Wolbachia depletion blocks transmission of lymphatic filariasis by preventing chitinase-dependent parasite exsheathment.

Lymphatic filariasis is a vector-borne neglected tropical disease prioritized for global elimination. The filarial nematodes that cause the disease host a symbiotic bacterium, Wolbachia, which has been targeted using antibiotics, leading to cessation of parasite embryogenesis, waning of circulating larvae (microfilariae [mf]), and gradual cure of adult infection. One of the benefits of the anti-Wolbachia mode of action is that it avoids the rapid killing of mf, which can drive inflammatory adverse events. However, mf depleted of Wolbachia persist for several months in circulation, and thus patients treated with antibiotics are assumed to remain at risk for transmitting infections. Here, we show that Wolbachia-depleted mf rapidly lose the capacity to develop in the mosquito vector through a defect in exsheathment and inability to migrate through the gut wall. Transcriptomic and Western blotting analyses demonstrate that chitinase, an enzyme essential for mf exsheathment, is down-regulated in Wolbachia-depleted mf and correlates with their inability to exsheath and escape the mosquito midgut. Supplementation of in vitro cultures of Wolbachia-depleted mf with chitinase enzymes restores their ability to exsheath to a similar level to that observed in untreated mf. Our findings elucidate a mechanism of rapid transmission-blocking activity of filariasis after depletion of Wolbachia and adds to the broad range of biological processes of filarial nematodes that are dependent on Wolbachia symbiosis.

A large-scale retrospective study enabled deep-learning based pathological assessment of frozen procurement kidney biopsies to predict graft loss and guide organ utilization.

Lesion scores on procurement donor biopsies are commonly used to guide organ utilization for deceased-donor kidneys. However, frozen sections present challenges for histological scoring, leading to inter- and intra-observer variability and inappropriate discard. Therefore, we constructed deep-learning based models to recognize kidney tissue compartments in hematoxylin & eosin-stained sections from procurement needle biopsies performed nationwide in years 2011-2020. To do this, we extracted whole-slide abnormality features from 2431 kidneys and correlated with pathologists' scores and transplant outcomes. A Kidney Donor Quality Score (KDQS) was derived and used in combination with recipient demographic and peri-transplant characteristics to predict graft loss or assist organ utilization. The performance on wedge biopsies was additionally evaluated. Our model identified 96% and 91% of normal/sclerotic glomeruli respectively; 94% of arteries/arterial intimal fibrosis; 90% of tubules. Whole-slide features of Sclerotic Glomeruli (GS)%, Arterial Intimal Fibrosis (AIF)%, and Interstitial Space Abnormality (ISA)% demonstrated strong correlations with corresponding pathologists' scores of all 2431 kidneys, but had superior associations with post-transplant estimated glomerular filtration rates in 2033 and graft loss in 1560 kidneys. The combination of KDQS and other factors predicted one- and four-year graft loss in a discovery set of 520 kidneys and a validation set of 1040 kidneys. By using the composite KDQS of 398 discarded kidneys due to "biopsy findings", we suggest that if transplanted, 110 discarded kidneys could have had similar survival to that of other transplanted kidneys. Thus, our composite KDQS and survival prediction models may facilitate risk stratification and organ utilization while potentially reducing unnecessary organ discard.

Impact of pre-transplant immune checkpoint inhibitor use on post-transplant outcomes in HCC: A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prior to liver transplantation (LT) has been reported; however, ICIs may elevate the risk of allograft rejection and impact other clinical outcomes. This study aims to summarize the impact of ICI use on post-LT outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this individual patient data meta-analysis, we searched databases to identify HCC cases treated with ICIs before LT, detailing allograft rejection, HCC recurrence, and overall survival. We performed Cox regression analysis to identify risk factors for allograft rejection. RESULTS: Among 91 eligible patients, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow-up of 690.0 (654.5) days, there were 24 (26.4%) allograft rejections, 9 (9.9%) HCC recurrences, and 9 (9.9%) deaths. Age (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] per 10 years=0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.53, 0.99, P=0.044) and ICI washout time (aHR per 1 week=0.92, 95% CI=0.86, 0.99, P=0.022) were associated with allograft rejection. The median (IQR) washout period for patients with ≤20% probability of allograft rejection was 94 (196) days. Overall survival did not differ between cases with and without allograft rejection (log-rank test, p=0.2). Individuals with HCC recurrence had fewer median (IQR) ICI cycles than those without recurrence (4.0 [1.8]) vs. 8.0 [9.0]); p=0.025). The proportion of patients within Milan post-ICI was lower for those with recurrence vs. without (16.7% vs. 65.3%, p=0.032) CONCLUSION: Patients have acceptable post-LT outcomes after ICI therapy. Age and ICI washout length relate to the allograft rejection risk, and a 3-month washout may reduce it to that of patients without ICI exposure. Number of ICI cycles and tumor burden may affect recurrence risk. Large prospective studies are necessary to confirm these associations. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: This systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis of 91 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and immune checkpoint inhibitors use prior to liver transplantation suggests acceptable overall post-transplant outcomes. Older age and longer immune checkpoint inhibitor washout period have a significant inverse association with the risk of allograft rejection. A 3-month washout may reduce it to that of patients without ICI exposure. Additionally, a higher number of immune checkpoint inhibitor cycles and tumor burden within Milan criteria at the completion of immunotherapy may predict a decreased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence, but this observation requires further validation in larger prospective studies. CODE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTIVE REGISTER OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS (PROSPERO): CRD42023494951.

Endoscopic Surveillance of Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) is a precancerous condition. Limited data exist on real-world clinical practice relative to guidelines. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to GIM risk stratification and identify factors associated with follow-up endoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted manual chart review of patients with histologically confirmed GIM at an urban, tertiary medical center were identified retrospectively and details of their demographics, Helicobacter pylori, biopsy protocol, endoscopic/histologic findings, and postendoscopy follow-up were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with follow-up endoscopy. RESULTS: Among 253 patients, 59% were female, 37% non-Hispanic White (NHW), 26% Hispanic, 16% non-Hispanic Black (NHB). The median age at index endoscopy was 63.4 years (IQR: 55.9 to 70.0), with median follow-up of 65.1 months (IQR: 44.0 to 72.3). H. pylori was detected in 21.6% patients at index EGD. GIM extent and subtype data were frequently missing (22.9% and 32.8%, respectively). Based on available data, 26% had corpus-extended GIM and 28% had incomplete/mixed-type GIM. Compared with NHW, Hispanic patients had higher odds of follow-up EGD (OR=2.48, 95% CI: 1.23-5.01), while NHB patients had 59% lower odds of follow-up EGD (OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.18-0.96). Corpus-extended GIM versus limited GIM (OR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.13-4.59) was associated with follow-up EGD, but GIM subtype and family history of gastric cancer were not. CONCLUSIONS: We observed suboptimal risk stratification among patients with GIM and notable race and ethnic disparities with respect to endoscopic surveillance. Targeted interventions are needed to improve practice patterns and mitigate observed disparities.

The Role of PI3K Isoforms in Autoimmune Disease.

Aberrant overactivation of the immune system can give rise to chronic and persistent self-attack, culminating in autoimmune disease. This is currently managed therapeutically using potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory drugs. Class I phosphoinositide-3-kinases (PI3Ks) have been identified as ideal therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases given their wide-ranging roles in immunological processes. Although progress has been hampered by issues such as poor drug tolerance and drug resistance, several PI3K inhibitors have now received regulatory approval with many others in development, including several intended to suppress the immune response in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This chapter reviews the evidence for contribution of aberrant PI3K activity to a range of autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis and type I diabetes) and possible therapeutic application of isoform-specific PI3K inhibitors as immunosuppressive drugs.

The risk of subsequent surgery following bowel resection for Crohn's disease in a national cohort of 19 207 patients.

AIM: Surgery is required for most patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and further surgery may be necessary if medical treatment fails to control disease activity. The aim of this study was to characterize the risk of, and factors associated with, further surgery following a first resection for Crohn's disease. METHODS: Hospital Episode Statistics from England were examined to identify patients with CD and a first recorded bowel resection between 2007 and 2016. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine risk factors for further resectional surgery within 5 years. Prevalence-adjusted surgical rates for index CD surgery over the study period were calculated. RESULTS: In total, 19 207 patients (median age 39 years, interquartile range 27-53 years; 55% women) with CD underwent a first recorded resection during the study period. 3141 (16%) underwent a further operation during the study period. The median time to further surgery was 2.4 (interquartile range 1.2-4.6) years. 3% of CD patients had further surgery within 1 year, 14% by 5 years and 23% by 10 years. Older age (≥58), index laparoscopic surgery and index elective surgery (adjusted OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.54-0.77; 0.77, 0.67-0.88; and 0.77, 0.69-0.85; respectively) were associated with a reduced risk of further surgery by 5 years. Prior surgery for perianal disease (1.60, 1.37-1.87), an extraintestinal manifestation of CD (1.51, 1.22-1.86) and index surgery in a high-volume centre for CD surgery (1.20, 1.02-1.40) were associated with an increased risk of further surgery by 5 years. A 25% relative and 0.3% absolute reduction in prevalence-adjusted index surgery rates for CD was observed over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Further surgery following an index operation is common in CD. This risk was particularly seen in patients with perianal disease, extraintestinal manifestations and those who underwent index surgery in a high-volume centre.

NHS advice and guidance - improving outpatient flow and patient care in general surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Advice and Guidance (A&G) is a digital communication tool that allows primary care physicians to seek advice from secondary care clinicians prior to, or instead of, direct referrals. Its effectiveness in general surgery has not been robustly evaluated. AIMS: To analyse the number of A&G e-referrals to General Surgery at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and evaluate the outcomes of these requests including response times and changes to outpatient clinic appointment requirements. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all A&G requests to General Surgery between July 2020 and September 2021. The responses were categorised into 7 different outcomes and the time taken to reply to requests was recorded. An analysis of outpatient appointments (both 'new' and 'follow-up' appointments) pre- and post-introduction of A&G was performed. RESULTS: A total of 2244 A&G requests were made during the study period: 61% requests resulted in outpatient clinic appointments; 18% direct organisation of investigations; 10% advice was provided; 8% were redirected to a different specialty. Median time take to reply to a referral was the same day. The proportion of outpatient appointments that were 'new' appointments was reduced by 16.3% following introduction of A&G (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A&G requests to General Surgery potentially diverts patients away from the outpatient clinic. Responses are rapid. A longer term evaluation of the service is necessary to determine its beneficial and detrimental effects on patients, primary care and secondary care.

Effect of Equipment on the Accuracy of Accelerometer-Based Human Activity Recognition in Extreme Environments.

A little explored area of human activity recognition (HAR) is in people operating in relation to extreme environments, e.g., mountaineers. In these contexts, the ability to accurately identify activities, alongside other data streams, has the potential to prevent death and serious negative health events to the operators. This study aimed to address this user group and investigate factors associated with the placement, number, and combination of accelerometer sensors. Eight participants (age = 25.0 ± 7 years) wore 17 accelerometers simultaneously during lab-based simulated mountaineering activities, under a range of equipment and loading conditions. Initially, a selection of machine learning techniques was tested. Secondly, a comprehensive analysis of all possible combinations of the 17 accelerometers was performed to identify the optimum number of sensors, and their respective body locations. Finally, the impact of activity-specific equipment on the classifier accuracy was explored. The results demonstrated that the support vector machine (SVM) provided the most accurate classifications of the five machine learning algorithms tested. It was found that two sensors provided the optimum balance between complexity, performance, and user compliance. Sensors located on the hip and right tibia produced the most accurate classification of the simulated activities (96.29%). A significant effect associated with the use of mountaineering boots and a 12 kg rucksack was established.

Gallbladder Cancer: A Single-Institution 10-Year Experience-Analysis of Adenocarcinoma Subtypes and Tumors Arising from Intracholecystic Papillary Neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer accounts for 1.2% of global cancer diagnoses. Literature on biliary-type adenocarcinoma (BTA), and specifically carcinoma arising from intracholecystic papillary-tubular neoplasms (ICPNs), is limited. This study describes a retrospective, single-institution experience with gallbladder cancer, focusing on histological subtypes and prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent cholecystectomy for a malignant neoplasm of the gallbladder between 2007 and 2017. Demographic, clinicopathologic, and operative variables, as well as survival outcomes, were analyzed. RESULTS: From a total of 145 patients, BTAs were most common (93, 64%). Compared with non-BTAs, BTAs were diagnosed at a lower American Joint Committee on Cancer stage (p = 0.045) and demonstrated longer median recurrence-free survival (38 vs. 16 months, p = 0.014; median follow-up 36 months). Tumors arising from ICPNs (18, 12%) were more commonly associated with BTA (14 cases). Compared with BTAs not associated with ICPNs (29 patients), associated cases demonstrated lower pathologic stage (p = 0.006) and lower rates of liver and perineural invasion (0% vs. 49% and 14% vs. 48%, respectively; p < 0.05). Cumulative 5-year survival probability was higher for patients with gallbladder neoplasm of any subtype associated with ICPNs compared with those that were not associated with ICPNs (54% vs. 41%, p = 0.019; median follow-up 23 months). This difference was also significant when comparing BTAs associated with ICPNs and non-associated cases (63% vs. 52%, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated unique pathological and prognostic features of BTAs and of carcinomas arising from ICPNs. Histopathological variance may implicate prognosis and may be used to better guide clinical decision making in the treatment of these patients.

AWZ1066S, a highly specific anti-Wolbachia drug candidate for a short-course treatment of filariasis.

Onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis are two neglected tropical diseases that together affect ∼157 million people and inflict severe disability. Both diseases are caused by parasitic filarial nematodes with elimination efforts constrained by the lack of a safe drug that can kill the adult filaria (macrofilaricide). Previous proof-of-concept human trials have demonstrated that depleting >90% of the essential nematode endosymbiont bacterium, Wolbachia, using antibiotics, can lead to permanent sterilization of adult female parasites and a safe macrofilaricidal outcome. AWZ1066S is a highly specific anti-Wolbachia candidate selected through a lead optimization program focused on balancing efficacy, safety and drug metabolism/pharmacokinetic (DMPK) features of a thienopyrimidine/quinazoline scaffold derived from phenotypic screening. AWZ1066S shows superior efficacy to existing anti-Wolbachia therapies in validated preclinical models of infection and has DMPK characteristics that are compatible with a short therapeutic regimen of 7 days or less. This candidate molecule is well-positioned for onward development and has the potential to make a significant impact on communities affected by filariasis.

Radiological and pathological assessment with EOB-MRI after Y90 radiation lobectomy prior to liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Radiation lobectomy (RL) utilizes Yttrium-90 (Y90) radioembolization for achieving tumor control and inducing contralateral lobe hypertrophy. Our objective was to evaluate the chronological changes occurring radiologically and histopathologically after Y90 RL. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 22 patients with chronic liver disease who underwent Y90 RL prior to planned liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. Gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) was performed every 3 months. RESULTS: Future liver remnant volume (FLRV) significantly increased up to 9 months after Y90 RL. Gd-EOB-DTPA uptake in the treated lobe experienced a 40% reduction in enhancement ratio (ER) during ensuing first 3 months, and never recovered. The reduced ER in the non-tumoral parenchyma was significantly correlated with increased FLRV and FLR (r = 0.41 and r = 0.35, respectively; both p < 0.01). Histopathological evaluation of non-tumor liver tissue found features of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome as an early change after Y90 RL (median 5.7 months) and parenchymal collapse as a late change (mean 11 months). DISCUSSION: The reduced uptake of Gd-EOB-DTPA at 3 months post Y90 RL correlates with a significant increase in FLRV prior to liver resection. EOB-MRI evaluation at 3 months can guide future plan of action after Y90 RL.

Quantification of biomarker functionality predicts patient outcomes.

Implementation of a quantitative molecular imaging method (iFRET), which determines receptor-ligand interactions, has led to the finding that patients with a low extent of PD-1/PD-L1 interaction in metastatic NSCLC, and malignant melanoma, display significantly worsened overall survival compared to those with a high level of interaction.

Morphology of tumor and nontumor tissue in liver resection specimens for hepatocellular carcinoma following nivolumab therapy.

Nivolumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) approved for treatment of many cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver injury is a known complication in patients treated with nivolumab for nonliver tumors. To date, the morphologic changes to tumor and nontumor liver have not been well-characterized in HCC patients. We identified 20 patients who underwent partial hepatectomy or liver transplantation after receiving nivolumab for HCC. Demographics, laboratory values, and imaging results were obtained from medical records. All available slides from resection specimens were evaluated for tumor necrosis, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and features of liver injury. Patients in the study included 16 males and 4 females with median age of 56 years. The underlying liver disease was HBV in 10, HCV in 6, and unknown/other in 4. Twelve patients were treated with nivolumab in the neoadjuvant setting, whereas eight were treated with nivolumab, usually along with other therapies, before undergoing liver transplantation. On review of resection specimens, three patients (all from the neoadjuvant group) demonstrated marked treatment response attributable to nivolumab. TILs were present in 17/20 cases. One case that showed treatment response in the neoadjuvant group demonstrated non-necrotizing granulomas and prominent bile duct intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in the nontumor liver. One case from the transplant group showed bile duct damage and prominent ductular reaction after long-term nivolumab therapy (32 doses). Our findings indicate that nivolumab is effective in a subset of patients, including in the neoadjuvant setting. Granulomas and bile duct IELs are rare findings in cases treated with nivolumab but, when seen, may indicate potential response to therapy. Bile duct damage and ductular reaction may be manifestations of long-term nivolumab therapy. Future prospective and longitudinal studies with pretreatment tumor biopsies may help identify patients apt to respond to ICI therapy and further characterize patterns of ICI-related liver injury.

EpCam is required for maintaining the integrity of the biliary epithelium.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Tufting enteropathy (TE) is a rare congenital disorder often caused by mutations in the gene encoding epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCam). The disease leads to diarrhoea, intestinal failure and dependence on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). These patients often have liver impairments, but the pathology and mechanism of the damage are not well understood. We evaluated liver biopsies from TE patients to understand the pathophysiology. METHODS: We identified three patients with TE who underwent liver biopsy. Two normal controls and 45 patients on TPN secondary to short gut syndrome were selected for comparison (five were age- and TPN duration matched to the TE patients). RESULTS: We found that all TE patients showed a complete loss of EpCam expression in enterocytes and biliary epithelial cells, while the normal and TPN groups show basolateral expression. Histologically TE patients showed ductopenia, which was not seen in control groups. E-cadherin and ß-catenin are normally located along the lateral membrane of biliary epithelial cells. However, they were relocated to the apical membrane in TE patients, indicating a defect in the apical-basal polarity of cholangiocytes. We examined hepatic reparative cells and found near absence of hepatic progenitor cells and intermediate hepatobiliary cells with mild reactive ductular cells in TE patients. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that TE is associated with disrupted polarity of cholangiocyte and ductopenia. We demonstrate for the first time a role of EpCam in the maintenance of integrity of biliary epithelium. We also provided evidence for a disrupted development of hepatic reparative cells.

The US11 Gene of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Promotes Neuroinvasion and Periocular Replication following Corneal Infection.

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) cycles between phases of latency in sensory neurons and replication in mucosal sites. HSV-1 encodes two key proteins that antagonize the shutdown of host translation, US11 through preventing PKR activation and ICP34.5 through mediating dephosphorylation of the α subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α). While profound attenuation of ICP34.5 deletion mutants has been repeatedly demonstrated, a role for US11 in HSV-1 pathogenesis remains unclear. We therefore generated an HSV-1 strain 17 US11-null virus and examined its properties in vitro and in vivo In U373 glioblastoma cells, US11 cooperated with ICP34.5 to prevent eIF2α phosphorylation late in infection. However, the effect was muted in human corneal epithelial cells (HCLEs), which did not accumulate phosphorylated eIF2α unless both US11 and ICP34.5 were absent. Low levels of phosphorylated eIF2α correlated with continued protein synthesis and with the ability of virus lacking US11 to overcome antiviral immunity in HCLE and U373 cells. Neurovirulence following intracerebral inoculation of mice was not affected by the deletion of US11. In contrast, the time to endpoint criteria following corneal infection was greater for the US11-null virus than for the wild-type virus. Replication in trigeminal ganglia and periocular tissue was promoted by US11, as was periocular disease. The establishment of latency and the frequency of virus reactivation from trigeminal ganglia were unaffected by US11 deletion, although emergence of the US11-null virus occurred with slowed kinetics. Considered together, the data indicate that US11 facilitates the countering of antiviral response of infected cells and promotes the efficient emergence of virus following reactivation.IMPORTANCE Alphaherpesviruses are ubiquitous DNA viruses and include the human pathogens herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 and are significant causes of ulcerative mucosal sores, infectious blindness, encephalitis, and devastating neonatal disease. Successful primary infection and persistent coexistence with host immune defenses are dependent on the ability of these viruses to counter the antiviral response. HSV-1 and HSV-2 and other primate viruses within the Simplexvirus genus encode US11, an immune antagonist that promotes virus production by preventing shutdown of protein translation. Here we investigated the impact of US11 deletion on HSV-1 growth in vitro and pathogenesis in vivo This work supports a role for US11 in pathogenesis and emergence from latency, elucidating immunomodulation by this medically important cohort of viruses.

Aberrant von Willebrand factor expression of sinusoidal endothelial cells and quiescence of hepatic stellate cells in nodular regenerative hyperplasia and obliterative portal venopathy.

AIMS: Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) and obliterative portal venopathy (OPV), entities that comprise idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH), are under-recognised diseases of uncertain aetiology and the diagnosis can be easily missed on liver biopsy. The expression of CD34 and von Willebrand factor (vWF) in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (ASMA) in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is unknown in NRH and OPV. We sought to investigate the pathogenesis and potential immunomarkers that might aid in making the diagnosis of NRH and OPV. METHODS AND RESULTS: Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for CD34, vWF and ASMA was performed in clinically and histologically well-characterised NRH (n = 15) and OPV (n = 47) liver specimens. Among the 47 OPV cases, 37 (78.7%) had concurrent features of NRH. CD34 positive staining was mainly confined to small vessels in the portal tracts and LSECs in periportal areas, a finding similar to that in non-NRH/OPV livers. However, expression of vWF in LSECs was positive in the compressed sinusoids of NRH and in a patchy or geographic pattern, particularly prominent in the perivenular areas and dilated sinusoids of OPV cases. HSCs were negative for ASMA in all NRH and OPV cases. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that NRH may be a subtle but common concurrent morphological feature in OPV. The aberrant expression of vWF in LSECs suggests that endothelial injury may play a role in the pathogenesis, which may thus aid in the recognition and diagnosis of NRH and OPV, particularly when confronted with otherwise apparent normal liver histology on needle biopsy.

M1 macrophage features in severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria patients with pulmonary oedema.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary oedema (PE) is a serious complication of Plasmodium falciparum malaria which can lead to acute lung injury in severe cases. Lung macrophages are activated during malaria infection due to a complex host-immune response. The molecular basis for macrophage polarization is still unclear but understanding the predominant subtypes could lead to new therapeutic strategies where the diseases present with lung involvement. The present study was designed to study the polarization of lung macrophages, as M1 or M2 macrophages, in the lungs of severe P. falciparum malaria patients, with and without evidence of PE. METHODS: Lung tissue samples, taken from patients who died from severe P. falciparum malaria, were categorized into severe malaria with PE and without PE (non-PE). Expression of surface markers (CD68+, all macrophages; CD40+, M1 macrophage; and CD163+, M2 macrophage) on activated lung macrophages was used to quantify M1/M2 macrophage subtypes. RESULTS: Lung injury was demonstrated in malaria patients with PE. The expression of CD40 (M1 macrophage) was prominent in the group of severe P. falciparum malaria patients with PE (63.44 ± 1.98%), compared to non-PE group (53.22 ± 3.85%, p < 0.05), whereas there was no difference observed for CD163 (M2 macrophage) between PE and non-PE groups. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates M1 polarization in lung tissues from severe P. falciparum malaria infections with PE. Understanding the nature of macrophage characterization in malaria infection may provide new insights into therapeutic approaches that could be deployed to reduce lung damage in severe P. falciparum malaria.

MRI radiomics features predict immuno-oncological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of qualitative and quantitative MRI radiomics features for noninvasive prediction of immuno-oncologic characteristics and outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: This retrospective, IRB-approved study included 48 patients with HCC (M/F 35/13, mean age 60y) who underwent hepatic resection or transplant within 4 months of abdominal MRI. Qualitative imaging traits, quantitative nontexture related and texture features were assessed in index lesions on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted images. The association of imaging features with immunoprofiling and genomics features was assessed using binary logistic regression and correlation analyses. Binary logistic regression analysis was also employed to analyse the association of radiomics, histopathologic and genomics features with radiological early recurrence of HCC at 12 months. RESULTS: Qualitative (r = - 0.41-0.40, p < 0.042) and quantitative (r = - 0.52-0.45, p < 0.049) radiomics features correlated with immunohistochemical cell type markers for T-cells (CD3), macrophages (CD68) and endothelial cells (CD31). Radiomics features also correlated with expression of immunotherapy targets PD-L1 at protein level (r = 0.41-0.47, p < 0.029) as well as PD1 and CTLA4 at mRNA expression level (r = - 0.48-0.47, p < 0.037). Finally, radiomics features, including tumour size, showed significant diagnostic performance for assessment of early HCC recurrence (AUC 0.76-0.80, p < 0.043), while immunoprofiling and genomic features did not (p = 0.098-0929). CONCLUSIONS: MRI radiomics features may serve as noninvasive predictors of HCC immuno-oncological characteristics and tumour recurrence and may aid in treatment stratification of HCC patients. These results need prospective validation. KEY POINTS: • MRI radiomics features showed significant associations with immunophenotyping and genomics characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma. • Radiomics features, including tumour size, showed significant associations with early hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after resection.

Learning Curve Analyses for Achieving Satisfactory Procedural Completion Rates in Paediatric Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy.

BACKGROUND: The learning curve in paediatric oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) is unknown. Using ≥95% D2 (second part of the duodenum) intubation rates as a marker of technical competency, we conducted learning curve analyses to identify when trainees achieve competency in paediatric OGD. Factors associated with competency were also evaluated. METHODS: This nationwide study analysed data from paediatric OGD procedures prospectively entered into the UK endoscopy training e-portfolio between 2014 and 2018. Moving average and learning curve cumulative summation analyses were performed to determine procedural numbers required to achieve ≥95% D2 intubation rates. Factors associated with D2 intubation were assessed using a multivariable binary logistic regression approach. RESULTS: A total of 8929 procedures performed by 61 trainees were identified. These 61 trainees had recorded a mean of 124.6 procedures (range 22-571, interquartile range 165). By moving average analysis, 95% D2 intubation was achieved after 79 procedures. By learning curve cumulative summation analysis, 81.6% of trainees were competent after 100 procedures. Multivariable factors associated with unassisted procedural completion included: lifetime procedure count (P < 0.001), higher trainee seniority (P < 0.001), patient age (P = 0.002), outpatient status (P < 0.001), and attendance at a national Basic Skills OGD course (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that, on average, 79 procedures in paediatric OGD are required to attain the competency outcome of ≥95% D2 intubation rates. By 100 procedures, 81.6% of our sample had achieved ≥95% D2 intubation. The minimum procedural count of 100 set by the UK and international training programmes can be used alongside existing objective assessment measures to safeguard competency within a training cohort.

Albendazole and antibiotics synergize to deliver short-course anti-Wolbachia curative treatments in preclinical models of filariasis.

Elimination of filariasis requires a macrofilaricide treatment that can be delivered within a 7-day period. Here we have identified a synergy between the anthelmintic albendazole (ABZ) and drugs depleting the filarial endosymbiont Wolbachia, a proven macrofilaricide target, which reduces treatment from several weeks to 7 days in preclinical models. ABZ had negligible effects on Wolbachia but synergized with minocycline or rifampicin (RIF) to deplete symbionts, block embryogenesis, and stop microfilariae production. Greater than 99% Wolbachia depletion following 7-day combination of RIF+ABZ also led to accelerated macrofilaricidal activity. Thus, we provide preclinical proof-of-concept of treatment shortening using antibiotic+ABZ combinations to deliver anti-Wolbachia sterilizing and macrofilaricidal effects. Our data are of immediate public health importance as RIF+ABZ are registered drugs and thus immediately implementable to deliver a 1-wk macrofilaricide. They also suggest that novel, more potent anti-Wolbachia drugs under development may be capable of delivering further treatment shortening, to days rather than weeks, if combined with benzimidazoles.