Purpose: Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) expression is a useful predictor of treatment efficacy in advanced non-squamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to evaluate whether TTF-1 could predict the effectiveness of chemotherapy versus chemoimmunotherapy in patients with non-squamous NSCLC with programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression between 1% and 49%. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with NSCLC who were treated with chemotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy between March 2016 and May 2023. The patients had histologically confirmed NSCLC, stage III-IV or postoperative recurrence, TTF-1 measurements, and PD-L1 expression levels between 1% and 49%. Clinical data were analyzed to evaluate the effect of TTF-1 expression on treatment efficacy. Results: This study included 283 of 624 patients. TTF-1–positive patients showed longer progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (PFS: 6.4 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.0 to 9.4] vs. 4.1 months [95% CI, 2.7 to 6.1], p=0.03; OS: 17.9 months [95% CI, 15.2 to 28.1] vs. 9.4 months [95% CI, 6.3 to 17.0], p < 0.01) in the chemotherapy cohorts (n=93). In the chemoimmunotherapy cohort (n=190), there was no significant difference in PFS and OS between TTF-1–positive and –negative groups (PFS: 7.6 months [95% CI, 6.4 to 11.0] vs. 6.0 months [95% CI, 3.6 to 12.6], p=0.59; OS: 25.0 months [95% CI, 18.0 to 49.2] vs. 21.3 months [95% CI, 9.8 to 28.8], p=0.09). Conclusion In patients with NSCLC with PD-L1 expression between 1% and 49%, TTF-1 expression was a predictor of chemotherapeutic, but not chemoimmunotherapeutic, efficacy.

Purpose: Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) expression is a useful predictor of treatment efficacy in advanced non-squamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to evaluate whether TTF-1 could predict the effectiveness of chemotherapy versus chemoimmunotherapy in patients with non-squamous NSCLC with programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression between 1% and 49%. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with NSCLC who were treated with chemotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy between March 2016 and May 2023. The patients had histologically confirmed NSCLC, stage III-IV or postoperative recurrence, TTF-1 measurements, and PD-L1 expression levels between 1% and 49%. Clinical data were analyzed to evaluate the effect of TTF-1 expression on treatment efficacy. Results: This study included 283 of 624 patients. TTF-1–positive patients showed longer progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (PFS: 6.4 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.0 to 9.4] vs. 4.1 months [95% CI, 2.7 to 6.1], p=0.03; OS: 17.9 months [95% CI, 15.2 to 28.1] vs. 9.4 months [95% CI, 6.3 to 17.0], p < 0.01) in the chemotherapy cohorts (n=93). In the chemoimmunotherapy cohort (n=190), there was no significant difference in PFS and OS between TTF-1–positive and –negative groups (PFS: 7.6 months [95% CI, 6.4 to 11.0] vs. 6.0 months [95% CI, 3.6 to 12.6], p=0.59; OS: 25.0 months [95% CI, 18.0 to 49.2] vs. 21.3 months [95% CI, 9.8 to 28.8], p=0.09). Conclusion In patients with NSCLC with PD-L1 expression between 1% and 49%, TTF-1 expression was a predictor of chemotherapeutic, but not chemoimmunotherapeutic, efficacy.

Purpose: Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) expression is a useful predictor of treatment efficacy in advanced non-squamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to evaluate whether TTF-1 could predict the effectiveness of chemotherapy versus chemoimmunotherapy in patients with non-squamous NSCLC with programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression between 1% and 49%. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with NSCLC who were treated with chemotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy between March 2016 and May 2023. The patients had histologically confirmed NSCLC, stage III-IV or postoperative recurrence, TTF-1 measurements, and PD-L1 expression levels between 1% and 49%. Clinical data were analyzed to evaluate the effect of TTF-1 expression on treatment efficacy. Results: This study included 283 of 624 patients. TTF-1–positive patients showed longer progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (PFS: 6.4 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.0 to 9.4] vs. 4.1 months [95% CI, 2.7 to 6.1], p=0.03; OS: 17.9 months [95% CI, 15.2 to 28.1] vs. 9.4 months [95% CI, 6.3 to 17.0], p < 0.01) in the chemotherapy cohorts (n=93). In the chemoimmunotherapy cohort (n=190), there was no significant difference in PFS and OS between TTF-1–positive and –negative groups (PFS: 7.6 months [95% CI, 6.4 to 11.0] vs. 6.0 months [95% CI, 3.6 to 12.6], p=0.59; OS: 25.0 months [95% CI, 18.0 to 49.2] vs. 21.3 months [95% CI, 9.8 to 28.8], p=0.09). Conclusion In patients with NSCLC with PD-L1 expression between 1% and 49%, TTF-1 expression was a predictor of chemotherapeutic, but not chemoimmunotherapeutic, efficacy.

Objective: Little is known about the coagulation activity of factor XIII (FXIII) during resuscitation for hemorrhagic shock and the effects of plasma transfusions. We performed a single-center observational study to evaluate the changes in FXIII activity during resuscitation for hemorrhagic shock.Patient and Methods: Twenty-three adult patients with hemorrhagic shock were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were drawn upon arrival (T1), at the time of hemostasis completion (T2), and on day 2 (T3). Baseline and changes in FXIII activity and the proportion of patients with adequate levels of FXIII activity (FXIII activity >70%) were evaluated. The effects of plasma transfusion on these parameters were also investigated.Results: At T1, the median (interquartile range) FXIII activity was 53% (47–85%), which did not increase (T1 vs. T3: 53% [47–85%] vs. 63% [52–70%], P=0.8766). The proportion of patients with adequate FXIII activity decreased throughout the resuscitation period (T1, T2, and T3: 30, 34, and 21%, respectively). Plasma transfusion did not affect FXIII activity (T1 vs. T2, 66.4% [23.4] vs. 70.0% [16.2%], P=0.3956; T2 vs. T3, 72.0% [19.5] vs. 63.5% [8.6%], P=0.1161) or the proportion of adequate levels of FXIII activity at 44% at T2 and 27% at T3.Conclusion: FXIII activity is low during the early phase of a hemorrhagic shock. Even with plasma transfusion, FXIII levels were not adequately maintained throughout resuscitation.

As part of U-40 activities, chapters have traditionally held sessions of lectures and hands-on as the Basic Lecture Course (BLC) to improve the basic skills and knowledge of young cardiovascular surgeons. Because of the COVID-19 epidemic, we have shifted our activities from onsite to online. This column focuses on “management of postoperative delirium and pain” in the lecture of “Postoperative Management in Cardiovascular Surgery” given by the Chubu Chapter in 2020. We summarize the lecture and report the results of a questionnaire survey of the U-40 members.

We report a case of redo mitral valve replacement (MVR) for a Björk-Shiley Delrin valve implanted 47 years previously. A 71-year-old man initially underwent MVR for mitral regurgitation at our hospital at the age of 16 years. Following the operation, follow-up examinations were performed at the outpatient clinic and annual transthoracic echocardiogram findings showed only mild mitral regurgitation, with no adverse events noted. However, a transthoracic echocardiogram examination performed 45 years after the operation revealed mild to moderate mitral regurgitation, while dyspnea with exertion was also noted at that time. As part of a more detailed examination, transesophageal echocardiogram results showed moderate transvalvular leakage. Redo MVR was subsequently performed under the diagnosis of prosthetic valve dysfunction. Analysis of the explanted prosthetic valve revealed wear of the Delrin disk, and widening of the gap between the disk and strut, which were presumed to be the cause of transvalvular leakage. A half century has passed since introduction of the Björk-Shiley valve and the present is a rare case of valve malfunction. Presented here are related details, along with a review of existing literature and results of Björk-Shiley valve use at our hospital.

Background/Aims: Many Japanese institutions use electromagnetic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) systems for treating pancreatic duct stones. However, there are no reports on direct comparisons between recent electromagnetic lithotripters. This study aimed to verify whether the new electromagnetic lithotripter can improve the efficiency of pancreatic stone fragmentation, and to clarify the role of combined endoscopic treatment on the clearance of pancreatic duct stones. Methods: We retrospectively identified 208 patients with pancreatolithiasis who underwent endoscopic adjunctive treatment after pancreatic ESWL at a single Japanese center over a 17-year period. We evaluated the outcome data of this procedure performed with SLX-F2 (last 2 years; group A) and Lithostar/Lithoskop (first 15 years; group B), as well as additional endoscopic treatments for pancreatolithiasis. We also performed logistic regression analysis to detect various factors associated with the procedure. Results: For pancreatic head stones, ESWL disintegration was achieved in 93.7% of group A patients and 69.0% of group B patients (p=0.004), and adjunctive endoscopic treatment removed stones in 96.8% of group A patients and 73.0% of group B patients (p=0.003). Multivariate analysis revealed that lithotripter type (odds ratio, 6.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.56 to 31.33; p<0.01) and main pancreatic duct stricture (odds ratio, 2.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.27 to 6.45; p<0.01) were significant factors for ESWL fragmentation. Conclusions The SLX F2 showed high performance in fragmenting the pancreatic duct stones.In addition, endoscopic adjunctive treatment improved the overall success rate of the procedure. The improved ESWL lithotripter has many advantages for patients undergoing pancreatic lithotripsy treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is expressed in tumor cells and has been shown to predict clinical outcomes of several types of malignancies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of carbon-ion (C-ion) beam irradiation on PD-L1 expression in human uterine cervical adeno/adenosquamous carcinoma (UCAA) cells and clinical samples and to identify the prognostic factors for outcomes after C-ion radiotherapy (CIRT).METHODS: The effects of C-ion irradiation on PD-L1 expression in human UCAA and cervical squamous cell carcinoma cells were examined by flow cytometry. We examined PD-L1 expression in UCAA biopsy specimens from 33 patients before CIRT started (pre-CIRT) and after 12 Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE]) irradiation (post-12Gy-C) in 4 fractions of CIRT to investigate the correlation between PD-L1 status and clinical outcomes.RESULTS: The PD-L1 expression was upregulated by C-ion beam in a dose-dependent manner in HeLa and SiHa cells through phosphorylated Chk1. The overall frequencies of pre-CIRT and post-12Gy-C PD-L1 positivity were 45% (15/33) and 67% (22/33), respectively. The post-12Gy-C PD-L1 expression was significantly elevated compared to the pre-CIRT PD-L1 expression. There was no significant relationship between the pre-CIRT PD-L1 status and clinical outcomes, such as local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). However, the post-12Gy-C PD-L1 expression had better correlation with PFS, but not with LC and OS.CONCLUSION: CIRT can induce PD-L1 expression in UCAA and we propose that PD-L1 expression after starting CIRT may become as a predictive prognostic marker in CIRT for UCAA.
Antigens, CD274 ; Biopsy ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Disease-Free Survival ; Flow Cytometry ; Heavy Ion Radiotherapy ; Humans ; Radiotherapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

We report a 48-year-old man who underwent hybrid aortic repair for visceral aortic patch (VAP) aneurysm. He had undergone descending thoracic aortic repair for post-dissection aneurysm at the age of 25, ascending aorta and proximal aortic arch aneurysm repair at the age of 27, and residual thoracoabdominal dissecting aortic aneurysm repair with VAP reconstruction at the age of 28. During 20 years of follow-up, the VAP gradually enlarged and eventually reached 70×61 mm in diameter. Considering a possible severe adhesion after 2 previous left thoracotomies, we planned a 2-staged hybrid aortic repair. First, we performed reno-visceral debranching and as a second stage operation, endovascular aortic repair was performed successfully 39 days after the first-stage operation.