the line spread function, followed by a detector blur-removing process through Fourier analysis to obtain the true focus profile. The resultant focal spot size increased as the tube current increased, whereas it decreased as the tube voltage increased, as expected. The rate of change was similar along the width and the length directions, while the small focus changed more significantly than the large focus. The reproducibility among four x-ray tubes of the same model was excellent as the maximum variation < 20%. In conclusion, the edge response method can provide useful information on the x-ray focal spot relationship with the x-ray exposure settings used, as well as its reproducibility among several x-ray tubes.

Midbrain atrophy in pathologically diagnosed Lewy body disease and clinically diagnosed Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Midbrain atrophy is considered specific to progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) compared with Parkinson's disease (PD). We aimed to determine how often midbrain atrophy is observed in pathologically diagnosed Lewy body disease (LBD) and clinically diagnosed PD and the robustness of midbrain atrophy assessed by the One-Line Method previously developed for the diagnosis of PSP. METHODS: We studied two separate cohorts with MRI: the first pathologically diagnosed cohort consisted of patients with LBD (n = 13), PSP (n = 6), multiple system atrophy (MSA, n = 7), and corticobasal degeneration (CBD, n = 2); the second cohort consisted of patients with PD (n = 122). Midbrain length was measured using the One-Line Method and FreeSurfer estimated volumes of the subcortical nuclei. RESULTS: The area under the curve of midbrain length differentiating PSP from LBD, MSA, and CBD in a pathologically diagnosed cohort was 0.91. Midbrain length with cut-off values of 10.5 mm and 9.5 mm had a sensitivity of 100% and 67% and a specificity of 68% and 96%, respectively. In the first cohort, 7.7% and 23.0% of patients with LBD showed midbrain lengths <9.5 mm and 10.5 mm, respectively, and in the second cohort, 4.9% and 19.7% showed midbrain lengths <9.5 mm and 10.5 mm, respectively. INTERPRETATION: Midbrain length measured using the One-Line Method is helpful in the diagnosis of PSP. Some cases of pathologically diagnosed LBD and clinically diagnosed PD present with midbrain atrophy.

Additional effect of anthracycline in preoperative chemotherapy with a sequential anthracycline­containing regimen preceded by pertuzumab, trastuzumab and docetaxel combination therapy.

The proper use of anthracycline-containing regimens in combination with anti-HER2-targeted therapy in a neoadjuvant setting for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer has not been resolved. Regimens preceded by anthracyclines have become the standard of care, and although the order has no significant impact on HER2-negative breast cancer, it is inconclusive as to whether a taxane-first sequence would have a similar effect on HER2-positive breast cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the benefit of a taxane-first sequence and of adriamycin and cyclophosphamide (AC) in patients with non-clinical complete response (non-cCR) to pertuzumab, trastuzumab and docetaxel (PTD). The present single-center prospective observational study was performed to investigate PTD followed by AC, and aimed to clarify the cCR rate after PTD alone and the pathological clinical response (pCR) rate after subsequent AC in patients without cCR after PTD alone. A total 24 patients were analyzed; of these, 14 achieved pCR (pCR rate, 58.3%). While four of 14 patients (28.6%) in the intention-to-treat population achieved pCR, nine of 14 patients (64.3%) achieved pCR with AC but not cCR after PTD. The median tumor reduction rate after four cycles of PTD was 58.9% (range, 20.8-100%) in all 24 patients, whereas the reduction rate after PTD-AC was 76.9% (range, 31.1-100%). Cardiac serious adverse events occurred in three patients (12.5%). In conclusion, a high pCR rate was observed for the taxane-first sequence. Patients were highly responsive to PTD, but some cases achieved additional antitumor effects after AC, which resulted in pCR without cCR after PTD alone. Since cardiotoxicity remains a significant problem, a higher risk-benefit treatment strategy is required to aim for AC omission. Trial registration number: UMIN000046338, name of registry: UMIN-CTR, date of registration: December 10, 2021.

Clinical presentations of acquired comitant esotropia in 5-35 years old Japanese and digital device usage: a multicenter registry data analysis study.

PURPOSE: To describe clinical presentations of acquired comitant esotropia and digital device use in children, adolescents, and young adults without neurological problems. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter prospective observational study. METHODS: Patients with acquired comitant esotropia, without intracranial diseases aged 5-35 years at the time of visit, who were seen at pre-registered facilities within 1 year of onset were enrolled. The duration from the onset of symptoms and the time of digital device usage approximately 1 month before onset and their lifestyles were surveyed. Visual acuity, cycloplegic refraction, and strabismus angles were measured. Data were analyzed in three age groups (Child: 5-12 years, Adolescent: 13-18 years, and Young adult: 19-35 years). RESULTS: Between November 2019 and December 2021, 218 patients were enrolled from 55 facilities, and 194 patients (including 62 children, 69 adolescents, and 63 young adults) were analyzed. The child group spent the least amount of time using digital devices (children: 159; adolescents: 210; young adults: 267 min/work day, p < 0.05; (mean time in the same order below) 229, 338, 314 min/holiday, p < 0.05) and had the largest strabismus angle (mean strabismus angle at near: 30, 22, 18 PD, p < 0.01; at far: 28, 26, 21 PD, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The clinical features of acquired comitant esotropia and hand-held digital device usage differed between children aged ≤ 12 years and older patients. This report gives the current clinical characteristics of young patients with acquired esotropia and digital device usage.

Analytical and clinical validity of wearable, multi-sensor technology for assessment of motor function in patients with Parkinson's disease in Japan.

Continuous, objective monitoring of motor signs and symptoms may help improve tracking of disease progression and treatment response in Parkinson's disease (PD). This study assessed the analytical and clinical validity of multi-sensor smartwatch measurements in hospitalized and home-based settings (96 patients with PD; mean wear time 19 h/day) using a twice-daily virtual motor examination (VME) at times representing medication OFF/ON states. Digital measurement performance was better during inpatient clinical assessments for composite V-scores than single-sensor-derived features for bradykinesia (Spearman |r|= 0.63, reliability = 0.72), tremor (|r|= 0.41, reliability = 0.65), and overall motor features (|r|= 0.70, reliability = 0.67). Composite levodopa effect sizes during hospitalization were 0.51-1.44 for clinical assessments and 0.56-1.37 for VMEs. Reliability of digital measurements during home-based VMEs was 0.62-0.80 for scores derived from weekly averages and 0.24-0.66 for daily measurements. These results show that unsupervised digital measurements of motor features with wrist-worn sensors are sensitive to medication state and are reliable in naturalistic settings.Trial Registration: Japan Pharmaceutical Information Center Clinical Trials Information (JAPIC-CTI): JapicCTI-194825; Registered June 25, 2019.