Biodiversity of endosymbiont fungi associated with a marine sponge Lamellodysidea herbacea and their potential as antioxidant producers

This study aims to isolate endosymbiontic fungi from the marine sponge Lamellodysidea herbacea and to explore their antioxidant potential. Marine-derived fungi, with their vast biodiversity, are considered a promising source of novel antioxidants which can replace synthetic ones. Marine sponges have previously reported bioactive properties that could ameliorate oxidative stress, particularly their associated fungi, producing high-frequency bioactive molecules (adaptogenic molecules) in response to stressors. 19 endosymbiont fungi associated with marine sponges were isolated, and their extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant capacities. Extract of an endosymbiont fungus, isolate SPG6, identified as Alternaria destruens, through surface electron microscopy (SEM) and ITS gene sequencing, showed broad range antioxidant activities (EC50 values) (free radical scavenging 32.54 mg L-1, Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity < 0.078 g L-1, total reducing power 0.114 g L-1, Chelating power 0.262 g L-1, H2O2 scavenging activity < 0.078 g L-1, and Superoxide radical scavenging activity > 5.0 g L-1). The extract of isolate SPG6 was fractioned and analyzed through GC-MS. Marine sponge-associated endosymbiont fungi are a rich source of antioxidant molecules.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-03972-1.

Carbon sequestration and credit potential of gamhar (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) based agroforestry system for zero carbon emission of India

The agroforestry system is the best option to achieve the net zero carbon emissions target for India. Keeping this view, carbon sequestration and credit potential of gamhar based agroforestry system has been assessed. The experiment was carried out in randomized block design in seven different treatments with five replications. Gamhar tree biomass accumulation was higher in gamhar based agroforestry system compared to sole gamhar. Among different tree components, stem contributed a maximum to total gamhar tree biomass followed by roots, leaves and branches. The average contributions of stems, roots, leaves and branches in total tree biomass in two annual cycles (2016-17 and 2017-18) varied between 50 and 60, 19.8 and 20, 19.2 and 20, and 10.7 and 12.7 percent, respectively. In case of crops, above ground, below ground and total biomass was significantly higher in sole intercrops than gamhar based agroforestry system. Total (Tree + interrops + Soil) carbon stock, carbon sequestration, carbon credit and carbon price were significantly affected by treatments, and was maximum in Sole Greengram-Mustard. Net carbon emission was also recorded lowest in Sole Greengram-Mustard for which the values were 811.55% and 725.24% and 760.69% lower than Sole Gamhar in 2016-17, 2017-18 and in pooled data, respectively.

Ecosystem-based fishery enhancement through pen culture of Indian major carp Labeo catla in a tropical floodplain wetland of North Eastern Region, India, during COVID pandemic

The present study was conducted with the objective of developing ecologically and economically feasible pen culture protocols for Labeo catla as an alternate income source for wetland fishers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yearlings of L. catla (12.33 ± 1.99 cm mean total length and 26.05 ± 6.57 g mean weight) were reared in HDPE pens (500 m2 area each) at three different stocking densities of 3 (SD3), 6 (SD6) and 9 (SD9) no. m-2 in triplicates. Fishes were fed with floating pelleted feed containing 28% crude protein and 5% crude lipid two times daily at 1.5-3% of body weight. During the culture period, fish grew from 26.05 ± 6.57 to 434.61 ± 30.63 g, 306.13 ± 10.68 g and 221.13 ± 14.92 g, respectively, at stocking densities of 3, 6 and 9 no. m-2 respectively. Weight gain percentage and specific growth rate declined with increase in stocking density. Gross fish yield increased with increase in stocking density and was highest at SD9 (657.92 ± 53.55 kg pen-1), while net fish yield increased initially from SD3 to SD6 (594.31 ± 29.72 kg pen-1) and then declined with further increase in stocking density. Important water quality parameters influencing fish growth were measured, and significant difference (p > 0.05) was not observed between treatments (inside pens) and reference site (outside pen at 10-m distance). Weight gain was positively correlated (p < 0.05) to water temperature (r = 0.989) and total phosphorus (r = 0.81). Benefit cost ratio and net return was highest at SD3 (1.61; US $518.88, respectively). Stocking density of 3 no. m-2 can be considered economically feasible for table fish production of L. catla in pens. Post pen culture, monthly income of fishers increased by 10.76-179.11%, with a mean increase of 90.57%, compared to the period of first COVID-19 wave in India. The present findings can provide an impetus for effective utilization of pen enclosures for income generation and livelihood enhancement of small-scale wetland fishers during pandemic.

Analyzing RNA posttranscriptional modifications to decipher the epitranscriptomic code

The discovery of RNA silencing has revealed that non-protein-coding sequences (ncRNAs) can cover essential roles in regulatory networks and their malfunction may result in severe consequences on human health. These findings have prompted a general reassessment of the significance of RNA as a key player in cellular processes. This reassessment, however, will not be complete without a greater understanding of the distribution and function of the over 170 variants of the canonical ribonucleotides, which contribute to the breathtaking structural diversity of natural RNA. This review surveys the analytical approaches employed for the identification, characterization, and detection of RNA posttranscriptional modifications (rPTMs). The merits of analyzing individual units after exhaustive hydrolysis of the initial biopolymer are outlined together with those of identifying their position in the sequence of parent strands. Approaches based on next generation sequencing and mass spectrometry technologies are covered in depth to provide a comprehensive view of their respective merits. Deciphering the epitranscriptomic code will require not only mapping the location of rPTMs in the various classes of RNAs, but also assessing the variations of expression levels under different experimental conditions. The fact that no individual platform is currently capable of meeting all such demands implies that it will be essential to capitalize on complementary approaches to obtain the desired information. For this reason, the review strived to cover the broadest possible range of techniques to provide readers with the fundamental elements necessary to make informed choices and design the most effective possible strategy to accomplish the task at hand.

Tests of Light-Lepton Universality in Angular Asymmetries of B^{0}→D^{*-}ℓν Decays

We present the first comprehensive tests of the universality of the light leptons in the angular distributions of semileptonic B^{0}-meson decays to charged spin-1 charmed mesons. We measure five angular-asymmetry observables as functions of the decay recoil that are sensitive to lepton-universality-violating contributions. We use events where one neutral B is fully reconstructed in ϒ(4S)→BB[over ¯] decays in data corresponding to 189  fb^{-1} integrated luminosity from electron-positron collisions collected with the Belle II detector. We find no significant deviation from the standard model expectations.

Flourescence sensors for heavy metal detection: major contaminants in soil and water bodies

Due to the increasing consumption of heavy metals, there is a rising need for specific and useful methods that are employed for the detection of heavy metals. Fluorescence sensing is a highly selective, rapid and biosensing technique that is employed in the determination of some heavy metals in any sample of soil or water, any other living person, the food being consumed or any other substance which are being used daily. These fluorescent methods are a type of analytical technique and they are mainly based on detection. Many types of metal conjugated molecules have been used of the detection of these heavy metals with various mechanisms. We have taken into account some specific sensor molecules as they were more suitable and easily accessible. These techniques that were employed in the detection of various heavy metals such as copper, lead and mercury have been discussed in the following review article.

Precise Measurement of the D_{s}^{+} Lifetime at Belle II

We measure the lifetime of the D_{s}^{+} meson using a data sample of 207  fb^{-1} collected by the Belle II experiment running at the SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The lifetime is determined by fitting the decay-time distribution of a sample of 116×10^{3} D_{s}^{+}→ϕπ^{+} decays. Our result is τ_{D_{s}^{+}}=(499.5±1.7±0.9)  fs, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. This result is significantly more precise than previous measurements.

Preclinical development of a chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy targeting FGFR4 in rhabdomyosarcoma

Pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) have dismal cure rates, and effective therapy is urgently needed. The oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) is highly expressed in RMS and lowly expressed in healthy tissues. Here, we describe a second-generation FGFR4-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), based on an anti-human FGFR4-specific murine monoclonal antibody 3A11, as an adoptive T cell treatment for RMS. The 3A11 CAR T cells induced robust cytokine production and cytotoxicity against RMS cell lines in vitro. In contrast, a panel of healthy human primary cells failed to activate 3A11 CAR T cells, confirming the selectivity of 3A11 CAR T cells against tumors with high FGFR4 expression. Finally, we demonstrate that 3A11 CAR T cells are persistent in vivo and can effectively eliminate RMS tumors in two metastatic and two orthotopic models. Therefore, our study credentials CAR T cell therapy targeting FGFR4 to treat patients with RMS.

Search for a τ^{+}τ^{-} Resonance in e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}τ^{+}τ^{-} Events with the Belle II Experiment

We report the first search for a nonstandard-model resonance decaying into τ pairs in e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}τ^{+}τ^{-} events in the 3.6-10  GeV/c^{2} mass range. We use a 62.8  fb^{-1} sample of e^{+}e^{-} collisions collected at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider. The analysis probes three different models predicting a spin-1 particle coupling only to the heavier lepton families, a Higgs-like spin-0 particle that couples preferentially to charged leptons (leptophilic scalar), and an axionlike particle, respectively. We observe no evidence for a signal and set exclusion limits at 90% confidence level on the product of cross section and branching fraction into τ pairs, ranging from 0.7 to 24 fb, and on the couplings of these processes. We obtain world-leading constraints on the couplings for the leptophilic scalar model for masses above 6.5  GeV/c^{2} and for the axionlike particle model over the entire mass range.

Measurement of CP Violation in B^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{0} Decays at Belle II

We report a measurement of the CP-violating parameters C and S in B^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{0} decays at Belle II using a sample of 387×10^{6}  BB[over ¯] events recorded in e^{+}e^{-} collisions at a center-of-mass energy corresponding to the ϒ(4S) resonance. These parameters are determined by fitting the proper decay-time distribution of a sample of 415 signal events. We obtain C=-0.04_{-0.15}^{+0.14}±0.05 and S=0.75_{-0.23}^{+0.20}±0.04, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.

Test of Light-Lepton Universality in the Rates of Inclusive Semileptonic B-Meson Decays at Belle II

We present the first measurement of the ratio of branching fractions of inclusive semileptonic B-meson decays, R(X_{e/μ})=B(B→Xeν)/B(B→Xμν), a precision test of electron-muon universality, using data corresponding to 189  fb^{-1} from electron-positron collisions collected with the Belle II detector. In events where the partner B meson is fully reconstructed, we use fits to the lepton momentum spectra above 1.3  GeV/c to obtain R(X_{e/μ})=1.007±0.009(stat)±0.019(syst), which is the most precise lepton-universality test of its kind and agrees with the standard-model expectation.

Search for an Invisible Z^{'} in a Final State with Two Muons and Missing Energy at Belle II

The L_{μ}-L_{τ} extension of the standard model predicts the existence of a lepton-flavor-universality-violating Z^{'} boson that couples only to the heavier lepton families. We search for such a Z^{'} through its invisible decay in the process e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}Z^{'}. We use a sample of electron-positron collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV collected by the Belle II experiment in 2019-2020, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 79.7  fb^{-1}. We find no excess over the expected standard-model background. We set 90%-confidence-level upper limits on the cross section for this process as well as on the coupling of the model, which ranges from 3×10^{-3} at low Z^{'} masses to 1 at Z^{'} masses of 8  GeV/c^{2}.

Influence of barrages on hydrological parameters and functional groups of phytoplankton of a subtropical river Ganga, India

The current study used phytoplankton functional groups (FGs) to assess the impact of barrages on the ecological function of subtropical river Ganga. A total of 101 phytoplankton species were identified, including 20 phytoplankton FGs with MP and D having the highest prevalence rates of more than 50%. Other FGs with higher occurrence rates, such as N, A, and J, displayed seasonal and spatial advantages on occasion, indicating the randomness of exogenous influx from catchment areas. Based on phytoplankton FGs similarities, a non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) revealed geographical and seasonal discrepancies. The higher concentration of chemical components in Kanpur was linked to decreased water discharged from preceding reservoirs, resulting in a highly polluted stretch in terms of spatial variation, according to our findings. During the monsoon season, however, the diluting process caused by precipitation and surface runoff significantly improved water quality. As a result, we hypothesized that a sequence of barrages alters the hydrological characteristics of cascading reservoirs, which was related to spatial and seasonal fluctuation in FG diversity and phytoplankton FGs could be useful bioindicators of water quality. In conclusion, the phytoplankton FGs approach is useful for identifying the geographical and seasonal aspects of aquatic ecosystems that are heavily influenced by human activities, but its sensitivity to changes in spatial and seasonal water quality warrants more exploration.

Search for Lepton-Flavor-Violating τ Decays to a Lepton and an Invisible Boson at Belle II

We search for lepton-flavor-violating τ^{-}→e^{-}α and τ^{-}→μ^{-}α decays, where α is an invisible spin-0 boson. The search uses electron-positron collisions at 10.58 GeV center-of-mass energy with an integrated luminosity of 62.8  fb^{-1}, produced by the SuperKEKB collider and collected with the Belle II detector. We search for an excess in the lepton-energy spectrum of the known τ^{-}→e^{-}ν[over ¯]_{e}ν_{τ} and τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}ν_{τ} decays. We report 95% confidence-level upper limits on the branching-fraction ratio B(τ^{-}→e^{-}α)/B(τ^{-}→e^{-}ν[over ¯]_{e}ν_{τ}) in the range (1.1-9.7)×10^{-3} and on B(τ^{-}→μ^{-}α)/B(τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}ν_{τ}) in the range (0.7-12.2)×10^{-3} for α masses between 0 and 1.6  GeV/c^{2}. These results provide the most stringent bounds on invisible boson production from τ decays.

Measurement of the Λ_{c}^{+} Lifetime

An absolute measurement of the Λ_{c}^{+} lifetime is reported using Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+} decays in events reconstructed from data collected by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy electron-positron collider. The total integrated luminosity of the data sample, which was collected at center-of-mass energies at or near the ϒ(4S) resonance, is 207.2  fb^{-1}. The result, τ(Λ_{c}^{+})=203.20±0.89±0.77  fs, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic, is the most precise measurement to date and is consistent with previous determinations.

Co-Prevalence of Virulence and Pathogenic Potential in Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Aeromonas spp. from Diseased Fishes with In Silico Insight on the Virulent Protein Network

Aeromonas species exhibit widespread presence in food, poultry, and aquaculture. They are major multi-drug-resistant fish pathogens. This study aims to identify Aeromonas species harbouring virulence genes aerolysin, flagellin, and lipase from diseased fishes of Assam wetlands with association with antibiotic resistance and in vivo pathogenicity. One hundred and thirty-four Aeromonas strains were isolated and thirty representative species identified using genus-specific 16S rRNA gene amplification. A. veronii was most prevalent (53.7%) followed by A. hydrophila (40.2%), A. caviae (4.47%), and A. dhakensis (1.49%). Ninety percent (90%) of strains harboured at least one of the studied virulence genes: aerA (73.3%), lip (46.6%), and flaA (26.6%). The highest multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index 0.8 corresponded to A. hydrophila DBTNE1 (MZ723069), containing all the studied genes. The lowest LD50 values (1.6 × 106 CFU/fish) corresponded to isolates having both aerA and lip. β-lactams showed utmost resistance and lowest for aminoglycosides. There was a significant (p < 0.05) Pearson chi-square test of association between the occurrence of virulence and antibiotic resistance. The in silico protein−protein interaction revealed important drug targets, such as σ28 transcription factor, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, and diacylglycerol kinase, with significant (p < 0.05) enrichment. This study suggests that fish-isolate Aeromonas strains represent potential threat to aquaculture with subsequent risk of transferring antibiotic resistance to human pathogens.

Clinical presentation and mortality risk factors for COVID-19 among diabetic patients in a tertiary care center in South India

BACKGROUND

Non-communicable diseases (NCD) like hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are the most common comorbidities among COVID-19 patients. The clinical presentation and mortality pattern of COVID-19 are different for patients with comorbidities and without comorbidities.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical presentation of COVID-19 and risk factors for COVID-19 mortality among diabetic patients in a tertiary care hospital in South India.

METHODS

A record-based cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the case records of COVID-19 patients admitted for treatment from June 2020 to September 2020 in a tertiary care centre in South India. Potential risk factors for COVID-19 mortality were analysed using univariate binomial logistic regression, generalized linear models (GLM) with the Poisson distribution. Survival curves were made using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Out of 200 COVID-19 patients with diabetes with a mean (SD) age of 56.1 (11.8) years, 61% were men. The median survival time was slightly lesser in male COVID-19 patients (15 days) as compared to female patients (16 days). The risk of mortality among COVID-19 patients with diabetes is increased for patients who presented with breathlessness (aRR = 4.5 (95% CI: 2.3-8.8)), had positive history of smoking (aRR = 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1-3.8)), who had CKD (aRR = 1.8 (95% CI: 1.1-2.8)) and who had cardiac illness (aRR = 1.6 (95% CI: 0.9-2.7)).

CONCLUSION

Diabetes patients with COVID-19 need to be given additional care and monitoring especially if they present with breathlessness, positive history of smoking, cardiac illness and, CKD. Public health campaigns and health education activities to control smoking is needed to reduce the COVID-19 mortality in diabetes patients.

SITE-SPECIFIC DRY AND WET DEPOSITION VELOCITIES USING 7BE AND MASS INTERCEPTION FACTOR FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF PLANT LEAVES AT NARORA SITE, INDIA

Comprehensive studies were carried out during the period 2016-19 on the estimation of site-specific wet and dry deposition velocities and the mass interception factor for Narora site based on the concentrations of 7Be in air, air deposits, rain water and vegetation samples. Mean wet and dry deposition velocities for Narora site were found to be 1.64E-2 and 1.58E-3 m s-1, respectively. Mass interception factors for vegetation found to be 0.34-2.51 m2 kg-1 dry weight with a mean of 0.97 m2 kg-1 dry weight. The obtained parameters shall be used for estimation of impact due to radionuclide related to Narora Atomic Power station.

Impact of barrages on assemblage pattern of phytoplankton in tropical river Ganga, India

The occurrence, abundance, and distribution of phytoplankton have been investigated upstream and downstream of three barrages on the river Ganga at Bijnor, Narora, and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 104 phytoplankton species belonging to eight phyla (Bacillariophyta, Charophyta, Chlorophyta, Cryptophyta, Cyanophyta, Euglenophyta, Miozoa, and Ochrophyta) were identified during the sampling period. During the summer, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons, the density of phytoplankton (Ind. L^-1) ranged from 9.6 × 10⁴ to 2.03 × 10⁷, 9.6 × 10⁴ to 4.5 × 10⁵, and 2.2 × 10⁵ to 2.17 × 10⁶, respectively. The species abundance and the relative abundance showed an increasing trend from the first (Bijnor) to the third (Kanpur) barrage, suggesting a gradual decrease in river flow and an increase in residence time. Phytoplankton cell density in Kanpur, however, was unexpectedly higher and showed eutrophic conditions attributable to elevated organic load and surplus nutrients from the land runoff. One-way ANOVA (post-hoc Tukey test) showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) seasonal variation in temperature, transparency, free CO₂, PO₄^3-, and dissolved organic matter. Analysis of Pearson's correlation coefficient suggested a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05) of mostly phytoplanktonic groups with free CO₂, CO₃^2-, HCO₃^-, Cl^-, specific conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, Mg²⁺, PO₄^3-, and SiO₄^4-. The minimum species diversity was recorded during the monsoon season, while the maximum diversity was reported during the post-monsoon season which might be due to high nutrient load and a high concentration of PO₄^3- post-monsoon. We concluded that aquatic biodiversity and ecological structure could be adversely influenced by a series of obstructed barrages and dams, which influenced the assemblage pattern of phytoplankton communities.

Measurement properties of the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 for evaluating functional status after inpatient surgery

BACKGROUND

Expert recommendations propose the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 as a core outcome measure in surgical studies, yet data on its long-term measurement properties remain limited. These were evaluated in a secondary analysis of the Measurement of Exercise Tolerance before Surgery (METS) prospective cohort.

METHODS

Participants were adults (40 years of age or older) who underwent inpatient non-cardiac surgery. The 12-item WHODAS and EQ-5DTM-3L questionnaires were administered preoperatively (in person) and 1 year postoperatively (by telephone). Responsiveness was characterized using standardized response means (SRMs) and correlation coefficients between change scores. Construct validity was evaluated using correlation coefficients between 1-year scores and comparisons of WHODAS scores across clinically relevant subgroups.

RESULTS

The analysis included 546 patients. There was moderate correlation between changes in WHODAS and various EQ-5DTM subscales. The strongest correlation was between changes in WHODAS and changes in the functional domains of the EQ-5D-3L-for example, mobility (Spearman's rho 0.40, 95 per cent confidence interval [c.i.] 0.32 to 0.48) and usual activities (rho 0.45, 95 per cent c.i. 0.30 to 0.52). When compared across quartiles of EQ-5D index change, median WHODAS scores followed expected patterns of change. In subgroups with expected functional status changes, the WHODAS SRMs ranged from 'small' to 'large' in the expected directions of change. At 1 year, the WHODAS demonstrated convergence with the EQ-5D-3L functional domains, and good discrimination between patients with expected differences in functional status.

CONCLUSION

The WHODAS questionnaire has construct validity and responsiveness as a measure of functional status at 1 year after major surgery.

Scintillation light detection in the 6-m drift-length ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid argon TPC

DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6  ×  6  ×  6 m 3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and scintillation light. The scintillation light signal in these detectors can provide the trigger for non-beam events. In addition, it adds precise timing capabilities and improves the calorimetry measurements. In ProtoDUNE-DP, scintillation and electroluminescence light produced by cosmic muons in the LArTPC is collected by photomultiplier tubes placed up to 7 m away from the ionizing track. In this paper, the ProtoDUNE-DP photon detection system performance is evaluated with a particular focus on the different wavelength shifters, such as PEN and TPB, and the use of Xe-doped LAr, considering its future use in giant LArTPCs. The scintillation light production and propagation processes are analyzed and a comparison of simulation to data is performed, improving understanding of the liquid argon properties.

POS0661 MAJOR COST SAVINGS ASSOCIATED WITH BIOLOGIC DOSE REDUCTION IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS

Background

Anti-TNF drugs have dramatically improved the management of inflammatory arthritis (IA).

Although the introduction of biosimilars have reduced the cost, chronic use of biologic agents

has a high impact on healthcare expenditure. This study evaluated the cost effectiveness of a

dose reduction strategy for the most commonly used anti- TNF drugs over a period of 10 years

in patients with IA in remission.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore whether patients with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) (Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) or Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) would remain in remission after 10 year period, following a reduction in biologic dosing frequency and to calculate the cost savings associated with dose reduction.

Methods

This prospective, non-blinded, non-randomised study was commenced in 2010. Patients

with IA, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA),ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)

who were in remission as defined by disease activity indices (DAS28<2.6, BASDAI<4), and

were offered Anti TNF dose reduction. Patients on etanercept were reduced from 50mg

weekly to fortnightly, adalimumab 40mg once monthly instead of fortnightly. Patients were

assessed for disease activity at 1, 4 and 10 years following reduction in dosing

frequency.Cost saving was calculated by deducting the total annual cost of the biologic

agent used over 10 years compared with the cost if the dosing interval had not changed.

Results

Seventy nine patients with inflammatory arthritis in remission were recruited. 57% had rheumatoid arthritis (n=45), 13% psoriatic arthritis (n=10) and 30% ankylosing spondylitis (n=24). 57% (n=45) were taking etanercept and 43% (n=34) adalimumab. The percentage of patients who maintained dose reduction at 10 years was 9% (n=7). Of the total 48 patients who were successfully dose reduced at year 1 (n=42), (69%, n=29) were able to maintain the dose reduction up to 4 years and 9% (n=7) maintained this dose reduction up to year 10. The estimated cost saving was €4,928 per patient per year. Estimated cost savings for 7 patients on reduced dose was €344,952.88 over 10 years.

Conclusion

Anti TNF dose reduction strategy in patients with IA results in substantial cost savings. Implementation of a dose reduction strategy while monitoring of disease activity reduces the financial impact of the use of biologic therapies. Further studies should be done to identify which patients are more likely to remain in remission while on dose reduction.

References

[1]Bonafede MM, Gandra SR, Watson C, Princic N, Fox KM. Cost per treated patient for etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab across adult indications: a claims analysis. Adv Ther. 2012 Mar;29(3):234-48. doi: 10.1007/s12325-012-0007-y. Epub 2012 Mar 9. PMID: 22411424.

[2]Joaquín Borrás-Blasco, Antonio Gracia-Pérez, J Dolores Rosique-Robles, MD Elvira Casterá & F Javier Abad (2014) Clinical and economic impact of the use of etanercept 25 mg once weekly in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthropathy and ankylosing spondylitis patients, Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 14:2, 145-150, DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2014.868433

[3]Carter CT, Changolkar AK, Scott McKenzie R. Adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab utilization patterns and drug costs among rheumatoid arthritis patients. J Med Econ. 2012;15(2):332-9. doi: 10.3111/13696998.2011.649325. Epub 2012 Jan 6. PMID: 22168788.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Fabrication and analysis of enhanced thermal stability and high-sensitivity turnaround point long-period fiber grating

This paper presents a what we believe is a novel method to fabricate turnaround point long-period gratings (TAP-LPGs) possessing enhanced thermal stability and high sensitivity. It is shown by analysis and by experiment that LPG resonance in photosensitive fibers can be controlled partially by UV fluence and thermal annealing. TAP-LPGs with enhanced thermal stability were fabricated by following three steps: (I) finding grating period versus writing UV fluence for TAP operation; (II) writing gratings at a relatively higher period with higher fluence, in which case the resonance is out of phase; (III) controlled annealing so that the postannealed LPG operates at/near TAP. The thermal stability is enhanced. The average temperature sensitivity of dual peak resonance measured for a typical TAP-LPG in the temperature interval of 70°C-240°C is about 2.3 nm/°C. This study will be useful for the development of high temperature TAP-LPG sensors.

Immuno-transcriptomic profiling of extracranial pediatric solid malignancies

We perform an immunogenomics analysis utilizing whole-transcriptome sequencing of 657 pediatric extracranial solid cancer samples representing 14 diagnoses, and additionally utilize transcriptomes of 131 pediatric cancer cell lines and 147 normal tissue samples for comparison. We describe patterns of infiltrating immune cells, T cell receptor (TCR) clonal expansion, and translationally relevant immune checkpoints. We find that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and TCR counts vary widely across cancer types and within each diagnosis, and notably are significantly predictive of survival in osteosarcoma patients. We identify potential cancer-specific immunotherapeutic targets for adoptive cell therapies including cell-surface proteins, tumor germline antigens, and lineage-specific transcription factors. Using an orthogonal immunopeptidomics approach, we find several potential immunotherapeutic targets in osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma and validated PRAME as a bona fide multi-pediatric cancer target. Importantly, this work provides a critical framework for immune targeting of extracranial solid tumors using parallel immuno-transcriptomic and -peptidomic approaches.

Precise Measurement of the D^{0} and D^{+} Lifetimes at Belle II

We report a measurement of the D^{0} and D^{+} lifetimes using D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+} and D^{+}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{+} decays reconstructed in e^{+}e^{-}→cc[over ¯] data recorded by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The data, collected at center-of-mass energies at or near the ϒ(4S) resonance, correspond to an integrated luminosity of 72  fb^{-1}. The results, τ(D^{0})=410.5±1.1(stat)±0.8(syst)  fs and τ(D^{+})=1030.4±4.7(stat)±3.1(syst)  fs, are the most precise to date and are consistent with previous determinations.

Search for B^{+}→K^{+}νν[over ¯] Decays Using an Inclusive Tagging Method at Belle II

A search for the flavor-changing neutral-current decay B^{+}→K^{+}νν[over ¯] is performed at the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB asymmetric energy electron-positron collider. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 63  fb^{-1} collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance and a sample of 9  fb^{-1} collected at an energy 60 MeV below the resonance. Because the measurable decay signature involves only a single charged kaon, a novel measurement approach is used that exploits not only the properties of the B^{+}→K^{+}νν[over ¯] decay, but also the inclusive properties of the other B meson in the ϒ(4S)→BB[over ¯] event, to suppress the background from other B meson decays and light-quark pair production. This inclusive tagging approach offers a higher signal efficiency compared to previous searches. No significant signal is observed. An upper limit on the branching fraction of B^{+}→K^{+}νν[over ¯] of 4.1×10^{-5} is set at the 90% confidence level.

Abstract 1885: Potent tumoricidal activity of a FGFR4 CART in rhabdomyosarcoma

Despite decades of multi-module therapies, RMS remains incurable once it has metastasized, thus new therapeutic strategies are warranted. FGFR4 is a developmentally regulated cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase, overexpressed in virtually all, mutationally activated in about 10% of RMS, and directly activated by PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein which makes it a tractable target for immunotherapy. We generated fifteen binders against FGFR4 and characterized them further as candidate molecules for immune therapy. We found that 3A11, a mouse IgG antibody, bound to FGFR4 positive cell lines. The VL and VH domain of 3A11 was cloned and made into scFvFc format (mouse Fv and Human IgG1 Fc). The chimeric form of 3A11 antibody was successfully produced in vitro and retained its FGFR4 specificity with an observed binding affinity at nanomolar range. By ELISA using the extra cellular domain of human FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 or FGFR4, 3A11 scFvFc showed dose dependent binding to FGFR4 only. We then made 3A11 into a second generation CAR. Human T cells transduced with 3A11 CAR construct were found to be highly potent at inducing IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2 and cytotoxicity when the FGFR4-CART was co-cultured with RMS cells, but not with RMS cells with FGFR4 knocked out and FGFR4 negative cells. Our in vivo testing also found that 3A11 CART was able to eliminate RMS cells in murine xenograft metastatic models. Here we report the successful generation of binders specific to human FGFR4. FGFR4 CAR developed from 3A11 was able to kill FGFR4 positive target cells both in-vivo and in-vitro. Thus, 3A11 CAR T cells targeting FGFR4 may provide effective immune therapies for rhabdomyosarcoma and other FGFR4 expressing cancers and clinical trials are planned.

Citation Format: Adam Cheuk, Meijie Tian, Jeetendra Kumar, Peter Azorsa, Nityashree Shivaprasad, Dina Schneider, Berkley Gryder, Jun Wei, Young Song, Xinyu Wen, Sivasish Sindiri, Joon-Yong Chung, Zhongyu Zhu, Dimiter Dimitrov, Stephen Hewitt, Boro Dropulic, Rimas Orentas, Javed Khan. Potent tumoricidal activity of a FGFR4 CART in rhabdomyosarcoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1885.

Genetic diversity for drought and low-phosphorus tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties and donors adapted to rainfed drought-prone ecologies

Drought and phosphate availability are two major abiotic factors limiting productivity of rice in rainfed upland areas. There has been a constant need for new improved donor with tolerance to multiple abiotic stress conditions for rainfed rice breeding. In the present study, a set of 32 popular rice varieties and landraces were evaluated for drought and low-phosphorus (P) tolerance, and also characterized using grain yield under reproductive drought QTLs (DTY QTLs) and Pup1 linked/specific molecular markers. Twenty-seven genotypes were identified as tolerant to moderately tolerant to drought. The SSR markers linked to ten DTY QTLs classified the genotypes into two groups corresponding to aus and indica. The tolerant genotypes were distributed under both groups. Based on the core markers of Pup1 locus, complete tolerant haplotype was recorded in nine genotypes other than the tolerant check Dular. Nine more genotypes showed the incomplete tolerant haplotypes. The rice genotypes showed significantly high genetic variability for low-P tolerance in hydroponic study. A few genotypes revealed non-Pup1 type tolerance which needs further confirmation.

Clinical profile and risk factors for mortality among COVID-19 inpatients at a tertiary care centre in Bengaluru, India

COVID-19 is an emerging viral disease affecting more than 200 countries worldwide and it present with varied clinical profile throughout the world. Without effective drugs to cure COVID-19, early identification and control of risk factors are important measures to combat COVID-19.  This study was conducted to determine the clinical profile and risk factors associated with mortality among COVID-19 patients in a tertiary care hospital in South India. This record-based longitudinal study was conducted by reviewing the case records of COVID-19 patients admitted for treatment from June 2020 to September 2020 in a tertiary care centre in South India. The clinical details, discharge/death details, were collected and entered in MS Excel. Potential risk factors for COVID-19 mortality were analysed using univariate binomial logistic regression, generalized linear models (GLM) with Poisson distribution. Survival curves were made using the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank test was used to test the equality of survivor functions between the groups. Out of 854 COVID-19 patients, 56.6% were men and the mean (standard deviation) age was 45.3(17.2) years. The median survival time was significantly lesser in male COVID-19 patients (16 days) as compared to female patients (20 days). Increasing age, male gender, patients presenting with symptoms of fever, cough, breathlessness, smoking, alcohol consumption, comorbidities were significantly associated with mortality among COVID-19 patients. Patients with older age, male gender, breathlessness, fever, cough, smoking and alcohol and comorbidities need careful observation and early intervention.  Public health campaigns aimed at reducing the prevalence of risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, smoking and alcohol use are also needed.

Prospects for beyond the Standard Model physics searches at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment: DUNE Collaboration

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be a powerful tool for a variety of physics topics. The high-intensity proton beams provide a large neutrino flux, sampled by a near detector system consisting of a combination of capable precision detectors, and by the massive far detector system located deep underground. This configuration sets up DUNE as a machine for discovery, as it enables opportunities not only to perform precision neutrino measurements that may uncover deviations from the present three-flavor mixing paradigm, but also to discover new particles and unveil new interactions and symmetries beyond those predicted in the Standard Model (SM). Of the many potential beyond the Standard Model (BSM) topics DUNE will probe, this paper presents a selection of studies quantifying DUNE's sensitivities to sterile neutrino mixing, heavy neutral leptons, non-standard interactions, CPT symmetry violation, Lorentz invariance violation, neutrino trident production, dark matter from both beam induced and cosmogenic sources, baryon number violation, and other new physics topics that complement those at high-energy colliders and significantly extend the present reach.

Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: relationship between patient radiation dose, demographic characteristics and procedural factors

Introduction

There has been a significant increase in Interventional Cardiology (IC) procedures over last few decades across the globe. The introduction of newer techniques and procedure types in IC has contributed to an overall increase in radiation exposure to both operators and patients alike. Unlike diagnostic imaging, IC procedures are heterogeneous and vary in their complexity based on a myriad of factors, such as patient disease characteristics, anatomy, nature of lesions and operator technique.

Purpose

The aim of the study is to evaluate the demographic and procedural characteristics associated with increased radiation dose. Limited studies exist on the impact of demographic and procedural characteristics on cumulative radiation dose.

Methods

Single-centre retrospective observational study of elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) patients from October 2018 to December 2018 in a 24/7 Irish pPCI centre. Patient level data including weight, height, demographic and procedural characteristics were collected for 65 consecutive elective PCI cases. Radiation exposure metrics, including Kerma Area Product (Pka), Reference Air Kerma (Ka,r) and Fluoroscopy Time (FT), were also collected. A Mann-Whitney U Test was used to assess for differences in radiation exposure between groups and a multivariate regression analysis was performed in order to identify those variables which contributed to radiation exposure.

Results

Median total radiation exposure for our cohort was (Q1–3) -Pka 109 (61–154) Gy·cm2, Ka,r 1746 (1,082–2,530)mGy and FT 16 (10–25)mins. Males (n=48) had a significantly higher radiation exposure Pka 126 (84–171) vs 56 (27–114)Gy·cm2 p=0.001; Ka,r 2094 (1256–2936) mGy p=0.006) than females. Those who underwent femoral access had significantly lower radiation exposure (Pka 50 (38–77) vs 114 (63–158) Gy·cm2 p=0.019; Ka,r (897 (725–1094) vs 2020 (1092–2618) mGy; p=0.018) when compared to radial access. Increasing body mass index (BMI) (p=0.03), multi vessel PCI (p=0.001) and the use of a “sheathless” technique (p=0.029) were associated with increasing radiation exposure (r2=0.630 Pka; Ka,r r2=0.611). Stent characteristics and all other clinical risk factors (HTN, smoking, DM, renal impairment, previous PCI) had no significant impact on radiation exposure.

Conclusion

Radiation exposure during IC in our cohort was within the range of most European Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRL's). Increased BMI and male gender were associated with increased radiation exposure. Procedural characteristics such as radial access, multi vessel PCI and the use of sheathless technique were independently associated with increasing radiation exposure. We recommend dose documentation of all procedures for these patients to avoid radiation hazards; with periodic assessment of statistical dose recording and planned follow up.

Regression analysis

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Computed tomographic analysis of the prevalence of International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification cells and their association with frontal sinusitis

OBJECTIVES

To determine the radiological prevalence of frontal cells according to the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification in patients undergoing computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses for clinical symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis, and to examine the association between cell classification and frontal sinusitis development.

METHODS

A total of 180 (left and right) sides of 90 patients were analysed. The prevalence of each International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification cell was assessed. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare the distribution of various cells in patients with and without frontal sinusitis.

RESULTS

The agger nasi cell was the most commonly occurring cell, seen in 95.5 per cent of patients. The prevalence rates for supra agger cells, supra agger frontal cells, supra bullar frontal cells, supra bullar cells, supra-orbital ethmoid cells and frontal septal cells were 33.3 per cent, 22.2 per cent, 21.1 per cent, 36.1 per cent, 39.4 per cent and 21.1 per cent, respectively. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of any of the cell types in patients with frontal sinusitis compared to those without (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The presence of any of the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification cells was not significantly associated with frontal sinusitis.