Observation of a J/ψΛ Resonance Consistent with a Strange Pentaquark Candidate in B^{-}→J/ψΛp[over ¯] Decays

An amplitude analysis of B^{-}→J/ψΛp[over ¯] decays is performed using 4400 signal candidates selected on a data sample of pp collisions recorded at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV with the LHCb detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. A narrow resonance in the J/ψΛ system, consistent with a pentaquark candidate with strangeness, is observed with high significance. The mass and the width of this new state are measured to be 4338.2±0.7±0.4  MeV and 7.0±1.2±1.3  MeV, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The spin is determined to be 1/2 and negative parity is preferred. Because of the small Q-value of the reaction, the most precise single measurement of the B^{-} mass to date, 5279.44±0.05±0.07  MeV, is obtained.

ERAS guidelines-driven upper gastrointestinal contrast study after esophagectomy can detect delayed gastric conduit emptying and improve outcomes

BACKGROUND

Delayed gastric conduit emptying can occur after esophagectomy and has been shown to be associated with increased risk for postoperative complications. Application of a standardized clinical protocol after esophagectomy including an upper gastrointestinal contrast study has the potential to improve postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

Prospective cohort including all patients operated with esophagectomy at two high-volume centers for esophageal surgery. The standardized clinical protocol included an upper gastrointestinal contrast study on day 2 or 3 after surgery. All images were compiled and evaluated for the purpose of the study. Clinical data was collected in IRB approved institutional databases at the participating centers.

RESULTS

The study included 119 patients treated with esophagectomy of whom 112 (94.1%) completed an upper gastrointestinal contrast study. The results showed that 8 (7.1%) patients had radiological delayed gastric conduit emptying defined as no emptying of contrast through the pylorus. Partial conduit emptying was seen in 34 (30.4%) patients, and 70 (62.5%) patients had complete conduit emptying. Complete or partial emptying was associated with significantly earlier nasogastric tube removal (3 vs. 6 days) and hospital discharge 8 vs. 17 days, P < 0.001). Radiological signs of delayed gastric conduit emptying were shown to be associated with increased risk of postoperative complications. There was, however, no association with severe postoperative complications according to Clavien-Dindo score, pulmonary complications, anastomotic leak or need for intensive care.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study demonstrate that postoperative upper gastrointestinal contrast studies can be used to assess the level of emptying of the gastric conduit after esophagectomy. Application of upper gastrointestinal contrast study in the ERAS guidelines-driven standardized clinical pathway after esophagectomy has the potential to improve postoperative outcomes.

Cell-specific switch for epileptiform activity: critical role of interneurons in the mouse subicular network

During epileptic seizures, neuronal network activity is hyper synchronized whereby GABAergic parvalbumin-interneurons may have a key role. Previous studies have mostly utilized 4-aminopyridine to induce epileptiform discharges in brain slices from healthy animals. However, it is not clear if the seizure-triggering ability of parvalbumin-interneurons also holds true without the use of external convulsive agents. Here, we investigate whether synchronized activation of parvalbumin-interneurons or principal cells can elicit epileptiform discharges in subiculum slices of epileptic mice. We found that selective synchronized activation of parvalbumin-interneurons or principal cells with optogenetics do not result in light-induced epileptiform discharges (LIEDs) neither in epileptic nor in normal brain slices. Adding 4-aminopyridine to slices, activation of parvalbumin-interneurons still failed to trigger LIEDs. In contrast, such activation of principal neurons readily generated LIEDs with features resembling afterdischarges. When GABAA receptor blocker was added to the perfusion medium, the LIEDs were abolished. These results demonstrate that in subiculum, selective synchronized activation of principal excitatory neurons can trigger epileptiform discharges by recruiting a large pool of downstream interneurons. This study also suggests region-specific role of principal neurons and interneurons in ictogenesis, opening towards differential targeting of specific brain areas for future treatment strategies tailored for individual patients with epilepsy.

Feasibility study of computational occupational dosimetry: evaluating a proof-of-concept in an endovascular and interventional cardiology setting

Individual monitoring of radiation workers is essential to ensure compliance with legal dose limits and to ensure that doses are As Low As Reasonably Achievable. However, large uncertainties still exist in personal dosimetry and there are issues with compliance and incorrect wearing of dosimeters. The objective of the PODIUM (Personal Online Dosimetry Using Computational Methods) project was to improve personal dosimetry by an innovative approach: the development of an online dosimetry application based on computer simulations without the use of physical dosimeters. Occupational doses were calculated based on the use of camera tracking devices, flexible individualised phantoms and data from the radiation source. When combined with fast Monte Carlo simulation codes, the aim was to perform personal dosimetry in real-time. A key component of the PODIUM project was to assess and validate the methodology in interventional radiology workplaces where improvements in dosimetry are needed. This paper describes the feasibility of implementing the PODIUM approach in a clinical setting. Validation was carried out using dosimeters worn by Vascular Surgeons and Interventional Cardiologists during patient procedures at a hospital in Ireland. Our preliminary results from this feasibility study show acceptable differences of the order of 40% between calculated and measured staff doses, in terms of the personal dose equivalent quantity H_p(10), however there is a greater deviation for more complex cases and improvements are needed. The challenges of using the system in busy interventional rooms have informed the future needs and applicability of PODIUM. The availability of an online personal dosimetry application has the potential to overcome problems that arise from the use of current dosimeters. In addition, it should increase awareness of radiation protection among staff. Some limitations remain and a second phase of development would be required to bring the PODIUM method into operation in a hospital setting. However, an early prototype system has been tested in a clinical setting and the results from this two-year proof-of-concept PODIUM project are very promising for future development.

First Measurement of the Z→μ^{+}μ^{-} Angular Coefficients in the Forward Region of pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The first study of the angular distribution of μ^{+}μ^{-} pairs produced in the forward rapidity region via the Drell-Yan reaction pp→γ^{*}/Z+X→ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-}+X is presented, using data collected with the LHCb detector at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.1  fb^{-1}. The coefficients of the five leading terms in the angular distribution are determined as a function of the dimuon transverse momentum and rapidity. The results are compared to various theoretical predictions of the Z-boson production mechanism and can also be used to probe transverse-momentum-dependent parton distributions within the proton.

POS0318 CHRONIC WIDESPREAD PAIN AND MORTALITY - A 25 YEAR FOLLOW UP

Background

Chronic widespread pain (CWP) has been suggested as a risk for mortality in especially cardiovascular diseases and malignancies (1, 2). Most studies are based on the CWP definition that is part of ACR1990 criteria for fibromyalgia (3). The ACR1990 definition has been criticized for being too including, and recently a more stringent definition, the WP2019, has been suggested (4). It is yet to be investigated how the more stringent WP2019 definition compares to the ACR1990 definition regarding excessed mortality and certain causes of death.

Objectives

To study if overall mortality and common causes of death are increased among people with CWP in a 25 year follow up of a cohort from the general population. Additionally, to study if the definition of CWP, according to ACR1990 or WP2019, influences these outcomes.

Methods

A 25-year follow up of the EPIPAIN cohort study that in 1995 included 2425 person from the general population (5). They were at baseline divided into three pain groups: CWP, chronic regional pain (CRP) and no chronic pain (NCP). CWP was defined according to both the ACR1990 (CWPACR1990) and the more stringent WP2019 (CWPWP2019) criteria. Deaths and causes of death were derived from the official national Swedish register. Mortality, adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and smoking habits, was analyzed with Cox regression and presented as Hazard Ratios (HR).

Results

An overall increased mortality was predicted by CWPWP2019 (HR 1.32, p = 0.033), but not by CWPACR1990 (HR 1.08, p = 0.484), compared to NCP. An increased mortality in diseases of the circulatory system was predicted by CWPWP2019 (HR 1.70, p= 0.016), but not by CWPACR1990 (HR 1.35, p=0.128). Neither definition of CWP, CWPWP2019 (HR 1.35, p= 0.176) or CWPACR1990 (HR 1.21, p=0.327) predicted a significantly increased mortality for neoplastic diseases overall.

Conclusion

The WP2019 definition of CWP enhanced the association between CWP and increased mortality, and especially mortality in diseases of the circulatory system. This suggests that the CWPWP2019 definition captures a more vulnerable subset of the population that should be assessed for other cardiovascular risk factors in the clinic.

References

[1]Da Silva JAP, Geenen R, Jacobs JWG. Chronic widespread pain and increased mortality: biopsychosocial interconnections. Ann Rheum Dis. 2018;77(6):790-2.

[2]Macfarlane GJ, Barnish MS, Jones GT. Persons with chronic widespread pain experience excess mortality: longitudinal results from UK Biobank and meta-analysis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017;76(11):1815-22.

[3]Wolfe F, Smythe HA, Yunus MB, Bennett RM, Bombardier C, Goldenberg DL, et al. The American College of Rheumatology 1990 Criteria for the Classification of Fibromyalgia. Report of the Multicenter Criteria Committee. Arthritis Rheum. 1990;33(2):160-72.

[4]Wolfe F, Butler SH, Fitzcharles M, Häuser W, Katz RL, Mease PJ, et al. Revised chronic widespread pain criteria: development from and integration with fibromyalgia criteria. Scand J Pain. 2019;20(1):77-86.

[5]Bergman S, Herrström P, Jacobsson LT, Petersson IF. Chronic widespread pain: a three year of pain distribution and risk factors. J Rheumatol. 2002;29(4):818-25.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB1074 FATAL BUT PREVENTABLE - SINGLE CENTRE SERIES OF 6 CASES OF PNEUMOCYSTIS JIROVECII PNEUMONIA (PJP) IN PATIENTS WITH AUTO-IMMUNE INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATIC DISEASE (AIIRD) IN ONE YEAR

Background

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is an uncommon but frequently fatal fungal infection, which can affect patients with rheumatic diseases treated with immunosuppressants or high doses of steroids. There are no clear guidelines on when to prescribe primary prophylaxis and available agreements differ depending on the disease or immunosuppressant.

Objectives

To raise awareness about this preventable infection and to highlight the urgent need to create a tailored probability scoring, before starting any immunosuppression so that the risk benefit of prophylaxis can be objectively assessed.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of six patients who developed definite or probable PJP known to the Rheumatology Department at Oxford University Hospitals NHS FT since the beginning of 2021. These patients were identified through the microbiology and infectious disease teams, and notes were reviewed to collate data regarding the clinical characteristics. Of these, five were being treated for large vessels vasculitis (LVV) whilst the other one had seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The diagnosis of PJP was made on clinical picture, laboratory results, bronchoscopy and CT findings.

Results

In this series, the median age was 78 years (range 55-93) with equal gender distribution. In three LVV patients, the diagnosis was confirmed on ultrasound, one had a positive PET-CT whilst the other case had a high probability clinical diagnosis. Comorbidities included chronic kidney disease and hypertension in three patients, diabetes, or previous underlying malignancy in other two. Smoking history was present in four patients, while five patients had lymphopenia with counts <1x10^9/L. Four of the six cases were on combined therapy with disease modifying anti-rheumatic therapy drugs (DMARDs) and prednisolone, only one was exclusively on prednisolone and the patient with RA was on Methotrexate and Humira.

The chronology of the infection was variable, still most of the patients developed PJP infection during the first three months of starting either a biologic or corticosteroids. The median steroids dose by the time of PJP infection was 30 mg and unfortunately three of the patients died. None of the patients who developed PJP had been given antibiotic prophylaxis prior to infection.

Some proposed scoring systems for serious infection risk in patients with AIIRD exist, however they focused on RA or biologics use rather than patients with vasculitis or connective tissue disorders who might be on high dose corticosteroids. Additionally, PJP prophylaxis is not recommended in any of the current guidelines for LVV management (BSR, EULAR, ACR). Cochrane review suggests reduction of risk by 85% in patients given prophylaxis.

Conclusion

Pneumocystis Jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) prophylaxis is not current practice for patients with large vessel vasculitis. Consideration needs to be given to PJP prophylaxis for patients on high dose steroids for a prolonged period, particularly in the presence of other risk factors. More data will be needed to help establish guidelines on PJP primary prophylaxis.

References

[1]Park JW, Curtis JR, Moon J, Song YW, et al. Prophylactic effect of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for pneumocystis pneumonia in patients with rheumatic diseases exposed to prolonged high-dose glucocorticoids. Ann Rheum Dis. 2018 May;77(5):644-649.

[2]Stern A, Green H, Paul M, Vidal L, Leibovici L. Prophylaxis for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in non-HIV immunocompromised patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Oct 1;2014(10)

Table 1.

Baseline characteristics of the cases (*n)

Male gender3Age, year Median78Underlying disease  Large vessels vasculitis5Confirmed on imaging (n)4  Seropositive Rheumatoid arthritis1Smoking4Lymphopenia5Steroid dose ≥ 30 mg by the time of PJP infection4Concomitant DMARDs used4Numbers of deaths3

*n = numbers

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS1527-HPR HEALTH PROMOTION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH KNEE PAIN – DIFFERENT WAYS TO ENABLE AND MAINTAIN A BALANCE IN EVERYDAY LIFE BASED ON THE ABILITIES

Background

Most individuals with knee pain develop radiographic knee osteoarthritis over time [1], and up to 30% develop chronic widespread pain (CWP) [2]. Many studies only focus on physical activity or weight loss when it comes to managing knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and chronic pain. There is a challenge to get more individuals to follow the existing recommendations for KOA, including physical activity and weight loss [3]. However, the interaction between the various physical, mental, and social factors regarding health promotion is complex. More research is needed to understand health-promoting activities applied amongst individuals with knee pain.

Objectives

To explore health-promoting activities in individuals with knee pain.

Methods

The study was a part of the Halland Osteoarthritis cohort (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04928170), including 306 individuals with knee pain without earlier diagnosed KOA, cruciate ligament injury or other rheumatological disorder. A purposeful sample of 22 individuals (13 women, 9 men; median age 52 years) participated in the study. Ten had radiographic KOA, 12 had chronic regional pain, 9 reported CWP, 16 were overweight, and 13 met the WHO recommendations for physical activity with moderate intensity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and followed a pilot-tested interview guide initiated with open-ended questions such as “What do you do to maintain your health?” and “What enables you to keep health?”. The interviewers followed the participants reasoning, and to obtain depth in the data, the participant received follow-up questions such as “Please, can you tell me more about…?”. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was performed by latent qualitative content analysis and revealed an overall theme including two categories and six sub-categories.

Results

Health-promoting activities in individuals with knee pain were interpreted in the overall theme; enabling and maintaining a balance in everyday life based on abilities. Two categories explored the content in health-promoting activities as 1) Using facilitators to take care of the body with the sub-categories: being physically active, having a healthy diet, and using external resources. For example, the participants took care of the body by being physically active to decrease pain, reducing sugar intake and using external resources such as online workouts or help from health care. 2) Managing stressors of everyday life with the sub-categories: promoting vitality, allowing for recovery, and safeguarding healthy relationships. The participants managed stressors of life by, for example, being in nature, planning their work- and private life and spending time with friends and family. See Table 1.

Table 1.

Overview of the results exploring health-promotion activities in individuals with knee pain.

ThemeEnabling and maintaining a balance in everyday life based on abilitiesCategoryUsing facilitators to take care of the bodyManaging stressors of everyday lifeSub-categoriesBeing physically activeHaving a healthy dietUsing external resourcesPromoting vitalityAllows for recoverySafeguarding healthy relationship

Conclusion

Individuals with knee pain described various health-promoting activities, ranging from physical activity to social interactions, included in the theme of enabling and maintaining a balance in everyday life based on abilities. We suggest that a broader approach to everyday life can be helpful in treatment plans and health promotion to manage and prevent KOA and chronic pain while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

References

[1]Thorstensson et al. Natural course of knee osteoarthritis in middle-aged subjects with knee pain…. ARD, 2009;68:1890-1893.

[2]Bergman et al. Chronic widespread pain and its associations with quality of life and function at a 20-year follow-up…. BMC Musculoskel, 2019;20:592

[3]Fernandes et al. EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological core management of hip and knee osteoarthritis. ARD, 2013;72:1128

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0562 AUTOANTIBODIES TO JOINT PROTEINS AS NOVEL BIOMARKERS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF UNTREATED EARLY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

Autoantibodies to citrullinated protein (ACPA; measured as anti-CCP; aCCP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) appear years before clinical onset of RA and are essential tools in today’s classification criteria for RA. In animal models, antibodies to joint specific proteins (JP) can induce arthritis, and they are also present at onset of RA [1]. As there is a need for increased precision for early diagnosis of RA as well as identification of different subtypes of the disease, we aim to assess whether autoantibodies to native or modified JP can be used for early and precise diagnosis of RA.

Objectives

To study whether antibodies to JP, alone or in combination with ACPA/RF, could increase the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in untreated early (ue)RA patients.

Methods

Antibodies to JP were analysed in serum from patients in three independent ueRA cohorts as well as from population controls without rheumatic diseases (WINGA, Gothenburg and MFM-ÅUS, Malmö n=1062). ERAp (n=66), the smallest and most recent cohort was chosen for screening, and BARFOT and TIRA-2 (n=1939) for validation. We have developed a bead-based multianalyte flow immunoassay [2] and screened approx. 350 peptides derived from JPs of interest. We included monoclonal antibodies as assay calibrators and determined limit of detection (LoD). To assess positivity for autoantibodies to JP of interest above LoD, we used 5MAD (median absolute deviation) of the control populations as the cut-off.

Results

In the ERAp cohort, 5 autoantibodies discriminated RA patients from controls with 81% sensitivity and 100% specificity (Table 1). The same autoantibodies had 68% sensitivity and 98% specificity in the combined BARFOT and TIRA-2 cohorts. Together with RF and aCCP, only 2 of the 5 autoantibodies added statistically significant diagnostic value, increasing the sensitivity from 48% to 61% with 99% specificity. In aCCP- and RF-negative ueRA patients (n=536), the novel biomarkers identified 22.5% of the patients with 99% specificity compared to controls.

Table 1.

Diagnostic capacity of the joint-specific antibodies

Test panelPerformanceGroup of patientsaCCP+RF+JP+SensitivitySpecificityAUC(ROC)ERApAll patients (n=66)--X81%100%89%RF and aCCP-neg patients (n=7)1------BARFOT and TIRA-2, combined dataAll patients (N=1939)--X68%98%86%All patients (N=1939)X--58%99%78%All patients (N=1939)2XX-48%100%84%All patients (N=1939)2, 3XXX61%99%86%RF and/or aCCP-pos patients (N=1403)--X84%99%93%RF and aCCP-neg patients (N=536)--X22%99%67%RA, literature valuesAnti-CCP testXN/AN/A53–71%95–96%N/A

1Not analysed due to lack of power

2This patient population is both aCCP+ and RF+

3Only 2 of the 5 autoantibodies added statistically significant to the diagnostic value

AUC, Area under the curve; ROC, receiver operating characteristic curve; N/A, not applicable. Controls without rheumatic diseases: N=935 for BARFOT / TIRA-2 and N=27 for ERAp.

Conclusion

Autoantibodies to JP discriminate ueRA patients better then aCCP and RF alone and add an increased diagnostic value in particular for seronegative patients.

References

[1]Holmdahl, R., V. Malmstrom, and H. Burkhardt, Autoimmune priming, tissue attack and chronic inflammation - the three stages of rheumatoid arthritis. Eur J Immunol, 2014. 44(6): p. 1593-9.

[2]Viljanen, J., et al., Synthesis of an Array of Triple-Helical Peptides from Type II Collagen for Multiplex Analysis of Autoantibodies in Rheumatoid Arthritis. ACS Chem Biol, 2020. 15(9): p. 2605-2615. Correction: ACS Chem Biol, 2020. 15(11): p. 3072

Acknowledgements

BARFOT study group.

Disclosure of Interests

Erik Lönnblom: None declared, Monica Leu Agelii: None declared, Outi Sareila Employee of: Part time employee in Vacara AB, Ingiäld Hafström: None declared, Maria Andersson: None declared, Lei Cheng: None declared, Göran Bergström: None declared, Anna-Karin H Ekwall: None declared, Anna Rudin: None declared, Alf Kastbom: None declared, Christopher Sjowall: None declared, Bingze Xu: None declared, Lennart T.H. Jacobsson: None declared, Johan Viljanen: None declared, Jan Kihlberg: None declared, Inger Gjertsson: None declared, Rikard Holmdahl Shareholder of: Rikard Holmdahl the founder of Vacara AB.

AB1117 THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH KNEE PAIN, A HALLOA STUDY

Background

Covid-19 has affected everyday life, health and lifestyle among the general population and vulnerable groups. Individuals with knee pain are recommended an active lifestyle to reveal pain but find it difficult to maintain health and lifestyle compared to the general population due to the cause of chronic pain, impaired physical function and a diminishes quality of life. This adds to the importance of exploring how to preserve health and lifestyle among individuals with knee pain during the pandemic.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the health and lifestyle in individuals with knee pain.

Methods

Nineteen participants with current knee pain, and with no earlier diagnosed radiographic osteoarthritis, and no rheumatologic disorder or cruciate ligament injury, were recruited from The Halland Osteoarthritis (HALLOA) Cohort Study, twelve female and seven males, between 41-62 (median 51) years of age. Data were collected through individual interviews with open-ended questions: “What impact have you experienced with your health and lifestyle during covid-19?”, and “What activities or strategies have you changed to maintain your health and lifestyle during covid-19? ”. Qualitative content analysis was used, where two categories and five sub-categories emerged (Table 1).

Table 1.

Categories, and sub-categories exploring the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on health and lifestyle in individuals with knee pain

CategoriesSub-categoriesAdjusting behaviours due to covid-19Spending time at homeBecoming digitallySpending time outdoorsValuing life due to covid-19Having a positive outlook on lifeSharing responsibility

Results

The result from this study explored how behaviour and attitude towards valuing life have been adjusted to maintain health and lifestyle among individuals with knee pain during covid-19. The category adjusted behaviours emerged with the sub-categories: spending more time at home, becoming digitally, and spending more time outdoors. These sub-categories determine how a more reclusive behaviour have appeared due to the pandemic, where digital platforms and outdoor activities have facilitated companionship and togetherness when feelings of loneliness and isolation were present. The category valuing life emerged with the sub-categories: having a positive outlook of life and sharing responsibility. These sub-categories establish the importance of trying to be grateful for maintaining health and lifestyle and trying to be solution-oriented to find the best possible outcomes to continue with everyday life, despite the pandemic. While having a responsibility towards others arose as a facility to manage to keep social distance during the pandemic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the behaviour was adjusted to continue with everyday life and maintain health and lifestyle among individuals with knee pain during covid-19. Valuing life was also considered important to maintain health and lifestyle as well as supporting others maintain their health and lifestyle. The result may in the future contribute to alternative ways of maintaining health and lifestyle in different vulnerable groups and may be used in situations other than the pandemic.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0175 ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN CHRONIC WIDESPREAD PAIN, PRESSURE PAIN THRESHOLDS AND LEPTIN IN INDIVIDUALS WITH KNEE PAIN

Background

Previous studies have reported associations between obesity, chronic pain and increased pain sensitivity. The adipokine leptin has been suggested to be involved in the osteoarthritis process as well as in pain sensitisation.

Objectives

The aim was to study associations between chronic widespread pain, pain sensitivity and leptin in individuals with knee pain.

Methods

In all, 306 individuals with knee pain were included in the Halland osteoarthritis cohort, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04928170. Of those, 265 were included in this cross-sectional baseline study. The mean age (sd) was 51.6 (8.8) years, and 71% was women. The participants marked their painful areas on a pain figure with 18 predefined areas. They were categorised in three different pain groups according to the modified WP2019 definition (1), with knees excluded (due to highest goodness of fit): Chronic widespread pain (CWP), chronic regional pain (ChRP) if CWP was not met, and no chronic pain (NCP). The group with CWP were compared with those reporting no CWP (ChRP and NCP). The pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were measured using a computerised pressure algometry (AlgoMed, Medoc) on eight predefined tender points (trapezius (bilateral), right second rib, right lateral epicondyle, knees, gluteal (bilateral)) (2). Increased pain sensitivity was defined as having PPT in the lowest third in all tender points. Obesity was measured via waistline measurement and a bioimpedance (InBody 770) measuring BMI and visceral fat area (VFA). Serum-Leptin were analysed with an ELISA method (Alpco). Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was used to describe the groups.

Results

In this baseline study, 16% reported CWP, and 15% had low pain pressure thresholds at baseline in the study. Those fulfilling CWP were more often women, had higher BMI, VFA, and increased leptin levels and worse KOOS in four of five subscores, see Table 1A. The age and gender-adjusted leptin levels were 21.6 ng/ml (95% CI 18.2-25.0) in the group with no CWP vs. 35.5 ng/ml (95% CI 27.6-43.4) in the CWP group, p=0.002. In a logistic regression adjusting for age and gender, leptin was associated with reporting CWP OR 1.015 (95% CI 1.004-1.027, p= 0.008).

Table 1.

A Comparisons between those without CWP and those fulfilling CWP and table 1B comparisons between those not having low PPT and those with low PPT.

ABNo CWPMean (sd)CWPMean (sd)p-valueNot Low PPTMean (sd)Low PPTMean (sd)p-valuen2104022639Age51.8 (8.7)52.8 (7.6)0.46552.1 (8.5)48.8 (9.9)0.030Gender, female n(%)67900.00472670.524BMI (kg/m2)26.2 (4.6)28.0 (5.0)0.02226.4 (4.9)27.5 (4.3)0.213VFA (cm2)107 (50)137 (56)0.001110 (54)127 (49)0.088Leptin (ng/ml)21.0 (23.9)39.0 (36.6)<0.00123.0 (26.0)31.8 (31.6)0.061CRP (mg/L)1.9 (2.7)2.2 (2.3)0.6022.0 (2.7)1.9 (1.8)0.825KOOSPain (0-100, worst to best)74 (15)61 (17)<0.00173 (15)65 (18)0.002Symptom (0-100, worst to best)72 (17)64 (18)0.01671 (17)67 (19)0.188ADL (0-100, worst to best)84 (13)69 (19)<0.00184 (14)72 (21)<0.001Sport/rec (0-100, worst to best)49 (26)34 (27)0.00149 (26)36 (25)0.009QoL (0-100, worst to best)53 (18)46 (20)0.05053 (18)45 (21)0.017

BMI, body mass index; VFA, visceral fat area; CRP, C-reactive protein; KOOS, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score; ADL; function in daily living; sport/Rec, Function in sport and recreation; QOL, knee-related Quality of life

The participants with low PPT were younger and had a mean (sd) leptin 31.8 ng/ml (31.6) vs 23.0 (26.0), p=0.061 in the group not having low PPT, Table 1B. In a logistic regression adjusting for age and gender, leptin was associated with low PPT OR 1.016 (95% CI 1.004-1.029, p= 0.012).

Conclusion

The pathophysiological mechanism causing widespread pain is probably multifactorial, involving both biological and physical factors. The adipokine leptin could be involved in some of these mechanisms, but longitudinal studies are needed to be able to study causal relationships.

References

[1]Wolfe F, et al. Scand J Pain. 2019;20:77-86.

[2]Wolfe F, et al. Arthritis and rheumatism. 1990;33:160-72.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Observation of the Decay Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ}

The first observation of the semileptonic b-baryon decay Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ}, with a significance of 6.1σ, is reported using a data sample corresponding to 3  fb^{-1} of integrated luminosity, collected by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV at the LHC. The τ^{-} lepton is reconstructed in the hadronic decay to three charged pions. The ratio K=B(Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}π^{-}π^{+}π^{-}) is measured to be 2.46±0.27±0.40, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The branching fraction B(Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})=(1.50±0.16±0.25±0.23)% is obtained, where the third uncertainty is from the external branching fraction of the normalization channel Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}π^{-}π^{+}π^{-}. The ratio of semileptonic branching fractions R(Λ_{c}^{+})≡B(Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}) is derived to be 0.242±0.026±0.040±0.059, where the external branching fraction uncertainty from the channel Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ_{c}^{+}μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ} contributes to the last term. This result is in agreement with the standard model prediction.

Adjuvant abemaciclib combined with endocrine therapy for high-risk early breast cancer: updated efficacy and Ki-67 analysis from the monarchE study

BACKGROUND

Adjuvant abemaciclib combined with endocrine therapy (ET) previously demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement in invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) and distant relapse-free survival (DRFS) in hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, node-positive, high-risk early breast cancer at the second interim analysis, however follow-up was limited. Here, we present results of the prespecified primary outcome analysis and an additional follow-up analysis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This global, phase III, open-label trial randomized (1 : 1) 5637 patients to adjuvant ET for ≥5 years ± abemaciclib for 2 years. Cohort 1 enrolled patients with ≥4 positive axillary lymph nodes (ALNs), or 1-3 positive ALNs and either grade 3 disease or tumor ≥5 cm. Cohort 2 enrolled patients with 1-3 positive ALNs and centrally determined high Ki-67 index (≥20%). The primary endpoint was IDFS in the intent-to-treat population (cohorts 1 and 2). Secondary endpoints were IDFS in patients with high Ki-67, DRFS, overall survival, and safety.

RESULTS

At the primary outcome analysis, with 19 months median follow-up time, abemaciclib + ET resulted in a 29% reduction in the risk of developing an IDFS event [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-0.87; nominal P = 0.0009]. At the additional follow-up analysis, with 27 months median follow-up and 90% of patients off treatment, IDFS (HR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.59-0.82; nominal P < 0.0001) and DRFS (HR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.57-0.83; nominal P < 0.0001) benefit was maintained. The absolute improvements in 3-year IDFS and DRFS rates were 5.4% and 4.2%, respectively. Whereas Ki-67 index was prognostic, abemaciclib benefit was consistent regardless of Ki-67 index. Safety data were consistent with the known abemaciclib risk profile.

CONCLUSION

Abemaciclib + ET significantly improved IDFS in patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, node-positive, high-risk early breast cancer, with an acceptable safety profile. Ki-67 index was prognostic, but abemaciclib benefit was observed regardless of Ki-67 index. Overall, the robust treatment benefit of abemaciclib extended beyond the 2-year treatment period.

PERSONAL DOSIMETRY USING MONTE-CARLO SIMULATIONS FOR OCCUPATIONAL DOSE MONITORING IN INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY: THE RESULTS OF A PROOF OF CONCEPT IN A CLINICAL SETTING

Exposure levels to staff in interventional radiology (IR) may be significant and appropriate assessment of radiation doses is needed. Issues regarding measurements using physical dosemeters in the clinical environment still exist. The objective of this work was to explore the prerequisites for assessing staff radiation dose, based on simulations only. Personal dose equivalent, Hp(10), was assessed using simulations based on Monte Carlo methods. The position of the operator was defined using a 3D motion tracking system. X-ray system exposure parameters were extracted from the x-ray equipment. The methodology was investigated and the simulations compared to measurements during IR procedures. The results indicate that the differences between simulated and measured staff radiation doses, in terms of the personal dose equivalent quantity Hp(10), are in the order of 30-70 %. The results are promising but some issues remain to be solved, e.g. an automated tracking of movable parts such as the ceiling-mounted protection shield.

IDAC-ALPHA: AN ALPHA DOSIMETRY SOFTWARE FOR NORMAL ORGANS AND TISSUES

Radiopharmaceuticals have been used for the treatment of various forms of cancer since the 1940s. In recent years, the advantages of alpha emitting radionuclides have emerged as a favourable treatment option. However, most alpha emitting radionuclides have long decay chains with long-lived daughter radionuclides. This leads to uncertainties in the dosimetry for normal organs and tissues, when established dosimetry models are employed. The aim of this project is to assign each progeny its own biokinetic behaviour. The novel dosimetry model was applied to 223Ra-dichloride, frequently used for the treatment of patients with metastatic bone disease from castration-resistant prostate cancer. In this dosimetry model, individual biokinetics for each daughter radionuclide was included. This resulted in a decrease in absorbed dose to bone surfaces and red marrow and increased absorbed dose to liver and kidney, when compared with dosimetry models assuming that the daughter nuclides follow the biokinetics of the parent radionuclide.

POS1423 LIFESTYLE HABITS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS – A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON TWO SCANDINAVIAN COHORTS

Background:

In people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), modifiable lifestyle factors such as smoking, being overweight/obese, alcohol overuse and physical inactivity may not only affect treatment response and quality of life, but can also increase the risk for cardio-vascular diseases and other comorbidities (1,2). Evidence and EULAR guidelines (3) support lifestyle changes in patients with RA. If a patient need to change several habits, the challenge may seem overwhelming and substantial support will be needed. There is little information concerning the prevalence of a combined number of unhealthy lifestyle (UL) factors in people with RA.

Objectives:

I) To study the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle factors in two Scandinavian RA cohorts. II) To study the association between disease impact and two or more unhealthy lifestyle factors.

Methods:

Patients diagnosed with RA who participated in a cardiovascular screening consultation at a specialist clinic during 2016-2018 and responded to four lifestyle questions, constituted the Danish cohort (data retrieved from the national registry DANBIO). Patients with RA belonging to the BARFOT cohort, and who in a 2017 survey responded to four lifestyle questions, constituted the Swedish cohort. Lifestyle information was dichotomized as present tobacco use or not, BMI <25 kg/m2 vs. ≥25 kg/m2, alcohol overuse or not, and health enhancing physical activity (≥ 150 minutes/week) or less. The combined number of UL factors (0, 1, 2, 3, 4) were calculated. Crude logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between disease impact and two or more UL factors (controlled for age, gender and disease duration). Independent factors (disease impact) were pain (NRS 0-10, best to worst), fatigue (NRS 0-10, best to worst), function (HAQ, 0-3, best to worst) and quality of life (EQ-5D-3L 0-1, worst to best).

Results:

The 566 included Danish patients had a mean age of 61.82 (SD 11.13) years, a disease duration of mean 12.40 (SD 10.95) years, and 72% were women. The 995 Swedish patients had a mean age of 66.38 (SD 12.90) years, a disease duration of mean 15.55 (SD 3.85) years, and 72% were women. 95% of the Danish patients and 82% of the Swedish patients reported at least one UL factor, while 66% and 47% respectively reported two or more (Figure 1). The most common ones were overweight/obesity and physical inactivity in both cohorts. Male gender OR 1.86 95% CI [1.21-2.85] and shorter disease duration OR 0.97 95% CI [0.95-0.99] were associated with two or more UL factors in the Danish cohort. In the Swedish cohort, male gender OR 1.42 95% CI [1.07 – 1.89], worse pain OR 1.10 95% CI [1.04 – 1.15], fatigue OR 1.09 95% CI [1.04 – 1.15], function OR 1.64 95% CI [1.28 – 2.10], and worse quality of life OR 0.35 95% CI [0.20 – 0.60] were associated with two or more UL factors.

Conclusion:

Every other patient with RA had two or more UL factors in both the Danish and Swedish cohort, and more often they were men. The combined number of UL factors was not necessarily associated with disease impact. The findings are important for health professionals working with lifestyle interventions in patients with RA.

Figure 1.

The combined number of unhealthy lifestyle (UL) factors in two Scandinavian RA cohorts.

References:

[1]Smolen JS, Landewé RBM, Bijlsma JWJ, Burmester GR, Dougados M, Kerschbaumer A, et al. EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: 2019 update. Ann Rheum Dis. 2020;79(6):685-99.

[2]Lindhardsen J, Ahlehoff O, Gislason GH, Madsen OR, Olesen JB, Torp-Pedersen C, et al. The risk of myocardial infarction in rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus: a Danish nationwide cohort study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2011;70(6):929-34.

[3]Agca R, Heslinga SC, Rollefstad S, Heslinga M, McInnes IB, Peters MJ, et al. EULAR recommendations for cardiovascular disease risk management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory joint disorders: 2015/2016 update. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017;76(1):17-28.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

OP0322-HPR EMPOWERMENT AND ASSOCIATIONS TO DISEASE ACTIVITY AND PAIN IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

The WHO describes empowerment as a process in which patients can take control and make informed decisions about their life and health. Empowerment is important for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since most of the care is provided by the patients themselves.

Objectives:

The aim was to study levels of empowerment and associated variables in individuals with RA and to investigate longitudinal clinical data in patients with low and high empowerment.

Methods:

This study involved patients with RA from the BARFOT (Better Anti-Rheumatic PharmacOTherapy) cohort, who were recruited between 1992 and 2006 and included in the study at the time for diagnosis (n = 2,837) [1]. The patients were assessed according to a structured protocol at inclusion and after 3, 6, 12, 24, 60, 96, and 180 months. At each follow-up DAS28-3, HAQ and pain were assessed. In 2017, a postal survey was sent to all still living patients (n=1542), with a response rate of 69% (n = 1,065). The questionnaire included disease characteristics, questions about lifestyle habits and the Swedish Rheumatic Disease Empowerment Scale (SWE-RES-23) [2]. The 844 patients who answered the SWE-RES-23 made up the study cohort. Differences in empowerment between groups (lowest third [LE], SWE-RES-23 ≤3.48 vs. highest third [HE], SWE-RES-23 ≥4.04) were analysed with t-tests. Logistic regression analysis was used to study associations with LE vs. all others. Thirdly, differences between LE and HE were studied with longitudinal data (seven time points) of pain, HAQ and disease activity.

Results:

Responders were mean 65 (SD13) years old, disease duration 15.6 (3.9) years, and 74% were women. The LE group (n=282) were older and were more often women, and reported worse overall health compared with the HE group (n=270), Table 1.

Table 1.

Descriptives at questionnaire 2017, including all participants and comparisons between highest and lowest third of SWE-RES-23

AllMean (sd)Low SWERES*Mean (sd)High SWERES*Mean (sd)p-valueN844282270Sex, women, %7478690.015Age65 (13)66 (13)63 (12)0.002Disease duration, year15.6 (3.9)15.7 (4.1)15.6 (3.8)0.917TJC28 (0-28)5 (6)6 (8)4 (5)<0.001SJC28 (0-28)3 (5)3 (4)3 (4)0.334PatGA (0-10)3 (2)4 (3)2 (2)<0.001Pain (0-10)3 (2)4 (3)3 (2)<0.001Fatigue (0-10)4 (3)5 (3)3 (3)<0.001HAQ (0-3)0.62 (0.61)0.81 (0.69)0.42 (0.51)<0.001EQ5D (0-1)0.70 (0.25)0.62 (0.29)0.79 (0.19)<0.001SWERES3.8 (0.7)3.1 (0.3)4.6 (0.3)<0.001

*tricotomized data, lowest third vs. highest third

Regarding lifestyle habits, there were no differences between the groups in smoking habits, diets, or drinking habits. Moderate physical activity for ≥150 min/week was reported by 27% in the LE group vs. 41% in the HE group, p<0.001. Vigorous physical activity ≥60 min/week was reported by 22% vs. 37% in the LE and the HE group respectively, p<0.001.

In the logistic regression analysis (n=844), several factors were associated with LE: being a woman (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.00-1.97), pain-related factors as higher tender joint count (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06), worse patient global assessment (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.12-1.27), pain (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.08-1.21), fatigue (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.09-1.21), HAQ (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.64-2.64) and EQ-5D (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.09-0.28). There were also associations between moderate physical activity (<150 min/week) (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.16-2.19) and vigorous (< 60min/week) (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.07-2.10) and LE.

Analysing longitudinal data, the LE group reported worse pain and HAQ at all timepoints, a worse DAS28-3 at year 2 and 8, and a worse ESR at 15 years follow-up compared with the HE group (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

In patients with RA, low empowerment is associated with worse all over health. Interventions aimed to improve empowerment may include mastering of pain, physical function, and improved physical activity.

References:

[1]Hafstrom I et al. Open Access Rheumatol 2019;11:207-17.

[2]Arvidsson S et al. Musculoskeletal Care 2012;10:101-9.

Figure 1.

Panel showing mean DAS28-3 (A), ESR (B), VAS pain (C) and HAQ (D) over 15 years in the different groups.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

Fast Monte Carlo codes for occupational dosimetry in interventional radiology

PURPOSE

Interventional radiology techniques cause radiation exposure both to patient and personnel. The radiation dose to the operator is usually measured with dosimeters located at specific points above or below the lead aprons. The aim of this study is to develop and validate two fast Monte Carlo (MC) codes for radiation transport in order to improve the assessment of individual doses in interventional radiology. The proposed methodology reduces the number of required dosemeters and provides immediate dose results.

METHODS

Two fast MC simulation codes, PENELOPE/penEasyIR and MCGPU-IR, have been developed. Both codes have been validated by comparing fast MC calculations with the multipurpose PENELOPE MC code and with measurements during a realistic interventional procedure.

RESULTS

The new codes were tested with a computation time of about 120 s to estimate operator doses while a standard simulation needs several days to obtain similar uncertainties. When compared with the standard calculation in simple set-ups, MCGPU-IR tends to underestimate doses (up to 5%), while PENELOPE/penEasyIR overestimates them (up to 18%). When comparing both fast MC codes with experimental values in realistic set-ups, differences are within 25%. These differences are within accepted uncertainties in individual monitoring.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the fact that computational dosimetry based on the use of fast MC codes can provide good estimates of the personal dose equivalent and overcome some of the limitations of occupational monitoring in interventional radiology. Notably, MCGPU-IR calculates both organ doses and effective dose, providing a better estimate of radiation risk.

AB0586 PREVALENCE OF EARLY SYMPTOMATIC KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS ACCORDING TO THREE CLINICAL CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA

Background:

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a heterogeneous disease. Different classification criteria for symptomatic KOA (SKOA) have been proposed. Determining the prevalence and comparing the different criteria of SKOA in patients with knee pain will serve as a base when studying the predictive ability of these criteria in a longer perspective.

Objectives:

To study the prevalence of SKOA in individuals with knee pain according to three different classification criteria: the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), (1), the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)(2), and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (3).

Methods:

Baseline data from an ongoing longitudinal study (HALLOA) including 296 individuals with knee pain, recruited by advertisement, were analysed. The individuals were categorized according to the classification criteria of SKOA (ACR, EULAR and NICE) based on age, clinical examination (crepitation), and self-reported data from KOOS (pain, symptoms, ADL, and sport/recreation), and dichotomized as fulfilling the criteria (SKOA) or not (no SKOA). BMI was measured (kg/m2). Radiographic KOA (RKOA) was assessed according to Ahlbäck criteria (1-5), defined as RKOA with grade 1 or more in at least one knee. Prevalence was calculated (frequencies, %) for each criterion, and Chi-Square test or the Independent-Samples t-test were used for comparisons between individuals fulfilling SKOA or not.

Results:

The mean age was 52 (min-max 24-73) years, 70% were women and 22% were classified with RKOA. The prevalence of SKOA according to each criterion was 57% (ACR), 51% (EULAR) and 73% (NICE) respectively. In total, 48% had SKOA according to all three criteria and whereof 32% had RKOA, compared to 10% RKOA among individuals with no SKOA. Regardless of the criterion, significantly more individuals classified with SKOA also had RKOA compared to individuals with no SKOA, p<0.001. Those classified as SKOA were significantly older and had higher BMI compared with no SKOA (Table 1).

Conclusion:

Approximately 50-70% of the individuals with knee pain were classified as having SKOA, where EULAR criteria had the lowest prevalence. A better understanding of early knee pain classification according to different clinical criteria is essential for the ability to capture and follow the long-term prognosis of early SKOA. Further longitudinal studies are needed.

References:

[1]Altman R et al. Arthritis Rheum. 1986;29(8):1039-49.

[2]Zhang W et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2010;69(3):483-9.

[3]Health NIf, Excellence C. UK: National Institute for Clinical Excellence. 2014.

Table 1.

Comparisons between the ACR, EULAR and NICE criteria of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, stratified for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis or not

ACREULARNICETotalOANo OAP-valueOANo OAP-valueOANo OAP-valueN(%)296 (100)170 (57.4)98 (33.1)152 (51.4)114 (38.5)215 (72.6)58 (19.6)Age(Y), Mean (SD)51.6 (8.7)53.3 (7.0)49.0 (10.3)<0.00154.5 (5.1)48.1 (10.8)<0.00154.7 (4.9)40.5 (9.8)<0.001Gender, female (%)208 (70.3)121 (71.2)66 (67.3)0.511108 (58.4)77 (67.5)0.538154 (71.6)36 (62.1)0.160BMI(kg/m2), Mean (SD)26.4 (4.6)26.5 (4.5)25.8 (4.3)0.17926.9 (4.5)25.4 (4.2)0.00526.7 (4.5)24.8 (3.8)0.004RKOA, n (%)64 (21.6) 45 (26.5)12 (12.2)0.00347 (30.9)10 (8.7)<0.00158 (27.0)1 (1.7)<0.001

Independent-samples t-test and Chi-2-test. Bold=Significant correlation (p≤0.05). OA = Osteoarthritis. ACR = American College of Rheumatology. EULAR = the European League Against Rheumatism. NICE = the National Institute of Care and Excellence. BMI = Body Mass Index. RKOA = Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis (Ahlbäck, with grade ≥1 in ≥1 knee).

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

Cost-effectiveness of ticagrelor in patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease with a history of PCI: an economic evaluation of THEMIS-PCI using a Swedish healthcare perpective

Background

The Effect of Ticagrelor on Health Outcomes in diabEtes Mellitus patients Intervention Study (THEMIS) evaluated ticagrelor compared to placebo for the prevention of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and cardiovascular (CV) death in 19 220 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) with no prior myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke. THEMIS-PCI was a pre-specified subgroup of 11 154 patients who had a history of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) when entering the study. In THEMIS, ticagrelor reduced CV death, MI or stroke, although with an increase in major bleeding compared to aspirin alone, and there was a significant interaction between a prior history of PCI and the net benefit of ticagrelor. In the THEMIS-PCI population, ticagrelor plus aspirin provided a favourable net clinical benefit with a significant 15% reduction in all-cause death, MI, stroke, fatal bleed, or intracranial haemorrhage.

Objective

The objective of this analysis was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of ticagrelor for the prevention of CV events based on the results of the THEMIS-PCI population using a lifetime horizon from a Swedish healthcare perspective.

Methods

A lifetime Markov state transition model was developed with health states aligned to the THEMIS trial endpoints. Health state transitions were informed by parametric survival equations fitted to patient level data from THEMIS-PCI population. Treatment discontinuation rates were informed by the THEMIS-PCI population, with all patients assumed to discontinue treatment with ticagrelor after four years. The incidence of bleeding and dyspnoea were modelled as adverse events. Costs (2019 Euros) and utility data were derived from the published literature and the THEMIS-PCI population, respectively, and discounted at 3.0% annually. Probabilistic (PSA) and deterministic sensitivity analysis (DSA) were conducted to quantify uncertainty of key input parameters.

Results

Treatment with ticagrelor plus aspirin over four years resulted in estimated Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gains of 0.09 at an incremental cost of €1,891 compared to aspirin alone. The estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was €19,959/QALY. PSA indicated that ticagrelor was cost-effective in 93% of simulations using a willingness-to-pay threshold of €47,000/QALY and DSA showed that cost-effectiveness was robust to changes in key input parameters (ICER range: €16,504 to €25,012/QALY).

Conclusion

Based on the results of the THEMIS trial, dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor plus aspirin is likely to be a cost-effective treatment compared with aspirin alone for the prevention of CV events in patients with T2DM and CAD with a history of PCI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): AstraZeneca

Deletion of porcine BOLL is associated with defective acrosomes and subfertility in Yorkshire boars

A recessive sperm defect of Yorkshire boars was detected more than a decade ago. Affected boars produce ejaculates that contain spermatozoa with defective acrosomes, resulting in low fertility. The acrosome defect was mapped to porcine chromosome 15 but the causal mutation has not been identified. We re-analyzed microarray-derived genotypes of affected boars and confirmed that the acrosome defect maps to a 12.24 Mb segment of porcine chromosome 15. To detect the mutation causing defective acrosomes, we sequenced the genomes of two affected and three unaffected boars to an average coverage of 11-fold. Read depth analysis revealed a 55 kb deletion that is associated with the acrosome defect. The deletion encompasses the BOLL gene encoding the boule homolog, an RNA binding protein which is an evolutionarily conserved member of the DAZ (Deleted in AZoospermia) gene family. Lack of BOLL expression causes spermatogenic arrest and sperm maturation failure in many species. Boars that carry the deletion in the homozygous state produce sperm but their acrosomes are defective, suggesting that lack of porcine BOLL compromises acrosome formation. Our findings warrant further research to investigate the role of BOLL during spermatogenesis and sperm maturation in pigs.

A European multicentre evaluation of detection and typing methods for human enteroviruses and parechoviruses using RNA transcripts

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection has become the gold standard for diagnosis and typing of enterovirus (EV) and human parechovirus (HPeV) infections. Its effectiveness depends critically on using the appropriate sample types and high assay sensitivity as viral loads in cerebrospinal fluid samples from meningitis and sepsis clinical presentation can be extremely low. This study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of currently used commercial and in-house diagnostic and typing assays. Accurately quantified RNA transcript controls were distributed to 27 diagnostic and 12 reference laboratories in 17 European countries for blinded testing. Transcripts represented the four human EV species (EV-A71, echovirus 30, coxsackie A virus 21, and EV-D68), HPeV3, and specificity controls. Reported results from 48 in-house and 15 commercial assays showed 98% detection frequencies of high copy (1000 RNA copies/5 µL) transcripts. In-house assays showed significantly greater detection frequencies of the low copy (10 copies/5 µL) EV and HPeV transcripts (81% and 86%, respectively) compared with commercial assays (56%, 50%; P = 7 × 10-5 ). EV-specific PCRs showed low cross-reactivity with human rhinovirus C (3 of 42 tests) and infrequent positivity in the negative control (2 of 63 tests). Most or all high copy EV and HPeV controls were successfully typed (88%, 100%) by reference laboratories, but showed reduced effectiveness for low copy controls (41%, 67%). Stabilized RNA transcripts provide an effective, logistically simple and inexpensive reagent for evaluation of diagnostic assay performance. The study provides reassurance of the performance of the many in-house assay formats used across Europe. However, it identified often substantially reduced sensitivities of commercial assays often used as point-of-care tests.

Silica dust and sarcoidosis in Swedish construction workers

Background

The aetiology of sarcoidosis is not well established. In previous studies, smoking has been negatively associated with sarcoidosis and there are some indications of an association between exposure to silica dust and sarcoidosis.

Aims

To study the risk of sarcoidosis in relation to silica dust exposure.

Methods

A longitudinal cohort of construction workers linked with a registry of Swedish inpatient diagnoses. Workers were designated as exposed or unexposed to silica based on job titles in a job–exposure matrix. The relative risk (RR) was analysed with Poisson regression adjusting for age and smoking.

Results

We identified 371 cases of sarcoidosis among 297 917 male workers. There was an increased risk of sarcoidosis in the medium- to high-exposure group [RR 1.83 (95% confidence interval {CI} 1.14–2.95)]. A stratified analysis according to smoking showed that ever-smoking workers had an increased risk of sarcoidosis if highly exposed to silica dust [RR 2.44 (95% CI 1.37–4.33)] compared to non-exposed ever-smokers. The risk of non-smokers highly exposed to silica was not significantly increased [RR 1.07 (95% CI 0.72–1.58)] compared to non-exposed non-smokers.

Conclusion

The study indicates an increased risk of developing sarcoidosis in ever-smoking men exposed to silica.

Unacceptable pain in the BARFOT inception cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a long-term study

Objectives: Pain is the most common and troublesome complaint in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to assess the prevalence and clinical implications of unacceptable pain in an inception cohort of patients with RA. Method: This study followed 477 patients from the BARFOT (Better Anti-Rheumatic FarmacOTherapy) early RA cohort for 15 years. Unacceptable pain was defined as ≥ 40 mm on a visual analogue scale for pain, while tolerable pain denoted no pain or pain below this cut-off, according to the patient acceptable symptom state concept. Results: Unacceptable pain was frequent. At the 15 year follow-up visit, 34% had unacceptable pain. Patients with unacceptable pain had, compared with patients with tolerable pain, significantly more disease activity, worse patient global assessment, and worse function on the Health Assessment Questionnaire and Signals of Functional Impairment, but the degree of joint destruction was similar. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug treatment was similar, but patients with unacceptable pain were more often treated with corticosteroids. At 15 years, patients with unacceptable pain who were in remission (33%) had less inflammation and better function than those not in remission, suggesting the presence of non-inflammatory causes of pain. Conclusions: In this cohort of patients with RA, pain was frequent and severe, with negative effects on experienced health and function. Unacceptable pain was frequent and occurred also in patients in remission, indicating that pain in RA is multifactorial and should always be regarded as an important concern in itself. The cause of pain should be recognized and treated appropriately.