A new approach to establish safe levels of available metals in soil with respect to potential health hazard of human

Safe levels of extractable pollutant elements in soil have not been universally established. Prediction of metal solubility in polluted soils and the subsequent transfer of these metals from soil pore water to the human food supply via crops are required for effective risk assessment from polluted soils. Thus an attempt has been made to develop a novel approach to protect human health from exposure to toxic metals through assessing risk from metal polluted soils utilised for agriculture. In this study, we assess the relative efficacy of various forms of 'free ion activity model' (FIAM) for predicting the concentration of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in spinach and wheat as example crops, thereby providing an assessment of risk to human health from consumption of these crops. Free metal ion activity in soil solution was estimated using the Windermere Humic Aqueous Model VII (WHAM-VII) and the Baker soil test. Approximately 91, 81, 75, 94 and 70% of the variability in Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn and Cu content, respectively, of spinach could be described by a FIAM using an estimate of the free ion activity of the metals provided by WHAM-VII. Owing to the different concentration of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) used in the present experiment, higher prediction coefficients were obtained using EDTA (0.05 M), rather than DTPA (0.005 M), as the metal extractant in an integrated solubility-FIAM model. Out of three formulations, the FIAM, based on free ion activity of metals in soil pore water, determined from solution extracted with Rhizon samplers, was distinctly superior to the other formulations in predicting metal uptake by spinach and wheat. A safe level of extractable metal in soil was prescribed using a hazard quotient derived from predicted plant metal content and estimated dietary intake of wheat and spinach by a human population.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12665-021-09988-7.

Comparative analysis of beneficial effects of vancomycin treatment on Th1- and Th2-biased mice and the role of gut microbiota

AIMS

The aim was to understand the time-dependent antibiotic-induced perturbation pattern of gut microbiota and its effect on the innate immune and metabolic profile of the host.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Vancomycin was administered at 50 mg kg^-1 of body weight twice daily for six consecutive days to perturb the gut microbiota of C57BL/6 (Th1-biased) and BALB/c (Th2-biased) mice. Following treatment with vancomycin, we observed a reduction in the abundance of phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroides and an increase in Proteobacteria in the gut for both strains of mice following treatment with vancomycin till day 4. Abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila of Verrucomicrobia phylum also increased, from day 5 onwards following vancomycin treatment. The time-dependent variation of gut microbiota was associated with increased (i) expression of toll-like receptors and inflammatory genes such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17, (ii) gut barrier permeability and (iii) blood glucose level of the host. The results also showed that (i) transplantation of cecal microbiota from vancomycin-treated day 6 mice to day 3 vancomycin-treated mice helped in restoring blood glucose level in C57BL/6 mice and (ii) short-chain fatty acids like acetate, butyrate and propionate changed with the alteration of gut microbiota to induce differential regulation of host immune response.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results revealed that an increase in A. muciniphila led to decreased inflammation and increased rate of glucose tolerance in the host. The treatment, with vancomycin till day 4, increased expression of inflammatory genes. The continuation of vancomycin for two more days reversed the effects. The effects were significantly more in C57BL/6 than BALB/c mice.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The current study established that the treatment with vancomycin till day 4 increased pathogenic bacteria but day 5 onwards provided significant health-related benefits to the host by increasing A. muciniphila more in C57BL/6 than BALB/c mice.

Exploring the structure of Xe isotopes in A ~ 130 region: Single particle and collective excitations

High and medium spin structures of 130,131Xe have been studied using α-induced fusion-evaporation reaction and the Indian National Gamma Array (INGA) coupled with a digital data acquisition system. Various new band structures and near yrast levels of 131Xe have been established. The multipolarities of the observed transitions have been assigned on the basis of the DCO ratios and the polarization asymmetry measurements. Band structures based on 1-quasi-particle (qp), 3-qp configurations have been observed. A new Magnetic Rotational (MR) band based on 5-qp configuration has also been established in 131Xe. The MR band has been interpreted in terms of shears mechanism with principal axis cranking (SPAC) calculations. Shell Model calculations are carried out to describe the non yrast states of 131Xe above the 11/2− isomer. New excited states have also been identified in 130Xe, produced in the same reaction.

P6389Infection and type 2 myocardial infarction: a large observational study from emergency department

Background

Troponin elevation is frequent in patients with acute infection (AI) admitted to emergency unit (EU). Acute infection (AI) has been suggested as a common trigger in type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI), corresponding to a myocardial oxygen supply-demand mismatch without atherothrombosis. We aim to characterize risk factors of T2MI occurrence and in-hospital mortality among patients admitted to an EU with AI and elevated troponin.

Methods

Among the medical records of all the patients admitted from January 2014 to December 2016 in a university hospital EU (n=82 543), patients with a diagnosis of AI and elevated troponin Ic (≥0.10μg/L) (n=714) were systematically adjudicated as T2MI in the presence of symptoms or signs of myocardial ischemia (typical chest pain and/or ECG changes).

Results

Among the 714 patients included (aged 85, 50% male), 185 (26%) were classified as T2MI, of whom infection site was pulmonary tract (n=111), urinary tract (n=27), skin (n=15), digestive tract (n=9) or other or indefinite site (n=23). By multivariate analysis, a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR (95% CI): 0.53 (0.30–0.96)), high temperature (OR: 0.86 (0.74–0.99) per °C) and elevated creatinine (0R 0.998 (0.996–1.000) per μmol/L) were associated with a lower risk of T2MI, whereas age, site of infection, C-reactive protein and troponin rates were not predictors of T2MI. Death rate was similar among patients with or without T2MI (21 vs 23%, p=0.6). In contrast, age, troponine, creatinine or C-reactive protein elevations were independent co-variates associated with mortality.

Conclusions

Our large real-life study shows that in patients admitted to an EU with AI and troponin elevation, T2MI is a common feature, in the absence of temperature elevation, renal insufficiency or history of COPD. In such patients, inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers levels were independently associated with early mortality.

P852Frequency and prognosis of type 2 myocardial infarction vs non ischemic myocardial injury: large observational study from an emergency department

Background

Type 2 Myocardial Infarction (T2MI), due to myocardial oxygen supply-demand mismatch in the absence of atherothrombosis and non-ischemic myocardial injury (NIMI), corresponding to troponin elevation without overt ischemia, are emerging concepts which are suspected to be common in patients hospitalized. However, their respective frequencies, risk profiles and short term prognosis in current routine clinical practice of emergency unit remains to be investigated.

Methods

Among the medical records of all the patients admitted from January 2014 to December 2016 in a university hospital emergency unit (n=82 543), patients with elevated troponin Ic (≥0.10μg/L) (n=4568) were systematically adjudicated as T2MI in the presence of symptoms or signs of myocardial ischemia (typical chest pain and/or ECG changes), or as NIMI without such signs. Patients with missing biological data on admission (n=112) or T1MI diagnosis (n=2467) were excluded.

Results

Among the 1989 patients included, 539 (27%) were classified as T2MI and 1450 (73%) as NIMI. When compared with patients with NIMI, T2MI had higher troponin levels (0.27 (0.14–0.71) vs 0.22 (0.13–0.54) μg/L, p=0.008, respectively). NIMI and T2MI had similar risk factors (age (84 (74–90) vs 84 (75–91) y, p=0.3), male sex (43 vs 48%, p=0.07), hypertension (67 vs 71%, p=0.133), diabetes (25 vs 25%, p=0.9), prior CAD (24 vs 26%, p=0.342), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS, 47 vs 49%, p=0.3), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (130 (111–153) vs 132 (112–153) mmHg, p=0.545). Biological data on admission were also similar (hyperglycemia (glucose ≥11 mmol/L), 14 vs 13%, p=0.37, creatinine (96 (72–148) vs 94 (72–141) μmole/L, p=0.598), anemia (Hemoglobin rate ≤10g/dL, 13 vs 14%, p=0.5), C-reactive protein elevation (CRP ≥3 mg/L, 88 vs 89%, p=0.7)). Moreover, in-hospital mortality was high and similar for both groups (15 vs 18%, p=0.2). In multivariate analysis, age, troponin rate, SIRS, anemia, SBP, hyperglycemia, creatinine and CRP elevation were independent factors associated with hospital mortality, but not T2MI (vs NIMI) (OR: 0.88 (0.66–1.17)). Older age and hyperglycemia were specific covariates associated with increased risk of mortality in T2MI, but not in NIMI.

Conclusions

This large real-life study of non-T1MI inpatients with elevated troponins from emergency department shows that myocardial injury without necrosis and T2MI share the same risk factors, characterized by a high rate of infections and anemia and a high risk of hospital mortality.

Acknowledgement/Funding

University Hospital Center Dijon Bourgogne, France

A Rare Transformation of Epidermoid Cyst into Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report with Literature Review

BACKGROUND Epidermoid cysts are the most common benign skin lesions that can occur anywhere on the body, and frequently occur on the face, scalp, neck, and trunk. Typically, patients are asymptomatic, and the lesions present as firm skin-colored nodules filled with keratinous or sebaceous materials that are formed by cystic expansion of the epidermal epithelium. Malignant transformation is rare in epidermoid cysts. CASE REPORT This is a case report of a 77-year-old male Caucasian patient who presented with an epidermoid cyst on the left parietal area. Due to high suspicion, the cyst was surgically excised and sent to pathology which resulted in discovery of malignant squamous cell carcinoma with unclear margins. Aimed at obtaining clear margins, a wide excision was performed, which revealed clean margins and absence of residual cancerous cells. The patient recovered well without major complications. CONCLUSIONS Although the prevalence of epidermoid cysts is high, malignant transformation of epidermoid cysts into squamous cell carcinoma is rare. Due to its scarcity, the exact pathophysiology of malignant transformation is still poorly understood. The differential diagnosis should include the possibility of malignancy for highly suspicious lesions, and proper management guidelines should be established. Surgical resection should be the treatment of choice, and once removed, all surgically excised cysts should undergo pathologic evaluation. As clinicians, it is crucial to stay vigilant and have a low threshold for excision and thorough histological examination of specimens to allow early diagnosis and interventions which can significantly improve patient outcomes. Through the suggested guidelines, we hope to aid in better management and intervention in case of malignant transformation of epidermoid cysts.

Abstract 507: Identification of CD73 and A2AR/CD73 small molecule inhibitors for cancer immunotherapy as single agents or in combination with Immune-checkpoint therapies

Adenosine generated by CD73 is a key driver of immunosuppression in the hypoxic tumour microenvironment (TME) and particularly involved in angiogenic process and immunity. In immune-inflamed tumours, with CD8+ T-cell infiltrates, adenosine signalling is a cause of resistance to immune checkpoint therapies (ICTs) through the inhibition of T-cells, NK cells and more largely of the overall antitumor immunity. Evotec and Exscientia are collaborating to develop an innovative drug discovery platform for accelerating small molecule development in Immuno-Oncology targeting the adenosine pathway. The platform has integrated a unique biophysical screening approach for the adenosine receptors and CD73 to drive automated medicinal chemistry design with a translational-focused screening cascade. We have initiated research of CD73 specific inhibitory molecules based on SPR fragment screening and have identified lead compounds which fully bind in the active site of the CD73 protein in both the open and closed states. In vitro functional potency has been demonstrated for the CD73 inhibitors for inhibiting adenosine production by Rapid Fire technology performed using CD73 recombinant protein. Moreover, we demonstrated that CD73 inhibitors induce recovery of AMP-induced inhibition of T-cells activation as measured through IL-2 production. The series are under lead optimization to improve ADME/DMPK parameters in order to enable evaluation in PK/PD assays and in vivo efficacy studies specifically developed for the project. Finally, from the perspective of developing a dual pharmacological profile for A2AR and CD73 inhibition, we have assessed, using primary human CD3+ T-lymphocytes isolated from healthy donors, the synergy between the inhibition of the two targets in order to enhance the recovery of T-cell activation. We have demonstrated that EVOEXS21546, our pre-development A2AR inhibitor candidate, and our lead compound for CD73 inhibition act in synergy in functional human T-cell assays. Our SPR screening approach has also identified hit compounds with dual bispecific pharmacological activity against both A2AR and CD73.

Citation Format: Pierre Fons, Andrew Bell, Michael Esquerre, Stephanie Versluys, Florie Bertrand, Adrian Schreyer, Iva Hopkins-Navratilova, Leonardo-Silvestre Hernani, Celia Bergeaud, Celine Poussereau-Pomie, Ghislaine Marchand, Sean Robinson, Simone Culurgioni, Richard Cox, Jeremy Besnard, Andrew Payne, Peter Ray, Emilie Pelissier, Michael Paillasse, Joanna Lisztwan, Craig Johnstone, Mark Whittaker, Andrew Hopkins. Identification of CD73 and A2AR/CD73 small molecule inhibitors for cancer immunotherapy as single agents or in combination with Immune-checkpoint therapies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 507.

Influence de l’âge sur les durées de réanimation des arrêts cardiaques préhospitaliers

Introduction : L’objectif de notre étude est de déterminer si l’âge des patients en arrêt cardiaque (AC) a une influence sur les durées de réanimation cardiopulmonaire (RCP) par les équipes préhospitalières.

Patients et méthodes : Nous avons réalisé une étude monocentrique, prospective, à partir des données de notre centre hospitalier universitaire, issues du Registre électronique des arrêts cardiaques. Ont été inclus tous les patients ayant présenté un AC, hormis ceux retrouvés en état de rigidité cadavérique ou qui avaient préalablement exprimé des directives anticipées sur leur fin de vie. Les patients ont été séparés en deux groupes selon leur âge : les moins de 75 ans et ceux de 75 ans et plus. Le critère de jugement principal était la durée de RCP spécialisée décidée par le médecin de l’équipe préhospitalière.

Résultats : Du 1er janvier au 31 décembre 2015, sur 253 patients victimes d’AC, 188 (74 % d’hommes, 78 % d’asystolie) ont bénéficié d’une RCP par une équipe du Service mobile d’urgence et de réanimation. Il y a eu 39 % de récupération d’une activité cardiaque spontanée (RACS). Seuls 31 % des patients étaient admis vivants à l’hôpital, ils étaient 6 % à j30. La durée de RCP était plus importante pour les patients de moins de 75 ans (29 ± 15 vs 23 ± 19 minutes ; p < 0,01). Mais pour les patients ayant une RACS, la durée de RCP était identique entre les deux groupes (16 ± 10 vs 14 ± 9 minutes ; p = 0,34). La survie des patients de 75 ans et plus était de 10 vs 22 % pour les moins de 75 ans (p = 0,35).

Conclusion : Notre étude suggère que l’âge des patients influence négativement les durées de réanimation des équipes préhospitalières.

High-resolution melting curve analysis of heat shock protein 65 for identification of mycobacterial isolates

Infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) often escape detection on traditional diagnostics. We evaluated the ability of heat shock protein 65 (hsp65) polymerase chain reaction and high-resolution melting curve (HRMC) analysis to identify and differentiate Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) from NTM in 150 clinical mycobacterial isolates from extra-pulmonary sites. A hundred MTC and 50 NTM isolates were identified. We were able to simultaneously differentiate between seven mycobacterial species using HRMC analysis; a concordance of 100% between hsp65 HRMC analysis, polymerase chain reaction + restriction analysis and hsp65 sequencing was observed.

Influence du dosage systématique par biologie délocalisée du lactate sur le temps de passage des patients admis en salle d’accueil des urgences vitales

Objectif : L’objectif de notre étude était d’évaluer l’impact d’un dosage systématique par biologie délocalisée du lactate (DDL) sur le temps de passage en salle d’accueil des urgences vitales (SAUV).

Méthode : Il s’agit d’une étude prospective bicentrique de type avant/après réalisée dans deux services d’urgences universitaires. Deux phases ont été comparées. Lors de la première phase (septembre à décembre 2014), tous les patients d’âge supérieur ou égal à 18 ans orientés dès l’arrivée par l’infirmière organisatrice de l’accueil (IOA) en SAUV ont été inclus et ont bénéficié d’un DDL systématique. Pendant la seconde (mars à avril 2015) phase, pour les patients d’âge supérieur ou égal à 18 ans orientés dès l’arrivée par l’IOA en SAUV, le dosage du lactate a été laissé à l’appréciation du senior responsable et réalisé au laboratoire central.

Résultats : Les données sont exprimées en moyenne ± ET médiane [interquartile]. Huit cent trente-trois patients ont été inclus dont 397 dans la phase 1 et 436 dans la phase 2 (âge moyen de 63 ± 23 vs 59 ± 24 ans, p = 0,03), dont 16%ont été transférés en réanimation. Dans la phase 1 (avec DDL), la valeur moyenne du lactate (n = 397) était de 2,0 ± 1,9 mmol/l et dans la phase 2 (n = 70/436) de 2,2 ± 1,9 mmol/l (p = 0,55). La durée médiane de passage en SAUV n’était pas significativement diminuée avec DDL (165 [95–265] vs 170 [100–260] minutes, p = 0,76).

Conclusion : Notre étude n’a pas pu démontrer que l’introduction d’un DDL systématique réduit le temps de passage des patients admis en SAUV.