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Evaluation and 1-year follow-up of patients presenting at a Lyme borreliosis expertise centre: a prospective cohort study with validated questionnaires. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 43:937-946. [PMID: 38492058 PMCID: PMC11108889 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04770-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the course of symptoms reported by patients with symptoms attributed to Lyme borreliosis (LB) without being subsequently diagnosed with LB. METHODS We performed a prospective cohort study with patients presenting at the outpatient clinic of two clinical LB centres. The primary outcome was the prevalence of persistent symptoms, which were defined as clinically relevant fatigue (CIS, subscale fatigue), pain (SF-36, subscale bodily pain), and cognitive impairment (CFQ) for ≥ 6 months and onset < 6 months over the first year of follow-up. Outcomes were compared with a longitudinal cohort of confirmed LB patients and a general population cohort. Prevalences were standardised to the distribution of pre-defined confounders in the confirmed LB cohort. RESULTS Participants (n = 123) reported mostly fatigue, arthralgia, myalgia, and paraesthesia as symptoms. The primary outcome could be determined for 74.8% (92/123) of participants. The standardised prevalence of persistent symptoms in our participants was 58.6%, which was higher than in patients with confirmed LB at baseline (27.2%, p < 0.0001) and the population cohort (21.2%, p < 0.0001). Participants reported overall improvement of fatigue (p < 0.0001) and pain (p < 0.0001) but not for cognitive impairment (p = 0.062) during the follow-up, though symptom severity at the end of follow-up remained greater compared to confirmed LB patients (various comparisons p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Patients with symptoms attributed to LB who present at clinical LB centres without physician-confirmed LB more often report persistent symptoms and report more severe symptoms compared to confirmed LB patients and a population cohort.
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Achievement of Target Gain Larger than Unity in an Inertial Fusion Experiment. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2024; 132:065102. [PMID: 38394591 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.132.065102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Neratinib + fulvestrant + trastuzumab for HR-positive, HER2-negative, HER2-mutant metastatic breast cancer: outcomes and biomarker analysis from the SUMMIT trial. Ann Oncol 2023; 34:885-898. [PMID: 37597578 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HER2 mutations are targetable alterations in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC). In the SUMMIT basket study, patients with HER2-mutant MBC received neratinib monotherapy, neratinib + fulvestrant, or neratinib + fulvestrant + trastuzumab (N + F + T). We report results from 71 patients with HR+, HER2-mutant MBC, including 21 (seven in each arm) from a randomized substudy of fulvestrant versus fulvestrant + trastuzumab (F + T) versus N + F + T. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with HR+ HER2-negative MBC with activating HER2 mutation(s) and prior cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) therapy received N + F + T (oral neratinib 240 mg/day with loperamide prophylaxis, intramuscular fulvestrant 500 mg on days 1, 15, and 29 of cycle 1 then q4w, intravenous trastuzumab 8 mg/kg then 6 mg/kg q3w) or F + T or fulvestrant alone. Those whose disease progressed on F + T or fulvestrant could cross-over to N + F + T. Efficacy endpoints included investigator-assessed objective response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (RECIST v1.1), duration of response, and progression-free survival (PFS). Plasma and/or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples were collected at baseline; plasma was collected during and at end of treatment. Extracted DNA was analyzed by next-generation sequencing. RESULTS ORR for 57 N + F + T-treated patients was 39% [95% confidence interval (CI) 26% to 52%); median PFS was 8.3 months (95% CI 6.0-15.1 months). No responses occurred in fulvestrant- or F + T-treated patients; responses in patients crossing over to N + F + T supported the requirement for neratinib in the triplet. Responses were observed in patients with ductal and lobular histology, 1 or ≥1 HER2 mutations, and co-occurring HER3 mutations. Longitudinal circulating tumor DNA sequencing revealed acquisition of additional HER2 alterations, and mutations in genes including PIK3CA, enabling further precision targeting and possible re-response. CONCLUSIONS The benefit of N + F + T for HR+ HER2-mutant MBC after progression on CDK4/6is is clinically meaningful and, based on this study, N + F + T has been included in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines. SUMMIT has improved our understanding of the translational implications of targeting HER2 mutations with neratinib-based therapy.
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Impact of Concurrent Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy on the Incidence of Radiation Necrosis Following Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e86. [PMID: 37786200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) The management of metastatic disease has evolved with the advent of immunotherapy (IT) and targeted therapies (TT). Yet, there is limited understanding of the toxicity associated with combining these agents with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). We retrospectively evaluated the impact of concurrent systemic therapy (ST) on the risk of radiation necrosis (RN) following LINAC-based SRS for brain metastases (BM). MATERIALS/METHODS A retrospective study was conducted within an integrated health care system from March 2017 to December 2021 of 313 patients who underwent SRS or fractionated SRS in 3 or 5 treatments to a total of 1,644 intact BM. Post-operative cavity SRS and re-irradiated lesions were excluded. RN was diagnosed using perfusion MRI, contrast clearance MRI, or serial standard MRI and graded using CTCAE (v.5). Concurrent ST was defined as administration within 1 month preceding or following SRS. Overall survival (OS) and risk of RN were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Logistics regression analyses were performed to compare risk of RN in patients who received concurrent systemic therapy to those who did not, adjusted for PTV volume and receipt of whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). RESULTS Median follow-up was 12.2 months. Median age was 64 years (range: 24-92). Primary sites per patient included lung (48.9%), breast (18.2%), melanoma (11.5%), kidney (6.1%), and other (15.3%). Median total lesions treated was 3 (range: 1-44); 65.9% of patients underwent 1 course of SRS, 23.4% underwent 2 courses, 6.2% underwent 3 courses, 4.5% underwent >4 courses. Seventy-six (24.2%) patients received WBRT. Overall, 70.6% of lesions received concurrent ST including chemotherapy (CT) (32.5%), IT (26.8%), and TT (27.6%); 16.4% received a combination of ST. Median OS was 12.9 months (95% CI: 10.4-15.5). RN was observed in 50 (3.0%) lesions in 42 (13.4%) patients. The 1-year risk of RN was 4.0% per lesion and 15.4% per patient. Symptomatic RN (SRN) was observed in 31 (1.9%) lesions in 24 (7.7%) patients. The 1-year risk of SRN was 2.7% per lesion and 10.1% per patient. When compared to lesions treated without concurrent systemic therapy, there was no increased risk of RN observed in lesions treated with concurrent CT (adjusted OR = 0.86 (95% CI: 0.43-1.73) p = 0.68), concurrent IT (adjusted OR = 0.84 (95% CI: 0.41-1.71) p = 0.84), or concurrent TT (adjusted OR = 0.57 (95% CI: 0.25-1.30) p = 0.18). Treatments of SRN included dexamethasone (96.8%), bevacizumab (22.6%), and laser interstitial thermal therapy (6.5%). CONCLUSION Concurrent IT and TT appears well-tolerated in patients who undergo SRS for treatment of BM. No increased risk of RN was observed in lesions treated with concurrent IT or TT compared to lesions treated in the absence of concurrent ST. Further prospective and agent-specific evaluation is necessary to confirm these findings.
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High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy Alone for Treatment of Unfavorable Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer: A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e408-e409. [PMID: 37785355 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.1551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) To demonstrate the feasibility of high-dose rate brachytherapy (HDR BT) as monotherapy for unfavorable intermediate risk (UIR) prostate cancer by comparing survival outcomes of HDR BT alone against external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) + HDR BT boost, +/- androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) using propensity-score matched (PSM) data. MATERIALS/METHODS This retrospective study queried two data registries collecting patient data from 1991 to present. 633 patients with UIR prostate cancer treated with HDR BT alone, HDR BT+EBRT or HDR+EBRT+ADT were included. HDR BT patients received 42-45Gy/6 fractions (fx) or 27 Gy/2 fx. For HDR BT+EBRT, the HDR dose was 20-24 Gy/2 fx, 24 Gy/4 fx, or 15 Gy/1 fx. EBRT patients received 45 Gy/25 fx to the prostate +/- pelvic nodes. GU/GI toxicities were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0. Time-to-event analyses were carried out to evaluate the relationship between treatments and five primary endpoints of interest: freedom from biochemical recurrence (FFBC), freedom from distant metastasis (FFDM), freedom from local failure (FFLF), cancer specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) at 5 years. PSM was performed with one-to-n matching. Logistic regression was used to estimate the respective propensity scores. The five potential confounders identified were T-stage, Gleason score, pre-treatment PSA, age, and percent positive cores. Balance was checked using the standardized mean difference of covariates. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted on the matched data. Toxicity analysis was performed via association between a change in pre- and post-treatment GU/GI toxicity status and the treatment group, as well as incidence of post-treatment severe GI/GU toxicity (grade 3 or higher) and the treatment group. RESULTS Univariate analysis with Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test comparison between the three cohorts demonstrated no significant difference in all survival outcomes FFBC, FFDM, FFLF, CSS, OS (p = 0.15, 0.19, 0.29, 0.57, 0.28, respectively). Multivariate analysis with Cox proportional hazard regression showed no differences in HR for FFBC and OS (p = 0.95, 0.11) with addition of EBRT, or with EBRT+ADT (p = 0.17, 0.24); no fit was obtainable for FFDM, CSS, FFLF. Toxicities between the three cohorts were not significantly different when comparing post-treatment and baseline GI/GU symptoms (p = 0.53/1). No Grade 2 or 3 GI toxicities were identified, while 8%/1% HDR patients, 10%/1% HDR+EBRT patients, and 12%/2% HDR+EBRT+ADT patients experienced Grade 2/3 GU toxicities. The incidence of grade 3 or higher GU toxicities between the three groups was not significantly different (p = 0.91). CONCLUSION This propensity-score matched study demonstrates the feasibility of HDR BT alone for effective treatment of UIR prostate cancer when compared to HDR+EBRT or HDR+EBRT+ADT, while potentially minimizing the added toxicities of EBRT and the undesirable side effect profile of ADT.
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A Novel Rapid Collagenase A-Based Dissociation Strategy of Human Lung Tissue Maximizes Cell Yield and Minimizes Cellular Stress Responses. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.02.1477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
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Treatment of Antibody-Mediated Rejection in Adolescent Heart Transplant Recipients with Daratumumab. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.02.1321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
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A two-ward acute care hospital outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 delta variant including a point-source outbreak associated with the use of a mobile vital signs cart and sub-optimal doffing of personal protective equipment. J Hosp Infect 2023; 131:1-11. [PMID: 36195200 PMCID: PMC9527227 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The arrival of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 was associated with increased transmissibility and illness of greater severity. Reports of nosocomial outbreaks of Delta variant COVID-19 in acute care hospitals have been described but control measures varied widely. AIM Epidemiological investigation of a linked two-ward COVID-19 Delta variant outbreak was conducted to elucidate its source, risk factors, and control measures. METHODS Investigations included epidemiologic analysis, detailed case review serial SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing of patients and healthcare workers (HCWs), viral culture, environmental swabbing, HCW-unaware personal protective equipment (PPE) audits, ventilation assessments, and the use of whole genome sequencing (WGS). FINDINGS This linked two-ward outbreak resulted in 17 patient and 12 HCW cases, despite an 83% vaccination rate. In this setting, suboptimal adherence and compliance to PPE protocols, suboptimal hand hygiene, multi-bedded rooms, and a contaminated vital signs cart with potential fomite or spread via the hands of HCWs were identified as significant risk factors for nosocomial COVID-19 infection. Sudden onset of symptoms, within 72 h, was observed in 79% of all Ward 2 patients, and 93% of all cases (patients and HCWs) on Ward 2 occurred within one incubation period, consistent with a point-source outbreak. RT-PCR assays showed low cycle threshold (CT) values, indicating high viral load from environmental swabs including the vital signs cart. WGS results with ≤3 SNP differences between specimens were observed. CONCLUSION Outbreaks on both wards settled rapidly, within 3 weeks, using a `back-to-basics' approach without extraordinary measures or changes to standard PPE requirements. Strict adherence to recommended PPE, hand hygiene, education, co-operation from HCWs, including testing and interviews, and additional measures such as limiting movement of patients and staff temporarily were all deemed to have contributed to prompt resolution of the outbreak.
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Evaluation of a prescribing pharmacist-led heart failure (HF) up-titration clinic. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac544.1035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background/Introduction
Pharmacotherapy is considered the cornerstone of treatment for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Modulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) and sympathetic nervous system have been shown to improve survival, reduce the risk of heart failure (HF) hospitalisations and improve quality of life. Unless contraindicated or not tolerated, these patients should be prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)/angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB)/angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), beta-blocker, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and up-titrated to guideline directed dosages.1 Despite the availability of effective treatments, patients are often sub-optimally dosed and experience a prolonged optimisation process. Pharmacist-led clinics can complement existing services and increase uptake of guideline directed medical therapies (GDMT).
Purpose
To evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacist-led heart failure clinics in the Princess of Wales Hospital, supported by the Heart Failure team, in optimisation of patients with HFrEF.
Methods
Patients who attended HF pharmacist led clinic between November 2020 and November 2021 were included in the analysis. Baseline demographics, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), biomarkers, vital signs and medications were documented at baseline and after optimisation of GDMT. Number of clinics appointments and rate of hospitalisation and mortality were captured during the study period.
Results
76 patients were reviewed over a total of 318 consultations (34% virtual), averaging 4 consultations per patient. The mean age was 71 years, 36% of patients were female, mean LVEF was 32% and NT-proBNP 3078ng/L with 15% of patients on “quadruple therapy” at baseline. 93% of patients were referred by cardiologists and the average time from referral to first appointment was 42 days. Post-optimisation, 67% of patients were receiving “quadruple therapy”, with increased uptake of ACEi/ARB/ARNI, beta-blocker, MRA and SGLT2i from baseline (100%, 77%, 93% and 90% respectively). Mean LVEF increased to 42% and mean NT-proBNP reduced to 1695ng/L. No significant changes in creatinine clearance, blood pressure, heart rate or serum potassium (sK+) were recorded. The hospitalisation rate was 11% for heart failure, 6% for other cardiovascular causes and the mortality rate was 7%.
Conclusions
The pharmacist-led HF clinic demonstrated a high uptake of optimally dosed GDMT and improvements in NT-proBNP and LVEF. Pharmacist-led clinics can enhance the provision of existing heart failure services to improve patient outcomes and heart failure care.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
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A single-center comparison of our initial experiences in treating penile and urethral cancer with video-endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL) and later experiences in melanoma cases. Front Surg 2022; 9:870857. [PMID: 36225221 PMCID: PMC9548630 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.870857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Video-endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL) is a minimally invasive approach that is increasingly indicated in oncological settings, with mounting evidence for its long-term oncological safety. Objectives To present our single-center experience of treating penile and urethral cancer with VEIL, as well as its more recent application in melanoma patients. Methods We prospectively recorded our experiences with VEIL from September 2010 to July 2018, registering the patient primary indication, surgical details, complications, and follow-up. Results Twenty-nine patients were operated in one (24) or both (5) groins; 18 had penile cancer, 1 had urethral cancer, and 10 had melanoma. A mean 8.62 ± 4.45 lymph nodes were removed using VEIL and of these, an average of 1.00 ± 2.87 were metastatic; 16 patients developed lymphocele and 10 presented some degree of lymphedema; there were no skin or other major complications. The median follow-up was 19.35 months; there were 3 penile cancer patient recurrences in the VEIL-operated side. None of the melanoma patients presented a lymphatic inguinal recurrence. Conclusions VEIL is a minimally invasive technique which appears to be oncologically safe showing fewer complications than open surgery. However, complications such as lymphorrhea, lymphocele, or lymphedema were not diminished by using VEIL.
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EP05.02-015 Neoadjuvant Prehabilitation Therapy for Locally Advanced Non-small-Cell Lung Cancer: Optimizing Outcomes throughout the Trajectory of Care. J Thorac Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2022.07.497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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1751P Impact of squamous histology on clinical outcomes and molecular profiling in metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) patients (pts) treated with newer therapies. Ann Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.07.1829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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458MO Efficacy of durvalumab (Durva) in combination with olaparib (Ola) and capivasertib (Cap) in patients (pts) with advanced or metastatic (met) cancers (Ca) (MEDIPAC). Ann Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.07.587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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EP08.01-101 Factors Predictive of Primary Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Asian Patients with Advanced NSCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2022.07.673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Lawson Criterion for Ignition Exceeded in an Inertial Fusion Experiment. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 129:075001. [PMID: 36018710 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.129.075001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Pan-Asian adapted ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with prostate cancer. ESMO Open 2022; 7:100518. [PMID: 35797737 PMCID: PMC9434138 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The most recent version of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of prostate cancer was published in 2020. It was therefore decided, by both the ESMO and the Singapore Society of Oncology (SSO), to convene a special, virtual guidelines meeting in November 2021 to adapt the ESMO 2020 guidelines to take into account the differences associated with the treatment of prostate cancer in Asia. These guidelines represent the consensus opinions reached by experts in the treatment of patients with prostate cancer representing the oncological societies of China (CSCO), India (ISMPO), Japan (JSMO), Korea (KSMO), Malaysia (MOS), Singapore (SSO) and Taiwan (TOS). The voting was based on scientific evidence and was independent of the current treatment practices and drug access restrictions in the different Asian countries. The latter were discussed when appropriate. The aim is to provide guidance for the optimisation and harmonisation of the management of patients with prostate cancer across the different regions of Asia.
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Association of triglyceride and cholesterol content in fourteen lipoprotein subfractions with coronary heart disease: A mendelian randomisation analysis. Atherosclerosis 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2022.06.425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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517 Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography Based Morphological Index Predicts Coronary Ischemia. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2022.06.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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The role of TGF-β and APRIL in human milk IgA production and development of allergic disease in early childhood. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2022; 33:e13813. [PMID: 35754129 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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POS0230 THE miR-320 FAMILY IS UPREGULATED IN FAST-PROGRESSING RADIOGRAPHIC KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: DATA FROM THE OSTEOARTHRITIS INITIATIVE. Ann Rheum Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-eular.2970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundThere is an outstanding need for prognostic biomarkers to reliably detect fast-progressing knee osteoarthritis (OA) such that preventative interventions can be targeted to this patient population. MicroRNA-sequencing is an unbiased approach for comprehensive profiling of circulating microRNAs in liquid biopsies to discover novel biomarkers of disease. As negative regulators of gene expression, microRNAs hold potential not only as biomarkers, but also as mechanistic drivers of knee OA.ObjectivesTo apply microRNA-sequencing to identify unique circulating microRNAs as potential biomarkers that distinguish fast-progressing radiographic knee OA from both slow- and non-progressing radiographic knee OA.MethodsLeveraging the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) longitudinal cohort, we applied our customized microRNA-sequencing pipeline [1] to blood plasma samples collected at both baseline and 4-year follow-up from 106 participants. The disease trajectory for each participant was constructed by plotting their Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grades over an 8-year follow-up period. Based on these trajectories, we defined fast-progression as an increase from KL 0/1 at baseline to KL 3/4 by 4-year follow-up, slow-progression as an increase from KL 0/1 at baseline to KL 2/3/4 by 8-year follow-up, and non-progression as no increase from KL0/1 at baseline throughout the 8-year follow-up. Following differential expression analysis, we assessed predictive performance and identified putative gene targets for prioritized microRNAs.ResultsComparing fast-progressors to both slow-progressors and non-progressors, we identified differentially expressed microRNAs within timepoints (i.e., 48 microRNAs at baseline and 2 microRNAs at 4-year follow-up) and across timepoints. Among these microRNAs were four members of the miR-320 family, with miR-320d showing an increase in fast-progressors at both timepoints, compared to both slow- and non-progressors. The predictive models we constructed included miR-320 members and had good accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curves ranging from 82.6 to 91.9) in distinguishing fast-progressors. Putative gene targets of the miR-320 family included members of the 14-3-3 gene family (Table 1), including YWHAE, whose downregulation in OA cartilage was reported to promote deterioration [2].Table 1.Predicted gene targets of the miR-320 family include members of the 14-3-3 gene family.14-3-3 gene family memberhsa-miR-320bhsa-miR-320chsa-miR-320dhsa-miR-320eSFNMMMLYWHABMMMMYWHAEVVVHYWHAGVVVMYWHAHVVVMYWHAQVVVMYWHAZVVVMAll mirDIP results with bold text indicating the prediction was among the top 1% for that microRNA/gene target pair. Letters denote the mirDIP score class with V=very high, H=high, M=medium, and L=low.ConclusionThis microRNA-sequencing study is the first of its kind, profiling circulating microRNAs at two timepoints in 106 participants with data-driven construction of knee OA trajectories. We identify the miR-320 family of microRNAs to be associated with fast-progressing radiographic knee OA over time. While our data suggest this microRNA family could have applications as prognostic biomarkers for knee OA, and could be regulating gene targets to impact OA severity, validation of these findings in independent longitudinal cohorts is required.References[1]Potla P, Ali SA, Kapoor M. A bioinformatics approach to microRNA-sequencing analysis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open. 2021;3(1):100131. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocarto.2020.100131.[2]Fu W, Hettinghouse A, Chen Y, Hu W, Ding X, Chen M, Ding Y, Mundra J, Song W, Liu R, Yi YS, Attur M, Samuels J, Strauss E, Leucht P, Schwarzkopf R, Liu CJ. 14-3-3 epsilon is an intracellular component of TNFR2 receptor complex and its activation protects against osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021 Dec;80(12):1615-1627. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220000.Disclosure of InterestsNone declared
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The impact of the first wave of COVID-19 on stroke admissions across three tertiary hospitals in Brisbane. Intern Med J 2022; 52:1322-1329. [PMID: 35608890 PMCID: PMC9347455 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background COVID‐19 has caused a global shift in healthcare‐seeking behaviour; however, presentation rates with serious conditions, such as stroke in low COVID‐19‐prevalence cities, has received less attention. Aims To determine if there was a significant reduction in stroke admissions, delivery of acute reperfusion therapies, or increased delays to presentation during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods A multicentre, retrospective, observational cohort study was performed across three tertiary hospitals in Brisbane, Australia. Cases were identified using ICD‐10 codes and then individually reviewed for eligibility using prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. All metrics were compared over 3 months from 1 March to 31 May 2020 with two corresponding 3‐month periods in 2018 and 2019. Results There was a mean of 2.15 (95% CI 1.87–2.48) stroke admissions per day in the examined pandemic months compared with 2.13 (95% CI 1.85–2.45) and 2.26 (95% CI 1.97–2.59) in March to May 2018 and 2019 respectively, with no significant difference found (P = 0.81). There was also no difference in rates of intravenous thrombolysis (P = 0.82), endovascular thrombectomy (P = 0.93) and time from last known well to presentation (P = 0.54). Conversely, daily emergency department presentations (including non‐stroke presentations) significantly reduced (P < 0.0001). Conclusions During the early months of the COVID‐19 pandemic there was no significant reduction in stroke presentations, use of acute reperfusion therapies or delays to presentation, despite a reduction in ED presentations for any cause. Our results differ from the global experience, with possible explanations, including differences in public health messaging and healthcare infrastructure.
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PO-1306 Impacts and consequences of spleen irradiation after adjuvant chemoradiation for stomach cancer. Radiother Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(22)03270-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Quantitative Donor-Derived Cell-Free DNA Levels Reflect the Variability in Lung Allograft Cellular Injury. J Heart Lung Transplant 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.01.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing (mNGS) Can Complement Fractional Donor-Derived Cell-Free DNA in Lung Allograft Assessment: Pilot Data. J Heart Lung Transplant 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.01.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Abstract
Human bone marrow stromal cell (hBMSC)-derived exosomes are promising therapeutics for inflammatory diseases due to their unique microRNA (miRNA) and protein cargos. Periodontal diseases often present with chronicity and corresponding exuberant inflammation, which leads to loss of tooth support. In this study, we explored whether hBMSC exosomes can affect periodontitis progression. hBMSC exosomes were isolated from cell culture medium through sequential ultracentrifugation. miRNAs and proteins that were enriched in hBMSC exosomes were characterized by RNA sequencing and protein array, respectively. hBMSC exosomes significantly suppressed periodontal keystone pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis-triggered inflammatory response in macrophages in vitro. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that exosomes exerted their effects through regulating cell metabolism, differentiation, and inflammation resolution. In vivo, weekly exosome injection into the gingival tissues reduced the tissue destruction and immune cell infiltration in rat ligature-induced periodontitis model. Collectively, these findings suggest that hBMSC-derived exosomes can potentially be used as a host modulation agent in the management of periodontitis.
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410 Acute Pancreatitis Annual Review in Cumberland Infirmary. Br J Surg 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac039.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Aim
To document the incidence and presentation of acute pancreatitis, and to audit the process and outcome of management of patients against the UK guidelines in Cumberland Infirmary.
Results
Out of the 206 patients who had acute pancreatitis and admitted to the Cumberland infirmary 116 were male and 90 were female.
Causes
The alcohol consumption and the biliary pathology were the commonest cause, were 56 and 96 patients, respectively. The pancreatic lesions were the cause in 6 patients. The other causes: two patients the cause of the inflammation were drugs (azathioprine and steroids), while the ERCP was the cause in 8 patient and mumps for the one patient. Out of the 9 patients of pancreatic necrosis one patient died. 10/206 Patients with diagnosis of pancreatitis have been referred to the Remote surveillance Programme for N. Pancreatitis to the Freeman Hospital. 6 patients of them have been diagnosed with pancreatic necrosis. The number of the patients died in Cumberland infirmary in 2020 with the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis are 10 patients 04.87%. (The national mortality rate is 4–10%).
Conclusions
To follow NICE Guidelines for management of acute pancreatitis: Pancreatitis, published Sep 2018. To continue a close teamwork in terms of referrals as well as HPB MDT. To report patients with pancreatic necrosis to the FRH surveillance.
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A217 TREATMENT ADHERENCE OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS B PATIENTS WITH HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA FROM THE CANHEPB NETWORK. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2022. [PMCID: PMC8859274 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwab049.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Aims The primary aim of this study is to explore the degree of treatment adherence to the American Association For The Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) HCC treatment guidelines for patients with CHB-HCC. Methods This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study of available data (2005–2020) in patients mono-infected with CHB collected from the Canadian HBV Network; a national consortium across 8 Canadian provinces. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics along with parametric and nonparametric statistical methods with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results Of the 6500 patients, 132 (2.0%) patients met inclusion criteria. The median age was 64 (IQR: 53.5- 71.5) with 101 (76%) being male. The median ALT was 40 (IQR: 26–59.5) and the median tumor number was 1(IQR: 1- 2) with a median tumor size of 2.6 cm (IQR: 1.9- 4.5). 98 (74.5%) patients were HBeAg negative with a median viral load of 3.8 logs (IQR 1.9 – 5.8). 58 (43%) patients had cirrhosis at diagnosis. 36% of patients were diagnosed with HCC on their first screening imaging whereas 39% were found to have HCC on repeated surveillance imaging. 116 (87.9%) were on treatment at the time of diagnosis or after (70 (60.3%) NA and 46 (39%) Combination therapy with double NA or NA plus interferon). Out of the 132 patients, BCLC stage 0, A, B, and C represented 30 (23%), 42 (32%), 17 (13%), and 5 (4%) patients, respectively, with 38 (28%) patients with unknown BCLC stage. The overall adherence to AASLD guidelines was 61%. The HCC treatment adherence rate for patients with BCLC stage 0, A, B were 63%, 97.5%, and 23.5%, respectively. BCLC stages C and D did not have a sufficient sample size for analysis. The adherence rate ranged from 53% (Eastern Canada) to 71% (Western Canada) across Canada. Conclusions In this retrospective nationwide cohort study of patients with CHB-related HCC, the overall treatment adherence rate to AASLD guidelines was low with notable regional differences. Further analysis will determine the cause of regional differences. Funding Agencies None
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UV-C Light as a Tool to Manage Grape Powdery Mildew. BIO WEB OF CONFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/20225001003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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An audit on nutrition delivery and patients' outcome in the intensive care unit. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.09.621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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The associations between physical performance and treatment modification in older adults with cancer. J Geriatr Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s1879-4068(21)00469-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Non-nutritive calories intake in critically ill patients – are they just empty calories? Clin Nutr ESPEN 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.09.620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Pan-Asian adapted ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with renal cell carcinoma. ESMO Open 2021; 6:100304. [PMID: 34864348 PMCID: PMC8645910 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The most recent version of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of renal cell carcinoma was published in 2019 with an update planned for 2021. It was therefore decided by both the ESMO and the Singapore Society of Oncology (SSO) to convene a special, virtual guidelines meeting in May 2021 to adapt the ESMO 2019 guidelines to take into account the ethnic differences associated with the treatment of renal cell carcinomas in Asian patients. These guidelines represent the consensus opinions reached by experts in the treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma representing the oncological societies of China (CSCO), India (ISMPO), Japan (JSMO), Korea (KSMO), Malaysia (MOS), Singapore (SSO) and Taiwan (TOS). The voting was based on scientific evidence and was independent of the current treatment practices and drug access restrictions in the different Asian countries. The latter were discussed when appropriate.
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M290 RECALCITRANT RHINOSINUSITIS ASSOCIATED WITH PRIMARY HYPERALDOSTERONISM. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2021.08.394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Multicentre study of hospitalised patients with sports- and recreational cycling-related traumatic brain injury in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Med J 2021; 27:338-349. [PMID: 34706984 DOI: 10.12809/hkmj208934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cycling is associated with a greater risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) than other recreational activities. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of sports-related TBI in Hong Kong and to examine predictors for recreational cycling-induced intracranial haemorrhage. METHODS This retrospective multicentre study included patients diagnosed with sports-related TBI in public hospitals in Hong Kong from 2015 to 2019. Computed tomography scans were reviewed by an independent assessor. The primary endpoint was traumatic intracranial haemorrhage. The secondary endpoint was an unfavourable Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score at discharge from hospital. RESULTS In total, 720 patients were hospitalised with sports-related TBI. The most common sport was cycling (59.2%). The crude incidence of cycling-related TBI was 1.1 per 100 000 population. Cyclists were more likely to exhibit intracranial haemorrhage and an unfavourable GOS score, compared with patients who had TBI because of other sports. Although 47% of cyclists had intracranial haemorrhage, only 15% wore a helmet. In multivariate analysis, significant predictors for intracranial haemorrhage were age ≥60 years, antiplatelet medication, moderate or severe TBI, and skull fracture. Among 426 cyclists, 375 (88%) had mild TBI, and helmet wearing was protective against intracranial haemorrhage, regardless of age, antiplatelet medication intake, and mechanism of injury. Of 426 cyclists, 31 (7.3%) had unfavourable outcomes on discharge from hospital. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of sports-related TBI is low in Hong Kong. Although cycling-related head injuries carried greater risks of intracranial haemorrhage and unfavourable outcomes compared with other sports, most cyclists experienced good recovery. Helmet wearing among recreational cyclists with mild TBI was protective against intracranial haemorrhage and skull fracture.
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P28.01 Real-World Experience (RWE) of Consolidation Durvalumab After Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) In Stage III NSCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2021.08.392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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701P Real-world (RW) treatment (Tx) patterns and clinical outcomes in patients (pts) with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) receiving first-line (1L) Tx: Results from IMPACT UC. Ann Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.08.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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1835P Clinical outcome and prognostic factors for Asian patients in phase I clinical trials. Ann Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.08.723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Low dose antibiotic ingestion potentiates systemic and microbiome changes induced by silver nanoparticles. NANOIMPACT 2021; 23:100343. [PMID: 35559844 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2021.100343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Changes in the mammalian gut microbiome are linked to the impairment of immunological function and numerous other pathologies. Antimicrobial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are incorporated into numerous consumer products (e.g., clothing, cosmetics, food packaging), which may directly impact the gut microbiome through ingestion. The human health impact of chronic AgNP ingestion is still uncertain, but evidence from exposure to other antimicrobials provides a strong rationale to assess AgNP effects on organ function, immunity, metabolism, and gut-associated microbiota. To investigate this, mice were gavaged daily for 5 weeks with saline, AgNPs, antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and metronidazole), or AgNPs combined with antibiotics. Animals were weighed daily, assessed for glucose tolerance, organ function, tissue and blood cytokine and leukocyte levels. At the end of the study, we used 16S rDNA amplicon and whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing to assess changes in the gut microbiome. In mice exposed to both AgNPs and antibiotics, silver was found in the stomach, and small and large intestines, but negligible amounts were present in other organs examined. Mice exposed to AgNPs alone showed minimal tissue silver levels. Antibiotics, but not AgNPs, altered glucose metabolism. Mice given AgNPs and antibiotics together demonstrated slower weight gain, reduced peripheral lymphocytes, and elevated splenic, but not circulatory markers of inflammation. 16S rDNA profiling of cecum and feces and metagenomic sequencing of fecal DNA demonstrated that combined AgNP-antibiotic treatment also significantly altered the structure and function of the gut microbiota, including depletion of the indicator species Akkermansia muciniphila. This study provides evidence for possible biological effects from repeated ingestion of AgNP-containing consumer products when antibiotics are also being used and raises concern that an impaired gut microbiome (e.g., through antibiotic use) can potentiate the harm from chemical exposures such as AgNPs.
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Utility of ex vivo confocal fluorescence microscopy for renal mass biopsy optimization. Eur Urol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-2838(21)00976-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Use of ColonFlag score for prioritisation of endoscopy in colorectal cancer. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2021; 8:e000639. [PMID: 34083226 PMCID: PMC8183282 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2021-000639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer in UK. Symptomatic patients are referred via an urgent pathway and although most are investigated with colonoscopy <4% are diagnosed with cancer. There is therefore a need for a suitable triage tool to prioritise investigations. This study retrospectively examined performance of various triage tools in patients awaiting investigation on the urgent lower gastrointestinal cancer pathway DESIGN: All patients over 40 years of age on the urgent pathway awaiting investigation for suspected CRC on 1 May were included. After 6 months, outcomes were evaluated and the performance of the faecal immunochemical test (FIT), faecal haemoglobin concentration, age and sex test (FAST) and the artificial intelligence algorithm ColonFlag were examined. RESULTS 532 completed investigations and received a diagnosis; 15 had CRC. 388 had a valid FIT result, of whom 11 had CRC; FAST Score ≥4.5 had sensitivity of 72.7%, specificity of 80.6% and would have failed to detect three tumours. Faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) at cut-off of 10 µg/g and ColonFlag had equal sensitivity of 81.82%, ColonFlag had greater specificity 73.47%, compared with 64.99%. Both tests would have failed to detect two tumours but not in the same patients; when used in combination, sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 49.4%. When ColonFlag was applied to the cohort of 532, an additional four tumours would have been detected in patients without a valid FIT. CONCLUSION This study showed ColonFlag to have equal sensitivity and greater specificity than f-Hb at a cut-off of 10 µg/g as a triage tool for CRC.
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Towards computer-aided severity assessment via deep neural networks for geographic and opacity extent scoring of SARS-CoV-2 chest X-rays. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9315. [PMID: 33927239 PMCID: PMC8085167 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88538-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A critical step in effective care and treatment planning for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, is the assessment of the severity of disease progression. Chest x-rays (CXRs) are often used to assess SARS-CoV-2 severity, with two important assessment metrics being extent of lung involvement and degree of opacity. In this proof-of-concept study, we assess the feasibility of computer-aided scoring of CXRs of SARS-CoV-2 lung disease severity using a deep learning system. Data consisted of 396 CXRs from SARS-CoV-2 positive patient cases. Geographic extent and opacity extent were scored by two board-certified expert chest radiologists (with 20+ years of experience) and a 2nd-year radiology resident. The deep neural networks used in this study, which we name COVID-Net S, are based on a COVID-Net network architecture. 100 versions of the network were independently learned (50 to perform geographic extent scoring and 50 to perform opacity extent scoring) using random subsets of CXRs from the study, and we evaluated the networks using stratified Monte Carlo cross-validation experiments. The COVID-Net S deep neural networks yielded R[Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] between predicted scores and radiologist scores for geographic extent and opacity extent, respectively, in stratified Monte Carlo cross-validation experiments. The best performing COVID-Net S networks achieved R[Formula: see text] of 0.739 and 0.741 between predicted scores and radiologist scores for geographic extent and opacity extent, respectively. The results are promising and suggest that the use of deep neural networks on CXRs could be an effective tool for computer-aided assessment of SARS-CoV-2 lung disease severity, although additional studies are needed before adoption for routine clinical use.
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Cabazitaxel versus abiraterone or enzalutamide in poor prognosis metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: a multicentre, randomised, open-label, phase II trial. Ann Oncol 2021; 32:896-905. [PMID: 33836265 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.03.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of poor prognosis metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) includes taxane chemotherapy and androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPI). We sought to determine optimal treatment in this setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS This multicentre, randomised, open-label, phase II trial recruited patients with ARPI-naive mCRPC and poor prognosis features (presence of liver metastases, progression to mCRPC after <12 months of androgen deprivation therapy, or ≥4 of 6 clinical criteria). Patients were randomly assigned 1 : 1 to receive cabazitaxel plus prednisone (group A) or physician's choice of enzalutamide or abiraterone plus prednisone (group B) at standard doses. Patients could cross over at progression. The primary endpoint was clinical benefit rate for first-line treatment (defined as prostate-specific antigen response ≥50%, radiographic response, or stable disease ≥12 weeks). RESULTS Ninety-five patients were accrued (median follow-up 21.9 months). First-line clinical benefit rate was greater in group A versus group B (80% versus 62%, P = 0.039). Overall survival was not different between groups A and B (median 37.0 versus 15.5 months, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.58, P = 0.073) nor was time to progression (median 5.3 versus 2.8 months, HR = 0.87, P = 0.52). The most common first-line treatment-related grade ≥3 adverse events were neutropenia (cabazitaxel 32% versus ARPI 0%), diarrhoea (9% versus 0%), infection (9% versus 0%), and fatigue (7% versus 5%). Baseline circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) fraction above the cohort median and on-treatment ctDNA increase were associated with shorter time to progression (HR = 2.38, P < 0.001; HR = 4.03, P < 0.001). Patients with >30% ctDNA fraction at baseline had markedly shorter overall survival than those with undetectable ctDNA (HR = 38.22, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Cabazitaxel was associated with a higher clinical benefit rate in patients with ARPI-naive poor prognosis mCRPC. ctDNA abundance was prognostic independent of clinical features, and holds promise as a stratification biomarker.
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Continued efficacy of neratinib in patients with HER2-positive (HER2+) early-stage breast cancer: final overall survival (OS) analysis from the randomized phase 3 ExteNET trial. Breast 2021. [PMID: 33183970 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-9776(21)00093-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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11 Frailty and the Rate of Fractures in Patients Initiated on Antihypertensive Medication. Age Ageing 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afab028.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
There is concern regarding adverse effects of antihypertensive treatment, including falls and subsequent fractures, especially hip fractures. As frailty is increasingly recognised as an important risk factor for adverse outcomes, we examined its relationship to fracture rates in older patients after starting antihypertensives.
Methods
Using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), we identified participants over 65-years old starting a first-line antihypertensive medication. Using deficits identified in CPRD we classified patient-level frailty as “Fit”, “Mild”, “Moderate” or “Severe” using the Electronic Frailty Index. We calculated the rate of fractures by frailty level and fracture site, and determined the rate ratio (RR) of first fracture by frailty level, adjusting for confounding, using multivariable poisson regression. We conducted sensitivity analyses to additionally adjust for ethnicity, deprivation, and bisphosphonate use.
Results
44% of participants were classified as mildly frail or greater, but frail participants experienced 58% of all fractures, and 63% of hip fractures. The whole cohort showed a crude rate of 14.1 fractures/1000 person-years, with 4.5 hip fractures/1000 person-years. In severe frailty, this rises to 51.0 fractures/1000 person-years, and 17.7 hip fractures/1000 person-years. After adjustment for confounding, increasing frailty was associated with greater rate of any fracture, reaching RR 2.85 (95% confidence interval 2.43–3.33) for severe frailty versus fit. Results were unchanged in sensitivity analyses.
Conclusions
Frailty and fracture are both common in older participants who start antihypertensive medications. Increasing frailty was positively associated with increased rates of fracture. Clinicians need awareness of this relationship to consider fracture risk assessment and prevention in these patients.
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A108 ARE INPATIENTS STILL MORE LIKELY TO FAIL BOWEL PREPARATION IN THE SPLIT-DOSE ERA? FINDINGS FROM 47, 292 COLONOSCOPIES IN THE SOUTHWEST ONTARIO COLONOSCOPY COHORT. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwab002.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Prior studies before the widespread use of split-dose bowel preparation have shown a high rate of inadequate bowel preparation in hospitalized patients. Whether this is still true in the era of split-dose bowel preparation is unknown.
Aims
To determine the impact of inpatient status on bowel preparation quality in the contemporary era of split-dose bowel preparation.
Methods
The Southwest Ontario Colonoscopy cohort consists of all inpatient and outpatient colonoscopies performed between April 2017 and Oct 2018 at 21 hospitals serving a large geographic health region. Procedures done in patients < 18 years of age or by an endoscopist performing <50 colonoscopies/year were excluded. Data were collected through a mandatory quality assurance form that was completed by the endoscopist after each procedure. Pathology reports were manually reviewed. The primary outcome was adequate bowel preparation, defined on an ordinal scale as “good” or “fair” rather than “poor”. Secondary outcomes included adenoma detection rate (ADR), sessile serrated polyp detection rate (ssPDR), polyp detection rate (PDR), and cecal intubation rate (CIR).
Results
A total of 47,292 colonoscopies were performed by 75 physicians (36.2% by gastroenterologists, 60% by general surgeons, 4% others), of which 1,690 were inpatients (3.6%). Inpatients were older (mean 66.8 years vs 60.2 years, p<0.0001), more co-morbid (≥ASA grade 3, 53.6% vs 23.7%, p<0.0001), performed for symptomatic indications (95.7% vs 48.6%, p< 0.0001), have trainee involvement (47% vs 11.6% p<0.001), and less likely to receive split-dose bowel preparation (71.7% vs 91.6% p<0.001). On crude analysis, inpatients were less likely to have adequate bowel preparation (86.2% vs 97.6% p<0.001). On multi-variable analysis, inpatients had lower odds of achieving adequate bowel preparation (OR=0.41, 95% CI 0.33 - 0.50, p<0.001), lower ADR (OR=0.47, 95% CI 0.40 - 0.55, p<0.001), lower PDR (OR=0.54, 95% CI 0.47 - 0.61 p<0.001) and lower CIR (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.35 - 0.54, p<0.001).
Conclusions
In the era of split-dose bowel preparation, inpatient status is still an important predictor of inadequate bowel preparation with resultant lower quality outcome metrics.
Funding Agencies
None
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A113 ANNUAL COLONOSCOPY VOLUME IS NOT PREDICTIVE OF COLONOSCOPY QUALITY - FINDINGS FROM THE SOUTHWEST ONTARIO COLONOSCOPY COHORT. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwab002.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Performing a minimum number of colonoscopies annually has been proposed by some jurisdictions as a requirement for maintaining privileges. However, this practice is supported by limited evidence.
Aims
The objective of this study was to determine if annual colonoscopy volume was associated with colonoscopy quality metrics.
Methods
A population-based study was performed using the Southwest Ontario Colonoscopy cohort, which consists of all adult patients who underwent colonoscopy between April 2017 and Oct 2018 at 21 academic and community hospitals within the health region. Data were collected through a mandatory quality assurance form completed after each procedure and pathology reports were manually reviewed. Physician annualized colonoscopy volumes were compared by correlation analysis to each quality-related outcome, by means of the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC), and logistic regression. The prognostic value of colonoscopy volume was also adjusted for case-mix and potential confounders in separate regression analyses for each outcome. The primary outcome was ADR. Secondary outcomes were polyp detection rate (PDR), sessile serrated polyp detection rate (SSPDR), and cecal intubation.
Results
A total of 47,195 colonoscopies were performed by 75 physicians (37.5% by gastroenterologists, 60% by general surgeons, 2.5% others). There were no clear relationships between annual colonoscopy volumes and study outcomes. Colonoscopy volume was not associated with ADR (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.96–1.10, p=0.48) and corresponded to an AUROC not significantly different from the null (AUROC 0.52, 95% CI 0.43–0.61, p=0.65). Multi-variable regression adjusting for case-mix also demonstrated no predictive value of annual colonoscopy volume for the primary outcome (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.94–1.12, p=0.55). Similarly, analyses of secondary outcomes failed to find an association between colonoscopy volume and PDR, SSPDR, or cecal intubation (Table 1).
Conclusions
Annual colonoscopy volumes do not predict ADR, PDR, SSPDR, or cecal intubation rate.
Results of unconditional and conditional approaches for examining the predictive value of annual colonoscopy volume for quality related outcomes.
Funding Agencies
None
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P75.10 Risk Factors for Immune-Related Adverse Events from Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Treatment in an Asian Cohort of NSCLC Patients. J Thorac Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2021.01.1044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Novel DNA methylation signatures of tobacco smoking with trans-ethnic effects. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:36. [PMID: 33593402 PMCID: PMC7888173 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01018-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smoking remains one of the leading preventable causes of death. Smoking leaves a strong signature on the blood methylome as shown in multiple studies using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Here, we explore novel blood methylation smoking signals on the Illumina MethylationEPIC BeadChip (EPIC) array, which also targets novel CpG-sites in enhancers. METHOD A smoking-methylation meta-analysis was carried out using EPIC DNA methylation profiles in 1407 blood samples from four UK population-based cohorts, including the MRC National Survey for Health and Development (NSHD) or 1946 British birth cohort, the National Child Development Study (NCDS) or 1958 birth cohort, the 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70), and the TwinsUK cohort (TwinsUK). The overall discovery sample included 269 current, 497 former, and 643 never smokers. Replication was pursued in 3425 trans-ethnic samples, including 2325 American Indian individuals participating in the Strong Heart Study (SHS) in 1989-1991 and 1100 African-American participants in the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy Study (GENOA). RESULTS Altogether 952 CpG-sites in 500 genes were differentially methylated between smokers and never smokers after Bonferroni correction. There were 526 novel smoking-associated CpG-sites only profiled by the EPIC array, of which 486 (92%) replicated in a meta-analysis of the American Indian and African-American samples. Novel CpG sites mapped both to genes containing previously identified smoking-methylation signals and to 80 novel genes not previously linked to smoking, with the strongest novel signal in SLAMF7. Comparison of former versus never smokers identified that 37 of these sites were persistently differentially methylated after cessation, where 16 represented novel signals only profiled by the EPIC array. We observed a depletion of smoking-associated signals in CpG islands and an enrichment in enhancer regions, consistent with previous results. CONCLUSION This study identified novel smoking-associated signals as possible biomarkers of exposure to smoking and may help improve our understanding of smoking-related disease risk.
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Characteristics and outcomes of cats with and without pacemaker placement for high-grade atrioventricular block. J Vet Cardiol 2021; 34:37-47. [PMID: 33548737 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Available information on characteristics and outcome in cats with high-grade atrioventricular block (AVB) that receive a pacemaker is limited. ANIMALS Twenty-two privately owned cats presenting with high-grade AVB. MATERIALS AND METHODS Medical records were retrospectively examined. Cats were grouped as having received a pacemaker (PACE group) or not having received a pacemaker (non-PACE group). Clinical characteristics and outcomes of groups were evaluated. RESULTS There were 10 cats in the PACE group and 12 cats in the non-PACE group. At presentation, syncope or seizure-like behavior (p = 0.004) and bradycardia (p = 0.043) were more common in the PACE than the non-PACE group. Historical lethargy (p = 0.015) and dull mentation (p = 0.045) were more common in the non-PACE group, as was clinically relevant systemic disease. Pacemaker placement improved syncope or seizure-like behavior in 100% of cats. The degree of AVB at presentation was not associated with pacemaker placement nor the future degree of AVB. The major complication rate of pacemaker placement was 40%. Intergroup survival was not significantly different (PACE group 1278 days, 95% confidence interval: 0-2145 days; non-PACE group 213 days, confidence interval: 1-not available, p = 0.77). CONCLUSIONS Pacemaker placement improved clinical signs in cats with high-grade AVB. A difference in survival time could not be demonstrated between cats that received and did not receive a pacemaker in this retrospective study. High-grade AVB can be transient and accompanied by systemic disease in some cats.
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Aerobic dance for cognitive and physical functions and mood in older adults with cerebral small vessel disease: abridged secondary publication. Hong Kong Med J 2020; 26 Suppl 6:38-41. [PMID: 33229603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
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