A8 REPEATED SUBMERGENCE OF AIR-LIQUID INTERFACE COLONOID CULTURES IMPAIRS INFLAMMATORY AND REGENERATIVE RESPONSES

Background

Damage in the intestinal epithelium is repaired via de-differentiation of mature intestinal epithelial cells to a stem-like state. Indeed, literature has primarily focused on acute forms of intestinal damage, but there is a lack of models to study how intestinal stem cells function after chronic injury, such as in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A previous report found that growth of mouse intestinal organoids in air-liquid interface (ALI) follows by submergence caused differentiation and reversible injury, but this has not been demonstrated in human cells or with repeated cycles of injury. Understanding how chronic damage alters human intestinal stem cell fate and function is imperative to developing novel therapies that repair the epithelium in people with IBD

Aims

To develop a robust in vitro model to differentiate and damage human intestinal epithelial cells, with or without the addition of bacterial flagellin to mimic pathogen exposure.

Methods

Human colonoid monolayers were seeded on Transwell inserts for 10 days until fully confluent and then differentiated by removing the apical media to create ALI growth conditions for 7 days. To induce damage, media was added to the apical side of the Transwell, with or without the addition of flagellin in the basolateral compartment. Following submergence induced damage, the apical media was removed and collected for chemokine analysis, and the cells were grown back in ALI for 3 days to recover them from injury. This cycle was repeated 5 times to induce chronic damage. Cells were collected for qPCR analysis, immunofluorescence imaging, RNA sequencing and DNA methylation analysis

Results

Repeated rounds of damage impaired the ability of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) to respond to TLR stimulation (a decrease in basolateral IL-8 with each round), likely due to a decrease in TLR signaling pathways, as demonstrated by GSEA and qPCR. Chronic submergence damage led to an increase in differentiation of cells expressing MUC2, SLC26a3 and CHGA, and a decrease in stemness as shown by qPCR for BMI1, HOPX, and LGR5. After several rounds of damage, colonoid monolayers were unable to regrow as monolayers after passaging, likely due to a decrease in YAP signaling. We also identified mRNA expression and DNA methylation changes in genes associated with IBD and colon cancer.

Conclusions

We have developed a novel chronic damage model of recurrent IEC injury, which possibly mimics pathologies seen in people with inflammatory bowel disease. This model can be used to understand how chronic damage alters the ability of IECs to respond to pathogens and regenerate to repair and protect the epithelium from further damage.

Funding Agencies

CCC

Modified Ponseti Technique in an Eleven-Year-Old with Bilateral Untreated Clubfoot: A Case Report

We report the case of an eleven-year-old girl with untreated bilateral clubfoot. She had a total of nine long leg castings changed weekly, Achilles tendon Z-lengthening and posterior ankle release followed by another six weeks of long leg cast immobilization post-operatively. We encouraged using night-time foot abduction brace for twelve months. Independent walking was achieved six months post-treatment. No recurrence was noted at eighteen months following treatment. The modified Ponseti weekly casting method was successful up to adolescent age; however, more cast changes, longer stretching before each cast application and posterior ankle release will be needed to achieve functional correction.

613 The Floating Hip: A Distinct Injury Pattern? A Descriptive Study and Case-Control Analysis

Aim

A “Floating Hip” injury describes a simultaneous ipsilateral fracture of the femur and pelvis. We performed a descriptive study of the injury patterns, management, and outcomes of floating hip patients, and compared these patients to those with similar pelvic fractures without femoral involvement.

Method

This was a retrospective case-series review with secondary case-control analysis. Medical records of patients presenting with a floating hip injury to our tertiary orthopaedics department between 2015 and 2020 were reviewed. The control group comprised of patients with pelvic fractures but without associated femoral fractures, matched by age, sex, pelvic fracture classification, and mechanism of injury.

Results

46 Floating Hip cases were identified (34 males), of average age 39 (15-86) years. 20 had acetabular fractures, 21 had pelvic ring fractures and 5 had both fractures, concomitant with ipsilateral femoral fractures. The most common site of femoral fracture was mid-shaft (21.7%), followed by distal (19.6%). 69.6% of P/A fractures were managed surgically, with ORIF (43%) the most common option. 4 (12.50%) patients suffered complications, including 2 infections and 1 DVT. Compared to controls, Floating Hip patients were more likely to require surgical management (67.6% vs 47.8%, p = 0.03), and had higher rates of surgical complications (12.5% vs 4.6%), though not statistically significant (p = 0.3).

Conclusions

Our study describes the patterns, management, and outcomes of Floating Hip injuries, and observes differences in the management and complications compared to similar pelvic fractures without femoral involvement. These findings suggest Floating Hip cases may warrant consideration as a distinct injury pattern.

What is a prevention visit? A qualitative study of a structured approach to prevention and screening - the BETTER WISE project

BACKGROUND

This qualitative study is a sub-component of BETTER WISE, a comprehensive and structured approach that proactively addresses chronic disease prevention, screening, and cancer survivorship, including screening for poverty and addressing lifestyle risks for patients aged 40 to 65. Patients (n = 527) from 13 primary care clinics (urban, rural, and remote) in Alberta, Ontario, and Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada agreed to participate in the study and were invited to a one-hour prevention visit delivered by a Prevention Practitioner (PP) as part of BETTER WISE. We identified the key components of a BETTER WISE prevention visit based on patients' and primary care providers' perspectives.

METHODS

Primary care providers (PPs, physicians and their staff) participated in 14 focus groups and 19 key informant interviews to share their perspectives on the BETTER WISE project. Of 527 patients who agreed to participate in the study and were invited for a BETTER WISE prevention visit with a PP, we received 356 patient feedback forms. We also collected field notes and memos and employed thematic analysis using a constant comparative method focusing on the BETTER WISE prevention visit.

RESULTS

We identified four key themes related to a BETTER WISE prevention visit: 1) Creating a safe environment and building trust with patients: PPs provided sufficient time and a safe space for patients to share what was important to them, including their concerns related to poverty, alcohol consumption, and mental health, topics that were often not shared with physicians; 2) Providing personalized health education: PPs used the BETTER WISE tools to provide patients with a personalized overview of their health status and eligible screening; 3) Non-judgmental empowering of patients: Instead of directing patients on what to do, PPs evoked patients' preferences and helped them to set goals (if desired); and 4) Integrating care for patients: PPs clarified information from patients' charts and surveys with physicians and helped patients to navigate resources within and outside of the primary care team.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study underscore the importance of personalized, trusting, non-judgmental, and integrated relationships between primary care providers and patients to effectively address chronic disease prevention, screening, and cancer survivorship as demonstrated by the BETTER WISE prevention visits.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This qualitative study is a sub-component of the BETTER WISE pragmatic, cRCT, trial registration ISRCTN21333761 (date of registration 19/12/2016).

Impact of age and sex on subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in a healthy asian population

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background and Aims

The influence of age and gender on clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is well reported, but literature remains sparse on whether these extend to the disease in its preclinical stage. We aim to report the prevalence, risk-factors and impact of age and gender on the burden of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in a healthy Asian population.

Methods

Healthy subjects aged 30-69 years old, with no history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes were recruited from the general population. Subclinical coronary atherosclerosis was quantified via the Coronary Artery Calcium Score (CACS) with CACS of 0 indicating the absence of calcified plaque, 1 to 10 minimal plaque, 11 to 100 mild plaque, and >100 moderate to severe plaque.

Results

A total of 663 individuals (mean age 49.4 ± 9.2 years, 44.8% male) were included. The prevalence of any CAC was 29.3% with 9% having CAC > 100.  The prevalence was significantly higher in males than females (43.1 vs 18.0%, p < 0.001). These gender differences became increasingly pronounced with increasing age, especially in those with moderate-severe CAC. Multivariable analysis revealed significant associations between increasing age, male, higher blood pressure, increased glucose levels and higher LDL cholesterol levels with the presence of any CAC. LDL cholesterol was more significantly associated with CAC in females compared to males (Pinteraction = 0.022).

Conclusions

The prevalence of preclinical atherosclerosis increased with age, and was higher in males than females, with gender-specific differences in associated risk factors. These results will better inform individualised future risk management strategies to prevent the development and progression of coronary artery disease within healthy individuals.

Delay discounting and obesity in food insecure and food secure women

OBJECTIVES

The relation between food insecurity (FI) and delay discounting (DD) and probability discounting (PD) for food and money was tested in women. In addition, discounting was tested as a variable that mediates the relation between obesity and FI.

METHOD

Women recruited from a community sample (N = 92) completed questionnaires. They completed the food choice questionnaire, the monetary choice questionnaire, measures for food and money probability discounting (which quantify sensitivity to risk aversion), and demographic measures.

RESULTS

Women with FI had higher rates of obesity and higher food DD compared to food-secure women. However, DD for money or probability discounting for food or money did not significantly differ between FI and food secure groups when controlling for significant covariates. Neither DD or PD significantly mediated the relation between FI and obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that FI is associated with greater impulsive food choice, but its association with other monetary discounting and probability discounting for food and money appears contingent upon other demographic factors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Uncovering reasons for treatment initiation delays among children with TB in Lima, Peru

BACKGROUND: Timely diagnosis and treatment of pediatric tuberculosis (TB) is critical to reducing mortality but remains challenging in the absence of adequate diagnostic tools. Even once a TB diagnosis is made, delays in treatment initiation are common, but for reasons that are not well understood.METHODS: To examine reasons for delay post-diagnosis, we conducted semi-structured interviews with Ministry of Health (MoH) physicians and field workers affiliated with a pediatric TB diagnostic study, and caregivers of children aged 0-14 years who were diagnosed with pulmonary TB in Lima, Peru. Interviews were analyzed using systematic comparative and descriptive content analysis.RESULTS: We interviewed five physicians, five field workers and 26 caregivers with children who initiated TB treatment < 7 days after diagnosis (n = 15) or who experienced a delay of ≥7 days (n = 11). Median time in delay from diagnosis to treatment initiation was 26 days (range 7-117). Reasons for delay included: health systems challenges (administrative hurdles, medication stock, clinic hours), burden of care on families and caregiver perceptions of disease severity.CONCLUSION: Reasons for delay in treatment initiation are complex. Interventions to streamline administrative processes and tools to identify and support families at risk for delays in treatment initiation are urgently needed.

Ultrasound diagnosis of endometrial cancer by subjective pattern recognition in women with postmenopausal bleeding: prospective inter-rater agreement and reliability study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the inter-rater agreement and reliability of using subjective pattern recognition for diagnosing endometrial cancer (EC) on ultrasound in women with postmenopausal bleeding (PMB).

METHODS

This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted at a gynecological rapid-access clinic, between October 2016 and December 2017, in which consecutive women with PMB and endometrial thickness of ≥ 4.5 mm on transvaginal ultrasound examination were included. Women on hormone replacement therapy or tamoxifen and those with a history of primary gynecological malignancy were excluded. Two raters independently performed ultrasound examinations, blinded to each other's findings, and classified women as having uniformly thickened endometrium, benign endometrial polyp or EC, using subjective pattern recognition. Inter-rater reliability of ultrasound diagnosis was assessed using Cohen's kappa (κ) statistic. All women subsequently underwent either outpatient endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy or hysterectomy.

RESULTS

Forty women were included in the study, with a median age of 61 (interquartile range (IQR), 57-69) years and a median endometrial thickness of 11.0 (IQR, 6.2-20.3) mm. Final histological analysis confirmed 16 (40%) women with EC, 16 (40%) with benign endometrial polyp, four (10%) with atrophic endometrium, three (8%) with proliferative endometrium and one (3%) with endometrial hyperplasia. Inter-rater agreement for the ultrasound diagnoses of uniformly thickened endometrium, benign endometrial polyp and EC was 14/16 (87.5%), 22/30 (73.3%) and 28/34 (82.4%), respectively; inter-rater reliability was good (κ = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.49-0.88). When the ultrasound diagnoses were grouped as either cancer or no cancer, inter-rater agreement was 85% and inter-rater reliability was good (κ = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.61-0.95). Rater A correctly identified 14/16 cases of EC and Rater B identified 15/16. EC was misdiagnosed as benign polyps on ultrasound in two women by Rater A and in one woman by Rater B. The overall accuracies of Rater A and Rater B in differentiating between benign endometrial pathologies and malignancy were 90% and 90%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show good inter-rater reliability of subjective pattern recognition in diagnosing uniformly thickened endometrium, benign endometrial polyp and EC on ultrasound in women with PMB. Our findings should facilitate wider use of subjective pattern recognition in routine clinical practice. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The effect of pelvic pathology on uterine vein diameters

BACKGROUND

Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) is a sensitive tool for detecting various conditions that contribute to pelvic pain. TVS can be also used to assess blood flow and measure the size of pelvic veins. Pelvic venous congestion (PVC) is characterised by enlargement of the pelvic veins and has been recognised as a cause of chronic pelvic pain. The reference ranges for uterine venous diameter in women with normal pelvic organs have been established, but there is no information regarding the potential effect of pelvic pathology on the uterine venous diameters. The aim of this study was to examine the size of uterine venous plexus in women with evidence of pelvic abnormalities on TVS and to determine whether the reference ranges need to be adjusted in the presence of pelvic pathology. A prospective, observational study was conducted in our gynaecological outpatient clinic. Morphological characteristics of all pelvic abnormalities detected on TVS and their sizes were recorded. The uterine veins were identified and their diameters were measured in all cases. The primary outcome measure was the uterine venous diameter. Regression analyses were performed to determine factors affecting the uterine venous size in women with pelvic pathology.

RESULTS

A total of 1500 women were included into the study, 1014 (67%) of whom were diagnosed with pelvic abnormalities. Women with pelvic pathology had significantly larger uterine venous diameters than women with normal pelvic organs (p < 0.01). Multivariable analysis showed that pre-menopausal status, high parity, presence of fibroids (p < 0.001) and Black ethnicity were all associated with significantly larger uterine vein diameters. Based on these findings modified reference ranges for uterine venous diameters have been designed which could be used for the diagnosis of PVC in women with uterine fibroids.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that of all pelvic pathology detected on TVS, only fibroids are significantly associated with uterine venous enlargement. Factors known to be associated with enlarged veins in women with normal pelvic organs, namely parity and menopausal status, also apply in patients with pelvic pathology. Future studies of uterine venous circulation should take into account the presence and size of uterine fibroids when assessing women for the signs of PVC.

Dual-energy CT in musculoskeletal trauma

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) combines the advantages of conventional CT with the ability to detect bone marrow oedema (BMO), which was previously limited to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By analysing DECT virtual non-calcium (VNCa) maps, radiologists can improve the detection of subtle and occult fractures and approximate the acuity/healing of fractures of indeterminate age. This review highlights the role of DECT in the assessment of musculoskeletal trauma, particularly among elderly, post-menopausal women and those at risk for osteoporosis. DECT is especially useful in investigating trabecular bone predominant regions (e.g., vertebral bodies, pelvis, hip, and long bone metaphyses) for stress (i.e., fatigue or insufficiency) and fragility fractures. CT is often performed first due to its increased availability, especially in the emergency setting, shorter imaging duration, and possible patient contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By enabling BMO detection, DECT may have a role in triaging patients for definitive MRI assessment. Understanding the role of anatomical, pathological, and patient factors in image interpretation can improve radiologist adoption of DECT, increase diagnostic confidence, and improve patient management.

AB1207 EFFECT ON DIET MODIFICATION ON GOUT AND METABOLIC SYNDROME RISK FACTORS

Background:

Gout is the most prevalent inflammatory arthritis globally. Despite treatment advances, the prevalence of gout has continued to increase over the last several decades. There has also been increasing evidence that gout has a strong association with the metabolic syndrome. This indicates that gout is likely both an inflammatory and a metabolic disease that has a significant effect on quality of life and healthcare costs. Although current recommendations support aggressive medical therapy for gout treatment, dietary counseling is less emphasized. We hypothesize that emphasis on this nonpharmacological therapy will likely improve management and the metabolic syndrome in gout patients.

Objectives:

To analyze the effectiveness of dietary counseling on gout management and risk factors for metabolic syndrome in gout patients at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Long Beach, CA (VALB).

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was created from 2009-2016 involving Long Beach Veterans Affairs Hospital gout patients (n= 119) based on International Classification of Disease version 9 or 10. Patients were then stratified into two cohorts: received diet counseling (n=90) and no diet counseling (n=29). Data was reviewed for 24 months following initial gout diagnosis or intervention. Management was evaluated based on frequency of flares and related ED visits, change in creatinine clearance, serum uric acid levels (sUA), and changes to risk factors for metabolic syndrome including blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol panel and hemoglobin A1c levels at six-month intervals.

Results:

Although patients in both cohorts were noted to have decreased number of gout attacks, patients who received diet counseling had a significant decrease in number of gout attacks by month 12 (0=0.004). In addition, after 6 months, patients who received diet counseling were more likely to have sUA at goal (sUA<6 for nontophaeous gout and sUA<5 for tophaceous gout) (p=0.003). These patients were also noted to have improved creatinine clearance (p=0.08) and increased HDL (p =0.08). In addition, patients with improved HDL and LDL values more likely to have improved sUA levels and decreased ED visits (R2=0.4, slope 0.14 and R2=0.4, slope 0.05, respectively) by month 6. Patients with improved hemoglobin A1c levels were also noted to have a significant outcome in lowering serum uric acid level at month 18 (R2=0.9, slope 2.6).

Conclusion:

Gout patients who receive diet counseling had lower rate of future attacks and better control of sUA. In addition, these gout patients were also noted to have improvement in some risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome. Notably, patients who had better control of their hemoglobin A1c levels were able to have lower serum uric acid levels. This may imply that controlling diabetes in patients may also help improve gout management. Given the serious complications and increased cardiovascular risks that can be associated with metabolic syndrome, optimization of gout through a nonpharmacologic intervention such as diet counseling can enhance clinical outcomes and optimize healthcare resources.

References:

[1]Rai SK et al. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, Western diet, and risk of gout in men: prospective cohort study. BMJ. 2017;357:j1794.

[2]Álvarez-lario B, et al. Hyperuricemia and gout; the role of diet. Nutr Hosp. 2014;29(4):760-70.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Systematic Review of Kingella kingae Musculoskeletal Infection in Children: Epidemiology, Impact and Management Strategies

Kingella kingae, a pathogen often responsible for musculoskeletal infections in children is the most common cause of septic arthritis and osteomyelitis in children 6 to 36 months of age. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of previous studies to determine the proportion of K. kingae in bacteriologically proven musculoskeletal infections among the pediatric population. A secondary objective was to describe the diagnostic strategies and outcome of patients with musculoskeletal infections caused by K. kingae. A systematic review was conducted to identify publications that report on musculoskeletal infections caused by K. kingae in the pediatric population (patients 0 to <18 years old with microbiologic culture and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmation of K. kingae and a description of the musculoskeletal infection involved). Of 144 studies included in this review, we sought to determine the proportion of K. kingae pediatric musculoskeletal infections. A total of 711 (30.8%) out of 2308 pediatric cases with culture and/or PCR proven musculoskeletal infections had K. kingae successfully identified from twenty-nine studies. Of the 1070 patients who were aged less than 48 months, K. kingae was the organism identified in 47.6% of infections. We found the average age from the collated studies to be 17.73 months. Of 520 pediatric musculoskeletal patients in which K. kingae infections were identified and where the studies reported the sites of infection, a large proportion of cases (65%) were joint infections. This was followed by 18.4% osteoarticular infection (concomitant bone and joint involvement), with isolated bone and spine at 11.9% and 3.5%, respectively. Twenty-one papers reported clinical and laboratory findings in children with confirmed K. kingae infection. The median temperature reported at admission was 37.9°C and mean was 38.2°C. Fourteen studies reported on impact and treatment, with the majority of children experiencing good clinical outcome and function following antibiotic treatment with no serious orthopaedic sequelae.

Chronic activation of anti-oxidant pathways and iron accumulation in epileptogenic malformations

Aims

Oxidative stress is evident in resected epileptogenic brain tissue of patients with developmental brain malformations related to mammalian target of rapamycin activation: tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and focal cortical dysplasia type IIb (FCD IIb). Whether chronic activation of anti‐oxidant pathways is beneficial or contributes to pathology is not clear.

Methods

We investigated oxidative stress markers, including haem oxygenase 1, ferritin and the inflammation associated microRNA‐155 in surgically resected epileptogenic brain tissue of TSC (n = 10) and FCD IIb (n = 8) patients and in a TSC model (Tsc1^GFAP−/− mice) using immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, real‐time quantitative PCR and immunoblotting. Using human foetal astrocytes we performed an in vitro characterization of the anti‐oxidant response to acute and chronic oxidative stress and evaluated overexpression of the disease‐relevant pro‐inflammatory microRNA‐155.

Results

Resected TSC or FCD IIb tissue displayed higher expression of oxidative stress markers and microRNA‐155. Tsc1^GFAP−/− mice expressed more microRNA‐155 and haem oxygenase 1 in the brain compared to wild‐type, preceding the typical development of spontaneous seizures in these animals. In vitro, chronic microRNA‐155 overexpression induced haem oxygenase 1, iron regulatory elements and increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. Overexpression of iron regulatory genes was also detected in patients with TSC, FCD IIb and Tsc1^GFAP−/− mice.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that early and sustained activation of anti‐oxidant signalling and dysregulation of iron metabolism are a pathological hallmark of FCD IIb and TSC. Our findings suggest novel therapeutic strategies aimed at controlling the pathological link between both processes.