Comparison of CHOP-19 and CHOP-25 for treatment of peripheral nodal B-cell lymphoma in dogs: A European multicenter retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Peripheral nodal B-cell lymphomas (PNBCL) represent the most common presentation of lymphomas in dogs. Multiagent CHOP (C = cyclophosphamide, H = hydroxydaunorubicin [Doxorubicin], O = Oncovin, P = prednisolone)-based chemotherapy protocols have been widely accepted as gold standard 1st-line treatment. CHOP-25 and CHOP-19 are most commonly prescribed but have never been directly compared.

OBJECTIVES

Our primary aim was to compare outcomes of dogs diagnosed with PNBCL, treated using a 1st-line CHOP-19 or CHOP-25 protocol. A secondary objective was to determine the impact of protocol-related variables on outcomes.

ANIMALS

Five hundred two dogs from 16 European oncology referral centers. One hundred fifty-five dogs were treated with CHOP-19 and 347 dogs with CHOP-25.

METHODS

Retrospective, multicentric cohort study of dogs diagnosed with PNBCL between 2014 and 2021.

RESULTS

The 6-month, 1-year, and median progression-free survival (PFS) were 56.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 49.2-65.0), 14.1% (95% CI, 9.4-21.0), and 196 days (95% CI, 176-233) with CHOP-19; and 56.4% (95% CI, 51.4-61.9), 17% (95% CI, 13.4-21.6), and 209 days (95% CI, 187-224) with CHOP-25. The 1-year, 2-year and median overall survival (OS) were 36.9% (95% CI, 29.7-46.0), 13.5% (95% CI, 8.6-21.1), and 302 days (95% CI, 249-338) with CHOP-19; and 42.8% (95% CI, 37.7-48.7), 15.4% (95% CI, 11.7-20.4), and 321 days (95% CI, 293-357) with CHOP-25. No significant difference in PFS and OS was found between the 2 protocols.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Our study confirmed similar outcomes for dogs with PNBCL treated with 1st-line CHOP-19 or CHOP-25. Both protocols therefore could be used as a standard of care in future trials.

British Cardiovascular Society survey of the provision and structure of cardiology multidisciplinary meetings in England

Multidisciplinary meetings (MDMs) are central to clinical decision-making in many areas of cardiology. This study assessed current provision and structure of cardiology MDMs in England in comparison with national guidelines. British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) members were surveyed regarding frequency, core attendees, and organisational aspects of cardiology MDMs for myocardial revascularisation, endocarditis, heart failure, aortic valve, mitral and tricuspid valve MDMs, whether local, regional or outside of the region. Access to electrophysiology (EP), inherited cardiac conditions, and adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) MDMs was also assessed. Survey responses were received from 64 hospitals across England, of which 40 (62%) were secondary care centres and 24 (38%) were tertiary care centres. All units had access to revascularisation MDMs, although 6% of them (all in secondary care centres) lacked any surgical representation. Heart failure MDMs were available in 94% of centres, but 7% reported no attendance by a cardiologist with specialist interest in heart failure, and 23% reported no attendance by a device specialist. 61% of centres had access to dedicated endocarditis MDMs; however, 11% were not attended by a microbiologist or infectious disease physician, and 22% were not attended by a surgeon. Aortic valve MDMs were available in 69% of centres, while mitral and tricuspid valve MDMs were available in 56% of centres. One quarter of centres reported no access to EP, and one third of centres reported no access to ICC or ACHD MDMs. Substantial improvements in provision and structure of cardiology MDMs in England are needed in order to meet national guidance.

Comparing physiological impacts of positive pressure ventilation versus self-breathing via a versatile cardiopulmonary model incorporating a novel alveoli opening mechanism

Mathematical models can be used to generate high-fidelity simulations of the cardiopulmonary system. Such models, when applied to real patients, can provide valuable insights into underlying physiological processes that are hard for clinicians to observe directly. In this work, we propose a novel modelling strategy capable of generating scenario-specific cardiopulmonary simulations to replicate the vital physiological signals clinicians use to determine the state of a patient. This model is composed of a tree-like pulmonary system that features a novel, non-linear alveoli opening strategy, based on the dynamics of balloon inflation, that interacts with the cardiovascular system via the thorax. A baseline simulation of the model is performed to measure the response of the system during spontaneous breathing which is subsequently compared to the same system under mechanical ventilation. To test the new lung opening mechanics and systematic recruitment of alveolar units, a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) test is performed and its results are then compared to simulations of a deep spontaneous breath. The system displays a marked decrease in tidal volume as PEEP increases, replicating a sigmoidal curve relationship between volume and pressure. At high PEEP, cardiovascular function is shown to be visibly impaired, in contrast to the deep breath test where normal function is maintained.

Hepatitis C virus diversity and treatment outcomes in Benin: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

10 million people are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in sub-Saharan Africa. The assessment of viral genotypes and treatment response in this region is necessary to achieve the WHO target of worldwide elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of HCV genotypes and outcomes of treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents in Benin, a country with a national HCV seroprevalence of 4%.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study was conducted at two referral hospitals in Benin. Individuals were eligible for inclusion if they were seropositive for HCV and willing to consent to participation in the study; exclusion criteria were an inability to give consent or incarceration. Viraemia was confirmed by PCR. The primary outcomes were to identify HCV genotypes and measure sustained virological response rates 12 weeks after completion of treatment (SVR12) with a 12-week course of sofosbuvir-velpatasvir or sofosbuvir-ledipasvir, with or without ribavirin. We conducted phylogenetic and resistance analyses after the next-generation sequencing of samples with a cycle threshold (Ct) value of 30 or fewer cycles. The in-vitro efficacy of NS5A inhibitors was tested using a subgenomic replicon assay.

FINDINGS

Between June 2, 2019, and Dec 30, 2020, 148 individuals were screened for eligibility, of whom 100 were recruited prospectively to the study. Plasma samples from 79 (79%) of the 100 participants were positive for HCV by PCR. At the time of the study, 52 (66%) of 79 patients had completed treatment, with an SVR12 rate of 94% (49 of 52). 57 (72%) of 79 samples had a Ct value of 30 or fewer cycles and were suitable for whole-genome sequencing, from which we characterised 29 (51%) samples as genotype 1 and 28 (49%) as genotype 2. Three new genotype 1 subtypes (1q, 1r, and 1s) and one new genotype 2 subtype (2xa) were identified. The most commonly detected subtype was 2d (12 [21%] of 57 samples), followed by 1s (eight [14%]), 1r (five [9%]), 1b (four [7%]), 1q (three [5%]), 2xa (three [5%]), and 2b (two [3%]). 20 samples (11 genotype 2 and nine genotype 1) were unassigned new singleton lineages. 53 (93%) of 57 sequenced samples had at least two resistance-associated substitutions within the NS5A gene. Subtype 2d was associated with a lower-than-expected SVR12 rate (eight [80%] of ten patients). For one patient, with subtype 2b, treatment was not successful.

INTERPRETATION

This study revealed a high SVR rate in Benin among individuals treated for HCV with sofosbuvir-velpatasvir, including those with highly diverse viral genotypes. Further studies of treatment effectiveness in genotypes 2d and 2b are indicated.

FUNDING

Medical Research Council, Wellcome, Global Challenges Research Fund, Academy of Medical Sciences, and PHARMBIOTRAC.

Complete agenesis of dorsal pancreas: A rare cause of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT

We report a 16-year-old boy who presented with abdominal pain and severe hyperglycemia. His random blood glucose on admission was above 300 mg/dL, without ketosis. Urine examination revealed mild ketonuria. Renal function tests were normal. Antibodies to glutamate acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) and islet tyrosine phosphatase 2 (anti-IA2) were negative. Findings on enhanced abdominal computed tomography scan were compatible with complete dorsal pancreatic agenesis. The body and tail of the pancreas were not visualized. Additionally, ectopic and malrotated left kidney was detected. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography confirmed the absence of the dorsal pancreatic duct. The patient was treated with multiple subcutaneous insulin injections and attained good glycemic control. He is currently doing well on follow-up. The present case is a rare combination of complete agenesis of the dorsal pancreas with an ectopic, malrotated kidney. Clinical awareness of this rare association will help improve patient management.

Quantitative uptake in 99m Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC somatostatin receptor imaging - the effect of long-acting release somatostatin analogue therapy

PURPOSE

Withdrawal of long-acting release somatostatin analogue (LAR-SSA) treatment before somatostatin receptor imaging is based on empirical reasoning that it may block uptake at receptor sites. This study aims to quantify differences in uptake of 99m Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC between patients receiving LAR-SSA and those who were not.

METHODS

Quantification of 177 patients (55 on LAR-SSA) imaged with 99m Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC was performed, with analysis of pathological tissue and organs with physiological uptake using thresholded volumes of interest. Standardised uptake values (SUVs) and tumour/background (T/B) ratios were calculated and compared between the two patient groups.

RESULTS

SUVs were significantly lower for physiological organ uptake for patients on LAR-SSA (e.g. spleen: SUV max 13.3 ± 5.9 versus 33.9 ± 9.0, P  < 0.001); there was no significant difference for sites of pathological uptake (e.g. nodal metastases: SUV max 19.2 ± 13.0 versus 17.4 ± 11.5, P  = 0.552) apart from bone metastases (SUV max 14.1 ± 13.5 versus 7.7 ± 8.0, P  = 0.017) where it was significantly higher.

CONCLUSION

LAR-SSA has an effect only on physiological organ uptake of 99m Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC, reducing uptake. It has no significant effect on pathological uptake for most sites of primary and metastatic disease. This should be taken into account if making quantitative measurements, calculating T/B ratios or assigning Krenning Scores. There is the potential for improved dosimetric results in Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy by maintaining patients on LAR-SSA.

Correlation between pseudotyped virus and authentic virus neutralisation assays, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature

Background

The virus neutralization assay is a principal method to assess the efficacy of antibodies in blocking viral entry. Due to biosafety handling requirements of viruses classified as hazard group 3 or 4, pseudotyped viruses can be used as a safer alternative. However, it is often queried how well the results derived from pseudotyped viruses correlate with authentic virus. This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to comprehensively evaluate the correlation between the two assays.

Methods

Using PubMed and Google Scholar, reports that incorporated neutralisation assays with both pseudotyped virus, authentic virus, and the application of a mathematical formula to assess the relationship between the results, were selected for review. Our searches identified 67 reports, of which 22 underwent a three-level meta-analysis.

Results

The three-level meta-analysis revealed a high level of correlation between pseudotyped viruses and authentic viruses when used in an neutralisation assay. Reports that were not included in the meta-analysis also showed a high degree of correlation, with the exception of lentiviral-based pseudotyped Ebola viruses.

Conclusion

Pseudotyped viruses identified in this report can be used as a surrogate for authentic virus, though care must be taken in considering which pseudotype core to use when generating new uncharacterised pseudotyped viruses.

Rapid expansion of Neisseria gonorrhoeae ST7827 clone in Australia, with variable ceftriaxone phenotype unexplained by genotype

BACKGROUND

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is identified as a priority pathogen due to its capacity to rapidly develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Following the easing of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic travel restrictions across international borders in the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, a surge of gonococcal isolates with raised ceftriaxone MIC values were detected.

METHODS

All N. gonorrhoeae isolates (n = 150) with increased ceftriaxone MIC values in NSW between 1 January 2021 and July 2022 from males and females from all sites were sequenced.

RESULTS

A new emergence and rapid expansion of an N. gonorrhoeae ST7827 clone was documented within NSW, Australia and provides further evidence of the ability of N. gonorrhoeae to undergo sufficient genomic changes and re-emerge as a geographically restricted subclone. Mapping AMR determinants to MIC results did not reveal any genomic pattern that correlated with MIC values.

CONCLUSIONS

The rapid dissemination and establishment of this clone at the population level is a new and concerning demonstration of the agility of this pathogen, and underscores concerns about similar incursions and establishment of MDR clones. Moreover, it is notable that in this context the AMR genotype-phenotype correlates remain unclear, which requires further investigation to enable better understanding of genomic aspects of AMR in N. gonorrhoeae.

Geochemical evolution of dissolved trace elements in space and time in the Ramganga River, India

Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of river water chemistry from its source to sinks is critical for constraining the origin, transformation, and "hotspots" of contaminants in a river basin. To provide new spatiotemporal constraints on river chemistry, dissolved trace element concentrations were measured at 17 targeted locations across the Ramganga River catchment. River water samples were collected across three seasons: pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon between 2019 and 2021. To remove the dependency of trace element concentrations on discharge, we used molar ratios, as discharge data on Indian transboundary rivers are not publicly available. The dataset reveals significant spatiotemporal variability in dissolved trace element concentrations of the Ramganga River. Samples collected upstream of Moradabad, a major industrial city in western Uttar Pradesh, are characterized by ~ 1.2-2.5 times higher average concentrations of most of the trace elements except Sc, V, Cr, Rb, and Pb, likely due to intense water-rock interactions in the headwaters. Such kind of enrichment in trace metal concentrations was also observed at sites downstream of large cities and industrial centers. However, such enrichment was not enough to bring a major change in the River Ganga chemistry, as the signals got diluted downstream of the Ramganga-Ganga confluence. The average river water composition of the Ramganga River was comparable to worldwide river water composition, albeit a few sites were characterized by very high concentrations of dissolved trace elements. Finally, we provide an outlook that calls for an assessment of stable non-traditional isotopes that are ideally suited to track the origin and transformation of elements such as Li, Mg, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Ag, Cd, Sn, Pt, and Hg in Indian rivers.

From coarse to fine: a deep 3D probability volume contours framework for tumour segmentation and dose painting in PET images

With the increasing integration of functional imaging techniques like Positron Emission Tomography (PET) into radiotherapy (RT) practices, a paradigm shift in cancer treatment methodologies is underway. A fundamental step in RT planning is the accurate segmentation of tumours based on clinical diagnosis. Furthermore, novel tumour control methods, such as intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) dose painting, demand the precise delineation of multiple intensity value contours to ensure optimal tumour dose distribution. Recently, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have made significant strides in 3D image segmentation tasks, most of which present the output map at a voxel-wise level. However, because of information loss in subsequent downsampling layers, they frequently fail to precisely identify precise object boundaries. Moreover, in the context of dose painting strategies, there is an imperative need for reliable and precise image segmentation techniques to delineate high recurrence-risk contours. To address these challenges, we introduce a 3D coarse-to-fine framework, integrating a CNN with a kernel smoothing-based probability volume contour approach (KsPC). This integrated approach generates contour-based segmentation volumes, mimicking expert-level precision and providing accurate probability contours crucial for optimizing dose painting/IMRT strategies. Our final model, named KsPC-Net, leverages a CNN backbone to automatically learn parameters in the kernel smoothing process, thereby obviating the need for user-supplied tuning parameters. The 3D KsPC-Net exploits the strength of KsPC to simultaneously identify object boundaries and generate corresponding probability volume contours, which can be trained within an end-to-end framework. The proposed model has demonstrated promising performance, surpassing state-of-the-art models when tested against the MICCAI 2021 challenge dataset (HECKTOR).

Directions of change in intrinsic case severity across successive SARS-CoV-2 variant waves have been inconsistent

OBJECTIVES

To determine how the intrinsic severity of successively dominant SARS-CoV-2 variants changed over the course of the pandemic.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHS GGC) Health Board. All sequenced non-nosocomial adult COVID-19 cases in NHS GGC with relevant SARS-CoV-2 lineages (B.1.177/Alpha, Alpha/Delta, AY.4.2 Delta/non-AY.4.2 Delta, non-AY.4.2 Delta/Omicron, and BA.1 Omicron/BA.2 Omicron) during analysis periods were included. Outcome measures were hospital admission, ICU admission, or death within 28 days of positive COVID-19 test. We report the cumulative odds ratio; the ratio of the odds that an individual experiences a severity event of a given level vs all lower severity levels for the resident and the replacement variant after adjustment.

RESULTS

After adjustment for covariates, the cumulative odds ratio was 1.51 (95% CI: 1.08-2.11) for Alpha versus B.1.177, 2.09 (95% CI: 1.42-3.08) for Delta versus Alpha, 0.99 (95% CI: 0.76-1.27) for AY.4.2 Delta versus non-AY.4.2 Delta, 0.49 (95% CI: 0.22-1.06) for Omicron versus non-AY.4.2 Delta, and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.68-1.09) for BA.2 Omicron versus BA.1 Omicron.

CONCLUSIONS

The direction of change in intrinsic severity between successively emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants was inconsistent, reminding us that the intrinsic severity of future SARS-CoV-2 variants remains uncertain.

Adeno-associated virus 2 infection in children with non-A-E hepatitis

An outbreak of acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology in children was reported in Scotland1 in April 2022 and has now been identified in 35 countries2. Several recent studies have suggested an association with human adenovirus with this outbreak, a virus not commonly associated with hepatitis. Here we report a detailed case-control investigation and find an association between adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) infection and host genetics in disease susceptibility. Using next-generation sequencing, PCR with reverse transcription, serology and in situ hybridization, we detected recent infection with AAV2 in plasma and liver samples in 26 out of 32 (81%) cases of hepatitis compared with 5 out of 74 (7%) of samples from unaffected individuals. Furthermore, AAV2 was detected within ballooned hepatocytes alongside a prominent T cell infiltrate in liver biopsy samples. In keeping with a CD4+ T-cell-mediated immune pathology, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II HLA-DRB1*04:01 allele was identified in 25 out of 27 cases (93%) compared with a background frequency of 10 out of 64 (16%; P = 5.49 × 10-12). In summary, we report an outbreak of acute paediatric hepatitis associated with AAV2 infection (most likely acquired as a co-infection with human adenovirus that is usually required as a 'helper virus' to support AAV2 replication) and disease susceptibility related to HLA class II status.

The SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant was associated with increased clinical severity of COVID-19 in Scotland: A genomics-based retrospective cohort analysis

OBJECTIVES

The SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant was associated with increased transmission relative to other variants present at the time of its emergence and several studies have shown an association between Alpha variant infection and increased hospitalisation and 28-day mortality. However, none have addressed the impact on maximum severity of illness in the general population classified by the level of respiratory support required, or death. We aimed to do this.

METHODS

In this retrospective multi-centre clinical cohort sub-study of the COG-UK consortium, 1475 samples from Scottish hospitalised and community cases collected between 1st November 2020 and 30th January 2021 were sequenced. We matched sequence data to clinical outcomes as the Alpha variant became dominant in Scotland and modelled the association between Alpha variant infection and severe disease using a 4-point scale of maximum severity by 28 days: 1. no respiratory support, 2. supplemental oxygen, 3. ventilation and 4. death.

RESULTS

Our cumulative generalised linear mixed model analyses found evidence (cumulative odds ratio: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.93) of a positive association between increased clinical severity and lineage (Alpha variant versus pre-Alpha variants).

CONCLUSIONS

The Alpha variant was associated with more severe clinical disease in the Scottish population than co-circulating lineages.

Beta-blockers and mechanical dyssynchrony in heart failure assessed by radionuclide ventriculography

BACKGROUND

Radionuclide ventriculography (RNVG) can be used to quantify mechanical dyssynchrony and may be a valuable adjunct in the assessment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The study aims to investigate the effect of beta-blockers on mechanical dyssynchrony using novel RNVG phase parameters.

METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out in a group of 98 patients with HFrEF. LVEF and dyssynchrony were assessed pre and post beta-blockade. Dyssynchrony was assessed using synchrony, entropy, phase standard deviation, approximate entropy, and sample entropy from planar RNVG phase images. Subgroups split by ischemic etiology were also investigated.

RESULTS

An improvement in dyssynchrony and LVEF was measured six months post beta-blockade for both ischemic and non-ischemic groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant improvement in dyssynchrony and LVEF was measured post beta-blockade using novel measures of dyssynchrony.

Getting the most out of maths: How to coordinate mathematical modelling research to support a pandemic, lessons learnt from three initiatives that were part of the COVID-19 response in the UK

In March 2020 mathematics became a key part of the scientific advice to the UK government on the pandemic response to COVID-19. Mathematical and statistical modelling provided critical information on the spread of the virus and the potential impact of different interventions. The unprecedented scale of the challenge led the epidemiological modelling community in the UK to be pushed to its limits. At the same time, mathematical modellers across the country were keen to use their knowledge and skills to support the COVID-19 modelling effort. However, this sudden great interest in epidemiological modelling needed to be coordinated to provide much-needed support, and to limit the burden on epidemiological modellers already very stretched for time. In this paper we describe three initiatives set up in the UK in spring 2020 to coordinate the mathematical sciences research community in supporting mathematical modelling of COVID-19. Each initiative had different primary aims and worked to maximise synergies between the various projects. We reflect on the lessons learnt, highlighting the key roles of pre-existing research collaborations and focal centres of coordination in contributing to the success of these initiatives. We conclude with recommendations about important ways in which the scientific research community could be better prepared for future pandemics. This manuscript was submitted as part of a theme issue on "Modelling COVID-19 and Preparedness for Future Pandemics".

Periplasmic stress contributes to a tradeoff between protein secretion and cell growth in E. Coli Nissile

Maximizing protein secretion is an important target in the design of engineered living systems. In this paper, we characterize a tradeoff between cell growth and per cell protein secretion in the curli biofilm secretion system of E Coli Nissile 1917. Initial characterization using 24-hour continuous growth and protein production monitoring confirms decreased growth rates at high induction leading to a local maximum in total protein production at intermediate induction. Propidium iodide staining at the endpoint indicates that cellular death is a dominant cause of growth reduction. Assaying variants with combinatorial constructs of inner and outer membrane secretion tags, we find that diminished growth at high production is specific to secretory variants associated with accumulation of protein containing the outer membrane transport tag in the periplasmic space. RNA sequencing experiments indicate upregulation of known periplasmic stress response genes in the highly secreting variant, further implicating periplasmic stress in the growth-secretion tradeoff. Overall, these results motivate additional strategies for optimizing total protein production and longevity of secretory engineered living systems.

A robust COVID-19 mortality prediction calculator based on Lymphocyte count, Urea, C-Reactive Protein, Age and Sex (LUCAS) with chest X-rays

There have been numerous risk tools developed to enable triaging of SARS-CoV-2 positive patients with diverse levels of complexity. Here we presented a simplified risk-tool based on minimal parameters and chest X-ray (CXR) image data that predicts the survival of adult SARS-CoV-2 positive patients at hospital admission. We analysed the NCCID database of patient blood variables and CXR images from 19 hospitals across the UK using multivariable logistic regression. The initial dataset was non-randomly split between development and internal validation dataset with 1434 and 310 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients, respectively. External validation of the final model was conducted on 741 Accident and Emergency (A&E) admissions with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection from a separate NHS Trust. The LUCAS mortality score included five strongest predictors (Lymphocyte count, Urea, C-reactive protein, Age, Sex), which are available at any point of care with rapid turnaround of results. Our simple multivariable logistic model showed high discrimination for fatal outcome with the area under the receiving operating characteristics curve (AUC-ROC) in development cohort 0.765 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.738-0.790), in internal validation cohort 0.744 (CI: 0.673-0.808), and in external validation cohort 0.752 (CI: 0.713-0.787). The discriminatory power of LUCAS increased slightly when including the CXR image data. LUCAS can be used to obtain valid predictions of mortality in patients within 60 days of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR results into low, moderate, high, or very high risk of fatality.

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron is an immune escape variant with an altered cell entry pathway

Vaccines based on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 are a cornerstone of the public health response to COVID-19. The emergence of hypermutated, increasingly transmissible variants of concern (VOCs) threaten this strategy. Omicron (B.1.1.529), the fifth VOC to be described, harbours multiple amino acid mutations in spike, half of which lie within the receptor-binding domain. Here we demonstrate substantial evasion of neutralization by Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 variants in vitro using sera from individuals vaccinated with ChAdOx1, BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273. These data were mirrored by a substantial reduction in real-world vaccine effectiveness that was partially restored by booster vaccination. The Omicron variants BA.1 and BA.2 did not induce cell syncytia in vitro and favoured a TMPRSS2-independent endosomal entry pathway, these phenotypes mapping to distinct regions of the spike protein. Impaired cell fusion was determined by the receptor-binding domain, while endosomal entry mapped to the S2 domain. Such marked changes in antigenicity and replicative biology may underlie the rapid global spread and altered pathogenicity of the Omicron variant.

Radionuclide ventriculography phase analysis for risk stratification of patients undergoing cardiotoxic cancer therapy

BACKGROUND

Accurate diagnostic tools to identify patients at risk of cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) are critical. For patients undergoing cardiotoxic cancer therapy, ejection fraction assessment using radionuclide ventriculography (RNVG) is commonly used for serial assessment of left ventricular (LV) function.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, approximate entropy (ApEn), synchrony, entropy, and standard deviation from the phase histogram (phase SD) were investigated as potential early markers of LV dysfunction to predict CTRCD. These phase parameters were calculated from the baseline RNVG phase image for 177 breast cancer patients before commencing cardiotoxic therapy.

RESULTS

Of the 177 patients, 11 had a decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of over 10% to an LVEF below 50% after treatment had commenced. This patient group had a significantly higher ApEn at baseline to those who maintained a normal LVEF throughout treatment. Of the parameters investigated, ApEn was superior for predicting the risk of CTRCD. Combining ApEn with the baseline LVEF further improved the discrimination between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that RNVG phase analysis using approximate entropy may aid in the detection of sub-clinical LV contraction abnormalities, not detectable by baseline LVEF measurement, predicting a subsequent decline in LVEF.

Impact of plasma glucose and duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus on SYNTAX Score II in patients suffering from non ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Aim    The objective was to assess the correlation of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, and the duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with SYNTAX score (SS) II in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).Material and methods    FPG and HbA1C were measured in 398 patients presenting with NSTEMI at admission. SS II was calculated using an online calculator. Patients were stratified according to SS II (≤21.5, 21.5-30.6, and ≥30.6), defined as SS II low, mid, and high, respectively.Results    37.7 % of subjects were diabetic. Correlations of FPG (R=0.402, R2=0.162, p&lt;0.001) and HbA1c (R=0.359, R2=0.129, p&lt;0.001) with SS II were weak in the overall population. Duration of T2DM showed very strong correlation with SS II (R=0.827, R2=0.347). For the prediction of high SS II in the study population, FPG≥98.5 mg / dl demonstrated a sensitivity of 58 % and a specificity of 60 %, and HbA1c ≥6.05 demonstrated a sensitivity of 63 % and a specificity of 69 %. Duration of T2DM (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.182; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.185-2.773) and FPG (OR: 0.987; 95 % CI: 0.976-0.9959) were significantly associated with high SS II after controlling for other risk factors. Duration of T2DM (Beta=0.439) contributed strongly to variance of SS II, whereas HbA1c (Beta=0.063) contributed weakly.Conclusion    Duration of T2DM is a very important risk factor for severity of coronary artery disease.

Relative contribution of different members of OsDREB gene family to osmotic stress tolerance in indica and japonica ecotypes of rice

Drought/osmotic stress is the single largest production constraint in rain-fed rice cultivation. Different members of the DREB gene family are known to contribute to osmotic stress tolerance. In this study, an attempt was made to understand their relative contribution towards osmotic stress tolerance in indica and japonica ecotypes of rice. Two genotypes (one tolerant and one susceptible) from each ecotype were grown hydroponically, and 21-day-old seedlings were subjected to polyethylene glycol-induced osmotic stress (15% PEG-6000, equivalent to -3.0 bars osmotic potential). The tolerant genotypes CR143 and Moroberekan were found to have superior root traits (total root length, surface area and volume), better plant water status and increased total dry biomass as compared to their susceptible counterparts after 10 days of osmotic stress. Different members of the DREB gene family were differentially induced in response to osmotic shock (1 h after stress) and osmotic stress (24 h after stress), which also differed between the two rice ecotypes. From the gene expression profiles of 10 DREB genes (both DREB1 and DREB2 families), in indica two DREB genes, DREB1B and DREB1G, were significantly correlated with stress tolerance indices, whereas in japonica significant correlations with five DREB genes (DREB1A, DREB1B, DREB1D, DREB1E and DREB2B) were observed. We found that only one member, i.e. DREB1B, showed a significant correlation with drought tolerance indices in both indica and japonica ecotypes. This study provides an overview of the relative contribution of different members of the DREB gene family and their association with drought/osmotic stress tolerance in rice.