Inhomogeneous Photosusceptibility of VO_{2} Films at the Nanoscale

Pump-probe nano-optical experiments were used to study the light-induced insulator to metal transition (IMT) in thin films of vanadium dioxide (VO_{2}), a prototypical correlated electron system. We show that inhomogeneous optical contrast is prompted by spatially uniform photoexcitation, indicating an inhomogeneous photosusceptibility of VO_{2}. We locally characterize temperature and time dependent variations of the photoexcitation threshold necessary to induce the IMT on picosecond timescales with hundred nanometer spatial resolution. We separately measure the critical temperature T_{L}, where the IMT onsets and the local transient electronic nano-optical contrast at the nanoscale. Our data reveal variations in the photosusceptibility of VO_{2} within nanoscopic regions characterized by the same critical temperature T_{L} where metallic domains can first nucleate.

A quality appraisal of economic evaluations of community water fluoridation: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To critically appraise the methodological conduct and reporting quality of economic evaluations (EE) of community water fluoridation (CWF).

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in general databases and specialist directories of the economic literature. The Consensus on Health Economic Criteria list (CHEC) appraised the methodological quality while the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) assessed the reporting quality of included studies.

RESULTS

A total of 1,138 records were identified, of which 18 met the inclusion criteria. Cost analysis emerged as the most prevalent type of EE, though a growing trend towards conducting full EEs is observed. CHEC revealed the items most frequently unfulfilled were the study design, measurement and valuation of costs and outcomes, while CHEERS also identified reporting deficiencies in these aspects. Furthermore, the review highlights subtleties in methodological aspects that may not be discerned by CHEC, such as the estimation of the impact of fluoridation and the inclusion of treatment savings within cost estimates.

CONCLUSIONS

While numerous studies were conducted before publication of these assessment instruments, this review reveals that a noteworthy subset of studies exhibited good methodological conduct and reporting quality. There has been a steady improvement in the methodological and reporting quality over time, with recently published EEs largely adhering to best practice guidelines. The evidence presented will assist policymakers in leveraging the available evidence effectively to inform resource allocation decisions. It may also serve as a resource for researchers to enhance the methodological and reporting standards of future EEs of CWF.

"I want to see them thrive!": exploring health service research priorities for young Aboriginal children growing up in Alice Springs - a qualitative study

To better understand the specific influences of early life on the long-term health and well-being of local Aboriginal children in Alice Springs, high-quality local longitudinal data is required. The Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute are exploring the feasibility of establishing a cohort study to fill this gap. A nested qualitative study was conducted to identify priority issues that can be translated into research questions answerable through the proposed cohort study. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with a range of key community stakeholders, parents and caregivers of young Aboriginal children from Alice Springs in the Northern Territory between 2020 and 2021. Two Aboriginal and two non-Aboriginal researchers conducted 27 interviews and 3 FGDs with 42 participants. Three broad themes were constructed through reflexive thematic analysis representing the areas of focus community stakeholders and parents want future research to prioritise: (1) social determinants of health (2) building positive connections, and (3) making sure kids grow up strong and healthy. Priority setting for future research should be driven by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in order to be of practical benefit to their community. This qualitative study found that housing, transport and positive connections through nurturing and engaged parents were some of the most important issues raised. Participants also wanted future research to focus on issues specific to children such as nutrition, hearing loss, language development and capacity to learn. These findings will guide future work led by local Aboriginal researchers to co-design the proposed cohort study.

The effects of short-term, progressive exercise training on disease activity in smouldering multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance: a single-arm pilot study

BACKGROUND

High levels of physical activity are associated with reduced risk of the blood cancer multiple myeloma (MM). MM is preceded by the asymptomatic stages of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM) which are clinically managed by watchful waiting. A case study (N = 1) of a former elite athlete aged 44 years previously indicated that a multi-modal exercise programme reversed SMM disease activity. To build from this prior case study, the present pilot study firstly examined if short-term exercise training was feasible and safe for a group of MGUS and SMM patients, and secondly investigated the effects on MGUS/SMM disease activity.

METHODS

In this single-arm pilot study, N = 20 participants diagnosed with MGUS or SMM were allocated to receive a 16-week progressive exercise programme. Primary outcome measures were feasibility and safety. Secondary outcomes were pre- to post-exercise training changes to blood biomarkers of MGUS and SMM disease activity- monoclonal (M)-protein and free light chains (FLC)- plus cardiorespiratory and functional fitness, body composition, quality of life, blood immunophenotype, and blood biomarkers of inflammation.

RESULTS

Fifteen (3 MGUS and 12 SMM) participants completed the exercise programme. Adherence was 91 ± 11%. Compliance was 75 ± 25% overall, with a notable decline in compliance at intensities > 70% V̇O2PEAK. There were no serious adverse events. There were no changes to M-protein (0.0 ± 1.0 g/L, P =.903), involved FLC (+ 1.8 ± 16.8 mg/L, P =.839), or FLC difference (+ 0.2 ± 15.6 mg/L, P =.946) from pre- to post-exercise training. There were pre- to post-exercise training improvements to diastolic blood pressure (- 3 ± 5 mmHg, P =.033), sit-to-stand test performance (+ 5 ± 5 repetitions, P =.002), and energy/fatigue scores (+ 10 ± 15%, P =.026). Other secondary outcomes were unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

A 16-week progressive exercise programme was feasible and safe, but did not reverse MGUS/SMM disease activity, contrasting a prior case study showing that five years of exercise training reversed SMM in a 44-year-old former athlete. Longer exercise interventions should be explored in a group of MGUS/SMM patients, with measurements of disease biomarkers, along with rates of disease progression (i.e., MGUS/SMM to MM).

REGISTRATION

https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN65527208 (14/05/2018).

The effect of progesterone concentrations during superovulation of Holstein heifers in a randomized trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different progesterone (P4) concentrations during the follicular growth on the intensity of estrous expression, ovarian response to the superovulatory treatment, and embryo production and quality in superovulated heifers. A total of 63 Holstein heifers were randomly assigned into 2 experimental groups: Low P4 (n = 31) and High P4 (n = 32). Animals received a pre-synchronization protocol followed by a protocol of superovulation that included the allocated P4 treatment. Activity was monitored continuously by an automated activity monitor, and estrus characteristics (maximum intensity and duration) were recorded. Embryo collection was performed 7 d post artificial insemination (AI). Embryos were counted and graded from good or excellent (1) to degenerated (4). The outcomes of interest were: number and diameter of follicles at the time of AI, ovulation success (confirmed 7 d post-AI), time to estrus event, maximum intensity and duration of estrus, number and quality of embryos. Data were analyzed according to the type of outcome variable using logistic, linear, or Poisson regression models. A total of 105 embryos (High P4: n = 42; Low P4: n = 63) were graded for quality. Different P4 levels did not affect the maximum intensity (High P4 = 497.8 ± 23.9%; Low P4 = 542.2 ± 23.5%) or the duration (High P4 = 13.5 ± 1.5 h; Low P4 = 14.3 ± 1.4 h) of estrus. Heifers in the High P4 treatment had greater number of follicles at time of AI (High P4 = 16.6 ± 1.6 follicles; Low P4 = 13.9 ± 1.2 follicles), but with smaller diameter (High P4 = 11.3 ± 0.1 mm; Low P4 = 12.0 ± 0.1 mm) compared with Low P4. High P4 heifers tended to have better embryo quality compared with Low P4 heifers (odds ratio = 1.98; 95% CI = 0.90-4.35). High P4 heifers had less embryos than Low P4 heifers, but this was modified by the CIDR (intravaginal implant of P4) removal to estrus interval (interval 0-21 h: mean ratio = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.42-1.87; interval 22-46 h: mean ratio = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.27-0.96). Although estrous expression was not associated with embryo quality, as the duration and the maximum intensity of estrous expression increased, the number of embryos recovered 7 d post-AI increased (duration: mean ratio = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.03-1.05; maximum intensity: mean ratio = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.42-1.58). In conclusion, P4 during the follicular growth, and intensity of estrus, are playing a role in regulating the quality and the number of embryos produced by superovulated heifers. This study was supported by contributions from Resilient Dairy Genome Project and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.

A Survey Study of Practice Patterns in Management of Very Early Small Cell Lung Cancer in Canada

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the gold standard in management of limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC). Local therapy with surgery or stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT), followed by adjuvant chemotherapy may be appropriate in patients with very early (T1-T2, N0) disease. This study aimed to determine practice patterns for very early LS-SCLC among lung cancer specialists in Canada.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A survey was developed and distributed to Canadian medical and radiation oncologists specializing in lung cancer. The survey consisted of three sections: 1) physician demographics, 2) general practice approach, and 3) preferred approach for three clinical scenarios (1: a peripheral T1 lesion; 2: a central T1 lesion; 3: a peripheral T2 lesion). Responses were analyzed to detect differences in management across cases and among various physician groups.

RESULTS

A total of 77 physicians participated. In case 1, when the patient was eligible for surgery, most respondents (73%) chose surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy as their preferred management, with only 19% choosing CRT. CRT was selected by a higher proportion in case 2 (48%) and case 3 (61%) (p<0.05). If medically operable, most chose CRT over SBRT and adjuvant chemotherapy in all cases. CRT was significantly more popular in case 2 (84%) and case 3 (86%) than in case 1 (55%) (p<0.05). Subgroup analysis showed physicians from Western Canadian were more likely to choose CRT, those from Ontario were more likely to offer SBRT, and those who have spent longer in practice were more likely to choose CRT over local therapy.

CONCLUSION

There is no clear consensus regarding optimal management of patients with very early LS-SCLC among specialists in Canada, with significant variations in practice patterns. CRT remains the most popular strategy in most cases, with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy preferred for small peripheral lesions. Increasing size of tumor as well as more central location are factors that drive physicians towards choosing CRT. Variation in practice is correlated to region of the country and to physician experience.

Attempted suicide: does lethality matter?

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether high-lethality suicide attempters align to the demographic and clinical features observed in completed suicide in the national and international literature, and whether low-lethality attempters more closely align with the clinical profile of non-attempter ideators.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of adult suicide ideators and attempters presenting to an urban tertiary care hospital was performed. Suicide ideators (n = 50) and attempters (n = 50) were coded for variables including demographics and clinical characteristics (e.g. psychiatric diagnosis and previous suicide attempt). Method and lethality of suicide attempt were coded using the medical Lethality Rating Scale.

RESULTS

High-lethality attempters were more likely to be younger in age than low-lethality attempters (p = 0.026) and ideators (p = 0.041). The lethality scores of suicide attempts were significantly inversely correlated with age (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study adds to the small but increasing body of literature investigating the characteristics of high-lethality suicide attempters and suggests younger adult age is a risk factor for a high-lethality attempt. Further understanding of this unique group would be aided by widespread agreement on the definition of a high-lethality suicide attempt and longitudinal studies of this cohort.

Invited review: Iodine level in dairy products-A feed-to-fork overview

The theme of iodine in the dairy sector is of particular interest due to the involvement and the interconnection of several stakeholders along the dairy food chain. Iodine plays a fundamental role in animal nutrition and physiology, and in cattle it is an essential micronutrient during lactation and for fetal development and the calf's growth. Its correct use in food supplementation is crucial to guarantee the animal's recommended daily requirement to avoid excess intake and long-term toxicity. Milk iodine is fundamental for public health, being one of the major sources of iodine in Mediterranean and Western diets. Public authorities and the scientific community have made great efforts to address how and to what extent different drivers may affect milk iodine concentration. The scientific literature concurs that the amount of iodine administered through animal feed and mineral supplements is the most important factor affecting its concentration in milk of most common dairy species. Additionally, farming practices related to milking (e.g., use of iodized teat sanitizers), herd management (e.g., pasture vs. confinement), and other environmental factors (e.g., seasonality) have been identified as sources of variation of milk iodine concentration. Overall, the aim of this review is to provide a multilevel overview on the mechanisms that contribute to the iodine concentration of milk and dairy products.

HBM4EU feasibility studies: Lessons learned in combining health and human biomonitoring studies

Background

The European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) is a program protecting humans from the health effects of chemicals. The goal of HBM4EU is to make use of human biomonitoring (HBM) to assess human exposure to chemicals in Europe to better understand the associated health effects for citizens and to improve chemical risk assessment. Harmonisation and sustainable implementation of the HBM programme across Europe are important aims. In parallel to HBM studies, health examination surveys (HESs), dietary surveys, and disease specific health surveys are conducted in many European countries. In HESs, information collected by questionnaire(s) is supplemented with physical examinations and analysis of biomarkers from biological samples. HBM and HES use similar sample and data collection methods and infrastructures hence combining the two is being explored.

Methods

Within HBM4EU, three feasibility studies (Finland, Germany, and UK/England) were conducted to evaluate opportunities and obstacles in combining HBM and health studies. We describe the contents and differences of these feasibility studies, and discuss the matters of shared benefits, obstacles, and lessons learned.

Results

Benefits of combining HBM and HESs include the use of shared infrastructures, participants receiving additional health information from HES, and higher participation rates. Obstacles can be encountered when obtaining ethical approval and during time-consuming and complicated preparatory phases. Recruitment of participants and low participation rates are common concerns and designing participant-friendly questionnaires is important. Unexpected events such as the COVID-19 pandemic can cause challenges to studies. Furthermore, experiences from several countries demonstrated that long-term funding for combined studies can be difficult to obtain.

Conclusions

In the future, incorporating HBM modules into HESs can provide a feasible and cost-effective method to conduct HBM studies.

Key messages

• The European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) protects humans from the health effects of chemicals in Europe. HBM4EU uses human biomonitoring (HBM) to evaluate human exposure to chemicals.

• In addition to HBM studies, health examination surveys (HESs) are conducted. In the future, incorporating HBM modules into HESs can provide a feasible and cost-effective method to conduct HBM studies.

Evaluation of prognostic risk models for postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a systematic review and international external validation cohort study

BACKGROUND

Stratifying risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery allows clinicians to modify risk through targeted interventions and enhanced monitoring. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate prognostic models against a new consensus definition of postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and international external validation cohort study. The systematic review was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 1, 2020, for articles published in English that reported on risk prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. External validation of existing models was done within a prospective international cohort study of adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing major abdominal surgery. Data were collected between Jan 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Discriminative ability and prognostic accuracy summary statistics were compared between models for the 30-day postoperative pulmonary complication rate as defined by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine Core Outcome Measures in Perioperative and Anaesthetic Care (StEP-COMPAC). Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC).

FINDINGS

In total, we identified 2903 records from our literature search; of which, 2514 (86·6%) unique records were screened, 121 (4·8%) of 2514 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 29 unique prognostic models were identified. Nine (31·0%) of 29 models had score development reported only, 19 (65·5%) had undergone internal validation, and only four (13·8%) had been externally validated. Data to validate six eligible models were collected in the international external validation cohort study. Data from 11 591 patients were available, with an overall postoperative pulmonary complication rate of 7·8% (n=903). None of the six models showed good discrimination (defined as AUROCC ≥0·70) for identifying postoperative pulmonary complications, with the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score showing the best discrimination (AUROCC 0·700 [95% CI 0·683-0·717]).

INTERPRETATION

In the pre-COVID-19 pandemic data, variability in the risk of pulmonary complications (StEP-COMPAC definition) following major abdominal surgery was poorly described by existing prognostication tools. To improve surgical safety during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and beyond, novel risk stratification tools are required.

FUNDING

British Journal of Surgery Society.

A pilot randomised controlled trial of befriending by volunteers in people with intellectual disability and depressive symptoms

BACKGROUND

People with intellectual disability (ID) are more likely to experience chronic depression compared with the general population, which may be compounded by loneliness and lower levels of social support. Befriending aims to provide social support and promote engagement in community activities. No randomised controlled trials have examined whether befriending improves symptoms of depression and social outcomes in people with ID. The aim of this pilot trial was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a future larger trial of one-to-one befriending by volunteers in people with ID and depressive symptoms.

METHODS

Participants were adults with mild or moderate ID with a score of 5 or more on the Glasgow Depression Scale for People with Learning Disabilities (GDS-LD). They were randomised to the intervention arm (matched to a volunteer befriender for 6 months) or the control arm (usual care). Volunteers received training and supervision provided by two community befriending schemes. The main outcomes were feasibility of recruitment (minimum target n = 35), retention rate of participants, adherence (minimum 10 meetings), acceptability of the intervention, changes in depressive symptoms (assessed at baseline and 6 months) and feasibility of collecting data for a health economic analysis.

RESULTS

Recruitment was challenging, and only 16 participants with ID and 10 volunteers were recruited. Six participants were matched with a volunteer and no participants dropped out (except for two volunteers). Four participants completed 10 meetings (mean 11.8). Befriending was thought to be acceptable, but modifications were suggested. An exploratory analysis suggested that GDS-LD score was lower in the intervention group compared with the control group after adjusting for baseline scores, but not significant (adjusted mean difference: -4.0; 95% confidence interval: -11.2 to 3.2).

CONCLUSIONS

A large trial would not be feasible based on the recruitment strategies employed in this study. A further feasibility study addressing these challenges or the use of other study designs should be considered.

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Effect of Genioglossus Muscle Strengthening on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Outcomes

The genioglossus is a major upper airway dilator muscle. Our goal was to assess the efficacy of upper airway muscle training on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as an adjunct treatment. Sixty-eight participants with OSA (AHI > 10/h) were recruited from our clinic. They fall into the following categories: (a) Treated with Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP), (n = 21), (b) Previously failed APAP therapy (Untreated), (n = 25), (c) Treated with Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS), (n = 22). All subjects were given a custom-made tongue strengthening device. We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled study examining the effect of upper airway muscle training. In each subgroup, subjects were randomized to muscle training (volitional protrusion against resistance) or sham group (negligible resistance), with a 1:1 ratio over 3 months of treatment. In the baseline and the final visit, subjects completed home sleep apnea testing, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), SF-36 (36-Item Short Form Survey), and Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT). Intervention (muscle training) did not affect the AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index), (p-values > 0.05). Based on PSQI, ESS, SF-36 scores, and PVT parameters, the changes between the intervention and sham groups were not significant, and the changes were not associated with the type of treatment (p-value > 0.05). The effectiveness of upper airway muscle training exercise as an adjunct treatment requires further study.

92 Reshaping the Diagnostic Pathways for Investigation of Haematuria During and After The COVID-19 Pandemic: Diagnostic Accuracy of Strategies for Detection of Bladder Cancer from The IDENTIFY Cohort Study

Introduction

Diagnostic haematuria services have been reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, compromising patient care, and necessitating a more pragmatic pathway.

Method

The IDENTIFY study was an international, prospective, multicentre cohort study of over 11,000 patients referred to secondary care for investigation of haematuria. Using this data, we developed strategies using combinations of imaging and cytology as triage tests to maximise cancer detection within a pragmatic pathway.

Results

8112 patients (74·4%) received an ultrasound or a CT urogram, with or without cytology. 5737 (70·7%) patients had visible haematuria (VH) and 2375 (29·3%) had non-visible haematuria (NVH). Diagnostic test performance was used to determine optimal age cut-offs for four proposed strategies. We recommended proceeding directly to transurethral resection of bladder tumour for patients of any age with positive triage tests for cancer. Patients with negative triage tests under 35-years-old with VH, or under 50-years-old with NVH can safely be discharged without undergoing flexible cystoscopy. The remaining patients may undergo flexible cystoscopy, with a greater priority for older patients to capture high risk bladder cancer.

Conclusions

We suggest diagnostic strategies in patients with haematuria, which focus on detection of bladder cancer, whilst reducing the burden to healthcare services in a resource-limited setting.

Point of care and intensive care lung ultrasound: A reference guide for practitioners during COVID-19

Objectives

Current events with the recent COVID-19 outbreak are necessitating steep learning curves for the NHS workforce. Ultrasound, although not used in the diagnosis of COVID-19 may be utilised by practitioners at the point of care (POC) or on the intensive care units (ITUs) where rapid assessment of the lung condition may be required. The aim of this article was to review current literature surrounding the use of lung ultrasound in relation to COVID-19 and provide Sonographers with a quick and digestible reference guide for lung pathologies.

Key findings

Ultrasound is being used in Italy and China to help review lung condition during the COVID-19 outbreak however not strictly as a diagnostic tool as Computed Tomography (CT) of the chest and chest radiographs are currently gold standard. Ultrasound is highly sensitive in the detection of multiple lung pathologies which can be demonstrated in conjunction with COVID-19 however to date there are no specific, nor pathognomonic findings which relate to COVID-19 on ultrasound.

Conclusion

Lung ultrasound is highly sensitive and can quickly and accurately review lung condition creating potential to assess for changes or resolution over time, especially in the ITU and POC setting. However it should not be used as a diagnostic tool for COVID-19 due to low specificity in relation to the virus.

Implications for practice

The adoption of lung ultrasound to monitor lung condition during the COVID-19 outbreak may reduce the need for serial exposure to ionising radiation on the wards and in turn reduce the number of radiographers required to attend infected wards and bays, protecting both patients and the workforce.

Heterogeneous node responses to multi-type epidemics on networks

Having knowledge of the contact network over which an infection is spreading opens the possibility of making individualized predictions for the likelihood of different nodes to become infected. When multiple infective strains attempt to spread simultaneously we may further ask which strain, or strains, are most likely to infect a particular node. In this article we investigate the heterogeneity in likely outcomes for different nodes in two models of multi-type epidemic spreading processes. For models allowing co-infection we derive message-passing equations whose solution captures how the likelihood of a given node receiving a particular infection depends on both the position of the node in the network and the interaction between the infection types. For models of competing epidemics in which co-infection is impossible, a more complicated analysis leads to the simpler result that node vulnerability factorizes into a contribution from the network topology and a contribution from the infection parameters.

AB1349-HPR IMPLEMENTATION OF A GROUP EDUCATION SERVICE FOR RHEUMATOLOGY OUTPATIENTS COMMENCING BIOLOGIC THERAPY AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON HOSPITAL (UCLH)

Background:

Biologic therapies are commonly prescribed in a range of rheumatic conditions. From 2016 - 2018, a mean of 226 rheumatology outpatients at UCLH commenced biologic therapy per year for inflammatory arthritis alone1. Patient education is required prior to initiation. At UCLH this is delivered via individual appointments with specialist nurses, contributing to waiting times for nurse appointments and thus delays in starting treatment.

Objectives:

1.To evaluate patient satisfaction following group education.

2.To reduce the burden on specialist nurses delivering multiple individual sessions.

Methods:

A once-weekly group education service was set up at UCLH. This comprised: an oral PowerPoint presentation; injection demonstration; question and answer session; and written leaflets. Patients were provided with pre- and post-session questionnaires to evaluate the service.

Results:

Over the first five weeks of the service, 18 patients attended group education (a median of 4 patients per session). Nine patients (50%) had previously researched the medication via internet search engines. Patients’ questions prior to the session were most commonly centred on side effects and long-term risks. All of the patients (100%) felt that “most or all” of their questions were answered during the session. Patients gave their awareness of the reason for therapy a median score of 7/10 pre-education; this rose to a median of 10/10 post-education. The median score given for confidence to self-administer the drug was 5.5/10 pre-education; this rose to a median of 10/10 post-education. The median anxiety score was 3/5 pre-education; this dropped to 2/5 post-education. The presentation was adapted based on questions that arose during the sessions. Multiple patients gave informal, verbal feedback stating that they found the group environment to be beneficial, providing a chance to meet others with similar conditions, share experiences and feel reassured that they are not alone in starting biologic therapy.

Conclusion:

Patient feedback demonstrated that the group education sessions at UCLH were effective in improving their understanding of the rationale for biologic treatment, increasing their confidence in self-administration, and reducing anxiety. Verbal feedback illustrated that many patients enjoyed the group environment, and the opportunity to interact and share experiences with others. At an average rate of 4 patients currently being seen a week, it is estimated that this will save 192 specialist nurse appointments per year (out of an estimated 226 commencing biologic therapy). There is scope for further research into the effects that this has had on waiting times to receive education / start treatment, and on drug compliance.

References:

[1]Greenwood, Mandy. UCLH Rheumatology Database. UCLH, 2020.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0326 REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE ON SWITCHING ADALIMUMAB ORIGINATOR TO BIOSIMILAR IN INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS – A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background:

The patent for adalimumab originator expired in 2018 in the United Kingdom. Subsequently, four adalimumab biosimilars were launched. National Health Service England undertook a managed market share tender to ensure plurality of suppliers and price competition over the longer term. Each hospital was subsequently allocated a preferred brand of adalimumab biosimilar. Here we describe our experience of switching patients with inflammatory arthritis from adalimumab originator to the biosimilar, ABP 501 in a single centre.

Objectives:

To evaluate the proportion of patients successfully switched from adalimumab originator to ABP 501 focusing on drug retention, reasons for remaining on originator and reasons for switching back from biosimilar to originator.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was completed on the cohort of 287 rheumatology patients who were prescribed adalimumab originator prior to the switch to ABP 501. Case notes were analysed to identify whether patients remained on biosimilar 24 weeks after switching from originator.

Results:

99% patients on adalimumab originator (283/287) were switched to ABP 501 within 32 weeks, starting from February 2019. 1% (4/287) remained on originator due to a confirmed latex allergy, as the needle cover of the ABP 501 pre-filled syringe consists of dry natural rubber. 4% (12/283) of patients who switched to biosimilar reverted to originator (1 patient per 2 weeks over 24 weeks). 3% (9/283) of patients who switched to biosimilar were no longer receiving any adalimumab therapy. Reasons for ceasing therapy included recurrent infections (4/9) and progression to the next line of biologics/small molecule therapy (5/9). 93% (262/283) remained stable on ABP 501 (Table). Applications to revert to originator were reviewed by a Biosimilar Steering Group (BSG). The BSG assessment included a review of disease activity, reported symptoms and adverse reactions before and after the switch to biosimilar. Approval to revert to originator occurred in patients who had a clear increase in disease activity or newly reported adverse reactions. If the patient had active disease prior to switch, a change to non-adalimumab therapy would be recommended instead. Of the 12 patients who reverted to originator, 7 (58%) did so due to reduced effectiveness, 3 (25%) due to adverse reactions, and 2 (17%) due to both. Adverse reactions reported within 24 hours of the first injection included nausea, anxiety, insomnia, tinnitus, dizziness, headaches and injection-site reactions. Patients also reported hair loss, fatigue and mouth ulcers. Reported adverse reactions ceased once biosimilar was stopped and/or switching back to originator. All patients who reverted to originator due to reduced effectiveness reported a reduction in disease activity and improvement in symptoms.

Conclusion:

The vast majority of patients in our cohort on adalimumab were successfully switched from originator to ABP 501. The adalimumab biosimilar has been generally well-tolerated. 93% remained on biosimilar 24 weeks after switching, 4% have switched back to originator and 3% have either stopped or changed treatment. Reasons for switching back to originator from biosimilar included adverse reactions, most of which occurred within 24 hours, and also worsening of symptoms.

Table 1.

The dynamics of the disease activity during treatment with TOFA

Baseline characteristics/outcomeTotalN = 283RAN = 90 (32%)SpAN = 108 (38%)PsAN = 77(27%)OtherN = 8(3%)Mean age (SD)49.8 (14.6)58.5 (14.9)43.6 (11.0)48.4 (13.2)46.1 (15.2)Female, n (%)126 (45)67 (74)29 (38)26 (34)4 (50)Reverted to Originatorn (% of patients within subgroup)12 (4)4 (4)6 (6)1 (1)1 (13)Reasons for switching back to OriginatorInefficacy71411Adverse reactions32100Both21100Switched to another biologic agentn (% of patients within subgroup)5 (2)3 (3)2 (2)0 (0)0 (0)Stopped biologicsn (% of patients within subgroup)4 (1)1 (1)1 (1)2 (3)0 (0)

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

0690 An Evaluation Of Genioglossus Strengthening On Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Outcomes

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by repetitive episodes of pharyngeal collapse. The genioglossus is a major upper airway dilator muscle thought to be important in OSA pathogenesis. Upper airway (UA) muscle training has reported benefits in some OSA patients. Our goal was to assess the effect of upper airway muscle training on OSA outcomes.

Methods

Sixty five patients with OSA (AHI&gt;10/h) were divided in three subgroups: 1) Treated with auto-CPAP (n=21), 2) Previously failed or refused CPAP therapy (no treatment), (n=24), 3) Currently treated with an oral appliance who still have residual OSA (AHI&gt;10/h), (n=20). All subjects were given a custom-made tongue strengthening device. Within each group we conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled study examining the effect of upper airway muscle training. In each subgroup, subjects were randomized to UA muscle training (volitional protrusion against resistance) or sham group (negligible resistance), with 1:1 ratio over 6 weeks of treatment (twice daily for 20 min/session). In the baseline and the final visit, subjects completed home sleep testing, questionnaires (ESS, PSQI), acoustic pharynogometry, Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI), and Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT).

Results

Results remain blinded; 33 patients received treatment Y and 32 patients received treatment Z. To date, we have not observed a main effect of treatment group on several measures of OSA severity. Some changes in subjective measures over time were observed but difficult to interpret until unblinding occurs.

Conclusion

Treatment of OSA using upper airway muscle training exercises requires further study. Whether muscle training is a viable approach for a definable subset of OSA patients remains unclear.

Support

R01HL085188-05A1 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

Data-Driven Participant Recruitment: Findings from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative 3

BACKGROUND

Effective and measurable participant recruitment methods are urgently needed for clinical studies in Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVES

To develop methods for measuring recruitment tactics and evaluating effectiveness.

METHODS

Recruitment tactics for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI3) were measured using web and phone analytics, campaign metrics and survey responses.

RESULTS

A total of 462 new participants were enrolled into ADNI3 through recruitment efforts. We collected metrics on recruitment activities including 82,003 unique visitors to the recruitment website and 3,335 calls to study phone numbers. The recruitment sources that produced the most screening and enrollment included online advertisements, local radio and newspaper coverage and emails and referrals from registries.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of recruitment activity obtained through tracking methods provided some insight for effective recruitment. ADNI3 can serve as an example of how a data-driven approach to centralized participant recruitment can be utilized to facilitate clinical research.

Evaluation of the VIDAS Staph Enterotoxin II (SET 2) Immunoassay Method for the Detection of Staphylococcal Enterotoxins in Selected Foods: Collaborative Study

A multilaboratory study was conducted to determine the limit of detection (LOD) of Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SET) in 5 foods. Cooked chicken, ham, potato salad, pasteurized liquid whole milk, and canned mushrooms were each spiked with a different enterotoxin (A, B, C1, D, or E), and tested at 0.25 and 0.5 ng/g SET levels to determine the LOD of the assay for those foods in a collaborative study. Unspiked controls were also included. A total of 19 laboratories representing government and industry participated. In this study, 1674 test portions were analyzed, of which 1638 were used in the statistical analysis. Of the 1638 test portions used in the statistical analysis, 1104 were spiked test portions, of which 1073 were positive by the VIDAS Staph enterotoxin II (SET 2) method. The detection rates at the 0.25 ng/mL level were cooked chicken, 98.2; ham, 99.0; potato salad, 99.1; liquid whole milk, 85.2; and canned mushrooms, 100. The detection rates at the 0.5 ng/mL level were cooked chicken, 97.4; ham, 98.1; potato salad, 100; liquid whole milk, 99.0; and canned mushrooms, 100. The data indicate that the SET 2 method is capable of detecting SET at 0.25 ng/g in cooked chicken, ham, potato salad, and canned mushrooms and at 0.5 ng/g in pasteurized liquid whole milk.

Magnetic-Field Tuning of Light-Induced Superconductivity in Striped La_{2-x}Ba_{x}CuO_{4}

Optical excitation of stripe-ordered La_{2-x}Ba_{x}CuO_{4} has been shown to transiently enhance superconducting tunneling between the CuO_{2} planes. This effect was revealed by a blueshift, or by the appearance of a Josephson plasma resonance in the terahertz-frequency optical properties. Here, we show that this photoinduced state can be strengthened by the application of high external magnetic fields oriented along the c axis. For a 7 T field, we observe up to a tenfold enhancement in the transient interlayer phase correlation length, accompanied by a twofold increase in the relaxation time of the photoinduced state. These observations are highly surprising, since static magnetic fields suppress interlayer Josephson tunneling and stabilize stripe order at equilibrium. We interpret our data as an indication that optically enhanced interlayer coupling in La_{2-x}Ba_{x}CuO_{4} does not originate from a simple optical melting of stripes, as previously hypothesized. Rather, we speculate that the photoinduced state may emerge from activated tunneling between optically excited stripes in adjacent planes.

Quality Improvement of Clinical Handover in a Liaison Psychiatry Department: A Three-Phase Audit

Aims To audit and improve quality of clinical handover in a Liaison Psychiatry Department. Methods An 11-item Handover Checklist was used to carry out a baseline audit and immediate and delayed post-intervention re-audits. The intervention consisted of checklist posters, an electronic database and staff training. Results There was an immediate and sustained improvement in most areas, including baseline demographics and components of SBAR communication (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation). The improvement between baseline and delayed re-audit was statistically significant (P=0.007). Conclusion Poor handover practices contribute to negative outcomes in healthcare but there remains a dearth of guidelines in most specialties.This audit is important as it describes an intervention which improved clinical handover at a time of significant clinical risk. This practice could be applied effectively to other services and is relevant to all specialties. Six to twelve-monthly re-audit and longitudinal assessment of clinical outcomes are recommended to maintain the practices implemented in this audit.

Comparison of microscopic and molecular enumeration methods for insect viruses: Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus as a case study

Enumeration techniques were compared for quantification of the South African isolate of Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV-SA), used as a biopesticide to control false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta), an insect pest of various fruits and nuts, including citrus. The routine enumeration method for CrleGV-SA virus particles in experimentation and production of CrleGV-SA biopesticides is dark field microscopy. This method was compared with spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The purpose was to develop an accurate and reliable routine enumeration method for CrleGV-SA occlusion bodies (OBs) and to validate the use of dark field microscopy. Purified and semi-purified CrleGV-SA viral stocks were used. Spectrophotometry was not a suitable or accurate enumeration method. Dark field microscopy and SEM were accurate and statistically comparable (p = 0.064), validating the use of dark field microscopy as an enumeration method for granulovirus (GV). However, SEM has superior resolution and the advantage of easily distinguishing virus particles from debris in semi-purified viral stock preparations. A quantitative PCR technique has been developed based on use of specific oligonucleotide primers for the granulin gene. This has the advantage of not being affected by contamination with non-biological debris or biological material, which impact on the other methods.

Abstract P2-13-06: Pancreatic nutrition program (PNP): A novel weight reduction program for breast cancer survivors

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer survivors have a high prevalence of metabolic dysfunction—characterized by high glucose and weight gain. Regardless of menopausal status, overweight and obese women are at increased risk for developing breast cancer and those who are diagnosed with breast cancer experience adverse cancer-related outcomes. The underlying principle of the Pancreatic Nutrition Program (PNP) is that bio-individualized healthy food choices—eating the correct foods and food combinations for an individual's body—can minimize fluctuations in insulin by keeping blood glucose regulated (70-100 mg/dL) and this will promote sustained weight loss, improved health, and quality of life. METHODS: The primary endpoint was change in body weight at 24 weeks post-PNP. The study was powered to detect a 10% loss of weight from baseline. Secondary endpoints included change in: glucose levels, insulin resistance, body composition, body chemistry, physical fitness, biological markers, quality of life, and compliance. Postmenopausal, non-diabetic breast cancer survivors (stages I-III) within 5 years of completion of treatment who had a body mass index of 25-33 kg/m2 were recruited. For the first 12 weeks, patients wore a glucometer (Abbott), which recorded glucose every 15 minutes continuously, and kept a food journal. During weekly meetings, glucometer data was reviewed with journal entries to identify food choices and combinations that would kept the subject's glucose levels between 70-100 mg/dL. At the end of the 12-weeks, the weekly meetings and glucometer were discontinued and patients were expected to maintain the PNP for an additional 12 weeks. Study endpoints were measured at baseline, 12-week and 24-week visits. RESULTS: Of the 21 patients enrolled in the study, 12 were non-Hispanic Caucasian, 5 were Hispanic, 2 were African-American, and 2 were Asian. The median age was 56 years (43-76 years). Twenty were estrogen-receptor positive, 18 progesterone-receptor positive, and 8 were HER2/neu positive. The mean body weight at baseline was 170.9 lbs (±20.4 lbs). Two patients dropped out prior to 12-weeks and 1 developed recurrent disease. Among the 18 eligible women who completed the first 12 weeks, the median weight loss at 12-weeks was 10.1 lbs (1.5-19.6 lbs). The median waist circumference lost was 2.5 inches (gain of 0.4 inches-loss of 5.5 inches). Among the women whose total cholesterol was above 200 mg/dL, 71% reduced their cholesterol below 200 mg/dL by 12-weeks. All women who had triglyceride levels above 150 mg/dL reduced their levels below 150 mg/dL by 12-weeks. Likewise, among women who were identified as being pre-diabetic based on fasting glucose or hemoglobin A1c levels, all were within normal range at 12-weeks. 6-month testing will be completed in August. Among the 15 women eligible for 6-month testing, 8 (53%) completed the testing. Of those, 7 (88%) maintained their positive results. CONCLUSIONS: Bio-individualized food choices based on glucose response combined with culturally-sensitive nutrition counseling may provide a feasible mechanism for sustainable weight loss in a population at high-risk of metabolic dysfunction. However, to increase adherence, a tapering strategy should be developed after the first 12-weeks of health counseling.

Citation Format: Clague DeHart J, Rosen C, Wong L, Moore S, Flores S, Salehian B, Mortimer J. Pancreatic nutrition program (PNP): A novel weight reduction program for breast cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-13-06.

Multiple-trait genomewide mapping and gene network analysis for scrotal circumference growth curves in Brahman cattle

Fertility traits are economically important in cattle breeding programs. Scrotal circumference (SC) measures are repeatable, easily obtained, highly heritable, and positively correlated with female fertility traits and sperm quality traits in males. A useful approach to summarize SC measures over time is using nonlinear models, which summarize specific measures of SC in a few parameters with biological interpretation. This approach facilitates the selection of bulls with larger SC and maturity index (K), that is, early maturing animals. Because SC is a sex-limited trait, identifying the underlying genomics of growth curve parameters will allow selection across both males and females. We reported the first multitrait genomewide association study (GWAS) of estimated growth curve parameters for SC data in Brahman cattle. Five widely used nonlinear models were tested to fit a total of 3,612 SC records, measured at 6, 12, 18, and 24 mo of age. The von Bertalanffy model, individually fitted for each animal, best fit this SC data. Parameter estimates SC at maturity (A) and K as well as SC at all ages were jointly analyzed in a GWAS to identify 1-Mb regions most strongly associated with each trait. Heritabilities were 0.25 for K and 0.32 for A and ranged from 0.51 to 0.72 for SC at 6 (SC6), 12 (SC12), 18 (SC18), and 24 mo of age (SC24). An overlapping window on chromosome 14 explaining around 0.8% of genetic variance for K, SC12, SC18, and SC24 was observed. The major positional candidate genes within 1 Mb upstream and downstream of this overlapping window were , , , and . Windows of 1 Mb explaining more than 0.4% of each trait on chromosomes 1, 3, 6, 7, 14, 17, 18, 24, 25, and 26 were identified. Pathways and net-work analyses were indicated through transcription factors playing a role on fertility traits: , , , , , , and . Further validation studies on larger populations or other breeds are required to validate these findings and to improve our understanding of the biology and complex genetic architecture of traits associated with scrotal growth and male fertility in cattle.