Prevalence and risk factors for gingivitis in a cohort of UK companion cats aged up to 6 years

OBJECTIVES

Prospectively collected data were used to estimate the prevalence of gingivitis in a cohort of companion cats aged up to 6 years and to investigate factors associated with the risk of gingivitis in cats aged 3 to 4 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were obtained from a longitudinal study of domestic cats (the Bristol Cats Study), using owner-completed questionnaires and veterinary surgeon-completed oral health scores. Prevalence estimates of veterinary-reported gingivitis for cats aged up to 6 years old (n = 1534) were calculated for different age groups. Cat signalment, diet and dental care were assessed for association with gingivitis in cats aged 3 to 4 years (n = 317) using univariable and multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

The prevalence of gingivitis increased with age and ranged from 24.5% (<12 months old) to 56.3% (5 to 6 years old). Odds of gingivitis in cats aged 3 to 4 years were higher in cats fed a wet only or mixed wet/dry diet compared to dry only (odds ratio: 2.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.4 to 5.1), cats not reported to hunt compared to reported hunters (odds ratio: 2.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.0 to 4.2), cats reported to dribble whilst being stroked at age 6 months compared to reported non-dribblers (odds ratio: 3.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.3 to 8.4) and cats with orange variants in their coat colour compared to non-orange cats (odds ratio: 2.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.0 to 5.3).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

These results will help veterinary surgeons identify cats that may be at a greater risk of gingivitis and provide an evidence base to inform dietary and oral healthcare recommendations aimed at promoting gingival health in cats.

Understanding the needs and preferences for cancer care among First Nations people: An integrative review

AIM

This systematic review aimed to identify the needs and preferences for cancer care services among Australian First Nations people.

DESIGN

Integrative review.

DATA SOURCES

An integrative review was conducted. A wide range of search terms were used to increase the sensitivity and specificity of the searches in electronic databases. Methodological quality assessment, data extraction, was conducted independently by two reviewers, and a narrative synthesis was conducted.

RESULTS

Forty-two studies were included. A total of 2965 Australian First Nations adults, both men and women of various ages across the lifespan, were represented; no First Nations children affected by cancer were represented in the studies. Three themes emerged which included: (1) discrimination, racism and trauma, resulting from colonization, directly impacted First National people's cancer care experience; (2) cultural ways of knowing, being and doing are fundamental to how First Nations people engage with cancer care services; and (3) First Nations people need culturally safe person-centred cancer care services that address practical needs.

CONCLUSION

Most participants represented in this review experienced discrimination, racism and trauma, resulting from colonization, which directly negatively impacted Aboriginal peoples' cancer care experience. While the Optimal Cancer Pathway (OCP) was launched in Australia several years ago, people with cancer may continue to experience distressing unmet care needs.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Our team includes both First Nations people, non-First Nations researchers and healthcare professionals with expertise in cancer care. The researchers employed decolonizing restorative approaches to ensure voice, respect, accountability and reciprocity in this review work.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Members of the multidisciplinary team including nurses and policymakers should reflect on these findings, ensure that they have up-to-date cultural safety training and stand together with Indigenous and non-Indigenous cancer leaders to take proactive steps to stamp out and dismantle oppression in health, and safely implement the OCP.

Sense of coherence moderates job demand-resources and impact on burnout among nurses and midwives in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey

AIM

This study aimed to test the propositions using the job demands-resources (JD-R) model for main/moderation/mediation effects of a sense of coherence and practice environment support on mental well-being (anxiety, depression and burnout) outcomes in nurses and midwives in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional quantitative survey.

DATA SOURCES

The study was a cross-sectional design using self-report questionnaires reported as per the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Guidelines. Following human research ethics approval (2020.ETH.00121) participants were recruited to take part in an online anonymous survey using self-report instruments to test the JD-R model in Australia.

RESULTS

156 participant nurses and midwives experienced anxiety, depression and emotional burnout during COVID-19. While a considerable proportion of participants indicated high levels of emotional exhaustion, their responses showed low levels of depersonalization (detached response to other people) and high levels of personal accomplishment (high levels of work performance and competence). A sense of coherence was a significant protective factor for mental health well-being for the participants, which is to say, high levels of sense of coherence were predictive of lower levels of anxiety, depression and burnout in this study sample.

CONCLUSION

It is evident that both nursing and midwifery professions require psychosocial support to preserve their health both in the short and long term. Ensuring individualized tailored support will require a layered response within organizations aimed at individual self-care and collegial peer support.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

There was no patient or public contribution in this study, as the focus was on nurses and midwives.

Storage of halved strawberry fruits affects aroma, phytochemical content and gene expression, and is affected by pre-harvest factors

Introduction

Strawberry fruit are highly valued for their aroma which develops during ripening. However, they have a short shelf-life. Low temperature storage is routinely used to extend shelf-life for transport and storage in the supply chain, however cold storage can also affect fruit aroma. Some fruit continue to ripen during chilled storage; however, strawberries are a non-climacteric fruit and hence ripening postharvest is limited. Although most strawberry fruit is sold whole, halved fruit is also used in ready to eat fresh fruit salads which are of increasing consumer demand and pose additional challenges to fresh fruit storage.

Methods

To better understand the effects of cold storage, volatilomic and transcriptomic analyses were applied to halved Fragaria x ananassa cv. Elsanta fruit stored at 4 or 8°C for up to 12 days over two growing seasons.

Results and discussion

The volatile organic compound (VOC) profile differed between 4 or 8°C on most days of storage. Major differences were detected between the two different years of harvest indicating that aroma change at harvest and during storage is highly dependent on environmental factors during growth. The major component of the aroma profile in both years was esters. Over 3000 genes changed in expression over 5 days of storage at 8°C in transcriptome analysis. Overall, phenylpropanoid metabolism, which may also affect VOCs, and starch metabolism were the most significantly affected pathways. Genes involved in autophagy were also differentially expressed. Expression of genes from 43 different transcription factor (TF) families changed in expression: mostly they were down-regulated but NAC and WRKY family genes were mainly up-regulated. Given the high ester representation amongst VOCs, the down-regulation of an alcohol acyl transferase (AAT) during storage is significant. A total of 113 differentially expressed genes were co-regulated with the AAT gene, including seven TFs. These may be potential AAT regulators.

What are the experiences of supportive care in people affected by brain cancer and their informal caregivers: A qualitative systematic review

PURPOSE

To critically synthesise qualitative research to understand experiences of supportive care in people affected by brain cancer and their informal caregivers.

METHODS

A qualitative systematic review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs methodology and has been reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Guidelines. Electronic databases were searched by an expert systematic review librarian for all qualitative studies irrespective of research design. All publications were double screened by two reviewers using a pre-determined exclusion and inclusion criteria. The review was managed using Covidence systematic review software. Methodological quality assessment and data extraction were performed. Qualitative findings accompanied by illustrative quotes from included studies were extracted and grouped into categories, which created the overall synthesised findings.

RESULTS

A total of 33 studies were included which represented a total sample of 671 participants inclusive of 303 patients and 368 informal caregivers. There was a total of 220 individual findings included in this review, which were synthesised into two findings (1) caregivers and patients perceived supports which would have been helpful and (2) caregiver and patient experiences of unmet supportive care needs.

CONCLUSION

This review highlighted the suffering and distress caused by brain cancer and associated treatments. Both patients and their informal caregivers experienced disconnect from themselves in renegotiating roles, and a profound sense of loneliness as the physical deterioration of the disease progressed. Both patients and informal caregivers reported similar unmet needs within the current service provision for brain cancer. However, what is apparent is that current cancer services are provided solely for patients, with little or no consideration to the support needs of both the patient and their informal caregiver. Service re-design is needed to improve care coordination with individualised informational support, implementation of holistic needs assessments for both the patients and their caregivers, better community support provision, improved opportunities for emotional care with early referral for palliative care services.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

It is recommended that members of the multidisciplinary brain cancer team reflect on these findings to target holistic needs assessments and develop shared self-management care plans for both the patient and the informal caregiver.

Discovering marine biodiversity in the 21st century

We review the current knowledge of the biodiversity of the ocean as well as the levels of decline and threat for species and habitats. The lack of understanding of the distribution of life in the ocean is identified as a significant barrier to restoring its biodiversity and health. We explore why the science of taxonomy has failed to deliver knowledge of what species are present in the ocean, how they are distributed and how they are responding to global and regional to local anthropogenic pressures. This failure prevents nations from meeting their international commitments to conserve marine biodiversity with the results that investment in taxonomy has declined in many countries. We explore a range of new technologies and approaches for discovery of marine species and their detection and monitoring. These include: imaging methods, molecular approaches, active and passive acoustics, the use of interconnected databases and citizen science. Whilst no one method is suitable for discovering or detecting all groups of organisms many are complementary and have been combined to give a more complete picture of biodiversity in marine ecosystems. We conclude that integrated approaches represent the best way forwards for accelerating species discovery, description and biodiversity assessment. Examples of integrated taxonomic approaches are identified from terrestrial ecosystems. Such integrated taxonomic approaches require the adoption of cybertaxonomy approaches and will be boosted by new autonomous sampling platforms and development of machine-speed exchange of digital information between databases.

Identification of canine osteoarthritis using an owner-reported questionnaire and treatment monitoring using functional mobility tests

Objectives

To investigate the diagnostic value of an owner‐completed canine osteoarthritis screening checklist to help identify previously undiagnosed osteoarthritis cases, and assess their response to carprofen treatment by monitoring pain and functional mobility.

Materials and Methods

Dogs (n=500) whose owners reported ≥1 positive response to the osteoarthritis checklist were examined to identify dogs with previously undiagnosed osteoarthritis. Eligible dogs (n=133) were evaluated for pain and video mobility analysis by Helsinki Chronic Pain Index and visual analogue scale scores, respectively, following carprofen treatment, administered for 30 days (n=95) or up to 120 days (n=38). Dogs were filmed at clinics performing activities (walking, jogging, sitting/lying, walking up and down stairs), and scored at days 0, 30 and 120 using visual analogue scale by an independent blinded expert.

Results

A diagnosis of osteoarthritis was confirmed by a veterinarian in 38% (188 of 500) of dogs. Balance of sensitivity and specificity across the original group of nine screening questions was optimised to approximately 88 and 71%, respectively, after elimination of three questions. Pain measured by Helsinki Chronic Pain Index and functional mobility improved over time in response to treatment with carprofen. Mean ability scores for activities significantly improved between days 0 and 30 for walking, jogging, sitting/lying and walking down stairs, and days 0 and 120 for sitting/lying and walking up stairs.

Clinical Significance

More osteoarthritis cases were identified in study dogs than previous prevalence estimates, indicating the screening checklist's potential to help identify for further evaluation cases that could otherwise remain undiagnosed. Improvements in function were demonstrated after carprofen treatment.

Pityriasis rubra pilaris-like eruption following administration of the BNT163b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine

We describe a case of a pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)-like eruption occurring following administration of the Pfizer-Biontech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, with worsening of the condition following the second dose. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a PRP-like eruption as a cutaneous adverse event of the Pfizer-Biontech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

WTO must ban harmful fisheries subsidies

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The MPA Guide: A framework to achieve global goals for the ocean

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Stakeholders (trainees & tutors) views on the introduction of a workplace-based assessment tool within the pre-registration pharmacy training programme in a large teaching hospital: A qualitative triangulation study

Introduction

Pre-registration pharmacy training in the UK is a competency-based programme1. Workplace-based assessment (WBA) tools are valid and reliable tools in assessing competency in the workplace,2 however no recognised WBA tools are used within pre-registration pharmacy training. Historically WBA have been used within healthcare training, including postgraduate pharmacy. A WBA tool was designed by amalgamating three recognised tools from postgraduate pharmacy training (case-based discussion, mini clinical examination and direct observed patient consultation), then piloted within the 2018/19 pre-registration pharmacy training year in a large teaching hospital.

Aim

To gather the views of pre-registration pharmacist trainees and tutors of their experiences of using the WBA tool in practice. From the views, to determine if the purposes of the tool had been met: allowing tutors to work directly with their trainee in the workplace and meet the GPhC performance standards1 that are more easily met through observation.

Methods

This research was carried out in a large teaching hospital in the North of England. The WBA tool which included a six-point Likert scale and comments boxes for feedback, was introduced to the stakeholders at the start of the 2018/19 training year in a training session. Data was collected 6 months after using the tool in practice. A triangulation method was used; a semi-structured interview with the pre-registration pharmacist manager and two focus groups were conducted, one with trainees (n=7) and one with tutors (n=5). Participants were recruited through an invitation email sent via a gatekeeper. The focus groups moderator set ground rules to ensure a safe space for discussion to reduce conflict. They also reduced possible bias by ensuring they were not a current tutor. Responses from the interview were used to support the design of the topic guide for the focus groups. Data was transcribed and thematic analysis was undertaken.

Results

Following thematic analysis, three global themes emerged: clarity of purpose of the tool, feedback to trainees and the WBA tool as an assessment. Overall, trainees found the WBA tool was the most valuable part of their training owing to the benefit of instant feedback. Tutors agreed the tool was valuable when directly observing their trainee in practice, supporting the initial aim of the tool. There were conflicting views on why the tool was introduced, therefore highlighting the importance of a good implementation strategy when making changes. Interestingly, the WBA tool was not perceived as an assessment by the majority of trainees, and the inclusion of the Likert scale on the tool was questioned, leading to possible changes being made for future use.

Conclusion

This is the first study that gathers stakeholders’ experiences of using a WBA tool within pre-registration pharmacy training within the UK. Overall, the WBA tool received positive responses from both trainees and tutors. With upcoming changes in foundation pharmacy training proposed, this study supports the use of a WBA tool as it allows for focused feedback which trainees’ value. Limitations include a small sample size and the WBA tool being piloted in one hospital.

References

1. GPhC. 2020. Pre-registration trainee. [Online]. Available from: https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/i-am-pre-registration-trainee

2. Norcini, J. and Burch, V. 2007. Workplace-based assessment as an educational tool: AMEE Guide No.31. Medical Teacher.29, pp. 855–871.

Amyloid and APOE Status of Screened Subjects in the Elenbecestat MissionAD Phase 3 Program

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Elenbecestat, an oral BACE-1 inhibitor that has been shown to reduce Aβ levels in cerebrospinal fluid, was investigated in two global phase 3 studies in early AD. Here we report on differences observed in characteristics of APOE ε4 and amyloid positive subjects in the large screening cohort.

DESIGN

Screening was performed in 5 sequential tiers over a maximum of 80 days, as part of placebo controlled, double blind phase 3 studies.

SETTING

Subjects were evaluated at sites in 7 regions (29 countries).

PARTICIPANTS

Overall, 9758 subjects were screened.

INTERVENTION

All screened subjects that were eligible received either placebo or 50 mg QID elenbecestat post randomisation.

MEASUREMENTS

Gender, disease staging, APOE ε4 status, amyloid status, amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) standard uptake value ratio (SUVr) and amyloid PET Centiloid (CL) values were determined for screened subjects; by country and region.

RESULTS

In this program, 44% of subjects were APOE ε4 positive. Frequency of females was similar in both APOE ε4 positive and negative groups. However, early mild AD subjects were slightly higher in the APOE ε4 positive group compared with the APOE ε4 negative group. 56% of subjects were amyloid positive. The mean age in the amyloid positive group was slightly higher than the amyloid negative group. The gender distribution was similar between amyloid groups. A lower number of mild cognitive impairment was observed in the amyloid positive group along with a higher number of early mild AD. APOE ε4 positive subjects were higher in amyloid positive group compared to the amyloid negative group. China had the lowest APOE ε4 and amyloid positivity rates with Western Europe and Oceania performing best. Subjects received florbetapir, florbetaben or flutemetamol amyloid PET tracer. Amyloid negative and positive subjects CL values were normally distributed around their respective means of 1.5 CL and 83 CL. However, there was an appreciable overlap in the 20-40 CL range.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of cognitively impaired subjects, subject demographics characteristics were comparable regardless of APOE genotype or amyloid positivity. APOE ε4 positivity and amyloid positivity varied by country and by geographical region.

Using online tools at the Bovine Genome Database to manually annotate genes in the new reference genome

With the availability of a new highly contiguous Bos taurus reference genome assembly (ARS-UCD1.2), it is the opportune time to upgrade the bovine gene set by seeking input from researchers. Furthermore, advances in graphical genome annotation tools now make it possible for researchers to leverage sequence data generated with the latest technologies to collaboratively curate genes. For many years the Bovine Genome Database (BGD) has provided tools such as the Apollo genome annotation editor to support manual bovine gene curation. The goal of this paper is to explain the reasoning behind the decisions made in the manual gene curation process while providing examples using the existing BGD tools. We will describe the sources of gene annotation evidence provided at the BGD, including RNA-seq and Iso-Seq data. We will also explain how to interpret various data visualizations when curating gene models, and will demonstrate the value of manual gene annotation. The process described here can be applied to manual gene curation for other species with similar tools. With a better understanding of manual gene annotation, researchers will be encouraged to edit gene models and contribute to the enhancement of livestock gene sets.

Prostate Cancer Prehabilitation and the Importance of Multimodal Interventions for Person-centred Care and Recovery

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer globally. Cancer prehabilitation is defined as a process on the continuum of care that occurs between the time of a cancer diagnosis and the beginning of acute treatment. This article will discuss the importance of prostate cancer prehabilitation interventions in optimising physical and psychological recovery to enhance person-centred care.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Scopus, professional websites, and grey literature were searched using Google Scholar.

CONCLUSION

Prehabilitation in cancer care aims to enhance perioperative care and recovery. An emerging field of research suggests that the preoperative period may be physically and psychologically salient to introduce modifiable self-management behaviours to optimise overall recovery.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Prostate cancer specialist nurses provide the hub of person-centred care across the entire cancer care continuum embedded within the multidisciplinary team. Individually tailored interventions such as exercise and pelvic floor muscle training programmes, nutritional advice, anxiety and depression reduction, and sexual well-being interventions should be considered in the prehabilitation phase of the cancer care continuum.

Identifying the supportive care needs of men and women affected by chemotherapy-induced alopecia? A systematic review

PURPOSE

To systematically evaluate evidence regarding the unmet supportive care needs of men and women affected by chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) to inform clinical practice guidelines.

METHODS

We performed a review of CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Scopus, the Cochrane Library (CCRT and CDSR) controlled trial databases and clinicaltrials.gov from January 1990 to June 2019 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. Twenty-seven publications were selected for inclusion in this analysis.

RESULTS

Included reports used qualitative (ten) and quantitative (17) studies. Across these studies men and women reported the major impact that CIA had on their psychological well-being, quality of life and body image. Hair loss had a negative impact irrespective of gender, which resulted in feelings of vulnerability and visibility of being a "cancer patient". Men and women described negative feelings, often similar, related to CIA with a range of unmet supportive care needs.

CONCLUSIONS

Some patients are not well-prepared for alopecia due to a lack of information and resources to reduce the psychological burden associated with CIA. Hair loss will affect each patient and their family differently, therefore, intervention and support must be tailored at an individual level of need to optimise psychological and physical well-being and recovery.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

People affected by CIA may experience a range of unmet supportive care needs, and oncology doctors and nurses are urged to use these findings in their everyday consultations to ensure effective, person-centred care and timely intervention to minimise the sequalae associated with CIA.

An Exploration of the Rs of Radiobiology in Prostate Cancer

OBJECTIVES

To explore the four Rs of radiobiology (Repair, Reoxygenation, Reassortment, and Repopulation) as a means to understand the effects of ionising radiation on biological tissue and subsequently as the basis for conventional fractionated treatment schedules. These radiobiological principles will form a rationale for combined regimens in prostate cancer treatment involving androgen deprivation therapy and radiation therapy and the associated toxicities of this approach will be discussed.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, professional websites, books and grey literature were searched using Google Scholar.

CONCLUSION

It is important for nurses to understand the four Rs of radiobiology to grasp the effects of ionising radiation on biological tissue as the basis for conventional fractionated treatment schedules in prostate cancer. Men can experience a sequalae of physical and psychological side effects of treatment that can negatively impact quality of life.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Men can experience a range of unmet supportive care needs particularly related to informational, sexual, and psychological needs. For men affected by prostate cancer opting for radiation therapy (+/-) androgen deprivation therapy, nurses should ask targeted questions based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events related to urinary and bowel function, potency and fatigue, and sexual health. We also recommend the use of holistic needs assessments to tailor self-management care plans. Evidence-based self-management advice should be provided in response to each man's unique needs.

5233Interleukin-1 blockade with Anakinra in ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction: Results from the VCUART3 study

Background

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with an intense inflammatory response that predicts an increased risk of death and heart failure (HF). In the current study we tested whether anakinra, a recombinant Interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist, given once daily (standard dose) or twice daily reduced systemic inflammation in patients with STEMI.

Methods

We enrolled patients with STEMI within 12 hours of presentation at 3 sites. After revascularization, patients were randomly assigned to receive anakinra 100 mg twice daily, anakinra 100 mg once daily alternating with placebo once daily every 12 hours, or placebo twice daily, for 14 days in a 1:1:1 ratio. The primary efficacy outcome was the area under the curve for C-reactive protein levels (CRP-AUC) using a high-sensitivity assay at 14 days comparing anakinra (both arms) versus placebo followed by a comparison between each of the anakinra arms with placebo. Two pre-specified exploratory clinical efficacy endpoints, adjudicated by a blinded event committee, were assessed: a composite endpoint of all-cause death for any reason or incidence of HF (defined as new-onset HF requiring hospitalization or a new prescription of a loop diuretic, D+HF) and a composite endpoint of death and HF hospitalization (D+HHF) at 1 year. Data are expressed as median and interquartile range or number and percentage. Kaplan-Meyer survival curves were compared using Log-rank test (Mantel-Cox). (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01950299)

Results

Of 311 patients screened, 99 subjects (80 [81%] males, 57 [58%] Caucasians, 55 [49–62] years of age) were randomly assigned to anakinra twice daily (N=31), anakinra once daily (N=33) or placebo (N=35). There were no significant imbalances in the demographic characteristics between groups (all P>0.05). The CRP-AUC was significantly lower in the anakinra group than in the placebo group (67 [39–120] versus 214 [131–394] mg/dl, P<0.001; and P<0.001 for each anakinra arm versus placebo separately, without significant differences between the two anakinra arms, P=0.41). Treatment with anakinra was associated with a significant reduction versus placebo in the incidence of D+HF (6/64 [9.4%] versus 9/35 [25.7%], P=0.046), and of D+HHF (0/64 [0] versus 4/35 [11.4%], P=0.011), without any significant difference between the two anakinra arms. Anakinra was not associated with any treatment-related serious adverse events, nor with excess infections compared with placebo (14.1% vs 14.3%, P=0.87).

Conclusions

Among patients with STEMI, IL-1 blockade significantly reduced the systemic inflammatory response compared with placebo, without any significant difference between standard or high dose regimens. Prespecified exploratory analyses on clinical endpoints demonstrate reduced incidence of HF and reduced HF hospitalizations, supporting the concept of beneficial effects with IL-1 blockade in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Funded by NHLBI 1R34HL121402; Drug supply from Swedish Orphan Biovitrum

The effects of monoclonal anti-CD47 on RBCs, compatibility testing, and transfusion requirements in refractory acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND

CD47 is a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of solid-organ and hematologic malignancies. CD47 is also expressed on RBCs. Here, we report our experience of the RBC effects and the impact on blood bank testing and transfusion management in a Phase 1 trial of the humanized anti-CD47 monoclonal antibody Hu5F9-G4 in relapsed or primary refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (NCT02678338).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Nineteen patients with relapsed or primary refractory AML treated across five UK centers were included for analysis. Patients received escalating doses of Hu5F9-G4. Serial laboratory data were collected to evaluate impact on hemoglobin (Hb), markers of hemolysis (bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, reticulocyte count), transfusion requirements, and blood compatibility testing.

RESULTS

A decline in Hb was observed with drug administration (median Hb change, -1.0 g/dL; range, 0.4-1.6) with associated increase in transfusion requirements. Patients responded to transfusion with a median Hb increment per unit of 1.0 g/dL. RBC agglutination was seen in all cases without associated change in Hb, lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, or reticulocyte count. Nine of 19 (47%) patients developed a newly positive antibody screen with a pan-agglutinin identified in plasma. Invalid ABO blood grouping occurred in 4 of 12 (33%) non-group O patients due to anomalous reactivity in the reverse ABO-type results.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with Hu5F9-G4 in patients with AML resulted in an Hb decline and increased transfusion requirements. Problems with ABO blood typing and compatibility testing were widely observed and should be expected by centers treating recipients of Hu5F9-G4.

Using dissolved organic matter fluorescence to identify the provenance of nutrients in a lowland catchment; the River Thames, England

Catchment based solutions are being sought to mitigate water quality pressures and achieve multiple benefits but their success depends on a sound understanding of catchment functioning. Novel approaches to monitoring and data analysis are urgently needed. In this paper we explore the potential of river water fluorescence at the catchment scale in understanding nutrient concentrations, sources and pathways. Data were collected from across the River Thames basin from January 2012 to March 2015. Analysing emission excitation matrices (EEMs) using both PARAFAC and optimal area averaging produced consistent results for humic-like component 1 and tryptophan-like component 4 in the absence of a subset of samples that exhibited an unusual peak; illustrating the importance of inspecting the entire EEM before using peak averaging methods. Strong relationships between fluorescence components and dissolved organic carbon (DOC), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), and ammonium clearly demonstrated its potential, in this study basin, as a field based surrogate for nutrients. Analysing relationships between fluorescence, catchment characteristics and boron from across the basin enabled new insights into the provenance of nutrients. These include evidence for diffuse sources of DOC from near surface hydrological pathways (i.e. soil horizons); point source inputs of nutrients from sewage effluent discharges; and diffuse contributions of nutrients from agriculture and/or sewage (e.g. septic tanks). The information gained by broad scale catchment wide monitoring of fluorescence could support catchment managers in (a) prioritising subcatchments for nutrient mitigation; (b) providing information on relative nutrient source contributions; and (c) providing evidence of the effectiveness of investment in pollution mitigation measures. The collection of high resolution fluorescence data at the catchment scale and, in particular, over shorter event timescales would complement broad scale assessments by enhancing our hydro-biogeochemical process understanding.

Critical care usage after major gastrointestinal and liver surgery: a prospective, multicentre observational study

BACKGROUND

Patient selection for critical care admission must balance patient safety with optimal resource allocation. This study aimed to determine the relationship between critical care admission, and postoperative mortality after abdominal surgery.

METHODS

This prespecified secondary analysis of a multicentre, prospective, observational study included consecutive patients enrolled in the DISCOVER study from UK and Republic of Ireland undergoing major gastrointestinal and liver surgery between October and December 2014. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore associations between critical care admission (planned and unplanned) and mortality, and inter-centre variation in critical care admission after emergency laparotomy.

RESULTS

Of 4529 patients included, 37.8% (n=1713) underwent planned critical care admissions from theatre. Some 3.1% (n=86/2816) admitted to ward-level care subsequently underwent unplanned critical care admission. Overall 30-day mortality was 2.9% (n=133/4519), and the risk-adjusted association between 30-day mortality and critical care admission was higher in unplanned [odds ratio (OR): 8.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.51-19.97) than planned admissions (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.43-3.85). Some 26.7% of patients (n=1210/4529) underwent emergency laparotomies. After adjustment, 49.3% (95% CI: 46.8-51.9%, P<0.001) were predicted to have planned critical care admissions, with 7% (n=10/145) of centres outside the 95% CI.

CONCLUSIONS

After risk adjustment, no 30-day survival benefit was identified for either planned or unplanned postoperative admissions to critical care within this cohort. This likely represents appropriate admission of the highest-risk patients. Planned admissions in selected, intermediate-risk patients may present a strategy to mitigate the risk of unplanned admission. Substantial inter-centre variation exists in planned critical care admissions after emergency laparotomies.

Impact of participation in a surgical site infection surveillance network: results from a large international cohort study

BACKGROUND

Surveillance of surgical site infections (SSIs) is a core component of effective infection control practices, though its impact has not been quantified on a large scale.

AIM

To determine the time-trend of SSI rates in surveillance networks.

METHODS

SSI surveillance networks provided procedure-specific data on numbers of SSIs and operations, stratified by hospitals' year of participation in the surveillance, to capture length of participation as an exposure. Pooled and procedure-specific random-effects Poisson regression was performed to obtain yearly rate ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and including surveillance network as random intercept.

FINDINGS

Of 36 invited networks, 17 networks from 15 high-income countries across Asia, Australia and Europe participated in the study. Aggregated data on 17 surgical procedures (cardiovascular, digestive, gynaecological-obstetrical, neurosurgical, and orthopaedic) were collected, resulting in data concerning 5,831,737 operations and 113,166 SSIs. There was a significant decrease in overall SSI rates over surveillance time, resulting in a 35% reduction at the ninth (final) included year of surveillance (RR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.63-0.67). There were large variations across procedure-specific trends, but strong consistent decreases were observed for colorectal surgery, herniorrhaphy, caesarean section, hip prosthesis, and knee prosthesis.

CONCLUSION

In this large, international cohort study, pooled SSI rates were associated with a stable and sustainable decrease after joining an SSI surveillance network; a causal relationship is possible, although unproven. There was heterogeneity in procedure-specific trends. These findings support the pivotal role of surveillance in reducing infection rates and call for widespread implementation of hospital-based SSI surveillance in high-income countries.

2018 Ottawa consensus statement: Selection and recruitment to the healthcare professions

Selection and recruitment into healthcare education and practice is a key area of interest for educators with significant developments in research, policy, and practice in recent years. This updated consensus statement, developed through a multi-stage process, examines future opportunities and challenges in selection and recruitment. There is both a gap in the literature around and a compelling case for further theoretical and empirical literature to underpin the development of overall selection philosophes and policies and their enactment. More consistent evidence has emerged regarding the quality of different selection methods. Approaches to selection are context-dependent, requiring the consideration of an institution's philosophy regarding what they are trying to achieve, the communities it purports to serve, along with the system within which they are used. Diversity and globalization issues continue to be critically important topics. Further research is required to explore differential attainment and explain why there are substantial differences in culturally acceptable ways of approaching diversity and widening access. More sophisticated evaluation approaches using multi-disciplinary theoretical frameworks are required to address the issues. Following a discussion of these areas, 10 recommendations are presented to guide future research and practice and to encourage debate between colleagues across the globe.

Back kinematics at take-off in elite showjumping horses over an upright and parallel-spread fence forming part of a three-fence combination

The objective of this study was to evaluate head, neck and back kinematics during take-off in elite level horses jumping, and to compare these over an upright and parallel spread fence. Ten mixed-breed elite-level showjumping horses were opportunistically evaluated jumping the same 15-fence course (1.35 m) during a British Equestrian Federation World Class Performance three-day training session. Two fences were evaluated using high-speed motion-capture (250 Hz). Head, neck and back kinematics of the horse were determined at take-off, at vertical orientation of leading and trailing third metacarpus/tarsus and as the trailing hindlimb left the floor. Very consistent patterns between all horses over both upright and spread fences were observed in neck-trunk (NT) angle, lumbosacral (LS) angle, the angle of the thoracolumbar (TL) to horizontal and of LS to horizontal. Head-neck (HN), TL angle and distance to fence showed moderate variation between horses. There were no significant differences between fence-type in HN, NT, TL, LS angle or distance to the fence, but TL to the horizontal angle was greater over the spread for all stride phases. LS to the horizontal angle was greater over the upright when the leading forelimb was vertical at take-off and when the trailing hindlimb was vertical at take-off. These findings suggest that elite horses may use some similar strategies to achieve a successful jump. Further understanding regions which are most influenced by velocity, rider, and horse stability could enable us to modify jumping patterns for the performance and welfare of jumping horses.

Correction to: Testing for medical school selection: What are prospective doctors' experiences and perceptions of the GAMSAT and what are the consequences of testing?

The wrong acknowledgement and funding information were provided in the original publication.

Testing for medical school selection: What are prospective doctors' experiences and perceptions of the GAMSAT and what are the consequences of testing?

Written tests for selection into medicine have demonstrated reliability and there is accumulating evidence regarding their validity, but we know little about the broader impacts or consequences of medical school selection tests from the perspectives of key stakeholders. In this first Australian study of its kind, we use consequential validity as a theoretical lens to examine how medical school students and applicants view and experience the Graduate Medical Schools Admission Test (GAMSAT), and the consequences of testing. Participants (n = 447) were recruited from five graduate-entry medical schools across Australia and a publicly available online test preparation forum. An online survey was used to gather demographic information, and quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed via descriptive statistics and qualitative data were thematically analysed. The findings showed there was a considerable financial burden associated with preparing for and sitting the GAMSAT and moderate agreement regarding the GAMSAT as a fair selection method. The main unintended consequences of using the GAMSAT as a selection tool included barriers related to test affordability and language, and socialisation into the hidden curriculum of medicine. Selection tools such as the GAMSAT have some limitations when the goals are to support equitable participation in medicine and professional identity development. Our study highlights the value interpretive and theoretically-informed research in contributing to the evidence base on medical school selection.

A feasibility study of a novel low-level light therapy for digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis

Background: Locally acting, well-tolerated treatments for systemic sclerosis (SSc) digital ulcers (DUs) are needed.

Objectives: Our primary aim was to investigate the safety, feasibility, and tolerability of a novel low-level light therapy (LTTT). A secondary aim was to tentatively assess efficacy.

Methods: A custom-built device comprising infrared (850 nm), red (660 nm), and violet (405 nm) LEDs was utilized. DUs were irradiated with 10 J/cm² twice weekly for 3 weeks, with follow-up at weeks 4 and 8. Any safety concerns were documented. Patient opinion on time to deliver, feasibility, and pain visual analogue score (VAS; 0–100, 100 most severe) was collected. Patient and clinician DU global assessment VAS were documented. DUs were evaluated by laser Doppler perfusion imaging pre- and post-irradiation.

Results: In all, 14 DUs in eight patients received a total of 46 light exposures, with no safety concerns. All patients considered LTTT ‘took just the right amount of time’ and was ‘feasible’, with a low associated mean pain VAS of 1.6 (SD: 5.2). Patient and clinician global DC VAS improved during the study (mean change: –7.1 and –5.2, respectively, both p < .001). DU perfusion significantly increased post-irradiation.

Conclusions: LTTT for DUs is safe, feasible, and well tolerated. There was an early tentative suggestion of treatment efficacy.

Characterisation of a major phytoplankton bloom in the River Thames (UK) using flow cytometry and high performance liquid chromatography

Recent river studies have observed rapid phytoplankton dynamics, driven by diurnal cycling and short-term responses to storm events, highlighting the need to adopt new high-frequency characterisation methods to understand these complex ecological systems. This study utilised two such analytical methods; pigment analysis by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and cell counting by flow cytometry (FCM), alongside traditional chlorophyll spectrophotometry and light microscopy screening, to characterise the major phytoplankton bloom of 2015 in the River Thames, UK. All analytical techniques observed a rapid increase in chlorophyll a concentration and cell abundances from March to early June, caused primarily by a diatom bloom. Light microscopy identified a shift from pennate to centric diatoms during this period. The initial diatom bloom coincided with increased HPLC peridinin concentrations, indicating the presence of dinoflagellates which were likely to be consuming the diatom population. The diatom bloom declined rapidly in early June, coinciding with a storm event. There were low chlorophyll a concentrations (by both HPLC and spectrophotometric methods) throughout July and August, implying low biomass and phytoplankton activity. However, FCM revealed high abundances of pico-chlorophytes and cyanobacteria through July and August, showing that phytoplankton communities remain active and abundant throughout the summer period. In combination, these techniques are able to simultaneously characterise a wider range of phytoplankton groups, with greater certainty, and provide improved understanding of phytoplankton functioning (e.g. production of UV inhibiting pigments by cyanobacteria in response to high light levels) and ecological status (through examination of pigment degradation products). Combined HPLC and FCM analyses offer rapid and cost-effective characterisation of phytoplankton communities at appropriate timescales. This will allow a more-targeted use of light microscopy to capture phytoplankton peaks or to investigate periods of rapid community succession. This will lead to greater system understanding of phytoplankton succession in response to biogeochemical drivers.

Comparison of Kaposi Sarcoma Risk in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Adults Across 5 Continents: A Multiregional Multicohort Study

BACKGROUND

We compared Kaposi sarcoma (KS) risk in adults who started antiretroviral therapy (ART) across the Asia-Pacific, South Africa, Europe, Latin, and North America.

METHODS

We included cohort data of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive adults who started ART after 1995 within the framework of 2 large collaborations of observational HIV cohorts. We present incidence rates and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs).

RESULTS

We included 208140 patients from 57 countries. Over a period of 1066572 person-years, 2046 KS cases were diagnosed. KS incidence rates per 100000 person-years were 52 in the Asia-Pacific and ranged between 180 and 280 in the other regions. KS risk was 5 times higher in South African women (aHR, 4.56; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 2.73-7.62) than in their European counterparts, and 2 times higher in South African men (2.21; 1.34-3.63). In Europe, Latin, and North America KS risk was 6 times higher in men who have sex with men (aHR, 5.95; 95% CI, 5.09-6.96) than in women. Comparing patients with current CD4 cell counts ≥700 cells/µL with those whose counts were <50 cells/µL, the KS risk was halved in South Africa (aHR, 0.53; 95% CI, .17-1.63) but reduced by ≥95% in other regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite important ART-related declines in KS incidence, men and women in South Africa and men who have sex with men remain at increased KS risk, likely due to high human herpesvirus 8 coinfection rates. Early ART initiation and maintenance of high CD4 cell counts are essential to further reducing KS incidence worldwide, but additional measures might be needed, especially in Southern Africa.

Novel outreach settings to enhance sexually transmitted infection/HIV awareness, diagnosis and treatment in hard-to-reach populations

Despite recent rises in the number of cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis and gonorrhoea in England and increasing rates of HIV diagnosis among several men who have sex with men populations, many individuals are still not engaging with sexual health services. The John Hunter Clinic for Sexual Health, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London set up outreach clinics at the two world's largest adult lifestyle exhibitions in 2013 and 2015. This was the first time that a sexual health screening and promotion service was available at these large-scale (over 10,000 attendees at each) adult lifestyle events. A total of 381 individuals underwent STI screening across the two events. Nineteen (5.0%) patients were diagnosed with an infection. Twelve (3.1%) patients with Chlamydia trachomatis, three (0.8%) patients with syphilis, one (0.3%) patient with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, one (0.3%) patient with HIV, one (0.3%) patient with hepatitis B and one (0.3%) patient with hepatitis C. All 19 patients were promptly contacted with their results and had arrangements made for treatment or were referred for specialist follow up. Where possible, contact tracing was also performed. Implementing such outreach-based projects is challenged by lack of on-site laboratory support, high staffing demands and potentially high costs. However, we achieved a total HIV screening uptake rate of 94.5% amongst our outreach clinic attendees (versus 67% nationally in conventional sexual health clinic attendees) with an HIV positivity rate of 0.3% (versus 0.2% nationally in high HIV prevalence band populations). Additionally, 30.7% had never been tested for HIV previously (versus 20.7% nationally). Our work demonstrates that these strategies can help to address issues related to lack of STI/HIV screening in hard-to-reach populations and promote risk reduction behaviour.