Practice and Safety of Static Balloon Atrial Septostomy Based on a Nationwide Registry Data.

BACKGROUND: Balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) is an essential catheterization procedure for congenital heart lesions. Recently, a balloon catheter for static BAS was approved for the first time in Japan as an alternative to the conventional pull-through BAS. Despite the expected increase in the use of static BAS, reports on its safety are scarce worldwide.Methods and Results: Data on static and pull-through BAS registered in a national registry between 2016 and 2018 were collected. During the study period, 247 sessions of static BAS and 588 sessions of pull-through BAS were performed on a total of 674 patients. Patients who underwent static BAS were older (P<0.001). The incidence of serious adverse events (4.3% vs. 0.9%, P=0.03) and the overall incidence of adverse events (8.1% vs. 3.2%, P=0.03) were higher in static BAS than in pull-through BAS. Among patients who underwent static BAS, the risk factor for adverse events was a body weight <3 kg at the time of the procedure (odds ratio: 4.3 [confidence interval: 1.7-11], P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide study revealed differences in patient background between static and pull-through BAS, as well as a higher incidence of adverse events related to static BAS. Patients weighing <3 kg are at high risk for adverse events after static BAS and may require surgical and circulatory support backup.

Stent Implantation for Congenital Heart Diseases in Japan　- Comprehensive Analysis From the Japanese Society of Congenital Interventional Cardiology Registry.

BACKGROUND: Stent implantation for vascular stenosis associated with congenital heart diseases is commonly performed as an off-label procedure in Japan because there is no officially approved stent for any congenital heart disease.Methods and Results:We analyzed data from the Japanese Society of Congenital Interventional Cardiology Registry collected from January 2016 to December 2018. Patients who underwent stent implantation were enrolled in the present analysis. During the study period, there were 470 procedures, 443 sessions, and 391 cases. Of 443 sessions, 427 (96.4%) succeeded procedurally. There were no differences in the procedural success rates among age groups. In all, 416 sessions (367 patients; 94%) resulted in survival to 30 days after catheter intervention. Of 392 admissions, 357 patients (91%) survived to discharge. Only 4 deaths were directly related to stent implantation. Some in-hospital complications were observed during 55 of 443 sessions. Both hospital deaths and serious complications were significantly more frequent in the group with various preoperative risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Although not officially approved for congenital heart diseases in Japan, stent implantation in congenital heart diseases has been widely and routinely performed for many years with safety and efficacy. The aim of stenting was variable and broad because of many different applications and morphological variations. These data may facilitate approval of such an important device in Japan.

Evaluation of Pigment Distribution and Depth Analysis Methods for Decorative Soft Contact Lenses.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates pigment component distribution and depth in decorative soft contact lenses (DSCLs) using a variety of analytical methods. METHODS: We sampled 18 DSCLs using optical microscopy, optical coherence tomography analysis, Z-stack analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) to evaluate the distribution and depth of pigment components. RESULTS: Pigment distribution in DSCLs was easily observed with optical methods including Z-stack analysis. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, SEM/EDX, and TOF-SIMS were used to evaluate the level of pigment exposure on the lens surface and the results showed significant differences between the methods. Pigment components were detected in 16 samples by SEM/EDX, but not by XPS. Pigment components were only detected in eight samples using TOF-SIMS. CONCLUSIONS: It may be necessary to show that a nanometer-thick monomolecular film does not exist on the surface of DSCLs, to demonstrate the exposure of a pigment particle. Taking into account the principle behind each of the measurement methods and the resolution and sensitivity of each of the analytical methods compared, TOF-SIMS may be the most appropriate method to accurately judge pigment exposure on DSCLs. The Z-stack method may be useful for estimating the depth of pigment components in DSCLs.

A Mutation in the 16S rRNA Decoding Region Attenuates the Virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis contains a single rRNA operon that encodes targets for antituberculosis agents, including kanamycin. To date, only four mutations in the kanamycin binding sites of 16S rRNA have been reported in kanamycin-resistant clinical isolates. We hypothesized that another mutation(s) in the region may dramatically decrease M. tuberculosis viability and virulence. Here, we describe an rRNA mutation, U1406A, which was generated in vitro and confers resistance to kanamycin while highly attenuating M. tuberculosis virulence. The mutant showed decreased expression of 20% (n = 361) of mycobacterial proteins, including central metabolic enzymes, mycolic acid biosynthesis enzymes, and virulence factors such as antigen 85 complexes and ESAT-6. The mutation also induced three proteins, including KsgA (Rv1010; 16S rRNA adenine dimethyltransferase), which closely bind to the U1406A mutation site on the ribosome; these proteins were associated with ribosome maturation and translation initiation processes. The mutant showed an increase in 17S rRNA (precursor 16S rRNA) and a decrease in the ratio of 30S subunits to the 70S ribosomes, suggesting that the U1406A mutation in 16S rRNA attenuated M. tuberculosis virulence by affecting these processes.

[Projects to accelerate the practical use of innovative medical devices to collaborate with TWIns, Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Waseda University and School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo].

Division of Medical Devices has been conducting the projects to accelerate the practical use of innovative medical devices to collaborate with TWIns, Center for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Waseda University and School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo. The TWIns has been studying to aim at establishment of preclinical evaluation methods by "Engineering Based Medicine", and established Regulatory Science Institute for Medical Devices. School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo has been studying to aim at establishment of assessment methodology for innovative minimally invasive therapeutic devices, materials, and nanobio diagnostic devices. This report reviews the exchanges of personnel, the implement systems and the research progress of these projects.

Proof of concept testing of a positive reference material for in vivo and in vitro sensitization testing of medical devices.

In vivo skin sensitization tests are required to evaluate the biological safety of medical devices in contact with living organisms to provide safe medical care to patients. Negative and positive reference materials have been developed for biological tests of cytotoxicity, implantation, hemolysis, and in vitro skin irritation. However, skin sensitization tests are lacking. In this study, polyurethane sheets containing 1 wt/wt % 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB-PU) were developed and evaluated as a positive reference material for skin sensitization tests. DNCB-PU sheet extracts prepared with sesame oil elicited positive sensitization responses for in vivo sensitization potential in the guinea pig maximization test and the local lymph node assay. Furthermore, DNCB-PU sheet extracts prepared with water and acetonitrile, 10% fetal bovine serum-containing medium, or sesame oil elicited positive sensitization responses as alternatives to animal testing based on the amino acid derivative reactivity assay, human cell line activation test, and epidermal sensitization assay, respectively. These data suggest that the DNCB-PU sheet is an effective extractable positive reference material for in vivo and in vitro skin sensitization testing in medical devices. The formulation of this reference material will lead to the development of safer medical devices that contribute to patient safety.

[Comprehensive analyses of hydrolyzed wheat protein using shotgun proteomics].

Hydrolyzed wheat protein (HWP; hydrolyzed gluten) is used in various types of products worldwide. Several cases of wheat-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis following exposure to HWP (Glupearl 19S) in cosmetics have been reported. Glupearl 19S was produced from the gluten after partial hydrolysis with hydrogen chloride, and its allergenicity is larger than that of gluten (Adachi R., Allergy 2012;67:1392-9.). It is considered that provocation of allergic manifestations is caused by deamidated gluten in food and/or non-food products. Moreover, an increasing number of studies have shown that HWP can induce IgE-mediated hypersensitivity by skin contact and/or food ingestion. However, the essential molecular properties and profiles of HWP are still unknown. In this study, bioinformatic and multivariate analyses using shotgun proteomics have revealed that 27 proteins significantly decreased in Glupearl 19S compared with intact gluten as shown by the ratio of ion signal intensity of tryptic peptides. In contrast, a single protein significantly increased in HWP compared with intact gluten as shown by the ratio of ion signal intensity of tryptic peptides. Furthermore, we have identified six Glupearl 19S-specific peptides using shotgun proteomics, database searches on Mascot Sequence Query, and de novo sequencing. The six peptides were identified as the specific markers of Glupearl 19S.

Japanese Regulatory Considerations for Interoperability of Medical Devices.

With the rapid technological innovations of the Internet of Things (IoT), the situation surrounding medical devices and medical systems has been changing. Interoperable medical devices-medical devices capable of interoperating in a clinically significant way with other medical devices-have been developed, and interoperable medical systems consisting of two or more interconnected interoperable medical devices are being used in clinical settings. However, general points that need to be considered to ensure safe and effective interoperability have yet to be fully established in Japan. A research project (FY2019-FY2021) to discuss issues associated with ensuring safe and effective interoperability was commissioned by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development. A pivotal aspect identified in that project is how to manage the sharing of data and information among interoperable medical devices from different manufacturers. Characteristics and timestamps of data and information need to be exchanged between interoperable medical devices. Risks associated with interoperable devices should be managed in a manner appropriate to the characteristics and the intended use of the interoperable medical devices. In this review, we summarize the aspects of data and information that this study group judged were important to consider for ensuring safety and effective interoperability.

In vitro evaluation of delamination resistance of PEEK and CFR-PEEK.

Poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and carbon fiber reinforced PEEK as orthopedic implant materials exhibit excellent material properties. Although delamination of PEEK materials has been reported in knee joint wear research, the delamination resistance behavior remains unclear. In this study, the delamination resistance of PEEK materials was investigated; these materials were compared to ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The results of a ball-on-flat type delamination test indicated that the PEEK materials underwent delamination considerably earlier than UHMWPE, and the contact area of the PEEK materials was smaller than that of UHMWPE. Moreover, the indentation modulus, hardness, and coefficient of friction were higher for PEEK materials than for UHMWPE. The reduced tendency of PEEK materials to undergo deformation to mitigate stress concentration at low conformity contact conditions contributed to their inferior delamination resistance compared to that of UHMWPE. The delamination resistance of the PEEK materials was equivalent to that of degraded UHMWPE, which highlights the risk of delamination of PEEK implants in a clinical context. Consequently, when using PEEK materials as an implant component loaded at a low conformity contact condition, the material selection and component design must be carefully considered. Overall, the results of this study can help guide the future development of PEEK-based implants.

In Vitro Measurement of Contact Pressure Applied to a Model Vessel Wall during Balloon Dilation by Using a Film-Type Sensor.

Objective: As an important evaluation index of vascular damage, the study aims to clarify the value of contact pressure applied to blood vessels and how it changes with respect to balloon pressure during balloon dilation. Methods: The contact pressure was evaluated through an in vitro measurement system using a model tube with almost the same elastic modulus as the blood vessel wall and our film-type pressure sensor. A poly (vinyl alcohol) hydrogel tube with almost the same elastic modulus was fabricated as the model vessel. The film-type sensor was inserted between the balloon catheter and the model vessel, and the balloon was dilated. Results: The contact pressure applied to the blood vessel was less than 10% of the balloon pressure, and the increase in contact pressure was less than 1% of the increase in balloon pressure (8 to 14 atm). Moreover, the contact pressure and its increase were larger in the model with a high elastic modulus. Conclusion: The contact pressure to expand the soft vessel model was not high, and the balloon pressure almost appeared to act on the expansion of the balloon itself. Our experiment using variable stiffness vessel models containing film-type sensors showed that the contact pressure acting on the vessel wall tended to increase as the wall became harder, even when the nominal diameter of the balloon was almost identical to the vessel. Our results can be clinically interpreted: when a vessel is stiff, the high-pressure inflation may rupture it even if its nominal diameter is identical to the diameter of the vessel.

[Investigation of Foreign Particles in Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine].

Particular batches of Moderna mRNA Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine were recalled after foreign particles were found in some vaccine vials at the vaccination site in Japan in August 2021. We investigated the foreign particles at the request of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis suggested that the foreign particles found in the vials recalled from the vaccination sites were from stainless steel SUS 316L, which was in line with the findings of the root cause investigation by the manufacturer. The sizes of the observed particles ranged from <50 µm to 548 µm in the major axis. Similar foreign particles were also detected in 2 of the 5 vaccine vials of the same lot stored by the manufacturer, indicating that the foreign particles have already been administered to some people via vaccine. Observation of the vials of the same lot by digital microscope found smaller particles those were not detected by visual inspection, suggesting that more vials were affected. Contrarily, visual inspection and subvisible particulate matter test indicated no foreign particles in the vials of normal lots. Possible root cause and strategies to prevent such a deviation were discussed from technical and regulatory aspects.

A web-based survey of contact lens-related adverse events among the Japanese female population.

To assess the safety of cosmetic contact lenses and to identify other factors of contact lens (CL)-related complications for Japanese females. A web-based, cross-sectional, observational survey of complications related to CL use was performed. The frequencies of complications were compared between transparent and cosmetic CLs. Besides lens pigmentation, age, replacement schedule, total experience, daily wear time, location of purchase, stacking of CLs, CL exchange with friends, compliance to hygiene procedure, replacement of CLs at intervals longer than recommended, and CL wear overnight were considered as risk factors. Logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratios. A total of 3803 Japanese females were analyzed. The frequency of adverse events was 33.4% (95%CI 31.3-35.4%) and 35.7% (95%CI 33.5-38.0%) for transparent and cosmetic CLs, respectively. In a multivariate model, statistically significant factors associated with complications included the following: quarterly schedule lenses, replacement at intervals longer than recommended, compliance to hygiene procedure, overnight wearing, purchase at physical shops and on the internet, and longer daily wearing time. Most of the risk-increasing behaviors are preventable. The role of public health ophthalmology is to increase awareness and to improve CL use behaviors.

Performance evaluation of bactericidal effect and endotoxin inactivation by low-temperature ozone/hydrogen peroxide mixed gas exposure.

This study evaluated the performance of a new O3 /H2 O2 mixed gas sterilization instrument for killing microorganisms and inactivating bacterial endotoxin at low temperatures. Sterility assurance level was achieved by an over 6-log reduction of Geobacillus stearothermophilus ATCC 12980, and the decimal reduction value was 0.77 min in sterilization mode. A reduction of over 3 logs in Limulus amebocyte lysate coagulation activity of purified endotoxin from Escherichia coli was observed after treatment in endotoxin-inactivation mode. The same inactivation ability was observed when treating dried bacterial cells. Biomaterials made of polymer or metal did not exhibit cytotoxicity after gas exposure at O3 concentrations below 200 ppm. As the results of human cell-based pyrogen testing, significant amounts of endotoxin that were over the limit for medical devices contacting cerebrospinal fluid (2.15 EU/device) were detected on scissors washed with a washer-disinfector and sterilized with ethylene oxide or autoclaving. In contrast, endotoxin decreased to 0.29 ± 0.05 EU/device after O3 /H2 O2 mixed gas sterilization in endotoxin-inactivation mode. Compared to conventional gas sterilization methods, O3 /H2 O2 mixed gas has high sterilization ability and a strong capacity to inactivate endotoxin. It is expected that this sterilization technology will improve the safety of reusable medical devices and utensils for regenerative medicine.

[Evaluation of the Influence of Pharmaceuticals on the Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Medical Devices].

Pharmaceuticals reportedly cause damage to some polymeric medical devices that administer them. Because this phenomenon and its causes still remain unclear, in this study, all the possible combinations of polymeric materials and pharmaceutical ingredients that could cause failures were identified by conducting a comprehensive analysis on a wide variety of such combinations and through verification tests using the products. The results of the simple immersion tests and the reports of clinical failures indicated that the failures were not caused by the lack of chemical resistance of the polymers but by the environmental stress cracking (ESC) induced by a combination of the stress generated in the material and the interaction with a specific chemical. Therefore, we evaluated all combinations that could cause ESC by developing and applying a simple method for testing ESC. Polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate were found to be damaged by alkaline solutions and oils and fats, and surfactants solutions. These failures were also confirmed by the verification tests. Results from the stress state verification, fractographic analysis, and other studies confirmed that these failures were caused by ESC. Cytotoxicity owing to the induction of ESC was not detected in any combination. These results indicated that the residual stress generated during the manufacturing process was one of the reasons for the failure of the medical devices. This residual stress can be eliminated by employing additional processes such as annealing, thereby preventing medical device failures induced through interactions with pharmaceutical ingredients.

Novel cytokine marker available for skin irritation testing of medical devices using reconstructed human epidermis models.

In biological safety evaluation of medical devices, false-negative results have been observed during skin irritation testing using the reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) model when measuring cell viability as a single marker. Therefore, to improve testing accuracy, this study conducted a comprehensive survey and performance evaluation of cytokines to identify a second marker. In addition to IL-1α, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was newly identified as a candidate marker, in the Bio-Plex assay of EpiDerm model exposed to polymer sample extracts. Irritation based on cell viability level was not accurately determined in LabCyte model using silicone spiked with 25% heptanoic acid (HA). By contrast, the irritation potency was accurately assessed in detail by measuring IL-1α or MIF. Further, IL-1α and MIF levels in EpiDerm, LabCyte, and EpiSkin models stimulated with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were inversely correlated with cell viability, and were detected even at low SDS concentrations without cell toxicity. Additionally, MIF demonstrated greater S/N ratio and dose-dependency at high SDS concentrations in some models compared to IL-1α. These results indicated that MIF might be a useful second marker for improving the sensitivity and accuracy of skin irritation testing with RhE models.

A novel method to eliminate the influence of absorbed lipids on the characterization of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is one of the standard methods to analyze ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in orthopedic implants. For retrieved components, lipid extraction using an organic solvent prior to the measurement is necessary to eliminate the influence of lipids absorbed in vivo. However, its influence on the measurement has not been substantially investigated. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of lipid extraction on the FTIR analysis of UHMWPE and to develop a novel method to obtain reliable results without inconvenient lipid extraction. METHODS: FTIR analysis was repeatedly performed on UHMWPE specimens from retrieved components before and after lipid extraction under various conditions. A method to calculate the extent of influence of the absorbed lipids from the FTIR spectra was developed using a peak separation technique. RESULTS: An elevated temperature was necessary for lipid extraction; however, it had the potential to influence the results if the conditions were not properly controlled. The results obtained using the peak separation technique coincided with those obtained after lipid extraction. CONCLUSION: The use of the peak separation technique enables the efficient acquisition of reliable results without the need for lipid extraction.

In vitro estimation of reduction in strength and wear resistance of UHMWPE for joint prostheses due to lipid-induced degradation.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is used as a bearing surface of joint prostheses and has been reported to absorb lipids such as squalene (SQ) and cholesterol esters in vivo. These lipids have been suggested by in vitro studies using SQ as a model lipid to have the potential to induce polymer degradation. However, the impact of lipid-induced degradation on the strength and wear resistance of UHMWPE is unknown. In this study, lipid-induced degradation was simulated by SQ absorption and subsequent accelerated aging, and its influence on the strength and wear resistance of UHMWPE was investigated using wear, fatigue crack growth, and delamination testing. Lipid-induced degradation was found to have little impact on fatigue crack growth rates and delamination resistance. These results were consistent with previous reports that lipid-induced degradation is localized near the surface. However, we also found that lipid-induced degradation increased the wear rate of both non-crosslinked and crosslinked UHMWPE by a factor of 2.5 and 14, respectively. These results indicate that lipid-induced degradation may affect the durability and long-term clinical outcome of joint replacements due to increased wear of UHMWPE.

Pseudoproteoglycan (pseudoPG) probes that simulate PG macromolecular structure for screening and isolation of PG-binding proteins.

A proteoglycan (PG) monomer is a macromolecule consisting of one or more glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains attached to a core protein. PGs have signaling roles and modulatory functions in the extracellular matrix and at the cell surface. To elucidate the functions of higher-order PG structures, pseudoPGs that imitate the PG structure were prepared to develop probes and affinity adsorbents. Poly-L: -lysine (PLL) or polyacrylamide (PAA) was coupled with various GAGs, then biotinylated, and the remaining amino groups were blocked to obtain the pseudoPG probes, biotinyl PLL (BPL)- or PAA (BPA)-GAGs. Lactoferrin exhibited 30-times higher affinity toward BPL-heparin than the conventional single-strand probe, biotin-hydrazide-heparin. Heparin-PLL was immobilized on a formyl-Sepharose and compared with the Hep-Sepharose in which heparin was directly immobilized to amino-Sepharose. Screening for ligands in normal rat brain revealed several proteins that specifically bound to either of the two adsorbents, indicating that the heparin-binding proteins exhibit specific recognition depending on the higher-order structure of the PG.

Development of an in vitro screening method for safety evaluation of nanomaterials.

To evaluate the role of particle size in cytotoxicity tests of nanomaterials (NMs), we exposed Chinese hamster cells to polystyrene (PS) spheres with defined diameters ranging from 0.1 to 9.2 microm. We found that the 4.45-microm PS particles were most cytotoxic while sizes 0.1 and 0.2 microm showed no cytotoxicity up to 1000 microg/ml. In the chromosome aberration test, the 4.45-microm PS particles induced polyploidy in a mass concentration-dependent manner in 24- and 48-h treatments. The 5.26-microm PS particles induced polyploidy only at 1000 microg/ml for 48 h. Next, we performed the cytotoxicity test with as-grown single walled carbon nanohorns (NHas). These were suspended in DMSO and then transferred into the culture medium followed by sonication. Six suspensions differently sonicated showed the same apparent toxicity, although the total particle size distributions differed. However, the sizes of NHas particles predicted to be most toxic from the experiments with PS particles, i.e. 1.01-4.47 microm constituted 40-60% of all particles in all six suspensions. The results suggest that the cytotoxicity of NMs in suspension depends on specific sizes of aggregates and therefore suspensions should be checked with regard to particle size distributions in assays of toxic effects. The uptake of particles into cells was confirmed by confocal microscopy.

Evaluating the durability of UHMWPE biomaterials used for articulating surfaces of joint arthroplasty using delamination tests.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is the most popular material used for the articulating surface of joint replacements. Delamination is a common fatigue-related failure mode in UHMWPE components; however, the relationship between delamination resistance and fatigue crack growth has not been reported. Here, the delamination resistance of contemporary UHMWPE materials, including highly cross-linked UHMWPE (HXLPE), vitamin E blended UHMWPE (VEPE), and vitamin E blended HXLPE (VEXLPE), was measured to verify a previously proposed accelerated test method using a U-shaped sliding motion; the results were compared with those of fatigue crack growth tests. The oxidative stability of each material was estimated using Fourier transform infrared analysis. UHMWPE sterilized by gamma irradiation in an inert atmosphere and annealed HXLPE had lower delamination resistance than virgin UHMWPE after artificial aging. This was consistent with previous findings from retrieval studies, and in vitro knee simulator and ball-on-flat unidirectional reciprocation wear studies. In contrast, remelted HXLPE, VEPE, and VEXLPE showed excellent delamination resistance after artificial aging. The results of the delamination tests were not consistent with those of fatigue crack growth tests, indicating the complex delamination mechanism and importance of evaluating these factors separately. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 65-72, 2019.