Ipsilateral radiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil: American Radium Society appropriate use criteria executive summary

BACKGROUND

We conducted the current systemic review to provide up-to-date literature summary and optimal evidence-based recommendations for ipsilateral radiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil.

METHODS

We performed literature search of peer-reviewed journals through PubMed. The search strategy and subject-specific keywords were developed based on the expert panel's consensus. Articles published from January 2000 to May 2020 with full text available on PubMed and restricted to the English language and human subjects were included. Several prespecified search terms were used to identify relevant publications and additional evidence published since the initial American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria Ipsilateral Tonsil Radiation recommendation was finalized in 2012. The full bibliographies of identified articles were reviewed and irrelevant studies were removed.

RESULTS

The initial search and review returned 46 citations. The authors added three citations from bibliographies, websites, or books not found in the literature search. Of the 49 citations, 30 citations were retained for further detailed review, and 14 of them were added to the evidence table. Articles were removed from the bibliography if they were not relevant or generalizable to the topic, or focused on unknown primary disease. Several commonly encountered clinical case variants were created and panelists anonymously rated each treatment recommendation. The results were reviewed and disagreements discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

The panel provided updated evidence and recommendations for ipsilateral radiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil in the setting of primary radiation-based therapy and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. This committee did not reach agreements for some case variants due to a lack of strong evidence supporting specific treatment decisions, indicating a further need for research in these topics.

Prothrombin complex concentrate vs. fresh frozen plasma in adult patients undergoing heart surgery - a pilot randomised controlled trial (PROPHESY trial)

There is equipoise regarding the use of prothrombin complex concentrate vs. fresh frozen plasma in bleeding patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We performed a pilot randomised controlled trial to determine the recruitment rate for a large trial, comparing the impact of prothrombin complex concentrate vs. fresh frozen plasma on haemostasis (1 h and 24 h post-intervention), and assessing safety. Adult patients who developed bleeding within 24 h of cardiac surgery that required coagulation factor replacement were randomly allocated to receive prothrombin complex concentrate (15 IU.kg^-1 based on factor IX) or fresh frozen plasma (15 ml.kg^-1 ). If bleeding continued after the first administration of prothrombin complex concentrate or fresh frozen plasma administration, standard care was administered. From February 2019 to October 2019, 180 patients were screened, of which 134 (74.4% (95%CI 67-81%)) consented, 59 bled excessively and 50 were randomly allocated; 25 in each arm, recruitment rate 35% (95%CI 27-44%). There were 23 trial protocol deviations, 137 adverse events (75 prothrombin complex concentrate vs. 62 fresh frozen plasma) and 18 serious adverse events (5 prothrombin complex concentrate vs. 13 fresh frozen plasma). There was no increase in thromboembolic events with prothrombin complex concentrate. No patient withdrew from the study, four were lost to follow-up and two died. At 1 h after administration of the intervention there was a significant increase in fibrinogen, Factor V, Factor XII, Factor XIII, α₂ -antiplasmin and antithrombin levels in the fresh frozen plasma arm, while Factor II and Factor X were significantly higher in the prothrombin complex concentrate group. At 24 h, there were no significant differences in clotting factor levels. We conclude that recruitment to a larger study is feasible. Haemostatic tests have provided useful insight into the haemostatic changes following prothrombin complex concentrate or fresh frozen plasma administration. A definitive trial is needed to ascertain the benefits and safety for each.

Variation in the achievement of HbA1c , blood pressure and LDL cholesterol targets in type 2 diabetes in general practice and characteristics associated with risk factor control

AIMS

To identify population, general practitioner, and practice characteristics associated with the achievement of HbA_1c , blood pressure and LDL cholesterol targets, and to describe variation in the achievement of risk factor control.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 9342 people with type 2 diabetes, 281 general practitioners and 77 general practices in Norway. Missing values (7.4%) were imputed using multiple imputation by chained equations. We used three-level logistic regression with the achievement of HbA_1c , blood pressure and LDL cholesterol targets as dependent variables, and factors related to population, general practitioners, and practices as independent variables.

RESULTS

Treatment targets were achieved for HbA_1c in 64%, blood pressure in 50%, and LDL cholesterol in 52% of people with type 2 diabetes, and 17% met all three targets. There was substantial heterogeneity in target achievement among general practitioners and among practices; the estimated proportion of a GPs diabetes population at target was 55-73% (10-90 percentiles) for HbA_1c , 36-63% for blood pressure, and 47-57% for LDL cholesterol targets. The models explained 11%, 5% and 14%, respectively, of the total variation in the achievement of HbA_1c , blood pressure and LDL cholesterol targets. Use among general practitioners of a structured diabetes form was associated with 23% higher odds of achieving the HbA_1c target (odds ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.47) and 17% higher odds of achieving the LDL cholesterol target (odds ratio 1.17, 95% CI 1.01-1.35).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical diabetes management is difficult, and few people meet all three risk factor control targets. The proportion of people reaching target varied among general practitioners and practices. Several population, general practitioner and practice characteristics only explained a small part of the total variation. The use of a structured diabetes form is recommended.

A new mechanism for void-cascade interaction from nondestructive depth-resolved atomic-scale measurements of ion irradiation-induced defects in Fe

The nondestructive investigation of single vacancies and vacancy clusters in ion-irradiated samples requires a depth-resolved probe with atomic sensitivity to defects. The recent development of short-pulsed positron beams provides such a probe. Here, we combine depth-resolved Doppler broadening and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopies to identify vacancy clusters in ion-irradiated Fe and measure their density as a function of depth. Despite large concentrations of dislocations and voids in the pristine samples, positron annihilation measurements uncovered the structure of vacancy clusters and the change in their size and density with irradiation dose. When combined with transmission electron microscopy measurements, the study demonstrates an association between the increase in the density of small vacancy clusters with irradiation and a remarkable reduction in the size of large voids. This, previously unknown, mechanism for the interaction of cascade damage with voids in ion-irradiated materials is a consequence of the high porosity of the initial microstructure.

SAT0503 SERIOUS INFECTION RISK IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH LOW IMMUNOGLOBULIN LEVELS FOLLOWING RITUXIMAB TREATMENT FOR GRANULOMATOSIS WITH POLYANGIITIS (GPA) OR MICROSCOPIC POLYANGIITIS (MPA)

Background:

Low immunoglobulin (Ig) levels can occur after rituximab treatment, but the clinical significance is not completely understood. Not all patients (pts) who develop low Ig levels after rituximab are at an increased risk of serious infection (SI), but factors such as pre-existing low Ig levels, prior biologic therapies, history of SI and other disease and age-related factors may increase the risk.

Objectives:

To assess the risk of SI in pediatric pts with prolonged low IgG or IgM serum concentrations following rituximab treatment for GPA or MPA in a global clinical trial.

Methods:

In the Phase 2a PePRS study (WA25615), pts aged ≥ 2 to ≤ 18 yrs with GPA or MPA received 4 weekly intravenous rituximab infusions of 375 mg/m2body surface area and concomitant oral glucocorticoid taper. After 6 months, pts could receive further rituximab and/or other immunosuppressants at the investigator’s discretion during a minimum 12-month follow-up phase. Pts with IgG/IgM levels below age-specific reference ranges at baseline were excluded. Ig levels were measured every 4-12 wks. SI occurrence was assessed during/after low IgG or IgM. Prolonged low Ig was defined as IgG or IgM levels < lower limit of normal (LLN) reference range for age for a ≥ 4-month period.

Results:

All 25 pts completed 4 weekly rituximab infusions and the 6-month Remission Induction Phase; 24/25 pts completed ≥ 18 months of follow-up. 17 pts received additional rituximab treatment on or after Month 6. 11 pts received concomitant immunosuppressants (cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil) during the study. All pts had a decrease in IgG and IgM mostly after the first rituximab infusion. There was no consistent trend in IgG or IgM levels over time and no clear relationship between low IgG or IgM levels and the number of follow-up rituximab treatments. 18 pts (72%) had prolonged low IgG ≥ 4 months, of whom 5 had IgG levels < LLN at screening and/or baseline; in 7 pts, IgG levels returned to within normal range by study end. During or after prolonged low IgG, 6/18 pts experienced a total of 7 SIs. Three pts received treatment with intravenous Ig. 19 pts (76%) had prolonged low IgM, of whom 5 had IgM levels < LLN at screening and/or baseline. During or after prolonged low IgM levels, 6/19 pts experienced a total of 8 SIs. There were no deaths or study discontinuation due to SI. All pts with prolonged low IgG or IgM had past and/or concomitant treatment with steroids and/or immunosuppressants as potential contributory factors. Analysis of SI onset in relation to timing of low Ig was limited due to protocol-defined time points for Ig assessments.

Conclusion:

In pediatric pts with GPA/MPA treated with rituximab, there was no consistent pattern in IgG or IgM levels over time. The majority of pts with prolonged low IgG or IgM did not experience any SIs; no increase in the number of SIs was observed over time or with multiple rituximab treatments. While no firm conclusions can be made on a possible relationship between prolonged low IgG or IgM and risk of SI following rituximab due to study limitations (low pt numbers, lack of placebo comparator), these observations are consistent with the known rituximab safety profile in adult pts with GPA/MPA.

Disclosure of Interests:

Simone Melega Shareholder of: F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Employee of: F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Paul Brogan Grant/research support from: Roche, Novartis, SOBI, Chemocentryx, Novimmune, Consultant of: Roche, SOBI, UCB, Novartis, Speakers bureau: Roche, SOBI, UCB, Novartis, Gavin Cleary Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Aimee Hersh: None declared, Ozgur Kasapcopur: None declared, Satyapal Rangaraj: None declared, Rae Yeung Consultant of: AbbVie, Novartis, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Novartis, Andrew Zeft: None declared, Jennifer Cooper Employee of: Genentech, Inc., Pooneh Pordeli Shareholder of: Roche, Employee of: Roche, Petra Kirchner Shareholder of: Roche, Employee of: Roche, Patricia Lehane Shareholder of: Roche, Employee of: Roche

Examining consent for interventional research in potential deceased organ donors: a narrative review

In the last decade, research in transplant medicine has focused on developing interventions in the management of the deceased organ donor to improve the quality and quantity of transplantable organs. Despite the promise of interventional donor research, there remain debates about the ethics of this research, specifically regarding gaining research consent. Here, we examine the concerns and ambiguities around consent for interventional donor research, which incorporate questions about who should consent for interventional donor research and what people are being asked to consent for. We highlight the US and UK policy responses to these concerns and argue that, whereas guidance in this area has done much to clarify these ambiguities, there is little consideration of the nature, practicalities and context around consent in this area, particularly regarding organ donors and their families. We review wider studies of consent in critical care research and social science studies of consent in medical research, to gain a broader view of consent in this area as a relational and contextual process. We contend a lack of consideration has been given to: what it might mean to consent to interventional donor research; how families, patients and health professionals might experience providing and seeking this consent; who is best placed to have these discussions; and the socio-institutional contexts affecting these processes. Further, empirical research is required to establish an ethical and sensitive model for consent in interventional donor research, ensuring the principles enshrined in research ethics are met and public trust in organ donation is maintained.

Quality and Costs in a Residential Education Facility for People with Dual Sensory Impairments

The study evaluated the quality and costs of services for 16 young adults with dual sensory impairments and mental retardation before and during their placement at a specialist community-based residential further education facility. The results indicated that, overall, both the quality and costs of services were higher than in previous placements. However, there were wide variations among clients on all the dimensions studied, and there was no overall relationship between the costs and quality of services.

Evaluation of a new sink design incorporating ozonated water

BACKGROUND

Novel sink and U-trap designs have been developed to reduce contamination by users and diminish biofilm. Real-world experience with new sink designs and adjunctive measures such as ozone has been limited.

AIMS

To assess a new sink design for splashback and to evaluate the ozonated water feature for reduction of microbial bioburden.

METHODS

A portable sink unit was created that permitted the application of white absorbent paper to plexiglass shields beside and behind the sink. Participants, wearing painter coveralls and masks, spread 30 mL of tempera paint over their hands and washed for 20 s with neutral soap. Each participant repeated this five times sequentially, and cumulative results were recorded. Escherichia coli was exposed to ozonated water from the sink unit and to regular tap water and evaluated for microbial survival.

FINDINGS

Compared with a conventional sink, the SmartFLO3 sink had less environmental contamination within the sink, surrounding area and splashback on to the participant. Despite modifications to enhance ozone generation, readings of reactive oxygen species did not exceed 0.3 ppm, and no significant bactericidal effect was demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

The SmartFLO3 sink reduces splashback and has the potential to reduce pathogen transmission from sinks. At the low levels of ozone generated in this study, no clear bacterial killing effect was observed compared with tap water alone.

Determination of Ochratoxin A in Currants, Raisins, Sultanas, Mixed Dried Fruit, and Dried Figs by Immunoaffinity Column Cleanup with Liquid Chromatography: Interlaboratory Study

An interlaboratory study was performed on behalf of the Food Standards Agency to evaluate the effectiveness of an affinity column cleanup liquid chromatographic (LC) method for the determination of ochratoxin A in a variety of dried fruit at European regulatory limits. To ensure homogeneity before analysis, laboratory samples are normally slurried with water in the ratio of 5 parts fruit to 4 parts water, and test materials in this form were used in the study. The test portion was extracted with acidified methanol. The extract was filtered, diluted with phosphate-buffered saline, and applied to an affinity column. The column was washed and ochratoxin A was eluted with methanol. Ochratoxin A was quantified by reversed-phase LC. The use of post-column pH shift to enhance the fluorescence of ochratoxin A by the addition of 1.1M ammonia solution to the column eluant is optional. Determination was by fluorescence. Currants, sultanas, raisins, figs, and mixed fruit (comprising dried pineapple, papaya, sultanas, prunes, dates, and banana chips), both naturally contaminated and blank (very low level), were sent to 24 collaborators in 7 European countries. Participants were asked to spike test portions of all test samples at a level equivalent to 5 ng/g ochra toxin A. Average recoveries ranged from 69 to 74%. Based on results for 5 naturally contaminated test samples (blind duplicates) the relative standard deviation for repeatability (RSDr) ranged from 4.9 to 8.7%, and the relative standard deviation for reproducibility (RSDR)rangedfrom14to28%. The method showed acceptable within-and be-tween-laboratory precision for all 5 matrixes, as evidenced by HORRAT values &lt;1.3.

First measurement of neutrino oscillation parameters using neutrinos and antineutrinos by NOvA

The NOvA experiment has seen a 4.4σ signal of ν[over ¯]_{e} appearance in a 2 GeV ν[over ¯]_{μ} beam at a distance of 810 km. Using 12.33×10^{20} protons on target delivered to the Fermilab NuMI neutrino beamline, the experiment recorded 27 ν[over ¯]_{μ}→ν[over ¯]_{e} candidates with a background of 10.3 and 102 ν[over ¯]_{μ}→ν[over ¯]_{μ} candidates. This new antineutrino data are combined with neutrino data to measure the parameters |Δm_{32}^{2}|=2.48_{-0.06}^{+0.11}×10^{-3}  eV^{2}/c^{4} and sin^{2}θ_{23} in the ranges from (0.53-0.60) and (0.45-0.48) in the normal neutrino mass hierarchy. The data exclude most values near δ_{CP}=π/2 for the inverted mass hierarchy by more than 3σ and favor the normal neutrino mass hierarchy by 1.9σ and θ_{23} values in the upper octant by 1.6σ.

High Performance Bi-2212 Round Wires Made with Recent Powders

Multifilamentary Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_x (Bi-2212) wire made by the powder-in-tube technique is the only high temperature superconductor made in the round shape preferred by magnet builders. The critical current density (J _C ) of Bi-2212 round wire was improved significantly by the development of overpressure heat treatment in the past few years. Bi-2212 wire is commercially available in multiple architectures and kilometer-long pieces and a very promising conductor for very high field NMR and accelerator magnets. We studied the effects of precursor powder and heat treatment conditions on the superconducting properties and microstructure of recent Bi-2212 wires. Short samples of recent wire with optimized overpressure processing showed J _C (4.2 K, 15 T) = 6640 A/mm² and J _C (4.2 K, 30 T) = 4670 A/mm², which correspond to engineering critical current densities J _E (4.2 K, 15 T) = 1320 A/mm² and J _E (4.2 K, 30 T) = 930 A/mm².

Perception of Unilateral Lower Extremity Weightbearing during Bilateral Upright Stance

The primary purpose of this study was to describe the error in 61 healthy subjects’ perceptions of weight-bearing at three target levels during bilateral upright stance. The secondary purpose was to describe the effects of age, sex, lower extremity dominance and target weightbearing level on the error in perceptions of weightbearing. Weightbearing was determined while subjects stood on digital scales. They adjusted their weight in an attempt to bear 25, 50, and 75% of their weight through a designated lower extremity. Three trials were allowed at each weightbearing target, and the results were averaged. Each subject's error in perception of weightbearing at each target level was determined by taking the absolute value of the target percent weightbearing minus the mean actual percent weightbearing. The mean errors at the 25, 50, and 75% targets were 7.3, 3.3, and 7.7%, respectively. The magnitude of the error was unrelated to age. An analysis of variance showed that error was not dependent on sex or whether the dominant lower extremity was used for making judgements. The error did differ between target levels. Clinicians cannot assume, based on the findings of this study, that individuals can accurately judge the percent weightbearing they are placing through one of their lower extremities during bilateral upright stance.

Platelet Reactivity In Vitro in Relation to Thromboxane in Healthy Pregnancy

There is substantial evidence of increased platelet reactivity in vivo and in vitro during pregnancy. Previous in vitro studies suggest that platelets from pregnant women show increased sensitivity to agonists, the response to which has a thromboxane dependent component. The aim of this study was to determine whether this is due to increased activity of the thromboxane biosynthetic pathway or to increased platelet sensitivity to the effects of thromboxane. During pregnancy, platelets were more sensitive to the pro-aggregatory effects in vitro of the thromboxane mimetic U46619, in whole blood and in platelet rich plasma, compared to those from non-pregnant controls. The difference in extent of U46619-induced platelet aggregation between groups was abolished in the presence of a high concentration of the specific thromboxane antagonist ICI 192605, but not by prior incubation of blood with aspirin. Platelets from pregnant women were significantly less sensitive to inhibition of arachidonic acid induced activation by the thromboxane synthetase inhibitor dazmegrel, but there was no change in platelet cyclic AMP accumulation under these conditions. Arachidonic acid induced platelet thromboxane B2 production was similar in pregnant and non-pregnant subjects. In conclusion, platelets are more sensitive to the activating effects of thromboxane during pregnancy, but there is no change in the intrinsic reactivity of the thromboxane biosynthetic pathway.

Adult height, coronary heart disease and stroke: a multi-locus Mendelian randomization meta-analysis

Background: We investigated causal effect of completed growth, measured by adult height, on coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and cardiovascular traits, using instrumental variable (IV) Mendelian randomization meta-analysis.

Methods: We developed an allele score based on 69 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with adult height, identified by the IBCCardioChip, and used it for IV analysis against cardiovascular risk factors and events in 21 studies and 60 028 participants. IV analysis on CHD was supplemented by summary data from 180 height-SNPs from the GIANT consortium and their corresponding CHD estimates derived from CARDIoGRAMplusC4D.

Results: IV estimates from IBCCardioChip and GIANT-CARDIoGRAMplusC4D showed that a 6.5-cm increase in height reduced the odds of CHD by 10% [odds ratios 0.90; 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 0.78 to 1.03 and 0.85 to 0.95, respectively],which agrees with the estimate from the Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration (hazard ratio 0.93; 95% CI: 0.91 to 0.94). IV analysis revealed no association with stroke (odds ratio 0.97; 95% CI: 0.79 to 1.19). IV analysis showed that a 6.5-cm increase in height resulted in lower levels of body mass index (P < 0.001), triglycerides (P < 0.001), non high-density (non-HDL) cholesterol (P < 0.001), C-reactive protein (P = 0.042), and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.064) and higher levels of forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity (P < 0.001 for both).

Conclusions: Taller individuals have a lower risk of CHD with potential explanations being that taller people have a better lung function and lower levels of body mass index, cholesterol and blood pressure.

Routine hospital management of self-harm and risk of further self-harm: propensity score analysis using record-based cohort data

BACKGROUND

The care received by people presenting to hospital following self-harm varies and it is unclear how different types of treatment affect risk of further self-harm.

METHOD

Observational cohort data from the Manchester Self-Harm Project, UK, included 16 456 individuals presenting to an Emergency Department with self-harm between 2003 and 2011. Individuals were followed up for 12 months. We also used data from a smaller cohort of individuals presenting to 31 hospitals in England during a 3-month period in 2010/2011, followed up for 6 months. Propensity score (PS) methods were used to address observed confounding. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation.

RESULTS

Following PS stratification, those who received a psychosocial assessment had a lower risk of repeat hospital attendance for self-harm than those who were not assessed [RR 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80-0.95]. The risk was reduced most among people less likely to be assessed. Following PS matching, we found no associations between risks of repeat self-harm and admission to a medical bed, referral to outpatient psychiatry or admission to a psychiatric bed. We did not find a relationship between psychosocial assessment and repeat self-harm in the 31 centre cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows the potential value of using novel statistical techniques in large mental health datasets to estimate treatment effects. We found that specialist psychosocial assessment may reduce the risk of repeat self-harm. This type of routine care should be provided for all individuals who present to hospital after self-harm, regardless of perceived risk.

Key patterns and predictors of response to treatment for military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: a growth mixture modelling approach

BACKGROUND

To determine the patterns and predictors of treatment response trajectories for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

METHODS

Conditional latent growth mixture modelling was used to identify classes and predictors of class membership. In total, 2686 veterans treated for PTSD between 2002 and 2015 across 14 hospitals in Australia completed the PTSD Checklist at intake, discharge, and 3 and 9 months follow-up. Predictor variables included co-morbid mental health problems, relationship functioning, employment and compensation status.

RESULTS

Five distinct classes were found: those with the most severe PTSD at intake separated into a relatively large class (32.5%) with small change, and a small class (3%) with a large change. Those with slightly less severe PTSD separated into one class comprising 49.9% of the total sample with large change effects, and a second class comprising 7.9% with extremely large treatment effects. The final class (6.7%) with least severe PTSD at intake also showed a large treatment effect. Of the multiple predictor variables, depression and guilt were the only two found to predict differences in response trajectories.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the importance of assessing guilt and depression prior to treatment for PTSD, and for severe cases with co-morbid guilt and depression, considering an approach to trauma-focused therapy that specifically targets guilt and depression-related cognitions.