Increased expression of TREM2 in peripheral cells from mild cognitive impairment patients who progress into Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Neuroinflammation plays a role in the aetiopathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), a cell surface receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily, seems to have protective anti-inflammatory activity in AD.

METHODS

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 expression was analysed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy subjects (CT) and from patients with either AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI patients were re-evaluated at a 2-year follow-up to investigate their progression to AD (MCI-AD) or lack thereof (MCI-MCI).

RESULTS

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 gene expression was higher in AD than CT patients, but was highest in MCI. At recruitment TREM2 levels were higher in MCI-AD than in MCI-MCI, and in MCI-AD were higher initially than at follow-up. TREM2 displayed a moderate degree of sensitivity and specificity for identifying MCI-AD in all MCI patients. Our data showed higher TREM2 levels in allele ε4 of apolipoprotein E (ApoE ε4) carriers than non-carriers in MCI and particularly in MCI-AD.

CONCLUSIONS

These data seem to confirm the protective role of TREM2 in the pre-clinical stage of AD. Upregulation of TREM2 in MCI-AD could be a mechanism to counteract the activation of neuroinflammatory processes. It is possible that TREM2 and ApoE ε4 interact synergistically in the pre-clinical stage of AD. Therefore, TREM2 may be useful as an early peripheral biomarker for the development of AD.

Socioeconomic disparities in clinical trials on Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is now a wide consensus at recognizing social and economic circumstances as main determinants of an individual's health status. Nevertheless, characteristics relating to socioeconomic status (SES) are poorly described in research reports. The aim of the present review was to verify whether the SES of participants is adequately reported in interventional studies targeting Alzheimer's disease (AD), and to explore the impact of SES proxy measures on the efficacy of the considered medications.

METHODS

A systematic review of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the currently marketed drugs for AD (i.e. cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine) was conducted by performing a structured search on PubMed and the Cochrane databases. The following indicators of SES were considered in the retained studies: (i) educational level, (ii) lifetime job category, (iii) income and (iv) wealth. The study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Controlled Trials.

RESULTS

A total of 48 articles were finally selected. Overall, only eight RCTs reported data concerning the four considered SES indicators. Indeed, only information pertaining to the educational level of participants was provided. Only one RCT (n = 60) performed ad hoc, secondary analyses accounting for the SES of participating subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The research and clinical relevance of SES has mistakenly been overlooked by the vast majority of RCTs on AD. A greater effort should be made to collect and report data on those SES indicators that may significantly affect the clinical manifestations and trajectories of patients with cognitive disturbances.

Implications of ICD-10 for Sarcopenia Clinical Practice and Clinical Trials: Report by the International Conference on Frailty and Sarcopenia Research Task Force

Establishment of an ICD-10-CM code for sarcopenia in 2016 was an important step towards reaching international consensus on the need for a nosological framework of age-related skeletal muscle decline. The International Conference on Frailty and Sarcopenia Research Task Force met in April 2017 to discuss the meaning, significance, and barriers to the implementation of the new code as well as strategies to accelerate development of new therapies. Analyses by the Sarcopenia Definitions and Outcomes Consortium are underway to develop quantitative definitions of sarcopenia. A consensus conference is planned to evaluate this analysis. The Task Force also discussed lessons learned from sarcopenia trials that could be applied to future trials, as well as lessons from the osteoporosis field, a clinical condition with many constructs similar to sarcopenia and for which ad hoc treatments have been developed and approved by regulatory agencies.

Trajectory of the MAPT-PACC-Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite in the Placebo Group of a Randomized Control Trial: Results from the MAPT Study: Lessons for Further Trials

Defining the primary cognitive endpoint is a major decision for Alzheimer's disease preventive trials. As an example for further trials we present in detail the three-year cognitive decline in the placebo group of MAPT trial, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) using a cognitive composite score (MAPT-PACC). Participants were dementia-free adults 70 years or older, with subjective memory complaints. Our findings as expected showed subjects with older age (>75), higher beta amyloid brain deposition, APOE-ε4 allele carriers, with low RBC DHA+EPA levels and higher CDR level are at higher risk of cognitive decline. The data presented in this paper can be useful for future preventive trials to choose the primary cognitive end point, assess the clinical relevance of cognitive changes and perform sample size calculation for several targeted population eg. ApoE4, amyloid +, oldest old, lower n3-PUFA. We believe that the trial group with CDR 0.5, without being selected by a memory test endpoint is a good target population for AD preventive trials.

Vincristine, Doxorubicin, Cyclophosfamide, Actinomycin D, Ifosfamide, and Etoposide in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Nonmetastatic Ewing Sarcoma. Final Results of a Monoinstitutional Study

Aims and background

To investigate a six-drug combination in patients with non-metastatic Ewing sarcoma, focusing on chemotherapy-induced necrosis and chemotherapy toxicity in adult and pediatric patients.

Methods and study design

Alternating cycles of vincristine (1.5 mg/m2), doxorubicin (80 mg/m2) and cyclophosfamide (1200 mg/m2) (weeks 0, 6, 13, 22a nd 31), ifosfamide (9 g/m2), vincristine (1.5 mg/m2), and actinomycin D (1.5 mg/m2) (weeks 3, 16, 25 and 34), and ifosfamide (9 g/m2) and etoposide (450 mg/m2) (weeks 9, 19, 28 and 37) were administered. Primary chemotherapy-induced necrosis was graded: G3 (complete necrosis), G2 (microfoci of tumor cells) and G1 (macrofoci of tumor cells).

Results

From 1996 to 1999, 50 patients with Ewing sarcoma were enrolled. The median age was 23.5 years (range, 4–56). Chemotherapy-induced necrosis (in 28 patients) was G3 in 36%, G2 in 21% and G1 in 43%. At a median follow-up of 110 months (range, 36–129), 5-year overall survival and event-free survival were 72% and 66%, respectively. According to histologic response, 5-year event-free survival was 90% in G3, 83% in G2, and 42% in G1 (P = 0.02). In adult and pediatric (<18 years) patients, the incidence of G4 leukopenia was 62% and 74%, respectively, with febrile neutropenia in 13% and 21%, respectively. G4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 3% of cycles in adults and in 7% in pediatric patients. Platelet and red blood cell transfusions were required respectively in 1% and 11% of cycles in adults and in 6% and 24% of cycles in pediatric patients.

Conclusions

The six-drug combination can be administered safely in adult and pediatric populations. About 40% of patients have a poor chemotherapy-induced tumor necrosis, leading to poor probability of survival. New strategies are recommended to improve survival of poor responders to the six-drug combination.

Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma. An Analysis of Patients Treated at a Single Institution

Background

We analyzed clinical and treatment-related factors influencing the outcome of patients with mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MC). Twenty-six patients (median age, 31 years) were identified using the Tumor Center and Chemotherapy Department database of the study institute.

Methods

Patients received surgery (24 patients) and/or radiotherapy (5 patients), and chemotherapy (12 patients).

Results

After a median follow-up of 48 months (7-237 months) 10 patients were alive. The 10-year overall survival (OS) was 27% in those who achieved complete surgical remission and 0% in those who did not (P = 0.0007). A worse 10-year probability of OS was observed in patients who were metastatic at presentation (metastatic 0%, localized 31%, P = 0.02), in patients with soft tissue MC (soft tissue MC 0%, bone MC 29%, P = 0.06) and in hemangiopericytoma-like MC (hemangiopericytoma-like MC 0%, Ewing's-like MC 33.5%, P = 0.9). In those patients who achieved complete surgical remission, the 10-year DFS was 76% for those who received chemotherapy and 17% for those who did not (P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Our experience confirmed the importance of complete surgical remission in MC treatment and suggests that the addition of chemotherapy should offer a benefit in terms of DFS. Due to the rarity of MC, multicentrer studies are needed to identify the most active chemotherapy regimen.

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease after high-dose intravenous busulfan/melphalan conditioning therapy in high-risk Ewing Sarcoma

This mono-institutional observational study was conducted to determine incidence, severity, risk factors, and outcome of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease (SOS/VOD) in high-risk Ewing sarcoma (ES) patients treated with intravenous busulfan and melphalan (BU-MEL) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). During the past 10 years, 75 consecutive ES patients resulted evaluable for the analysis. After diagnosis of SOS/VOD, defibrotide therapy was started as soon as the medication was available. The variables analyzed as potential risk factors were: gender, patient's age at diagnosis, primary tumor site, disease stage, and prior radiation therapy (RT) given, focusing on RT liver exposure. The median age at diagnosis was 18.8 years. Five patients developed moderate to severe SOS/VOD (cumulative incidence, 6.67%). None of 32 pediatric patients (≤17 years) developed SOS/VOD (p = 0.0674). In univariate analysis, prior RT liver exposure resulted statistically significant (p = 0.0496). There was one death due to severe SOS/VOD. This study reports the largest series of high-risk ES patients treated with intravenous BU-MEL before ASCT. The incidence of SOS/VOD was lower when compared with other studies that used oral busulfan. Any prior RT liver exposure should be avoided. Earlier defibrotide treatment confirms to be effective.

Physical Activity and Changes in White Matter Hyperintensities over Three Years

OBJECTIVES

Since physical activity (PA) has demonstrated benefits for cardiovascular health, it is possible to hypothesize that higher or increasing PA slows the progression of white matter hyperintensities (WMH). We investigated the association between PA and the progression of WMH in non-demented older adults with memory complaints.

DESIGN

We included 152 participants (mean age 74.7±3.8 years; 63.8% women) in the analyses, in whom information on self-reported PA and MRI was available at both baseline and 3-year follow-up. From the PA questionnaire, the baseline metabolic equivalent of task (MET-minute/week) and changes in MET-minute/week over three years were separately calculated for overall, leisure-time, and non-leisure time PA. WMH volume at baseline and 3-year follow-up was obtained by using an automated segmentation algorithm.

RESULTS

Mixed-effect linear regression models showed that none of the baseline PA variables was associated with progression of WMH over time. People who had decreased their PA levels over three years tended to show greater progression of WMH compared with those who had maintained PA levels of ≥1200 MET-min/week (roughly equivalent to ≥300 minutes of brisk walking) in the unadjusted model (β±SE=4.85±2.42, p=0.045); however, this association was no longer significant after adjustment for confounders (β±SE =3.63±2.18, p=0.096).

CONCLUSIONS

We did not find any significant association between PA and WMH in non-demented older adults with memory complaints. However, decrease over time in PA levels tended to be associated with progression of WMH. A larger longitudinal study with data on PA assessed using objective measures would provide important information in this field.

International Clinical Practice Guidelines for Sarcopenia (ICFSR): Screening, Diagnosis and Management

OBJECTIVES

Sarcopenia, defined as an age-associated loss of skeletal muscle function and muscle mass, occurs in approximately 6 - 22 % of older adults. This paper presents evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for screening, diagnosis and management of sarcopenia from the task force of the International Conference on Sarcopenia and Frailty Research (ICSFR).

METHODS

To develop the guidelines, we drew upon the best available evidence from two systematic reviews paired with consensus statements by international working groups on sarcopenia. Eight topics were selected for the recommendations: (i) defining sarcopenia; (ii) screening and diagnosis; (iii) physical activity prescription; (iv) protein supplementation; (v) vitamin D supplementation; (vi) anabolic hormone prescription; (vii) medications under development; and (viii) research. The ICSFR task force evaluated the evidence behind each topic including the quality of evidence, the benefit-harm balance of treatment, patient preferences/values, and cost-effectiveness. Recommendations were graded as either strong or conditional (weak) as per the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. Consensus was achieved via one face-to-face workshop and a modified Delphi process.

RECOMMENDATIONS

We make a conditional recommendation for the use of an internationally accepted measurement tool for the diagnosis of sarcopenia including the EWGSOP and FNIH definitions, and advocate for rapid screening using gait speed or the SARC-F. To treat sarcopenia, we strongly recommend the prescription of resistance-based physical activity, and conditionally recommend protein supplementation/a protein-rich diet. No recommendation is given for Vitamin D supplementation or for anabolic hormone prescription. There is a lack of robust evidence to assess the strength of other treatment options.

Interventions Against Disability in Frail Older Adults: Lessons Learned from Clinical Trials

As the population ages, the number of older people with frailty is expected to increase worldwide with consequent rising of expenditures for healthcare and long-term care. Effective methods for preventing or delaying the onset of disability are urgently required. Frailty is a common and important geriatric condition characterized by age-associated declines in multiple physiological mechanisms, leading to increased vulnerability to stressors and higher risk for adverse health outcomes. Significant advancements have been made in the understanding of the frailty pathophysiological background. Given its multidimensional nature, reversing frailty requires a comprehensive approach. In this context, several studies testing the effects of pharmacological approach, physical activity, nutritional intervention, or cognitive training showed evidence of efficacy in frail older adults. Important innovations in ongoing trials include the development of multidomain interventions. Challenges include the use of trial designs, the development of standardized, sensitive outcome measures, and the need for interventions that can be implemented in resource-poor settings. In this viewpoint paper, based on recent literature, our aim was to identify relevant studies performed to reverse or delay disability in frail older adults.

MACVIA-LR (Fighting Chronic Diseases for Active and Healthy Ageing in Languedoc-Roussillon): A Success Story of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing

The Région Languedoc Roussillon is the umbrella organisation for an interconnected and integrated project on active and healthy ageing (AHA). It covers the 3 pillars of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA): (A) Prevention and health promotion, (B) Care and cure, (C) and (D) Active and independent living of elderly people. All sub-activities (poly-pharmacy, falls prevention initiative, prevention of frailty, chronic respiratory diseases, chronic diseases with multimorbidities, chronic infectious diseases, active and independent living and disability) have been included in MACVIA-LR which has a strong political commitment and involves all stakeholders (public, private, patients, policy makers) including CARSAT-LR and the Eurobiomed cluster. It is a Reference Site of the EIP on AHA. The framework of MACVIA-LR has the vision that the prevention and management of chronic diseases is essential for the promotion of AHA and for the reduction of handicap. The main objectives of MACVIA-LR are: (i) to develop innovative solutions for a network of Living labs in order to reduce avoidable hospitalisations and loss of autonomy while improving quality of life, (ii) to disseminate the innovation. The three years of MACVIA-LR activities are reported in this paper.

Sarcopenia Trials in Specific Diseases: Report by the International Conference on Frailty and Sarcopenia Research Task Force

Muscle atrophy occurs as a consequence of a number of conditions, including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus, heart failure, and other chronic diseases, where it is generally a predictor of poor survival. It also occurs as a consequence of disuse and an age-related loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia). The aims of the 2016, International Conference on Frailty and Sarcopenia Research (ICFSR) Task Force were to examine how these specific chronic conditions have been employed in treatment trials thus far and how future trials using these patient groups might be designed for efficient identification of effective sarcopenia interventions. Functional limitations assessed as gait speed, distance walked over a set time period, or other attributes of physical performance have been suggested as outcome measures in sarcopenia trials. Indeed, such measures have already been used successfully in a number of trials aimed at preventing disability in older adults.

Does MGMT (O6-methylguanine–DNA methyltransferase) have a role in metastatic Ewing sarcoma (ES) patients (pts) undergoing temozolomide (TMZ) and irinotecan (IRI)?

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Background: TMZ+IRI has significant activity in metastatic ES. Epigenetic silencing of the MGMT DNA gene by promoter methylation has been associated with response to TMZ in glioblastoma. Our aim was to assess if MGMT methylation 1) has a role in ES progression and 2) is predictive of response to TMZ. Methods: 1) In 10 ES cell lines presence of MGMT gene (Real-time PCR), methylation of its promoter (methylation-specific PCR) and protein expression (western blot) were assessed. MGMT protein (IHC) and methylation of its promoter was searched in 97 ES pts samples (74 localized; 23 metastatic). 2) In metastatic ES pts treated with TMZ+IRI, with pre-treatment FFPE tissue and measurable disease, the relation between RECIST response, PFS and MGMT expression (IHC) was assessed. Results: 1) The expression of MGMT gene and its protein was detected and concordant (p = 0.02) in all ES cell lines evaluated; methylation was a rare event. In ES tissue samples the methylation of the MGMT gene was found at a low intensity as compared with the unmethylated gene, but the protein expression was relatively low: 36% in localized, 65% in metastatic pts (p 0.03). 2) 24 pts (median age 19 years, range 3-50 years; F/M: 7/17) treated with TMZ + IRI from 2010 to 2015 were identified. Line of treatment: 8 patients were in 1st line; 16 ≥ 2nd line. Median n of cycles was 6 (range: 2-31). Pattern of metastases: 16 multiple sites, 4 lungs, 3 multiple sites + bone marrow, 1 bone. MGMT was positive in 63% of cases. ORR: 16.5% (1 CR , 3 PR); SD: 50% (13 pts); PD: 33.5% (7 pts). According to MGMT expression the ORR was 11% in negative and 20% in MGMT positive patients (p = 0.8). 6-mos PFS rate was 59% (38-80 %IC), no differece according to MGMT expression (pos 61% vs neg 56%, p 0.7). Conclusions: Whereas in cell lines the MGMT gene and its protein expression is a generalized event, in tissue samples MGMT protein is present in a minority of localized pts, and might be associate with tumor progression. Methylation of MGMT gene does not seem responsible for its regulation in ES, and post-transcriptional mechanisms are more likely to be involved. The presence of MGMT protein does not predict the response to TMZ + IRI in this small series.

Survival after Second and Subsequent Recurrences in Osteosarcoma: A Retrospective Multicenter Analysis

Purpose Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone tumor. Despite complete surgical removal and intensive chemotherapeutic treatment, 30%-35% of patients with OS have local or systemic recurrence. Some patients survive multiple recurrences, but overall survival after OS recurrence is poor. This analysis aims to describe and identify factors influencing post-relapse survival (PRS) after a second OS relapse. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of 60 patients with a second relapse of OS of the extremities in 2 Italian centers between 2003 and 2013. Results Treatment for first and subsequent relapses was planned according to institutional guidelines. After complete surgical remission (CSR) following the first recurrence, patients experienced a second OS relapse with a median disease-free interval (DFI) of 6 months. Lung disease was prevalent: 44 patients (76%) had pulmonary metastases. Survival after the second relapse was 22% at 5 years. Lung disease only correlated with better survival at 5 years (33.6%) compared with other sites of recurrence (5%; p = 0.008). Patients with a single pulmonary lesion had a better 5-year second PRS (42%; p = 0.02). Patients who achieved a second CSR had a 5-year second PRS of 33.4%. Chemotherapy (p<0.001) benefited patients without a third CSR. Conclusions This analysis confirms the importance of an aggressive, repeated surgical approach. Lung metastases only, the number of lesions, DFI and CSR influenced survival. It also confirms the importance of chemotherapy in patients in whom surgical treatment is not feasible.

Osteosarcoma follow-up: chest X-ray or computed tomography?

Background

In patients with relapsed osteosarcoma, the surgical excision of all metastases, defined as second complete remission (CR-2), is the factor that mainly influences post-relapse survival (PRS). Currently a validated follow-up policy for osteosarcoma is not available, both chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) are suggested for lung surveillance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the type of imaging technique used for chest surveillance, chest X-ray or CT, influenced the rate of CR-2 and prognosis in patients with recurrent osteosarcoma.

Methods

Patients up to 40 years with extremity osteosarcoma enrolled in consecutive clinical trials and treated at the Rizzoli Institute from 1986 to 2009 were identified. Only patients who had lung metastases alone as first pattern of recurrence were considered for the analysis. The rate of CR-2, overall survival (OS) and PRS were the end-points of the study.

Results

The median follow-up was 47 months (1–300), 215 patients were eligible. Lung metastases were detected by chest X-ray in 100 (47%) patients, by CT in 112 (52%) and by symptoms in 3 (1%). CR-2 rate was 60% for patients followed by X-rays and 88% for those followed by CT (p < .0001). 5-year PRS was 30% (95% CI 21–39) in the X-ray group and 49% (95% CI 39–59) in the CT group (p = .0004). 5-year OS was 35% (95% CI 26–44) in the X-ray group and 60% (95% CI 51–70) in the CT group (p = .004).

Conclusions

A follow-up strategy with chest CT leads to a higher rate of CR-2 and significantly improves PRS and OS in osteosarcoma, compared to chest X-ray.

Cognitive Changes with Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Non-Demented Older Adults with Low Omega-3 Index

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the changes in specific domains of cognitive function in older adults reporting subjective memory complaints with a low omega-3 index receiving omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation or placebo.

DESIGN

This is a secondary exploratory analysis of the Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial (MAPT) using subjects randomized to the n-3 PUFA supplementation or placebo group.

SETTING

French community dwellers aged 70 or over reporting subjective memory complaints, but free from clinical dementia.

PARTICIPANTS

A subgroup of MAPT subjects in the lowest quartile of omega-3 index distribution with baseline values ≤ 4.83 % (n = 183).

INTERVENTION

The n-3 PUFA supplementation group consumed a daily dose of DHA (800 mg) and EPA (a maximum amount of 225 mg) for 3 years. The placebo group received identical capsules comprising liquid paraffin oil.

MEASUREMENTS

Linear mixed-model repeated-measures analyses were used including baseline, 6, 12, 24 and 36-month follow-up data to assess between-group differences in the change in eight cognitive tests over 36 months.

RESULTS

There was less decline on the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) in the n-3 PUFA supplementation group compared to placebo (p = 0.009; between group mean difference over 36 months, 2.3; 95% CI, 0.6,4.0). No significant differences for any of the other cognitive tests were found, including other tests of executive functioning, although, numerically all results were in favour of the n-3 PUFA supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

We found some evidence that n-3 PUFAs might be beneficial for the maintenance of executive functioning in older adults at risk of dementia with low omega-3 index, but this exploratory finding requires further confirmation. A larger specifically designed randomised controlled trial could be merited.

Cross-Sectional Associations of Total Plasma Homocysteine with Cortical β-Amyloid Independently and as a Function of Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Status in Older Adults at Risk of Dementia

OBJECTIVES

Elevated total plasma homocysteine is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and there is some evidence that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) can modulate the effects of homocysteine-lowering B vitamins on AD related pathologies. Hence we investigated the relationship between total plasma homocysteine and cortical β-amyloid (Aβ) in older adults at risk of dementia. The role of erythrocyte membrane n-3 PUFAs (omega 3 index) on this relationship was also explored.

DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional study using data from the Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial (MAPT); a randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

French community dwellers aged 70 or over reporting subjective memory complaints, but free from a diagnosis of clinical dementia.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals were from the MAPT trial (n = 177) with data on total plasma homocysteine at baseline and cortical Aβ load.

MEASUREMENTS

Cortical-to-cerebellar standard uptake value ratios were assessed using [18F] florbetapir positron emission tomography (PET). Total baseline plasma homocysteine was measured using an enzymatic cycling assay. Baseline omega 3 index was measured using gas chromatography. Cross-sectional associations were explored using adjusted multiple linear regression models.

RESULTS

We found that total baseline plasma homocysteine was not significantly associated with cortical Aβ as demonstrated using multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, education, cognitive status, time interval between baseline and PET-scan, omega-3 index, MAPT group allocation and Apolipoprotein E ε4 status (B-coefficient -0.001, 95 % CI: -0.008,0.006, p = 0.838). Exploratory analysis showed that homocysteine was however significantly associated with cortical Aβ in subjects with low baseline omega-3 index (< 4.72 %) after adjustment for Apolipoprotein E ε4 status (B-coefficient 0.041, 95 % CI: 0.017,0.066, p = 0.005, n = 10), but not in subjects with a high baseline omega-3 index (B-coefficient -0.010, 95 % CI: -0.023,0.003, p = 0.132, n = 66).

CONCLUSIONS

The role of n-3 PUFAs on the relationship between homocysteine and cerebral Aβ warrants further investigation.

Building Bridges for Innovation in Ageing: Synergies between Action Groups of the EIP on AHA

The Strategic Implementation Plan of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA) proposed six Action Groups. After almost three years of activity, many achievements have been obtained through commitments or collaborative work of the Action Groups. However, they have often worked in silos and, consequently, synergies between Action Groups have been proposed to strengthen the triple win of the EIP on AHA. The paper presents the methodology and current status of the Task Force on EIP on AHA synergies. Synergies are in line with the Action Groups' new Renovated Action Plan (2016-2018) to ensure that their future objectives are coherent and fully connected. The outcomes and impact of synergies are using the Monitoring and Assessment Framework for the EIP on AHA (MAFEIP). Eight proposals for synergies have been approved by the Task Force: Five cross-cutting synergies which can be used for all current and future synergies as they consider overarching domains (appropriate polypharmacy, citizen empowerment, teaching and coaching on AHA, deployment of synergies to EU regions, Responsible Research and Innovation), and three cross-cutting synergies focussing on current Action Group activities (falls, frailty, integrated care and chronic respiratory diseases).

ARIA 2016: Care pathways implementing emerging technologies for predictive medicine in rhinitis and asthma across the life cycle

The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) initiative commenced during a World Health Organization workshop in 1999. The initial goals were (1) to propose a new allergic rhinitis classification, (2) to promote the concept of multi-morbidity in asthma and rhinitis and (3) to develop guidelines with all stakeholders that could be used globally for all countries and populations. ARIA—disseminated and implemented in over 70 countries globally—is now focusing on the implementation of emerging technologies for individualized and predictive medicine. MASK [MACVIA (Contre les Maladies Chroniques pour un Vieillissement Actif)-ARIA Sentinel NetworK] uses mobile technology to develop care pathways for the management of rhinitis and asthma by a multi-disciplinary group and by patients themselves. An app (Android and iOS) is available in 20 countries and 15 languages. It uses a visual analogue scale to assess symptom control and work productivity as well as a clinical decision support system. It is associated with an inter-operable tablet for physicians and other health care professionals. The scaling up strategy uses the recommendations of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing. The aim of the novel ARIA approach is to provide an active and healthy life to rhinitis sufferers, whatever their age, sex or socio-economic status, in order to reduce health and social inequalities incurred by the disease.