Resistance mutations of NS3 and NS5b in treatment-naïve patients infected with hepatitis C virus in Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul states, Brazil

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a worldwide health problem. Nowadays, direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) are the main treatment for HCV; however, the high level of virus variability leads to the development of resistance-associated variants (RAVs). Thus, assessing RAVs in infected patients is important for monitoring treatment efficacy. The aim of our study was to investigate the presence of naturally occurring resistance mutations in HCV NS3 and NS5 regions in treatment-naïve patients. Ninety-six anti-HCV positive serum samples from blood donors at the Center of Hematology and Hemotherapy of Santa Catarina State (HEMOSC) were collected retrospectively in 2013 and evaluated in this study. HCV 1a (37.9%), 1b (25.3%), and 3a (36.8%) subtypes were found. The frequency of patients with RAVs in our study was 6.9%. The HCV NS5b sequencing reveled 1 sample with L320F mutation and 4 samples with the C316N/R polymorphism. The analysis of the NS3 region revealed the D168A/G/T (3.45%), S122G (1.15%), and V55A (2.3%) mutations. All samples from genotype 3a (36.8%) presented the V170 I/V non-synonymous mutation. In conclusion, we have shown that mutations in NS3 and NS5b genes are present in Brazilian isolates from therapy-naïve HCV patients.

Cut-off values of the Johnsen score and Copenhagen index as histopathological prognostic factors for postoperative semen quality in selected infertile patients undergoing microsurgical correction of bilateral subclinical varicocele

Background

It remains challenging to determine which individuals are likely to benefit from microsurgical correction of subclinical varicocele, as basic semen parameters often do not improve postoperatively. We aimed to develop an easily accessible tool for prognostic stratification of infertile men indicated for microsurgical correction of bilateral subclinical varicocele characterized by prolonged and clear venous reflux and no other cause for infertility.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the testicular biopsy, seminal analysis, and ultrasound evaluation records of 20 men managed between 2006 and 2014. Subclinical varicocele was diagnosed through bilateral testicular palpation and auscultation of venous reflux using a Doppler stethoscope, with confirmation on color Doppler sonography. We conducted receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to identify the optimal combinations of cut-offs for the Johnsen score, Copenhagen index, and testicular volume defining histological patterns with positive prognostic value for improved postoperatively reproductive capacity.

Results

Positive prognostic value was noted for the following combinations of parameters: (I) Johnsen score >8.2 in the left testicle and right testicular volume >12.8 mL predicted improved sperm concentration; (II) Johnsen score >8.2 and Copenhagen index digit II <2.5 bilaterally predicted improved total sperm motility; (III) Johnsen score >9.1 and Copenhagen index digit III <1.5 bilaterally predicted improved progressive sperm motility; (IV) Johnsen score >7.9 and right testicular volume >13.6 mL predicted improved sperm morphology.

Conclusions

Johnsen score and Copenhagen index as histopathological prognostic factors can be easily obtained upon evaluation of testicular biopsy specimens and can be simple and reliable tool to establish a more realistic prognosis for reproductive capacity in men who undergo microsurgical correction of subclinical varicocele with no other detectable cause for infertility.

Whole breast radiotherapy in the isocentric lateral decubitus position: Role of the immobilization device and table on clinical results

PURPOSE

To evaluate clinical results and the "effect bolus" based on the table design of different linear accelerators in patients with breast cancer treated by previously published whole breast irradiation in the isocentric lateral decubitus position.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied 248 consecutive female patients with early stage breast cancer treated by conservative surgery followed by three-dimensional conformal whole breast irradiation in the isocentric lateral decubitus position between January 2013 and February 2014. Radiotherapy was performed on linear accelerators using a Varian. The energy used was 4 and 10MV photons or 6MV photons. All patients were evaluated weekly by the radiation oncologist, acute toxicity was assessed using the NCICTC v 3.0 scale. Late toxicity and cosmetic results were evaluated 18 months after the radiotherapy. Cosmetic results were defined as excellent, good, middle or bad.

RESULTS

Among the 248 women included, the median age was 67 years (range: 35-91 years). All received whole breast radiotherapy with boost in 144 patients (58%). One-hundred-twenty patients received normofractionated and 124 patients hypofractionated whole breast radiotherapy. Median follow-up was 18 months. Acute skin toxicity in the whole breast radiotherapy in the isocentric lateral decubitus position was acceptable: there was 47% of grade 1 radiodermatitis, 50% of grade 2 and 3% grade 3 and no grade 4 for normofractionated radiotherapy; 89% of grade 1 dermatitis and 11% of grade 2 for hypofractionated radiotherapy; 89.7% of grade 0-1 dermatitis and 10.3% of grade 2 for the "flash" scheme and did not differ between the three linear accelerators (P=0.2, P=0.9 and P=0.2 respectively for the normofractionated radiotherapy, hypofractionated radiotherapy and the "flash"scheme). Late toxicity was acceptable with 84% of grade 0-1 fibrosis for normofractionated radiotherapy, 94% of patients for hypofractionated radiotherapy and 77% for "flash" scheme and did not differ between the three linear accelerators (P=0.44, P=1 and P=0.22 resp.). Most of patients (81%) had an excellent or a good cosmetic outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Whole breast radiotherapy in the isocentric lateral decubitus position is well tolerated. Clinical results are comparable based on different immobilization device allowed by linear accelerators. Particularly, there was no influence of the couch on skin tolerance and cosmetic results.

Modelling approach to obtain regional respiratory mechanics using electrical impedance tomography and volume-dependent elastance model

OBJECTIVE

This paper presents a method for breath-by-breath estimation of regional respiratory mechanics without the need for special manoeuvres (such as inspiratory pause or low-flow inflation) using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) associated with pressure/airflow waveforms.

APPROACH

We developed a method to estimate regional parameters using the regional impedance fraction, by multiplying it by global flow and volume waveforms. A volume-dependent elastance model was used to obtain compliance, resistance, volume-independent (E ₁), and volume-dependent (E ₂) components. Three swine under invasive mechanical ventilation were used to assess internal consistency and illustrate potential applications of our method. One animal (case 1) was ventilated with a broad range of tidal volumes to compare the consistency between regional and global resistances and compliances. Two other animals (cases 2 and 3) had respiratory compliance decreased, respectively, by overdistension and collapse as quantified by x-ray computed tomography.

MAIN RESULTS

In case 1, derived global estimates obtained from the independent regional estimates were strongly associated with direct measurements of global mechanics (correlation coefficients of 0.9976 and 0.9981 for compliances and resistances, respectively), suggesting consistency of our modelling. In cases 2 and 3, the development of lung overdistension and collapse over time was captured by regional estimates.

CONCLUSIONS

Using EIT and pressure/airflow waveforms, regional respiratory parameters can be obtained cycle-by-cycle, refining lung function monitoring.

SIGNIFICANCE

The method allows real-time monitoring of regional parameters and their trends over time, which might be helpful to differentiate deterioration in lung compliance due to overdistension or collapse.

Caracterização de crianças e adolescentes com estomas em um serviço de saúde

Objetivo: Caracterizar o perfil socioeconômico e clínico de crianças e adolescentes com estomias atendidos em um hospital público de referência em saúde infantil do estado do Piauí, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, transversal, realizado com 55 crianças/adolescentes, com pelo menos uma estomia. Resultados: Houve predomínio do sexo masculino, cor parda, média de idade de 4,1anos. As principais causas para confecção da estomia foram malformações congênitas, destacando-se a anomalia. Com relação ao sistema orgânico, o gastrintestinal foi o mais acometido e a colostomia foi a mais frequente. A maioria dos participantes com estomias de eliminação não utilizava equipamento coletor. Com relação às complicações da estomia, a saída acidental da sonda de gastrostomia foi a mais comum, seguida de sangramento da estomia. A dermatite foi a complicação da pele mais comum. Conclusão: A realização deste estudo possibilitou conhecer o perfil sociodemográfico de crianças e adolescentes com estomia e promover reflexões acerca do cuidado de enfermagem para a melhoria da assistência prestada a essa clientela.

Characterization of children and teenagers with ostomies in a health service

Objective: To characterize the socioeconomic and clinical profile of children and adolescents with ostomies attended at a public reference hospital in children’s health in the state of Piauí, Brazil. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of 55 children/adolescents with at least one ostomy. Results: There was a predominance of males, brown, mean age of 4.1 years. The main causes for the confection of the stoma were congenital malformations, especially the anomaly. Regarding the organic system, the gastrointestinal was the most affected and the colostomy was the most frequent. The majority of participants with elimination ostomies did not use collecting equipment. With regard to the complications of the stoma, the accidental release of the gastrostomy tube was the most common, followed by stomatal bleeding. Dermatitis was the most common skin complication. Conclusion: The realization of this study made it possible to know the socio-demographic profile of children and teenagers with ostomies and to promote reflections about nursing care to improve the assistance provided to these clients.

Guidance to 2018 good practice: ARIA digitally-enabled, integrated, person-centred care for rhinitis and asthma

Aims

Mobile Airways Sentinel NetworK (MASK) belongs to the Fondation Partenariale MACVIA-LR of Montpellier, France and aims to provide an active and healthy life to rhinitis sufferers and to those with asthma multimorbidity across the life cycle, whatever their gender or socio-economic status, in order to reduce health and social inequities incurred by the disease and to improve the digital transformation of health and care. The ultimate goal is to change the management strategy in chronic diseases.

Methods

MASK implements ICT technologies for individualized and predictive medicine to develop novel care pathways by a multi-disciplinary group centred around the patients.

Stakeholders

Include patients, health care professionals (pharmacists and physicians), authorities, patient’s associations, private and public sectors.

Results

MASK is deployed in 23 countries and 17 languages. 26,000 users have registered.

EU grants (2018)

MASK is participating in EU projects (POLLAR: impact of air POLLution in Asthma and Rhinitis, EIT Health, DigitalHealthEurope, Euriphi and Vigour).

Lessons learnt

(i) Adherence to treatment is the major problem of allergic disease, (ii) Self-management strategies should be considerably expanded (behavioural), (iii) Change management is essential in allergic diseases, (iv) Education strategies should be reconsidered using a patient-centred approach and (v) Lessons learnt for allergic diseases can be expanded to chronic diseases.

The Reference Site Collaborative Network of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing

Seventy four Reference Sites of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA) have been recognised by the European Commission in 2016 for their commitment to excellence in investing and scaling up innovative solutions for active and healthy ageing. The Reference Site Collaborative Network (RSCN) brings together the EIP on AHA Reference Sites awarded by the European Commission, and Candidate Reference Sites into a single forum. The overarching goals are to promote cooperation, share and transfer good practice and solutions in the development and scaling up of health and care strategies, policies and service delivery models, while at the same time supporting the action groups in their work. The RSCN aspires to be recognized by the EU Commission as the principal forum and authority representing all EIP on AHA Reference Sites. The RSCN will contribute to achieve the goals of the EIP on AHA by improving health and care outcomes for citizens across Europe, and the development of sustainable economic growth and the creation of jobs.

MASK 2017: ARIA digitally-enabled, integrated, person-centred care for rhinitis and asthma multimorbidity using real-world-evidence

mHealth, such as apps running on consumer smart devices is becoming increasingly popular and has the potential to profoundly affect healthcare and health outcomes. However, it may be disruptive and results achieved are not always reaching the goals. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) has evolved from a guideline using the best evidence-based approach to care pathways suited to real-life using mobile technology in allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma multimorbidity. Patients largely use over-the-counter medications dispensed in pharmacies. Shared decision making centered around the patient and based on self-management should be the norm. Mobile Airways Sentinel networK (MASK), the Phase 3 ARIA initiative, is based on the freely available MASK app (the Allergy Diary, Android and iOS platforms). MASK is available in 16 languages and deployed in 23 countries. The present paper provides an overview of the methods used in MASK and the key results obtained to date. These include a novel phenotypic characterization of the patients, confirmation of the impact of allergic rhinitis on work productivity and treatment patterns in real life. Most patients appear to self-medicate, are often non-adherent and do not follow guidelines. Moreover, the Allergy Diary is able to distinguish between AR medications. The potential usefulness of MASK will be further explored by POLLAR (Impact of Air Pollution on Asthma and Rhinitis), a new Horizon 2020 project using the Allergy Diary.

One-step real-time PCR assay for detection and quantification of RNA HCV to monitor patients under treatment in Brazil

The Brazilian Public Health Service provides freely αPEG-IFN to treat patients infected with HCV. The primary goal of HCV therapy is the long-term elimination of HCV from the blood to reduce the risk of HCV associated complications and death. Patient viremia affects the treatment duration and response, thus influencing clinical decisions. We developed a high-throughput method to perform the quantification of RNA hepatitis C virus (HCV) virus load in plasma samples to monitor patients under treatment. The method is based on a duplex detection, in a one-step real-time RT-PCR assay and it has been validated according to the rules established by the official Brazilian regulatory agency (ANVISA). This new method was compared to a commercial kit (Cobas/Taqman HCV Test v2.0 - Roche), showing virus load results with significant correlation between them (p = 0,012) using commercial and clinical panels. In addition, 611 samples from patients treated with peguilated alfa-interferon (αPEG-IFN) from different regions of Brazil were analyzed. Our one-step real-time RT-PCR assay demonstrated good performance in viral load measurement and in treatment course monitoring, with acceptable sensitivity and specificity values.

Geolocation with respect to personal privacy for the Allergy Diary app - a MASK study

Background

Collecting data on the localization of users is a key issue for the MASK (Mobile Airways Sentinel networK: the Allergy Diary) App. Data anonymization is a method of sanitization for privacy. The European Commission's Article 29 Working Party stated that geolocation information is personal data.To assess geolocation using the MASK method and to compare two anonymization methods in the MASK database to find an optimal privacy method.

Methods

Geolocation was studied for all people who used the Allergy Diary App from December 2015 to November 2017 and who reported medical outcomes. Two different anonymization methods have been evaluated: Noise addition (randomization) and k-anonymity (generalization).

Results

Ninety-three thousand one hundred and sixteen days of VAS were collected from 8535 users and 54,500 (58.5%) were geolocalized, corresponding to 5428 users. Noise addition was found to be less accurate than k-anonymity using MASK data to protect the users' life privacy.

Discussion

k-anonymity is an acceptable method for the anonymization of MASK data and results can be used for other databases.

Frailty in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients under Dialysis and Its Association with Clinical and Biochemical Markers

Frailty is a common complication in elderly patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) under dialysis, which is a strong risk factor for low quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of frailty in a group of Portuguese ESRD patients, and its association with socio-demographic, clinical and biochemical markers. We performed a cross-sectional study with 83 ESRD patients (44 males and 39 females, 64.3 [±14.6] years old) on regular dialysis. The classification of the ESRD patients as robust, pre-frail and frail was performed using the FRAIL questionnaire. Social support, data about sociodemographic and comorbidities, and haematological, iron status, dialysis adequacy, nutritional and inflammatory markers were also evaluated. Our results confirmed that frailty is a highly prevalent condition in ESRD patients, particularly in female patients. An association between FRAIL score and increased depressive symptoms, presence of hypertension and decrease nutritional status was also found.

Cross-Talk between Inflammation, Coagulation/Fibrinolysis and Vascular access in Hemodialysis Patients

This work aimed to study the association between fibrinolytic/endothelial cell function and inflammatory markers in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) therapies, and its relationship with the type of vascular access (VA) used for the HD procedure. As fibrinolytic/endothelial cell function markers we evaluated plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and D-dimers, and as inflammatory markers; C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble interleukin (IL)-2 receptor (s-IL2R), IL-6 and serum albumin levels. The study was performed in 50 CKD patients undergoing regular HD, 11 with a central venous dialysis catheter (CVC) and 39 with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), and in 25 healthy controls. Compared to controls, CKD patients presented with significantly higher levels of CRP, s-IL2R, IL-6 and D-dimers, and significantly lower levels of PAI-1. The tPA/PAI-1 ratio was significantly higher in CKD patients. We also found statistical significant correlations in CKD patients between D-dimers levels and inflammatory markers: CRP, albumin, s-IL2R and IL-6. When comparing the two groups of CKD patients, we found that those with a CVC presented statistically significant lower levels of hemoglobin concentration and albumin, and higher levels of CRP, IL-6, D-dimers and tPA. Our results showed an association between fibrinolytic/endothelial cell function and increased inflammatory markers in CKD patients. The increased levels of D-dimer, tPA and inflammatory markers in CKD patients using a CVC, led us to propose a relationship between the type of VA chosen for HD, and the risk of thrombogenesis.

Abstract P2-11-08: Risk factors for fibrosis after whole breast radiation therapy in lateral position : A large scale single center experience

Background and Purpose: We previously confirmed the efficacy and safety of our technique of whole breast radiation therapy (WBRT) in isocentric lateral decubitus (ILD) position. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the risk factors for long-term fibrosis in patients treated in ILD position.

Material and methods: We studies 832 consecutive female patients with early stage BC treated by conservative surgery followed by 3D-conformal WBRT at Institut Curie between 2005 and 2010. Fibrosis and deformation were evaluated at the end of the treatment and subsequently every 6 months during at least 5 years, using NCI CTC v3.0 scale. Different fractionation schedules were used: 66Gy in 33 fractions, 50Gy in 25 fractions, 40Gy in 15 fractions, 41.6Gy in 13 fractions and 30Gy in 5 weekly fractions.

Results: Median age is 61.5 years (range: 29 - 90); median follow up is 6.4 years (range: 1.5 - 12.4). During the follow-up, 308 patients (38.9%) had grade 1 fibrosis, and 36 patients (4.3%) only, had grade 2-3 fibrosis. Among patients with grade 1 to 3 fibrosis, the median time to development of fibrosis was 1.6 years (range: 9 days – 8.3 years). In univariate and multivariate analysis, age, cup size and chemotherapy administration had no significant influence on development of breast fibrosis. The hypo fractionated schedule of 30Gy in 5 fractions significantly increased the fibrosis rate (OR=12.5; [2.7; 57.1] p=0.001). On the other hand, 40 Gy/15 fr and 41.6 Gy/13 fr had no significative influence (OR=2.2 [0.5; 11.1] p=0.32) as well as the 66 Gy/33 fr schedule (OR=3.6 [0.8; 15.4] p=0.09) compared to standard scheme of 50 Gy/25 fr. The cosmetic result was good or excellent for 84.8% of cases at the first evaluation. The 30 Gy in 5 fractions schedule significantly influenced the cosmetic result in the multivariate analysis (OR=11.2 [3.1; 43.9]; p&lt;0.001), with increased rates of breast deformation. The risk of breast deformity was also worse for large breast size (OR=2.7 [1.3; 5.8]; p=0.02).

Conclusion: Whole breast radiation therapy in ILD position is well tolerated with good cosmesis and low rates of fibrosis, except for the 30 Gy in 5 weekly fractions schedule. Large breast size has a significantly negative influence on cosmetic results and fibrosis.

Citation Format: Bronsart E, Dureau S, Xu HP, Costa E, Poortmans P, Chilles A, Berger F, Stilhart A, Fourquet A, Kirova Y. Risk factors for fibrosis after whole breast radiation therapy in lateral position : A large scale single center experience [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-11-08.

The Brazilian experience of nucleic acid testing to detect human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus infections in blood donors

BACKGROUND

The history of the development and implementation of the Brazilian nucleic acid testing (NAT) platform to detect and discriminate among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in blood donors is described here. The results for the sensitivity, reproducibility, and NAT yield of the platform since program implementation are provided.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The Brazilian NAT HIV, HCV, and HBV kit was developed and evaluated with regard to analytical sensitivity, specificity, intralot and interlot reproducibility, interfering substances, and genotype and diagnostic sensitivity. Additionally, a sample of identified NAT-yield cases was characterized with regard to viral load.

RESULTS

The 95% limits of detection for HIV, HCV, and HBV were 68.02, 102.35, and 9.08 IU/mL, respectively. All replicates were detected with reproducibility assays between the acceptable values. A total of 13,610,536 blood donors was screened from 2010 to 2016, and 63 HIV-yield cases and 28 HCV-yield cases were detected. Among 5,795,424 blood donors screened for HBV from 2014 to 2016, 42 yield cases were found.

CONCLUSION

The Brazilian NAT HIV, HCV, and HBV kit is an automated NAT system suitable for routine blood donor screening in a completely traceable process. The analytical sensitivity as well as the diagnostic sensitivity fulfilled all requirements set by the health ministry for blood donor screening. A significant number of transmission cases were prevented by the implementation of this important program.

Prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms in migrant children admitted to an Italian cardiac surgery department, 2015-2016

Screening on hospital admission to identify multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) colonization is a frequently discussed topic. We report the results of microbiological screening in 141 Italian and 354 migrant children candidates for cardiac surgery conducted in 2015-2016. In all, 25% of Italian children and more than 65.4% of African and Romanian children carried at least one MDRO (meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; extended-spectrum β-lactamase enzymes; carbapenemase producers; and vancomycin-resistant enterococci). Based on our findings, we propose that non-geographically limited approaches are needed to improve infection prevention and control.

Transfer of innovation on allergic rhinitis and asthma multimorbidity in the elderly (MACVIA-ARIA) - EIP on AHA Twinning Reference Site (GARD research demonstration project)

The overarching goals of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA) are to enable European citizens to lead healthy, active and independent lives whilst ageing. The EIP on AHA includes 74 Reference Sites. The aim of this study was to transfer innovation from an app developed by the MACVIA-France EIP on AHA reference site (Allergy Diary) to other reference sites. The phenotypic characteristics of rhinitis and asthma multimorbidity in adults and the elderly will be compared using validated information and communication technology (ICT) tools (i.e. the Allergy Diary and CARAT: Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test) in 22 Reference Sites or regions across Europe. This will improve the understanding, assessment of burden, diagnosis and management of rhinitis in the elderly by comparison with an adult population. Specific objectives will be: (i) to assess the percentage of adults and elderly who are able to use the Allergy Diary, (ii) to study the phenotypic characteristics and treatment over a 1-year period of rhinitis and asthma multimorbidity at baseline (cross-sectional study) and (iii) to follow-up using visual analogue scale (VAS). This part of the study may provide some insight into the differences between the elderly and adults in terms of response to treatment and practice. Finally (iv) work productivity will be examined in adults.