Charge-transfer-driven enhanced room-temperature ferromagnetism in BiFeO3/Ag nanocomposite

We report observation of more than an order of magnitude jump in saturation magnetization in BiFeO3/Ag nanocomposite at room temperature compared to what is observed in bare BiFeO3nanoparticles. Using transmission electron microscopy together with energy dispersive x-ray spectra (which maps the element concentration across the BiFeO3/Ag interface) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we show that both the observed specific self-assembly pattern of BiFeO3and Ag nanoparticles and the charge transfer between Ag and O are responsible for such an enormous rise in room-temperature magnetization. The BiFeO3/Ag nanocomposites, therefore, could prove to be extremely useful for a variety of applications including biomedical.

Homeopathy as an Adjuvant to Standard Care in Moderate and Severe Cases of COVID-19: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate whether individualized homeopathic medicines have a greater adjunctive effect than adjunctive placebos in the treatment of moderate and severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS

The study was a randomized, single-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled clinical trial set in the clinical context of standard care.

INTERVENTION

Patients of either sex, admitted in a tertiary care hospital, suffering from moderate or severe COVID-19 and above 18 years of age were included. In total, 150 patients were recruited and then randomly divided into two groups to receive either individualized homeopathic medicines or placebos, in addition to the standard treatment of COVID-19.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was time taken to achieve RT-PCR-confirmed virus clearance for COVID-19. Secondary outcomes were changes in the Clinical Ordinal Outcomes Scale (COOS) of the World Health Organization, the patient-reported MYMOP2 scale, and several biochemical parameters. Parametric data were analyzed using unpaired t-test. Non-parametric data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Categorical data were analyzed using Chi-square test.

RESULTS

In total, 72 participants of the add-on homeopathy (AoH) group showed conversion of RT-PCR status to negative, in an average time of 7.53 ± 4.76 days (mean ± SD), as compared with 11.65 ± 9.54 days in the add-on placebo (AoP) group (p = 0.001). The mean COOS score decreased from 4.26 ± 0.44 to 3.64 ± 1.50 and from 4.3 ± 0.46 to 4.07 ± 1.8 in the AoH and AoP groups respectively (p = 0.130). The mortality rate for the AoH group was 9.7% compared with 17.3% in the AoP group. The MYMOP2 scores between the two groups differed significantly (p = 0.001), in favor of AoH. Inter-group differences in the pre- and post- mean values of C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, total leukocyte count, platelet count and alkaline phosphatase were each found to be statistically significant (p <0.05), favoring AoH; six other biochemical parameters showed no statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests homeopathy may be an effective adjunct to standard care for treating moderate and severe COVID-19 patients. More rigorous, including double-blinded, studies should be performed to confirm or refute these initial findings.

POS0855 IMPAIRED PROMIS PHYSICAL FUNCTION IN IDIOPATHIC INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHY PATIENTS: RESULTS FROM THE MULTICENTER COVAD PATIENT REPORTED E-SURVEY

Background

Evaluation of physical function is fundamental in the management of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) is a National Institute of Health initiative established in 2004 to develop patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with improved validity and efficacy. PROMIS Physical Function (PF) short forms have been validated for use in IIMs [1].

Objectives

To investigate the physical function status of IIM patients compared to those with non-IIM autoimmune diseases (AIDs) and healthy controls (HCs) utilizing PROMIS PF data obtained in the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination in Autoimmune Diseases (COVAD) study, a large-scale, international self-reported e-survey assessing the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in AID patients [2].

Methods

The survey data regarding demographics, IIM and AID diagnosis, disease activity, and PROMIS PF short form-10a scores were extracted from the COVAD study database. The disease activity (active vs inactive) of each patient was assessed in 3 different ways: (1) physician’s assessment (active if there was an increased immunosuppression), (2) patient’s assessment (active vs inactive as per patient), and (3) current steroid use. These 3 definitions of disease activity were applied independently to each patient. PROMIS PF-10a scores were compared between each disease category (IIMs vs non-IIM AIDs vs HCs), stratified by disease activity based on the 3 definitions stated above, employing negative binominal regression model. Multivariable regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, and ethnicity was performed clustering countries, and the predicted PROMIS PF-10a score was calculated based on the regression result. Factors affecting PROMIS PF-10a scores other than disease activity were identified by another multivariable regression analysis in the patients with inactive disease (IIMs or non-IIM AIDs).

Results

1057 IIM patients, 3635 non-IIM AID patients, and 3981 HCs responded to the COVAD survey until August 2021. The median age of the respondents was 43 [IQR 30-56] years old, and 74.8% were female. Among IIM patients, dermatomyositis was the most prevalent diagnosis (34.8%), followed by inclusion body myositis (IBM) (23.6%), polymyositis (PM) (16.2%), anti-synthetase syndrome (11.8%), overlap myositis (7.9%), and immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) (4.6%). The predicted mean of PROMIS PF-10a scores was significantly lower in IIMs compared to non-IIM AIDs or HCs (36.3 [95% (CI) 35.5-37.1] vs 41.3 [95% CI 40.2-42.5] vs 46.2 [95% CI 45.8-46.6], P < 0.001), irrespective of disease activity or the definitions of disease activity used (physician’s assessment, patient’s assessment, or steroid use) (Figure 1). The largest difference between active IIMs and non-IIM AIDs was observed when the disease activity was defined by patient’s assessment (35.0 [95% CI 34.1-35.9] vs 40.1 [95% CI 38.7-41.5]). Considering the subgroups of IIMs, the scores were significantly lower in IBM in comparison with non-IBM IIMs (P < 0.001). The independent factors associated with low PROMIS PF-10a scores in the patients with inactive disease were older age, female gender, and the disease category being IBM, PM, or IMNM.

Conclusion

Physical function is significantly impaired in IIMs compared to non-IIM AIDs or HCs, even in patients with inactive disease. The elderly, women, and IBM groups are the worst affected, suggesting that developing targeted strategies to minimize functional disability in certain groups may improve patient reported physical function and disease outcomes.

References

[1]Saygin D, Oddis CV, Dzanko S, et al. Utility of patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) physical function form in inflammatory myopathy. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2021; 51: 539-46.

[2]Sen P, Gupta L, Lilleker JB, et al. COVID-19 vaccination in autoimmune disease (COVAD) survey protocol. Rheumatol Int. 2022; 42: 23-9.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all respondents for filling the questionnaire. The authors thank The Myositis Association, Myositis India, Myositis UK, the Myositis Global Network, Cure JM, Cure IBM, Sjögren’s India Foundation, EULAR PARE, and various other patient support groups and organizations for their invaluable contribution in the dissemination of this survey among patients which made the data collection possible. The authors also thank all members of the COVAD study group.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0899 HIGH FATIGUE SCORES IN PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHIES: A MULTIGROUP COMPARATIVE STUDY FROM THE COVAD E-SURVEY

Background

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a rare, multisystem, heterogeneous diseases, and contribute to high psychological burden. The patients’ perception of physical health, deteriorating independence and social and environmental relationships may not always be a direct function of disease activity. To face with these aspects, several worldwide specialized organization have recommended the use of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) both in clinical trials and observational studies to highlight patient’s perception of the disease (1). Unfortunately, data on fatigue scores in IIM is limited.

Objectives

We compared fatigue VAS scores in patients with IIM, autoimmune diseases (AIDs) and healthy controls (HCs) and triangulated them with PROMIS physical function in a large international cohort made up of answers from the e-survey regarding the COVID-19 Vaccination in Autoimmune Diseases (COVAD) study.

Methods

Data of 16327 respondents was extracted from the COVAD database on August 31th 2021. VAS fatigue scores were compared between AID, HC and IIM using univariate followed by multivariate analysis after adjusting for baseline differences. We further performed a propensity score matched analysis on 1827 subjects after adjusting for age, gender and ethnicity. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for continuous variables and chi-square test for categorical variables, and Bonferroni’s correction was applied for the post hoc analyses considering IIMs as a reference group.

Results

We analyzed answers from 6988 patients, with a mean age of 43.8 years (SD 16.2). The overall percentage of female was 72% and the population ethnicity was mainly composed of White (55.1%), followed by Asian (24.6%), and Hispanic (13.8%). The overall fatigue VAS was 3.6 mm (SD 2.7). IIMs VAS was 4.8 mm (SD 2.6), AIDs 4.5 mm (SD 2.6), and HC 2.8 mm (SD 2.6) (P <0,001). VAS fatigue scores of IIMs were comparable with AIDs (P 0.084), albeit significantly higher than the HCs (P <0,001). Notably, fatigue VAS was lower in IIMs than AIDs in two distinct subsets: inactive disease as defined by the patient’s perception and the “excellent” general health condition group, where IIMs had worse scores (P <0,05). Interestingly, fatigue VAS was comparable in active disease defined by physician assessment, patient perception, based on general functional status, or when defined by steroid dose being prescribed. Notably, after propensity matched analysis of patients adjusting for gender, age and ethnicity (1.827 answers, i.e. 609 subjects per group, P =1) the differences disappeared and IIMs and AIDs had comparable fatigue levels across all levels of disease activity, although the fatigue discrepancies with HCs were substantially confirmed.

After application of a multivariate linear regression analysis we found that lower fatigue VAS scores were related to HC (P <0,001), male gender (P <0,001), Asian and Hispanic ethnicities (P <0,001 and 0,003).

Conclusion

Our study confirms that there is a higher prevalence of fatigue in all the AIDs patients, with comparable VAS scores between IIMs and other AIDs. We can also read our data commenting that females and/or Caucasians patients suffer a higher impact of this manifestation of chronic autoimmune diseases upon their lives. This is why these subjects, to our judgement, should be carefully evaluated during outpatients visits and to whom we should spend some extra time to discuss health related issues and how to improve them.

References

[1]Regardt, M. et al. OMERACT 2018 Modified Patient-reported Outcome Domain Core Set in the Life Impact Area for Adult Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies. J. Rheumatol.46, 1351–1354 (2019).

Figure 1.

distribution of Fatigue VAS scores in the three population evaluated. IIM idiopathic inflammatory myositis; AID autoimmune diseases; HC healthy controls; * P < 0,05.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS1260 COVID-19 VACCINATION-RELATED ADVERSE EVENTS AMONG AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE PATIENTS: RESULTS FROM THE COVID-19 VACCINATION IN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES (COVAD) STUDY

Background

COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective in the healthy population at large. However, significant gaps remain in the evidence of their safety in patients with systemic autoimmune and inflammatory disorders (SAIDs). Patients and rheumatologists have expressed concerns regarding vaccination triggered allergic reactions, thrombogenic events, and other adverse events (ADEs) contributing to vaccine hesitancy (1)

Objectives

This study aimed to assess and compare short term COVID-19 vaccination associated ADEs in patients with SAIDs and healthy controls (HC) seven days post-vaccination, as well as between patients with SAIDs receiving different vaccines.

Methods

We developed an comprehensive, patient self-reporting electronic-survey to collect respondent demographics, SAID details, COVID-19 infection history, COVID-19 vaccination details, 7-day post vaccination adverse events and patient reported outcome measures using the PROMIS tool. After pilot testing, validation, translation into 18 languages on the online platform surveymonkey.com, and vetting by international experts, the survey was circulated in early 2021 by a multicenter study group of >110 collaborators in 94 countries. ADEs were categorized as injection site pain, minor ADEs, major ADEs, and hospitalizations. We analyzed data from the baseline survey for descriptive and intergroup comparative statistics based on data distribution and variable type (data as median, IQR).

Results

10900 respondents [42 (30-55) years, 74% females and 45% Caucasians] were analyzed. 5,867 patients (54%) with SAIDs were compared with 5033 HCs. All respondents included in the final analysis had received a single dose of the vaccine and 69% had received 2 primary doses. Pfizer (39.8%) was the most common vaccine received, followed by Oxford/AstraZeneca (13.4%), and Covishield (10.9%). Baseline demographics differed by an older SAID population (mean age 42 vs. 33 years) and a greater female predominance (M:F= 1:4.7 vs. 1:1.8) compared to HCs.

79% had minor and only 3% had major vaccine ADEs requiring urgent medical attention overall. In adjusted analysis, among minor ADEs, abdominal pain [multivariate OR 1.6 (1.14-2.3)], dizziness [multivariate OR 1.3 (1.2-1.5)], and headache [multivariate OR 1.67 (1.3-2.2)], were more frequent in SAIDs than HCs. Overall major ADEs [multivariate OR 1.9 (1.6-2.2)], and throat closure [multivariate OR 5.7 (2.9-11.3)] were more frequent in SAIDs though absolute risk was small (0-4%) and rates of hospitalization were similarly small in both groups, with a small absolute risk (0-4%). Specific minor ADEs frequencies were different among different vaccine types, however, major ADEs and hospitalizations overall were rare (0-4%) and comparable across vaccine types in patients with SAIDs (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

A. Post Vaccination ADEs in SAIDs compared to HCs. B. Proportions of post COVID-19 vaccination ADEs in SAIDs by vaccine type.

Conclusion

Vaccination against COVID-19 is relatively safe and tolerable in patients with SAIDs. Certain minor vaccine ADEs are more frequent in SAIDs than HCs in this study, though are not severe and do not require urgent medical attention. SAIDs were at a higher risk of major ADEs than HCs, though absolute risk was small, and did not lead to increased hospitalizations. There are small differences in minor ADEs between vaccine types in patients with SAIDs.

References

[1]Boekel L, Kummer LY, van Dam KPJ, Hooijberg F, van Kempen Z, Vogelzang EH, et al. Adverse events after first COVID-19 vaccination in patients with autoimmune diseases. Lancet Rheumatol. 2021 Aug;3(8):e542–5.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all members of the COVAD study group for their invaluable role in the collection of data. The authors thank all respondents for filling the questionnaire. The authors thank The Myositis Association, Myositis India, Myositis UK, the Myositis Global Network, Cure JM, Cure IBM, Sjögren’s India Foundation, EULAR PARE, and various other patient support groups and organizations for their invaluable contribution in the dissemination of this survey among patients which made the data collection possible. The authors also thank all members of the COVAD study group.

Disclosure of Interests

Parikshit Sen: None declared, Naveen R: None declared, Arvind Nune: None declared, James B. Lilleker: None declared, Vishwesh Agarwal: None declared, Sinan Kardes: None declared, Minchul Kim: None declared, Jessica Day Grant/research support from: JD has received research funding from CSL Limited., Marcin Milchert: None declared, Tamer A Gheita: None declared, Babur Salim: None declared, Tsvetelina Velikova: None declared, Abraham Edgar Gracia-Ramos: None declared, Ioannis Parodis Speakers bureau: IP has received research funding and/or honoraria from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Elli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Novartis and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG., Consultant of: IP has received research funding and/or honoraria from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Elli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Novartis and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG., Grant/research support from: IP has received research funding and/or honoraria from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Elli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Novartis and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG., Albert Selva-O’Callaghan: None declared, Elena Nikiphorou Speakers bureau: EN has received speaker honoraria/participated in advisory boards for Celltrion, Pfizer, Sanofi, Gilead, Galapagos, AbbVie, Lilly, Consultant of: EN has received speaker honoraria/participated in advisory boards for Celltrion, Pfizer, Sanofi, Gilead, Galapagos, AbbVie, Lilly, Grant/research support from: EN has received speaker honoraria/participated in advisory boards for Celltrion, Pfizer, Sanofi, Gilead, Galapagos, AbbVie, Lilly, and holds research grants from Pfizer and Lilly., Tulika Chatterjee: None declared, Ai Lyn Tan Speakers bureau: ALT has received honoraria for advisory boards and speaking for Abbvie, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB., Consultant of: ALT has received honoraria for advisory boards and speaking for Abbvie, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB., Grant/research support from: ALT has received honoraria for advisory boards and speaking for Abbvie, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB., Lorenzo Cavagna: None declared, Miguel A Saavedra: None declared, Samuel Katsuyuki Shinjo: None declared, Nelly Ziade Speakers bureau: NZ has received speaker fees, advisory board fees and research grants from Pfizer, Roche, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, NewBridge, Sanofi-Aventis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Pierre Fabre; none is related to this manuscript., Consultant of: NZ has received speaker fees, advisory board fees and research grants from Pfizer, Roche, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, NewBridge, Sanofi-Aventis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Pierre Fabre; none is related to this manuscript., Grant/research support from: NZ has received speaker fees, advisory board fees and research grants from Pfizer, Roche, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, NewBridge, Sanofi-Aventis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Pierre Fabre; none is related to this manuscript., Johannes Knitza: None declared, Masataka Kuwana: None declared, Oliver Distler Speakers bureau: OD has/had consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from or has served as a speaker for the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three years: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, ChemomAb, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, GSK, Horizon (Curzion), Inventiva, iQvia, Kymera, Lupin, Medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Novartis, Roche, Roivant, Sanofi, Serodapharm, Topadur and UCB. Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143)., Consultant of: OD has/had consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from or has served as a speaker for the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three years: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, ChemomAb, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, GSK, Horizon (Curzion), Inventiva, iQvia, Kymera, Lupin, Medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Novartis, Roche, Roivant, Sanofi, Serodapharm, Topadur and UCB. Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143)., Grant/research support from: OD has/had consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from or has served as a speaker for the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three years: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, ChemomAb, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, GSK, Horizon (Curzion), Inventiva, iQvia, Kymera, Lupin, Medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Novartis, Roche, Roivant, Sanofi, Serodapharm, Topadur and UCB. Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143)., Hector Chinoy Speakers bureau: HC has served as a speaker for UCB, Biogen., Consultant of: HC has received consulting fees from Novartis, Eli Lilly, Orphazyme, Astra Zeneca, Grant/research support from: HC has received grant support from Eli Lilly and UCB, Vikas Agarwal: None declared, Rohit Aggarwal Consultant of: RA has/had a consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from for the following companies-Bristol Myers-Squibb, Pfizer, Genentech, Octapharma, CSL Behring, Mallinckrodt, AstraZeneca, Corbus, Kezar, Kyverna, Janssen, Roivant, Boehringer Ingelheim, Argenx, Q32, Alexion, EMD Serono, Jubliant, Abbvie, Janssen, Alexion, Argenx, Q32, EMD-Serono, Boehringer Ingelheim, Roivant., Grant/research support from: RA has/had a consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from for the following companies-Bristol Myers-Squibb, Pfizer, Genentech, Octapharma, CSL Behring, Mallinckrodt, AstraZeneca, Corbus, Kezar, Kyverna, Janssen, Roivant, Boehringer Ingelheim, Argenx, Q32, Alexion, EMD Serono, Jubliant, Abbvie, Janssen, Alexion, Argenx, Q32, EMD-Serono, Boehringer Ingelheim, Roivant., Latika Gupta: None declared

POS0201 COVID-19 SEVERITY AND VACCINE BREAKTHROUGH INFECTIONS IN IDIOPATHIC INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHIES, OTHER SYSTEMIC AUTOIMMUNE AND INFLAMMATORY DISEASES, AND HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS: RESULTS FROM THE COVID-19 VACCINATION IN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES (COVAD) STUDY

Background

Significant gaps are present in the evidence of the spectrum and severity of COVID-19 infection in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). IIM patients typically require immunosuppressive therapy, may have multiple disease sequelae, and frequent comorbidities, and thus may be more susceptible to severe COVID-19 infection and complications (1). The possibility of attenuated immunogenicity and reduced efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines due to concomitant immunosuppressive medication is a major concern in these patients, and there is little data available on COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infections (BI) in IIM (2).

Objectives

This study aimed to compare disease spectrum and severity and COVID-19 BI in patients with IIM, other systemic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (SAIDs) and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

We developed an extensive self-reporting electronic-survey (COVAD survey) featuring 36 questions to collect respondent demographics, SAID details, COVID-19 infection history, COVID-19 vaccination details, 7-day post vaccination adverse events and patient reported outcome measures using the PROMIS tool. After pilot testing, validation, translation into 18 languages on the online platform surveymonkey.com, and vetting by international experts, the COVAD survey was circulated in early 2021 by a multicenter study group of >110 collaborators in 94 countries. BI was defined as COVID-19 infection occurring more than 2 weeks after receiving 1st or 2nd dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. We analyzed data from the baseline survey for descriptive and intergroup comparative statistics based on data distribution and variable type.

Results

10900 respondents [mean age 42 (30-55) years, 74% females and 45% Caucasians] were analyzed. 1,227 (11.2%) had IIM, 4,640 (42.6%) had other SAIDs, and 5,033 (46.2%) were HC. All respondents included in the final analysis had received a single dose of the vaccine and 69% had received 2 primary doses. Pfizer (39.8%) was the most common vaccine received, followed by Oxford/AstraZeneca (13.4%), and Covishield (10.9%). IIM patients were older, had a higher Caucasian representation and higher Pfizer uptake than other SAIDs, and HC. A higher proportion of IIM patients received immunosuppressants than other SAIDs.

IIMs were at a lower risk of symptomatic pre-vaccination COVID-19 infection compared to SAIDs [multivariate OR 0.6 (0.4-0.8)] and HCs [multivariate OR 0.39 (0.28-0.54)], yet at a higher risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19 compared to SAIDs [univariate OR 2.3 (1.2-3.5)] and HCs [multivariate OR 2.5 (1.1-5.8)]. BIs were very uncommon in IIM patients, with only 17 (1.4%) reporting BI. IIM patients were at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 prior to vaccination than ≤2 weeks of vaccination [univariate OR 8 (4.1-15)] or BI [univariate OR 4.6 (2.7-8.0)]. BIs were equally severe compared to when they occurred prior to vaccination in IIMs, and were comparable between IIM, SAIDs, and HC (Figure 1), though BI disease duration was shorter in IIMs than SAIDs (7 vs 11 days, p 0.027). 13/17 IIM patients with BI were on immunosuppressants.

Conclusion

IIM patients experienced COVID-19 infection less frequently prior to vaccination but were at a higher risk of hospitalization and requirement for oxygen therapy compared with patients with HC. Breakthrough COVID-19 infections were rare (1.4%) in vaccinated IIM patients, and were similar to HC and SAIDs, except for shorter disease duration in IIM.

References

[1]Brito-Zerón P, Sisó-Almirall A, Flores-Chavez A, Retamozo S, Ramos-Casals M. SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2021 Jun;39(3):676–87.

[2]Wack S, Patton T, Ferris LK. COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disease: Review of available evidence. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021 Nov;85(5):1274–84.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all members of the COVAD study group for their invaluable role in the collection of data. The authors thank all respondents for filling the questionnaire. The authors thank The Myositis Association, Myositis India, Myositis UK, the Myositis Global Network, Cure JM, Cure IBM, Sjögren’s India Foundation, EULAR PARE, and various other patient support groups and organizations for their invaluable contribution in the dissemination of this survey among patients which made the data collection possible. The authors also thank all members of the COVAD study group.

Disclosure of Interests

Latika Gupta: None declared, Leonardo Santos Hoff: None declared, Naveen R: None declared, Parikshit Sen: None declared, Samuel Katsuyuki Shinjo: None declared, Jessica Day Grant/research support from: JD has received research funding from CSL Limited, James B. Lilleker: None declared, Vishwesh Agarwal: None declared, Sinan Kardes: None declared, Minchul Kim: None declared, Ashima Makol: None declared, Marcin Milchert: None declared, Tamer A Gheita: None declared, Babur Salim: None declared, Tsvetelina Velikova: None declared, Abraham Edgar Gracia-Ramos: None declared, Ioannis Parodis Speakers bureau: IP has received research funding and/or honoraria from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Elli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Novartis and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG., Consultant of: IP has received research funding and/or honoraria from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Elli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Novartis and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG., Grant/research support from: IP has received research funding and/or honoraria from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Elli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Novartis and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG., Albert Selva-O’Callaghan: None declared, Elena Nikiphorou Speakers bureau: EN has received speaker honoraria/participated in advisory boards for Celltrion, Pfizer, Sanofi, Gilead, Galapagos, AbbVie, Lilly, Consultant of: EN has received speaker honoraria/participated in advisory boards for Celltrion, Pfizer, Sanofi, Gilead, Galapagos, AbbVie, Lilly, Grant/research support from: EN holds research grants from Pfizer and Lilly., Tulika Chatterjee: None declared, Ai Lyn Tan Speakers bureau: ALT has received honoraria for advisory boards and speaking for Abbvie, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB., Consultant of: ALT has received honoraria for advisory boards and speaking for Abbvie, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB., Arvind Nune: None declared, Lorenzo Cavagna: None declared, Miguel A Saavedra: None declared, Nelly Ziade Speakers bureau: NZ has received speaker fees, advisory board fees and research grants from Pfizer, Roche, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, NewBridge, Sanofi-Aventis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Pierre Fabre; none is related to this manuscript, Consultant of: NZ has received speaker fees, advisory board fees and research grants from Pfizer, Roche, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, NewBridge, Sanofi-Aventis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Pierre Fabre; none is related to this manuscript, Grant/research support from: NZ has received speaker fees, advisory board fees and research grants from Pfizer, Roche, Abbvie, Eli Lilly, NewBridge, Sanofi-Aventis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Pierre Fabre; none is related to this manuscript, Johannes Knitza: None declared, Masataka Kuwana: None declared, Oliver Distler Speakers bureau: OD has/had consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from or has served as a speaker for the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three years: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, ChemomAb, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, GSK, Horizon (Curzion), Inventiva, iQvia, Kymera, Lupin, Medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Novartis, Roche, Roivant, Sanofi, Serodapharm, Topadur and UCB. Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143)., Consultant of: OD has/had consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from or has served as a speaker for the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three years: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, ChemomAb, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, GSK, Horizon (Curzion), Inventiva, iQvia, Kymera, Lupin, Medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Novartis, Roche, Roivant, Sanofi, Serodapharm, Topadur and UCB. Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143)., Grant/research support from: OD has/had consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from or has served as a speaker for the following companies in the area of potential treatments for systemic sclerosis and its complications in the last three years: Abbvie, Acceleron, Alcimed, Amgen, AnaMar, Arxx, Baecon, Blade, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, ChemomAb, Corbus, CSL Behring, Galapagos, Glenmark, GSK, Horizon (Curzion), Inventiva, iQvia, Kymera, Lupin, Medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Novartis, Roche, Roivant, Sanofi, Serodapharm, Topadur and UCB. Patent issued “mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis” (US8247389, EP2331143)., Hector Chinoy Speakers bureau: HC has been a speaker for UCB, Biogen., Consultant of: HC has received consulting fees from Novartis, Eli Lilly, Orphazyme, Astra Zeneca, Grant/research support from: HC has received grant support from Eli Lilly and UCB, Vikas Agarwal: None declared, Rohit Aggarwal Consultant of: RA has/had a consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from the following companies-Bristol Myers-Squibb, Pfizer, Genentech, Octapharma, CSL Behring, Mallinckrodt, AstraZeneca, Corbus, Kezar, and Abbvie, Janssen, Alexion, Argenx, Q32, EMD-Serono, Boehringer Ingelheim, Roivant., Grant/research support from: RA has/had a consultancy relationship with and/or has received research funding from the following companies-Bristol Myers-Squibb, Pfizer, Genentech, Octapharma, CSL Behring, Mallinckrodt, AstraZeneca, Corbus, Kezar, and Abbvie, Janssen, Alexion, Argenx, Q32, EMD-Serono, Boehringer Ingelheim, Roivant.

OP0161 TREATMENT PATTERNS OF IDIOPATHIC INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHIES: RESULTS FROM AN INTERNATIONAL COHORT OF OVER 1,400 PATIENTS

Background

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a group of heterogeneous autoimmune disorders with limited standardization of treatment protocols.

Objectives

To evaluate frequency and patterns of various treatments used for IIM based on disease subtype, world region, and organ involvement.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from the international CoVAD self-report e-survey1 was extracted on Sep 14th, 2021. Patient details included demographics, IIM subtypes (dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), inclusion body myositis (IBM), antisynthetase syndrome (ASSD), necrotizing myositis (NM) and overlap myositis (OM)), clinical symptoms, disease duration and activity, and current treatments. Treatments were categorized in corticosteroids (CS), antimalarials, immunosuppressants (IS), intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), biologics, and others. Typical clinical symptoms (dyspnea, dysphagia) were used as surrogate for organ involvement. Factors associated with IS were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for IIM subtype, demographics, world region, disease activity, and prevalent clinical symptoms (>10%).

Results

In 1418 patients with IIM, median age was 61 years [IQR 49-70], 62.5% were females, median disease duration was 6 years [IQR 3-11], most common subset was DM (32.4%).

The most used treatments were IS (49.4%, including Methotrexate 19.6%, Mycophenolate Mofetil 18.2%, Azathioprine 8.8%, Cyclosporine 2.7%, Tacrolimus 2%, Leflunomide 1.6%, Sulfasalazine 1%, and Cyclophosphamide 0.6%), followed by CS (40.8%), antimalarials (13.8%) and IVIG (9.4%). Biologics were used in 4.3% of patients.

Treatment patterns differed significantly by IIM subtypes with a higher frequency of IS (77.7%) and CS (63.4%) use in ASSD; antimalarials (28.6%) and biologics (9.8%) use in OM and IVIG use in NM (24.6%) (Table 1). Also, treatment patterns were different in regions of the world (Figure 1), with a higher frequency of CS use in Europe (60.5%) and IS use in South America (77.2%). Antimalarials were most used in Asia (19.4%), while IVIG use was most common in Oceania (16.9%). Dyspnea was associated with higher use of IS (69.9%) and CS (65.8%) (p<0.001), whereas dysphagia was negatively associated with IS (39.7%) and CS (32.7%) likely due to a higher proportion in IBM patients reporting dysphagia.

Table 1.

Current Treatments for IIM, Stratified by Disease Subtypes

DermatomyositisPolymyositisInclusion Body MyositisAnti-synthetase syndromeNecrotizing myositisOverlap syndromeAll IIMp-valueNumber of patients459182348148572241418Immunosuppressants*269 (58.6)107 (58.8)39 (11.2)115 (77.7)40 (70.2)130 (58.0)700 (49.4)<0.001Corticosteroids208 (48.0)81 (46.8)32 (9.7)90 (63.4)32 (59.3)103 (50.0)546 (40.8)<0.001Antimalarials99 (21.6)7 (3.8)0 (0.0)25 (16.9)1 (1.8)64 (28.6)196 (13.8)<0.001Intravenous Immunoglobulins54 (11.8)16 (8.8)19 (5.5)10 (6.8)14 (24.6)20 (8.9)133 (9.4)<0.001Biologics**17 (3.7)7 (3.8)0 (0.0)13 (8.8)2 (3.5)22 (9.8)61 (4.3)<0.001Others***6 (1.3)0 (0.0)0 (0.0)1 (0.7)0 (0.0)5 (2,2)12 (0.8)0.098

*Methotrexate (278), Mycophenolate Mofetil (258), Azathioprine (125), Cyclosporine (38), Tacrolimus (28), Leflunomide (23), Sulfasalazine (14), Cyclophosphamide (9)

. **Rituximab (44), Abatacept (5), TNF inhibitors (4), Tocilizumab (3), Belimumab (3), Secukinumab (1)

. ***JAK(10) and PDE4 inhibitors (2)

Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed an association of IS with the IIM subtype (least used in IBM (OR 0.07 [95%CI 0.04-0.13] compared to DM), world region (most used in South America (OR 2.35 [1.12-4.91] compared to North America), active and worsening disease activity (OR 3.49 [1.76-6.91] compared to remission), and some clinical features (dyspnea, fatigue, and muscle weakness).

Conclusion

IIM treatment patterns differ significantly by disease subtypes, world regions and organ involvement, highlighting the need for unified international consensus-driven guidelines.

References

[1]Parikshit S. et al. Rheumatol Int. 2022 Jan;42(1):23–9.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Inherited thrombophilia in unprovoked venous thromboembolism: Is non 'O' blood group an additional culprit in Indian patients?

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a known situation of considerable mortality and morbidity and occurs due to the convergence of multiple acquired and genetic risk factors.

METHODS

In this study, we have comprehensively analyzed the effect of ABO blood groups and inherited thrombophilia factors [Protein C (PC), Protein S (PS), Antithrombin III (AT III), Activated Protein C Resistance (APCR) and Homocysteine (Hcy)] on 150 unprovoked VTE patients, comparing with normal healthy controls. ABO phenotyping was done using gel cards and thrombophilia workup done using standard kits on coagulation autoanalyzer.

RESULTS

Non O blood group was significantly more frequent among cases than controls (77.3% vs. 62.7%) and had higher odds of VTE (OR = 2.03, 95%CI: 1.22-3.37).Positivity for at least one marker of thrombophilia was more in cases (40%) than controls (16%), and led to significantly higher odds (OR = 3.5, 95%CI: 2.03-6.04) of VTE. Deficiency of PS was the commonest thrombophilia abnormality.Combination of non O group with positivity for thrombophilia markers was also more among cases (OR = 5.67, 95%CI: 2.76-11.65). Highest odds of VTE in cases were associated with non O group in combination with increased Homocystein (OR = 10.8, 95%CI: 2.27-51.5).

CONCLUSION

The study results show non O blood group and positivity for factors of inherited thrombophilia in cases impart higher odds of VTE individually. Also combination of both non O blood group and positivity for factors of inherited thrombophilia in cases further increases the odds of VTE. This awareness could assist physicians in identifying those at higher risk of VTE and tailor-made the thromboprophylaxis accordingly.

Assessment of vibration exposure and physiological responses of crew members during Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) operation: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Operation of infantry combat vehicle (ICV) influences the cardiorespiratory responses as well as the risk of vibration exposure on the crew members which adversely affect their performance and health.

AIM

To assess the effect of stress factors, that is, ICV's compartmental temperature, relative humidity (RH) and vehicular vibration on the physiological parameters (heart rate (HR), respiratory frequency (RF), estimated core body temperature (ECT)) of the crew members during the ICV operation.

METHODS

A 1 hour run trial of the ICV operation was conducted with its crew members at their respective positions. Compartmental temperature and RH were monitored at an interval of every 15 min during the run trial. Physiological parameters were monitored continuously during the run trial. Whole body vibration (WBV) and hand-arm vibration (HAV) of the crew members were also measured during the run trial time.

RESULTS

The findings showed a strong positive correlation (p<0.05) between the increasing compartmental temperature and RH with its run trial time. Significant changes were observed in the physiological parameters (p<0.05) along with the increasing run trial time. Additionally, the physiological parameters showed a strong positive correlation with compartmental temperature and RH, respectively (p<0.05). Also, a significant increase (p<0.05) in the muscle strength was recorded after their exposure to ICV operation. The study also confirmed high level of WBV exposure of the crew members during the ICV operation.

CONCLUSION

Increase in HR, RF and ECT along with increase in temperature and RH is a predictive indicator of physiological stress. Moreover, high levels of vibration exposure of various operations may bring deleterious effect on soldiers' health as well as their performance. Proper ergonomic intervention can reduce exposure to vibration, physiological stress and increase comfort which may ultimately ensure an optimum performance of soldiers and successful completion of mission.

Antiphospholipid syndrome: A diagnostic challenge

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired autoimmune thrombophilic disorder that is characterized by thrombosis (venous, arterial and microvascular) and obstetric morbidity due to a diverse family of antibodies against phospholipid-binding proteins present in plasma. The term antiphospholipid antibody is actually a misnomer as the antibodies are not against the phospholipid per se, but target the plasma protein co-factors, which bind to anionic PLs. The exact etiology has not been elucidated and is multifactorial. The initial guidelines for the diagnosis of APS were laid down in Sapporo, 1999, which were subsequently revised as the Sydney Consensus Conference criteria in 2006. Major changes were the inclusion of β2GPI as independent laboratory criteria, addition of ischemic stroke and transient cerebral ischemia as established clinical criteria and the requirement of repeating the test after 12 weeks. The laboratory tests recommended are coagulation assays, which study the effect of lupus anticoagulant on the clotting time and immunological assays, mostly ELISAs to detect IgG and IgM antibodies against cardiolipin and/or β2 glycoprotein I. For the diagnosis of APS, at least one clinical criterion and one laboratory criterion should be present. Limitations pertaining to the standardization, reproducibility and robustness of the currently recommended diagnostic tests still remain. Despite elaborate guidelines and syndrome defining criteria, the diagnosis of APS still remains a challenge. A greater interaction between the clinicians and the laboratory professionals is necessary for arriving at the correct diagnosis as a misdiagnosis of APS can have grave consequences.

Non Infectious Complications Related to Blood Transfusion: An 11 year Retrospective Analysis in a Tertiary Care Hospital

In India transmission of transfusion transmissible infections (TTI) has shown a relative decrease as a result of mandatory screening of donated blood for TTI's. However, reducing the incidence of non infectious complications poses a major challenge, mainly due to the fact that a number of adverse reactions go unreported. Blood transfusion reaction, can be categorized based on the time interval between transfusion of blood products and the presentation of adverse reactions as acute i.e. those presenting during or within 24 h and as delayed i.e. those presenting anytime after 24 h. Transfusion reactions can further be classified as immune and non immune or infectious and non infectious based on the pathophysiology. In this retrospective study which was undertaken with an aim to determine the type and frequency of non infectious complications due to transfusion of blood and blood products recorded the incidence of febrile non hemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTR) 51.40 %, allergic reactions 40.14 %, non immune hemolytic reactions 4.22 %, hypothermia 2.81 %, anaphylaxis 0.70 % and iron overload 0.70 %. FNHTR which was found to be the most common complication in this study can certainly be minimized, if not completely eliminated by adopting a policy of universal leucodepletion, the implementation of which solely depends on the financial and infrastructure resources available. This study also reiterates the importance of hemovigilance as a tool to improve the safety of blood transfusion.

Minimal residual disease detection using flow cytometry: Applications in acute leukemia

Minimal residual disease (MRD) describes disease that can be diagnosed by methodologies other than conventional morphology, and includes molecular methods (like polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) or flow cytometry (FCM). Detection and monitoring of MRD is becoming the standard of care, considering its importance in predicting the treatment outcome. MRD aids in identifying high-risk patients and hence therapy can be intensified in them while deintensification of therapy can prevent long-term sequelae of chemotherapy in low-risk category. FCM is considered as a less labor-intensive and faster MRD technique as compared to PCR although it has its own share of disadvantages. Current immune-based methodologies for detection of MRD depend on establishing leukemia-associated aberrant immunophenotype (LAIP), at diagnosis or relapse and use this information at specified time points for detection of MRD, or apply a standardized panel of antibody combinations for all MRD cases, in a different-from-normal approach. This review highlights MRD detection by FCM and its application in acute leukemia.

To study the effects of gamma irradiation on single donor apheresis platelet units by measurement of cellular counts, functional indicators and a panel of biochemical parameters, in order to assess pre-transfusion platelet quantity and quality during the shelf life of the product

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of transfusion associated graft versus host disease can be prevented by gamma irradiation of blood components. This study was undertaken to assess the effects of gamma irradiation on single donor platelet (SDP) concentrate units.

METHOD

SDPs were collected by a continuous flow apheresis technique (n = 400). The SDPs from each donor were divided into two parts, one gamma-irradiated with 25 Gy and the other used as a non-irradiated control. Swirling and morphological features, cellular counts, biochemical parameters including blood gas analysis, and platelet activation levels (CD62P: p-selectin) by flow cytometry were analyzed on Day 1 and on Day 5.

RESULTS

Swirling and morphology were maintained in all products, in both the groups throughout the shelf life. No significant change was seen in both groups, on the first and fifth day, as far as pO2, pCO2, Na(+), K(+), HCO3 (-) & Ca(2+) were concerned. However, lactate increased and glucose decreased significantly in irradiated products over 5-day storage period. A small but significant decrease in pH and platelet count was found in the irradiated PCs after 5-day storage. The mean proportion of platelets expressing CD62P over 5-day storage increased significantly.

CONCLUSION

After an overall assessment of all our in vitro parameter results and observations, a few of which were significant, while most were not significant, we concluded that a well-preserved quality of gamma irradiated apheresis platelets is maintained throughout the entire 5-day shelf life of the platelet product, with minimal difference compared to non-irradiated platelets.

Prevalence of Alloimmunization to Human Platelet Antigen Glycoproteins and Human Leucocyte Antigen Class I in β Thalassemia Major Patients in Western India

Present management of β thalassemia major by regular packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions poses risk of alloimmunization not only to red blood cell antigens, but also to human platelet antigens (HPA) and Human leucocyte antigens class I (HLA I). However data in this context is very limited in Indian population. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of alloimmunization to HPA and HLA I in β thalassemia major patients who have received multiple PRBC transfusions over the years. A cross sectional study was performed at our tertiary care blood bank. β thalassemia major patients of more than 6 years of age were included who were receiving fresh, leucoreduced and irradiated PRBC units regularly with annual requirement of more than ten PRBC transfusions. A total of 9 out of 80 (11.25 %) patients were found to be alloimmunized for HPA antigens of various specificity and 24 out of 80 (30 %) developed antibodies to HLA I. The awareness of development of alloimmunization to HPA and HLA antigens in multi PRBC transfused thalassemics, despite use of leucofilters will prompt us, to look for improvement in our current PRBC preparations to minimise platelet alloimmunisation. Further studies are required to validate the findings and build the base line data in this regard. This is of importance, especially in view of providing suitable cross-matched platelets when required in future especially when considering future haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Knowledge of Transfusion Medicine Among Resident Doctors in Clinical Specialities: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Centre

Knowledge of transfusion medicine (TM) has profound impact on transfusion outcomes. Variations from the standards in practices of TM may jeopardize patient care. We assessed the awareness of TM in resident doctors. Our aims was to assess the essential knowledge of TM among resident doctors. The study was carried in a tertiary care hospital. It was a descriptive cross- sectional study using a self-administered, questionnaire comprising of 35 items which was developed to assess the essential knowledge of TM for resident doctors. A total of 85 residents responded from various clinical specialties.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Results of correct response were put as Mean ± SD using SPSS. Survey revealed an overall mean score of 48.53 % for correct responses. Lowest knowledge score of 32.94 % was found for blood bank procedures. The differences between the knowledge of residents from various specialities were not statistically significant. Our study shows that majority of resident doctors have inadequate knowledge of TM. More studies are required from different parts of the country to create data on this issue. The implementation of two weeks training for all residents from clinical specialties in TM department will improve the situation and help to connect our clinician to TM better.

Wdpcp, a PCP protein required for ciliogenesis, regulates directional cell migration and cell polarity by direct modulation of the actin cytoskeleton

Planar cell polarity (PCP) regulates cell alignment required for collective cell movement during embryonic development. This requires PCP/PCP effector proteins, some of which also play essential roles in ciliogenesis, highlighting the long-standing question of the role of the cilium in PCP. Wdpcp, a PCP effector, was recently shown to regulate both ciliogenesis and collective cell movement, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here we show Wdpcp can regulate PCP by direct modulation of the actin cytoskeleton. These studies were made possible by recovery of a Wdpcp mutant mouse model. Wdpcp-deficient mice exhibit phenotypes reminiscent of Bardet-Biedl/Meckel-Gruber ciliopathy syndromes, including cardiac outflow tract and cochlea defects associated with PCP perturbation. We observed Wdpcp is localized to the transition zone, and in Wdpcp-deficient cells, Sept2, Nphp1, and Mks1 were lost from the transition zone, indicating Wdpcp is required for recruitment of proteins essential for ciliogenesis. Wdpcp is also found in the cytoplasm, where it is localized in the actin cytoskeleton and in focal adhesions. Wdpcp interacts with Sept2 and is colocalized with Sept2 in actin filaments, but in Wdpcp-deficient cells, Sept2 was lost from the actin cytoskeleton, suggesting Wdpcp is required for Sept2 recruitment to actin filaments. Significantly, organization of the actin filaments and focal contacts were markedly changed in Wdpcp-deficient cells. This was associated with decreased membrane ruffling, failure to establish cell polarity, and loss of directional cell migration. These results suggest the PCP defects in Wdpcp mutants are not caused by loss of cilia, but by direct disruption of the actin cytoskeleton. Consistent with this, Wdpcp mutant cochlea has normal kinocilia and yet exhibits PCP defects. Together, these findings provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, that a PCP component required for ciliogenesis can directly modulate the actin cytoskeleton to regulate cell polarity and directional cell migration.

[Stent graft of the thoracic aorta]

Considering the demographic changes in our society and the proliferation of imaging-based improved diagnostics, both acute and chronic aortic diseases attract increasing attention and require dedicated care. Cardiac as well as vascular surgery used to represent the gold standards for therapeutic management of pathologies of the ascending aorta and the arch; however, the technological evolution of endoluminal strategies has had a serious impact on the treatment of the descending aorta, the aortic arch in combination with vascular debranching or bypass, and in selected cases even on managing pathologies of the ascending aorta. Although several case series and meta-analyses of published observations hint towards superiority of endografting in comparison to open surgical repair, the affected usually multimorbid patients with highly complex aortic disease should be subjected to an individual evaluation by a team of cardiologists, cardiac and vascular surgeons as well as imaging specialists; a dedicated individualized treatment concept in highly experienced centers of excellence is likely to provide the best results for such challenging patients.

Enhanced mobilization of the bone marrow-derived circulating progenitor cells by intracoronary freshly isolated bone marrow cells transplantation in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Autologous bone marrow cell transplantation (BMCs-Tx) is a promising novel option for treatment of cardiovascular disease. We analysed in a randomized controlled study the influence of the intracoronary autologous freshly isolated BMCs-Tx on the mobilization of bone marrow–derived circulating progenitor cells (BM-CPCs) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Sixty-two patients with AMI were randomized to either freshly isolated BMCs-Tx or to a control group without cell therapy. Peripheral blood (PB) concentrations of CD34/45⁺- and CD133/45⁺-circulating progenitor cells were measured by flow cytometry in 42 AMI patients with cell therapy as well as in 20 AMI patients without cell therapy as a control group on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 3, 6 as well as 12 months after AMI. Global ejection fraction (EF) and the size of infarct area were determined by left ventriculography. We observed in patients with freshly isolated BMCs-Tx at 3 and 12 months follow up a significant reduction of infarct size and increase of global EF as well as infarct wall movement velocity. The mobilization of CD34/45⁺ and CD133/45⁺ BM-CPCs significantly increased with a peak on day 7 as compared to baseline after AMI in both groups (CD34/45⁺: P < 0.001, CD133/45⁺: P < 0.001). Moreover, this significant mobilization of BM-CPCs existed 3, 6 and 12 months after cell therapy compared to day 1 after AMI. In control group, there were no significant differences of CD34/45⁺ and CD133/45⁺ BM-CPCs mobilization between day 1 and 3, 6 and 12 months after AMI. Intracoronary transplantation of autologous freshly isolated BMCs by use of point of care system in patients with AMI may enhance and prolong the mobilization of CD34/45⁺ and CD133/45⁺ BM-CPCs in PB and this might increase the regenerative potency after AMI.

Surface and intracardiac ECG for discriminating conduction disorders after CoreValve implantation

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been developed to minimize operative morbidity and mortality in high-risk symptomatic patients unfit for open surgery. With the proximity of the aortic valve annulus to the conduction system there is, however, an unknown risk of conduction disturbances necessitating monitoring and often cardiac pacing.

Materials and methods

We enrolled 50 consecutive patients from January 2007 to 2008 in our prospective evaluation of conduction disturbances measured by surface and intracardiac ECG recordings. Baseline parameters, procedural characteristics as well as twelve-lead surface ECG and intracardiac conduction times were revealed pre-interventionally, after TAVI and at 7-day follow-up.

Results

TAVI was performed successfully in all patients. During 7 days of follow-up the rate for first-degree AV block raised from 14% at baseline to 44% at day 7 (p < 0.001), while rates for type II second- and third-degree were 0 versus 8% (p < 0.001) and 0 versus 12% (p < 0.001), respectively. Similarly, the prevalence of new left bundle branch block (LBBB) rose from 2 to 54% (p < 0.001). Intracardiac measurements revealed a prolongation of both AH and HV interval from 123.7 ± 41.6 to 136.6 ± 40.5 ms (p < 0.001) and from 54.8 ± 11.7 to 71.4 ± 20.0 ms (p < 0.001), respectively. Pacemaker implantation at a mean follow-up of 4.8 ± 1.2 days was subsequently performed in 23 patients (46%) due to complete AV block (12%) and type II second-degree AV block (8%) while another 13 patients (26%) received a pacemaker for the combination of new LBBB with marked HV prolongation. The high rate of first-degree AV block was primarily driven by an increase in HV interval.

Conclusion

Cardiac conduction disturbances were common in the early experience with CoreValve implantation necessitating close surveillance for at least 1 week.

Ventricular tachycardia and sudden death after primary PCI-reperfusion therapy: impact on primary prevention of sudden cardiac death

BACKGROUND

Current approaches to coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute myocardial infarction (MI) may not be well represented in most primary prevention trials of sudden cardiac death (SCD).

METHODS

The contemporary and ongoing registry of the Rostock infarction network (Drip & Ship) represents a well-defined cohort of patients subjected to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation infarction (STEMI) and served as the database for both candidates for an ICD for primary prevention of SCD and for sudden death (SCD) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) during follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 855 consecutive patients were treated with PCI for STEMI or NSTEMI in the region of Rostock (Germany) between 2001 and 2004. While all cause mortality was still 17.2%, the SCD rate was low at 1.3% during 728 ± 366 days of follow-up. Within that time 85 patients (9.9%) developed an indication for ICD therapy due to an impaired LV function (LVEF ≤ 35%) and heart failure. Univariate predictors of an ICD indication were delayed reperfusion (p = 0.001), a high creatine kinase (CK) max (p = 0.009), a persistent wide QRS complex (p = 0.001), previous cerebrovascular events (p = 0.033), and chronic renal failure (p = 0. 001). However, only 16.5% of these patients qualifying for an ICD actually received an ICD; nevertheless, the actual SCD rate was only 3.5%, while 5.4% (46 patients) suffered VTs or ventricular fibrillation (VF). The SCD/VT rate in the entire infarct population was associated with time to reperfusion (0.032), left bundle-branch block (0.002), a longer history of CAD (0.032), and VT during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

While mortality in patients with STEMI is still alarming even with PCI, the risk of SCD may be considerably decreased even in patients with an LVEF below 35%. With the current approach to primary prevention of sudden cardiac death, approximately 10% of postinfarction patients qualify for ICD therapy; however this may only reach a quarter of patients prone to SCD.

Adsorption of a cationic dye, methylene blue, on to chitosan hydrogel beads generated by anionic surfactant gelation

Chitosan hydrogel beads (CSB) formed by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) gelation were used for the removal of a cationic dye, methylene blue (MB), from aqueous solutions. The adsorption capacity of chitosan beads (CB) formed by alkali gelation was low because of charge repulsions between the chitosan (CS) and the MB. The adsorption capacity of CSB (4 g/L SDS gelation) for MB (100 mg/L) was 129.44 mg/g, and it decreased significantly with increasing SDS concentration during gelation. This decrease was a result of increased density of the CSB membrane materials. The CSB membrane materials formed with the 4 g/L SDS gelation showed the highest volumetric adsorption capacity. The MB adsorption on to CB and CSB increased with increasing values for the initial pH of solution. Data from both CB and CSB showed good fit to Sips isotherm models, and the maximum adsorption capacity of CSB (226.24 mg/g) was higher than that of CB (99.01 mg/g).

Endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor blocks tumor growth via direct and indirect effects on tumor microenvironment

Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) belongs to a small family of endogenous proteins that inhibits a group of enzymes, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). TIMP-2 inhibits endothelial cell proliferation and migration in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo, through MMP-dependent and -independent mechanisms. However, little is known regarding the contribution of these mechanisms to the antitumor effects of TIMP-2. Using a retroviral delivery system, we stably overexpressed TIMP-2 and its mutant Ala+TIMP-2 (devoid of MMP inhibitory activity) in human adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Using real time PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we confirmed enhanced TIMP-2 expression and its MMP inhibitory activity by reverse zymography. In vitro, growth assays suggested that TIMP-2 and Ala+TIMP-2 did not alter basal cell proliferation rates, however, tumor cell migration and invasion were inhibited. In vivo, both TIMP-2 and Ala+TIMP-2 A549 xenografts exhibited reduced growth rate, CD31 immunostaining indicated decreased intratumoral microvascular density, and TUNEL demonstrated enhanced tumor cell apoptosis. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analyses of A549 xenograft tissues with either phospho-FAK (Tyr397) or phospho-AKT (Ser473) showed decreased activation in both TIMP-2 and Ala+TIMP-2 tumor cells. We conclude that TIMP-2-mediated inhibition of tumor growth occurs, at least in part, independently of MMP inhibition, and is a consequence of both direct effects of TIMP-2 on tumor cells and modulation of the tumor microenvironment.

Dengue: A Clinicohaematological Profile

BACKGROUND

Fifty cases of fever, clinically suspected to be dengue were studied.

METHODS

Complete clinical, haematological evaluation and IgM capture assay was done.

RESULT

54% of patients clinically suspected to have dengue were positive for IgM antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The commonest clinical feature was fever with rash (85%). Thrombocytopenia was seen in 19% of patients only. One patient died of dengue shock syndrome (DSS).

CONCLUSION

Out of the 27 cases of seropositive dengue there was one death due to dengue shock syndrome. Thrombocytopenia may not always be a feature of dengue.

A study on habits of tobacco use among medical and non-medical students of Kolkata

BACKGROUND

Age-old practice "using tobacco" is a well known major global concern as it victimizes all its lovers by a host of chronic noncommunicable diseases including cancer; all develop very slowly and silently, and can cause premature death.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the pattern of tobacco use among the medical and nonmedical college students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in Kolkata collecting anonymous data from 515 medical and 349 nonmedical college students of two medical and two general colleges, selected randomly.

RESULT

Overall prevalence of tobacco use (18.3% vs 43.6%) and smoking (14.9% vs 40.7%) were significantly less in medical subjects, both across the sex and years of study. Lower rate of tobacco adoption at college level, higher quitting rate, correct knowledge regarding uselessness of filter attached with cigarette, and ill-effects of tobacco consumption were observed among medical participants. More nonmedical subjects were increasingly smoking compared to medical students. Filter-tipped cigarette was the top choice, and smoking was more prevalent mode of use among the nonmedical participants, most (62.3%) of whom were mild users. Curiosity was the top influencing factor for the initiation of tobacco use and two-third users wanted to quit.

CONCLUSION

Although the mortal habits was comparatively less among medical students, the medical environment seemed to fail to curb the dreadful practice totally. Thereby it can be recommended that active behavior-changing communication is required for all sections of the society to tear out the social root of the problem instead of unimpressive vague health warnings in vogue.

Effect of the addition mode of carbon nanotubes for the production of chitosan hydrogel core-shell beads on adsorption of Congo red from aqueous solution

The adsorption performance of chitosan (CS) hydrogel beads (CSBs) generated by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gelation with multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) impregnation was investigated for Congo red removal as a model anionic dye. CNT-impregnated CSBs were prepared by four different strategies for dispersing CNTs: (a) in CS solution (CSBN1), (b) in SDS solution (CSBN2), (c) in CS solution containing cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) (CSBN3), and (d) in SDS solution for gelation with CTAB-containing CS solution (CSBN4). It was observed from FE-SEM study that depending on nature of CNT dispersion, CNTs were found on the outer surface of CSBN2 and CSBN4 only. The adsorption capacity of the CSBs varied with the strategy used for CNT impregnation, and CSBN4 exhibited the highest maximum adsorption capacity (375.94 mg/g) from the Sips model. The lowest Sips maximum adsorption capacity by CSBN3 (121.07 mg/g) suggested significant blocking of binding sites of CS by CNT impregnation.

[Coronary intervention - which indications are controversial?]

Actually, the further development of surgical and interventional techniques enables the treatment of complex coronary artery disease of severely ill patients. Due to this development there is a growing spectrum of possible indications for the interventional technique. Since SYNTAX trial, the individual risk stratification and discussion of possible strategies in interdisciplinar meetings is of utmost importance again. Risk stratification should contain patients history, as well as objective findings like extent of coronary artery disease, left ventricular function, pathological stress tests and patients comorbidities. Today, controversial indications up until a short time ago were possible indications for interventional techniques like demonstrated in recent trials and registries. The most discussed controversial indications were interventions at multivessel-disease with drug-eluting stents (DES), left-main stem and chronic total occlusions.

[Use of diuretics in acute decompensated heart failure]

Patients with acute heart failure usually present with dyspnoe and edema secondary to elevated intracardiac filling pressure resulting from volume overload. Despite significant progress in understanding heart failure, the treatment strategy for acute heart failure did not change in the same way. Diuretics, especially loop diuretics, are the most common therapy used in this setting. Intravenous diuretics act acutely by exerting a modest vasodilatory response and chronically by reducing circulating blood volume. Despite near universal use of diuretics in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure, nearly half of these patients are discharged from hospital without weight loss. This could be due to inadequate diuresis, overdiuresis with subsequent volume replacement and diuretic resistance. Aggressive diuresis carries a significant risk of electrolyte and volume depletion with subsequent arrythmias, hypotension, and worsening renal function. Actually there were scant data available from randomized clinical trials to guide therapeutic choice with diuretics. Thus, the choice and dosing of diuretic therapy must be individualized based on general knowledge of potency and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations.

A new type of chitosan hydrogel sorbent generated by anionic surfactant gelation

A new type of chitosan hydrogel beads (CSB) with a core-shell membrane structure was generated by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gelation process. CSB exhibited higher mechanical strength and acid stability than chitosan hydrogel beads (CB) formed by alkali gelation. The effect of SDS concentration variation during gelation on the adsorption capacity of CSB for congo red (CR) as a model anionic dye showed that CSB formed by 4gl(-1) SDS gelation had the highest adsorption capacity. The maximum adsorption capacity of CSB (208.3mgg(-1)) obtained from the Sips model was found slightly higher than that of CB (200.0mgg(-1)). Membrane materials of CSB obtained after squeezing core water from the beads showed approximately 25 times higher volumetric adsorption capacity than CB.

Comparative assessment of topical steroids, topical tretenoin (0.05%) and dithranol paste in alopecia areata

BACKGROUND

There have been various controversial reports regarding the efficacy of topical agents in topical therapy of alopecia areata.

AIM

The study aims to find out the effective ones among the readily available ones for a dermatologist.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty patients were chosen from the skin OPD of Bankura Sammilani Medical College, Bankura, West Bengal, after evaluating the exclusion criterions. Treatments were continued for 3 month period and a follow up after further 3 months. After dividing them into four groups-group-I (topical steroids), group-II (topical tretinoin 0.05%) group-III (dithranol paste 0.25%), and group-IV (white soft petrolatum jelly)-patients were evaluated.

RESULTS

Seventy percent of group-I, 55% of group-II, 35% of group-III, and 20% of the control group (white soft petrolatum jelly) responded favorably. Side effects in the form of dermatitis and hyperpigmentation were seen in group-III. However, no patient discontinued from the study.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that both topical steroids and tretinoin were fairly effective in limited variant of alopecia areata.

[Diagnosis and medical treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension]

The idiopathic pulmonal arterial hypertension is characterized by a chronic proliferative conversion of the pulmonary arterial vessels leading to an increase of pulmonary vascular resistance and thus resulting in right heart failure and increase mortality rate. With growing advances in understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and the development of modern medical treatment strategies, there is a significant improvement of the overall survival rate and quality-of life. In this review we will give an overview about the current knowledge of etiology, diagnosis and management of idiopathic pulmonal arterial hypertension.