Achievement of Target Gain Larger than Unity in an Inertial Fusion Experiment

On December 5, 2022, an indirect drive fusion implosion on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved a target gain G_{target} of 1.5. This is the first laboratory demonstration of exceeding "scientific breakeven" (or G_{target}>1) where 2.05 MJ of 351 nm laser light produced 3.1 MJ of total fusion yield, a result which significantly exceeds the Lawson criterion for fusion ignition as reported in a previous NIF implosion [H. Abu-Shawareb et al. (Indirect Drive ICF Collaboration), Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 075001 (2022)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.129.075001]. This achievement is the culmination of more than five decades of research and gives proof that laboratory fusion, based on fundamental physics principles, is possible. This Letter reports on the target, laser, design, and experimental advancements that led to this result.

Effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease: a prespecified secondary analysis from the empa-kidney trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. However, their effects on kidney disease progression in some patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear because few clinical kidney outcomes occurred among such patients in the completed trials. In particular, some guidelines stratify their level of recommendation about who should be treated with SGLT2 inhibitors based on diabetes status and albuminuria. We aimed to assess the effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease both overall and among specific types of participants in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA), and included individuals aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or with an eGFR of 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher. We explored the effects of 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily versus placebo on the annualised rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR slope), a tertiary outcome. We studied the acute slope (from randomisation to 2 months) and chronic slope (from 2 months onwards) separately, using shared parameter models to estimate the latter. Analyses were done in all randomly assigned participants by intention to treat. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and then followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroups of eGFR included 2282 (34·5%) participants with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, 2928 (44·3%) with an eGFR of 30 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, and 1399 (21·2%) with an eGFR 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or higher. Prespecified subgroups of uACR included 1328 (20·1%) with a uACR of less than 30 mg/g, 1864 (28·2%) with a uACR of 30 to 300 mg/g, and 3417 (51·7%) with a uACR of more than 300 mg/g. Overall, allocation to empagliflozin caused an acute 2·12 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (95% CI 1·83-2·41) reduction in eGFR, equivalent to a 6% (5-6) dip in the first 2 months. After this, it halved the chronic slope from -2·75 to -1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (relative difference 50%, 95% CI 42-58). The absolute and relative benefits of empagliflozin on the magnitude of the chronic slope varied significantly depending on diabetes status and baseline levels of eGFR and uACR. In particular, the absolute difference in chronic slopes was lower in patients with lower baseline uACR, but because this group progressed more slowly than those with higher uACR, this translated to a larger relative difference in chronic slopes in this group (86% [36-136] reduction in the chronic slope among those with baseline uACR <30 mg/g compared with a 29% [19-38] reduction for those with baseline uACR ≥2000 mg/g; ptrend<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Empagliflozin slowed the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease among all types of participant in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, including those with little albuminuria. Albuminuria alone should not be used to determine whether to treat with an SGLT2 inhibitor.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly.

Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial

BACKGROUND

The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62-0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16-1·59), representing a 50% (42-58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1).

INTERPRETATION

In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council.

Xylella fastidiosa modulates exopolysaccharide polymer length and the dynamics of biofilm development with a β-1,4-endoglucanase

IMPORTANCE

It is well established that exopolysaccharide (EPS) is an integral structural component of bacterial biofilms necessary for assembly and maintenance of the three-dimensional architecture of the biofilm. However, the process and role of EPS turnover within a developing biofilm is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrated that Xylella fastidiosa uses a self-produced endoglucanase to enzymatically process its own EPS to modulate EPS polymer length. This enzymatic processing of EPS dictates the early stages of X. fastidiosa's biofilm development, which, in turn, affects its behavior in planta. A deletion mutant that cannot produce the endoglucanase was hypervirulent, thereby linking enzymatic processing of EPS to attenuation of virulence in symptomatic hosts, which may be a vestige of X. fastidiosa's commensal behavior in many of its other non-symptomatic hosts.

"Factors associated with provider unwillingness to perform induced abortion in Argentina: A cross-sectional study in four provinces following the legalization of abortion on request"

BACKGROUND

The 2020 Law on Access to the Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy is a landmark piece of legislation regarding access to abortion in Argentina. Under the new law, abortion is legal up to 14 weeks and 6 days gestation, with exceptions made to the gestational age limit to save a woman´s life, to preserve a woman´s health, and in case of rape. However, widespread refusal to provide care by authorized health providers (due to conscientious objection or lack of awareness of the new law) could hinder access to legal abortion. This study aimed to assess knowledge of the current legal framework and willingness to perform abortions by authorized professionals in Argentina, to compare perceptions about any requirements necessary to perform abortions on legal grounds between willing and unwilling providers and to explore factors associated with refusal to provide care.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study based on a self-administered, anonymous survey to authorized abortion providers in public health facilities in four provinces of Argentina.

FINDINGS

Most authorized providers knew the grounds upon which it is currently legal to perform abortions; however, almost half reported being unwilling to perform abortions, mainly due to conscientious objection. Both willing and unwilling providers believed there were additional requirements not actually stipulated by law. Using logistic regression, we found that province where providers serve, working in a tertiary level facility, and older age were factors associated with unwillingness to provide care.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study indicate that, even in a favorable legal context, barriers at the provider level may hinder access to abortion in Argentina. They help to demonstrate the need for specific actions that can improve access such as training, further research and public policies that guarantee facilities have sufficient professionals willing to provide abortion care.

Xylella fastidiosa Requires the Type II Secretion System for Pathogenicity and Survival in Grapevine

Xylella fastidiosa is a xylem-limited bacterial pathogen that causes Pierce's disease (PD) of grapevine. In host plants, this bacterium exclusively colonizes the xylem, which is primarily non-living at maturity. Understanding how X. fastidiosa interfaces with this specialized conductive tissue is at the forefront of investigation for this pathosystem. Unlike many bacterial plant pathogens, X. fastidiosa lacks a type III secretion system and cognate effectors that aid in host colonization. Instead, X. fastidiosa utilizes plant cell-wall hydrolytic enzymes and lipases as part of its xylem colonization strategy. Several of these virulence factors are predicted to be secreted via the type II secretion system (T2SS), the main terminal branch of the Sec-dependent general secretory pathway. In this study, we constructed null mutants in xpsE and xpsG, which encode for the ATPase that drives the T2SS and the major structural pseudopilin of the T2SS, respectively. Both mutants were non-pathogenic and unable to effectively colonize Vitis vinifera grapevines, demonstrating that the T2SS is required for X. fastidiosa infection processes. Furthermore, we utilized mass spectrometry to identify type II-dependent proteins in the X. fastidiosa secretome. In vitro, we identified six type II-dependent proteins in the secretome that included three lipases, a β-1,4-cellobiohydrolase, a protease, and a conserved hypothetical protein. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Cost-effectiveness of ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft for the treatment of polycythemia vera

Aim: Patients with polycythemia vera (PV), a rare and chronic blood cancer, are at a higher risk for thromboembolic events, progression to myelofibrosis, and leukemic transformation. In 2021, ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft (BESREMi®) was approved in the US to treat adults with PV. The purpose of this study is to estimate the cost-effectiveness of ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft, used as a first- or second-line treatment, for the treatment of patients with PV in the US. Materials & methods: A Markov cohort model was developed from the healthcare system perspective in the United States. Model inputs were informed by the PROUD-PV and CONTINUATION-PV studies and published literature. The model population included both low-risk and high-risk patients with PV. The model compared ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft used either as first- or second-line versus an alternative treatment pathway of first-line hydroxyurea followed by ruxolitinib. Results: Over the modeled lifetime, ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft provided an additional 0.4 higher quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and 0.4 life-years with an added cost of USD60,175, resulting in a cost per QALY of USD141,783. The model was sensitive to treatment costs, the percentage of patients who discontinue hydroxyurea, the percentage of ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft users who switch to monthly dosing, the percentage of ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft users as 2nd line treatment, and the treatment response rates. A younger patient age at baseline and a higher percentage of patients with low-risk disease improved the cost-effectiveness of ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft. Conclusion: Ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft is a cost-effective treatment option for a broad range of patients with PV, including both low- and high-risk patients and patients with and without prior cytoreductive treatment with hydroxyurea.

Priming grapevine with lipopolysaccharide confers systemic resistance to Pierce's disease and identifies a peroxidase linked to defense priming

Priming is an adaptive mechanism that fortifies plant defense by enhancing activation of induced defense responses following pathogen challenge. Microorganisms have signature microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) that induce the primed state. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) MAMP isolated from the xylem-limited pathogenic bacterium, Xylella fastidiosa, acts as a priming stimulus in Vitis vinifera grapevines. Grapevines primed with LPS developed significantly less internal tyloses and external disease symptoms than naive vines. Differential gene expression analysis indicated major transcriptomic reprogramming during the priming and postpathogen challenge phases. Furthermore, the number of differentially expressed genes increased temporally and spatially in primed vines, but not in naive vines during the postpathogen challenge phase. Using a weighted gene co-expression analysis, we determined that primed vines have more genes that are co-expressed in both local and systemic petioles than naive vines indicating an inherent synchronicity that underlies the systemic response to this vascular pathogen specific to primed plants. We identified a cationic peroxidase, VviCP1, that was upregulated during the priming and postpathogen challenge phases in an LPS-dependent manner. Transgenic expression of VviCP1 conferred significant disease resistance, thus, demonstrating that grapevine is a robust model for mining and expressing genes linked to defense priming and disease resistance.

5-Fluorouracil drug delivery system based on bacterial nanocellulose for colorectal cancer treatment: Mathematical and in vitro evaluation

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common worldwide. Its treatment includes adjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5FU) administered intravenously. 5FU is an antineoplastic drug of the fluoropyrimidines group, widely used in the treatment of solid tumors, mainly CRC. Nevertheless, it causes several adverse effects and poor effectiveness due to its short half-life. This work aimed to employ bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) as an encapsulation material for the oral administration of 5FU. First, the adsorption phenomena were analyzed by isotherms, thermodynamic parameters, and kinetic models. Then, encapsulation was carried out using spray-drying, and encapsulated 5FU desorption profiles were assessed in simulated fluids. The biological behavior was evaluated on colon cancer SW480 and SW620 cell lines. As result, it was found that at 25 °C a monolayer of 5FU was formed and the process showed to be the most spontaneous one. In the characterization of the nanocapsules, important changes were detected by the presence of 5FU. The delivery in the colon corresponded to a controlled release behavior. The in vitro assay indicated an improvement in the toxicity effect of the drug and its mechanism of action. Accordingly, BNC is a promising biomaterial for the development of a colon drug delivery platform of 5FU.

La salud mental de los trabajadores de salud en Guatemala durante la pandemia de COVID-19: resultados de base del estudio de cohortes HÉROES

Objetivos.

Evaluar la prevalencia de base de los trastornos de salud mental y exposiciones conexas en una cohorte de trabajadores de salud de Guatemala.

Métodos

Se analizó la información de base del estudio HÉROES (por COVID-19 HEalth caRe wOrkeRs Study, sobre los trabajadores de salud durante la pandemia) en Guatemala, realizado en línea en el 2020. Las variables de resultado fueron malestar psicológico y síntomas depresivos. Las exposiciones incluyeron experiencias con la COVID-19, características sociodemográficas y características del trabajo. En los análisis se utilizaron modelos de regresión de Poisson brutos y ajustados.

Resultados.

De los 1801 trabajadores de salud que aceptaron participar, 1522 (84,5%) completaron el cuestionario; 1014 (66,8%) eran mujeres. De los participantes, 59,1% (intervalo de confianza de 95% [IC 95%] = 56,6-61,5) tuvo un tamizaje positivo para malestar psicológico y 23% (IC 95% = 20,9-25,2) para síntomas depresivos de moderados a graves. Las experiencias con la pandemia de COVID-19, las características sociodemográficas y las características del trabajo se correlacionaron con las variables de resultado del estudio. Los participantes que estaban preocupados por el contagio de la COVID-19 tuvieron un mayor riesgo de malestar psicológico (riesgo relativo [RR] = 1,47; IC 95% = 1,30-1,66) y síntomas depresivos (RR = 1,51; IC 95% = 1,17-1,96). Asimismo, los participantes más jóvenes presentaban un riesgo alto de malestar psicológico (RR = 1,80; IC 95% = 1,24-2,63) y síntomas depresivos (razón de posibilidades [OR] = 4,58; IC 95% = 1,51-13,87).

Conclusiones.

Las afecciones de salud mental tienen una prevalencia sumamente alta en los trabajadores de salud de Guatemala.

Lawson Criterion for Ignition Exceeded in an Inertial Fusion Experiment

For more than half a century, researchers around the world have been engaged in attempts to achieve fusion ignition as a proof of principle of various fusion concepts. Following the Lawson criterion, an ignited plasma is one where the fusion heating power is high enough to overcome all the physical processes that cool the fusion plasma, creating a positive thermodynamic feedback loop with rapidly increasing temperature. In inertially confined fusion, ignition is a state where the fusion plasma can begin "burn propagation" into surrounding cold fuel, enabling the possibility of high energy gain. While "scientific breakeven" (i.e., unity target gain) has not yet been achieved (here target gain is 0.72, 1.37 MJ of fusion for 1.92 MJ of laser energy), this Letter reports the first controlled fusion experiment, using laser indirect drive, on the National Ignition Facility to produce capsule gain (here 5.8) and reach ignition by nine different formulations of the Lawson criterion.

Mental Health of Guatemalan Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Baseline Findings From the HEROES Cohort Study

Objectives. To assess the baseline prevalence of mental health conditions and associated exposures in a cohort of health care workers (HCWs) in Guatemala. Methods. We analyzed baseline information from the 2020 Web-based COVID-19 Health Care Workers Study (HEROES)-Guatemala. Outcomes included mental distress and depressive symptoms. Exposures included COVID-19 experiences, sociodemographic characteristics, and job characteristics. We used crude and adjusted Poisson regression models in our analyses. Results. Of the 1801 HCWs who accepted to participate, 1522 (84.5%) completed the questionnaire; 1014 (66.8%) were women. Among the participants, 59.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 56.6, 61.5) screened positive for mental distress and 23% (95% CI = 20.9, 25.2) for moderate to severe depressive symptoms. COVID-19 experiences, sociodemographic characteristics, and job characteristics were associated with the study outcomes. Participants who were worried about COVID-19 infection were at higher risk of mental distress (relative risk [RR] = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.30, 1.66) and depressive symptoms (RR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.17, 1.96). Similarly, the youngest participants were at elevated risk of mental distress (RR = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.24, 2.63) and depressive symptoms (OR = 4.58; 95% CI = 1.51, 13.87). Conclusions. Mental health conditions are highly prevalent among Guatemalan HCWs. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(S6):S602-S614. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306648).

Consumption of oil macerated with garlic produces renovascular protective effects in adult apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory conditions contribute as key determinants in the development of vascular and renal diseases. Organosulfur compounds (OSCs) of oil macerated with garlic (OMG) are promising phytochemicals which could protect us from hyper-inflammation and oxidative stress-induced organ damage. The present work evaluated the effect of OMG intake in apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE-KO) mice. Adult female ApoE-KO mice were randomly divided into three groups and fed with control chow, oil-supplemented diet and OMG-supplemented diet. After 8 weeks, the animals were euthanized and blood, aorta, kidneys, liver and abdominal adipose tissues were obtained for further analysis. Biochemical parameters were measured in plasma, lipid peroxidation as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels was determined in the adipose tissue, oil red O was used to stain atherosclerotic lesions, and histological and ultrastructural analyses of the kidneys were performed. Renal expression levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Wilms' Tumor Protein (WT-1) were determined by western blotting and the co-immunoprecipitation assay (p53/WT-1). Also, transmission electron microscopy for studying the expression of mitofusin 2 (Mfn-2) was used to assess mitochondrial damage. The results showed that long-term moderate intake of OMG improved serum triglyceride levels, diminished the atheroma plaque area, and reduced lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, we found a decrease in oxidative and inflammatory markers, less apoptosis and reduced WT-1 expression in the kidneys. Also, OMG increased p53/WT-1 protein interactions and reduced mitochondrial damage. Our findings suggest that OMG intake would produce anti-atherosclerotic, antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects in adult ApoE-KO mice, conferring significant renovascular protective actions in a mechanism mediated, at least in part, by WT-1.

POS1489-HPR ASSESSMENT OF TREATMENT ADHERENCE IN A COHORT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS TREATED WITH SUBCUTANEOUS ANTI-TNF WHO WERE EXPOSED TO A COMPREHENSIVE CARE MODEL

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune, chronic, and inflammatory disease, which can be treated with effective medications, but requires a high level of adherence to treatment. Offering a comprehensive care model by a multidisciplinary team could increase the adherence levels of these patients and improves disease outcomes.

Objectives

Compare the level of adherence to treatment before and after the implementation of a comprehensive care model in a cohort of patients with RA, treated with subcutaneous anti-TNF, in a reference center in Bogotá-Colombia.

Methods

An analytical study was conducted before and after the implementation of a comprehensive care model on a cohort of patients over 18 years of age, diagnosed with RA, who have been prescribed management with a subcutaneous anti-TNF by their doctor during the last 12 months. Convenience sequential sampling was performed to reach a defined sample size of 130 patients to estimate a baseline versus final adherence difference of 20%, at an alpha value of 5% and a beta value of 20%. The comprehensive care model (CCM) consisted of the approach by a multidisciplinary team, offering a comprehensive care not fragmented, based on evidence (guidelines and protocols) and proposing a treatment by objectives (T2T). Adherence was measured using the CQR-19 scale, with a cut-off point ≥80.7 to consider an adherent patient.

Results

The cohort consisted of 131 patients who were followed semiannually for 24 months, and who were incorporated into the CCM. 83.9% were women (n=110), in an age range between 30 and 84 years (Average: 62; DS: 9.9 years). 37.4% of patients were treated with etanercept (n=49), 29% with golimumab (n=38) and 33.6% with adalimumab (n=44). The median baseline of CQR-19 was 87.7 points (RIQ:84.2-91.2); while at month 24 it reached 91.2 points (RIQ: 87.7-94.7). The difference between the distributions was statistically significant (p<0.00). According to the cut-off point for CQR-19, the baseline percentage of adherent patients was 87.8% (n=115) and increased to a percentage of 96.2% at 24 months of follow-up (n=126). The difference between these two percentages of adherence was 8.39% (95% CI: 1.9-14.9%) (p: 0.012). The results of a generalized linear model binomial family, for the outcome of difference in proportions (PD) of basal and final adherence, are presented in Table 1. The estimator is adjusted for activity level (DAS28), disability level (HAQ) and anti-TNF. Golimumab appears to have an effect that increases adherence by 4.5% compared to adalimumab and etanercept, adjusting for the other predictors.

Table 1.

Model of the effect of MAI on adherence to treatment.

Dependent variable: Adhesion according to cut-off point CQR-19(≥80.7). Proportion Difference (DP) EstimatorVariableDPCI 95%P-valueIntervention: MAI9,4%3,2-15,5%0,003Golimumab vs. Etanercept-Adalimumab4,5%0,5-8,5%0,024DAS28(-)0,85%(-)3.2% to 14.9%0,47HAQ0,00(-)0.03% to 0.045%0,85

MLG-Binomial family. Identity function.

Conclusion

The CCM, after a follow-up of 24 months in patients with RA in treatment with subcutaneous anti-TNF increases the percentage of adherence by 9.4%, adjusting for treatment, activity level and degree of disability. Golimumab appears to have an effect that increases adherence by 4.5% compared to adalimumab and etanercept, adjusting for the other predictors.

Disclosure of Interests

Wilberto Rivero: None declared, GUILLERMO SÁNCHEZ: None declared, Fernando Rodriguez: None declared, Laura Villarreal: None declared, Diana Buitrago-Garcia: None declared, CARLOS CASTRO: None declared, Pedro Santos-Moreno Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Biopas-UCB, Bristol, Roche, Novartis, Lilly, Consultant of: Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Biopas-UCB, Bristol, Roche, Novartis, Lilly, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Biopas-UCB, Bristol, Roche, Novartis, Lilly

POS0655 SURVIVAL AND SAFETY OF BIOLOGICAL AND TARGETED SYNTHETIC THERAPIES AS REGARDS TO AGE GROUPS. BIOBADASAR 3.0 REGISTRY

Background

Advances in rheumatology and new therapeutic options have certainly impacted patient survival, changing the age range, from youth to seniors. The differences between the age groups could influence the evolution of the disease and the adverse events (AEs) related to the treatments. There are few real-world data on the safety and efficacy of treatments in different age groups.

Objectives

To evaluate the frequency of AEs and the survival of treatments according to the age in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

Retrospective, observational, multicenter study of real-life data of patients included in the BIOBADASAR 3.0 registry; exposed and not exposed to original biological treatments (b-DMARDs), biosimilars, targeted synthetic drugs (ts-DMARDs). The unexposed group received treatment with conventional disease-modifying drugs (cDMARDs). A Kaplan-Meier and Log Rank Test analysis was performed to study AEs-free survival and treatment in different age groups (young people <25; young adults 25-34; mature adults 34-65; old adults >65). Factors related to treatment survival were evaluated using Cox regression models.

Results

5,297 patients were included, 80.3% female, mean age 43.7 years (SD 15.6) and median disease progression 14.3 [IQR 11.5]. RA 4658 (87.9%); APs 490 (9.25%) and EA 149 (2.8%). The main reason for treatment discontinuation was ineffectiveness, in 624 patients in the exposed group and in 53 (2.5%) patients in control group, followed by the presence of AEs in 352 (11.2%) and 83 (3.9%), respectively (p=0.001).

A mean Charlson Score of 0.268 (SD 0.6) in the exposed group and 0.306 (SD 0.7) in the control group (p=0.095). Median EAs-free survival in the exposed group was 12.5 years [IQR 16.6] while in controls was 28 years [IQR 11], p<0.0001. Median AEs-free survival was 12 years (IQR 11) in young people, 11.5 years [IQR: 4.9] in young adults, 10 years [IQR: 3.25] in mature adults and 7.6 years [IQR: 6] in old adults with a difference statistically significant (p>0.017). The exposed group presented a median treatment survival in years of 11.25 years [IQR: 10] in young people; 12.5 years [IQR: 4.7] in young adults, 7.5 years [IQR: 12.1] in mature adults and 4.5 years [IQR: 1.14] in old adults (p>0.0001). Considering only the first line of treatment, a median survival of 11.5 years [IQR: 10] was evidenced in the age group <25; 12 years [IQR: 2.6] between 25-34 years old, 10 years [IQR: 12] in the group between 34-65 years old and 5.5 years [IQR: 1.14] in the group > 65 years old (p>0.004). (Figure 1). Considering the second line of treatment, the differences between the groups were not statistically significant (p=0.57). In the multivariate regression model for patients with RA, the factors with the greatest impact on treatment survival were female sex (HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2-1.4), old age (HR 1.01, 95% CI 1.008-1.01), treatment with steroids (HR 1.19, 95% CI1.1-1.2) and longer disease duration (HR 1.01, 95% CI1.01 – 1.02).

Conclusion

In the present study we were able to demonstrate a greater occurrence of AEs in old adults and mature adults compared to young people and young adults. Conversely, survival for b-DMARDs and ts-DMARDs were greater in youth and young adults. In patients with RA, female sex, corticosteroid therapy, old aged and longer disease duration were associated with treatment discontinuation.

References

[1]Souto A, et al. Rate of discontinuation and drug survival of biologic therapies in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of drug registries and health care databases. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2016;55(3):523–34.

[2]Ray D, et al. Immune senescence, epigenetics and autoimmunity. Clin Immunol. 2018 Nov;196:59-63. doi: 10.1016/j.clim.2018.04.002. Epub 2018 Apr 11.

[3]Vela P, et al. Influence of age on the occurrence of adverse events in rheumatic patients at the onset of biological treatment: data from the BIOBADASER III register. Arthritis Res Ther. 2020 Jun 15;22(1):143. doi: 10.1186/s13075-020-02231-x.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Fighting for inclusion across borders: Latin American Trans women's health in Canada

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, Trans women from Latin America experience some of the highest rates of violence, which has led many to emigrate. There is limited research exploring the experiences of Trans migrants, and most LGBTQI2S + migrant research focuses on immigrant gay men. This study uses the frameworks of Intersectionality and the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) to examine the impact of migration on the health and wellbeing of Latin American Trans women living in Toronto, Canada.

METHODOLOGY

This qualitative arts-based study included nine participants and used hand mapping, a sociodemographic questionnaire, and focus groups to generate data. Data analysis encompassed inductive and deductive approaches and rigor was maintained through reflexivity and several verification strategies.

RESULTS

While migration was used as a safety strategy, participants' multiple identities as immigrants, Trans women, and Latinas, produced compounded experiences of oppression post-migration. Facing transphobia and xenophobia simultaneously, participants were forced to navigate precarious housing and employment, minimal social capital, and low social position. This limited their ability to exercise power and ultimately caused poor health and wellbeing post-migration; however, participants used sophisticated strategies to resist asymmetrical power relations, actively searching for safety and community participation, and caring for themselves and each other.

CONCLUSION

The participants fought for inclusion across borders of economic exclusion and gender identity, borders of power and social position, as well as geopolitical borders. Their intersectional experiences across these "borders" should be understood in the context of migration without liberation, consumption without income, compounding oppressions, as well as positive intersectionality. While the women's resistance and strength are positive by-products of fighting oppression, they cannot be the solution. Access to health and wellbeing should not be a privilege for some; it must be a right for all.

A practical guide to teaching with Proteopedia

Proteopedia (proteopedia.org) is an open resource to explore the structure-function relationship of proteins and other biomolecules. This guide provides practical advice on how to incorporate Proteopedia into teaching the structure and function of proteins and other biomolecules. For 11 activities, we discuss desired outcomes, setting expectations, preparing students for the tasks, using resources within Proteopedia, and evaluating student work. We point out features of Proteopedia that make it especially suitable for teaching and give examples of how to avoid common pitfalls.

Semiquantitative analysis of interim 18F-FDG PET is superior in predicting outcome in Hodgkin lymphoma patients compared to visual analysis

PURPOSE

To investigate the prognostic value of interim PET (PETi) in adult HL patients, comparing visual with semiquantitative analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) patients diagnosed between 2012 and 2016 in the Onco-hematology Department of Instituto Português de Oncologia - Porto (median follow-up: 46.5 months [2.6-66.4]). Fifty-eight patients with available PET at diagnosis (PET0) and PETi data were included. PETi scans were analyzed according to Deauville 5-point scale (5-PS), and cut-off values for changes in maximum standardized uptake value [SUVmax], peak SUV [SUVpeak], metabolic tumour volume [MTV] and total lesion glycolysis index [TLG] between PETi and PET0 were computed using ROC analysis. Visual and semiquantitative data were compared with each other in the prediction of patient outcomes.

RESULTS

Semiquantitative analysis obtained a higher sensitivity for persistent/relapsed disease compared to the 5-PS (70% vs. 10%, respectively), but lower specificity. It also demonstrated better predictive performance for response to first-line therapy (negative predictive value >92%). The positive predictive value was similar for all five measurements. At 60 months of follow-up, there was a significant difference between the progression free survival (PFS) curves of patients with positive and negative PETi according to ΔSUVmax (56.9% vs. 88.0%, p<0.05), ΔSUVpeak (55.9% vs. 88.1%, p<0.05), ΔMTV (35.3% vs. 88.7%, p<0.05), and ΔTLG (42.4% vs. 88.1%, p<0.05). Statistical significance was not reached when considering 5-PS results.

DISCUSSION

PETi interpretation according to a semiquantitative approach appears to discriminate HL patients better than the visual 5-PS analysis. This could allow better detection of persistent or early relapsed disease, while a negative PETi result could support de-escalating therapy intensity.

Antioxidant and Anti-atherogenic Properties of Prosopis strombulifera and Tessaria absinthioides Aqueous Extracts: Modulation of NADPH Oxidase-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species

Despite popular usage of medicinal plants, their effects as cardiovascular protective agents have not been totally elucidated. We hypothesized that treatment with aqueous extract from Prosopis strombulifera (AEPs) and Tessaria absinthioides (AETa), Argentinian native plants, produces antioxidant effects on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and attenuates atherogenesis on apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE-KO) mice. In VSMCs, both extracts (5–40 μg/ml) inhibited 10% fetal calf serum-induced cell proliferation, arrested cell in G2/M phase, reduced angiotensin II-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and decreased NADPH oxidase subunit expression. In ApoE-KO mice, extracts significantly reduced triglycerides and lipid peroxidation [plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)], increased plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), and improved glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver. Under high-fat diet (HFD), both extracts were able to inhibit O₂^– generation in the aortic tissue and caused a significant regression of atheroma plaques (21.4 ± 1.6% HFD group vs. 10.2 ± 1.2%^∗ AEPs group and 14.3 ± 1.0%^∗ AETa group; ^∗p < 0.01). Consumption of AEPs and AETa produces antioxidant/antimitogenic/anti-atherosclerotic effects, and their use may be beneficial as a complementary strategy regarding cardiovascular disease therapies.

POS0763 PERFORMANCE OF THE NEW ACR/EULAR 2019 CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA FOR SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE) IN A COHORT OF ARGENTINIAN PATIENTS

Background:

In 2019 ACR and EULAR published in joint collaboration the new classification criteria for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Compared to the previous ones, these criteria have shown higher sensitivity and specificity in multiple cohorts. To our knowledge, its performance has not been evaluated in a cohort of patients with rheumatological diseases living in Argentina.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the ACR/ EULAR 2019 criteria in a cohort of patients with connective tissue diseases residing in Argentina. Secondary objectives were to determine the Likelihood Ratio (LR) of these criteria and the correlation of their global score with activity and damage indexes of the disease.

Methods:

Multicentre, retrospective and analytical study. Patients ≥ 18 years old with diagnosis of SLE (ACR 1997/SLICC 2012) without other associated collagen diseases (case group), and patients with other non-SLE connective tissue diseases (control group) were included. Those with active infectious disease, oncohematological disease, drug-induced lupus and overlap syndrome were excluded. Sociodemographic data, characteristics of the disease and treatment were recorded. In addition, activity and damage indexes were recorded in the group with SLE.

Three SLE experts, blinded to the diagnosis determined, for every individual if the patient had SLE or another rheumatological disease. An interrater agreement of 100% (including the 3 evaluators) was considered “defined SLE” and used as gold standard. In all cases, ACR 1997/SLICC 2012/ACR / EULAR 2019 criteria were applied and compared with the gold standard. Statistical analysis: Descriptive statistics was estimated. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative LR of the criteria were determined. The association between the final score of the ACR-EULAR 2019 criteria and the disease activity and damage indexes were estimated with Spearman correlation test. STATA 15.0 was used for data analysis.

Results:

A total of 365 patients from 7 centres in Argentina were included. A One hundred and eighty-three belonged to the SLE group: 92.3% women, mean age 39 years (SD 13.3), median disease duration 92 months (IQR 37-150). The most frequent manifestations of the disease were mucocutaneous (94%), musculoskeletal (82.5%) and haematological (69%). All patients presented ANA +, 88% hypocomplementemia, 69.4% Anti-DNA and 19.5% antiphospholipid antibodies. Median SLEDAI and SLICC were 2 (IQR 0-6) and 0 (IQR 0-1), respectively.

In the control group, 182 patients were recruited: 84% women, mean age 53.6 years (SD 14.2) and median disease duration 82.5 months (IQR 38-151). The most frequent diseases were Rheumatoid Arthritis (46.1%), Scleroderma (18.1%) and Sjögren’s Syndrome (16.5%) and most common manifestations were musculoskeletal (81.9%), immunological (73.6%) and constitutional (25.3%). A total of 62.6% of patients presented ANA+, 8.6% hypocomplementemia, and 1.3% Antiphospholipid antibodies.

Ninety-one percent of patients in the case group were classified as defined SLE and 3.8% in the control group.

The ACR / EULAR 2019 Criteria showed a 99.4% sensitivity and an 89.1% specificity, with a LR+ of 9.1 and a LR- of 0.007. The sensitivity and specificity of SLICC 2012 criteria were 98.3% and 88%, respectively with a LR+ of 8.2 and a LR- of 0.02; and the ACR 1997 criteria showed a 93.96% sensitivity and 90.1% specificity, with LR + of 8.21 and LR - of 0.07.

The correlations between the ACR/EULAR 2019 Criteria global score, and activity and damage indexes were 0.19 and -0.006, respectively.

Conclusion:

The new ACR / EULAR 2019 criteria have shown high sensitivity, a specificity comparable to its predecessors, and a higher ability to distinguish SLE from other diseases and to exclude it in non-SLE patients. No correlation was observed between the criteria scores and activity and damage indexes.

References:

[1]Aringer M, Costenbader K, Daikh D, et al 2019 EULAR/ACR classification criteria for SLE. Ann Rheum 2019; 78: 1151-1159.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Early Stepdown From Echinocandin to Fluconazole Treatment in Candidemia: A Post Hoc Analysis of Three Cohort Studies

Background

There are no clear criteria for antifungal de-escalation after initial empirical treatments. We hypothesized that early de-escalation (ED) (within 5 days) to fluconazole is safe in fluconazole-susceptible candidemia with controlled source of infection.

Methods

This is a multicenter post hoc study that included consecutive patients from 3 prospective candidemia cohorts (2007–2016). The impact of ED and factors associated with mortality were assessed.

Results

Of 1023 candidemia episodes, 235 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 54 (23%) were classified as the ED group and 181 (77%) were classified as the non-ED group. ED was more common in catheter-related candidemia (51.9% vs 31.5%; P = .006) and episodes caused by Candida parapsilosis, yet it was less frequent in patients in the intensive care unit (24.1% vs 39.2%; P = .043), infections caused by Nakaseomyces glabrata (0% vs 9.9%; P = .016), and candidemia from an unknown source (24.1% vs 47%; P = .003). In the ED and non-ED groups, 30-day mortality was 11.1% and 29.8% (P = .006), respectively. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (odds ratio [OR], 3.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48–10.61), Pitt score > 2 (OR, 4.39; 95% CI, 1.94–9.20), unknown source of candidemia (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.14–5.86), candidemia caused by Candida albicans (OR, 3.92; 95% CI, 1.48–10.61), and prior surgery (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.08–0.97) were independent predictors of mortality. Similar results were found when a propensity score for receiving ED was incorporated into the model. ED had no significant impact on mortality (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.16–1.53).

Conclusions

Early de-escalation is a safe strategy in patients with candidemia caused by fluconazole-susceptible strains with controlled source of bloodstream infection and hemodynamic stability. These results are important to apply antifungal stewardship strategies.

[National Network for Knowledge Management, Research, and Innovation in Tuberculosis in ColombiaRede Nacional de Gestão do Conhecimento, Pesquisa e Inovação em tuberculose na Colômbia]

El Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social de Colombia, en colaboración con el Instituto Nacional de Salud y la Organización Panamericana de la Salud, convocaron en 2018 a todos los actores asociados al Programa Nacional de Prevención y Control de la Tuberculosis (PNPCT) y el Sistema Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación a la conformación de una red nacional que coordinara la investigación operativa (IO) relacionada con la tuberculosis (TB) en el país. Se realizaron siete talleres en los que se llegó al consenso de establecer la Red Nacional de Gestión de Conocimiento, Investigación e Innovación en Tuberculosis en Colombia (Red TB Colombia). Con más de 180 participantes, organizados en un nodo central y cinco nodos regionales que agrupan a las 37 entidades territoriales, en 2019 la Red TB Colombia realizó cuatro jornadas de capacitación en IO y definió 65 temas priorizados de investigación, ajustados a las líneas estratégicas establecidas por el PNPCT: prevención y atención integral, con foco en los afectados por la TB (41 temas en tres módulos) y compromiso político, protección social y sistemas de apoyo (24 temas en cuatro módulos). La priorización se realizó por el método de comparación por pares. La Red TB Colombia sigue activa y contribuye a la gestión del conocimiento dirigido a eliminar la TB en el país y ha permitido avanzar en la construcción de planes y la ejecución de proyectos locales de IO que generan resultados científicamente validados para fortalecer el PNPCT y mejorar la atención de los pacientes con TB.

Chronic toxicity and long-term outcome in intraoperative electron radiotherapy as boost followed by whole-breast irradiation

PURPOSE

The administration of a dose boost to the tumor bed after breast-conserving surgery has proven to reduce local recurrence. Intra-operative electron radiotherapy (IOERT) offers an alternative method to deliver a boost with several advantages, such as direct visualization of the tumor bed, less inter- and intrafraction motion and a reduction in the number of medical appointments. The objective of our study is to assess chronic toxicity and long-term outcome for our patients after IOERT boost.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty-six patients treated at our institution between July 2013 and June 2020 with IOERT boost during Breast-Conserving Surgery and consecutive whole breast irradiation were prospectively analyzed. A 10-12 Gy boost was prescribed to 42 patients and 4 patients received a 20 Gy boost. An analysis for overall survival, local relapse and distant progression was performed. Acute and chronic toxicity was assessed by CTCAE 4.0.

RESULTS

The median age was 64.5 years (40-90). The median follow-up was 62 months (4-86). We had no local recurrences but 2 patients (4.3%) presented a distant recurrence. Mean pathological tumor size was 16 mm (6-52). 84.8% (39) of the patients had invasive ductal carcinoma. 52.2% (24) presented histological grade II. 52.2% (24) were Luminal A like, 21.7% (10) Luminal B like, 13% (6) HER2 positive, 13% (6) triple negative. No Grade 3-4 chronic toxicity was observed. Grade 1-2 fibrosis was evidenced in 13% (6) of the patients, 4.3% (2) patients presented fat necrosis, 6.5% (3) presented seroma, 4.3% (2) had localized pain, 2.2% (1) presented localized hematoma and 2.2% (1) presented localized edema.

CONCLUSIONS

IOERT boost in breast cancer treatment during BCS is a safe option with low chronic toxicity. The recurrence rates are comparable to published data and emphasize that IOERT as boost is an effective treatment.

Metabolic Syndrome Triggered by Fructose Diet Impairs Neuronal Function and Vascular Integrity in ApoE-KO Mouse Retinas: Implications of Autophagy Deficient Activation

Metabolic syndrome is a disorder characterized by a constellation of clinical findings such as elevated blood glucose, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. A positive correlation has been found between metabolic syndrome or its components and retinopathy, mainly at microvascular level, in patients without a history of diabetes. Here, we extend the investigations beyond the vascular component analyzing functional changes as well as neuronal and glial response in retinas of Apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-KO) mice fed with 10% w/v fructose diet. Given that autophagy dysfunction is implicated in retinal diseases related to hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, the activation of this pathway was also analyzed. Two months of fructose intake triggered metabolic derangements in ApoE-KO mice characterized by dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. An increased number of TUNEL positive cells, in addition to the ganglion cell layer, was observed in the inner nuclear layer in retina. Vascular permeability, evidenced by albumin–Evans blue leakage and extravasation of albumin was also detected. Furthermore, a significant decrease of the glial fibrillary acidic protein expression was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Absence of both Müller cell gliosis and pro-angiogenic response was also demonstrated. Finally, retinas of ApoE-KO FD mice showed defective autophagy activation as judged by LC3B mRNA and p62 protein levels correlating with the increased cell death. These results demonstrated that FD induced in ApoE-KO mice biochemical alterations compatible with metabolic syndrome associated with neuronal impairment and mild vascular alterations in the retina.

2-Vinyl-4H-1,3-Dithiin, a Bioavailable Compound from Garlic, Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Proliferation and Migration by Reducing Oxidative Stress

Organosulfur compounds (OSCs) of garlic have various health benefits including anti-hypertensive effect. It has been described that volatile OSCs uptake occurs into a moderate extent. Among the bioavailable OSCs present in garlic, 2-vinyl-4H-1,3-dithiin (2VD) is a main component in garlic macerated oil and stir-fried garlic but has been poorly investigated compared with others OSCs, such allyl mercaptan (AM) and S-allyl cysteine (SAC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 2VD on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) isolated from spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) and compare them with those produced by AM and SAC. Cell viability and proliferation were measured using tetrazolium dye MTT assay and flow cytometry. Cell migration was evaluated by scrape-wound migration assay. OSCs anti-oxidative capacity was determined by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and total antioxidant status (TAS). Non-toxic plasmatic concentrations (10 μg L^-1) of 2VD and AM inhibited VSMCs proliferation stimulated with 5% fetal bovine serum and impaired cell migration. In further flow cytometry analysis 2VD treatment resulted in a partial cell cycle arrest at G2 phase. The OSCs tested were able to prevent ROS increase after angiotensin II stimulation and surprisingly 2VD induced higher total antioxidant status compared with AM and SAC. Our results showed that 2VD produces equivalent or superior beneficial effects on VSMCs to those reported for other bioavailable compounds of garlic. This preliminary evidence suggests that 2VD intake could also exert important protective effects against arterial remodeling in hypertension.

Autologous Corneal Transplant from an Enucleated Fellow Eye for Choroidal Melanoma: A Case Report

Background

To report a case of autologous corneal transplant in a patient with corneal leukoma and choroidal melanoma in the fellow eye.

Case Presentation

A 56-year-old woman was complaining about decrease in vision in her left eye. The patient was on the waiting list for a corneal transplant on her right eye due to corneal leucoma after a previous herpes infection. The patient was diagnosed with choroidal melanoma in her left eye. Due to the tumor size (longitudinal diameter >10 mm; anterior-posterior diameter >16 mm) the patient decided to undergo enucleation, after being informed about different treatment options (brachytherapy and enucleation). The patient showed her willingness to use the cornea of the left eye as a transplant for her right eye. After discussion with the ethical committee and its approval, and signing informed consent, the patient underwent enucleation of her left eye. The sample was examined by a pathologist and found to be free of melanoma cells in the corneolimbal tissue. Afterwards, trepanation of the donor cornea button was performed and transplanted to the left eye.

Conclusion

Autologous corneal transplantation is a safe and feasible procedure in selected cases.

Marine mammals used as bait for improvised fish aggregating devices in marine waters of Ecuador, eastern tropical Pacific

Fish aggregating devices (FADs) are floating objects typically used to attract and capture pelagic fish in industrial tuna fisheries. This study documents 9 cases, involving 31 marine mammals, of incidentally captured, killed or otherwise retrieved cetaceans and pinnipeds which were used, or presumably used, as bait for improvised fish aggregation devices (IFAD) by artisanal fishers in coastal Ecuador. At least 3 species of small cetaceans were affected, including pantropical spotted dolphin Stenella attenuata, short-finned pilot whale Globicephala macrorhynchus, pygmy killer whale Feresa attenuata and an unidentified small delphinid, as well as South American sea lions Otaria byronia which were reportedly killed on purpose for this fishing practice. A sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus and a humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae were presumably found floating at sea and opportunistically exploited as FADs. The South American sea lion represented 80.6% of marine mammals used as bait associated with FADs (25 sea lions out of 31 marine mammals), while the remaining 5 (possibly 6) cetacean species represented 19.4%. This is the first report of baited FADs in Ecuador, the extent of which is still unknown. This fishing technique has not been documented in other nations along the west coast of South America, although baiting of gillnets with marine mammal parts is common in Peru. Without fisheries management and regulation, this illegal fishing practice could rapidly expand and lead to further direct kills and conservation problems for targeted marine mammal populations in the eastern tropical Pacific. A bottom-up fisheries policy in concert with community-based conservation to ban the use of marine mammals as FAD bait is recommended.

SuperCam Calibration Targets: Design and Development

SuperCam is a highly integrated remote-sensing instrumental suite for NASA's Mars 2020 mission. It consists of a co-aligned combination of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Time-Resolved Raman and Luminescence (TRR/L), Visible and Infrared Spectroscopy (VISIR), together with sound recording (MIC) and high-magnification imaging techniques (RMI). They provide information on the mineralogy, geochemistry and mineral context around the Perseverance Rover. The calibration of this complex suite is a major challenge. Not only does each technique require its own standards or references, their combination also introduces new requirements to obtain optimal scientific output. Elemental composition, molecular vibrational features, fluorescence, morphology and texture provide a full picture of the sample with spectral information that needs to be co-aligned, correlated, and individually calibrated. The resulting hardware includes different kinds of targets, each one covering different needs of the instrument. Standards for imaging calibration, geological samples for mineral identification and chemometric calculations or spectral references to calibrate and evaluate the health of the instrument, are all included in the SuperCam Calibration Target (SCCT). The system also includes a specifically designed assembly in which the samples are mounted. This hardware allows the targets to survive the harsh environmental conditions of the launch, cruise, landing and operation on Mars during the whole mission. Here we summarize the design, development, integration, verification and functional testing of the SCCT. This work includes some key results obtained to verify the scientific outcome of the SuperCam system.

Use of non-invasive ventilation in children with congenital tracheal stenosis

INTRODUCTION

Congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) is a rare airway condition characterized by complete tracheal rings. Most patients undergo a slide tracheoplasty, which greatly reduces mortality but significant morbidity remains. The assessment of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in these children has not been described.

AIM

To describe the presence of SDB and use of NIV in children diagnosed with CTS over a 10-year period (2005-2015).

DESIGN

Retrospective case series at a tertiary children's hospital.

RESULTS

There were 16 patients identified with CTS with a median [range] age at diagnosis of 2.5 months (0-9 months). One child died in the immediate post-operative period following a slide tracheoplasty, leaving 15 survivors. There were no later deaths during follow-up while using NIV for up to 3 years after surgery. Slide tracheoplasty was undertaken in (12/15) with long-segment tracheal stenosis. 3/15 patients had a short-segment tracheal stenosis and were managed conservatively. The use of NIV occurred in 10/15 (66.67%) patients, all of whom had long-segment CTS. Pre-operative polysomnography (PSG) showed a median (±SD) obstructive apnoea/hypopnoea index (OAHI) of 14.6/hr (±6.2) which reduced to 7.2/hour (±4.2) on NIV prior to slide tracheoplasty. The median oxygen desaturation index (ODI) before NIV use was 15.3 (±19.4) episodes/hour, which reduced to 6.3 (±11) on NIV. The median period of NIV use was 5 [1-24 months] months.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CTS have obstructed sleep disordered breathing. Trials of NIV are well-tolerated and improve sleep disordered breathing.

Changes in dietary intake, plasma carotenoids and erythrocyte membrane fatty acids in breast cancer survivors after a lifestyle intervention: results from a single-arm trial

BACKGROUND

The influence of nutrition on breast cancer prognosis is still inconclusive and therefore dietary interventions incorporating dietary biomarkers are needed to confirm compliance with dietary goals and clarify biological mechanisms. The present study assessed whether a lifestyle intervention in breast cancer survivors could affect dietary biomarkers of fruit and vegetables and fatty acids.

METHODS

In this phase II single-arm trial, 37 overweight/obese early stage breast cancer patients completed a 12-week diet and exercise intervention. The intervention involved 1-h weekly diet sessions delivered by a dietician and 75-min bi-weekly physical activity sessions of moderate-to-high intensity led by trained monitors. Before and after the intervention, three 24-h dietary recalls were carried out to calculate nutrient intakes and, in addition, blood samples were taken to measure plasma carotenoids, vitamin E and retinol concentrations and erythrocyte membrane fatty acid (EFA) composition. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to assess changes in dietary and biomarkers measurements over the intervention period.

RESULTS

After the intervention, there was a significant increase in the intake of dietary carotenoids (+15.1% compared to baseline) but not plasma carotenoids levels (+6.3%). Regarding the EFA levels, we observed a significant decrease in percentage of saturated fatty acids (-1.4%) and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (-2.9%) and an increase in monounsaturated fatty acids (1.7%) and total and long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (by 13.1% and 13.7%, respectively). A favourable decrease in the ratio of long-chain n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (-9.1%) was also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

After a short-term diet and exercise intervention in overweight/obese breast cancer survivors, we observed significant changes in dietary nutrients and fatty acid biomarkers, suggesting positive dietary changes that could be relevant for breast cancer prognosis.

Xylella fastidiosa: bacterial parasitism with hallmarks of commensalism

All organisms evolve in the presence of other organisms and these intimate associations are major drivers of evolution. Broadly speaking, these interactions are considered symbioses and can take on a full range of positive, negative or seemingly neutral interactions. Just two examples of these symbiotic interactions are parasitism and commensalism. Parasitism results in one partner benefitting while one partner suffers adverse consequences. Commensalism is a form of symbiosis where one partner benefits and the other partner is neutrally affected. Research efforts are more often focused on understanding parasitic symbioses related to disease, hence, much research is performed on identifying virulence factors to understand the fundamentals of pathogenesis. In turn, much less is understood about the fundamentals of commensal relationships. Here, we will take an introspective look at the plant-associated bacterium, Xylella fastidiosa. In some of its many plant hosts, this bacterium participates in seemingly commensal relationships while in other hosts, it causes devastating diseases that result in epidemics, making it a good model for exploring the determinants of where bacteria fall on the spectrum of parasitic and commensal relationships from both the microbial and the plant host perspective. Recent discoveries in how pathogenic X. fastidiosa imposes self-limiting behaviors upon itself indicate that even in its parasitic form, X. fastidiosa displays hallmarks of a commensal lifestyle. Understanding how commensalism can 'go wrong' and manifest into pathologies in specific hosts is a useful vantage point from which to study the determinants of virulence and pathogenicity.

Ex Vivo and In Vivo Biocompatibility Assessment (Blood and Tissue) of Three-Dimensional Bacterial Nanocellulose Biomaterials for Soft Tissue Implants

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a promising biomedical material. However, the haemocompatibility (haemolysis and thrombogenicity) and acute and sub-chronic immune responses to three-dimensional (3D) BNC biomaterials have not been evaluated. Accordingly, this manuscript focused on the effect of 3D microporosity on BNC haemocompatibility and a comparison with 2D BNC architecture, followed by the evaluation of the immune response to 3D BNC. Blood ex vivo studies indicated that compared with other 2D and 3D BNC architectures, never-dried 2D BNC presented antihemolytic and antithrombogenic effects. Nevertheless, in vivo studies indicated that 3D BNC did not interfere with wound haemostasis and elicited a mild acute inflammatory response, not a foreign body or chronic inflammatory response. Moreover, compared with the polyethylene controls, the implant design with micropores ca. 60 µm in diameter showed a high level of collagen, neovascularization and low fibrosis. Cell/tissue infiltration increased to 91% after 12 weeks and was characterized by fibroblastic, capillary and extracellular matrix infiltration. Accordingly, 3D BNC biomaterials can be considered a potential implantable biomaterial for soft tissue augmentation or replacement.

Metal biorecovery and bioremediation: Whether or not thermophilic are better than mesophilic microorganisms

Metal mobilization and immobilization catalyzed by microbial action are key processes in environmental biotechnology. Metal mobilization from ores, mining wastes, or solid residues can be used for recovering metals and/or remediating polluted environments; furthermore, immobilization reduces the migration of metals; cleans up effluents plus ground- and surface water; and, moreover, can help to concentrate and recover metals. Usually these processes provide certain advantages over traditional technologies such as more efficient economical and environmentally sustainable results. Since elevated temperatures typically increase chemical kinetics, it could be expected that bioprocesses should also be enhanced by replacing mesophiles with thermophiles or hyperthermophiles. Nevertheless, other issues like process stability, flexibility, and thermophile-versus-mesophile resistance to acidity and/or metal toxicity should be carefully considered. This review critically analyzes and compares thermophilic and mesophilic microbial performances in recent and selected representative examples of metal bioremediation and biorecovery.

Novel surface modification of three-dimensional bacterial nanocellulose with cell-derived adhesion proteins for soft tissue engineering

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a natural polymer composed of glucose units with an important application as a two and three-dimensional scaffold for tissue engineering. However, as a polysaccharide, BNC does not have the biological signals of protein biomaterials. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a novel methodology to biomimic soft extracellular matrix (ECM) chemistry on to 3D BNC using the bioengineering of fibroblasts (the cells responsible for producing and regenerating the ECM) to immobilise adhesion proteins such as collagen and fibronectin. Modified 3D BNC (Mod-BNC) biomaterials were morphologically, thermally, and chemically characterised, and furthermore, the cell response was analysed by adhesion studies using atomic force microscopy (AFM), XTT assay, and confocal microscopy. Cell-derived proteins were deposited on the BNC nanoribbon network to modify its surface. The contact angle was increased from 40° to 60°, reducing the wettability of the biomaterial, and during thermogravimetry, the proteins in Mod-BNC exhibited an enhanced thermal stability because of the interactions between themselves and BNC. Chemical and immunocytochemistry analyses confirmed the presence of collagen type I and fibronectin on 3D BNC. These proteins activate integrin adhesion pathways that generate stronger cell adhesions. AFM experiments showed higher forces and energies on modified biomaterials, and moreover, the cells that adhered on to Mod-BNC exhibited higher mitochondrial activity and higher cell populations per cubic millimetre than non-modified surfaces (NMod-BNC). Accordingly, it was established that this novel methodology is robust and able to biomimic the chemical surface of soft ECM and immobilise cell-derived adhesion proteins from fibroblast; moreover, the Mod-BNC exhibited better cell response than NMod-BNC because of the biological signals in 3D BNC.

Final report on serial phase II trials of all-intraperitoneal chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab for women with newly diagnosed, optimally cytoreduced carcinoma of Müllerian origin

BACKGROUND

Intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy can improve outcomes for women with optimally cytoreduced epithelial ovarian cancer but toxicities are a concern. We conducted 2 phase 2 trials of an IV/IP regimen using carboplatin and paclitaxel without (Trial A) and with bevacizumab (Trial B).

METHODS

Both trials consisted of carboplatin AUC 6 day 1, and paclitaxel 60 mg/m² on days 1,8, 15 of a 21-day cycle; in Trial B, patients received IV bevacizumab 15 mg/kg every cycle starting cycle 2. Chemotherapy was administered IV for cycle 1 and then IP for all subsequent cycles. Primary objectives included safety and tolerability, pathologic CR rate (Trial A), and the rate of completion of IP cycles of therapy (Trial B). Progression-free (PFS), overall survival (OS), and pharmacokinetic analysis were secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

81 patients were treated on both trials (n = 40 and 41 in trials A and B, respectively). Median age for trials A and B was 59 (range, 36-76) and 55 (range, 19-69) years, respectively. 68% and 85% of patients, respectively for A and B, completed at least 4 cycles of treatment in both trials. Treatment with bevacizumab resulted in higher rates of grade 3 fatigue (37 versus 33%) and grade 3-4 diarrhea (22 versus 8%). Median PFS was 23.5 (95%CI 16.2-35.3) and 25 (95%CI 16.4-42.7) months, respectively; median OS was 68 (95%CI 49.5-NR) and 79.7 (95%CI 59.0-79.7) months, respectively for Trial A and B.

CONCLUSIONS

Weekly administered IP carboplatin and IP paclitaxel is tolerable and safe with similar activity with and without concommittant bevacizumab in these 2 trials.