Bilateral accessory flexor indicis muscle: A case study

Muscular variations within the upper extremities are common and widely documented. They can have a range of implications including nerve compression and misdiagnosis but are often silent. Our report herein describes a bilateral accessory muscle found in the forearm during routine cadaveric dissection. The muscle originates from the medial epicondyle of the humerus between the origins of the flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor carpi radialis muscles. The muscle is digastric, with the distal belly existing as the first lumbrical and the proximal serving as a supernumerary flexor. This functionally atavistic variation could prove clinically relevant for the purposes of donor muscle or tendon tissue as well as surgical complications and compressive neuropathies.

A comparison of the efficacy of trastuzumab deruxtecan in advanced HER2-positive breast cancer: active brain metastasis versus progressive extracranial disease alone

BACKGROUND

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) has demonstrated efficacy in patients with brain metastasis (BM), a group historically with poor outcomes. The prevalence of BMs in patients commencing T-DXd is currently unknown. No direct comparisons have been made of the activity of T-DXd in patients with active BM versus those with extracranial progression alone. This real-world study explored the prevalence of BMs in patients commencing T-DXd, the efficacy of T-DXd in active BM versus extracranial progression alone and the safety of T-DXd.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive advanced breast cancer treated with T-DXd between June 2021 and February 2023 at our specialist cancer hospital were identified and notes reviewed. Clinicopathological information, prior treatment, the presence or absence of central nervous system (CNS) disease, outcomes and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine female patients, with a median age of 52 years (interquartile range 44-62 years), were identified; the prevalence of BM was 41%. Median number of lines of prior therapy was 2 (range 2-6). At a median follow-up of 13.8 months, median progression-free survival (PFS) for the overall population was 13.9 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 12.4 months-not estimable (NE)], 16.1 months (95% CI 15.1 months-NE) for active BMs and 12.4 months (95% CI 8.3 months-NE) for progressive extracranial disease alone. The 12-month overall survival (OS) rate was 74% (95% CI 59% to 95%) in the overall population, and 83% (95% CI 58% to 100%) and 66% (95% CI 45% to 96%) for active BMs and extracranial disease only, respectively. Most common TEAEs were fatigue, alopecia, and constipation. In nine patients (31%, including two deaths), pneumonitis occurred.

CONCLUSION

In this real-world population, we demonstrate T-DXd to be effective in patients with active BMs and those with progressive extracranial disease alone. PFS and OS were numerically longer in those with active BMs. These data demonstrate that patients with active BM treated with T-DXd have at least comparable outcomes to those with extracranial disease alone. The high rate of pneumonitis warrants further consideration.

NAD+ regulates nucleotide metabolism and genomic DNA replication

The intricate orchestration of enzymatic activities involving nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and preserving genomic integrity. As a co-enzyme, NAD+ plays a key role in regulating metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis and Kreb's cycle. ADP-ribosyltransferases (PARPs) and sirtuins rely on NAD+ to mediate post-translational modifications of target proteins. The activation of PARP1 in response to DNA breaks leads to rapid depletion of cellular NAD+ compromising cell viability. Therefore, the levels of NAD+ must be tightly regulated. Here we show that exogenous NAD+, but not its precursors, has a direct effect on mitochondrial activity. Short-term incubation with NAD+ boosts Kreb's cycle and the electron transport chain and enhances pyrimidine biosynthesis. Extended incubation with NAD+ results in depletion of pyrimidines, accumulation of purines, activation of the replication stress response and cell cycle arrest. Moreover, a combination of NAD+ and 5-fluorouridine selectively kills cancer cells that rely on de novo pyrimidine synthesis. We propose an integrated model of how NAD+ regulates nucleotide metabolism, with relevance to healthspan, ageing and cancer therapy.

A Principle-Based Approach to Visual Identification Systems for Hospitalized People with Dementia

A large proportion of hospital inpatients are affected by cognitive impairment, posing challenges in the provision of their care in busy, fast-paced acute wards. Signs and symbols, known as visual identifiers, are employed in many U.K. hospitals with the intention of helping healthcare professionals identify and respond to the needs of these patients. Although widely considered useful, these tools are used inconsistently, have not been subject to full evaluation, and attract criticism for acting as a shorthand for a routinized response. In order for visual identifiers to be used effectively in acute care settings, thorough consideration must be given to the ethical and legal issues that are engaged in this context, and their potential benefits and harms must be weighed and balanced. This paper proposes a set of legal and ethical principles that can be used to guide the implementation of visual identifiers. Together, these principles provide a framework applicable in the design and implementation phases to systematically identify relevant considerations arising from the use of these tools. We outline some tensions that arise between principles and conclude that selecting a preferred moral framework could help to guide decision-making, as does clarity around the purpose and objectives of the identifier.

Surgeon educator perspectives of implementing a national undergraduate curriculum in otolaryngology

OBJECTIVE

The General Medical Council will be implementing a national medical licensing assessment for all UK medical students by 2024-25. Surgeon educator perceptions on a national undergraduate curriculum in otolaryngology were reviewed accordingly.

METHOD

A mixed methods study was undertaken within a UK school of surgery assessing ENT surgeon educators. Perspectives on teaching content, quality and student experience were assessed with degree of agreement assessed (Likert scoring). Associated qualitative focus group sessions underwent detailed thematic analysis according to grounded theory.

RESULTS

A response rate of 50 per cent was achieved involving 21 participants working across 14 hospitals. These showed strong agreement that implementation of a national curriculum would improve the standard of teaching delivered at a personal, institutional and national level. Further themes were identified relating to the personal, institutional and specialty related factors influencing practical delivery.

CONCLUSION

A series of practical recommendations are made to potentially assist the implementation of a national ENT curriculum.

High-resolution bioenergetics correlates the length of continuous protonatable diaminoethane motif of four-armed oligo(ethanamino)amide transfectants to cytotoxicity

Recent clinical success with Onpattro and cationic ionizable lipid nanoparticle-based mRNA vaccines has rejuvenated research in the design and engineering of broader synthetic cationic vectors for nucleic acid compaction and transfection. However, perturbation of metabolic processes and cytotoxicity are still of concern with synthetic cationic vectors. Here, through an integrated bioenergetic and biomembrane integrity probing in three different human cell lines we reveal the dynamic effect of a library of sequence-defined four-arm oligo(ethanamino)amide transfectant on cell homeostasis, and identify metabolically safe building units over wide concentration ranges. The results show differential effects of the oligo(ethanamino)amide structure of comparable molecular weight on cell energetics. The severity of polycation effect on bioenergetic crisis follows with the length of continuous protonatable diaminoethane motif in the ascending order of glutaryl-triethylene tetramine, succinyl-tetraethylene pentamine and succinyl-pentaethylene hexamine. We further identify oligomeric structures that do not induce bioenergetic crisis even at high concentrations. Finally, transfection studies with a library of polyplexes carrying a reporter gene show no correlation between transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity. These observations demonstrate the usefulness of integrated high-resolution respirometry and plasma membrane integrity probing as a highly sensitive medium-throughput screening strategy for identification and selection of safe building units for transfectant engineering.

Developing A Conceptual Framework for Early Intervention Vocational Rehabilitation for People Following Spinal Cord Injury

PURPOSE

Early intervention vocational rehabilitation (EIVR) can improve return to work (RTW) outcomes for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, mechanisms explaining how and why EIVR works are not well understood. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework describing key mechanisms of EIVR intervention effect following SCI.

METHODS

We synthesised data from a realist literature review with data from interviews of people with SCI (n = 30), a survey of people with SCI who had received EIVR (n = 37), a focus group of EIVR providers and a focus group of community vocational providers. We first synthesised the literature review and interviews to develop an initial programme theory describing the contexts in which mechanisms are activated to produce EIVR outcomes. Then we used data from the survey and focus groups to further refine the EIVR programme theory. Finally, a conceptual framework was developed to support knowledge dissemination.

RESULTS

By ensuring consistent messaging across the multi-disciplinary team, EIVR programmes establish and maintain hope that work is possible following injury. Conversations about work allow individuals to determine the priority of work following injury. These conversations can also improve self-efficacy by providing individualized support to envisage pathways toward RTW goals and maintain worker identity. The synthesised study findings highlight the contexts and resources required to trigger activation of these mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS

EIVR key mechanisms of effect are not specific to SCI as a health condition, therefore enabling this framework to be applied to other populations who face similar impairments and return to work barriers.

Measurement of the ν_{e}-Nucleus Charged-Current Double-Differential Cross Section at ⟨E_{ν}⟩=2.4 GeV Using NOvA

The inclusive electron neutrino charged-current cross section is measured in the NOvA near detector using 8.02×10^{20} protons-on-target in the NuMI beam. The sample of GeV electron neutrino interactions is the largest analyzed to date and is limited by ≃17% systematic rather than the ≃7.4% statistical uncertainties. The double-differential cross section in final-state electron energy and angle is presented for the first time, together with the single-differential dependence on Q^{2} (squared four-momentum transfer) and energy, in the range 1  GeV≤E_{ν}<6  GeV. Detailed comparisons are made to the predictions of the GENIE, GiBUU, NEUT, and NuWro neutrino event generators. The data do not strongly favor a model over the others consistently across all three cross sections measured, though some models have especially good or poor agreement in the single differential cross section vs Q^{2}.

Lamin A/C impairments cause mitochondrial dysfunction by attenuating PGC1α and the NAMPT-NAD+ pathway

Mutations in the lamin A/C gene (LMNA) cause laminopathies such as the premature aging Hutchinson Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) and altered lamin A/C levels are found in diverse malignancies. The underlying lamin-associated mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we report that lamin A/C-null mouse embryo fibroblasts (Lmna-/- MEFs) and human progerin-expressing HGPS fibroblasts both display reduced NAD+ levels, unstable mitochondrial DNA and attenuated bioenergetics. This mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with reduced chromatin recruitment (Lmna-/- MEFs) or low levels (HGPS) of PGC1α, the key transcription factor for mitochondrial homeostasis. Lmna-/- MEFs showed reduced expression of the NAD+-biosynthesis enzyme NAMPT and attenuated activity of the NAD+-dependent deacetylase SIRT1. We find high PARylation in lamin A/C-aberrant cells, further decreasing the NAD+ pool and consistent with impaired DNA base excision repair in both cell models, a condition that fuels DNA damage-induced PARylation under oxidative stress. Further, ATAC-sequencing revealed a substantially altered chromatin landscape in Lmna-/- MEFs, including aberrantly reduced accessibility at the Nampt gene promoter. Thus, we identified a new role of lamin A/C as a key modulator of mitochondrial function through impairments of PGC1α and the NAMPT-NAD+ pathway, with broader implications for the aging process.

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.

1027 DEVELOPING A MINIMUM COMMON DATASET FOR HIP FRACTURE AUDIT

Introduction

National hip fracture audits share a common heritage in the work of Rikshöft and the Standardised Audit of Hip Fracture in Europe. However, as more countries develop audit programmes and these evolve to address local needs, divergence in the data they collect compromises their scope for learning from clinical, audit and quality improvement work in other nations.

Method

In 2021 we compared all ten established national hip fracture audits: England/Wales/Northern Ireland; Scotland; Australia/New Zealand; Ireland; Germany; the Netherlands; Sweden; Norway; Denmark; Spain. We tabulated all questions included in each, and cross-referenced them against the 32 questions of the minimum common dataset (MCD) defined by the global Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) in 2014. We identified those consistently used in most national audits, and additional fields that might need to form part of a revised MCD. Any MCD must meet the needs of both developed and developing countries. We presented these findings at the Asia-Pacific FFN meeting, and used an online questionnaire to capture feedback from different countries. A draft revision was presented at the Global FFN conference in September 2021, with feedback again used to finalise this revised MCD.

Results

We tabulated a total of 215 possible questions. Only 72 (34%) were used in &gt;1 national audit, and only 32 (15%) by more than half of audits. Adherence to the 2014 MCD was disappointing; all 32 fields were used by at least one audit, but 5/32 only by one audit. Only 21/32 (65%) were used in the majority, and only three (anaesthetic grade, operation and date/time of surgery) by all ten established audits.

Discussion

This revised MCD will help aspirant nations establish new audit programmes, facilitate the integration of novel analytic techniques and greater multinational collaboration, and serve as an internationally-accepted standard for monitoring and improving hip fracture services.

The reach and benefits of a digital intervention to improve physical activity in people with a musculoskeletal condition delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

Aim:

To evaluate a digital intervention to improve physical activity in people in the UK with a musculoskeletal condition delivered during movement restrictions brought about because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method:

Service evaluation data collected from 26,041 participants over 5 months was assessed against national datasets to understand the reach and representativeness of the digital physical activity intervention. Measures to restrict the movement and interaction of people were in place during these 5 months. Cross-sectional data from 2752 participants across different stages of the 12-week programme assessed levels of physical activity and the components of behaviour as defined by the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation = Behaviour). Regression analysis investigated the relationship between programme stage and physical activity and the components of behaviour.

Results:

In comparison to the UK population of people with a musculoskeletal condition, the intervention participants were over-represented by females, White, and inactive people. A cross-sectional analysis suggested that the number of participants regularly active increased by programme stage. Scores for the behavioural components of automatic and reflective motivation, physical and psychological capability, and physical opportunity were also improved by programme stage.

Conclusion:

The service evaluation suggests that the digital intervention, designed to improve physical activity in people with a musculoskeletal condition, could be beneficial during measures to restrict movement to slow the spread of infectious disease in those who are already motivated to become or stay active.

Clinical experience of paediatric self-expanding foam cuffed tracheostomy tubes

INTRODUCTION

Use of self-expanding foam-filled tracheostomy tube cuffs (Bivona® FOME cuf®) in paediatrics has become a recent practice within our institution for patients with intractable aspiration. The current literature, clinical indications and subsequent management is lacking. We present our experience with a cohort of children with a foam-cuffed tracheostomy tube managed at Great Ormond Street Hospital, describing their indications and outcomes, as well as routine and emergency management.

METHOD

Our tracheostomy patient population was reviewed and those with a Bivona® FOME cuf® tracheostomy tube were identified and reviewed. The indications for foam-cuffed tracheostomy tube insertion, progress, and further management, including emergency care, were reviewed.

RESULTS

Ten patients were identified, all with a chronic history of respiratory infections secondary to aspiration being the leading indication. All patients had an ongoing improvement in their chest function following insertion with no episodes of cuff trauma. One patient had difficulty when a port line was accidently cut, which resulted in difficulty of removal, and we outline a strategy for dealing with this.

CONCLUSION

The foam-cuffed tracheostomy tube is a useful tracheostomy tube to use in the management of chronic aspiration in children with poor chest health, however due to the lack of knowledge and experience they can prove to be a difficult tube to manage. Further educational information should be available as to the indications, routine care and emergency management of Bivona® FOME cuf® tracheostomy tubes. We believe they represent a useful option for institutions to consider in the paediatric population.

Search for Active-Sterile Antineutrino Mixing Using Neutral-Current Interactions with the NOvA Experiment

This Letter reports results from the first long-baseline search for sterile antineutrinos mixing in an accelerator-based antineutrino-dominated beam. The rate of neutral-current interactions in the two NOvA detectors, at distances of 1 and 810 km from the beam source, is analyzed using an exposure of 12.51×10^{20} protons-on-target from the NuMI beam at Fermilab running in antineutrino mode. A total of 121 of neutral-current candidates are observed at the far detector, compared to a prediction of 122±11(stat.)±15(syst.) assuming mixing only between three active flavors. No evidence for ν[over ¯]_{μ}→ν[over ¯]_{s} oscillation is observed. Interpreting this result within a 3+1 model, constraints are placed on the mixing angles θ_{24}<25° and θ_{34}<32° at the 90% C.L. for 0.05  eV^{2}≤Δm_{41}^{2}≤0.5  eV^{2}, the range of mass splittings that produces no significant oscillations at the near detector. These are the first 3+1 confidence limits set using long-baseline accelerator antineutrinos.

A systematic review of mother-daughter interventions targeting physical activity

Background

Growing gender disparities in levels of physical inactivity put women and female youths at a greater risk of associated health problems. Mother-daughter interventions have been proposed as means to promote physical activity in this at-risk cohort. However, there is a lack of clarity as to if and why these types of interventions might be effective.

Methods

This systematic review examined the intervention characteristics, and behaviour change theory and techniques used in these interventions to promote physical activity for daughters and their mothers. PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library (Wiley) databases were searched for English language studies from inception to 13th May 2020. Interventions of any design that targeted daughters and mothers' physical activity were included in the review. Data was extracted using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist, and the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1.

Results

4962 articles were screened and 11 unique studies met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was generally high. Narrative summary highlighted that many studies used social cognitive theory as a theoretical foundation, were based in the community and less than three months in duration with multiple sessions per week. Thirty-seven behaviour change techniques were identified across studies. Some techniques were deemed potentially effective including credible source, information on the health consequences of the behaviour and the self-regulatory related techniques of goal-setting, self-monitoring and problem-solving.

Conclusions

Future research should consider using checklists, frameworks and formative work with mothers and daughters to ensure interventions are rigorously designed, implemented, and evaluated, which can inform public policy to combat physical inactivity in this at-risk cohort.

Key messages

This is the first review to assess the intervention characteristics, and behaviour change theory and techniques of mother-daughter interventions targeting physical activity. This review advances the evidence base for future intervention development and more broadly can inform public policy to tackle physical inactivity in this at-risk cohort.

896 Improving Intravenous Fluid Therapy to Reduce the Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury in Hip Fracture Patients

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in hip fracture patients is associated with morbidity, mortality, and increased length of stay. To avoid this our unit policy recommends maintenance crystalloid IV fluids of &gt; 62.5mL/Hr for hip fracture patients.

Method

Three prospective audits, each including 100 consecutive acute hip fracture patients, were completed with interventional measures employed between each cycle. Data collection points included details of IV fluid administration and pre/post-operative presence of AKI. Interventions between cycles included implementation of admission/post-take checklist tools and various educational measures for Emergency Department, nursing and admitting team staff with dissemination of infographic posters, respectively.

Results

In cycle one and two, many patients received inadequate fluids (46/100 and 56/100 respectively). There was no significant difference in the incidence of AKI between patients receiving adequate or inadequate fluid in either cycle (p &lt; 0.05).

In cycle three, more patients received adequate fluids (79/100, p &lt; 0.05). Patients prescribed adequate fluids were less likely to develop post-operative AKI (2/79, 2.5% vs 3/21, 14.3%; p &lt; 0.05).

Discussion

This audit demonstrates the importance of administering appropriate IV fluid in hip fracture patients to avoid AKI. Improving coordination with Emergency Department and ward nursing/medical ward staff was a critical step in improving our unit’s adherence to policy.

113 Improving Intravenous Fluid Therapy to Reduce the Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury in Elderly Hip Fracture Patients

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in hip fracture patients is associated with morbidity, mortality, and increased length of stay. To avoid this our unit policy recommends maintenance crystalloid IV fluids of &gt;62.5 mL/Hr for hip fracture patients. However, audits have shown that many patients still receive inadequate IV fluids.

Methods

Three prospective audits, each including 100 consecutive acute hip fracture patients aged &gt;55, were completed with interventional measures employed between each cycle. Data collection points included details of IV fluid administration and pre/post-operative presence of AKI. Interventions between cycles included a revised checklist for admissions with a structured ward round tool for post-take ward round and various educational measures for Emergency Department, nursing and admitting team staff with dissemination of infographic posters, respectively.

Results

Cycle 1: 64/100 (64%) patients received adequate fluids. No significant difference in developing AKI post operatively was seen in patients given adequate fluids (2/64, 3.1%) compared to inadequate fluids (4/36, 11.1%; p = 0.107). More patients with pre-operative AKI demonstrated resolution of AKI with appropriate fluid prescription (5/6, 83.3%, vs 0/4, 0%, p &lt; 0.05) Cycle 2: Fewer patients were prescribed adequate fluids (54/100, 54%). There was no significant difference in terms of developing AKI post operatively between patients with adequate fluids (4/54, 7.4%) or inadequate fluids (2/46, 4.3%; p = 0.52). Resolution of pre-operative AKI was similar in patients with adequate or inadequate fluid administration (4/6, 67% vs 2/2, 100%). Cycle 3: More patients received adequate fluids (79/100, 79%, p &lt; 0.05). Patients prescribed adequate fluids were less likely to develop post-operative AKI than those receiving inadequate fluids (2/79, 2.5% vs 3/21, 14.3%; p &lt; 0.05).

Discussion

This audit demonstrates the importance of administering appropriate IV fluid in hip fracture patients to avoid AKI. Improving coordination with Emergency Department and ward nursing/medical ward staff was a critical step in improving our unit’s adherence to policy.

Environmental Distractions during Unsupervised Remote Digital Cognitive Assessment

The current demand for cognitive assessment cannot be met with traditional in-person methods, warranting the need for remote unsupervised options. However, lack of visibility into testing conditions and effort levels limit the utility of existing remote options. This retrospective study analyzed the frequency of and factors associated with environmental distractions during a brief digital assessment taken at home by 1,442 adults aged 23–84. Automated scoring algorithms flagged low data capture. Frequency of environmental distractions were manually counted on a per-frame and per-trial basis. A total of 7.4% of test administrations included distractions. Distractions were more frequent in men (41:350) than women (65:1,092) and the average age of distracted participants (51.7) was lower than undistracted participants (57.8). These results underscore the challenges associated with unsupervised cognitive assessment. Data collection methods that enable review of testing conditions are needed to confirm quality, usability, and actionability.

What is the role of surgical simulation on operative opportunity for the trainee ENT surgeon?

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to assess the impact of simulation training in influencing trainees' initial surgical participation as perceived by experienced surgeon trainers.

METHODS

Twenty ENT surgeons assessed how much of a given procedure they would expect to allow a trainee to perform for their first time. Responses were provided for trainees who had undergone a relevant simulation course and those who had not, and scored according to the eLogbook levels of involvement in surgery. This was completed for simulated procedures with validated models, across four grades of junior doctors.

RESULTS

A total of 1120 judgements on the trainees' intended level of involvement were made. The median involvement score was higher in the simulation group versus the non-simulation group (Mann-Whitney U, p = 0.0001), corresponding to a translation in surgical opportunity from a primarily assisting role to an active role.

CONCLUSION

Trainer perception of a relevant ENT simulation course appears to positively impact on the initial surgical opportunities afforded to the trainee.

Factors associated with the development of paediatric chronic otitis media by age nine: a prospective longitudinal cohort study of 6560 children

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyse social, health and environmental factors associated with the development of chronic otitis media by age nine.

METHOD

This was a prospective, longitudinal, birth cohort study of 6560 children, reviewed at age nine. Chronic otitis media defined as previous surgical history or video-otoscopic changes of tympanic membrane retraction, perforation or cholesteatoma. Non-affected children were used as the control group.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis demonstrated an association between chronic otitis media and otorrhoea, snoring, grommet insertion, adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, hearing loss, abnormal tympanograms and preterm birth. Multivariate analysis suggests many of these factors may be interrelated.

CONCLUSION

The association between chronic otitis media and otorrhoea, abnormal tympanograms and grommets supports the role of the Eustachian tube and otitis media (with effusion or acute) in the pathogenesis of chronic otitis media. The role of snoring, adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy is unclear. Associations suggested by previous studies (sex, socioeconomic group, parental smoking, maternal education, childcare, crowding and siblings) were not found to be significant predictors in this analysis.

Innovative 12 months ticagrelor virtual clinic – supporting appropriate extended dual anti-platelet therapy in post MI

Background

The ESC and NICE guidelines recommend extended dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with Ticagrelor 60mg twice a day for 3 years after 12 months of a myocardial infarction (MI) among high risk patients with low risk of bleeding. As those patients in our health system are not routinely reviewed by a cardiologist, we introduced a 12 months Virtual Review clinic to support primary care in ensuring that appropriate patients are offered extended DAPT.

Methods

Working with primary care, a group for cardiologists and cardiology pharmacists established a clear guidance and pathway for identifying patients who are suitable for extended DAPT with Ticagrelor 60mg twice a day for 3 years inline with ESC guidelines. A virtual review clinic was established where primary care can refer potential candidates to be considered for extended DAPT. Patients needed to have had an MI approximately 12 months before the referral, have uptodate full blood counts and creatinine. Patients were reviewed virtually by a cardiology pharmacist against an agreed protocol. Patient risk factors and eligibility were identified and their risk of bleeding was assessed using the PRECISE-DAPT scoring. Complicated patients were discussed with a cardiologist and the final recommendation was sent to primary care electronically.

Results

201 patients were reviewed in the virtual clinic; Mean age 69, 58% were males. 60% had NSTEMI, 37% STEMI, and the rest had either Unstable Angina or Type II MI. 28% had diabetes, 22% had prior MI, 60% had multivessel disease, and 22% were anaemic. 93% of patients had at least one high risk factor according to PEGASUS trial. 33% (n=67) of all patients reviewed were high risk of bleeding according to PRECISE-DAPT. Of these 78% (n=52) were not suitable to extended DAPT despite 71% (n=37) having risk factors.

The virtual clinic recommended extended DAPT for 40% (n=81) of patients referred. In the case of 15 patients extended DAPT was recommended despite High risk of bleeding as deemed appropriate by the MDT with close monitoring.

At discharge post index point, 18% (n=37) had recommendations to extend DAPT or not by the interventionist. 11% (n=4) of those recommendations were reversed at the 12 months review.

40% (n=80) of patients reviewed in clinic were inappropriately on Ticagrelor 90mg twice a day (with aspirin) beyond 12 months post MI. That is a total of 556 months of excess ticagrelor. 19 patients were HIGH risk of bleeding

Discussion and conclusion

The multidisciplinary innovative 12 months virtual review clinic improved appropriate initiation of extended DAPT in high risk patients and reduced risk of bleeding by stopping inappropriate antiplatelet dosing (90mg vs. 60mg). The clinic supported the low levels of recommendations made by the interventionist at index point and assured safety when actioning these recommendations. The virtual review clinic improved levels of extended DAPT prescribing and improved patient safety.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): This is a service development project funded by the Leeds NHS Community Commissioning Group

Illumination Characteristics of Mobility Lights

The authors measured the light-distribution patterns and the decay in light output of three mobility lights that visually impaired persons can use for night travel: the Wide-Angle Mobility Light (WAML), the Streamlight, and the Mag-Lite. The WAML had a wide beam with a medium-bright central region. The beam of the Streamlight had the brightest central region and a moderately wide surround of lower illumination. The Mag-Lite had the narrowest light distribution about a bright central spot. Both the Streamlight and the Mag-Lite maintained near-maximum brightness before undergoing rapid decay, while the WAML showed a gradual decay changing from near-maximum brightness to near extinction in almost a linear fashion 40 to 80 minutes after being turned on.

A Model for Training Vision Functioning

We propose a model describing relationships between vision and visually dependent behaviors, and from this we developed a basic model for the process of training vision functioning. The purpose is to provide a conceptual framework to help define basic assumptions, goals, components, and methods, of training programs, and to assist practitioners in program design.

Lamin A/C promotes DNA base excision repair

The A-type lamins (lamin A/C), encoded by the LMNA gene, are important structural components of the nuclear lamina. LMNA mutations lead to degenerative disorders known as laminopathies, including the premature aging disease Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. In addition, altered lamin A/C expression is found in various cancers. Reports indicate that lamin A/C plays a role in DNA double strand break repair, but a role in DNA base excision repair (BER) has not been described. We provide evidence for reduced BER efficiency in lamin A/C-depleted cells (Lmna null MEFs and lamin A/C-knockdown U2OS). The mechanism involves impairment of the APE1 and POLβ BER activities, partly effectuated by associated reduction in poly-ADP-ribose chain formation. Also, Lmna null MEFs displayed reduced expression of several core BER enzymes (PARP1, LIG3 and POLβ). Absence of Lmna led to accumulation of 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) lesions, and to an increased frequency of substitution mutations induced by chronic oxidative stress including GC>TA transversions (a fingerprint of 8-oxoG:A mismatches). Collectively, our results provide novel insights into the functional interplay between the nuclear lamina and cellular defenses against oxidative DNA damage, with implications for cancer and aging.

AB0488 CAN A GCA RISK STRATIFICATION SCORE BE HELPFUL IN CLINICAL PRACTICE?

Background:

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common type of large vessel vasculitis. Typically it presents in patients over the age of 50 with a combination of temporal headaches, scalp tenderness, jaw claudication, raised inflammatory markers and visual disturbance. The diagnosis of GCA is often challenging and there is a difficult balance of over and under investigation. There have been several proposed scoring systems to help clinicians risk stratify patients who may present with suspected GCA. One such scoring system, published in 2017, showed clinical utility in a large international multi-centre study. Following analysis by logistic regression on data from 530 biopsies, Ing et al. developed a parsimonious prediction model comprising 5 candidate criteria: age, jaw claudication, ischemia-related loss of visual acuity, platelet count and logCRP (Figure 1).[1]

Objectives:

Increasingly, ultrasound doppler imaging is recognised and accepted as satisfactory means of confirming the diagnosis of GCA, with the presence of the halo sign characteristic for GCA. The aim of our study was to determine whether this GCA prediction model accurately predicts positive temporal artery biopsies in a large, real world UK cohort. In addition, we assessed whether this model accurately predicts positive temporal artery ultrasounds.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was performed using electronic medical records of patients referred for temporal artery biopsy (TAB) and temporal artery ultrasound (USTA) for suspected GCA. All TAB performed at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust between June 2014 - June 2018 and all USTA performed between January 2015 - January 2019 were analysed. Patients who undergo USTA for suspected GCA at our centre routinely have bilateral temporal and axillary arteries scanned. Patients were excluded if they already had a previous diagnosis of GCA (and the clinical question was suspected flare), or if there was insufficient information available.

Results:

The total number of patients who underwent a confirmatory diagnostic test (either TAB or USTA) for suspected GCA was 187. Thirteen of these patients met the exclusion criteria, the remaining 174 patients were included for analysis. 126/174 patients underwent a TAB, 63/174 had an USTA. 15/174 had both these were included in the USS cohort because for all these patients the ultrasound was the first diagnostic test performed (Table 1). Our results appear to closely mirror the original multi-centre results with regards to prediction of biopsy positive GCA, with the centiles closely following those in the inception cohort. 0% of the ‘low’ risk probability biopsy cohort were misclassified - none had a positive biopsy. However, 8% of the ‘low’ risk probability ultrasound cohort were misclassified - 2 had a positive ultrasound.

Table 1.

Investigation outcome summary

Total number of patients who underwent TAB +/or USS TA for?GCA187 - 13 patients rejectedN = 174TAB = 111USS = 63Of these 15 patients hadbothUSS & TABPositive TAB =31 (28%)Negative TAB =80 (72%)Positive USS =24 (38%)Negative USS =39 (62%)

Conclusion:

Our study, highlights that a probability score for GCA derived from a large multi-centre cohort of patients who were biopsy positive, predicts ultrasound positivity with similar accuracy. Our work reveals that scoring systems are not infallible but can be helpful in guiding clinical decision making

References:

[1]Ing EB, Lahaie Luna G, Toren A, et al. Multivariable prediction model for suspected giant cell arteritis: development and validation.Clin Ophthalmol. 2017;11:2031–2042. Published 2017 Nov 22.

Acknowledgments:

Many thanks to the Rheumatology, Opthalmology & Ultrasound teams at Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Special Visual Assessment Techniques for Multiply Handicapped Persons

Techniques to assess vision capabilities of multihandicapped persons are discussed as used in a specialty Optometric clinic. The major emphasis of the assessment is to obtain information about visual abilities and to make recommendations that promote optimum vision functioning. Techniques for working with children from special populations are discussed. The assessment includes a modified ophthalmic examination to identify and correct refractive error and to assess oculomotor functioning and ocular health. Visual acuity is measured using preferential looking and visual evoked potential techniques. Confrontation visual fields are measured. Several aspects of visual function are assessed with a parent interview.

Retrospective Survey to Investigate Use of Distance Magnifiers for Travel

Seventy-eight subjects from the Western Blind Rehabilitation Center at the Palo Alto Veterans Administration Hospital and 34 subjects from the U.C. Berkeley Low Vision Center were surveyed to investigate the use of distance magnifiers for travel. Information is reported regarding demographic characteristics, vision characteristics, usual travel patterns, characteristics of telescopes used by the subjects, telescope training, and travel habits with telescopic devices, along with similarities and differences between the two groups.

Autophagy role(s) in response to oncogenes and DNA replication stress

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process that captures aberrant intracellular proteins and/or damaged organelles for delivery to lysosomes, with implications for cellular and organismal homeostasis, aging and diverse pathologies, including cancer. During cancer development, autophagy may play both tumour-supporting and tumour-suppressing roles. Any relationships of autophagy to the established oncogene-induced replication stress (RS) and the ensuing DNA damage response (DDR)-mediated anti-cancer barrier in early tumorigenesis remain to be elucidated. Here, assessing potential links between autophagy, RS and DDR, we found that autophagy is enhanced in both early and advanced stages of human urinary bladder and prostate tumorigenesis. Furthermore, a high-content, single-cell-level microscopy analysis of human cellular models exposed to diverse genotoxic insults showed that autophagy is enhanced in cells that experienced robust DNA damage, independently of the cell-cycle position. Oncogene- and drug-induced RS triggered first DDR and later autophagy. Unexpectedly, genetic inactivation of autophagy resulted in RS, despite cellular retention of functional mitochondria and normal ROS levels. Moreover, recovery from experimentally induced RS required autophagy to support DNA synthesis. Consistently, RS due to the absence of autophagy could be partly alleviated by exogenous supply of deoxynucleosides. Our results highlight the importance of autophagy for DNA synthesis, suggesting that autophagy may support cancer progression, at least in part, by facilitating tumour cell survival and fitness under replication stress, a feature shared by most malignancies. These findings have implications for better understanding of the role of autophagy in tumorigenesis, as well as for attempts to manipulate autophagy as an anti-tumour therapeutic strategy.

The utility of computed tomography and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging fusion in cholesteatoma: illustration with a UK case series

OBJECTIVE

Post-processing imaging techniques allow high-resolution computed tomography and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the temporal bone to be superimposed and viewed simultaneously (fusion imaging). This study aimed to highlight the practical utility of fusion imaging for disease localisation and evaluation in a UK case series of primary and post-operative cholesteatoma.

METHOD

Fusion of computed tomography and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance b1000 images was performed using specific software. Axial computed tomography images and coronal b1000 images were selected for fusion.

RESULTS

A case series of primary and post-operative cholesteatoma in which computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging fusion assisted the management of both the patient pathway and surgical approach is reviewed.

CONCLUSION

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging fusion can assist in pre-operative surgical planning and patient counselling through assessment of disease in both primary and revision scenarios. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging fusion can assist the operative surgeon through accurate localisation that can influence both the operative technique and optimise operation theatre utilisation.

Communication practices for delivering health behaviour change conversations in primary care: a systematic review and thematic synthesis

BACKGROUND

Clinical guidelines exhort clinicians to encourage patients to improve their health behaviours. However, most offer little support on how to have these conversations in practice. Clinicians fear that health behaviour change talk will create interactional difficulties and discomfort for both clinician and patient. This review aims to identify how healthcare professionals can best communicate with patients about health behaviour change (HBC).

METHODS

We included studies which used conversation analysis or discourse analysis to study recorded interactions between healthcare professionals and patients. We followed an aggregative thematic synthesis approach. This involved line-by-line coding of the results and discussion sections of included studies, and the inductive development and hierarchical grouping of descriptive themes. Top-level themes were organised to reflect their conversational positioning.

RESULTS

Of the 17,562 studies identified through systematic searching, ten papers were included. Analysis resulted in 10 top-level descriptive themes grouped into three domains: initiating; carrying out; and closing health behaviour change talk. Of three methods of initiation, two facilitated further discussion, and one was associated with outright resistance. Of two methods of conducting behaviour change talk, one was associated with only minimal patient responses. One way of closing was identified, and patients did not seem to respond to this positively. Results demonstrated a series of specific conversational practices which clinicians use when talking about HBC, and how patients respond to these. Our results largely complemented clinical guidelines, providing further detail on how they can best be delivered in practice. However, one recommended practice - linking a patient's health concerns and their health behaviours - was shown to receive variable responses and to often generate resistance displays.

CONCLUSIONS

Health behaviour change talk is smoothly initiated, conducted, and terminated by clinicians and this rarely causes interactional difficulty. However, initiating conversations by linking a person's current health concern with their health behaviour can lead to resistance to advice, while other strategies such as capitalising on patient initiated discussions, or collaborating through question-answer sequences, may be well received.

Abstract P3-07-06: Evidence for tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution during invasive progression in breast cancer

Purpose: Intratumoral heterogeneity is well recognized to be an important driver of treatment resistance and metastasis. We undertook this N of three study to measure the degree of heterogeneity in three large preinvasive lesions, all with invasive components to determine the relationship between tumor heterogeneity, spatial distribution, clonal evolution, and invasive progression.

Methods: We identified patients A, B, C with extensive DCIS measuring 7.5 cm, 6 cm, and 7 cm associated with 0.3 cm, 3.8cm, and 3.4 cm of an invasive component and 0, 7 and 1 positive lymph node, respectively. We sequenced the tumor sample for Case A from 32 unique blocks with precise geospatial localization; invasive cancer was identified in 3 of 32 blocks. Case B had 26 blocks sequenced with invasive cancer in 13 of 26 blocks. Case C had 23 blocks sequenced with invasive in 11 of 23 blocks. For germline reference, we sequenced DNA from an uninvolved tissue from each case. NGS libraries were made from FFPE derived DNA (20-40ng) for full exome sequencing. Variant calling was performed by GATK HaplotypeCaller, Platypus and Mutect. Identified somatic mutations were annotated with Oncotator and pathway enrichment analysis was performed with Bioconductor. To investigate the clonal evolution and progression history, phylogenetic trees were constructed in R and sub-clonal analysis was performed with Treeomics.

Results: The sequence data was analyzed with Platypus, MuTect and GATK HaplotypeCaller. The somatic mutation sites were concatenated into one sequence for each sample. Both neighbor-joining trees and maximum parsimony trees were built for each case. Phylogenetic analysis and sub-clonal analysis support the multi-clonal invasion model of invasive cells, in which invasive cancer can evolve from multiple clades, either early or late in the evolutionary history, independently. Dense sampling allowed reconstruction of the temporal order of mutations that accumulated in the cell lineage of the invasive cancers. Furthermore, phylogeny and sub-clone spatial analysis revealed that distant regions may be closely genetically related and showed a weak spatial sub-clone clustering pattern, which is consistent with the predictions of Big Bang model. For driver genes, we find that except for SETD2 in Case B, the majority of driver gene mutations are sub-clonal. Somatic mutations on ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter pathway was found in all cases.

Conclusions: Extensive sampling and sequencing of tumors yields important insights about tumor heterogeneity and tumor progression of DCIS to invasive cancer. Variable invasive propensity was identified, with foci of invasion were geospatially associated with preinvasive regions of progressively higher mutational load.

Citation Format: Ding Y, Marks J, King L, Hardman T, Hall A, Mallo D, Rodrigo A, Maley C, Hwang S. Evidence for tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution during invasive progression in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-07-06.

Abstract P6-18-32: Profiling the early haematological dynamics and treatment modifications with palbociclib when used as first line treatment for ER-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer

Background: Palbociclib plus endocrine therapy (ET) significantly increases progression free survival compared to ET alone. Within PALOMA2 neutropenia was the most common AE and reason for dose reductions. No real data exists regarding dose reductions (DRs), dose interruptions (DIs), toxicities and benefits of palbociclib. Objective: To describe the early haematological dynamics, DRs/DIs with 1st line palbociclib in the context of a routine UK clinical practice. Methods: A prospective record was maintained of all patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative metastatic BC registered on the Pfizer patient programme at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust. The clinical records of all patients commenced on treatment between April and December 2017 were reviewed, and clinico-pathological information, haematological data & toxicity data recorded. Data lock was 31st March 2018. Results: 48 patients received at least one cycle of treatment. The median age was 58, 29% (14/48) premenopausal & 71% (34/48) postmenopausal. 43% (21/48) had bone only disease with 42% (20/48) having visceral disease. The median number of cycles delivered 8 (range 2-11). DRs: 18/48 (38%) patients had a total of 21 DRs; 14/18 (78%) had 1 DR to 100mg; 1/18 (5%) 1 DR to 75mg; & 3/18 (17%) 2 DRs to 75mg. Reasons for DRs: 13 neutropenia, 2 leukopenia, 1 thrombocytopenia, 2 fatigue, 1 poor appetite, 1 sore mouth & 1 non-specially unwell. DIs: occurred in 24/48 patients (50%). Details of DRs/DIs by cycle will be presented. 85% (41 of 48) patients remain on treatment with 59% (24/41) on 125mg; 34% (14/41) on 100mg & 7% (3/41) on 75mg. FBC were available for 41/48 (85%) cases & dynamics considered over the first 6 cycles using FBC at the time of planned treatment delivery. Hb Baseline all patients (AP):129 (121 – 138), patients; patients with no dose reductions (NDR) 127 (123 – 139) & patient dose reduction (DR): 130 (118 – 136). Hb changes to cycles 2, 4 and 6 AP: 122 (115 – 131), 121 (116 – 127) and 125 (116 – 134); NDR:122 (110 - 135), 125 (117 - 127) and 131 (116 – 135); DR: 115 (112 - 120), 120 (115 - 124) and 122 (115 – 129). WCC Baseline AP: 6.8 (5.6 – 7.7); NDR: 7.2 (6.3 – 7.7); DR: 6.7 (5.2 – 7.7). WCC changes to cycles 2, 4 and 6 AP: 3.7 (2.9 – 4.4), 3.7 (3.1 – 4.4) and 3.3 (3 – 3.9); NDR: 3.5 (2.9 – 4.1), 3.6 (3.2 – 4.3) and 3.6 (3.1 – 4.1); DR: 2.1 (1.7 – 2.5), 4.3 (3 – 4.6) and 3.3 (2.8 – 3.5). ANC Baseline AP: 4.0 (3.2 – 5.1); NDR: 4.4 (3.4 – 5.0); DR: 3.6 (2.9 – 5.2). ANC changes to cycles 2, 4 and 6 AP: 1.5 (1.2 – 2.1), 1.7 (1.3 – 2.0) and 1.4 (1.2 – 1.9) NDR: 1.5 (1.1 – 2.1), 1.7 (1.4 – 2.0) and 1.3 (1.2 – 2.0); DR: 0.8 (0.6 – 0.8), 1.7 (1.2 – 2.3) and 1.4 (1.3 – 1.6). Plts Baseline AP: 298 (226 – 339), NDR: 252 (211 – 336); DR: 299 (253 – 339). Plt changes to cycles 2, 4 and 6 AP: 252 (198 – 310), 221 (186 – 259) and 200 (169 – 243). NDR: 249 (185 – 334), 229 (171 – 267) and 205 (177 – 263);DR: 208 (199 – 210), 216 (199 – 243) and 194 (162 -210). Conclusion: These initial real world data are consistent with the PALOMA2 data. Baseline WCC & ANC show no significant difference between NDR and DR cases. Updated data will be presented as well as outcome data for first time.

Citation Format: Bhojwani A, Flint H, Hall B, Wong H, Innes H, Cliff J, Ahmed E, Malik Z, O'Hagan J, Tolan S, Hall A, Hyatt K, Errington D, Alam F, Robson P, Thorp N, O'Reilly S, Law A, Cicconi S, Jackson R, Palmieri C. Profiling the early haematological dynamics and treatment modifications with palbociclib when used as first line treatment for ER-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-18-32.

Abstract P6-17-27: Real world experience of the medical and surgical management of HER2 positive early breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant trastuzumab and pertuzumab via the NHS England cancer drug fund

Background: Studies of neoadjuvant (NA) dual HER2 blockade with trastuzumab (T) and pertuzumab (P) in combination with chemotherapy (CT) for early breast cancer (BC) have reported pathological complete response (pCR) rates of 39 to 62%. These studies also report manageable toxicity with diarrhoea reported in up to 73% of cases. To date no real-world studies have explored the efficacy and toxicity of this treatment. The objective of this study was to describe the medical and surgical management of women treated with neoadjuvant T-P in combination with CT (NAT-P-CT). As well as to determine the efficacy toxicity of NAT-P-CT in the context of a routine UK NHS clinical practice.

Methods: Patients with HER2+ BC treated neoadjuvantly with T-P accessed via the NHS England Cancer Drug Fund (CDF) at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust between October 2016 and January 2018 were retrospectively identified. Clinico-pathological information, treatment data, nurse led toxicity review and echocardiographic were reviewed. Data lock was 19th June 2018.

Results: 78 female patients were identified with a median age of 50 years (IQR: 44.4-60.2). At diagnosis: median tumour size 30mm (23.0-47.5mm), 62% (48/78) were LN positive & 56% (44/78) ER+. CT regimens: 81% (63/78) FEC-DHP of these 30% (19/63) switched to weekly paclitaxel (wP). or nab-paclitaxel; 5% (4/78); AC/EC-DHP; 9% (8/78) TCHP with 13% (1/8) switched to wP. At time of analysis, 88% (69/78) had undergone definitive surgery. Surgical details: Breast: 52% (36/69) mastectomy & 48% (33/69) WLE, Axillary management: 51% (35/69) axillary dissection (Ax Dx) & 49% (34/69) sentinel node biopsy (4 performed prior to NA treatment). 91% (32/35) of those undergoing Ax Dx were LN+ at presentation, of these 59% (19/32) had no evidence of axillary involvement at surgery. pCR rate (ypT0/is, N0) was 46% (32/69) [pCR by HR: ER+ 43% (21/49) & ER- 55% (11/20]. pCR for 20 patients switched to wP was 60% (12/20). 7% (5/69) achieved pCR in the breast alone (in these LN status ITCx1, micrometsx3 & macrometsx1). Of the 54% (37/69) with residual breast tumour median size was 13mm (1-22mm). Toxicity Data: Ejection fraction (EF) did not decline beyond 10% of baseline in any patients. Diarrhoea (any grade) occurred in 74% of cases, and CTCAE grade 3-4 toxicity occurring in &gt;2% of patients: diarrhoea, fatigue, and infection. Updated analysis regarding pCR rate and toxicity, as well as initial outcome data will be presented.

Conclusion: These results (1) confirm the efficacy of NA T-P in a real world population; (2) support the use of NA wP; (3) indicate significant proportion of patients axilla are downstaged & (4) reveal diarrhoea rates in keeping with the literature. Currently, NHS England rules do not allow wP to be used routinely in NA setting with T-P this should be reviewed in light of these data and those of the BERENICE study. Measures to identify patients who can avoid axillary dissection as well as to mitigate diarrhoea should be considered.

Citation Format: Hall B, Bhojwani A, Innes H, Ahmed E, Cliff J, Malik Z, O'Hagan J, Tolan S, Hall A, Hayat K, Errington D, Alam F, Thorp N, Flint H, Law A, Wong H, O'Reilly S, Jackson R, Cicconi S, Palmieri C. Real world experience of the medical and surgical management of HER2 positive early breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant trastuzumab and pertuzumab via the NHS England cancer drug fund [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-17-27.

Determination of Polycation-Mediated Perturbation of Mitochondrial Respiration in Intact Cells by High-Resolution Respirometry (Oxygraph-2k, OROBOROS)

A better understanding of the molecular basis of polycation-mediated impairment of mitochondrial bioenergetics might improve the design and synthesis of more efficient and safer polymeric transfectants. Here we utilize the phosphorylation control protocol for studying the effect of polycations on mitochondrial respiration in intact mammalian cells using Oxygraph-2k (OROBOROS). The protocol offers an opportunity to comprehensively monitor mitochondrial respiration through consecutive additions of various cell membrane permeable compounds that alter mitochondrial respiration, thus providing useful information on different states of mitochondrial respiration. Furthermore, we demonstrate how to analyze the data obtained with the phosphorylation control protocol and how to calculate the respiratory flux ratios, which can be used as indicators of respiratory functionality and mitochondrial health.

LKB1 deficiency in T cells promotes the development of gastrointestinal polyposis

Germline mutations in STK11, which encodes the tumor suppressor liver kinase B1 (LKB1), promote Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a cancer predisposition syndrome characterized by the development of gastrointestinal (GI) polyps. Here, we report that heterozygous deletion of Stk11 in T cells (LT^het mice) is sufficient to promote GI polyposis. Polyps from LT^het mice, Stk11^+/- mice, and human PJS patients display hallmarks of chronic inflammation, marked by inflammatory immune-cell infiltration, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation, and increased expression of inflammatory factors associated with cancer progression [interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-11, and CXCL2]. Targeting either T cells, IL-6, or STAT3 signaling reduced polyp growth in Stk11^+/- animals. Our results identify LKB1-mediated inflammation as a tissue-extrinsic regulator of intestinal polyposis in PJS, suggesting possible therapeutic approaches by targeting deregulated inflammation in this disease.

First Results from the DEAP-3600 Dark Matter Search with Argon at SNOLAB

This Letter reports the first results of a direct dark matter search with the DEAP-3600 single-phase liquid argon (LAr) detector. The experiment was performed 2 km underground at SNOLAB (Sudbury, Canada) utilizing a large target mass, with the LAr target contained in a spherical acrylic vessel of 3600 kg capacity. The LAr is viewed by an array of PMTs, which would register scintillation light produced by rare nuclear recoil signals induced by dark matter particle scattering. An analysis of 4.44 live days (fiducial exposure of 9.87 ton day) of data taken during the initial filling phase demonstrates the best electronic recoil rejection using pulse-shape discrimination in argon, with leakage <1.2×10^{-7} (90% C.L.) between 15 and 31  keV_{ee}. No candidate signal events are observed, which results in the leading limit on weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP)-nucleon spin-independent cross section on argon, <1.2×10^{-44}  cm^{2} for a 100  GeV/c^{2} WIMP mass (90% C.L.).

Centre-level variation in outcomes and treatment for otitis media with effusion and hearing loss and the association of hearing loss with developmental outcomes at ages 5 and 7 years in children with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate: The Cleft Care UK study. Part 2

OBJECTIVES

To explore centre-level variation in otitis media with effusion (OME), hearing loss and treatments in children in Cleft Care UK (CCUK) and to examine the association between OME, hearing loss and developmental outcomes at 5 and 7 years.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

Two hundred and sixty-eight 5-year-old British children with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) recruited to CCUK.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Children had air and bone conduction audiometry at age 5. Information on grommet and hearing aid treatment was obtained from parental questionnaire and medical notes. Hearing loss at age 5 was defined as >20 dB in the better ear and history of OME and hearing loss was determined from past treatment. Children with sensorineural hearing loss were excluded. Associations were examined with speech, behaviour and self-confidence at age 5 and educational attainment at age 7. Centre variation was examined using hierarchical models and associations between hearing variables and developmental outcomes were examined using logistic regression.

RESULTS

There was centre-level variation in early grommet placement (variance partition coefficient (VPC) 18%, P=.001) and fitting of hearing aids (VPC 8%, P=.03). A history of OME and hearing loss was associated with poor intelligibility of speech (adjusted odds ratio=2.87, 95% CI 1.42-5.77) and aspects of educational attainment.

CONCLUSIONS

Hearing loss is an important determinant of poor speech and treatment variation across centres suggest management of OME and hearing loss could be improved.