Advanced portable micro-SORS prototype coupled with SERDS for heritage science

We investigate the subsurface composition of turbid materials at the micro scale by means of a portable non-invasive technique, micro-spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (micro-SORS), combined with shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS). This combination enables the microscale layer analysis and allows to deal effectively with highly fluorescing samples as well as ambient light, all in a form of an in-house portable prototype device optimised for applications in heritage science. The instrument comprises ability to simultaneously collect multiple spectra by means of an optical fibre bundle, thus reducing the dead time and simplifying the ease of deployment of the technique. The performance of the synergy between micro-SORS and 785 nm SERDS dual-wavelength diode laser is demonstrated on a stratified mock-up painting samples including highly fluorescing painted layers. This instrumental approach could be ground-breaking in heritage science, due to the largely unmet need of analysing the molecular composition of subsurface of artworks non-invasively and in situ, and in the presence of fluorescent background and ambient light. Moreover, many other fields are expected to benefit from this technological advancement such as solar energy, forensic and food analytical areas.

Association between lung function and dyspnoea and its variation in the multinational Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study

BACKGROUND

Dyspnoea is a common symptom of respiratory disease. However, data on its prevalence in general populations and its association with lung function are limited and are mainly from high-income countries. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of dyspnoea across several world regions, and to investigate the association of dyspnoea with lung function.

METHODS

Dyspnoea was assessed, and lung function measured in 25,806 adult participants of the multinational Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study. Dyspnoea was defined as ≥2 on the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea scale. The prevalence of dyspnoea was estimated for each of the study sites and compared across countries and world regions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of dyspnoea with lung function in each site. Results were then pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of dyspnoea varied widely across sites without a clear geographical pattern. The mean prevalence of dyspnoea was 13.7 % (SD=8.2 %), ranging from 0 % in Mysore (India) to 28.8 % in Nampicuan-Talugtug (Philippines). Dyspnoea was strongly associated with both spirometry restriction (FVC

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of dyspnoea varies substantially across the world and is strongly associated with lung function impairment. Using the mMRC scale in epidemiological research should be discussed.

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Key Words

• Breathlessness
• Dyspnoea
• Lung function
• Spirometry

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Affiliation(s)

A Müller Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Health, Vienna, Austria; Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
E F Wouters Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Health, Vienna, Austria; Sigmund Freud University, Faculty of Medicine, Vienna, Austria; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
P Koul Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
T Welte Department of Respiratory Medicine/Infectious Disease, Member of the German Centre for Lung Research, Hannover School of Medicine, Hannover, Germany
I Harrabi Faculté de Médecine, Sousse, Tunisia
A Rashid RCSI and UCD Malaysia Campus, Penang, Malaysia
L C Loh RUMC, Penang, Malaysia
M Al Ghobain King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud ben Abdulaziz University for Health Science, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
A Elsony The Epidemiological Laboratory, Khartoum, Sudan
R Ahmed The Epidemiological Laboratory, Khartoum, Sudan
J Potts National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
K Mortimer University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
F Rodrigues Pulmonology Department, Lisbon North Hospital Centre, Lisbon, Portugal; Institute of Environmental Health, Associate Laboratory TERRA, Lisbon Medical School, Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal
S N Paraguas Philippine College of Chest Physicians, Manila, Philippines
S Juvekar KEM Hospital Research Centre, Pune, India
D Agarwal KEM Hospital Research Centre, Pune, India
D Obaseki Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria; Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
T Gislason Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland; Department of Sleep, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
T Seemungal Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
A A Nafees Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
C Jenkins Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
H B Dias Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Politecnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
F M E Franssen Department of Respiratory Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Research and Development, Ciro, Horn, the Netherlands
M Studnicka Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
C Janson Department of Medical Sciences: Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
H H Cherkaski Faculty of Medicine, University Badji Mokhtar, Annaba, Algeria
M El Biaze Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fes, Morocco
P A Mahesh Department of Respiratory Medicine, JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysore, Karnataka, India
J Cardoso Pulmonology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal; NOVA Medical School, Nova University Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
P Burney National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
S Hartl Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Health, Vienna, Austria; Sigmund Freud University, Faculty of Medicine, Vienna, Austria
D J A Janssen Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Research and Development, Ciro, Horn, the Netherlands
A F S Amaral National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK; NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK

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Invasiveness of decompression surgery affects modeled lumbar spine kinetics in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis

Introduction: The surgical treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis with accompanying spinal stenosis focuses mainly on decompression of the spinal canal with or without additional fusion by means of a dorsal spondylodesis. Currently, one main decision criterion for additional fusion is the presence of instability in flexion and extension X-rays. In cases of mild and stable spondylolisthesis, the optimal treatment remains a subject of ongoing debate. There exist different opinions on whether performing a fusion directly together with decompression has a potential benefit for patients or constitutes overtreatment. As X-ray images do not provide any information about internal biomechanical forces, computer simulation of individual patients might be a tool to gain a set of new decision criteria for those cases. Methods: To evaluate the biomechanical effects resulting from different decompression techniques, we developed a lumbar spine model using forward dynamic-based multibody simulation (FD_MBS). Preoperative CT data of 15 patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis at the level L4/L5 who underwent spinal decompression were identified retrospectively. Based on the segmented vertebrae, 15 individualized models were built. To establish a reference for comparison, we simulated a standardized flexion movement (intact) for each model. Subsequently, we performed virtual unilateral and bilateral interlaminar fenestration (uILF, bILF) and laminectomy (LAM) by removing the respective ligaments in each model. Afterward, the standardized flexion movement was simulated again for each case and decompression method, allowing us to compare the outcomes with the reference. This comprehensive approach enables us to assess the biomechanical implications of different surgical approaches and gain valuable insights into their effects on lumbar spine functionality. Results: Our findings reveal significant changes in the biomechanics of vertebrae and intervertebral discs (IVDs) as a result of different decompression techniques. As the invasiveness of decompression increases, the moment transmitted on the vertebrae significantly rises, following the sequence intact ➝ uILF ➝ bILF ➝ LAM. Conversely, we observed a reduction in anterior-posterior shear forces within the IVDs at the levels L3/L4 and L4/L5 following LAM. Conclusion: Our findings showed that it was feasible to forecast lumbar spine kinematics after three distinct decompression methods, which might be helpful in future clinical applications.

In vivo characterization of the novel ebolavirus Bombali virus suggests a low pathogenic potential for humans

Ebolaviruses cause outbreaks of haemorrhagic fever in Central and West Africa. Some members of this genus such as Ebola virus (EBOV) are highly pathogenic, with case fatality rates of up to 90%, whereas others such as Reston virus (RESTV) are apathogenic for humans. Bombali virus (BOMV) is a novel ebolavirus for which complete genome sequences were recently found in free-tailed bats, although no infectious virus could be isolated. Its pathogenic potential for humans is unknown. To address this question, we first determined whether proteins encoded by the available BOMV sequence found in Chaerephon pumilus were functional in in vitro assays. The correction of an apparent sequencing error in the glycoprotein based on these data then allowed us to generate infectious BOMV using reverse genetics and characterize its infection of human cells. Furthermore, we used HLA-A2-transgenic, NOD-scid-IL-2γ receptor-knockout (NSG-A2) mice reconstituted with human haematopoiesis as a model to evaluate the pathogenicity of BOMV in vivo in a human-like immune environment. These data demonstrate that not only does BOMV show a slower growth rate than EBOV in vitro, but it also shows low pathogenicity in humanized mice, comparable to previous studies using RESTV. Taken together, these findings suggest a low pathogenic potential of BOMV for humans.

Elevated rates of dietary generalization in eusocial lineages of the secondarily herbivorous bees

BACKGROUND

Within the Hymenoptera, bees are notable for their relationship with flowering plants, being almost entirely dependent on plant pollen and nectar. Though functionally herbivorous, as a result of their role as pollinators, bees have received comparatively little attention as models for insect herbivory. Bees often display dietary specialization, but quantitative comparison against other herbivorous insects has not previously been conducted.

RESULTS

In the most comprehensive analysis to date for 860 bee species, dietary specialization amounted to 50.1% of studied species collecting pollen from between 1 and 2 botanical families with a relatively long tail of dietary generalists, with 11.1% of species collecting from more than 10 botanical families. This distribution deviated from the truncated Pareto distribution of dietary breadth seen in other herbivorous insect lineages. However, this deviation was predominantly due to eusocial bee lineages, which show a range of dietary breadths that conformed to a normal distribution, while solitary bees show a typical truncated distribution not strongly different from other herbivorous insects. We hypothesize that the relatively low level of dietary specialization in bees as a whole reflects the relaxation of the constraints typically observed in herbivorous insects with a comparatively reduced importance of plant chemistry and comparatively increased importance of phenology and foraging efficiency. The long flight periods of eusocial bees that are necessary to allow overlapping generations both allows and necessitates the use of multiple flowering resources, whereas solitary bees with short flight periods have more limited access to varied resources within a constrained activity period.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, solitary bees show slightly lower specialization compared to other herbivorous insects, possibly due to their balanced relationship with plants, rather than direct antagonism such as seen in the direct consumption of plant tissues. An additional factor may be the mediocre diversity of bees at low latitudes combined with low levels of dietary specialization, whereas these areas typically display a high rate of specialization by herbivorous insects in general. Though the most important factors structuring dietary specialization in bees appear to differ from many other herbivorous insects, solitary bees show a surprisingly similar overall pattern of dietary specialization.

Dynamic ventral disc contraction is necessary for Giardia attachment and host pathology

Giardia lamblia is a common parasitic protist that infects the small intestine and causes giardiasis, resulting in diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and malabsorption. Giardiasis leads to cellular damage, including loss of microvilli, disruption of tight junctions, impaired barrier function, enzyme inhibition, malabsorption, and apoptosis. In the host, motile Giardia trophozoites attach to the duodenal microvilli using a unique microtubule organelle called the ventral disc. Despite early observations of disc-shaped depressions in microvilli after parasite detachment, little is known about disc-mediated attachment mechanisms and there little direct evidence showing that parasite attachment causes cellular damage. However, advancements in in vitro organoid models of infection and genetic tools have opened new possibilities for studying molecular mechanisms of attachment and the impact of attachment on the host. Through high-resolution live imaging and a novel disc mutant, we provide direct evidence for disc contraction during attachment, resolving the long-standing controversy of its existence. Specifically, we identify three types of disc movements that characterize contraction, which in combination result in a decrease in disc diameter and volume. Additionally, we investigate the consequences of attachment and disc contractility using an attachment mutant that has abnormal disc architecture. In a human organoid model, we demonstrate that this mutant has a limited ability to break down the epithelial barrier as compared to wild type. Based on this direct evidence, we propose a model of attachment that incorporates disc contraction to generates the forces required for the observed "grasping" of trophozoites on the host epithelium. Overall, this work highlights the importance of disc contractility in establishing and maintaining parasite attachment, leading to intestinal barrier breakdown.

Secondary Prophylaxis Among First Nations People With Acute Rheumatic Fever in Australia: An Integrative Review

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) among Australia's First Nations populations are some of the highest in the world, accounting for 95% of the 2,244 ARF notifications between 2015 and 2019 in Australia. A key issue in treating ARF is long-term secondary prophylaxis, yet only one in five patients received treatment in 2019. This review identifies barriers to secondary prophylaxis of ARF in Australia's First Nations people.

METHODS

An integrative review was undertaken utilizing PubMed, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Wiley Online. Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were used, followed by thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The key themes uncovered included: issues with database and recall systems, patient/family characteristics, service delivery location and site, pain of injection, education (including language barriers), and patient-clinician relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

A national RHD register, change in operation model, improved pain management, improved education, and need for consistent personnel is suggested.

Nurses' use of pro re nata medication in adult acute mental healthcare settings: An integrative review

This integrative review explores the current pro re nata (PRN) medication practice in acute adult mental health settings. PRN medication is commonly used in acute mental health settings but there is lack of evidence of effectiveness of this practice. PRN medications have a number of adverse effects and increase the risk of morbidity in patients with a mental illness. Articles were identified from MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science database. The STROBE critical appraisal tool was used to evaluate the quality of evidence, and inductive thematic analysis was used to extract main themes. Five themes regarding prescription practices, poor documentation, reasons to administer, medication misuse, and insufficient use of non-pharmacological interventions emerged among the 12 eligible articles. The study identified PRN medication practice gaps in adult mental health settings included insufficient documentation practice, underuse of therapeutic non-pharmacological interventions, and significant variability in PRN medication practice across the mental health professionals due to different levels of knowledge and experience.

Skin microbiota secretomes modulate cutaneous innate immunity against Borrelia burgdorferi s.s

In Lyme borreliosis, the skin constitutes a major interface for the host, the bacteria and the tick. Skin immunity is provided by specialized immune cells but also by the resident cells: the keratinocytes and the fibroblasts. Discoveries on the role of the microbiome in the modulation of skin inflammation and immunity have reinforced the potential importance of the skin in vector-borne diseases. In this study, we analyzed in vitro the interaction of human primary keratinocytes and fibroblasts with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto N40 in presence or absence of bacterial commensal supernatants. We aimed to highlight the role of resident skin cells and skin microbiome on the inflammation induced by B. burgdorferi s.s.. The secretomes of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Corynebacterium striatum and Cutibacterium acnes showed an overall increase in the expression of IL-8, CXCL1, MCP-1 and SOD-2 by fibroblasts, and of IL-8, CXCL1, MCP-1 and hBD-2 in the undifferentiated keratinocytes. Commensal bacteria showed a repressive effect on the expression of IL-8, CXCL1 and MCP-1 by differentiated keratinocytes. Besides the inflammatory effect observed in the presence of Borrelia on all cell types, the cutaneous microbiome appears to promote a rapid innate response of resident skin cells during the onset of Borrelia infection.

Corrigendum to "Integration of datasets to provide insights about households' natural gas expenditure as trigger to building stock decarbonisation" [Heliyon 9(4) (April 2023) e14922]

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14922.].

Implementation of 2D Barcode Medication Labels and Smart Pumps in Pediatric Acute Care: Lessons Learned

BACKGROUND

In pediatric intensive care, prescription, administration, and interpretation of drug doses are weight dependent. The use of standardized concentrations simplifies the preparation of drugs and increases safety. For safe administration as well as easy interpretation of intravenous drug dosing regimens with standardized concentrations, the display of weight-related dose rates on the infusion device is of pivotal significance.

OBJECTIVES

We report on challenges in the implementation of a new information technology-supported medication workflow. The workflow was introduced on eight beds in the pediatric heart surgery intensive care unit as well as in the pediatric anesthesia at the University of Bonn Medical Center. The proposed workflow utilizes medication labels generated from prescription data from the electronic health record. The generated labels include a two-dimensional barcode to transfer data to the infusion devices.

METHODS

Clinical and technical processes were agilely developed. The reliability of the system under real-life conditions was monitored. User satisfaction and potential for improvement were assessed. In addition, a structured survey among the nursing staff was performed. The questionnaire addressed usability as well as the end-users' perception of the effects on patient safety.

RESULTS

The workflow has been applied 44,111 times during the pilot phase. A total of 114 known failures in the technical infrastructure were observed. The survey showed good ratings for usability and safety (median "school grade" 2 or B for patient safety, intelligibility, patient identification, and handling). The medical management of the involved acute care facilities rated the process as clearly beneficial regarding patient safety, suggesting a rollout to all pediatric intensive care areas.

CONCLUSION

A medical information technology-supported medication workflow can increase user satisfaction and patient safety as perceived by the clinical end-users in pediatric acute care. The successful implementation benefits from an interdisciplinary team, active investigation of possible associated risks, and technical redundancy.

Integration of datasets to provide insights about households’ natural gas expenditure as trigger to building stock decarbonisation

Deep-renovations measures are identified as possible solutions to support European Union's natural gas phase-out and fuel independency. However, it has been difficult to increase renovation rates (about 1% per year), and previous studies have recognized socio-economic barriers as one of the reasons for that. Then, integrated (techno-socio-economic) datasets are vital to support building policy measures that circumvent the negative consequences of high gas prices. This paper's main objective is to develop and to test a methodology that merges two data sources: the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions and the Household Budget Survey in order to create an integrated techno-socio-economic dataset. The following research questions are answered: What is the replicable methodology for merging both datasets in order to create an accurate statistical model? What can we learn about household savings and natural gas expenditures of household types characterised by ownership status and dwelling type? The modelling results show that the developed logistic regression model presented an accuracy of 77% using 2015 data from Spain. The explorative statistical analysis showed that the owner-occupied single-family houses predominate in the highest natural gas expenditure quintiles, while the rented single-family houses in the lowest quintiles, indicating that ownership status may have a stronger influence on the natural gas expenditure than building type. The mean annual household savings are negative, an evidence of households' budget restrictions to finance deep renovation activities. As a conclusion, the generated techno-socio-economic synthetic dataset provides useful information about the relation between household budget restrictions, natural gas expenditure and potential investment on deep renovation. Based on the generated dataset, it is also concluded that higher natural gas prices alone are not sufficient to stimulate deep renovations. For boosting renovation activities, the design of financing and incentive schemes should be end-user targeted considering the households' heterogeneity. Then, the definition of households' profiles should include ownership status and other socio-economic parameters not only dwelling type. This work prepares the ground for setting techno-socio-economic databases that can be used to design more accurate incentives and financing schemes to accelerate European building stock decarbonisation and fossil fuel independency.

Vibrationally Resolved Inner-Shell Photoexcitation of the Molecular Anion C2. Chemphyschem 2023:e202300061. [PMID: 36815408 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202300061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Carbon 1s core-hole excitation of the molecular anion C₂ ^- has been experimentally studied at high resolution by employing the photon-ion merged-beams technique at a synchrotron light source. The experimental cross section for photo-double-detachment shows a pronounced vibrational structure associated with 1 σ u → 3 σ g ${1\sigma _u \to 3\sigma _g }$ and 1 σ g → 1 π u ${1\sigma _g \to 1\pi _u }$ core excitations of the C₂ ^- ground level and first excited level, respectively. A detailed Franck-Condon analysis reveals a strong contraction of the C₂ ^- molecular anion by 0.2 Å upon this core photoexcitation. The associated change of the molecule's moment of inertia leads to a noticeable rotational broadening of the observed vibrational spectral features. This broadening is accounted for in the present analysis which provides the spectroscopic parameters of the C₂ ^- 1 σ u - 1 3 σ g 2 2 Σ u + ${1\sigma _u^{ - 1} \,3\sigma _g^2 \;^2 \Sigma _u^ + }$ and 1 σ g - 1 3 σ g 2 2 Σ g + ${1\sigma _g^{ - 1} \,3\sigma _g^2 \;^2 \Sigma _g^ + }$ core-excited levels.

An integrated ion trap for the photon-ion spectrometer at PETRA III

We have added a multipole ion trap to the existing photon-ion spectrometer at PETRA III (PIPE). Its hybrid structure combines a ring-electrode trap with a segmented 16-pole trap. The interaction of gases and ions with extreme ultraviolet radiation from the beamline P04 is planned to be investigated with the newly installed multipole trap. The research focus lies on radiation-induced chemical reactions that take place in the interstellar medium or in the atmospheres of planets, including natural as well as man-made processes that are important in the Earth's atmosphere. In order to determine the mass-to-charge ratio of the stored ions as efficiently as possible, we are using an ion time-of-flight spectrometer. With this technique, all stored ions can be detected simultaneously. To demonstrate the possibilities of the trap setup, two experiments have been carried out: The photoionization of xenon and the ion-impact ionization of norbornadiene. This type of ion-impact ionization can, in principle, also take place in planetary atmospheres. In addition to ionization by photon or ion impact, chemical reactions of the trapped ions with neutral atoms or molecules in the gas phase have been observed. The operation of the trap enables us to simulate conditions similar to those in the ionosphere.

Critical thinking development in undergraduate midwifery students: an Australian validation study using Rasch analysis

BACKGROUND

Well-developed critical thinking skills are required to provide midwifery care that is safe, evidence-based, and woman-centred. A valid, reliable tool to measure is required the application of critical thinking in midwifery practice. The Carter Assessment of Critical Thinking in Midwifery (CACTiM) has previously been psychometrically assessed using classical methods at a single site. This study aims to further evaluate the properties of CACTiM tools using Rasch analysis in a diverse group of midwifery students and preceptors.  METHODS: The CACTiM tools were completed by undergraduate midwifery students studying at three Australian universities and their preceptors. Midwifery students' critical thinking was evaluated separately through student self-assessment and preceptor assessment and then matched. Rasch analysis was used to evaluate the validity of the tools.  RESULTS: Rasch analysis confirmed both the preceptor and student CACTiM tools demonstrated good reliability and unidimensionality. The items can differentiate between students' ability to apply critical thinking in midwifery practice. Person reliability and item reliability were above .92 for both scales indicating excellent reliability and internal consistency. Several improvements were identified to the tools, including enhanced wording to some items, and reduction to a 5-point Likert scale. Through analysis of lower-scoring items, midwifery programs can identify curricula enhancements.

CONCLUSION

The CACTiM student and preceptor tools are valid and reliable measures of critical thinking in midwifery practice. The tools can assess students' critical thinking abilities and identify areas for development for individuals and across student cohorts through curricula enhancements.

The arthroscopic Bankart operation: a 10-year follow-up study

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic shoulder instability most frequently occurs in young people often during sports events. Currently, the arthroscopic Bankart repair is the therapy of choice in the absence of extensive glenoid bone loss and has proved to be a safe and effective procedure. Nevertheless, we see recurrence of instability-especially if new trauma happens-and further data are needed to guide the right decision-making for these often young patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term outcome 10 years after arthroscopic Bankart operation in terms of satisfaction of the patient, functional result, complications, recurrent instability, and development of osteoarthritis, and to look after possible risk factors for recurrence of instability and statistical proof of these.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-nine out of 49 patients underwent physical examination of both shoulders. We could perform a postoperative shoulder a-p X-ray in 28 patients. According to Samilson, [24] the extent of osteoarthritis was measured. The Constant score and the postoperative ROWE score were determined for both shoulders as well as the WOSI Score. In 25 cases, we calculated the ISIS Score.

RESULTS

We could reach out to 89.6% of patients and 79.6% could be physically examined. The vast majority of 95.5% are either very satisfied or satisfied with the result at the time we ended the follow-up. The mean Constant score of 95.5 reflects this result. In contrast to this, we found at the same time in 15.3% ongoing clinical signs of instability of the concerning shoulder, even though 9.1% had to be re-operated for recurrent instability in between the follow-up timeline and we found in the X-rays (57.1% of all patients) in 35.7% at least moderate and in 10.7% severe signs of osteoarthritis. The Constant score but not the ROWE score differed significantly in patients with no or mild compared to those with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis.

CONCLUSIONS

The arthroscopic Bankart stabilization procedure showed after 10 years to be a very safe operation and to be able to produce a satisfying and functional very good long-term result-reflected by the Constant score. We assume that the extent of osteoarthritis seems to be the determining factor of the very good functional result, even though ongoing instability was present in 15.3% of the patients.

The relationship between borderline personality disorder and occupational participation: An integrative review

This integrative review explores the impact of borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptomology and behaviours on occupational capacity, participation, and sustainability. The disorder has also been associated with lower education levels, higher levels of attrition in tertiary education populations, and low occupational participation and employment rates. Personality traits and symptomology have been found to substantially detract from employability. Articles were identified from CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), PsycINFO/Ovid, ProQuest, and PubMed databases. The Joanna Briggs' Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools were used to evaluate the quality of evidence, and inductive thematic analysis used to extract main themes. Four themes regarding 'barriers', 'enablers', 'treatment', and 'benefits' emerged amongst the 11 eligible articles. The negative symptomology was a barrier to occupational participation, and people with BPD engaged in self-stigmatizing and non-disclosure. However, the positive symptomology such as boldness and honesty were enablers. Treatment was found to be a key element, and occupational engagement was also found to have positive effectives. The evidence indicates that employment improved the symptoms, and a long-term treatment plan is a key element. Some upskilling of mental health workers may be required, including a focus on possible positive symptomology as a way of dealing with the stigmatization. Some awareness raising of the disorder, including for employers, may be needed, with education programmes that deal with the stigmatization. Future funding should focus on specialized programmes targeting unemployment for this group.

Therapy satisfaction and health literacy are key factors to improve medication adherence in systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Although medication adherence (MA) contributes to therapeutic outcome in systemic sclerosis (SSc), research data are scarce. Factors influencing MA in SSc are hardly known.

METHOD

We conducted a monocentric, cross-sectional study on 85 patients with SSc at the University of Lübeck, Germany, using the Compliance Questionnaire of Rheumatology as the main measurement tool of MA. We also used the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire, Illness Perception Questionnaire - Revised, Health Literacy Questionnaire, Lübeck Medication Satisfaction Questionnaire (a novel instrument created for this study), and patients' demographic and clinical data, to find factors contributing to MA.

RESULTS

Good MA was seen in 51.8% of patients. MA was positively associated with therapy satisfaction (p < 0.001), modified Rodnan Skin Score (p = 0.032), age (p = 0.025), intake of micronutrients (p = 0.033), number of prescribed drugs (p = 0.014), and some dimensions of health literacy. Negative associations were found for patients with weight loss attributed to SSc (p = 0.009) and the perception that the disease is caused by the patient's personality (p = 0.011) or emotional state (p = 0.037).

CONCLUSION

Although most SSc patients display good MA, non-adherence remains a major problem. Patients should be assessed for non-adherence. The factors affecting MA identified herein could help to improve therapeutic outcomes.

AB0137 SERA DERIVED EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES FROM SYTEMIC SCLEROSIS PATIENT AND AUTOANTIBODIES MEDIATE PERIPHAL BLOOD MONOCYTES ACTIVATION

Background

In SSc, autoantibodies (abs) directed against G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are prominent and for example induce release of inflammatory and profibrotic proteins by monocytes (1-3). Increased levels of autoantibodies against angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R abs) have been found in patients with renal involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) (4-5). The elevated amount of anti-GPCR abs is accompanied by increased secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in SSc (6). The importance of EVs in the pathogenesis is also based on packing and horizontal transfer of AT1R to different tissues and immune cells, exemplary shown by activated cardiomyocytes leading to higher responsiveness to Angiotensin II of recipient cells and vessels (7). Taken together, the relevance of studying anti-GPCR abs together with GPCR-EVs in SSc pathogenesis becomes evident (8). Interestingly, CCL18 is found to be upregulated in SSc patients and suggested to be upregulated by AT1R abs (9), indicating CCL18 and CCR8 cross-talk via EVs plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of SSc.

Objectives

Unravel the immune response of peripheral blood monocytes mediated by anti-AT1R abs and EVs to gain new insights into the pathomechanism in SSc.

Methods

Human peripheral blood monocytes of healthy donors were stimulated by the endogenous AT1R ligand angiotensin II as well as by a monoclonal anti-human AT1R ab and, in comparison, by purified IgG from HD (HD IgG) versus those from SSc (SSc IgG). Further, human peripheral blood monocytes of HD were treated with EVs derived from sera of SSc patients versus sera of HD, in the presence or absence of a monoclonal recombinant anti-AT1R ab. Monoclonal AT1R ab has been generated by hybridoma technique, sequenced and recombinantly expressed in HEK cells. The specificity of AT1R abs was tested by using an AT1R blocker (telmisartan, TEL). EVs were isolated from sera by differential centrifugation to exclude large particles and microvesicles and further by one-step polymer precipitation procedure utilising ExoQuick Exosome Precipitation Solution (System Biosciences, Palo Alto, CA) and subsequent purification by size exclusion. Further, primary human peripheral blood monocytes of HD (n=6) were treated with EVs derived from sera of SSc patients (n=6) versus sera of HD (n=6), in the presence or absence of a monoclonal recombinant anti-AT1R ab. The response of the monocytes was measured via CCL18 secretion by ELISA.

Results

The recombinant monoclonal anti-human AT1R antibody induced secretion of CCL18, a profibrotic cytokine, by primary monocytes derived from HD. Similarly, the purified IgG fractions derived from SSc patients also induced an increased CCL18 release by monocytes compared to IgG fractions derived from HD. Further, complete amelioration of the AT1R ab effect on CCL18 secretion was found, when monocytic AT1R expression was blocked with TEL. In addition, antagonistic effects of Angiotensin II to the monoclonal AT1R ab were observed. In line, enhanced CCL18 secretion of human monocytes stimulated with SSc-EVs alone and together with the monoclonal AT1R ab was induced.

Conclusion

The secretion of pro-fibrotic CCL18 by human monocytes in response to a monoclonal AT1R antibody as well as to SSc IgG indicates that anti-AT1R abs are involved in the SSc pathogenesis. Further, this effect could also be due to SSc-EVs potentially presenting anti-GPCR abs to their receptors on immune cells.

References

[1]Cabral-Marques O, et al. Nat Commun. 2018;9(1):5224.

[2]Murthy S, et al. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2021;60(6):3012-22.

[3]Günther J, et al. Arthritis Res Ther. 2014;16(2):R65.

[4]Kill A, Riemekasten G. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2015;17(5):34.

[5]Xia Y, Kellems RE. Circ Res. 2013;113(1):78-87.

[6]Guiducci S, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2008;58(9):2845-53.

[7]Pironti G, et al. Circulation. 2015;131(24):2120-30.

[8]Kalluri R, LeBleu VS. Science. 2020;367(6478).

[9]Prasse A, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2007;56(5):1685-93.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

AB0028 IL-2 DEPRIVED PHENOTYPE OF FOXP3+ REGULATORY T CELLS AND PHENOTYPIC ALTERATIONS CONVENTIONAL CD4+ T CELLS IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHIES AND PRIMARY SJOGREN´S SYNDROME

Background

A defect in regulatory T cell (Treg) homeostasis due to an acquired deficiency of interleukin-2 (IL-2) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).1,2 However, it is still unclear whether a defect in the Treg-IL-2 axis is also involved in other connective tissue disease such as inflammatory myopathies or primary Sjogren´s syndrome (pSS).

Objectives

The aim of our study was to investigate whether Treg from patients with poly- and dermatomyositis (PM/DM) and pSS display typical features of IL-2 deficiency in parallel to phenotypic alterations of conventional CD4+ T cell (Tcon) subsets compared to healthy controls (HC).

Methods

PBMC were isolated from patients with PM/DM (n=22) and pSS (n=17) and from age- and sex-matched HC (n=19) using gradient density centrifugation. Treg and Tcon subsets were analyzed by using multicolor flow cytometry. Mann-Whitney test was used for statistical analyses.

Results

Frequencies of FoxP3+CD127lo Treg among CD3+CD4+T cells were higher in pSS compared to PM/DM patients (p<0.001) and to HC (p<0.05). However, in both, PM/DM and pSS patients, frequencies of CD25+ cells among FoxP3+CD127lo Treg were significantly lower compared to HC (PM/DM: p<0.05, pSS: p<0.0001), while the frequencies of Helios+ cells among the CD25- Treg subset were substantially higher in pSS patients compared to DM/PM and HC (both p<0.001). Conversely, we found lower frequencies of CXCR5+ follicular Treg only in PM/DM patients (p<0.05). In parallel, there were higher frequencies of CD45RO+CCR7- effector/memory cells (p<0.01) and of Ki67+ proliferating cells (p<0.05) among CD3+CD4+FoxP3- Tcon in pSS patients compared to HC, which was not observed in PM/DM patients.

Conclusion

The loss of the CD25+ Treg subset in PM/DM and pSS patients is similar to previous findings in SLE patients1 and represents a hallmark of IL-2 deficiency. This suggests that shortage of IL-2 is pathophysiologically relevant also in PM/DM and pSS providing a rationale for low-dose IL-2 therapy in these diseases. In addition, activation and expansion of effector/memory Tcon appears to be more pronounced in pSS compared to PM/DM. The different distribution of Treg and of Tcon subsets between pSS and PM/DM patients might reflect differences in the availability of IL-2 and in the regulation of Tcon responses in these diseases.

References

[1]von Spee-Mayer C, Siegert E, Abdirama D, et al. Low-dose interleukin-2 selectively corrects regulatory T cell defects in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Ann Rheum Dis. 2016; 75; 1407–1415.

[2]Humrich JY, von Spee-Mayer C, Siegert E, et al. Low-dose interleukin-2 therapy in refractory systemic lupus erythematosus: an investigator-initiated, single-centre phase 1 and 2a clinical trial. Lancet Rheumatol. 2019; 1; e44-e54

Disclosure of Interests

Luisa R. Monne: None declared, Sara Comduehr: None declared, Fynn Gerlach: None declared, Antje Müller: None declared, Gabriela Riemekasten: None declared, Jens Y. Humrich Speakers bureau: GSK, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, BMS, UCB, MSD, AbbVie, Consultant of: GSK, AstraZeneca, ILTOO Pharma, Selecta Biosciences, Janssen-Cilag, Grant/research support from: Sanofi

POS0471 INDUCED ANTIBODIES DIRECTED TO THE ANGIOTENSIN RECEPTOR TYPE 1 PROVOKE SKIN AND LUNG INFLAMMATION AND DERMAL FIBROSIS AND ACT SPECIES OVERARCHING

Background

Antibodies directed to the angiotensin receptor type 1 (AT1R) were found to be increased in patients with SSc ad they predict mortality and SSc complications (1, 2). In vitro studies suggested an involvement in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Objectives

Here, we aim to determine the contribution and functions of AT1R autoantibodies (Abs) in vivo and in vitro as well as their capacity to recognize AT1R from different species.

Methods

C57BL/6J mice were immunized with membrane-embedded human AT1R or empty membrane as control. Phenotypic properties of various organs were examined by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and TUNEL apoptosis assay. A monoclonal (m)AT1R Ab was generated based upon this mouse model by hybridoma technology and transferred into C57BL/6J mice. Mice deficient for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells and AT1Ra/b served as controls. In vitro, Abs responses towards AT1R were measured using rat cardiomyocytes, human epithelial cells, AT1R-transfected HEK293 cells and primary human monocytes.

Results

AT1R-immunized mice developed perivascular skin and lung inflammation, lymphocytic alveolitis, weak endothelial apoptosis and skin fibrosis, not present in controls or mice deficient for CD4+ T and B cells. The contribution of AT1R Abs to skin manifestations and interstitial lung disease was demonstrated by application of a mAT1R Ab, which induced skin and lung inflammation, not observed in the AT1Ra/b knockout mice. IgG from immunized mice containing AT1R Abs and/or the mAT1R Ab activated rat cardiomyocytes and human monocytes. Treatment of AT1R-transfected HEK293 cells with the mAT1R Ab enhanced AT1R signaling in the presence of the endogenous agonist Angiotensin II.

Conclusion

Our immunization strategy successfully induced AT1R Abs, contributing to inflammation and most likely to fibrosis via activation of AT1R. Therefore, AT1R Abs are valuable targets for future therapies in SSc and possibly other AT1R Ab-related diseases.

References

[1]Riemekasten, G. et al. Involvement of functional autoantibodies against vascular receptors in systemic sclerosis. Ann. Rheum. Dis. 70, 530–536 (2011).

[2]Becker, M. O. et al. Vascular receptor autoantibodies in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic sclerosis. Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 190, 808–817 (2014).

Figure 1.

AT1R immunization and induction of AT1R Abs in C57BL/6J mice induced lymphocytic alveolitis in bronchoalveolar fluid (A), interstitial lung disease (B) with increased inflammatory score (C)

Figure 2.

AT1R immunization and induction of AT1R Abs in C57BL/6J mice induced skin fibroses (A) as determined by collagen content (B) and skin thickness (C).

Acknowledgements

This manuscript was founded by the German Research Council RI1056/11-1-3 and the Excellence Cluster Precision Medicine in Inflammation and by the BMBF-founded Mesinflame project.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

POS0872 SERUM LEVEL OF SOLUBLE INTERLEUKIN-2 RECEPTOR IS LINKED TO BETA2-MICROGLOBULINE, NT-PRO BNP AND HIGH-SENSITIVITY TROPONIN T AND MAY HELP TO IDENTIFY PATIENTS WITH EARLY CLINICAL PROGRESS IN SSc

Background

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by chronic inflammation that leads to damage of the vascular endothelium and excessive collagen deposition in several target organs (1). The interaction of interleukin 2 (IL-2) with the corresponding receptor (IL-2R) is involved in the regulation of autoimmune processes (2). The shedding product of the IL-2R alpha chain, soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R, CD25), is able to either reduce or enhance immune responses (2). Previously, elevated serum levels of sIL-2R were found in the bronchoalveolar lavage of SSc patients with interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) as well as serologically in patients with early SSc, and thus suggested to be a biomarker for clinical development of SSc (3,4).

Objectives

To examine concentrations of sIL-2 in patients with SSc and analyse their association with clinical and serological parameters.

Methods

To determine if serological levels of sIL-2R serve as predictor of clinical complications in SSc, sera were analysed [limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) n=160; diffuse cutaneous SSc (dSSc), n=137] using a sandwich ELISA. Clinical data (pulmonary fibrosis, PAH, mRSS, therapy) and serological markers (hs-CRP, NT-pro BNP, neutrophil counts, creatinine, hs-troponin T, creatinine kinase, beta2-microglobuline) were assessed at the time of serum sampling and up to 48 months after baseline. Clinical progress was defined by the need to change therapies.

Results

Patients with dSSc presented elevated levels of sIL-2R compared to SSc (dSSc: 673±428 U/ml vs. 646±473 U/ml, p=0.0001). In SSc general, sIL-2R levels correlated with beta2-microglobuline (r=0.6161, p<0.0001, ROC-AUC:0.8428), hs-CRP (r=0.4091, p<0.0001, ROC-AUC:0.7110), NT-proBNP (r=0.2610, p<0.0001, ROC-AUC:0.6793), neutrophil count (r=0.2749, p<0.0001) and hs-troponin T (r=0.4548, p<0.0001, ROC-AUC:0.8729). Further, sIL-2R levels discriminated normal from pathological levels of hs-troponin T (sensitivity 80.0%, specificity 80.1%). Using Log-rank test and Mantel-Cox proportional hazard models, we found that sIL-2R levels above 745.5 U/ml predicted early clinical progress in SSc (HR: 3.45, p=0.0070, Figure 1) within 12 months.

Figure 1.

Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for the complete group of patients with SSc. Soluble Il-2R levels above 745U/ml were associated with early progress in SSc.

Conclusion

In SSc, serum levels of sIL-2R could be of diagnostic value by identifying clinical progress. Its role in pathophysiology, especially with regard to disease manifestations such as cardiac involvement needs to be investigated in more detail.

References

[1]Blagojevic J et al. Use of vasoactive/vasodilating drugs for systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related digital ulcers (DUs) in expert tertiary centres: results from the analysis of the observational real.life DeSScipher study. Clin Rheumatol. 2020Jan;39(1):27-36.

[2]Damoiseaux J The Il-2-Il-2 receptor pathway in health and disease: The role of the soluble IL-2 receptor. Clin Immunol 2020;Sep;218:108515

[3]Martinez JA et al. Elevation of soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels in thebronchoalveolar lavage from patients with systemic sclerosis. Rheumatol Int. 2001 Nov;21(3):122-6

[4]Valentini G et al. Early systemic sclerosis: short-term disease evolution and factors predicting the development of new manifestations of organ involvement. Arthritis Res Ther 2012 Aug17;14(4):R188

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Optimising social conditions to improve autonomy in communication and care for ethnic minority residents in nursing homes: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research

A large proportion of nursing home residents in developed countries come from ethnic minority groups. Unmet care needs and poor quality of care for this resident population have been widely reported. This systematic review aimed to explore social conditions affecting ethnic minority residents' ability to exercise their autonomy in communication and care while in nursing homes. In total, 19 studies were included in the review. Findings revealed that ethno-specific nursing homes create the ideal social condition for residents to express their care needs and preferences in a language of choice. In nonethno-specific nursing homes, staff cultural competence and nursing home commitment to culturally safe care are crucial social conditions that enable this group of residents to fulfil their autonomy in communicating and in participating in their care. In contrast, social conditions that undermine residents' ability to express their care needs and preferences include low levels of staff cultural awareness and cultural desire, negative attitudes towards residents and limited organisational support for staff to improve culturally responsive and culturally safe care. In conclusion, it is important to optimise the social conditions to support ethnic minority residents to communicate their care needs and preferences.

OS06.5A Fluorescence image-guided resection of intracranial meningioma: an experimental in vivo study on nude mice

BACKGROUND

The use of photodynamic agents in malignant cranial tumor surgery is quite common. For example five-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-induced porphyrins in malignant gliomas are potent photosensitizers. Until today there is no comparable selective fluorescent substance available for meningiomas. Nevertheless, there is a demand for intraoperative fluorescent identification of e.g. invasive skull base meningiomas to increase radicality. This study was established to investigate fluorescent image-guided resection with somatostatin receptor labelled fluorescence dye for intracranial meningioma in the nude mice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Primary meningioma cell culture samples were stereotactically implanted subdural into 20 nude mice. 90 days after inoculation of the cells, a cranial MRI with contrast agent revealed tumor growth. After detection of tumor mass in MRI, FAM-TOC5,6-Carboxyfluoresceine-Tyr3-Octreotide was injected intravenously and tumor mass was hereafter resected under visualization via fluorescence microscope and endoscope. After attempted total resection, animal were sacrificed brain slices were obtained and histologically analysed to verify the resection extent.

RESULTS

In 18 mice tumor growth was detected in MRI after 90 days of inoculation. The tumor mass could be clearly identified with fluorescence microscope and endoscope after injecting FAM-TOC5,6-Carboxyfluoresceine-Tyr3-Octreotide. The tumor margins could be better visualized. After fluorescence-guided resection no remaining tumor could be identified in histological analysis.

CONCLUSION

This study describes for the first time the use of FAM-TOC5,6-Carboxyfluoresceine-Tyr3-Octreotide and demonstrates its value of fluorescent identification of meningioma cells in vivo. Furthermore, the authors established a new experimental animal model for fluorescence meningioma surgery.

MiR-205-driven downregulation of cholesterol biosynthesis through SQLE-inhibition identifies therapeutic vulnerability in aggressive prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) shows strong dependence on the androgen receptor (AR) pathway. Here, we show that squalene epoxidase (SQLE), an enzyme of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, is overexpressed in advanced PCa and its expression correlates with poor survival. SQLE expression is controlled by micro-RNA 205 (miR-205), which is significantly downregulated in advanced PCa. Restoration of miR-205 expression or competitive inhibition of SQLE led to inhibition of de novo cholesterol biosynthesis. Furthermore, SQLE was essential for proliferation of AR-positive PCa cell lines, including abiraterone or enzalutamide resistant derivatives, and blocked transactivation of the AR pathway. Inhibition of SQLE with the FDA approved antifungal drug terbinafine also efficiently blocked orthotopic tumour growth in mice. Finally, terbinafine reduced levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in three out of four late-stage PCa patients. These results highlight SQLE as a therapeutic target for the treatment of advanced PCa.

Effects of cultivars and fertilization levels on the quality of rice milling: A diagnosis using near-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy

Cultivars and fertilization levels influence rice productivity and can be associated with grain quality. Thus, it is possible to make decisions regarding the choice of cultivars and application of fertilizer levels based on the type of milling, a necessary post-harvest process that may minimize the nutrient load in the grains and result in loss in quality. This study relates the physicochemical composition and morphological quality of brown and polished milled rice grains, cultivar types, and different levels of soil fertilization using near-infrared spectroscopy analysis, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Statistical tools were used to test the various treatments and identify the relationship between factors and variables. A high fertilization level is related to increasing crude protein composition and starch for cultivar IRGA 431 CL associated with polished rice. However, the combination of cultivar IRGA 424 RI and brown rice demonstrated a higher grain resistance, and different percentages of whole, chalky, and damaged rice. The correlation between ash × crude protein and starch × crude fiber was found to be positive for brown rice and negative for the polished rice. Further, an increase in starch content was inversely proportional to the ash content, whereas an increase in crude protein was inversely proportional to the low-fat content in milled rice. The crystalline characteristics of rice starch were preserved at high fertilization levels associated with polished grains that demonstrated high starch content. Polished grains, however, showed more pores and cavities, and consequently greater permeabilities in the surface. It is recommended that batches of grains produced from cultivar IRGA 431 CL with high levels of fertilization be subjected to polished rice milling to achieve high protein and starch quality. However, grains from cultivar IRGA 424 RI with high levels of fertilization are recommended for brown rice milling owing to the high percentage of physical defects observed.

Investigation of the impact of magnesium versus titanium implants on protein composition in osteoblast by label free quantification

Metallic implant biomaterials predominate in orthopaedic surgery. Compared to titanium-based permanent implants, magnesium-based ones offer new possibilities as they possess mechanical properties closer to the ones of bones and they are biodegradable. Furthermore, magnesium is more and more considered to be "bioactive" i.e., able to elicit a specific tissue response or to strengthen the intimate contact between the implant and the osseous tissue. Indeed, several studies demonstrated the overall beneficial effect of magnesium-based materials on bone tissue (in vivo and in vitro). Here, the direct effects of titanium and magnesium on osteoblasts were measured on proteomes levels in order to highlight metal-specific and relevant proteins. Out of 2100 identified proteins, only 10 and 81 differentially regulated proteins, compare to the control, were isolated for titanium and magnesium samples, respectively. Selected ones according to their relationship to bone tissue were further discussed. Most of them were involved in extracellular matrix maturation and remodelling (two having a negative effect on mineralisation). A fine-tuned balanced between osteoblast maturation, differentiation and viability was observed.

P–451 Improving neovascularization and follicle viability in cryopreserved bovine ovarian tissue transplants

Study question

Does cryopreservation and transplantation of bovine ovarian medulla-containing cortex tissue improve the viability and vascularization of the graft? Summary answer: Transplantation of bovine ovarian cortex containing medulla has a positive effect on follicular viability and neovascularization of the graft compared to cortex transplantation alone.

What is known already

For female fertility protection, cryopreservation and retransplantation of ovarian tissue is a widely used method. During cryopreservation, ovarian tissue is exposed to mechanical and hypoxic stress resulting in follicular loss. Moreover, after retransplantation tissue vitality and follicle survival is limited due to ischemia. As follicular viability is of major importance for fertility and hormonal activity, the main focus is on improving vitality and viability of the grafts. In current protocols, ovarian medulla is discarded and merely cortex tissue is preserved. However, medulla tissue predominantly contains blood vessels, thereby obtaining high potential for revascularization processes and thereby supporting tissue vitality.

Study design, size, duration

This experimental laboratory work was performed during a period of ten months. The rapidly vascularized chorioallantoic-membrane (CAM) of fertilized chicken eggs was used as model system to investigate neovascularization, follicle survival and tissue vitality of different bovine ovarian grafts. In four independent experimental rows four different tissue types (isolated cortex, thick medulla-containing cortex (8 x 10 x 3 mm), thin medulla-containing cortex (5 x 10 x 3 mm) and sole medulla tissue were compared.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Out of four bovine ovaries preserved from the slaughterhouse, in total 117 samples of the four different tissue types were primed and cryopreserved by the common slow-freezing protocol. After thawing, grafts were transplanted on separate CAMs at day four of fertilized eggs. After four days of incubation, blood vessels growing towards the grafts were counted. Subsequently, grafts were harvested, digested with collagenase and stained with Neutral Red® to determine the total amount of vital follicles.

Main results and the role of chance

To investigate the neovascularization, all graft-supplying blood vessels were determined and distinguished between small and thick vessels. Compared to sole cortex, there were more small vessels in the medulla-containing grafts (9,72 vs. 8,65). Especially thin medulla- containing cortex pieces exhibited the highest number of small vessels (9,90). Also in isolated medulla tissue an increased amount of small vessels was observed (9,79). However, the average number of big vessels was not significantly different in all four test groups (Cortex: 2,12; thin medulla-containing cortex: 1,69; thick medulla-containing cortex: 1,5; medulla: 2). The total number of all vessels differed from 10,76 (sole cortex) to 11,75 (medulla-containing grafts), indicating a support of neoangiogenesis by medulla tissue. To further examine whether medulla tissue also alters the amount of vital follicles, Neutral Red® stained vital follicles were determined in all different sample groups. Indeed, in medulla-containing cortex samples was an augmented average number of vital follicles (342,4) compared to sole cortex tissue (256,11). Most vital follicles were detectable in the thick medulla-containing cortex tissue (346,61), closely followed by the thin medulla-containing cortex grafts (338,19). As expected, there was just a rare amount of vital follicles in sole medulla grafts (8,13).

Limitations, reasons for caution

As the ovarian reserve in cattle is very individual, the prepared ovaries are different in their follicle amount. These individual differences may influence the number of counted follicles. Furthermore, the CAM model is only a short term experimental approach to investigate neovascularization and follicle survival.

Wider implications of the findings: According to our results, transplantation of human medulla-containing cortex appears promising. Keeping medulla tissue on the graft seems to improve both follicle viability and revascularization. Our findings need to be proven with human tissue, but might change the preparation of human ovarian tissue for fertility preservation in future.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

OP0244 28 NEW AUTOANTIBODIES AGAINST GPCR, GROWTH FACTORS AND GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTORS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DISEASE MANIFESTATIONS IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Background:

The morbidity and mortality of systemic sclerosis (SSc) are largely determined by vascular and fibrotic pathologies. Levels of autoantibodies (ab) against G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), growth factors (GF) and growth factor receptors (GFR) are altered in SSc compared to healthy controls (HC) 1. Thus, higher angiotensin II receptor type 1 - (AT1R) and endothelin receptor type A - (ETAR) ab levels are associated with severe disease and SSc-related mortality 2. CXC motiv chemokine receptor 3 - (CXCR3) and 4 - (CXCR4) ab have predictive value for deterioration of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) 3.

Objectives:

We used statistical methods to identify associations between disease manifestations and 28 new ab directed against GPCR, GF and GFR in SSc.

Methods:

Ab against the following targets were measured in sera from SSc patients (n = 177) and HC (n = 88): Adrenoceptors alpha-1 (ADRA1), alpha-2 (ADRA2), beta-1 (ADRB1), beta-2 (ADRB2); muscarinoceptors 1-5 (M1R - M5R); AT1R, ETAR, endothelin B receptor (ETBR); CXCR3, CXCR4; complement receptors 3a (C3aR) and 5a (C5aR); protease-activated receptors 1 (PAR1) and 2 (PAR2); vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and its receptors 1 (VEGFR1) and 2 (VEGFR2), epithelial growth factor (EGF)/ - receptor (EGFR); hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/ - receptor (HGFR), platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGFAA), placental growth factor (PlGF).

The organ involvement (PF, cardiac involvement, PAH, gastrointestinal tract) and quantitative markers (modified Rodnan skin score, SSc activity score, pulmonary function, cardiac enzymes and echocardiography, routine laboratory, autoimmune diagnostics) as well as demographic data were recorded retrospectively at the time of sample collection. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test (MWU), Pearson correlations, ROC analysis, and age-adjusted logistic regression models.

Results:

In SSc 20 of 28 measured ab levels are significantly altered compared to HC. According to the Pearson correlation matrix, the ab-levels are highly correlated and build a network that differs between HC and SSc. Furthermore, altered network signatures are formed in the differentiated analysis of several disease manifestations of SSc such as SSc-subtype or PF. Based on ROC analysis, FGF-ab, ADRB1-ab and PlGF-ab are well suited to predict SSc (Figure 1).

In addition, limited cutaneous SSc (lSSc) patients displayed lower levels of most ab than diffuse cutaneous SSc patients, whereas cardiac and pulmonary involvement are associated with higher ab levels. In the logistic regression lSSc is associated with lower levels of ab against M1R, M2R, C5aR, ETAR, AT1R, PAR1, EGFR. Higher levels for ab against M1R, M2R, ETBR, C5aR are associated with PF, higher levels of ab against complement receptors, adrenoreceptors and EGF with NT-proBNP elevation.

Conclusion:

The newly described antibodies against GPCR, GF and GFR are highly correlated. Associations with morbidity- and mortality-determining organ involvement indicate their possible functional relevance and novel pathophysiological mechanisms. As new biomarkers, some of the ab have prognostic value for SSc; for other manifestations, their value should be evaluated in further studies.

References:

[1]Cabral-Marques, O., Marques, A., Giil, L.M. et al. GPCR-specific autoantibody signatures are associated with physiological and pathological immune homeostasis. Nat Commun9, 5224 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-07598-9

[2]Riemekasten G, Philippe A, Näther M, et al. Involvement of functional autoantibodies against vascular receptors in systemic sclerosis Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2011;70:530-536.

[3]Weigold, F., Günther, J., Pfeiffenberger, M. et al. Antibodies against chemokine receptors CXCR3 and CXCR4 predict progressive deterioration of lung function in patients with systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Res Ther 20, 52 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13075-018-1545-8

Disclosure of Interests:

Kristina Sterner: None declared, Césaire J. K. Fouodo: None declared, Inke König: None declared, Axel Künstner: None declared, Hauke Busch: None declared, Harald Heidecke Shareholder of: Owner of CellTrend, Anja Schumann: None declared, Antje Müller: None declared, Gabriela Riemekasten: None declared, Susanne Schinke Grant/research support from: UCB sponsors EULAR registration fees

OP0054 NEW ROLE FOR PROTEINASE 3 IN IL-16 BIOACTIVITY CONTROL IN GRANULOMATOSIS WITH POLYANGIITIS

Background:

The immunomodulatory cytokine IL-16 is increased in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases1. IL-16 recruits and activates CD4+ immune cells such as T cells, dendritic cells, or monocytes. IL-16 is produced by various immune and non-immune cells, but synthesis and storage of IL-16 is regulated differentially depending on the cell type and stimulation. For its biological activity, IL-16 cleavage by caspase-3 is required1. Necrotizing granulomatous inflammation is a hallmark of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) with neutrophil dysregulation as a central driver of chronic inflammation and autoimmunity2. Earlier studies showed a correlation between increased serum IL-16 and disease parameters in AAV, including GPA3, but functional evidence for a direct link between IL-16 and neutrophils in granulomatous inflammation is missing so far.

Objectives:

In this study we aim to identify a functional link between increased IL-16, neutrophils, and the autoantigen proteinase 3 (PR3) with regard to chronic inflammation and autoimmunity in GPA.

Methods:

IL-16 was measured in sera of GPA patients (n = 40) and healthy controls (HC, n = 50) by ELISA and correlated with clinical features, such as disease activity (BVAS), creatinine, GFR, VDI and PR3-ANCA status. IL-16 protein expression was analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) from GPA patients and HC (n = 5, each) by SDS-PAGE and western blot. Binding affinity of recombinant pro-IL-16 to native human PR3 was assessed by microscale thermophoresis. Cleavage of pro-IL-16 by active human PR3 was performed at various time points at 37°C. Cleavage products were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and western blot.

Results:

Circulating IL-16 was significantly increased in GPA patients compared to HC. Elevated IL-16 positively correlated with BVAS, creatinine, VDI and PR3-ANCA status and negatively correlated with GFR. In PMBC and PMN from GPA and HC we identified different expression patters of precursor and active forms of IL-16. In healthy PBMC we found high amounts of precursor (80kD), pro-IL-16 (55kD) and active IL-16 (17kD). In contrast, PBMC from GPA patients had lower amounts of pro-IL-16 and no active IL-16, indicating activation and secretion of IL-16 due to inflammatory stimulation, as shown earlier5. In GPA PMN we detected no precursor IL-16, but pro-IL-16 and its active form, in contrast to very low amounts of all IL-16 forms in healthy PMN. Processing and release of IL-16 in neutrophils has been linked to apoptosis and secondary necrosis5. By interaction studies we demonstrated direct binding of pro-IL-16 to PR3 with a Kd of 10 nM. In a subsequent cleavage assay we confirmed IL-16 processing by PR3 in a time-dependent manner.

Conclusion:

Correlation of serum IL-16 with clinical features of GPA suggests that IL-16 is associated with markers of disease activity, tissue damage and autoreactivity. We showed that PBMC and PMN represent a source of IL-16 in GPA. By the identification of PR3 as an additional IL-16-activating enzyme we could demonstrate a potential link between excessive PR3 expression, cell death and IL-16-dependent mechanisms, contributing to chronic granulomatous inflammation and autoimmunity in GPA.

References:

[1]Glass, W. G. et al. Not-so-sweet sixteen: The role of IL-16 in infectious and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. J. Interf. Cytokine Res. 26, 511–520 (2006).

[2]Millet, A. et al. Proteinase 3 on apoptotic cells disrupts immune silencing in autoimmune vasculitis. J. Clin. Invest. 125, 4107–4121 (2015).

[3]Yoon, T. et al. Serum interleukin-16 significantly correlates with the Vasculitis Damage Index in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. Arthritis Res. Ther. 22, 1–6 (2020).

[4]Elssner, A. et al. IL-16 Is Constitutively Present in Peripheral Blood Monocytes and Spontaneously Released During Apoptosis. J. Immunol. 172, 7721–7725 (2004).

[5]Roth, S. et al. Secondary necrotic neutrophils release interleukin-16C and macrophage migration inhibitory factor from stores in the cytosol. Cell Death Discov. 1, 15056 (2015).

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Outcome measurement in trauma surgery with a fracture database and clinical and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs)

Objective

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) gain growing attention. The Food and Drug Administration suggested in 2009 to have PROMs for every new treatment and technology. The use of PROMs was further promoted by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 in the USA. Recommendations from other national and international organizations include the OECD's Project of Patient-Reported Indicator Surveys (PaRIS) and the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM). Our development and initiation of a Fracture Database started early in 2018. We orientated our database on the role model of the Swedish Fracture Registry.

Methods

REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) is a web interface for a SQL (Structured Query Language)-Database. We used it to program the Fracture Registry. We collect data about demographics, diagnosis, treatment, adverse events, clinical outcomes, and PROMs. The PROMS are recorded with the Software 'Heartbeat ONE' vs. 6.15.4. Inclusion criteria are all patients with fractures of the upper and lower extremity, including the pelvis and multiple injuries, treated surgically. Excluded are all patients with fractures of the hand as monotrauma and non-surgical treatment. We established questionnaire sets for each anatomical region. Every hospitalized patient is screened for inclusion criteria to get the baseline PROMs. Follow-up PROMs are collected at 3-months and 12-months in our outpatient clinic.

Results

In five months of collecting PROMs, we have evaluated 599 patients, 521 fulfilling the inclusion criteria. 329 (63%) questionnaire sets were completed. The mean time for answering the questions was 11-20 minutes. The input rate of 63% for PROMs accounts for the start of the process, with 22 (4%) patients being dismissed before answering the questionnaires. 93 (18%) patients denied participation. 52 (10%) patients were not able to participate (dementia, delirium). Other causes for missing data were language barriers (n = 28; 5%), medical reasons like polytraumatized patients (n = 4; 0.8%), and deceased patients (n = 15; 2.9%).

Conclusion

Most Orthopaedic Trauma centers publish data about PROMs from surgically treated patients. Starting in the first quarter of 2021, we will include non-surgically treated patients. We have optimized the process of including patients. Our aim is a response rate of more than 80% within this year to get representing data.

Aspect ratio of nano/microstructures determines Staphylococcus aureus adhesion on PET and titanium surfaces

AIMS

Joint infections cause premature implant failure. The avoidance of bacterial colonization of implant materials by modification of the material surface is therefore the focus of current research. In this in vitro study the complex interaction of periodic structures on PET and titanium surfaces on the adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus is analysed.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using direct laser interference patterning as well as roll-to-roll hot embossing methods, structured periodic textures of different spatial distance were produced on surfaces and S. aureus were cultured for 24 h on these. The amount of adhering bacteria was quantified using fluorescence microscopy and the local adhesion behaviour was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. For PET structures, minimal bacterial adhesion was identified for an aspect ratio of about 0·02. On titanium structures, S. aureus adhesion was significantly decreased for profile heights of < 200 nm. Our results show a significantly decreased bacterial adhesion for structures with an aspect ratio range of 0·02 to 0·05.

CONCLUSIONS

We show that structuring on surfaces can decrease the amount of S. aureus on titanium and PET as common implant materials.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The study highlights the immense potential of applying specific structures to implant materials to prevent implant colonization with pathogen bacteria.

Associations between minerals and metabolic indicators in maternal blood pre- and postpartum with ewe body condition, methane emissions, and lamb body weight development

In sheep production, economic efficiency strongly depends on the maternal health and feed efficiency status and on weaning performances of their offspring. Accordingly, an optimal level for the supply with macro- and microelements and the ewe energy status has impact on the fetal development during gestation and on maternal milk production during lactation. Furthermore, this study addressed intergenerational aspects, i.e., on associations between maternal energy metabolism profiles considering the macro- and microelement status, metabolic indicators (e.g. β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)), body condition and methane (CH4) emissions with lamb BW (LBW) in two sheep breeds. Traits were recorded at the beginning of gestation (ewe traits), at lambing, three weeks postpartum, and at weaning (ewe and lamb traits). Trait recording included CH4 emissions (recorded via laser methane detector (LMD)), ewe BW (EBW), backfat thickness (BFT), and body condition score (BCS) from 46 ewes (24 Merinoland- (ML), 22 Rhönsheep (RH)), and LBW of their 87 (35 ML, 52 RH) purebred lambs. Serum levels of the following ewe blood parameters were determined: calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), phosphate (P), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), BHB, glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg). Mixed models were applied to infer associations between ewe blood parameters with EBW, BFT, BCS, and CH4 and with LBW recorded in offspring. At weaning, a maternal serum Mg level > 1.0 mmol/L was significantly associated with an increase of 13% in LBW in ML, compared to offspring from ML ewes with a serum Mg concentration within the lower reference range (0.8 mmol/L). Furthermore, higher Cu levels were favorably associated with ewe BCS and BFT at weaning in both breeds. In RH ewes, a Se level > 2.4 μmol/l was significantly associated with increased BCS. In the ML breed, high Zn levels during lactation were associated with reduced CH4 emissions. Ewe EBW was significantly larger for ML ewes representing low Ca levels. A low BHB level was associated with decreasing CH4 emissions in RH and ML. Serum levels for Na, K, P, GLDH, and Fe did not significantly affect the traits of interest. Trait associations from the present study indicate the importance of the mineral supply and metabolic status of the ewe with regard to body condition, CH4 emissions, and LBW development, but depending on the breed. Identified associations might contribute to energy efficiency in sheep production systems.

Disentangling the Photodissociation Dynamics of the HF+ Molecular Radical via Kinetic-Energy-Release-Resolved F 1s Core Excitation and Ionization

The F 1s core level photoionization of the ionic molecular radical HF⁺ has been studied using the photon-ion merged-beams technique at a synchrotron radiation source. Upon analyzing kinetic energy release (KER) dependent photoion yield spectra, complex ultrafast dissociation dynamics of the F 1s core hole excited σ* state can be revealed. By means of configuration-interaction electronic structure calculations of the excited molecular potential energy curves, this complex process can be attributed to a spin-dependent dissociation of the excited σ* biradical state.

Brain/blood ratios of methadone and ABCB1 polymorphisms in methadone-related deaths

Methadone is an opioid that often leads to fatalities. Interpretation of toxicological findings can be challenging if no further information about the case history is available. The aims of this study were (1) to determine whether brain/blood ratios can assist in the interpretation of methadone findings in fatalities; (2) to examine whether polymorphisms in the gene encoding the P-glycoprotein (also known as multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) or ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 1 (ABCB1)), which functions as a multispecific efflux pump in the blood–brain barrier, affect brain/blood ratios of methadone. Femoral venous blood and brain tissue (medulla oblongata and cerebellum) from 107 methadone-related deaths were analysed for methadone by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In addition, all the samples were genotyped for three common ABCB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs rs1045642, rs1128503, and rs2032582) using ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ICEMS). In nearly all cases, methadone concentrations were higher in the brain than in the blood. Inter-individual brain/blood ratios varied (0.6–11.6); the mean ratio was 2.85 (standard deviation 1.83, median 2.35). Moreover, significant differences in mean brain/blood ratios were detected among the synonymous genotypes of rs1045642 in ABCB1 (p = 0.001). Cases with the T/T genotype had significantly higher brain/blood ratios than cases with the other genotypes (T/T vs. T/C difference (d) = 1.54, 95% CI [1.14, 2.05], p = 0.002; T/T vs. C/C d = 1.60, 95% CI [1.13, 2.29], p = 0.004). Our results suggest that the rs1045642 polymorphisms in ABCB1 may affect methadone concentrations in the brain and its site of action and may be an additional factor influencing methadone toxicity.

Economic evaluation of adverse events of dabrafenib plus trametinib versus nivolumab in patients with advanced BRAF-mutant cutaneous melanoma for adjuvant therapy in Germany

Background: Adjuvant treatment options have become the standard therapy for stage III and IV resectable cutaneous melanoma. Two recent studies led to the registration of dabrafenib and trametinib as targeted therapies for BRAF-mutated melanoma, and of immunotherapy with nivolumab irrespective of BRAF-mutation status. Both therapies have different spectrums of adverse events. Objective: To estimate the financial impact of side effects from the perspective of the German statutory sick funds to compare both therapeutic options and to relate the burden to the overall costs of the treatment.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Thirty-six adverse event categories for the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib ('combi treatment') and for nivolumab were extracted from the original publications of the studies named COMBI-AD and CheckMate 238.

PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION

For all event categories a diagnosis and therapy recommendation were determined according to current national or international guidelines or from leading German textbooks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The resulting diagnostic steps, treatments, and therapies were evaluated with unit costs based on the German fee schedule for ambulatory physicians, the German G-DRG scheme, and the German drug price list.

RESULTS

The number of events with nivolumab per one hundred treatments amounted to 3.8 mandatory hospitalizations, 3.5 emergency care events and 0.8 life-threatening events. For the combi treatment, the respective number of events per one hundred treatments was 2.7, 1.8, and 0.5. The overall cost burden was calculated as €899 for nivolumab and €861 for combi-treatment.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of adverse events resulting from adjuvant melanoma therapy showed comparable costs for both therapies.

Adaptation of technological packaging for conservation of soybean seeds in storage units as an alternative to modified atmospheres

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of seeds of RR and RR2 PRO soybean cultivars stored in ambient air with raffia packaging (ANER), ambient air with laminated packaging (ANEL), modified atmosphere with polyethylene packaging (AMEP), refrigerated atmosphere (1 to 3°C) with raffia packaging (ARER), refrigerated atmosphere (1 to 3°C) with laminated packaging (AREL), and modified (-14 PSI) and refrigerated (1 to 3°C) atmosphere with polyethylene packaging (AMREP), over 6 months of storage. Results showed that the seeds of cultivar RR2 were preserved with better physiological quality. Raffia and polyethylene packaging under natural storage conditions, in a refrigerated and modified atmosphere, did not preserve the seed quality over the storage period. The conditions of storage in ambient air with laminated packaging (ANEL) and in a refrigerated atmosphere with laminated packaging (AREL) reduced the environmental effects of temperature and relative humidity, leading to better results of physiological quality of the seeds. Storage time negatively influenced the physiological quality of seeds, except for AREL and ANEL, which maintained the quality close to that of the initial conditions, over the 6 months of storage. The best alternatives for soybean seeds storage over 6 months are the laminated packaging in a natural environment, matching the refrigerated conditions. The technological laminated packaging can be used as a new alternative for conserving soybean seeds in processing and storage units.

Safety, efficacy and quality of life of the novel vaginal contraceptive ring containing etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 11.0/3.474 mg after 3 years of "real life" experience

Combined contraceptive vaginal rings (CVR) are increasingly appreciated due to several beneficial properties like avoidance of the hepatic first-pass effect, a comparatively low dosage of hormones and comfortable use. A further development of the widely used CVR releasing 0.12 mg etonogestrel (ETO) and 0.015 mg ethinylestradiol (EE) per 24 hours has been marketed since 2017. The 11.00/3.474 mg ETO/EE CVR Ornibel® is bioequivalent to the former product but differs in its polymer composition leading to improved stability. Here, results from recent studies on the novel CVR Ornibel® are reviewed including clinical trials on bleeding profile, acceptability, sexual function and other quality of life (QoL) parameters as well as in vitro studies on microbial adhesion to the CVR and the influence of ring rupture on hormone release. Findings are complemented with new data on contraceptive efficacy and safety of the new CVR that were assessed during 3 years of real-life experience.

Thermal conductivity analysis of a new sub-micron sized polystyrene foam

New polystyrene (PS) foams with submicron pore sizes and open pore structure are introduced as potential cores for vacuum insulation panels (VIPs). Measurements of the thermal conductivity λ of the air-filled and evacuated PS foams, the influence of temperature T, opacifiers as well as gas pressure p on the thermal conductivity λ are presented. First results of the foam microstructures, as visualized by electron microscopy, confirm that pore sizes below 1 µm can be achieved. Thermal conductivity values of advanced samples in vacuum of about 7 mW/(m·K) were measured.