P-114 INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF BOTOX IN THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OF COMPLEX ABDOMINAL WALL HERNIAS

Aims

Botulinum toxin (Botox) has an established role in the elective management of complex abdominal wall hernia, but its role in the emergency setting has not been investigated. Clinical effects of Botox peak at 2–3 weeks after injection, but effects become apparent within 48 hours. We aimed to determine if these early effects can facilitate the acute reduction of irreducible hernia.

Materials and methods

Patients with irreducible abdominal wall hernias over a 30 month period were considered for Botox therapy. Suitable patients were given 300 units of Botox under ultrasound guidance into the anterolateral muscles bilaterally. Data were collected on outcomes.

Results

Twelve patients received Botox. All had incisional hernias and an ASA of 3 or more. Six were on antiplatelets and/or anticoagulation. All received Botox with standard conservative management. In ten patients, the hernia was reduced and symptoms resolved. One patient required surgery at 48 hours due to bowel ischaemia from inter-sac adhesions. A second patient experienced recurrent obstruction despite successful hernia reduction but was palliated due to advanced age and frailty.

Conclusions

This case series is the first study to investigate the role of Botox in the acute management of irreducible hernias. Our findings suggest that in selected patients, Botox can aid hernia reduction and avoid the morbidity of emergency repair. This is of particular value in high risk patients and those with complex defects who benefit from preoperative optimisation techniques. The accurate identification of strangulation is crucial however, as it excludes patients from this approach.

Energetics of a Single Qubit Gate

Qubits are physical, a quantum gate thus not only acts on the information carried by the qubit but also on its energy. What is then the corresponding flow of energy between the qubit and the controller that implements the gate? Here we exploit a superconducting platform to answer this question in the case of a quantum gate realized by a resonant drive field. During the gate, the superconducting qubit becomes entangled with the microwave drive pulse so that there is a quantum superposition between energy flows. We measure the energy change in the drive field conditioned on the outcome of a projective qubit measurement. We demonstrate that the drive's energy change associated with the measurement backaction can exceed by far the energy that can be extracted by the qubit. This can be understood by considering the qubit as a weak measurement apparatus of the driving field.

An approach to defining and achieving restoration targets for a threatened plant community

Connecting scientific research and government policy is essential for achieving objectives in sustaining biodiversity in an economic context. Our approach to connecting theoretical ecology, applied ecology, and policy was devised using principles of restoration ecology and the requisite methodology to restore biodiverse ecosystems. Using a threatened ecological community (TEC) with >120 plant species, we posit our approach as a guide for interpreting and achieving regulatory compliance (i.e., government conditions) enacted to manage or offset environmental impacts of development. We inform the scientific approach necessary to delivering outcomes appropriate to policy intent and biodiverse restoration through theoretical and applied research into the ecological restoration of the highly endemic flora of banded ironstone formations of the Mid West of Western Australia. Our approach (1) defines scale-appropriate restoration targets that meet regulatory compliance (e.g., Government of Western Australia Ministerial Conditions); (2) determines the optimal method to return individual plant species to the restoration landscape; (3) develops a conceptual model for our system, based on existing restoration frameworks, to optimize and facilitate the pathway to the restoration of a vegetation community (e.g., TEC) using diverse research approaches; and (4) develops an assessment protocol to compare restoration achievements against the expected regulatory outcomes using our experimental restoration trials as a test example. Our approach systematically addressed the complex challenges in setting and achieving restoration targets for an entire vegetation community, a first for a semiarid environment. We interpret our approach as an industry application relevant to policy- or regulator-mediated mine restoration programs that seek to return biodiverse species assemblages at landscape scales.

P-003 Sperm retrieved by microdissection testicular sperm extraction (MD-TESE) is associated with altered sex ratio of offspring after intracytoplasmic sperm injection in men with non-obstructive azoospermia

Study question

Does the sperm retrieved surgically by MD-TESE of men with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia affect the live birth sex ratio?

Summary answer

Our data indicates that sperm retrieved in men with non-obstructive azoospermia alters the sex ratio in favor of female offspring.

What is known already

Non-Obstructive Azoospermia is the most severe form of male infertility and is the most common cause of Azoospermia. Among the different surgical techniques, MD-TESE gives the highest rate of sperm retrieval and when combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), live births had been achieved with variable success, Sex ratio of offspring can vary substantially due to several variables, however no studies have investigated the resultant birth sex ratio in this setting.

Study design, size, duration

Retrospective Cohort study. Data were collected between May 2009 and December 2019. A total of 100 consecutive men with non-obstructive Azoospermia underwent MD-TESE for sperm retrieval. 46 couples underwent ICSI and live birth rate, cumulative live birth rate and sex ratio of offspring analysed.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

One-hundred men underwent MD-TESE out of which 46 proceeded with ICSI. Demographic data including male and female age, testicular volumes and serum hormone values are given as mean ± SD with a range (minimum and maximum). Fertility outcomes including sperm retrieval, fertilization rate, number of embryos transferred, and live birth rates and cumulative live birth rates were recorded. Chi-square test was performed to compare the proportions.

Main results and the role of chance

Sperm retrieval was successful in 58%(58/100). Testicular volume and hormonal parameters did not vary among patients with positive or negative sperm retrieval. Histology gave best correlation with sperm retrieval. Hypospermatogenesis yielded the highest sperm retrieval 93%(26/29), followed by Maturation arrest 78%(7/9), then Hyalinosis 46% (6/13) and lastly Sertoli cell only 38%(19/50). 46 couples underwent ICSI cycles where the mean age of patients and their wives were 36.4 ± 3.7y and 33.0 ± 4.3y. Fertilization rate and mean number of transferred embryos were 51.4 % and 1.7. Live birth rate and Cumulative Live Birth rate per Embryo transfer were 60.5% (26/43) and 74.4% (32/43) and per started ICSI cycle were 56.5% (26/46) and 69.6% (32/46), with a twin rate of 15.3%(4/26). Mean gestational length and mean body weight at birth were 39.0 ± 1.4w and 3228.5 ± 5.5 g. Number of live offspring were 36 (Female: Male = 26:10) giving rise to sex ratio of 2.6 to1 in favor of female offspring (P < 0.05). There were no neonatal death, and one baby had phenylketonuria.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This is the first study to test the hypothesis of sex ratio variation related to the source of sperm; the strength of our study is that all procedures were performed by the same surgeon, so there are no operator-dependent differences. This finding needs to be confirmed in larger cohort studies.

Wider implications of the findings

It has been demonstrated that different stressors may alter the sex of the offspring. While in the present study the stressor is the parental hypogonadism associated with non-obstructive azoospermia, We hypothesise that testicular environment may direct spermatogenesis in favor of X carrying sperm around the time of sperm retrieval.

Trial registration number

N/A

Suboptimal uptake, retention, and adherence of daily oral PrEP among people with OUD receiving HCV treatment

Background

Daily oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) prevents human immunodeficiency (HIV) among people who inject drugs (PWID). Despite rising HIV incidence and injection drug use (IDU), PrEP use remains low and there is limited research about uptake, adherence, and retention among PWID.

Methods

The ANCHOR investigation evaluated a community-based care model collocating hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, medication for opioid use disorder (OUD), and PrEP in individuals in Washington, DC, and Baltimore, Maryland. PrEP counseling was conducted from HCV treatment day 0 until week 24. Subjects could start any time during this window, were followed for 48 weeks, and were assessed for adherence by self-report and dried blood spot TDF analysis.

Results

One hundred ninety-eight participants were enrolled, of whom 185 (93%) were HIV negative. Twenty-nine individuals (15.7% of HIV-negative cohort) initiated PrEP. One hundred sixteen participants (62.7%) met 2014 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) PrEP criteria due to IDU (82 [44.3%]), sex (9 [4.9%]), or both practices (25 [13.5%]). Providers recommended PrEP to 94 individuals (50.8%), and recommendation was associated with PrEP uptake. Median treatment duration was 104 days (interquartile range, 28–276 days), with 8 participants retained through week 48. Adherence was variable over time by self-report and declined by TDF analysis. No HIV seroconversions occurred.

Conclusions

This cohort of people with HCV and OUD experienced low uptake of PrEP despite the majority meeting CDC criteria. High rates of disruption and discontinuation, compounded by variable adherence, made TDF/FTC a suboptimal prevention strategy. Emerging modalities like long-acting formulations may address these barriers, but PWID have been excluded from their development to date.

Impact of an Australian/New Zealand organisational position statement on extended-release opioid prescribing among surgical inpatients: a dual centre before-and-after study

Extended-release opioids are often prescribed to manage postoperative pain despite being difficult to titrate to analgesic requirements and their association with long-term opioid use. An Australian/New Zealand organisational position statement released in March 2018 recommended avoiding extended-release opioid prescribing for acute pain. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of this organisational position statement on extended-release opioid prescribing among surgical inpatients. Secondary objectives included predictors and clinical outcomes of prescribing extended-release opioids among surgical inpatients. We conducted a retrospective, dual centre, 11-month before-and-after study and time-series analysis by utilising electronic medical records from two teaching hospitals in Sydney, Australia. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients prescribed an extended-release opioid. For surgical patients prescribed any opioid (n = 16,284), extended-release opioid prescribing decreased after the release of the position statement (38.4% before vs. 26.6% after, p < 0.001), primarily driven by a reduction in extended-release oxycodone (31.1% before vs. 14.1% after, p < 0.001). There was a 23% immediate decline in extended-release opioid prescribing after the position statement release (p < 0.001), followed by an additional 0.2% decline per month in the following months. Multivariable regression showed that the release of the position statement was associated with a decrease in extended-release opioid prescribing (OR 0.54, 95%CI 0.50-0.58). Extended-release opioid prescribing was also associated with increased incidence of opioid-related adverse events (OR 1.52, 95%CI 1.35-1.71); length of stay (RR 1.44, 95%CI 1.39-1.51); and 28-day re-admission (OR 1.26, 95%CI 1.12-1.41). Overall, a reduction in extended-release opioid prescribing was observed in surgical inpatients following position statement release.

0487 Effects of Suvorexant on Sleep Architecture in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Insomnia

Introduction

Suvorexant, an orexin receptor antagonist that enables sleep to occur via competitive antagonism of wake-promoting orexins, improved total sleep time (TST) in a sleep laboratory polysomnography (PSG) study of patients with AD and insomnia. Here we report on the effects of suvorexant on sleep architecture in the study.

Methods

This was a randomized, double-blind, 4-week trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02750306). Participants who met diagnostic criteria for both probable AD dementia (of mild to moderate severity) and insomnia were randomized to suvorexant 10mg (could be increased to 20mg based on clinical response) or matching placebo. Overnight sleep laboratory PSG was performed on 3 nights: screening, baseline, and Night-29 (last night of dosing). Suvorexant differences from placebo in changes-from-baseline at Night-29 for sleep architecture were analyzed as exploratory endpoints.

Results

A total of 274 participants were included in the analysis (suvorexant N=135, placebo N=139). At Night-29, suvorexant improved TST by 28 minutes versus placebo (p=0.001). There were no significant differences between suvorexant and placebo in the % of TST spent in REM (1.3%, 95% CI: -0.5, 3.0), N1 (0.6%, 95% CI: -1.2, 2.5), N2 (-1.0%, 95% CI: -3.2, 1.2), or N3 (-0.6%, 95% CI: -1.8, 0.6). There was no significant difference between suvorexant and placebo in latency to REM (-5.4 minutes, 95% CI: -23.4, 12.7).

Conclusion

Suvorexant improves TST without altering the underlying sleep architecture in AD patients with insomnia.

Support

Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA

0488 Pilot Evaluation of an Actigraphy Watch Compared to Polysomnography in a Clinical Trial of Suvorexant for Treating Insomnia in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

Introduction

Suvorexant, an orexin receptor antagonist, improved total sleep time (TST) in a sleep laboratory polysomnography (PSG) study of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and insomnia. The study included a pilot evaluation of an actigraphy watch for continuously recording patient’s sleep and daytime activity. We report on the utility of the watch for assessing sleep in relation to gold-standard PSG.

Methods

This was a randomized, double-blind, 4-week trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02750306). Participants who met diagnostic criteria for both probable AD dementia and insomnia were randomized to suvorexant 10-20mg or placebo. Overnight sleep laboratory PSG was performed on 3 nights: screening, baseline, and Night-29 (last dose). An actigraphy watch (Garmin vívosmart® HR) was worn continuously by the patient. Separate analyses were performed for PSG and watch. We compared treatment effects on change-from-baseline in PSG-TST at Night-29 and WATCH-TST at Week-4 (average TST per night over Week-4). We also analyzed Night-29 data only with watch data restricted to the PSG recording time.

Results

A total of 274 participants were included in the Night-29 PSG analysis (suvorexant=135, placebo=139) and 223 in the Week-4 watch analysis (suvorexant=113, placebo=110). Suvorexant improved Night-29 PSG-TST by 28 minutes versus placebo (p=0.001) and Week-4 WATCH-TST by 17 minutes versus placebo (p=0.144). In the subgroup who had usable data for both assessments at Night-29 (suvorexant=57, placebo=50), the watch overestimated TST compared to PSG (e.g. placebo baseline scores = 412 minutes for WATCH-TST and 265 minutes for PSG-TST) and underestimated change-from-baseline treatment effects: the suvorexant versus placebo difference was 35 minutes for PSG-TST (p=0.057) and 20 minutes for WATCH-TST (p=0.405).

Conclusion

The watch was less sensitive than PSG for evaluating treatment effects on TST. However, results obtained with the watch were directionally similar to PSG in indicating a benefit of suvorexant versus placebo for improving TST in AD patients with insomnia.

Support

Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA

Determination of Immunoglobulin G in Bovine Colostrum and Milk Powders, and in Dietary Supplements of Bovine Origin by Protein G Affinity Liquid Chromatography: Collaborative Study

An AOAC collaborative study was conducted to evaluate an affinity LC procedure for measuring immunoglobulin G (IgG) in selected dairy powders. The powders were extracted with 0.15 M sodium chloride solution and the pH was adjusted to 4.6 to precipitate caseins, which would otherwise lead to an overestimation of IgG. The analyte was then bound to a commercially available Protein G affinity cartridge and selectively eluted with a glycine buffer at pH 2.5. Detection was at 280 nm and quantification was made against a calibration curve prepared from bovine serum IgG. The samples analyzed included the likely matrixes for which this assay will find commercial use, namely, high- and low-protein-content colostrum powders, tablets containing colostrum powder, and some IgG-containing dairy powders; milk protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and skim milk powder. Eleven laboratories provided data for the study and assayed blind duplicates of six materials. The repeatability RSD values ranged from 2.1 to 4.2 and the reproducibility RSD values ranged from 6.4 to 18.5. The Protein G method with casein removal has adequate reproducibility for measuring IgG in colostrum-derived powders that are traded on the basis of IgG content as a colostral marker.

Integrated Effects of Genetic Resistance and Prothioconazole + Tebuconazole Application Timing on Fusarium Head Blight in Wheat

Integrated Fusarium head blight (FHB) management programs consisting of different combinations of cultivar resistance class and an application of the fungicide prothioconazole + tebuconazole at or after 50% early anthesis were evaluated for efficacy against FHB incidence (INC; percentage of diseased spikes), index (IND; percentage of diseased spikelets per spike), Fusarium damaged kernel (FDK), deoxynivalenol (DON) toxin contamination, grain yield, and test weight (TW) in inoculated field trials conducted in 11 U.S. states in 2014 and 2015. Mean log response ratios and corresponding percent control values for INC, IND, FDK, and DON, and mean differences in yield and TW relative to a nontreated, inoculated susceptible check (S_CK), were estimated through network meta-analyses as measures of efficacy. Results from the analyses were then used to estimate the economic benefit of each management program for a range of grain prices and fungicide applications costs. Management programs consisting of a moderately resistant (MR) cultivar treated with the fungicide were the most efficacious, reducing INC by 60 to 69%, IND by 71 to 76%, FDK by 66 to 72%, and DON by 60 to 64% relative to S_CK, compared with 56 to 62% for INC, 68 to 72% for IND, 66 to 68% for FDK, and 58 to 61% for DON for programs with a moderately susceptible (MS) cultivar. The least efficacious programs were those with a fungicide application to a susceptible (S) cultivar, with less than a 45% reduction of INC, IND, FDK, or DON. All programs were more efficacious under conditions favorable for FHB compared with less favorable conditions, with applications made at 50% early anthesis being of comparable efficacy to those made 2 to 7 days later. Programs with an MS cultivar resulted in the highest mean yield increases relative to S_CK (541 to 753 kg/ha), followed by programs with an S cultivar (386 to 498 kg/ha) and programs with an MR cultivar (250 to 337 kg/ha). Integrated management programs with an MS or MR cultivar treated with the fungicide at or after 50% early anthesis were the most likely to result in a 50 or 75% control of IND, FDK, or DON in a future trial. At a fixed fungicide application cost, these programs were $4 to $319/MT more economically beneficial than corresponding fungicide-only programs, depending on the cultivar and grain price. These findings demonstrate the benefits of combining genetic resistance with a prothioconazole + tebuconazole treatment to manage FHB, even if that treatment is applied a few days after 50% early anthesis.

External Validation of Equations that Use Demographic and Anthropometric Measurements to Predict Percent Body Fat

OBJECTIVE

Numerous equation to predict percent body fat using demographics and anthropometrics have been published but external validation of these equations is limited. The objective of this study was to validate published equations that use anthropometrics for prediction of percent body fat using external data.

METHODS

Data were from the Visceral Fat, Metabolic Rate, and Coronary Heart Disease Risk I (VIM I) Study and the Fels Longitudinal Study (Fels). VIM I was conducted in a subset of subjects from the CARDIA study and included black and white adults 28-40 years (n = 392). Fels consisted of white participants 8-88 years (n = 1,044). Percent body fat assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in these two studies was compared to results calculated using 13 equations from Stevens et al. and nine other published equations.

RESULTS

In general, the Stevens equations performed better than equations from other studies. For example, equation "I" in women in VIM I, Fels adults, and Fels youth, R2 estimates were 0.765, 0.757 and 0.789, respectively. In men the estimates were 0.702 in VIM I, 0.822 in Fels adults and 0.905 in Fels youth. None of the results from the nine published equations showed R2 this high in corresponding groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that several of the Stevens equations have external validity superior to that of nine other published equations among varying age groups, genders and races.

Platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: A review of the literature and proposed treatment protocol

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common hair loss disorder caused by genetic and hormonal factors that are characterized by androgen-related progressive thinning of scalp hair in a defined pattern. By the age of 60 years, 45% of men and 35% of women develop AGA. Currently, U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for AGA include oral finasteride and topical minoxidil. Due to the limited number of effective therapies for AGA, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become an effective alternative treatment. PRP is an autologous concentration of platelets in plasma with numerous growth factors that contribute to hair regeneration. The growth factors contained within the alpha granules of platelets act on stem cells in the bulge area of the hair follicles and stimulate the development of new follicles along with neovascularization. PRP has become a promising treatment modality for AGA. Although there have been several studies previously reported, a standard practice for PRP preparation and administration as well as a method to evaluate results have not been established. This literature review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of PRP for AGA and discuss the various treatment protocols that have been proposed.

Orgaran (Org 10172) or Heparin for Preventing Venous Thrombosis after Elective Surgery for Malignant Disease? A Double-Blind, Randomised, Multicentre Comparison

This double-blind, randomised, multicentre trial in 513 patients having elective surgery for intra-abdominal or intrathoracic malignancy compared the efficacy and safety of venous thrombosis (VT) prophylaxis using 750 anti-factor Xa units of Orgaran (a mixture of low molecular weight heparinoids) given subcutaneously (sc) twice-daily with that of twice-daily injections of 5,000 units Standard heparin. The main study endpoints were the development of postoperative VT detected by 125I-fibrinogen leg scanning, and the onset of clinically significant venous thromboembolism or bleeding. “Intent to treat” analysis showed a statistically non-significant trend towards less VT during Orgaran prophylaxis (10.4%) than after heparin (14.9%) and there was no difference in bleeding complications between the two study groups. Results remained similar if only patients who completed the intended course of therapy (“compliant patients”) were analysed. Other trials have shown that Orgaran prevents VT after hip surgery and stroke. We now show it is also safe and effective in patients having major surgery for cancer.

Adventures in Atropisomerism: Total Synthesis of a Complex Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient with Two Chirality Axes

A strategy to prepare compounds with multiple chirality axes, which has led to a concise total synthesis of compound 1A with complete stereocontrol, is reported.

Prevalence and Predictors of Persistent Post-Surgical Opioid Use: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Post-surgical opioid prescribing intended for the short-term management of acute pain may lead to long-term opioid use. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of persistent post-surgical opioid use and patient-related factors associated with post-surgical opioid use. One thousand and thirteen opioid-naïve patients awaiting elective surgery in a tertiary private hospital in Sydney were enrolled. Preoperatively, patients completed a questionnaire comprising potential predictors of persistent post-surgical opioid use. Patients underwent surgery with routine perioperative care, and were followed up at 90 to 120 days after surgery to determine opioid use. Factors associated with opioid use were assessed with logistic regression. We had an overall response rate of 95.8% (n=970) of patients, of whom 10.5% (n=102) continued to use opioids at >90 days after surgery. On surgical subtype analysis, the prevalence of persistent opioid use was 23.6% after spinal surgery, and 13.7% after orthopaedic surgery. Four factors were independently associated with persistent post-surgical opioid use in a multivariate model: having orthopaedic (odds ratio [OR] 4.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0 to 10.8, P <0.001) or spinal surgery (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.7 to 9.2, P <0.001), anxiety (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.1, P=0.03), attending pre-admission clinic (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.6 to 8.6, P=0.002), and higher self-reported pain score at >90 days after surgery (P <0.001). More than 10% of opioid-naïve patients undergoing elective surgery experience persistent post-surgical opioid use. Identification of factors associated with persistent post-surgical opioid use may allow development of a risk stratification tool to predict those at highest risk.

Safety and dose-dependency of eptacog beta (activated) in a dose escalation study of non-bleeding congenital haemophilia A or B patients, with or without inhibitors

INTRODUCTION

Varying initial doses of activated eptacog beta (recombinant human FVIIa, rhFVIIa) may provide therapeutic options when treating bleeding in patients with congenital haemophilia who have developed inhibitory antibodies to factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX (FIX). This study evaluated escalated doses of a new rhFVIIa product as a prelude to selecting the doses for clinical efficacy evaluation in haemophilia patients.

AIM

To assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, and laboratory pharmacodynamics of 3 doses of rhFVIIa in non-bleeding patients with congenital haemophilia A or B with or without inhibitors.

METHODS

Adult male patients (18-75 years old) with congenital haemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) received infusions of rhFVIIa at doses of 25, 75 or 225 μg/kg body weight. Ten patients were treated at each dose level, and each patient received 2 different dose levels. Descriptive methods were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Administration of rhFVIIa at all doses was well tolerated. Pharmacokinetic analyses showed that peak FVIIa plasma levels (C_max ) were approximately proportional to dose and correlated well with peak thrombin generation. Total AUC_0-inf also was approximately dose proportional. Clot formation and duration correlated with FVIIa activity. Repeat doses did not produce an immunological response.

CONCLUSION

In the first dose-escalation study of rhFVIIa to support product registration, eptacog beta at doses of 25, 75, and 225 μg/kg was pharmacodynamically active and well tolerated in non-bleeding patients with congenital haemophilia A or B.

Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica: a histological comparative study with osteochondromas

PURPOSE

Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica (DEH) is a rare developmental disorder resulting in epiphyseal overgrowth. Based on histological appearance, it is often described as an osteochondroma or osteochondroma-like lesion, although clinical differences exist between DEH and osteochondromas. The aim of this study was to test whether DEH and osteochondromas are histologically identical diseases.

METHODS

Tissue samples of two age- and gender-matched cases with DEH and hereditary multiple exostoses were histologically compared. Sections were stained with Safranin-O for detection of proteoglycans and immunohistochemistry was performed for detection of collagen type II, collagen type X as a marker of hypertrophic chondrocytes and Sox9 as a marker of proliferative chondrocytes. Due to the rarity, descriptions of the included DEH patients were outlined.

RESULTS

Histologically, chondrocyte clusters in a fibrillary matrix, a thick disorganised cartilage cap and ossification centres with small amounts of unabsorbed cartilage, were observed in DEH. In contrast, cartilage organisation of osteochondromas displays characteristics of the normal growth plate. Collagen type II was clearly detected in the cartilaginous extracellular matrix in osteochondromas, while weak expression was observed in DEH. Collagen type X was not detected in DEH, while expressed in the matrix surrounding hypertrophic chondrocytes in osteochondromas. Sox9 staining was positive in hypertrophic chondrocytes in osteochondromas, while expressed in nuclei of chondrocyte clusters in DEH.

CONCLUSION

Both morphological and immunohistological differences were observed in histological sections of DEH and osteochondromas. These results support the previously identified clinical, radiological and genetic differences and imply a different aetiology between DEH and osteochondroma formation.

Microbial Functional Capacity Is Preserved Within Engineered Soil Formulations Used In Mine Site Restoration

Mining of mineral resources produces substantial volumes of crushed rock based wastes that are characterised by poor physical structure and hydrology, unstable geochemistry and potentially toxic chemical conditions. Recycling of these substrates is desirable and can be achieved by blending waste with native soil to form a ‘novel substrate’ which may be used in future landscape restoration. However, these post-mining substrate based ‘soils’ are likely to contain significant abiotic constraints for both plant and microbial growth. Effective use of these novel substrates for ecosystem restoration will depend on the efficacy of stored topsoil as a potential microbial inoculum as well as the subsequent generation of key microbial soil functions originally apparent in local pristine sites. Here, using both marker gene and shotgun metagenome sequencing, we show that topsoil storage and the blending of soil and waste substrates to form planting substrates gives rise to variable bacterial and archaeal phylogenetic composition but a high degree of metabolic conservation at the community metagenome level. Our data indicates that whilst low phylogenetic conservation is apparent across substrate blends we observe high functional redundancy in relation to key soil microbial pathways, allowing the potential for functional recovery of key belowground pathways under targeted management.

Triticeal cartilage: the forgotten cartilage

Introduction

The triticeal cartilage (TC) is a small cartilage found within the thyrohyoid membrane. The TC has a variable prevalence between and within individuals. It has been suggested that absence of a TC results from its failure to separate from the superior horn of the thyroid cartilage (SHTC) and that individuals without a TC will have a longer SHTC. This study aims to identify the prevalence of the TC and investigate the relationship between the length of the SHTC and presence of a TC.

Methods

Eighty seven adult cadavers underwent dissection. Data were collected on presence or absence of a TC and lengths of SHTC.

Results

A TC was identified in 28 cadavers (33%). In cadavers with a unilateral TC, there was no significant difference between the lengths of the SHTC on sides with a TC (1.6 mm, ±SEM 0.12 mm) to sides without a TC (1.7 mm, ±SEM 0.10 mm) (P = 0.47). In cadavers with no TCs, the length of the SHTCs (1.8 mm, ±SEM 0.04 mm) was significantly longer than the SHTCs of cadavers with a TC present bilaterally (1.4 mm, ±SEM 0.12 mm) (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

A TC was found in 33% of cadavers. This study demonstrates a relationship between the presence of a TC and the length of the SHTC only in cadavers with a TC present or absent bilaterally.

Abstract P5-11-11: A phase I safety study of topical calcitriol (BPM31543) for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA)

Background: Chemotherapy induced alopecia (CIA) may lead to significant psychosocial and quality of life issues. Currently there are no FDA approved oral or topical agents available to prevent CIA. In murine studies, topical calcitriol reduced CIA, due to arrest of cell cycle in healthy hair follicles, and reduction in the sensitivity of follicular epithelium to chemotherapy.

Methods: A prospective dose escalation study is being performed in up to 31 women with breast cancer, gynecologic cancer and sarcomas. Each patient is applying 1mL of BPM31543 to her scalp bid, ≥ 5 days prior to initiation of taxane-based chemotherapy for at least 3 months or until the completion of chemotherapy. The study cohorts are: 5/10/20/40/60/80μg/mL. The first 5 cohorts are completely enrolled and the final cohort is currently being enrolled. Each patient undergoes pk analysis, adverse event (AE) monitoring, patient self-assessment diaries (1-10 scale), and blinded photographic assessments. Efficacy and pK data are still being collected and analyzed for the patients on study, but will be available by December.

Results: Twenty-four subjects have been enrolled so far (evaluable at this time, n = 13). Pk data (n = 16; 5-40μg/mL) showed inter-individual variability, but no significant dose-dependent increase in systemic absorption (range, &lt; 20-110 pg/mL). Treatment-related AEs (probably/possibly) were mild/moderate in nature and included scalp pain (n = 1; 5 μg/mL), elevated vitamin D levels in 1 patient (20μg/mL) and passage of renal calculus in another (n = 1; 40μg/mL). All subjects reported changes in overall hair fullness, thickness, and volume of hair during chemotherapy. At the 5/10 μg/mL dose level, ≥ 75% hair loss was reported in 85% of patients. At the ≥ 20 μg/mL dose level, ≥ 75% hair loss was seen only in 43% of patients. Hair loss/ thinning caused all subjects to change their hair style (onset, week 2; peak, weeks 5-6).

Conclusions: Data have shown that the twice daily application of BPM31543 in patients receiving taxane-based chemotherapy was safe and well-tolerated. Efficacy data from the preliminary analysis was promising and led to the amendment of the study to evaluate two additional higher dose cohorts: 60 and 80 μg/ml.

Citation Format: Goldfarb SB, Konner J, Stevens J, Brouwer S, Narain NR, Ye R, Ravipaty S, Sarangarajan R, Akmaev VR, Jimenez JJ, Belum VR, 'Kitts S, Ciccolini K, Berman B, Lacouture ME. A phase I safety study of topical calcitriol (BPM31543) for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-11-11.

Seed Coating: Science or Marketing Spin?

Seed coating is the practice of covering seeds with external materials to improve handling, protection, and, to a lesser extent, germination enhancement and plant establishment. With an annual value exceeding US$1 billion dollars, this technology is mostly the preserve of the private research sector, with few links to the scientific community. Here, we analyse the science and industry of seed coating and its contribution to seed establishment and plant performance. We posit that a closer collaboration between academia and industry is critical to realising the potential of seed coating both as a tool for enhancing plant establishment in the face of the challenges posed to agricultural systems and to propel the multibillion-dollar global push for ecological restoration of degraded ecosystems.

[Fosfomycin, an old antibiotic with new possibilities]

- Fosfomycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic agent used orally for uncomplicated cystitis. The intravenous form of administration has recently been authorised in the Netherlands.- Thanks to its broad spectrum and extensive tissue penetration, fosfomycin offers possibilities for the treatment of infections in different organs.- Infections with multidrug-resistant bacteria pose a significant threat to public health. Many of these multidrug-resistant bacteria are sensitive to fosfomycin, which means fosfomycin may be an option for the treatment of infections with multidrug-resistant bacteria. - There is a lack of knowledge about the pharmacological properties of fosfomycin to establish a good dosing schedule. Knowledge is also lacking about the safety of fosfomycin and the extent of its tolerability in the treatment of different infections. - More research is needed before fosfomycin can be used in the battle against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Measurement and Analysis of Hip Joint Movements

The design and construction of an electrogoniometer for measuring angular displacements of the hip is discussed. Data from the goniometer are recorded on magnetic tape and are processed and printed out in graphical format by mini-computer. Sample results are presented for normal and arthritic subjects involved in a number of activities, namely level walking, climbing and descending stairs, and sitting and rising from a chair. It is intended that the goniometer be used to provide prognostic and therapeutic guidelines in the clinical environment.

Quantifying Beta-Galactosylceramide Kinetics in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Healthy Subjects Using Deuterium Labeling

Therapeutics promoting myelin synthesis may enhance recovery in demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. However, no suitable method exists to quantify myelination. The turnover of galactosylceramide (myelin component) is indicative of myelination in mice, but its turnover has not been determined in humans. Here, six healthy subjects consumed 120 mL 70% D₂O daily for 70 days to label galactosylceramide. We then used mass spectrometry and compartmental modeling to quantify the turnover rate of galactosylceramide in cerebrospinal fluid. Maximum deuterium enrichment of body water ranged from 1.5–3.9%, whereas that of galactosylceramide was much lower: 0.05–0.14%. This suggests a slow turnover rate, which was confirmed by the model‐estimated galactosylceramide turnover rate of 0.00168 day⁻¹, which corresponds to a half‐life of 413 days. Additional studies in patients with multiple sclerosis are needed to investigate whether galactosylceramide turnover could be used as an outcome measure in clinical trials with remyelination therapies.

Levofloxacin-Induced QTc Prolongation Depends on the Time of Drug Administration

Understanding the factors influencing a drug's potential to prolong the QTc interval on an electrocardiogram is essential for the correct evaluation of its safety profile. To explore the effect of dosing time on drug‐induced QTc prolongation, a randomized, crossover, clinical trial was conducted in which 12 healthy male subjects received levofloxacin at 02:00, 06:00, 10:00, 14:00, 18:00, and 22:00. Using a pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic (PK‐PD) modeling approach to account for variations in PKs, heart rate, and daily variation in baseline QT, we find that the concentration‐QT relationship shows a 24‐hour sinusoidal rhythm. Simulations show that the extent of levofloxacin‐induced QT prolongation depends on dosing time, with the largest effect at 14:00 (1.73 (95% prediction interval: 1.56–1.90) ms per mg/L) and the smallest effect at 06:00 (−0.04 (−0.19 to 0.12) ms per mg/L). These results suggest that a 24‐hour variation in the concentration‐QT relationship could be a potentially confounding factor in the assessment of drug‐induced QTc prolongation.