Protocol for a pilot, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of prophylactic use of tranexamic acid for preventing postpartum haemorrhage (TAPPH-1)

INTRODUCTION

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the availability of multiple uterotonic agents, the incidence of PPH continues to rise. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to be a safe, effective and inexpensive therapeutic option for the treatment of PPH, however, its use prophylactically in mitigating the risk of PPH is unknown. This pragmatic randomised prospective trial assesses the feasibility and safety of administering TXA at the time of delivery for the prevention of PPH.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A pilot pragmatic randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled trial will be performed. 58 singleton parturients at term >32 weeks, undergoing either spontaneous vaginal delivery, or caesarean section will be randomised to receive 1 g of TXA or placebo (0.9% saline) intravenously. The primary outcome assessed will be the feasibility of administrating TXA, along with collecting data regarding safety of drug administration. The groups will also be analysed on efficacy of mitigating the onset of PPH and clinically relevant variables. Demographic, feasibility, safety and clinical endpoints will be summarised and the appropriate measures of central tendency and dispersion will be presented.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This protocol was approved by the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Research Ethics Board (number: 418-2016). The results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and at scientific meetings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03069859; Pre-results.

NITROXYNIL UNCOUPLES OXIDATIVE PHOSPHORYLATION IN THE CELL MITOCHONDRIA AND A DRUG WHEREVER INJECTABLES ARE PREFERRED OVER DRENCHES

In the absence of effective vaccines and because of practical limitations in management options to control the snail intermediate hosts, the control of liver fluke infection and disease in livestock relies heavily on the use of flukicidal anthelmintics. Nitroxynil is a nitrate derivative from benzene compounds and presents a flukicide effect and is commonly used as the one with best spectrum from all the nitrate derivative trematocides. The drug is in fact, a low spectrum anthelmintic effective against fascioliasis, an important parasitic disease caused by flukes like Fasciola hepatica, Fasciola gigantica, affecting significantly the ruminant production by means of reducing the growth, conversion rate, milk production, quality and quantity of meat and reproduction. Nitroxynil also does hold efficacy against few roundworms mainly blood-sucking species as well as certain myiasis. It is not effective against most of the tape worms or external parasites. It is chemically constitute of yellow benzene crystals, slightly soluble in water and soluble in organic solvents, almost odorless and is characterized for being a stable solution, but it precipitates in presence of calcium and other salts. It is marketed as bright orange-red injectable solution due that by this route is six times more efficient than by oral route. Nitroxynil is a safe drug and it can be used at any stage of pregnancy. It does not affect fertility, gestation or fetus formation and in no way impede the reproductive performance of stallions. It’s presented as two salts, nitroxynil megaglumine and nitroxynil eglumine. The nitroxynil in salt is hydrosoluble having neutral pH and is exclusively administered to animals by subcutaneous route. The flukicide resistance phenomenon is already present in many countries in the same way that resistance against other anthelmintic drugs is spreading around worldwide. Because of the absence of new drugs against fluke infections, it is necessary to prove and compare the efficacy of the anthelmintics to prevent resistance development. In view of that we endeavored elucidating the latest progress of one such widely used flukicide nitroxynil.

Abstract 3800: Analysis of circulating tumor exosomes: their ability to serve as a biomarker for recurrence in lung cancer

Objectives: Exosomes (Exos) are 30-150 nm wide nanovesicles originating from the endosomal network and are found in most body fluids. Production of Exos increases in cancer, making Exos potential biomarkers. Exos are a fundamental driver of intercellular communication by transferring proteins, lipids and miRNA. Analysis of Exos and their interaction with the microenvironment may uncover cellular pathways involved with disease progression. We hypothesized that Exos may serve as a liquid biopsy for tumor recurrence.

Materials and Methods: Six lung cancer patients (LCPs) were prospectively enrolled on an IRB approved study. Exos were precipitated and purified with a Norgen kit from 0.7 ml of blood samples collected prior to, during and 6 months after radiation therapy (RT). Exos numbers were quantified by Exocet Exosome Quantitation Kit (System Biosciences). Total exosomal RNA was isolated by the Norgen RNA/DNA/Protein Purification kit. For the miRNAs expression profiling we used the miRCURY LNA™ Universal RT microRNA PCR assay (Exiqon) and ExiLENT SYBR® Green Maser Mix (Exiqon). Expressions of 10 different miRNAs (let-7a-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-30b-5p, miR-106a-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-200b-5p, miR-203a, miR-208a) for all samples were determined. Human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5s) in serum-free medium for 24 hrs were treated with Exos, TGF-β (positive control) or PBS (negative control) to determine their relative effects on MRC-5 proliferation.

Results: Of the 6 LCPs, 2 had limited stage small cell and 4 had non-small cell at diagnosis. Three patients were diagnosed with recurrence at the time of their post-RT blood draw. Six miRNAs demonstrated significantly different expressions between recurrent and non-recurrent groups of LCPs: let-7a-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-106a-5p, miR-155-5p, and miR-203a. MRC-5 proliferation increases 2-fold when treated with Exos from blood collected prior to RT compared to PBS (p = 0.01). There is <2-fold increase compared to TGF-β (p = 0.03). Plasma Exos levels decrease during RT as do their relative effects on MRC-5 proliferation when compared at equivalent numbers. Exos collected at 6 months from patients with recurrence significantly stimulated MRC-5 proliferation (p = 0.03), whereas Exos from patients without recurrence do not. Western blot analyses of MRC-5 cells stimulated with Exos revealed decreased PTEN but enhanced CDC25A expression and increased AKT and SMAD phosphorylation, regardless of when the Exos were collected.

Conclusions: Recurrent and non-recurrent groups of LCPs demonstrated significant differences in exosomal miR profile before and after RT. Exos from untreated LCPs, and recurrent LCPs after RT, stimulate MRC-5 proliferation and possible conversion to CAFs. Our results suggest that Exos could serve as a “liquid biopsy” to assess the potential for recurrence when imaging modalities are equivocal.

Citation Format: Nicholas Serrano, John Blue, Asim Alam, Christopher S. Rabender, Elisabeth Weiss, Mitchell S. Anscher, Ross B. Mikkelsen, Vasily A. Yakovlev. Analysis of circulating tumor exosomes: their ability to serve as a biomarker for recurrence in lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3800. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3800

Baseline study and risk analysis of landfill leachate - Current state-of-the-science of computer aided approaches

For the successful completion of a risk analysis process, its foundation (i.e. a baseline study) has to be well established. For this purpose, a baseline study needs to be more integrated than ever, particularly when environmental legislation is increasingly becoming stringent and integrated. This research investigates and concludes that no clear evidence of computer models for baseline study has been found in a whole-system and integrated format, which risk assessors could readily and effectively use to underpin risk analyses holistically and yet specifically for landfill leachate. This is established on the basis of investigation of software packages that are particularly closely related to landfills. Holistic baseline study is also defined along with its implications and in the context of risk assessment of landfill leachate. The study also indicates a number of factors and features that need to be added to baseline study in order to render it more integrated thereby enhancing risk analyses for landfill leachate.

The Characteristics of International Medical Graduates Who Have Been Disciplined by Professional Regulatory Colleges in Canada: A Retrospective Cohort Study

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the proportion and characteristics of international medical graduates (IMGs) who have been disciplined by professional regulatory colleges in Canada in comparison with disciplined North American medical graduates (NAMGs).

METHOD

The authors compiled a database of the nature of professional misconduct and penalties incurred by disciplined physicians from January 2000 to May 2015 using public records. They compared discipline data for IMGs versus those for NAMGs, and calculated risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for select outcomes.

RESULTS

There were 794 physicians disciplined; 922 disciplinary cases during the 15-year study period. IMGs composed an average of 23.4% (standard deviation = 1.1%) of the total physician population and represented one-third of disciplined physicians and discipline cases. The overall disciplinary rate for all Canadian physicians was 8.52 cases per 10,000 physician years (95% CI [7.77, 9.31]). This rate per group was higher for IMGs than for NAMGs (12.91 [95% CI (11.50, 14.43)] vs. 8.16 [95% CI (7.53, 8.82)] cases per 10,000 physician years, P < .01, and RR 1.58 (95% CI [1.38, 1.82]). IMGs were disciplined at significantly higher rates than NAMGs if they were trained in South Africa (RR 1.73 [95% CI (1.14, 2.51), P < .01), Egypt (RR 3.59 [95% CI (2.18, 5.52)], P < .01), or India (RR 1.66 [95% CI (1.01, 2.55)], P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

IMGs are disciplined at a higher rate than NAMGs. Future initiatives should be focused to delineate the exact cause of this observation.

34 PRODUCTION OF TRANSGENIC CLONED BUFFALO EMBRYOS CONTAINING OVEREXPRESSED STEAROYL Co-A DESATURASE GENE FOLLOWING EFFICIENT TRANSFECTION

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) is a rate-limiting enzyme that catalyses the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids from saturated fatty acids, which are components of triglycerides, wax esters, cholesteryl esters, and membrane phospholipids. Alterations in phospholipid composition have been implicated in a variety of diseases including obesity and the associated metabolic syndrome. SCD also magnifies the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content in milk; CLA is a natural fat element, having reputed therapeutic health values including anti-carcinogenic properties. In light of this fact, this study was designed to amplify the levels of SCD at the gene level. In order to achieve the enhanced expression of SCD gene, combination of techniques were used. The somatic cells (fetal fibroblast) culture were established from ear pinnae obtained from bovine fetus procured from the abattoir and were cultured in basal medium, comprising DMEM with 10% fetal bovine serum, 1X NEAA and 1X PS antibiotics. These isolated cultured cells were transfected with a gene construct carrying buSCD gene (pAcGFPN1-buSCD) as BLGP-buSCD-BLG3′UTR-CMVP-EGFP-SV40. The buffalo fetal fibroblast cells were transfected using 3 methods: Nucleofection, Fugene and Lipofection. The successful transfection, as confirmed by PCR and Southern hybridisation, proved Nucleofection to be more efficient in transfecting cells among the techniques used, which were further maintained and selected by Geneticin (G418). These selected transfected cells were then used for nuclear transfer. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has provided an efficient pathway for the production of transgenic animals. Buffalo cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from ovaries collected from abattoir and matured in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% FBS, 5 µg mL−1 FSH, and 1 µg mL−1 β-oestradiol for 21 h in CO2 incubator at 5% CO2 in air and 38.5°C temperature with >95% relative humidity. After 21 h, these COCs were denuded and subjected to zona removal. These zona-free oocytes were manually enucleated using microsurgical blades and 2 enucleated oocytes were fused with a transgenic cell using electro cell manipulator. Further, these reconstructed embryos were activated using calcium ionophore and cultured in IVC media thereafter for 8 days. The developmental competence rate as recorded on Day 8 was 53.26 ± 1.73%, 69.87 ± 6.24%, 62.99 ± 7.15%, 42.71 ± 5.05% and 28.00 ± 3.33% for 2-cell, 4-cell, 8–16 cell, morula, and blastocyst, respectively. When observed under fluorescence microscope, the embryos showed successful expression of GFP, which can be further used for animal production or further research analysis. In conclusion, amplified SCD at gene level will result in a boost to the dairy sector as well ameliorating human health due to its crucial role in anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, reduced cardio-vascular disease, and improved immune responses.

New Therapeutic Approach to Treat Allergic Rhinitis & Bronchial Asthma, Considering These Two as One United Airway Disease

The relationship between allergic rhinitis and asthma is now established, and most of the clinical, epidemiological and biological data recommend integrated management. This review discusses rhinosinusitis as a co-morbid condition, a precipitating or triggering condition, and an epiphenomenon as an integrated part of the disease. A better understanding and a more pragmatic method of diagnosis and management is needed using cost-effective long-term strategies. Allergic Rhinitis, though a non-life threatening disease, its pathogenesis reveals that Bronchial Asthma also develops by the same aetiopathogenesis. The United airway disease hypothesis proposes that the upper & lower airway diseases are both manifestations of a single inflammatory process and studies have already proved it. Allergic Rhinitis when once develops if not treated vigorously, can later turn up to Asthma. As chronic inflammation is the central process which is actually continuously changing pathologically the lower respiratory tract & helping to develop Bronchial Asthma. The conventional therapies for Allergic Rhinitis such as antihistamines & decongestants are only symptom relievers, to stop the ongoing pathogenesis of Bronchial Asthma to develop it, the chronic inflammatory process should have to be stopped. This can be done by corticosteroid nasal sprays. Also Asthma with Rhinitis is better controlled by them. Even Bronchial Asthma treatment should be started with inhaler corticosteroid therapy rather than getting it after intermittent use of only bronchodilators (salbutamol) only.

C1-esterase inhibitor for short-term prophylaxis in a patient with hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor function

Hereditary angioedema with normal C1-esterase inhibitor (HAE-nC1INH) perioperative is a rare condition which could have potential disastrous ramifications for the anesthesiologist in the perioperative period. However, there is limited evidence and/or guidelines on the optimal way to manage these patients. We present the case of a patient with HAE-nC1INH who was successfully managed in the perioperative period with plasma derived C1-esterase inhibitor (pdC1INH). A 29-year-old woman with a diagnosis of HAE-nC1INH presented to the preoperative consultation in preparation for an upcoming total thyroidectomy. She had a 14-year history of ongoing lip and facial edema sometimes necessitating emergency department visitation. Close consultation with her immunologist, transfusion medicine specialists, and anesthesia care providers allowed for a preoperative plan to provide the patient adequate prophylaxis. Both pdC1INH and tranexamic acid were given preoperatively. The patient underwent surgery with no complications. A multidisciplinary team of clinical immunologists, transfusion medicine specialists, and anesthesiologists facilitated the successful perioperative management of a patient with HAE-nC1INH; pdC1INH may a suitable prophylactic perioperative therapy for this rare patient population.

A recommended early goal-directed management guideline for the prevention of hypothermia-related transfusion, morbidity, and mortality in severely injured trauma patients

Hypothermia is present in up to two-thirds of patients with severe injury, although it is often disregarded during the initial resuscitation. Studies have revealed that hypothermia is associated with mortality in a large percentage of trauma cases when the patient's temperature is below 32 °C. Risk factors include the severity of injury, wet clothing, low transport unit temperature, use of anesthesia, and prolonged surgery. Fortunately, associated coagulation disorders have been shown to completely resolve with aggressive warming. Selected passive and active warming techniques can be applied in damage control resuscitation. While treatment guidelines exist for acidosis and bleeding, there is no evidence-based approach to managing hypothermia in trauma patients. We synthesized a goal-directed algorithm for warming the severely injured patient that can be directly incorporated into current Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines. This involves the early use of warming blankets and removal of wet clothing in the prehospital phase followed by aggressive rewarming on arrival at the hospital if the patient's injuries require damage control therapy. Future research in hypothermia management should concentrate on applying this treatment algorithm and should evaluate its influence on patient outcomes. This treatment strategy may help to reduce blood loss and improve morbidity and mortality in this population of patients.

Methanol Induced Toxic Amblyopia--A Case Report

A 28-year-old man, smoker having history of occasional alcohol intake--was admitted in the Department of Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) with gradual diminution of vision in both eyes 10 days after consumption of homemade alcoholic beverage in a wedding ceremony. His initial acuity of vision was limited to no perception of light in right eye and hand movement in left eye. Fundus examination revealed pale optic discs in both eyes. The patient was treated with Injection Methylprednisolone 1000 mg intravenous slowly over 1 hour for 3 consecutive days. This was followed by oral prednisolone 60 mg daily for 14 days and then gradually tapered over 4 weeks. The patient also received Injection Hydroxycobalamine and Injection Folinic Acid for 2 weeks. On the 3rd day of treatment there was perception of light in the right eye and on the 10th day the visual acuity improved to hand movement. In the left eye, the visual acuity gradually improved to 6/60 on 3rd day and on 10th day improved to 6/24. Four weeks later, the visual acuity had recovered in both eyes to 6/18. Combination of intravenous and oral steroid along with vitamin B1 and folinic acid has been found effective in treating severe methanol induced optic neuropathy.

The present and future disease burden of hepatitis C virus infections with today's treatment paradigm - volume 3

The total number, morbidity and mortality attributed to viraemic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections change over time making it difficult to compare reported estimates from different years. Models were developed for 15 countries to quantify and characterize the viraemic population and forecast the changes in the infected population and the corresponding disease burden from 2014 to 2030. With the exception of Iceland, Iran, Latvia and Pakistan, the total number of viraemic HCV infections is expected to decline from 2014 to 2030, but the associated morbidity and mortality are expected to increase in all countries except for Japan and South Korea. In the latter two countries, mortality due to an ageing population will drive down prevalence, morbidity and mortality. On the other hand, both countries have already experienced a rapid increase in HCV-related mortality and morbidity. HCV-related morbidity and mortality are projected to increase between 2014 and 2030 in all other countries as result of an ageing HCV-infected population. Thus, although the total number of HCV countries is expected to decline in most countries studied, the associated disease burden is expected to increase. The current treatment paradigm is inadequate if large reductions in HCV-related morbidity and mortality are to be achieved.

Strategies to manage hepatitis C virus infection disease burden - volume 3

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic was forecasted through 2030 for 15 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and the relative impact of two scenarios was considered: increased treatment efficacy while holding the annual number of treated patients constant and increased treatment efficacy and an increased annual number of treated patients. Increasing levels of diagnosis and treatment, in combination with improved treatment efficacy, were critical for achieving substantial reductions in disease burden. A 90% reduction in total HCV infections within 15 years is feasible in most countries studied, but it required a coordinated effort to introduce harm reduction programmes to reduce new infections, screening to identify those already infected and treatment with high cure rate therapies. This suggests that increased capacity for screening and treatment will be critical in many countries. Birth cohort screening is a helpful tool for maximizing resources. Among European countries, the majority of patients were born between 1940 and 1985. A wider range of birth cohorts was seen in the Middle East and Asia (between 1925 and 1995).

Historical epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in select countries - volume 3

Detailed, country-specific epidemiological data are needed to characterize the burden of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection around the world. With new treatment options available, policy makers and public health officials must reconsider national strategies for infection control. In this study of 15 countries, published and unpublished data on HCV prevalence, viraemia, genotype, age and gender distribution, liver transplants and diagnosis and treatment rates were gathered from the literature and validated by expert consensus in each country. Viraemic prevalence in this study ranged from 0.2% in Iran and Lebanon to 4.2% in Pakistan. The largest viraemic populations were in Pakistan (7 001 000 cases) and Indonesia (3 187 000 cases). Injection drug use (IDU) and a historically unsafe blood supply were major risk factors in most countries. Diagnosis, treatment and liver transplant rates varied widely between countries. However, comparison across countries was difficult as the number of cases changes over time. Access to reliable data on measures such as these is critical for the development of future strategies to manage the disease burden.

A double-blinded randomized multicentre study to investigate the effect of changes in stimulation parameters on sacral nerve stimulation for constipation

AIM

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) may be offered to patients with constipation who have failed to improve with conservative treatment. The response to SNS is variable, with a significant loss of efficacy in some patients. An increased frequency of stimulation may improve the efficacy of SNS for faecal incontinence. This study aimed to see if alteration of the pulse width or frequency improved the outcome for those with constipation.

METHOD

Eleven patients with constipation currently being treated by SNS were recruited from three centres. They were randomized to five different protocols of stimulation each applied for 5 weeks. Group 1 used standard settings (pulse width 210 μs, frequency 14 Hz); in the other four groups (Groups 2-5) the pulse width and/or frequency were halved or doubled. Patients and investigators were blinded to the group allocation.

RESULTS

The Cleveland Clinic constipation score varied significantly between the five groups. Group 1 achieved the lowest score mean (± SD) 13.4 (± 4.4) (P = 0.03). The number of digitations per defaecation was the lowest in Group 4, 90 μs and 14 Hz (P < 0.01). No other variable changed significantly. Standard settings were the most preferred by the recruited patients.

CONCLUSION

Alteration of pulse width or frequency of stimulation had no significant effect on the outcome of SNS for constipation.

Lack of effect of sacral nerve stimulation for incontinence in patients with systemic sclerosis

AIM

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disorder of unknown aetiology leading to the deposition of excessive connective tissue in the skin, blood vessels and internal organs. Gastrointestinal involvement occurs in 90% of cases and the prevalence of faecal incontinence (FI) is 38%. This study comprises the largest case series assessing the efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) treatment for incontinence in this patient group.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis on prospectively collected data was performed on all SSc patients from our two centres who had undergone SNS for FI.

RESULTS

Ten female patients of mean age of 54 (37-72) years had temporary SNS performed. The mean duration of FI was 13 (2-25) years. All had passive FI. Each patient had preprocedure anorectal physiology and endoanal ultrasound examinations documenting internal sphincter atrophy/fragmentation or reduced anal resting pressure. Overall there was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.57) in the total Wexner incontinence scores before (mean 15.1 ± 2.6 SD) and during temporary SNS procedures (mean 13.1 ± 3.6 SD). Two patients with a significant improvement went on to have permanent SNS with only one achieving a favourable outcome at 1 year.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that SNS failed to reduce episodes of leakage in nine out of 10 patients with systemic sclerosis affected with incontinence.

Abstract 1210: Biopterin metabolism drives tumor progression

Previous studies demonstrate that nitric oxide synthases (NOS’s) can become uncoupled during inflammatory disease states. A hallmark of this uncoupling is superoxide production from NOS in lieu of nitric oxide (NO) resulting from a reduced tetrahydrobiopterin:dihydrobiopterin ratio (BH4:BH2 ratio). As BH4 is a necessary cofactor for NO production from NOS, when this ratio is reduced, NOS becomes a peroxynitrite synthase enhancing the pro-inflammatory/pro-survival tumor environment. Our lab demonstrated that NOS is uncoupled in a variety of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo, as well as in paired human colorectal samples due to a reduced BH4:BH2 ratio and that recoupling NOS in via exogenous BH4 both in vitro and in vivo leads to decreased tumor cell proliferation. To examine the mechanism behind the reduced BH4:BH2 ratio we used the DSS/AOM model of colitis and colon tumorigenesis. Here we demonstrate that BH4:BH2 ratio is reduced in mouse colon tumors vs mouse normal colon tissue, 1.36±0.35 vs 7.1±0.6. We determined that this reduced ratio is due at least in part to direct oxidation of BH4 to BH2, as treatment of colon cells with an NADPH Oxidase inhibitor increased the BH4:BH2 two-fold; however, this is unable to account for the degree of uncoupling associated with tumor cells. Given that inflammation appears to drive NOS uncoupling, we extracted colons from DSS/AOM treated animals and preferentially harvested colonic epithelial cells and colonic tumor cells at different stages of inflammation to assess the molecular and biochemical changes in molecules important in the regulation and production of BH4. The molecules we focused on were: GTP cyclohydrolase-1 (GCH1, rate limiting enzyme in de novo BH4 synthesis), GTP cyclohydrolase 1 feedback regulatory protein (GCHFRP, regulates GCH1 expression), quinoiddihydropteridine reductase (QDPR, necessary for salvage pathway) and sepiapterin reductase (SR, necessary for both de novo synthesis and salvage of BH4). Transcript levels of these molecules in DSS treated epithelial cells showed that GCH1 and SR were upregulated but QDPR was significantly downregulated when compared with untreated cells, potentially leading to an increase in total BH4 but once oxidized to BH2, a decrease in the salvage back to BH4. Our current research investigates the protein levels as well biochemical activity of these molecules in DSS treated epithelial cells, as well as tumor cells compared with normal cells to further understand the molecular component of the decrease in BH4:BH2 ratio in tumors.

Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting.

Citation Format: Christopher Rabender, Asim Alam, Mike Waters, Ross Mikkelsen. Biopterin metabolism drives tumor progression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1210. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1210

Prophylactic Use of Tranexamic Acid for Postpartum Bleeding Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Despite multimodal approaches to treatment, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a life-threatening condition whose incidence continues to rise. In developing areas, such as sub-Saharan Africa, PPH is the leading cause of maternal mortality. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a possible prophylactic treatment for the prevention of PPH. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing prophylactic TXA vs placebo or no treatment in term parturients to quantify the effects of prophylactic TXA administration on peripartum bleeding outcomes. The meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. The outcomes assessed were (i) incidence of PPH, (ii) mean blood loss (in milliliters) within 24hours, (iii) incidence of red blood cell transfusion within 24hours, (iv) use of additional uterotonics, (v) minor side effects (ie, nausea, vomiting, headache, etc), (vi) major venous thromboembolism, (vii) length of hospital stay, and (viii) mortality. Eighteen trials (3846 subjects) were included in the quantitative analysis, with 1935 patients receiving TXA. The studies were of poor to moderate quality. Prophylactic TXA administration was associated with a decreased incidence of PPH after delivery (odds ratio [OR], 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-0.59; P = .0006), a reduction in mean blood loss by 149.1mL (95% CI, 112.9-185.2; P < .00001), and a reduction in red blood cell transfusions (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.15-0.49; P < .00001) while also being associated with a reduction in the use of additional uterotonics (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.30-0.66; P < .00001). Minor side effects were more common in those who received TXA (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.69-3.74; P < .00001). There appeared to be no increased risk of venous thromboembolism and no difference in length of hospital stay associated with TXA use. Although prophylactic TXA administration may be associated with improved peripartum bleeding, existing evidence is insufficient for any definitive recommendations secondary to the poor to moderate quality of the literature. A large well-designed, methodologically sound, randomized controlled trial is needed to better delineate the true effect size and address potential safety concerns.

Dissemination of the multidrug-resistant extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli O25b-ST131 clone and the role of house crow (Corvus splendens) foraging on hospital waste in Bangladesh

Two hundred and thirty-eight faecal samples from crows foraging on hospital wastes were analysed for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae. ESBL-producing crow isolates were characterized and compared with 31 patient isolates. Among the crows, 59% carried ESBL producers. These included Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Raoultella terrigena and Enterobacter cloacae harbouring the genes for CTX-M-1, CTX-M-15, CTX-M-55, CTX-M-79, and CTX-M-14. Human isolates carried only the CTX-M-15 gene. Two-thirds of crow E. coli isolates and all human E. coli isolates were multidrug resistant. Crows and patients shared E. coli sequence types, including the epidemic E. coli O25b-ST131 clone. The scavenging behaviour of crows at poorly managed hospital waste dumps made them potential reservoirs of antibiotic resistance, including ESBLs.

A Preliminary Study on Racial Differences in HMOX1, NFE2L2, and TGFβ1 Gene Polymorphisms and Radiation-Induced Late Normal Tissue Toxicity

PURPOSE

This study tested whether racial differences in genetic polymorphisms of 4 genes involved in wound repair and response to radiation can be used to predict the occurrence of normal tissue late effects of radiation therapy and indicate potential therapeutic targets.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This prospective study examined genetic polymorphisms that modulate the expression of 4 genes involved in inflammation and fibrosis and response to radiation (HMOX1, NFE2L2, NOS3, and TGFβ1). DNA from blood samples of 179 patients (∼ 80% breast and head and neck) collected at the time of diagnosis by their radiation oncologist as exhibiting late normal tissue toxicity was used for the analysis. Patient demographics were as follows: 56% white, 43% African American, 1% other. Allelic frequencies of the different polymorphisms of the participants were compared with those of the general American population stratified by race. Twenty-six additional patients treated with radiation, but without toxicity at 3 months or later after therapy, were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Increased frequency of a long GT repeat in the HMOX1 promoter was associated with late effects in both African American and white populations. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs1800469 in the TGFβ1 promoter and the rs6721961 SNP in the NFE2L2 promoter were also found to significantly associate with late effects in African Americans but not whites. A combined analysis of these polymorphisms revealed that >90% of African American patients with late effects had at least 1 of these minor alleles, and 58% had 2 or more. No statistical significance was found relating the studied NOS3 polymorphisms and normal tissue toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support a strong association between wound repair and late toxicities of radiation. The presence of these genetic risk factors can vary significantly among different ethnic groups, as demonstrated for some of the SNPs. Future studies should account for the possibility of such ethnic heterogeneity in the late toxicities of radiation.