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1.
Nat Immunol ; 25(6): 1073-1082, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38816615

ABSTRACT

A key barrier to the development of vaccines that induce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other viruses of high antigenic diversity is the design of priming immunogens that induce rare bnAb-precursor B cells. The high neutralization breadth of the HIV bnAb 10E8 makes elicitation of 10E8-class bnAbs desirable; however, the recessed epitope within gp41 makes envelope trimers poor priming immunogens and requires that 10E8-class bnAbs possess a long heavy chain complementarity determining region 3 (HCDR3) with a specific binding motif. We developed germline-targeting epitope scaffolds with affinity for 10E8-class precursors and engineered nanoparticles for multivalent display. Scaffolds exhibited epitope structural mimicry and bound bnAb-precursor human naive B cells in ex vivo screens, protein nanoparticles induced bnAb-precursor responses in stringent mouse models and rhesus macaques, and mRNA-encoded nanoparticles triggered similar responses in mice. Thus, germline-targeting epitope scaffold nanoparticles can elicit rare bnAb-precursor B cells with predefined binding specificities and HCDR3 features.


Subject(s)
AIDS Vaccines , Antibodies, Neutralizing , HIV Antibodies , HIV Envelope Protein gp41 , HIV Infections , HIV-1 , Macaca mulatta , Animals , Humans , HIV Envelope Protein gp41/immunology , HIV Antibodies/immunology , Mice , AIDS Vaccines/immunology , Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology , HIV-1/immunology , HIV Infections/immunology , HIV Infections/prevention & control , HIV Infections/virology , Vaccination , Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies/immunology , B-Lymphocytes/immunology , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Female , Complementarity Determining Regions/immunology , Epitopes/immunology
3.
Immunity ; 50(1): 241-252.e6, 2019 01 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30552025

ABSTRACT

Passive administration of HIV neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) can protect macaques from hard-to-neutralize (tier 2) chimeric simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) challenge. However, conditions for nAb-mediated protection after vaccination have not been established. Here, we selected groups of 6 rhesus macaques with either high or low serum nAb titers from a total of 78 animals immunized with recombinant native-like (SOSIP) Env trimers. Repeat intrarectal challenge with homologous tier 2 SHIVBG505 led to rapid infection in unimmunized and low-titer animals. High-titer animals, however, demonstrated protection that was gradually lost as nAb titers waned over time. An autologous serum ID50 nAb titer of ∼1:500 afforded more than 90% protection from medium-dose SHIV infection. In contrast, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and T cell activity did not correlate with protection. Therefore, Env protein-based vaccination strategies can protect against hard-to-neutralize SHIV challenge in rhesus macaques by inducing tier 2 nAbs, provided appropriate neutralizing titers can be reached and maintained.


Subject(s)
AIDS Vaccines/immunology , HIV Antibodies/immunology , HIV Infections/immunology , HIV/physiology , Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/immunology , Simian Immunodeficiency Virus/physiology , env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/immunology , Animals , Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology , Humans , Macaca mulatta , Vaccination
4.
Nature ; 609(7929): 998-1004, 2022 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36131022

ABSTRACT

Germinal centres are the engines of antibody evolution. Here, using human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Env protein immunogen priming in rhesus monkeys followed by a long period without further immunization, we demonstrate germinal centre B (BGC) cells that last for at least 6 months. A 186-fold increase in BGC cells was present by week 10 compared with conventional immunization. Single-cell transcriptional profiling showed that both light- and dark-zone germinal centre states were sustained. Antibody somatic hypermutation of BGC cells continued to accumulate throughout the 29-week priming period, with evidence of selective pressure. Env-binding BGC cells were still 49-fold above baseline at 29 weeks, which suggests that they could remain active for even longer periods of time. High titres of HIV-neutralizing antibodies were generated after a single booster immunization. Fully glycosylated HIV trimer protein is a complex antigen, posing considerable immunodominance challenges for B cells1,2. Memory B cells generated under these long priming conditions had higher levels of antibody somatic hypermutation, and both memory B cells and antibodies were more likely to recognize non-immunodominant epitopes. Numerous BGC cell lineage phylogenies spanning more than the 6-month germinal centre period were identified, demonstrating continuous germinal centre activity and selection for at least 191 days with no further antigen exposure. A long-prime, slow-delivery (12 days) immunization approach holds promise for difficult vaccine targets and suggests that patience can have great value for tuning of germinal centres to maximize antibody responses.


Subject(s)
Antibody Affinity , B-Lymphocytes , Cell Movement , Clone Cells , Germinal Center , HIV Antibodies , Immunization , Animals , Antibodies, Neutralizing/genetics , Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology , Antibody Affinity/genetics , Antibody Affinity/immunology , B-Lymphocytes/cytology , B-Lymphocytes/immunology , Clone Cells/cytology , Clone Cells/immunology , Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/immunology , Gene Expression Profiling , Germinal Center/cytology , Germinal Center/immunology , HIV Antibodies/genetics , HIV Antibodies/immunology , HIV Infections/immunology , HIV-1/immunology , Humans , Immunization, Secondary , Macaca mulatta/immunology , Macaca mulatta/virology , Memory B Cells/cytology , Memory B Cells/immunology , Single-Cell Analysis , Somatic Hypermutation, Immunoglobulin/genetics , Somatic Hypermutation, Immunoglobulin/immunology , Time Factors , env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/administration & dosage , env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/immunology
5.
Immunity ; 48(1): 133-146.e6, 2018 01 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29287996

ABSTRACT

How precursor frequencies and antigen affinities impact interclonal B cell competition is a particularly relevant issue for candidate germline-targeting HIV vaccine designs because of the in vivo rarity of naive B cells that recognize broadly neutralizing epitopes. Knowing the frequencies and affinities of HIV-specific VRC01-class naive human B cells, we transferred B cells with germline VRC01 B cell receptors into congenic recipients to elucidate the roles of precursor frequency, antigen affinity, and avidity on B cell responses following immunization. All three factors were interdependently limiting for competitive success of VRC01-class B cells. In physiological high-affinity conditions using a multivalent immunogen, rare VRC01-class B cells successfully competed in germinal centers (GC), underwent extensive somatic hypermutation, and differentiated into memory B cells. The data reveal dominant influences of precursor frequency, affinity, and avidity for interclonal GC competition and indicate that germline-targeting immunogens can overcome these challenges with high-affinity multimeric designs.


Subject(s)
AIDS Vaccines/immunology , Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology , B-Lymphocytes/immunology , Germinal Center/immunology , HIV-1/immunology , Animals , Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Female , Flow Cytometry , HIV Antibodies , Male , Mice , Mice, Transgenic
6.
Immunity ; 46(4): 690-702, 2017 04 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28423342

ABSTRACT

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) to HIV delineate vaccine targets and are prophylactic and therapeutic agents. Some of the most potent bnAbs target a quaternary epitope at the apex of the surface HIV envelope (Env) trimer. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we solved the atomic structure of an apex bnAb, PGT145, in complex with Env. We showed that the long anionic HCDR3 of PGT145 penetrated between glycans at the trimer 3-fold axis, to contact peptide residues from all three Env protomers, and thus explains its highly trimer-specific nature. Somatic hypermutation in the other CDRs of PGT145 were crucially involved in stabilizing the structure of the HCDR3, similar to bovine antibodies, to aid in recognition of a cluster of conserved basic residues hypothesized to facilitate trimer disassembly during viral entry. Overall, the findings exemplify the creative solutions that the human immune system can evolve to recognize a conserved motif buried under a canopy of glycans.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Neutralizing/chemistry , Protein Domains , Protein Multimerization , Protein Structure, Secondary , env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/chemistry , Amino Acid Sequence , Anions/chemistry , Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology , Antibodies, Neutralizing/metabolism , Cryoelectron Microscopy , Crystallography, X-Ray , Epitopes/chemistry , Epitopes/immunology , Epitopes/metabolism , HEK293 Cells , HIV Antibodies/chemistry , HIV Antibodies/immunology , HIV Antibodies/metabolism , HIV-1/immunology , HIV-1/metabolism , Humans , Models, Molecular , Polysaccharides/chemistry , Polysaccharides/immunology , Polysaccharides/metabolism , Protein Binding/immunology , Sequence Homology, Amino Acid , Surface Plasmon Resonance , env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/immunology , env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/metabolism
7.
PLoS Pathog ; 19(10): e1011601, 2023 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37903160

ABSTRACT

Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) to multiple epitopes on the HIV-1-envelope glycoprotein (Env) have been isolated from infected persons. The potency of NAbs is measured more often than the size of the persistent fraction of infectivity at maximum neutralization, which may also influence preventive efficacy of active or passive immunization and the therapeutic outcome of the latter. Many NAbs neutralize HIV-1 CZA97.012, a clone of a Clade-C isolate, to ~100%. But here NAb PGT151, directed to a fusion-peptide epitope, left a persistent fraction of 15%. NAb PGT145, ligating the Env-trimer apex, left no detectable persistent fraction. The divergence in persistent fractions was further analyzed by depletion of pseudoviral populations of the most PGT151- and PGT145-reactive virions. Thereby, neutralization by the non-depleting NAb increased, whereas neutralization by the depleting NAb decreased. Furthermore, depletion by PGT151 increased sensitivity to autologous neutralization by sera from rabbits immunized with soluble native-like CZA97.012 trimer: substantial persistent fractions were reduced. NAbs in these sera target epitopes comprising residue D411 at the V4-ß19 transition in a defect of the glycan shield on CZA97.012 Env. NAb binding to affinity-fractionated soluble native-like CZA97.012 trimer differed commensurately with neutralization in analyses by ELISA and surface plasmon resonance. Glycan differences between PGT151- and PGT145-purified trimer fractions were then demonstrated by mass spectrometry, providing one explanation for the differential antigenicity. These differences were interpreted in relation to a new structure at 3.4-Å resolution of the soluble CZA97.012 trimer determined by cryo-electron microscopy. The trimer adopted a closed conformation, refuting apex opening as the cause of reduced PGT145 binding to the PGT151-purified form. The evidence suggests that differences in binding and neutralization after trimer purification or pseudovirus depletion with PGT145 or PGT151 are caused by variation in glycosylation, and that some glycan variants affect antigenicity through direct effects on antibody contacts, whereas others act allosterically.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , HIV-1 , Animals , Rabbits , HIV Antibodies , Cryoelectron Microscopy , Antibodies, Neutralizing , Epitopes , Antigens, Viral , Polysaccharides/metabolism , env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
8.
Immunity ; 45(1): 31-45, 2016 07 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27438765

ABSTRACT

The dense patch of high-mannose-type glycans surrounding the N332 glycan on the HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env) is targeted by multiple broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). This region is relatively conserved, implying functional importance, the origins of which are not well understood. Here we describe the isolation of new bnAbs targeting this region. Examination of these and previously described antibodies to Env revealed that four different bnAb families targeted the (324)GDIR(327) peptide stretch at the base of the gp120 V3 loop and its nearby glycans. We found that this peptide stretch constitutes part of the CCR5 co-receptor binding site, with the high-mannose patch glycans serving to camouflage it from most antibodies. GDIR-glycan bnAbs, in contrast, bound both (324)GDIR(327) peptide residues and high-mannose patch glycans, which enabled broad reactivity against diverse HIV isolates. Thus, as for the CD4 binding site, bnAb effectiveness relies on circumventing the defenses of a critical functional region on Env.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology , Binding Sites, Antibody/immunology , HIV Antibodies/immunology , HIV Envelope Protein gp120/metabolism , HIV Infections/immunology , HIV-1/immunology , Polysaccharides/metabolism , Amino Acid Motifs , CD4 Antigens/metabolism , Epitope Mapping , Epitopes/metabolism , Genetic Engineering , HEK293 Cells , HIV Envelope Protein gp120/immunology , Humans , Immunity, Humoral , Immunologic Memory , Peptide Fragments/metabolism , Polysaccharides/immunology , Protein Binding , Receptors, CCR5/metabolism
9.
Semin Immunol ; 51: 101470, 2021 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34272086

ABSTRACT

HIV is a virus that remains a major health concern and results in an infection that has no cure even after over 30 years since its discovery. As such, HIV vaccine discovery continues to be an area of intensive research. In this review, we summarize the most recent HIV vaccine efficacy trials, clinical trials initiated within the last 3 years, and discuss prominent improvements that have been made in prophylactic HIV vaccine designs.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , HIV-1 , Antibodies, Neutralizing , HIV Antibodies/therapeutic use , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Humans , Vaccinology
10.
Stroke ; 55(5): 1370-1380, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38572656

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mild chemical inhibition of mitochondrial respiration can confer resilience against a subsequent stroke or myocardial infarction, also known as preconditioning. However, the lack of chemicals that can safely inhibit mitochondrial respiration has impeded the clinical translation of the preconditioning concept. We previously showed that meclizine, an over-the-counter antivertigo drug, can toggle metabolism from mitochondrial respiration toward glycolysis and protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury in the brain, heart, and kidney. Here, we examine the mechanism of action of meclizine and report the efficacy and improved safety of the (S) enantiomer. METHODS: We determined the anoxic depolarization latency, tissue and neurological outcomes, and glucose uptake using micro-positron emission tomography after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice pretreated (-17 and -3 hours) with either vehicle or meclizine. To exclude a direct effect on tissue excitability, we also examined spreading depression susceptibility. Furthermore, we accomplished the chiral synthesis of (R)- and (S)-meclizine and compared their effects on oxygen consumption and histamine H1 receptor binding along with their brain concentrations. RESULTS: Micro-positron emission tomography showed meclizine increases glucose uptake in the ischemic penumbra, providing the first in vivo evidence that the neuroprotective effect of meclizine indeed stems from its ability to toggle metabolism toward glycolysis. Consistent with reduced reliance on oxidative phosphorylation to sustain the metabolism, meclizine delayed anoxic depolarization onset after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Moreover, the (S) enantiomer showed reduced H1 receptor binding, a dose-limiting side effect for the racemate, but retained its effect on mitochondrial respiration. (S)-meclizine was at least as efficacious as the racemate in delaying anoxic depolarization onset and decreasing infarct volumes after middle cerebral artery occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: Our data identify (S)-meclizine as a promising new drug candidate with high translational potential as a chemical preconditioning agent for preemptive prophylaxis in patients with high imminent stroke or myocardial infarction risk.

11.
J Med Virol ; 96(3): e29536, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38488495

ABSTRACT

Following the worldwide surge in mpox (monkeypox) in 2022, cases have persisted in Asia, including South Korea, and sexual contact is presumed as the predominant mode of transmission, with a discernible surge in prevalence among immunocompromised patients. Drugs such as tecovirimat can result in drug-resistant mutations, presenting obstacles to treatment. This study aimed to ascertain the presence of tecovirimat-related resistant mutations through genomic analysis of the monkeypox virus isolated from a reported case involving prolonged viral shedding in South Korea. Here, tecovirimat-resistant mutations, previously identified in the B.1 clade, were observed in the B.1.3 clade, predominant in South Korea. These mutations exhibited diverse patterns across different samples from the same patient and reflected the varied distribution of viral subpopulations in different anatomical regions. The A290V and A288P mutant strains we isolated hold promise for elucidating these mechanisms, enabling a comprehensive analysis of viral pathogenesis, replication strategies, and host interactions. Our findings imply that acquired drug-resistant mutations, may present a challenge to individual patient treatment. Moreover, they have the potential to give rise to transmitted drug-resistant mutations, thereby imposing a burden on the public health system. Consequently, the meticulous genomic surveillance among immunocompromised patients, conducted in this research, assumes paramount importance.


Subject(s)
Benzamides , Immunocompromised Host , Humans , Virus Shedding , Isoindoles , Mutation , Republic of Korea
12.
Immunity ; 43(6): 1053-63, 2015 Dec 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26682982

ABSTRACT

The high-mannose patch on the HIV-1 envelope (Env) glycoprotein is the epicenter for binding of the potent broadly neutralizing PGT121 family of antibodies, but strategies for generating such antibodies by vaccination have not been defined. We generated structures of inferred antibody intermediates by X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy to elucidate the molecular events that occurred during evolution of this family. Binding analyses revealed that affinity maturation was primarily focused on avoiding, accommodating, or binding the N137 glycan. The overall antibody approach angle to Env was defined very early in the maturation process, yet some variation evolved in the PGT121 family branches that led to differences in glycan specificities in their respective epitopes. Furthermore, we determined a crystal structure of the recombinant BG505 SOSIP.664 HIV-1 trimer with a PGT121 family member at 3.0 Å that, in concert with these antibody intermediate structures, provides insights to advance design of HIV vaccine candidates.


Subject(s)
Antibody Affinity/immunology , Epitopes/immunology , HIV Antibodies/immunology , HIV-1/immunology , Antibodies, Neutralizing/chemistry , Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology , Antibody Affinity/genetics , Antigens, Viral/chemistry , Antigens, Viral/immunology , Calorimetry, Differential Scanning , Crystallography, X-Ray , Epitopes/chemistry , HEK293 Cells , HIV Antibodies/chemistry , Humans , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Microscopy, Electron, Transmission , Mutagenesis, Site-Directed , Polysaccharides/immunology , Somatic Hypermutation, Immunoglobulin , Viral Envelope Proteins/immunology , X-Ray Diffraction , env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/immunology
13.
Liver Int ; 44(7): 1578-1587, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38651924

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) offers a standardized approach for imaging hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the diverse styles and structures of radiology reports complicate automatic data extraction. Large language models hold the potential for structured data extraction from free-text reports. Our objective was to evaluate the performance of Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT)-4 in extracting LI-RADS features and categories from free-text liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports. METHODS: Three radiologists generated 160 fictitious free-text liver MRI reports written in Korean and English, simulating real-world practice. Of these, 20 were used for prompt engineering, and 140 formed the internal test cohort. Seventy-two genuine reports, authored by 17 radiologists were collected and de-identified for the external test cohort. LI-RADS features were extracted using GPT-4, with a Python script calculating categories. Accuracies in each test cohort were compared. RESULTS: On the external test, the accuracy for the extraction of major LI-RADS features, which encompass size, nonrim arterial phase hyperenhancement, nonperipheral 'washout', enhancing 'capsule' and threshold growth, ranged from .92 to .99. For the rest of the LI-RADS features, the accuracy ranged from .86 to .97. For the LI-RADS category, the model showed an accuracy of .85 (95% CI: .76, .93). CONCLUSIONS: GPT-4 shows promise in extracting LI-RADS features, yet further refinement of its prompting strategy and advancements in its neural network architecture are crucial for reliable use in processing complex real-world MRI reports.


Subject(s)
Liver Neoplasms , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Humans , Liver Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnostic imaging , Natural Language Processing , Radiology Information Systems , Republic of Korea , Data Mining , Liver/diagnostic imaging
14.
Eur Radiol ; 2024 Apr 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38625610

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine whether switching to contrast media based on the sharing of N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) carbamoyl side chain reduces the recurrence of iodinated contrast media (ICM)-associated adverse drug reactions (ADRs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included 2133 consecutive patients (mean age ± SD, 56.1 ± 11.4 years; male, 1052 [49.3%]) who had a history of ICM-associated ADRs and underwent contrast-enhanced CT examinations. The per-patient and per-exam-based recurrence ADR rates were compared between cases of switching and non-switching the ICM from ICMs that caused the previous ADRs, and between cases that used ICMs with common and different carbamoyl side chains from ICMs that caused the previous ADRs. Downgrade rates (no recurrence or the occurrence of ADR less severe than index ADRs) were also compared. Propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis were additionally performed. RESULTS: In per-patient analysis, switching of ICM showed a lower recurrence rate (switching, 10.4% [100/965] vs. non-switching, 28.4% [332/1168]), with the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.27 (95% CI: 0.21, 0.34; p < 0.001). The result was consistent in PSM (OR, 0.29 [95% CI: 0.22, 0.39]; p < 0.001), IPTW (OR, 0.28 [95% CI: 0.22, 0.36]; p < 0.001), and in per-exam analysis (5.5% vs. 13.8%; OR, 0.32 [95% CI: 0.27, 0.37]; p < 0.001). There was lower per-exam recurrence (5.0% [195/3938] vs. 7.8% [79/1017]; OR, 0.63 [95% CI: 0.47, 0.83]; p = 0.001) and higher downgrade rates (95.6% [3764/3938] vs. 93.3% [949/1017]; OR, 1.51 [95% CI: 1.12, 2.03]; p = 0.006) when using different side chain groups. CONCLUSION: Switching to an ICM with a different carbamoyl side chain reduced the recurrent ADRs and their severity during subsequent examinations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Switching to an iodinated contrast media with a different carbamoyl side chain reduced the recurrent adverse drug reactions and their severity during subsequent examinations.

15.
Eur Radiol ; 2024 May 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38767659

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prognostic impact of preoperative MRI features on outcomes for single large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (≥ 8 cm) after surgical resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 151 patients (mean age: 59.2 years; 126 men) with a single large HCC who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and surgical resection between 2008 and 2020. Clinical variables, including tumor markers and MRI features (tumor size, tumor margin, and the proportion of hypovascular component on hepatic arterial phase (AP) (≥ 50% vs. < 50% tumor volume) were evaluated. Cox proportional hazards model analyzed overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and associated factors. RESULTS: Among 151 HCCs, 37.8% and 62.2% HCCs were classified as ≥ 50% and < 50% AP hypovascular groups, respectively. The 5- and 10-year OS and RFS rates in all patients were 62.0%, 52.6% and 41.4%, 38.5%, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that ≥ 50% AP hypovascular group (hazard ratio [HR] 1.7, p = 0.048), tumor size (HR 1.1, p = 0.006), and alpha-fetoprotein ≥ 400 ng/mL (HR 2.6, p = 0.001) correlated with poorer OS. ≥ 50% AP hypovascular group (HR 1.9, p = 0.003), tumor size (HR 1.1, p = 0.023), and non-smooth tumor margin (HR 2.1, p = 0.009) were linked to poorer RFS. One-year RFS rates were lower in the ≥ 50% AP hypovascular group than in the < 50% AP hypovascular group (47.4% vs 66.9%, p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: MRI with ≥ 50% AP hypovascular component and larger tumor size were significant factors associated with poorer OS and RFS after resection of single large HCC (≥ 8 cm). These patients require careful multidisciplinary management to determine optimal treatment strategies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Preoperative MRI showing a ≥ 50% arterial phase hypovascular component and larger tumor size can predict worse outcomes after resection of single large hepatocellular carcinomas (≥ 8 cm), underscoring the need for tailored, multidisciplinary treatment strategies. KEY POINTS: MRI features offer insights into the postoperative prognosis for large hepatocellular carcinoma. Hypovascular component on arterial phase ≥ 50% and tumor size predicted poorer overall survival and recurrence-free survival. These findings can assist in prioritizing aggressive and multidisciplinary approaches for patients at risk for poor outcomes.

17.
Mol Cell ; 62(6): 811-823, 2016 06 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27237053

ABSTRACT

Throughout the bacterial domain, the alarmone ppGpp dramatically reprograms transcription following nutrient limitation. This "stringent response" is critical for survival and antibiotic tolerance and is a model for transcriptional regulation by small ligands. We report that ppGpp binds to two distinct sites 60 Å apart on E. coli RNA polymerase (RNAP), one characterized previously (site 1) and a second identified here at an interface of RNAP and the transcription factor DksA (site 2). The location and unusual tripartite nature of site 2 account for the DksA-ppGpp synergism and suggest mechanisms for ppGpp enhancement of DksA's effects on RNAP. Site 2 binding results in the majority of ppGpp's effects on transcription initiation in vitro and in vivo, and strains lacking site 2 are severely impaired for growth following nutritional shifts. Filling of the two sites at different ppGpp concentrations would expand the dynamic range of cellular responses to changes in ppGpp levels.


Subject(s)
DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases/metabolism , Escherichia coli Proteins/metabolism , Escherichia coli/metabolism , Guanosine Tetraphosphate/metabolism , Stress, Physiological , Transcription Initiation, Genetic , Amino Acid Sequence , Binding Sites , Conserved Sequence , DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases/chemistry , DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases/genetics , Escherichia coli/genetics , Escherichia coli Proteins/chemistry , Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics , Evolution, Molecular , Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial , Models, Molecular , Protein Binding , Protein Conformation , Structure-Activity Relationship
18.
Oral Dis ; 30(2): 518-527, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36691707

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the healing effect of hyaluronic acid films on palatal wounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After making 5-mm diameter palatal wounds, 72 rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control, hyaluronic acid gel, and hyaluronic acid film. The animals were sacrificed at 3, 7, and 21 days after the experiment. Clinical, histological, and RT-PCR analyses were performed. Human ex vivo oral mucosa models were used. Histological analysis and pan-cytokeratin staining were performed at 5 days after wound creation. RESULTS: In rat model, both gels and films showed favorable healing on Days 3 and 7 compared with healing in the control (p < 0.05). Film showed remarkable VEGF and α-SMA expression than did the others (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that film exhibited significantly lower CD68 and greater α-SMA and vimentin expression levels than those in the others (p < 0.05). In human model, re-epithelialization rate of film group was significantly higher than that of the others. Complete epithelial regeneration was confirmed only in film group using pan-cytokeratin staining. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, hyaluronic acid film outperformed gels in terms of palatal wound healing in both models.


Subject(s)
Hyaluronic Acid , Wound Healing , Humans , Rats , Animals , Hyaluronic Acid/pharmacology , Mouth Mucosa , Gels , Keratins
19.
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol ; 281(1): 295-299, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37938373

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study prospectively assessed the efficacy and safety of 532-nm diode laser glottoplasty in patients with sulcus vocalis. METHODS: A prospective human trial was performed from August 2016 to September 2021. 532-nm diode laser glottoplasty was performed in 30 consecutive patients with sulcus vocalis who suffered from voice problems. Patients underwent acoustic aerodynamic, perceptual, stroboscopic, and Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) evaluations before and 1, 6, and 12 months after laser glottoplasty. RESULTS: Most subjective parameters showed significant improvement (P < 0.05) at 6 months after laser glottoplasty and remained stable at 12 months. Most objective parameters showed significant improvement (P < 0.05) at 12 months after laser glottoplasty. Complications during follow-up included mild vocal fold vibration reduction in 3.3% of patients (1/30) and persistent vocal fold edema in 3.3% of patients (1/30). CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant voice improvement at 12 months after 532-nm diode laser glottoplasty was achieved without serious complications.


Subject(s)
Lasers, Semiconductor , Voice Disorders , Humans , Lasers, Semiconductor/therapeutic use , Prospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Vocal Cords/surgery , Voice Disorders/therapy
20.
Radiology ; 308(1): e222463, 2023 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37489989

ABSTRACT

Background The 2017 international consensus guidelines for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas are widely used. Purpose To evaluate the interobserver agreement and diagnostic performance of MRI assessment in predicting the malignant potential of IPMN according to radiologists' experience. Materials and Methods This multicenter retrospective study included 100 patients with pathologically proven pancreatic IPMN (77 patients with surgery, 23 patients with biopsy) who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI between 2016 and 2021. Eight post-fellowship radiologists (four more-experienced [8-20 years] and four less-experienced [1-4 years] reviewers) evaluated MRI for high-risk stigmata and worrisome features identified by the most recent 2017 guidelines. Interobserver agreement was determined using Fleiss κ statistics according to radiologist experience. The diagnostic performance for malignant IPMN was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results Among 100 patients (mean age, 66 years ± 10 [SD]; 57 men), 52 (52%) had malignant IPMN. For high-risk stigmata, interobserver agreement was substantial for main pancreatic duct size of at least 10 mm (κ = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.75, 0.82), enhancing mural nodule of at least 5 mm (κ = 0.70: 95% CI: 0.66, 0.74), and at least one high-risk stigmata (κ = 0.73: 95% CI: 0.69, 0.76). The worrisome features showed fair to substantial interobserver agreement (κ range, 0.22-0.80). More-experienced reviewers demonstrated better agreement in the assessment of at least one high-risk stigmata than less-experienced reviewers (κ = 0.77 vs κ = 0.69, P < .001). The overall diagnostic performance of each reviewer was good for the prediction of malignant pancreatic IPMN (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] range, 0.77-0.84; median AUC, 0.82), with substantial agreement (κ = 0.76). Conclusion The 2017 international consensus guidelines enabled good diagnostic performance and substantial interobserver agreement for high-risk stigmata but not worrisome features on the evaluation of the malignant pancreatic IPMN using MRI. Agreement tended to be better among more-experienced reviewers than among less-experienced reviewers. © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article.


Subject(s)
Pancreatic Intraductal Neoplasms , Pancreatic Neoplasms , Male , Humans , Aged , Observer Variation , Retrospective Studies , Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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