A mouse DRG genetic toolkit reveals morphological and physiological diversity of somatosensory neuron subtypes

Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) somatosensory neurons detect mechanical, thermal, and chemical stimuli acting on the body. Achieving a holistic view of how different DRG neuron subtypes relay neural signals from the periphery to the CNS has been challenging with existing tools. Here, we develop and curate a mouse genetic toolkit that allows for interrogating the properties and functions of distinct cutaneous targeting DRG neuron subtypes. These tools have enabled a broad morphological analysis, which revealed distinct cutaneous axon arborization areas and branching patterns of the transcriptionally distinct DRG neuron subtypes. Moreover, in vivo physiological analysis revealed that each subtype has a distinct threshold and range of responses to mechanical and/or thermal stimuli. These findings support a model in which morphologically and physiologically distinct cutaneous DRG sensory neuron subtypes tile mechanical and thermal stimulus space to collectively encode a wide range of natural stimuli.

A DRG genetic toolkit reveals molecular, morphological, and functional diversity of somatosensory neuron subtypes

Mechanical and thermal stimuli acting on the skin are detected by morphologically and physiologically distinct sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Achieving a holistic view of how this diverse neuronal population relays sensory information from the skin to the central nervous system (CNS) has been challenging with existing tools. Here, we used transcriptomic datasets of the mouse DRG to guide development and curation of a genetic toolkit to interrogate transcriptionally defined DRG neuron subtypes. Morphological analysis revealed unique cutaneous axon arborization areas and branching patterns of each subtype. Physiological analysis showed that subtypes exhibit distinct thresholds and ranges of responses to mechanical and/or thermal stimuli. The somatosensory neuron toolbox thus enables comprehensive phenotyping of most principal sensory neuron subtypes. Moreover, our findings support a population coding scheme in which the activation thresholds of morphologically and physiologically distinct cutaneous DRG neuron subtypes tile multiple dimensions of stimulus space.

A narrative review on the non-surgical treatment of chronic postoperative inguinal pain: a challenge for both surgeon and anaesthesiologist

INTRODUCTION

Chronic pain is one of the most frequent clinical problems after inguinal hernia surgery. Despite more than two decades of research and numerous publications, no evidence exists to allow for chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP) specific treatment algorithms.

METHODS

This narrative review presents the current knowledge of the non-surgical management of CPIP and makes suggestions for daily practice.

RESULTS

There is a paucity for high-level evidence of non-surgical options for CPIP. Different treatment options and algorithms have been published for chronic pain patients in the last decades.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

It is suggested that non-surgical treatment is introduced in the management of all CPIP patients. The overall approach to interventions should be pragmatic, tiered and multi-interventional, starting with least invasive and only moving to more invasive procedures upon lack of effect. Evaluation should be multidisciplinary and should take place in specialized centres. We strongly suggest to follow general guidelines for treatment of persistent pain and to build a database allowing for establishing CPIP specific evidence for optimal analgesic treatments.

P-017 A FRAMEWORK FOR MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM MANAGEMENT OF ABDOMINAL WALL RECONSTRUCTION

Aim

Incisional hernias are common and can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Traditionally, abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) has been performed by general surgeons, or those with special interest, often working in isolation. However, there is increasing awareness of pre-optimisation, risk stratification, enhanced training, and personalising treatment using a wide range of techniques.

Methods & Results

For complex and higher-risk procedures, Multidisciplinary team (MDT) management is considered the standard of care for optimising outcomes. The lack of standardised protocols and clear evidence in AWR means that surgical management can vary greatly. This makes the MDT process even more important due to the complexity of the decision-making involved. We describe a successful MDT process for complex abdominal wall reconstruction at a tertiary referral centre. Patients are reviewed at weekly AWR meetings with a multidisciplinary team, which includes consultants, advanced clinical practitioners and trainees. This is an opportunity for objective risk stratification, radiological review and assessment of the patient's goals before preoptimization and operative planning. Prospective data is collected on all patients to allow for quality improvement and service development.

Conclusion

MDT management of abdominal wall hernia is gaining popularity but remains poorly established in most regions. The involvement of surgical colleagues and other specialists is crucial in developing this growing field of surgery. We hope to expand our team to include Radiologists and Nutritionists, with the possibility of extending to regional networks, as we continue to explore new techniques and methods in managing complex abdominal wall hernias.

P-155 ROLE OF MDT IN CPIP MANAGEMENT: LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Chronic Post-operative Inguinal Pain (CPIP), is recognised as a long term condition and has a significant effect on patients’ quality of life. CPIP affects 18–30% of patients after an open inguinal hernia repair and 6% of patients after a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. CPIP result from several causes such as a pre-operative nerve lesion in other area of the body, an intra-operative nerve injury, or due to the intensity of acute post-operative inflammation and healing. a multidisciplinary clinic would be considered the best approach in order to assess patients’ pain and identify an individual management plan. This review allowed the team to choose which literature could be used to support the implementation of the clinical practice change.

Method

Literature searches were performed using PubMed and Embase databases were searched using key terms to include all related articles in the last ten years. three independent reviewers to choose included and excluded articles with two steps.

Results

Out of 25 articles found by the research, 8 articles included in this review including MDT about CPIP, meeting including criteria after the full articles reviewed. it was important to understand the nature and mechanisms of Chronic Post-operative inguinal hernia. several risk factors have been identified, which may be causing CPIP such as young age, recurrent inguinal hernia repair procedure and presence of pain before the procedure. Because of the complexity of CPIP, many authors concluding that a multidisciplinary approach should be considered the more appropriate method to ensure an effective and safe treatment. This include the need of regular follow up after an inguinal hernia repair to identify the chronic pain and establish an appropriate management plan.

Conclusions

Although the literature review enabled the team to gather useful information about the topic of the clinical practice change; it was evident that more researches and studies need to be completed in order to identify the safest and effective treatment for patients presenting with CPIP.

Induction of a colitogenic phenotype in Th1-like cells depends on interleukin-23 receptor signaling

Interleukin-23 receptor plays a critical role in inducing inflammation and autoimmunity. Here, we report that Th1-like cells differentiated in vitro with IL-12 + IL-21 showed similar IL-23R expression to that of pathogenic Th17 cells using eGFP reporter mice. Fate mapping established that these cells did not transition through a Th17 cell state prior to becoming Th1-like cells, and we observed their emergence in vivo in the T cell adoptive transfer colitis model. Using IL-23R-deficient Th1-like cells, we demonstrated that IL-23R was required for the development of a highly colitogenic phenotype. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of intestinal T cells identified IL-23R-dependent genes in Th1-like cells that differed from those expressed in Th17 cells. The perturbation of one of these regulators (CD160) in Th1-like cells inhibited the induction of colitis. We thus uncouple IL-23R as a purely Th17 cell-specific factor and implicate IL-23R signaling as a pathogenic driver in Th1-like cells inducing tissue inflammation.

Stem-like intestinal Th17 cells give rise to pathogenic effector T cells during autoimmunity

While intestinal Th17 cells are critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis, recent studies have implicated their roles in the development of extra-intestinal autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis. However, the mechanisms by which tissue Th17 cells mediate these dichotomous functions remain unknown. Here, we characterized the heterogeneity, plasticity, and migratory phenotypes of tissue Th17 cells in vivo by combined fate mapping with profiling of the transcriptomes and TCR clonotypes of over 84,000 Th17 cells at homeostasis and during CNS autoimmune inflammation. Inter- and intra-organ single-cell analyses revealed a homeostatic, stem-like TCF1+ IL-17+ SLAMF6+ population that traffics to the intestine where it is maintained by the microbiota, providing a ready reservoir for the IL-23-driven generation of encephalitogenic GM-CSF+ IFN-γ+ CXCR6+ T cells. Our study defines a direct in vivo relationship between IL-17+ non-pathogenic and GM-CSF+ and IFN-γ+ pathogenic Th17 populations and provides a mechanism by which homeostatic intestinal Th17 cells direct extra-intestinal autoimmune disease.

Atopic Dermatitis: Disease Characteristics and Comorbidities in Smoking and Nonsmoking Patients from the TREATgermany Registry

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a multifactorial genesis including genetic predispositions and environmental risk and trigger factors. One of the latter possibly is smoking, indicated by an increased prevalence of AD in adults and children that are actively or passively exposed to cigarette smoke.

OBJECTIVES

In this study AD characteristics and its atopic comorbidities are compared in smoking and nonsmoking AD patients.

METHODS

TREATgermany is a non-interventional clinical registry which includes patients with moderate to severe AD in Germany. Baseline data of patients included into TREATgermany from inception in June 2016 to April 2020 in 39 sites across Germany was analyzed comparing AD disease characteristics and comorbidities in smokers versus non-smokers.

RESULTS

Of 921 patients, 908 (male: 58.7%) with a mean age of 41.9 ± 14.4 reported their smoking status. The objective Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (oSCORAD) did not differ between smokers (n=352; 38.8%) and nonsmokers, however lesions' intensity of oozing/crusts and excoriations as well as patient global assessment scores (PGA) of AD severity were higher in smoking as opposed to nonsmoking patients. Smokers reported a lower number of weeks with well-controlled AD and more severe pruritus than nonsmokers. Total IgE levels were more elevated in smokers and they displayed a younger age at initial diagnosis of bronchial asthma. After adjustment for potential confounders, the increased intensity of oozing/crusts, the reduced number of weeks with well-controlled AD and the greater pruritus remained different in smokers compared to nonsmokers. In addition, smoking patients with adult-onset AD showed a 2.5 times higher chance of involvement of the feet.

CONCLUSIONS

German registry data indicate that AD patients who smoke have a higher disease burden with a different distribution pattern of lesions in adult-onset AD.

Microvolt t-wave alternans its clinical significance in the assessment of the risk of sudden cardiac death among patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Summary

Some patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are at significant risk of premature sudden death. Identification of the risk factors may enable effective prevention of adverse cardiac events in these patients. Assessment of the microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) is a recognized non-invasive diagnostic test used in risk stratification of sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, the number of reports on the frequency of occurrence of MTWA in HCM is small. Aim: Evaluation of the prognostic value of MTWA in predicting the risk of arrhythmic events (sudden cardiac death, documented VT/VF, appropriate ICD discharge) in patients with HCM.

Material and methods

122 patients with HCM underwent detailed clinical assessment and ECG- and echocardiographic examination. They underwent 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring, and the following elements were analysed: 1) arrhythmias, 2) heart rate variability (HRV) and the QT segment, 3) the presence of ventricular late potentials (LP), 4) heart rate turbulence (HRT). MTWA assessment was made during a test on a treadmill (Cambridge Heart). In accordance with the adopted criteria, the test was interpreted as negative, positive or indeterminate. Subsequently, positive and indeterminate results were described collectively as MTWA(+) and negative results as MTWA(−). Then the patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 – 57 patients (46,7%) with MTWA(−), and Group 2 – 65 patients (53,2%) with MTWA(+). In order to stratify the risk, the following were adopted as composite primary endpoints: sudden cardiac death or hospitalization for life-threatening arrhythmias (VT/VF), and appropriate ICD discharge.

Results

The mean follow-up period of the patients was 57±8 months; during that time, events that met the criteria for the endpoint occurred in 16 patients. On the basis of univariate analysis, 10 variables with a significant influence on the occurrence of an event were selected (unexplained syncope, NT-proBNP values elevated above 411 pg/ml, size of the left atrium over 44mm, diastolic thickness of the interventricular septum over 25 mm, the presence of MTWA(+), the QRS width >90 msec, QTc >467 msec, QTd >70 msec, SDNN <110 msec, and sinus rhythm turbulence parameters TS <2,9 ms/2RR). These variables were then included in a multivariate analysis. The model from a Cox regression analysis showed that the presence of unexplained syncope (HR=1,4), MTWA(+) (HR=1,5), size of the left atrium over 44mm (HR=5), and the thickness of the interventricular septum over 25 mm (HR=1,5) increased the risk of sudden events.

Conclusions

1) Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy had a significant percentage of positive results of the microvolt T-wave alternans test (MTWA+), 2) Positive MTWA test result in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can help to identify patients at risk of sudden cardiac death.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

321 The Darn Technique for Small (< 2 Cm Diameter) Midline Hernias

Aim

Primary midline hernias arising in the linea alba are common. While mesh repair has been shown to reduce recurrence rates even in small hernias, many surgeons still use a suture repair for defects of less than 2 cm. The recent European and Americas Hernia Societies Guidelines recommended suture repair only for hernias <1 cm. A darn is a tension-free repair where, in effect, a “mesh” is hand-woven across the defect in situ.

Method

Eligible patients undergoing this repair between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2017 were identified from a prospective computer-based medical record system and their case notes reviewed. Inclusion criteria were adult patients with a primary midline abdominal wall defect smaller than 2 cm at the widest point measured intra-operatively. Follow up was by telephone. Those who reported possible recurrence or other symptoms in the region of their repair were reviewed in person.

Results

47 suture-darn repairs were undertaken. Fifteen operations (32%) were performed under local anaesthesia. Forty-one patients were followed up with a mean of 80 ± 35 and median of 87 months after surgery. Six patients (13%) were lost to follow-up. Recurrence was found in two cases (5%) and one patient has since been diagnosed with a new epigastric hernia some 5 cm cranial to the previous repair.

Conclusions

The darn repair for small primary midline hernias is quick and inexpensive with promising long-term results. It can be performed under local anaesthesia. It can serve as an alternative to mesh repair for defects less than 2 cm in maximum dimension.

Algorithm for management of an incarcerated inguinal hernia in the emergency settings with manual reduction. Taxis, the technique and its safety

BACKGROUND

An acute inguinal hernia remains a common emergency surgical condition worldwide. While emergency surgery has a major role to play in treatment of acute hernias, not all patients are fit for emergency surgery, nor are facilities for such surgery always available. Taxis is the manual reduction of incarcerated tissues from the hernia sack to its natural compartment, and can help delay the need for surgery from days to months. The aim of this study was to prepare a safe algorithm for performing manual reduction of incarcerated inguinal hernias in adults.

METHODS

Medline, Scopus, Ovid and Embase were searched for papers related to emergency inguinal hernias and manual reduction. In addition, the British National Formulary and Safe Sedation Practice for Healthcare Procedures: Standards and Guidance were reviewed.

RESULTS

A safe technique of manual reduction of an acute inguinal hernia, called GPS (Gentle, Prepared and Safe) Taxis, is described. It should be performed within 24 h from the onset of a painful irreducible lump in groin, and when concomitant symptoms and signs of bowel strangulation are absent. Conscious sedation guidelines should be followed. The most popular drug combination is of intravenous morphine and short-acting benzodiazepine, both titrated carefully for optimal and safe effect. The dose of drugs must be individualised, and the smallest effective dosage should be used to avoid oversedation. Following successful taxis, the patient should undergo a short period of observation. Urgent surgery can be undertaken during the same admission or up to several weeks later.

CONCLUSIONS

Taxis is a benign/non-invasive method for patients with an acute, non-strangulated inguinal hernias. It likely reduces the risk and complications of anaesthesia and surgery in the emergency settings. GPS Taxis should be considered as first line treatment in the majority of patients presenting with an acute inguinal hernia when existing bowel infarction is unlikely.

Single-cell transcriptome analysis defines heterogeneity of the murine pancreatic ductal tree

To study disease development, an inventory of an organ's cell types and understanding of physiologic function is paramount. Here, we performed single-cell RNA-sequencing to examine heterogeneity of murine pancreatic duct cells, pancreatobiliary cells, and intrapancreatic bile duct cells. We describe an epithelial-mesenchymal transitory axis in our three pancreatic duct subpopulations and identify osteopontin as a regulator of this fate decision as well as human duct cell dedifferentiation. Our results further identify functional heterogeneity within pancreatic duct subpopulations by elucidating a role for geminin in accumulation of DNA damage in the setting of chronic pancreatitis. Our findings implicate diverse functional roles for subpopulations of pancreatic duct cells in maintenance of duct cell identity and disease progression and establish a comprehensive road map of murine pancreatic duct cell, pancreatobiliary cell, and intrapancreatic bile duct cell homeostasis.

Single-cell clonotype tracing of tissue Th17 cells during CNS autoimmunity reveals the conversion of intestinal homeostatic cells to pathogenic cells

At homeostasis, most Th17 cells are found in the lamina propria of the intestine, where they contribute to tissue homeostasis by inhibiting microbiota from tissue invasion and promote barrier functions. Recent studies in humans and mice have implicated intestinal Th17 cells in extra-intestinal autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, but the mechanism in which intestinal Th17 cells mediate these dichotomous functions remains unknown. Here, we combined single-cell RNA- and TCR-seq (scRNA/TCR-seq) with fate mapping of tissue Th17 cells to profile over 84,000 tissue Th17 cells and characterize their heterogeneity, plasticity, and migration at homeostasis and during CNS autoimmunity. We discovered a homeostatic Th17 cell population, that is induced by the intestinal microbiota, is present in both lymphoid organs and the intestine, and expresses IL-17. Joint scRNA- and TCR-seq showed that during EAE this homeostatic population gives rise to a pathogenic Th17 cell population, that migrates specifically through the draining lymph nodes and the spleen to the CNS, and highly expresses GM-CSF and IFNγ, but expresses little or low levels of IL-17. This conversion of homeostatic Th17 cells into encephalitogenic Th17 cells depended on IL-23R signaling. Our work characterizes Th17 heterogeneity, plasticity, and migration during homeostasis and CNS autoimmune disease, identifies a mechanism by which intestinal Th17 cells influence the generation of an autoimmune disease-inducing population, and provides further evidence for a direct relationship between the IL-17-producing and GM-CSF- and IFNγ- producing pathogenic T cells.

Cytokines and transcription factors in the differentiation of CD4+ T helper cell subsets and induction of tissue inflammation and autoimmunity

CD4⁺T helper (Th) cells are critical in homeostasis and host defense but are also central to the development of various autoimmune diseases if they become dysregulated. Specifically, pathogenic Th1 and Th17 cells contribute to autoimmune inflammation whereas Treg and Tr1 cells are important for maintaining immune tolerance and resolution of inflammation, respectively. Cytokines trigger signaling pathways in naive T cells that induce lineage-defining transcription factors that direct their differentiation into the distinct T helper cell subsets. It has become clear that the differentiation of T helper cells is not only influenced by the cytokine milieu but also by their metabolic state, cues from the microbiota and the tissue they reside in. A comprehensive understanding how these various stimuli contribute to T helper cell differentiation and phenotype could potentially provide novel ways for therapeutic intervention in autoimmunity and tissue inflammation.

The darn technique for small (< 2 cm diameter) midline hernias

PURPOSE

Primary midline hernias arising in the linea alba are common. While mesh repair has been shown to reduce recurrence rates even in small hernias, many surgeons still use a suture repair for defects of less than 2 cm. The recent European and Americas Hernia Societies Guidelines recommended suture repair only for hernias smaller than 1 cm. A suture repair implies edge-to-edge or overlapping fascial margins, which necessarily involves tension on the repair. A darn is a tension-free repair where, in effect, a "mesh" is hand-woven across the defect in situ.

METHODS

The darn repair is a modification of the darn techniques for inguinal hernia repair. Eligible patients undergoing this repair at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2017 were identified from a prospective computer-based medical record system and their case notes reviewed. Inclusion criteria were adult patients with a primary midline abdominal wall defect smaller than 2 cm in the widest diameter of the hernia defect measured intra-operatively. Patients were followed up by telephone in 2019. Those who reported possible recurrence or other symptoms in the region of their hernia repair were reviewed in the outpatient clinic.

RESULTS

47 suture-darn repairs were undertaken over the 10-year period. Fifteen of the darn repair operations (32%) were performed under local anaesthesia. Forty-one patients were followed up with a mean of 80 ± 35 and median of 87 months after surgery. Six patients (13%) were lost to follow-up. Recurrence was found in two cases (5%) and one patient has since been diagnosed with a new epigastric hernia some 5 cm cranial to the previous repair.

CONCLUSIONS

The darn repair for small primary midline hernias is quick and inexpensive with promising long-term results. It can be performed under local anaesthesia. It can serve as an alternative to mesh repair for defects less than 2 cm in maximum dimension.

Baseline characteristics, disease severity and treatment history of patients with atopic dermatitis included in the German AD Registry TREATgermany

BACKGROUND

The Atopic Dermatitis (AD) TREATgermany registry was initiated by the German Society for Dermatology (DDG) in 2011 to evaluate the 'real-life' situation of health care for patients with AD.

OBJECTIVES

Interim data analysis on baseline characteristics as well as current and prescribed systemic treatments of the TREATgermany registry patients.

METHODS

Patients (≥18 years) with moderate-to-severe AD [objective (o)SCORAD > 20], or with current or previous anti-inflammatory systemic treatment for AD within 24 months, were included and are followed up over at least 24 months. To assess clinical signs, the eczema area severity index (EASI, 0-72), the oSCORAD (0-83) and the Investigator Global Assessment (IGA; 6-point scale) were used. The disease severity was globally scored by the patients [Patient Global Assessment (PGA); six-step Likert scale]. Disease symptoms were assessed by the patient-oriented eczema measure (POEM, 0-28) and numeric rating scales (NRS, 0-10). Health-related quality of life was measured using the dermatological life quality index (DLQI, 0-30).

RESULTS

A total of 612 patients were recruited across 32 sites between 06/2016 and 01/2019 (mean age: 42.6 ± 14.2 years; mean oSCORAD: 40.8 ± 16.3). The mean POEM score was 16.3 ± 7.5. Pruritus was rated highest among subjective symptoms (NRS: 5.4 ± 2.7). The mean DLQI value was 11.3 ± 7.5. The frequency of arterial hypertension was lower (20.8%) compared with the general population, whilst this was higher for depression (10%). More than 60% of the patients had received systemic glucocorticosteroids, and 36.8% had received cyclosporine A prior to inclusion. Dupilumab was the leading substance documented as either 'current' (12.1%) or 'prescribed' (31.4%) at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

These 'real-life' data clearly demonstrate the substantial disease burden. Most of TREATgermany patients were already treated with or prescribed dupilumab at baseline. Moreover, current findings indicate the urgent need for further alternative agents in order to achieve a perceptible improvement of quality of life of patients with moderate-to-severe AD.

Current trends in hernia surgery in NHS England

BACKGROUND

Mesh is recommended for the repair of most hernias when prevention of recurrence is the primary endpoint. However, mesh may be associated with increased complications for the patient. The aim of this study was to quantify the use of mesh for abdominal wall hernia surgery in NHS England in recent years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The NHS Digital Secondary Uses Service database for 2016/17 and 2017/18 was interrogated for numbers of patient undergoing elective primary hernia surgery. Using the specific hernia code inguinal (T201-9), umbilical (T241-9), incisional (T251-9) and other abdominal wall hernia (T271-9), the use of mesh or suture repair was determined. Recurrent and emergency hernia surgery were excluded. All data were provided by NHS RightCare.

RESULTS

There are almost 100,000 hernia repairs performed annually in NHS England. For every four hernias, three are repaired with mesh. The percentage repaired by mesh varies by hernia type. Mesh repairs in inguinal, umbilical and incisional hernias accounted for 95%, 50% and 82%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Mesh repair for all hernia types is more common than suture repair. However, for umbilical and other abdominal wall hernias, a significant proportion are repaired without the use of mesh.

Schwann cells promote post-traumatic nerve inflammation and neuropathic pain through MHC class II

The activation of T helper cells requires antigens to be exposed on the surface of antigen presenting cells (APCs) via MHC class II (MHC-II) molecules. Expression of MHC-II is generally limited to professional APCs, but other cell types can express MHC-II under inflammatory conditions. However, the importance of these conditional APCs is unknown. We and others have previously shown that Schwann cells are potentially conditional APCs, but the functional relevance of MHC-II expression by Schwann cells has not been studied in vivo. Here, we conditionally deleted the MHC-II β-chain from myelinating Schwann cells in mice and investigated how this influenced post-traumatic intraneural inflammation and neuropathic pain using the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. We demonstrate that deletion of MHC-II in myelinating Schwann cells reduces thermal hyperalgesia and, to a lesser extent, also diminishes mechanical allodynia in CCI in female mice. This was accompanied by a reduction of intraneural CD4+ T cells and greater preservation of preferentially large-caliber axons. Activation of T helper cells by MHC-II on Schwann cells thus promotes post-traumatic axonal loss and neuropathic pain. Hence, we provide experimental evidence that Schwann cells gain antigen-presenting function in vivo and modulate local immune responses and diseases in the peripheral nerves.

H1-antihistamine-refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria: it's worse than we thought - first results of the multicenter real-life AWARE study

BACKGROUND

Most data on chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) originate from highly selected patient populations treated at specialized centres. Little is known about CSU patient characteristics and the burden of CSU in routine clinical practice. AWARE (A World-wide Antihistamine-Refractory chronic urticaria patient Evaluation) is an ongoing global study designed to assess chronic urticaria in the real-life setting.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the baseline characteristics of the first 1539 German AWARE patients with H1-antihistamine-refractory CSU.

METHODS

This prospective non-interventional study included patients (18-75 years) with a diagnosis of H1-antihistamine-refractory CSU for > 2 months. Baseline demographic and disease characteristics, comorbidities, and pharmacological treatments were recorded. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the dermatology life quality index (DLQI), chronic urticaria QoL questionnaire (CU-Q₂ oL), and angioedema QoL questionnaire (AE-QoL, in cases of angioedema). Previous healthcare resource utilization and sick leave data were collected retrospectively.

RESULTS

Between March and December 2014, 1539 patients were assessed in 256 sites across Germany. The percentage of females, mean age, and mean body mass index were 70%, 46.3 years, and 27 kg/m² , respectively. The mean urticaria control test score was 7.9, one in two patients had angioedema, and the most frequent comorbidities were chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU; 24%), allergic rhinitis (18.2%), hypertension (18.1%), asthma (12%), and depression (9.5%). Overall, 57.6% of patients were receiving at least one pharmacological treatment including second-generation H1-antihistamines (46.3%), first-generation H1-antihistamines (9.1%), and corticosteroids (15.8%). The mean DLQI, total CU-Q₂ oL, and total AE-QoL scores were 8.3, 36.2, and 46.8, respectively. CSU patients reported frequent use of healthcare resources, including emergency services (29.7%), general practitioners (71.9%), and additional allergists or dermatologists (50.7%).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study reveals that German H1-antihistamine-refractory CSU patients have high rates of uncontrolled disease, angioedema, and comorbid CIndU, are undertreated, have impaired QoL, and rely heavily on healthcare resources.

[Differentiated application of recommended guideline techniques for treatment of inguinal hernia]

The new worldwide guidelines of all international hernia societies only recommend the mesh-based methods TEP, TAPP and Lichtenstein. The best mesh-free technique, the Shouldice operation, should only be used if the patient has declined the use of a mesh or no mesh is available. The systematic use of the Shouldice technique for smaller inguinal hernias and younger men should be confined to study settings. A tailored approach should be taken for mesh-based procedures to minimize the risk to patients. Due to lower pain rates the laparoendoscopic techniques TEP and TAPP are the methods of choice for primary male unilateral inguinal hernia. They are also preferred for female patients as they improve the diagnostics of femoral hernias as well as for bilateral inguinal hernias in female and male patients. The Lichtenstein operation tends to be recommended for scrotal hernia, following previous pelvic surgery, vascular surgery, liver cirrhosis, radiotherapy and intolerance of general anesthesia. This also applies for recurrent hernia following a previous laparoendoscopic primary operation. Similarly, recurrent hernia after a primary suture or mesh procedure should be repaired using the TEP or TAPP technique. In emergency procedures for incarceration the diagnostic superiority of laparoscopy and the ability to reposition the incarcerated organs should be utilized. The inguinal hernia can then be repaired at the same time or later depending on whether there is any local infection.

Effects of high and low sodium diet on blood pressure and heart rate in mice lacking the functional grainyhead-like 1 gene

Hypertension is a major health problem throughout the world because of its high prevalence and its association with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Two independent studies discovered a locus conferring susceptibility to essential hypertension on chromosome 2, in the 2p25 region, but the causative gene remains unknown. Grainyhead-like 1 (GRHL1) is one of the genes located in this region. Our experiments determined that the Grhl1 -null mice, when fed standard diet, have the same blood pressure as their wild type littermate controls. However, we discovered that blood pressure of these mice increases following high sodium diet and decreases when they are fed low sodium diet, and similar effects were not observed in the control wild type littermates. This suggests that the Grhl1 -null mice are sensitive to the development of salt-sensitive hypertension. Thus it is possible that the GRHL1 gene is involved in the regulation of blood pressure, and it may be the causative gene for the locus of susceptibility to essential hypertension in the 2p25 region.

Addressing aquatic hazard classification for metals, metal compounds and alloys in marine systems

New International Maritime Organization regulations require shippers to classify all solid bulk cargo to indicate whether they are Harmful to the Marine Environment (HME). The objective of this work was to adapt the freshwater Transformation/Dissolution Protocol (T/DP) to marine water to provide a method to determine, when compared with marine Ecotoxicity Reference Values (ERVs), whether a metal-bearing substance is HME. The substances examined were: Cu2O powder; Ni metal powder; Co3O4 powder; and a Ni-Co-Fe alloy, as wire cuttings, which were the same substances examined in the freshwater T/D validation study and afforded comparisons of the reactivity, or measure of the rate and extent of metal release from the metal-bearing substances in freshwater versus marine conditions. The marine T/D method is suitable for conducting examinations of metal-bearing substances with a wide range of reactivities, from the relatively reactive Cu2O powder and the alloy to the Co3O4 powder, which was the least reactive.

RBPJ Controls Development of Pathogenic Th17 Cells by Regulating IL-23 Receptor Expression

Interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing helper T cells (Th17 cells) play an important role in autoimmune diseases. However, not all Th17 cells induce tissue inflammation or autoimmunity. Th17 cells require IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) signaling to become pathogenic. The transcriptional mechanisms controlling the pathogenicity of Th17 cells and IL-23R expression are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the canonical Notch signaling mediator RBPJ is a key driver of IL-23R expression. In the absence of RBPJ, Th17 cells fail to upregulate IL-23R, lack stability, and do not induce autoimmune tissue inflammation in vivo, whereas overexpression of IL-23R rescues this defect and promotes pathogenicity of RBPJ-deficient Th17 cells. RBPJ binds and trans-activates the Il23r promoter and induces IL-23R expression and represses anti-inflammatory IL-10 production in Th17 cells. We thus find that Notch signaling influences the development of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Th17 cells by reciprocally regulating IL-23R and IL-10 expression.

The New 3D Printed Left Atrial Appendage Closure with a Novel Holdfast Device: A Pre-Clinical Feasibility Animal Study

INTRODUCTION

Many patients undergoing cardiac surgery have risk factors for both atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke. The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the primary site for thrombi formation. The most severe complication of emboli derived from LAA is stroke, which is associated with a 12-month mortality rate of 38% and a 12-month recurrence rate of 17%. The most common form of treatment for atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention is the pharmacological therapy with anticoagulants. Nonetheless this form of therapy is associated with high risk of major bleeding. Therefore LAA occlusion devices should be tested for their ability to reduce future cerebral ischemic events in patients with high-risk of haemorrhage.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a novel left atrial appendage exclusion device with a minimally invasive introducer in a swine model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A completely novel LAA device, which is composed of two tubes connected together using a specially created bail, was designed using finite element modelling (FEM) to obtain an optimal support force of 36 N at the closure line. The monolithic form of the occluder was obtained by using additive manufacturing of granular PA2200 powder with the technology of selective laser sintering (SLS). Fifteen swine were included in the feasibility tests, with 10 animals undergoing fourteen days of follow-up and 5 animals undergoing long-term observation of 3 months. For one animal, the follow-up was further prolonged to 6 months. The device was placed via minithoracotomy. After the observation period, all of the animals were euthanized, and their hearts were tested for LAA closure and local inflammatory and tissue response.

RESULTS

After the defined observation period, all fifteen hearts were explanted. In all cases the full closure of the LAA was achieved. The macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of the explanted hearts showed that all devices were securely integrated in the surrounding tissues. No pericarditis or macroscopic signs of inflammation at the site of the device were found. All pigs were in good condition with normal weight gain and no other clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSION

This novel 3D printed left atrial appendage closure technique with a novel holdfast device was proven to be safe and feasible in all pigs. A benign healing process without inflammation and damage to the surrounding structures or evidence of new thrombi formation was observed. Moreover, the uncomplicated survival and full LAA exclusion in all animals demonstrate the efficacy of this novel and relatively cheap device. Further clinical evaluation and implementation studies should be performed to introduce this new technology into clinical practice.

Abstract P2-02-13: EpCAM-independent enrichment approach for isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in breast cancer - What can be found in the EpCAM-depleted fraction?

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are the potential precursors of metastatic disease. Many assays have been established for the enumeration of CTCs. However, major limitations include the reliance on the expression of the cell surface marker epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). These approaches may not detect CTCs that either express no/low levels of EpCAM or undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We present an enrichment strategy combining different antibodies specific for surface proteins and extracellular matrix (ECM) components to capture EpCAMneg cell lines and EpCAMneg CTCs from EpCAM-depleted breast cancer blood samples. Expression of proteins (Trop2, CD49f, cMet, CK8, CD44, ADAM8, CD146, TEM8, CD47) was verified by immunofluorescence on EpCAM-positive (e.g. MCF7, SKBR3) and -negative (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cell lines; antibodies and ECM proteins (e.g. hyaluronic acid (HA), collagen I, laminin) were further spotted in a single- and multi-arrayed format onto glass slides (Schott, NEXTERION® AL) and coupled to immunomagnetic beads (Dynabeads/Adembeads). Tumor cell adhesion of EpCAMpos/neg cell lines was visualized by Coomassie/MitoTracker; EpCAMneg CTCs enriched via functionalized Adem-/Dynabeads were identified by immunofluorescence staining for anti-pan-Cytokeratin(CK)-FITC/anti-CD45 AF647/DAPI and quantified manually by microscopy. Regarding cell lines, marginal binding of EpCAMneg MDA-MB-231 cells to EpCAM-antibodies could be observed. Efficient adhesion/capturing of EpCAMneg cells could be achieved via HA and immobilized antibodies against CD49f and Trop2. By analyzing 29 EpCAM-depleted fractions from 25 metastatic breast cancer patients, we were able to identify EpCAMneg CTCs in 69% of the samples [range 1-24] applying Trop2, CD49f, cMet, CK8 and/or HA magnetic enrichment. Accessorily, EpCAMneg dual-positive (CKpos/CD45pos) cells could be traced in 28 out of 29 samples [range 1-480]. Herein, we demonstrate an enhanced enrichment strategy to optimize capturing of EpCAMneg CTCs by targeting various cell surface antigens with antibody mixtures and ECM components. Thereby, potential relevant CTCs can be gathered and subjected to subsequent molecular analysis.

Citation Format: Fehm T, Schneck H, Gierke B, Pawlak M, Templin M, Niederacher D, Neubauer H. EpCAM-independent enrichment approach for isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in breast cancer - What can be found in the EpCAM-depleted fraction?. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-02-13.

The genetic background of climacteric symptoms in women during menopause

The subject of the study is the evaluation of the correlation between the polymorphism of candidate genes in the etiology of depression and the occurrence of the symptoms of the climacteric syndrome in women during menopause. The group subjected to the study comprised of 203 women aged between 42-65 years: 71 of them still menstruated (premenopausal group) and 132 at least one year after the last period (postmenopausal group), admitted to the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology at the University of Medical Sciences in Poznan with symptoms of the climacteric syndrome All the examined women were evaluated according to the degree of severity of the climacteric syndrome symptoms using the Kupperman index and the concentration of FSH, LH hormones, 17β-estradiol, PRL, total testosterone, and DHEAS in peripheral blood serum. Among the candidate genes in the aetiology of depression the following were selected for the research: the serotonergic system receptor genes: 5HTR2A, 5HTR1B, 5HTR2C, TPH 1, TPH2, and MAO-A; the genes of noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems (COMT, NET), the genes of the GABAergic (GABRBl) system, a gene of the estrogen receptor (ESR1), and the genes of the enzymes crucial in the methyl cycle (MTHRF, MTR, and MTHFD1). With regards to the correlation between the examined polymorphisms and the occurrence of the symptoms of the climacteric syndrome, the associations analysis indicated a connection between GABRBl.TaqI polymorphism and the occurrence of vertigo in premenopausal women (0.0198; after correction: 0.0497 CC to CA). The correlation was also found regarding the examined polymorphisms and the concentration of the examined hormones in blood serum: TPH1.MaeI polymorphism and the LH concentration in the postmenopausal group (0.004; after correction: 0.014 CC to CA), NET.Eco1471 polymorphism, and the 17β-estradiol concentration in the postmenopausal group (0.0208; after correction: 0.048 GG to GA) and HTR2AMspI polymorphism and PRL concentration in all examined women (0.03; after correction: 0.038 TT to CT).

The improvement of hirsutism and the decrease of testosterone concentration in the peripheral blood serum after removing an endometrioid ovarian cyst

The study describes the case of a patient, in which as a result of removing an endometrioid ovarian cyst, there was an improvement as regards hirsutism and the decrease of testosterone concentration in the serum of peripheral blood.

Depressive symptoms' pattern in postmenopausal women

The study was conducted to elucidate the problem of depressive symptoms' pattern in climacteric women. The study included 128 postmenopausal women aged 47-65 years admitted to the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Science because of climacteric symptoms. The authors assessed the intensity of climacteric symptoms with the Kupperman index and the severit of depressive symptoms with the Hamilton depression scale. They measured BMI of all studied women. The average score of the Hami ton scale in the studied group was 11 points (SD ± 7 points). No depressive symptoms were found in 40 (31.2%) of the study participants. A slight increase in the severity of the depression symptoms was found in 64 (50%) and 23 (29.9%) displayed depressive symptoms at moderate severity, while one (1.3%) study participant was diagnosed with very severe depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms observe most often were: somatic symptoms of anxiety and fear experienced in 90 (70.2%), light and interrupted sleep reported in 88 (68.6%), an general symptoms in 88 (68.6%) of the study participants.

CD5L/AIM Regulates Lipid Biosynthesis and Restrains Th17 Cell Pathogenicity

Th17 cells play a critical role in host defense against extracellular pathogens and tissue homeostasis but can induce autoimmunity. The mechanisms implicated in balancing "pathogenic" and "non-pathogenic" Th17 cell states remain largely unknown. We used single-cell RNA-seq to identify CD5L/AIM as a regulator expressed in non-pathogenic, but not in pathogenic Th17 cells. Although CD5L does not affect Th17 differentiation, it is a functional switch that regulates the pathogenicity of Th17 cells. Loss of CD5L converts non-pathogenic Th17 cells into pathogenic cells that induce autoimmunity. CD5L mediates this effect by modulating the intracellular lipidome, altering fatty acid composition and restricting cholesterol biosynthesis and, thus, ligand availability for Rorγt, the master transcription factor of Th17 cells. Our study identifies CD5L as a critical regulator of the Th17 cell functional state and highlights the importance of lipid metabolism in balancing immune protection and disease induced by T cells.

Pregnancy after ovarian wedge resection in a polycystic ovarian patient after laparoscopic ovarian cauterization

The authors present a case of a pregnancy after ovarian wedge resection by laparotomy after unsuccessful ovarian drilling. A 28-year- old patient was admitted to the present outpatient clinic because of infertility, secondary amenorrhea, and hirsutism. Three years prior she had undergone laparoscopic ovarian drilling with no effect on menstrual pattern and fertility. After clinical and ultrasonographic ex- aminations, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) was diagnosed and consequently laparotomy with ovarian wedge resection was de- cided upon. Six weeks later patient was diagnosed with an early pregnancy.

Photodynamic optical sensor for buffer capacity and pH based on hydrogel-incorporated spiropyran

The kinetics of a light activated proton extraction correlates with the buffer capacity of a sample at a given pH.