Androgen deprivation therapy in localized prostate cancer. Current status and future trends

INTRODUCTION

Prostate cancer (PCa) has been recognized as an androgen-sensitive disease since the investigations from Huggins and Hodges in 1941. Thanks to these findings, they received the Nobel Prize in 1966. This was the beginning of the development of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as treatment for patients with PCa.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the current indications of ADT in localized PCa.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We conducted a comprehensive English and Spanish language literature research, focused on the main indications for ADT in localized PCa.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Nowadays, the indications for ADT as monotherapy in localized PCa have been limited to specific situations, to patients unwilling or unable to receive any form of local treatment if they have a PSA-DT < 12 months, and either a PSA > 50 ng/mL, a poorly differentiated tumor, or troublesome local disease-related symptoms. ADT can be used in combination with local treatment in different scenarios. Although neoadjuvant treatment with ADT prior to surgery with curative intent has no clear oncological impact, as a future sight, PCa is a heterogeneous disease, and there could be a group of patients with high-risk localized disease that could benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

We need to optimize the treatment with ADT in localized PCa, selecting the patients accordingly to their disease characteristics. Given that the therapeutic armamentarium evolves day by day, there is a need for the development of new clinical trials, as well as a molecular studies of patients to identify those who might benefit from an early multimodal treatment.

Utilising TMS-EEG to Assess the Response to Cerebellar-Brain Inhibition

Cerebellar-brain inhibition (CBI) is a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) paradigm indexing excitability of cerebellar projections to motor cortex (M1). Stimulation involved with CBI is often considered to be uncomfortable, and alternative ways to index connectivity between cerebellum and the cortex would be valuable. We therefore sought to assess the utility of electroencephalography in conjunction with TMS (combined TMS-EEG) to record the response to CBI. A total of 33 volunteers (25.7 ± 4.9 years, 20 females) participated across three experiments. These investigated EEG responses to CBI induced with a figure-of-eight (F8; experiment 1) or double cone (DC; experiment 2) conditioning coil over cerebellum, in addition to multisensory sham stimulation (experiment 3). Both F8 and DC coils suppressed early TMS-evoked EEG potentials (TEPs) produced by TMS to M1 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the TEP produced by CBI stimulation was related to the motor inhibitory response to CBI recorded in a hand muscle (P < 0.05), but only when using the DC coil. Multisensory sham stimulation failed to modify the M1 TEP. Cerebellar conditioning produced changes in the M1 TEP that were not apparent following sham stimulation, and that were related to the motor inhibitory effects of CBI. Our findings therefore suggest that it is possible to index the response to CBI using TMS-EEG. In addition, while both F8 and DC coils appear to recruit cerebellar projections, the nature of these may be different.

AB1094 SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF VACCINES FOR SARS-CoV-2 IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATIC AND IMMUNE-MEDIATED INFLAMMATORY DISEASES: DATA FROM THE ARGENTINEAN REGISTRY SAR-CoVAC

Background

Currently there is little information on the efficacy and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated diseases and/or under immunosuppressive treatment in our country, where different types of vaccines and mix regimens are used. For this reason, the Argentine Society of Rheumatology (SAR) with the Argentine Society of Psoriasis (SOARPSO) set out to develop a national register of patients with rheumatic and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) who have received a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in order to assess their efficacy and safety in this population.

Objectives

To assess SARS-CoV-2 vaccine efficacy and safety in patients with rheumatic and IMIDs.

Methods

SAR-CoVAC is a national, multicenter and observational registry. Adult patients with a diagnosis of rheumatic or IMIDs who have been vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 were consecutively included between June 1st and September 17th, 2021. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, underlying rheumatic or IMIDs, treatments received and their modification prior to vaccination and history of SARS-CoV-2 infection were recorded. In addition, the date and place of vaccination, type of vaccine applied, scheme and indication will be registered. Finally, adverse events (AE), as well as SARS-CoV-2 infection after the application of the vaccine were documented

Results

A total of 1234 patients were included, 79% were female, with a mean age of 57.8 (SD 14.1) years. The most frequent diseases were rheumatoid arthritis (41.2%), osteoarthritis (14.5%), psoriasis (12.7%) and spondyloarthritis (12.3%). Most of them were in remission (28.5%) and low disease activity (41.4%). At the time of vaccination, 21% were receiving glucocorticoid treatment, 35.7% methotrexate, 29.7% biological (b) Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) and 5.4% JAK inhibitors. Before vaccine application 16.9% had had a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Regarding the first dose of the vaccine, the most of the patients (51.1%) received Gam-COVID-Vac, followed by ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (32.8%) and BBIBP-CorV (14.5%). In a lesser proportion, BNT162b2 (0.6%), Ad26.COV2.S (0.2%) and CoronaVac (0.2%) vaccines were used. Almost half of them (48.8%) completed the scheme, 12.5% were mix regimenes, the most frequent being Gam-COVID-Vac / mRNA-1273. The median time between doses was 51days (IQR 53).

More than a quarter (25.9%) of the patients reported at least one AE after the first dose and 15.9% after the second. The flu-like syndrome and local hypersensitivity were the most frequent manifestations. There was one case of mild anaphylaxis. No patient was hospitalized. Altogether, the incidence of AE was 246.5 events/1000 doses. BBIBP-CorV presented significantly lower incidence of AE in comparison with the other types of vaccines. (118.5 events/1000 doses, p<0.002 in all cases)

Regarding efficacy, 63 events of SARS-CoV-2 infection were reported after vaccination, 19% occurred before 14 days post-vaccination, 57.1% after the first dose (>14 days) and 23.8% after the second. In most cases (85.9%) the infection was asymptomatic or had an outpatient course and 2 died due to COVID-19.

Conclusion

In this national cohort of patients with rheumatic and IMIDs vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2, the most widely used vaccines were Gam-COVID-Vac and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, approximately half completed the schedule and in most cases homologously. A quarter of the patients presented some AE, while 5.1% presented SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination, in most cases mild.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS1204 SARS-CoV-2 INFECTION AFTER VACCINATION IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATIC DISEASES FROM ARGENTINA

Background

Patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) have been excluded from SARS-CoV-2 vaccine trials. Though data appear to show safety and efficacy, mostly evidence remains in mRNA vaccines. However in our country, adenovirus and inactivated vaccines, as well as heterologous schemes are frequently used.

Objectives

To describe clinical characteristics and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination in patients with RD from de the SAR-CoVAC registry and to compare them with patients who got infected before vaccination. Additionally, factors associated with COVID-19 unfavorable outcome were assessed.

Methods

Adult patients with RD who have been vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 were consecutively included between June 1st and December 21st, 2021. Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (RT-PCR o serology) was reported by the treated physician. Infection after an incomplete scheme was defined when the event was diagnosed at least 14 days after first dose; and after a complete scheme when it occurred > 14 days after second dose. Homologous scheme is defined by two same doses of vaccine and heterologous by two different doses. Patients with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection were excluded. To compare SARS-CoV-2 infection characteristics in not vaccinated patients, subjects from the SAR-COVID registry, which includes patients with RD and SARS-CoV-2 infection, were matched 2:1 by gender, age and RD.

WHO-Ordinal Scale ≥5 was used to define unfavorable infection outcome. Descriptive statics, Chi2 test, Fischer test, T test and ANOVA were used.

Results

A total of 1350 patients from the SAR COVAC registry were included, 67 (5%) presented SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination. The later were mostly (72%) females with a mean age of 57 (SD 15) years old. The most frequent RD were rheumatoid arthritis (41%), psoriatic arthritis (12%) and systemic lupus erythematosus (10%). At vaccination, most of them (75%) had low disease activity or remission, 19% were taking steroids, 39% methotrexate, 27% bDMARDs and 6% JAK inhibitors.

A total of 11 (16%) patients had SARS-CoV-2 infection <14 days after the first vaccine dose, 39 (58%) after an incomplete scheme and 17 (25 %) following a complete one. In the incomplete scheme group, 59% received Gam-COVID-Vac, 31% ChAdOx1 nCov-19 and 10% BBIBP-CorV; and in patients with complete scheme 47%, 24% and 29%, respectively. No event was reported after a complete heterologous scheme. No significant differences regarding sociodemoghraphic characteristics, RD, disease treatment, type of vaccine and regimen was found between in those with infection and those without it.

After vaccination only 8 (12%) of the patients who got infected had an unfavorable course, 88% of them following an incomplete scheme (5 received Gam-COVID-Vac, 1 ChAdOx1 nCov-19 and 1 BBIBP-CorV) and one subject after a complete homologous Gam-COVID-Vac scheme. Having an unfavorable outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated to: male gender [63% vs 24%, p=0.036], older age [mean 70 years (SD 7) vs 55 years (SD 15), p=0.005], being Caucasian [100% vs 54%, p=0.018], higher education [mean 17 years (SD 4) vs 12 years (SD 4), p=0.010], the presence of comorbidities [100% vs 39%, p=0.001, having pulmonary disease [37% vs 5%, p=0.019], dyslipidemia [63% vs 17%, p=0.011] and arterial hypertension [63% vs 24%, p=0.036], RD, treatments, disease activity and types of vaccines received were comparable between groups.

When comparing patients with and without vaccination prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, those who received at least one dose of vaccine had less frequently severe COVID-19 (12% vs 24%, p=0.067) and presented lower mortality due to COVID-19 (3% vs 6%, p=0.498). However these differences did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

In the SAR-CoVAC registry 5% of the patients had SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination, most of them mild and 25% after a complete scheme. Any vaccine was associated with severe COVID-19. When comparing with non-vaccinated patients, those with at least one dose, had less frequently severe disease and died due COVID-19.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

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

Background

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

Objectives

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

Methods

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

Results

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

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

Conclusion

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

References

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

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

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

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Correction: Influence of 4f filling on electronic and magnetic properties of rare earth-Au surface compounds

Correction for 'Influence of 4f filling on electronic and magnetic properties of rare earth-Au surface compounds' by L. Fernandez et al., Nanoscale, 2020, 12, 22258-22267, DOI: 10.1039/D0NR04964F.

Prospective application of a risks-adjusted antithrombotic protocol in elderly patients treated with the last generation of everolimus-eluting stents. The SIERRA-75 (EPIC-05) registry

Background

Elderly patients show a higher incidence of ischemic and bleeding events after PCI.

Purpose

We sought to investigate clinical outcomes in elderly patients revascularized with last generation everolimus-eluting stent (EES) treated with antithrombotic strategies guided by bleeding and ischemic risks.

Methods

Prospective multicenter registry including patients over 75 years revascularized with EES and subsequent antithrombotic therapy guided according to a protocol based on clinical presentation, PCI complexity and the PRECISE DAPT score. The primary safety endpoint was a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction and definitive/probable stent thrombosis and the primary efficacy endpoint was TLR. An historical matched group of patients treated with current drug eluting stents other than EES was used as control.

Results

Finally, 1,064 patients were included, 80.8±4.2 years, 36.6% women, 72% ACS and 53.6% complex PCI. Primary safety endpoint was met in 6.2% and primary efficacy endpoint in 1.5%. Bleeding BARC 2–5 was reported in 7.8% and definite or probable stent thrombosis in 1.3%. The multivariable adjusted model showed no significant association of the prescribed short/long therapies with any endpoint. No stent thrombosis were reported in the subgroup with shorter DAPT duration. As compared to control group, bleeding BARC 2–5 was significantly lower in SIERRA-75 group (7.4% vs 10.2%, p=0.04) as well as the composite of MACE and bleeding (14.3% vs 18.5%, p=0.02).

Conclusions

In elderly population the use of last generation EES along with a predefined risks-adjusted antithrombotic regimen seems to be associated with an improved prognosis in terms of ischemic and bleeding outcomes.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Abbott Laboratories

PSIV-25 Effect of Various Handling Methods of Plasma and Serum Samples on Pregnancy Associated Glycoprotein Concentrations

Pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG) can be used as a biomarker for early pregnancy diagnosis, so accurate and consistent PAG detection is critical. The objective of this study was to determine if plasma and serum PAG concentrations were altered when centrifugation occurred at different times post-collection, when subjected to repeated freezing and thawing, and when monoclonal antibodies were kept in frequently or infrequently opened containers. Plasma (n = 4) and serum (n = 4) samples were collected from two open cows and two pregnant cows 28 days after artificial insemination. Pregnancy status was determined via transrectal ultrasonography. Plasma and serum samples were evenly separated and either centrifuged on the day of collection, or placed at 4°C and centrifuged the next day. An in-house PAG ELISA was performed on all samples before freezing (NOTHAW), after being frozen for one week (INTACT), after one freeze/thaw cycle (THAW1), two freeze/thaw cycles (THAW2), and three freeze/thaw cycles (THAW3). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (GLM procedure, SAS 9.4). All samples from open cows were below the baseline of the assay. For pregnant cows, plasma samples had greater PAG concentrations than serum samples (11.84 vs 3.30 ± 0.66 ng/mL, respectively, P &lt; 0.05). No differences were observed for day of centrifugation in both plasma and serum samples (P = 0.50 and P = 0.60, respectively) and in handling of monoclonal antibodies (P = 0.90). Freezing and thawing did not impact PAG concentrations in plasma samples (P = 0.19), but did alter serum concentrations (P = 0.01). Specifically, THAW1 (1.98 ng/mL) and THAW2 (1.42 ng/mL) serum PAG concentrations were lower compared to NOTHAW, THAW3, and INTACT samples (4.66, 4.85, and 3.57 ng/mL, respectively). Based on these data, plasma yields more consistent results than serum, even after several freeze-thaw cycles, and handling of monoclonal antibodies or time of centrifugation has no significant effect on measured PAG.

Influence of 4f filling on electronic and magnetic properties of rare earth-Au surface compounds

One-atom-thick rare-earth/noble metal (RE-NM) compounds are attractive materials to investigate two-dimensional magnetism, since they are easy to synthesize into a common RE-NM2 structure with high crystal perfection. Here we perform a comparative study of the GdAu2, HoAu2, and YbAu2 monolayer compounds grown on Au(111). We find the same atomic lattice quality and moiré superlattice periodicity in the three cases, but different electronic properties and magnetism. The YbAu2 monolayer reveals the characteristic electronic signatures of a mixed-valence configuration in the Yb atom. In contrast, GdAu2 and HoAu2 show the trivalent character of the rare-earth and ferromagnetic transitions below 22 K. Yet, the GdAu2 monolayer has an in-plane magnetic easy-axis, versus the out-of-plane one in HoAu2. The electronic bands of the two trivalent compounds are very similar, while the divalent YbAu2 monolayer exhibits different band features. In the latter, a strong 4f-5d hybridization is manifested in neatly resolved avoided crossings near the Fermi level. First principles theory points to a residual presence of empty 4f states, explaining the fluctuating valence of Yb in the YbAu2 monolayer.

New approaches to diagnose and target reproductive failure in cattle

Reproductive failure and pregnancy loss in cattle are some of the largest economic burdens to cattle producers and one of most perplexing factors influencing management decisions. Pregnancy loss may occur at any point during gestation with the largest percentage of loss occurring in the first 30 days and, subsequently, decreasing as the pregnancy progresses. Losses may be attributed to numerous factors, predisposed issues or environmental conditions such as nutritional stressors or disease. From a research perspective, determining the exact causes of pregnancy loss or embryonic mortality in cattle have been difficult, due to limitations of accurately determining early gestation pregnancy status. Until methods that precisely determine embryo success early in gestation are available, our understanding of in vivo pregnancy loss will lack clarity necessary to develop management strategies to decrease such loss. In this review, we will briefly discuss the pivotal periods of pregnancy loss affecting beef and dairy cattle, methods and technologies to determine pregnancy status and embryo viability and potential opportunities to decrease reproductive failure.

Bioaugmentation with PGP-trace element tolerant bacterial consortia affects Pb uptake by Helianthus annuus grown on trace element polluted military soils

In this study, we sought to compose consortia of plant growth-promoting (PGP) and trace element tolerant bacteria, to improve plant growth and inhibit uptake and translocation of trace elements, eventually allowing the cultivation of profitmaking crops on trace elements polluted soils, reducing the risks of entrance of these elements into the food chain. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) was grown on two polluted military soils (MS1 and MS2) in greenhouse microcosms and inoculated with three different bacterial consortia (C1, C2, C3). Growth and physiological status of the plants were unaffected during the experiment with the inoculation. After 2 months, plants were harvested. Consortium C2 and C3 decreased Pb shoot bioaccumulation by respectively 80-85% when plants were grown in the MS1 and even to concentrations below detection limit in plants grown in MS2. Differences in uptake and (sub)cellular localization of Pb and Cd in selected bacterial isolates were investigated in vitro by TEM-EDX. Pb absorption was observed by Bacillus wiedmanni ST29 and Bacillus paramycoides ST9 cultures. While adsorption at the bacterial cell wall was observed by Bacillus paramycoides ST9 and retention in the extracellular matrix by Cellulosimicrobium cellulans ST54.

Cancer du sein non métastasé et dessin de l’arbre

Cette recherche porte sur l’évolution des tracés du dessin de l’arbre (DA) au cours du temps chez 30 patientes atteintes de cancer du sein, de l’annonce diagnostique à la fin des traitements. Les patientes ont été réparties en deux groupes : le premier est composé de femmes ayant reçu de la chimiothérapie, le second de femmes n’ayant pas reçu de chimiothérapie. Les résultats mettent en évidence que les constellations de tracés au test de l’arbre n’évoluent pas au cours du temps, mais en fonction de la présence/absence de chimiothérapie. Les profils psychologiques des patientes restent stables entre l’annonce diagnostique et un délai de six mois après la fin des traitements. L’arbre dessiné semble en revanche porter les stigmates des traitements subis.

Phytostabilization of Pb and Cd polluted soils using Helianthus petiolaris as pioneer aromatic plant species

The area of soils polluted with heavy metals is increasing due to industrialization and globalization. Aromatic plant species can be a suitable alternative way for agricultural valorization and phytomanagement of such soils by the commercialization of essential oils avoiding risks for the food chain. The potential of growing Helianthus petiolaris in heavy metal polluted soils was assessed in pot experiments using spiked soils and soils from a shooting range. In terms of phytostabilization, H. petiolaris could grow in soils containing 1000 mg/kg Pb²⁺, 50 mg/kg Cd²⁺, accumulating more than three times the soil Cd content in the aerial parts and translocating significant amounts of Pb to the aerial parts when growing in soils polluted with up to 500 mg/kg Pb. When phytostabilization is considered, phytotoxicity of heavy metals strongly depends on the rhizospheric microbial communities, either by mitigating trace element phytotoxicity or promoting plant growth via phytohormone production. So, the effects of heavy metals on the diversity of the rhizospheric bacterial community were assessed using DNA-fingerprinting.

[Long-term effect of policosanol on the functional recovery of non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke patients: a one year study]

INTRODUCTION

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability. Policosanol has been effective in brain ischemia models. The aim of this study is to investigate whether policosanol, added to aspirin therapy within 30 days of stroke onset, is better than placebo + aspirine for the long-term recovery of non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke subjects.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eighty patients (mean age: 69 years) within 30 days of onset, with a modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) 2 to 4, were included. They were randomized in two groups (policosanol + aspirine or placebo + aspirine) for 12 months.

RESULTS

Policosanol + aspirine decreased significantly mean mRS from the first interim check-up (1.5 months). The treatment even improved after long-term therapy. More policosanol + aspirin (87.5%) than placebo + aspirine (0%) patients achieved mRSs <= 1. Policosanol + aspirine increased significantly Barthel Index, lowered LDL-cholesterol and increased HDL-cholesterol versus placebo + aspirin.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term (12 months) administration of policosanol + aspirin given after suffering non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke was shown to be better than placebo + aspirin in improving functional outcomes when used among patients with non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke of moderate severity.

Erratum to: 36th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine: Brussels, Belgium. 15-18 March 2016

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13054-016-1208-6.].

A Novel Genetic Label for Detection of Specific Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria

A novel method for genetic labelling of specific lactic acid bacteria strains was developed. The approach implied the transformation of the hosts with a plasmid containing a heterologous DNA fragment. The sequence of a DNA fragment that has been used to label a variety of genetically modified (GM) soya was used to design a forward primer and three reverse primers yielding PCR products recognisable by their sizes. Stability of the recombinant plasmid in the transformed strains was studied by PCR, and the results varied significantly depending on the strain. To test the usefulness of the DNA label to study in vivo properties of probiotic bacteria, such as viability after transit through the digestive tract, mice were orally inoculated with a genetically-labelled Enterococcus faecium strain. Later, their faeces were aseptically collected and the genetically-labelled strain was detected among the colonies that grew on MRS agar.

Spatiotemporal characteristics of muscle patterns for ball catching

What sources of information and what control strategies the central nervous system (CNS) uses to perform movements that require accurate sensorimotor coordination, such as catching a flying ball, is still debated. Here we analyzed the EMG waveforms recorded from 16 shoulder and elbow muscles in six subjects during catching of balls projected frontally from a distance of 6 m and arriving at two different heights and with three different flight times (550, 650, 750 ms). We found that a large fraction of the variation in the muscle patterns was captured by two time-varying muscle synergies, coordinated recruitment of groups of muscles with specific activation waveforms, modulated in amplitude and shifted in time according to the ball's arrival height and flight duration. One synergy was recruited with a short and fixed delay from launch time. Remarkably, a second synergy was recruited at a fixed time before impact, suggesting that it is timed according to an accurate time-to-contact estimation. These results suggest that the control of interceptive movements relies on a combination of reactive and predictive processes through the intermittent recruitment of time-varying muscle synergies. Knowledge of the dynamic effect of gravity and drag on the ball may be then implicitly incorporated in a direct mapping of visual information into a small number of synergy recruitment parameters.