In silico interrogation of the miRNAome of infected hematopoietic cells to predict processes important for human cytomegalovirus latent infection

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) latency in CD34+ progenitor cells is the outcome of a complex and continued interaction of virus and host that is initiated during very early stages of infection and reflects pro- and anti-viral activity. We hypothesized that a key event during early infection could involve changes to host miRNAs, allowing for rapid modulation of the host proteome. Here, we identify 72 significantly upregulated miRNAs and three that were downregulated by 6hpi of infection of CD34+ cells which were then subject to multiple in silico analyses to identify potential genes and pathways important for viral infection. The analyses focused on the upregulated miRNAs and were used to predict potential gene hubs or common mRNA targets of multiple miRNAs. Constitutive deletion of one target, the transcriptional regulator JDP2, resulted in a defect in latent infection of myeloid cells; interestingly, transient knockdown in differentiated dendritic cells resulted in increased viral lytic IE gene expression, arguing for subtle differences in the role of JDP2 during latency establishment and reactivation of HCMV. Finally, in silico predictions identified clusters of genes with related functions (such as calcium signaling, ubiquitination, and chromatin modification), suggesting potential importance in latency and reactivation. Consistent with this hypothesis, we demonstrate that viral IE gene expression is sensitive to calcium channel inhibition in reactivating dendritic cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate HCMV alters the miRNAome rapidly upon infection and that in silico interrogation of these changes reveals new insight into mechanisms controlling viral gene expression during HCMV latency and, intriguingly, reactivation.

A190 THE IMPACT OF BOWEL URGENCY ON THE LIVES OF PATIENTS WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS IN THE US AND EUROPE: COMMUNICATING NEEDS AND FEATURES OF IBD EXPERIENCES (CONFIDE) SURVEY

Background

Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) exerts a significant burden on patients’ lives. Patients with UC report that bowel urgency has a substantial negative impact on their quality of life and psychosocial functioning, however, this symptom is missing from most disease activity indices.

Purpose

The Communicating Needs and Features of IBD Experiences (CONFIDE) study aims to increase understanding of the impact of symptoms, including bowel urgency, on the lives of patients (pts) with moderate to severe UC and Crohn’s disease in the United States (US), Europe (EUR), and Japan. These data focus on pts in the US and EUR.

Method

Online, quantitative, cross-sectional surveys of pts with moderate to severe UC were conducted in the US and EUR (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and UK). Data included pt perspectives on their UC symptoms and the impact on their daily lives. Moderate to severe UC was defined based on treatment, steroid use, and/or hospitalization history. Descriptive statistics summarise the data.

Result(s)

200 US pts (62% male, mean age 40.4 years) and 556 EUR pts (57% male, mean age 38.9 years) completed the survey, with 77% and 54% currently receiving advanced therapies (biologic or novel oral therapy), respectively. The top 3 symptoms currently (past month) experienced by US and EUR pts were diarrhoea (63% and 50%), bowel urgency (47% and 30%) and increased stool frequency (39% and 30%). In past 3 months, pts who have ever experienced bowel urgency or urge incontinence reported bowel urgency (93% US, 89% EUR) and urge incontinence (86% US, 71% EUR) at least once a month (Table). 69% and 65% of all US and EUR pts, respectively, reported wearing a diaper/pad/protection at least once a month in the past 3 months due to fear/anticipation of urge incontinence. For pts receiving advanced therapies, similar patterns were observed. Among both US and EUR pts, the most common UC-related reasons for declining participation in social events were bowel urgency (43% and 30%) and fear of urge incontinence (40% and 32%). Similarly, the most common reasons for declining participation in work/school and sports/physical exercise were bowel urgency and fear of urge incontinence.

Image

Conclusion(s)

Bowel urgency, which was the second-most frequently reported symptom, has an extensive impact on the lives of pts with moderate to severe UC. In this younger pt population, including pts receiving advanced therapies, almost two thirds of US and EUR pts reported wearing diapers/pads/protection at least once a month in the past 3 months due to fear/anticipation of urge incontinence. Both US and EUR pts reported bowel urgency and fear of urge incontinence as the top reasons for declining participation in social events, work/school, and sports/physical exercise.

Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below

Other

Please indicate your source of funding;

Eli Lilly and Company

Disclosure of Interest

S. Schreiber Grant / Research support from: personal fees and/or travel support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Celltrion, Eli Lilly and Company, Dr. Falk Pharma, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Fresenius Kabi, Galapagos NV, Gilead Sciences, I-MAB Biopharma, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Protagonist Therapeutics, Provention Bio, Roche, Sandoz/Hexal, Shire, Takeda, Theravance Biopharma, and UCB Pharma, A. Bleakman Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, M. Dubinsky Shareholder of: Trellus Health, Grant / Research support from: AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer, and Prometheus Biosciences, Consultant of: AbbVie, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, Pfizer, Prometheus Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Takeda, and UCB Pharma, D. Rubin Grant / Research support from: Takeda, Consultant of: AbbVie, Allergan, AltruBio, American College of Gastroenterology, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Athos Therapeutics, Bellatrix Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene/Syneos Health, Cornerstones Health (non-profit), Eli Lilly and Company, Galen/Atlantica, Genentech/Roche, Gilead Sciences, GoDuRn, InDex Pharmaceuticals, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Iterative Scopes, Janssen, Materia Prima, Pfizer, Prometheus Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Reistone Biopharma, Takeda, and TechLab, T. Hibi Grant / Research support from: AbbVie, Activaid, Alfresa Pharma, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gilead Sciences, Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., JMDC, Nippon Kayaku, Mochida Pharmaceutical, Pfizer Japan, and Takeda, Consultant of: AbbVie, Apo Plus Station, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celltrion, EA Pharma, Eli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, Kyorin, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical, Pfizer, Takeda, and Zeria Pharmaceutical, Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, Aspen Japan K.K., Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, JIMRO, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Mochida Pharmaceutical, Pfizer, and Takeda, R. Panaccione Grant / Research support from: AbbVie, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, Pfizer, and Takeda, Consultant of: Abbott, AbbVie, Alimentiv, Amgen, Arena Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Biogen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Celltrion, Cosmo Pharmaceuticals, Eisai, Elan Pharma, Eli Lilly and Company, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Galapagos NV, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Merck, Mylan, Oppilan Pharma, Pandion Therapeutics, Pfizer, Progenity, Protagonist Therapeutics, Roche, Sandoz, Satisfai Health, Shire, Sublimity Therapeutics, Takeda, Theravance Biopharma, and UCB Pharma, T. Gibble Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, C. Kayhan Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, E. Flynn Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, C. Sapin Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, C. Atkinson Consultant of: Eli Lilly and Company in connection with the development of this publication, Employee of: Adelphi Real World, S. Travis Grant / Research support from: AbbVie, BUHLMANN Diagnostics, ECCO, Eli Lilly and Company, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Normal Collision Foundation, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Schering-Plough, Takeda, UCB Pharma, Vifor Pharma, and Warner Chilcott, J. Jones: None Declared

A216 BOWEL URGENCY COMMUNICATION GAP BETWEEN HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS AND PATIENTS WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS IN THE US AND EUROPE: COMMUNICATING NEEDS AND FEATURES OF IBD EXPERIENCES (CONFIDE) SURVEY

Background

The Communicating Needs and Features of IBD Experiences (CONFIDE) study aims to increase understanding of the impact of symptoms on patients with moderate to severe UC and Crohn’s disease and to investigate gaps in communication with healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the United States (US), Europe (EUR), and Japan.

Purpose

This report focuses on patients with moderate to severe UC and HCPs from the US and EUR.

Method

Online, quantitative, cross-sectional surveys of patients with UC and HCPs were conducted in the US and EUR (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and UK). HCP surveys included physicians and non-physician HCPs responsible for making prescribing decisions. Moderate to severe UC was defined based on treatment, steroid use, and/or hospitalization history. Data collected included perspectives on the experience of patients with UC.

Result(s)

A total of 200 US (62% male, mean age 40.4 years) and 556 EUR patients (57% male, mean age 38.9 years), and 200 US and 503 EUR HCPs completed the survey. According to US and EUR patients, the top 3 symptoms currently (past month) experienced were diarrhoea (63% and 50%), bowel urgency (47% and 30%) and increased stool frequency (39% and 30%). Blood in stool was reported as currently experienced by 27% and 24% of US and EUR patients, respectively. Among patients currently experiencing bowel urgency, 47% of US and 27% of EUR patients discuss this symptom at every appointment. Among those who do not discuss bowel urgency at every appointment, 74% and 75% of US and EUR patients would like to discuss this symptom more frequently with their HCP. A total of 30% and 43% of US and EUR patients that ever experienced bowel urgency were not comfortable reporting it to their HCP, with 62% and 58% of these US and EUR patients feeling embarrassed talking about this symptom (Table). HCPs in both the US and EUR ranked diarrhoea (74% and 65%), blood in stool (69% and 65%) and increased stool frequency (38% and 34%) as the top 3 symptoms most reported by patients. According to US and EUR HCPs, the top 4 symptoms proactively discussed in routine appointments were blood in stool (93% and 94%), diarrhoea (90% and 91%), increased stool frequency (82% and 82%) and bowel urgency (76% and 82%). Among HCPs who did not proactively discuss bowel urgency, 47% of US and 40% of EUR HCPs expect patients to bring this up if it is an issue.

Image

Conclusion(s)

Communication gaps were similar between US and EUR patients and HCPs. Bowel urgency is the second-most reported symptom by patients with moderate to severe UC. However, this symptom is not among the HCP-perceived top 3 most reported symptoms. Although a substantial proportion of patients reported a desire to discuss bowel urgency more frequently with their HCP, some patients reported feeling embarrassed talking about it. Many HCPs who do not proactively discuss this symptom expect patients to bring this up. A communication gap was identified and highlights the under-appreciation of bowel urgency as an important symptom of UC.

Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below

Other

Please indicate your source of funding;

Eli Lilly and Company

Disclosure of Interest

S. Travis Grant / Research support from: AbbVie, BUHLMANN Diagnostics, ECCO, Eli Lilly and Company, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Normal Collision Foundation, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Schering-Plough, Takeda, UCB Pharma, Vifor Pharma, and Warner Chilcott, A. Bleakman Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, D. Rubin Grant / Research support from: Takeda, Consultant of: AbbVie, Allergan, AltruBio, American College of Gastroenterology, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Athos Therapeutics, Bellatrix Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene/Syneos Health, Cornerstones Health (non-profit), Eli Lilly and Company, Galen/Atlantica, Genentech/Roche, Gilead Sciences, GoDuRn, InDex Pharmaceuticals, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Iterative Scopes, Janssen, Materia Prima, Pfizer, Prometheus Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Reistone Biopharma, Takeda, and TechLab, M. Dubinsky Shareholder of: Trellus Health, Grant / Research support from: AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer, and Prometheus Biosciences, Consultant of: AbbVie, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, Pfizer, Prometheus Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Takeda, and UCB Pharma, R. Panaccione Grant / Research support from: AbbVie, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, Pfizer, and Takeda, Consultant of: Abbott, AbbVie, Alimentiv, Amgen, Arena Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Biogen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Celltrion, Cosmo Pharmaceuticals, Eisai, Elan Pharma, Eli Lilly and Company, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Galapagos NV, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Merck, Mylan, Oppilan Pharma, Pandion Therapeutics, Pfizer, Progenity, Protagonist Therapeutics, Roche, Sandoz, Satisfai Health, Shire, Sublimity Therapeutics, Takeda, Theravance Biopharma, and UCB Pharma, T. Hibi Grant / Research support from: AbbVie, Activaid, Alfresa Pharma, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gilead Sciences, Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., JMDC, Nippon Kayaku, Mochida Pharmaceutical, Pfizer Japan, and Takeda, Consultant of: AbbVie, Apo Plus Station, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celltrion, EA Pharma, Eli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, Kyorin, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical, Pfizer, Takeda, and Zeria Pharmaceutical, Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, Aspen Japan K.K., Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, JIMRO, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Mochida Pharmaceutical, Pfizer, and Takeda, T. Gibble Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, C. Kayhan Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, E. Flynn Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, C. Sapin Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, C. Atkinson Consultant of: Eli Lilly and Company in connection with the development of this publication, Employee of: Adelphi Real World, S. Schreiber Grant / Research support from: personal fees and/or travel support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Celltrion, Eli Lilly and Company, Dr. Falk Pharma, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Fresenius Kabi, Galapagos NV, Gilead Sciences, I-MAB Biopharma, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mylan, Novartis, Pfizer, Protagonist Therapeutics, Provention Bio, Roche, Sandoz/Hexal, Shire, Takeda, Theravance Biopharma, and UCB Pharma, J. Jones: None Declared

The cytomegalovirus gB/MF59 vaccine candidate induces antibodies against an antigenic domain controlling cell-to-cell spread

Vaccination against human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains high priority. A recombinant form of a protein essential for CMV entry, glycoprotein B (gB), demonstrated partial protection in a clinical trial (NCT00299260) when delivered with the MF59 adjuvant. Although the antibody titre against gB correlated with protection poor neutralising responses against the 5 known antigenic domains (AD) of gB were evident. Here, we show that vaccination of CMV seronegative patients induces an antibody response against a region of gB we term AD-6. Responses to the polypeptide AD-6 are detected in >70% of vaccine recipients yet in <5% of naturally infected people. An AD-6 antibody binds to gB and to infected cells but not the virion directly. Consistent with this, the AD-6 antibody is non-neutralising but, instead, prevents cell-cell spread of CMV in vitro. The discovery of AD-6 responses has the potential to explain part of the protection mediated by gB vaccines against CMV following transplantation.

Sex-specific mechanisms for eating disorder risk in men and women with autistic traits: the role of alexithymia

BACKGROUND

A poorly understood relationship exists between eating disorders (ED) and autism spectrum conditions (ASC: henceforth 'autism'). ED are more prevalent in autistic people and people with high autistic traits, and autistic features are prognostic of longer illness. Aiming to understand what increases the risk of ED in relation to autism and autistic traits, previous research has implicated alexithymia as a causal mechanism in this relationship. These studies could not, however, disentangle whether alexithymia explains the relationship between ED pathology and autistic traits directly or through its impact on anxious/depressive symptoms, which in turn result in higher ED symptomatology. Moreover, despite evidence for sex differences in the aetiology of ED, little research has examined the impact of sex on these relationships.

METHODS

Focusing on the association between autistic traits and ED psychopathology, we examined independent mediating effects of alexithymia and anxious/depressive symptoms, as well as sequential mediation effects where alexithymia affects ED psychopathology via its impact on anxious/depressive symptoms. Participants were 198 men and 265 women with formally diagnosed and suspected ED, who completed an online survey of standardised scales.

RESULTS

In men, higher autistic traits were associated with ED psychopathology sequentially via greater alexithymia and through that, greater depressive/anxious symptoms. In women, alexithymia mediated the relationship between autistic traits and ED psychopathology both directly and sequentially through its impact on anxious/depressive symptoms. Interestingly, depressive/anxious symptoms also mediated that relationship independently from alexithymia.

CONCLUSIONS

While cross-sectional, these findings suggest that the relationship between autistic traits and ED symptomatology is mediated by other variables. In support of its proposed role in the aetiology of ED, alexithymia was directly associated with ED symptoms in women. It also affected ED symptoms indirectly, in all participants, via its effect on depressive/anxious symptoms. Interventions focusing on alexithymia may facilitate recovery not only via their effect on ED, but via their effect on other forms of state psychopathology which contribute to the maintenance and development of ED. Sex differences, however, reflect that alternative therapeutic targets for men and women may be beneficial.

Cohort profile: the ESC EURObservational Research Programme Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infraction (NSTEMI) Registry

AIMS

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) Registry aims to identify international patterns in NSTEMI management in clinical practice and outcomes against the 2015 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without ST-segment-elevation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutively hospitalised adult NSTEMI patients (n = 3620) were enrolled between 11 March 2019 and 6 March 2021, and individual patient data prospectively collected at 287 centres in 59 participating countries during a two-week enrolment period per centre. The registry collected data relating to baseline characteristics, major outcomes (in-hospital death, acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, bleeding, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, and 30-day mortality) and guideline-recommended NSTEMI care interventions: electrocardiogram pre- or in-hospital, pre-hospitalization receipt of aspirin, echocardiography, coronary angiography, referral to cardiac rehabilitation, smoking cessation advice, dietary advice, and prescription on discharge of aspirin, P2Y12 inhibition, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), beta-blocker, and statin.

CONCLUSION

The EORP NSTEMI Registry is an international, prospective registry of care and outcomes of patients treated for NSTEMI, which will provide unique insights into the contemporary management of hospitalised NSTEMI patients, compliance with ESC 2015 NSTEMI Guidelines, and identify potential barriers to optimal management of this common clinical presentation associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Evaluation of urinary chloride dipsticks for the rapid estimation of hydration status in patients receiving artificial nutrition: Feasibility study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The home parenteral nutrition (HPN) population face many challenges, especially with respect to fluid balance management. A low urinary sodium concentration of <20 mmol/L is commonly used as an indicator of dehydration that requires clinical assessment in these patients. The Quantab titrator dipstick measures chloride concentration of a solution and correlates with sodium concentration. We assessed whether it would be feasible to use the Quantab dipstick in the HPN population and explored relationships between Quantab dipstick estimated chloride concentration and quality of life (QOL).

METHODS

Patients on HPN were asked to collect urine samples at 5 specific times points (day 0,7,14, 21 and 28) to send to the laboratory for formal electrolyte analysis. The participant and a member of laboratory staff tested these samples with the Quantab dipstick to estimate urinary chloride concentration. Participants were instructed to complete a QOL questionnaire at each of the 5 time-points in addition to a baseline demographic questionnaire and an end-of-study questionnaire. Six participants completed an interview at the end of the study period. The relationship between participant-derived and laboratory-derived data was assessed using rank correlation coefficients. QOL assessment was correlated with urine dipstick measurements.

RESULTS

10 patients on HPN completed the study. Data on chloride concentration as estimated by the dipstick (assessed by participants and by the laboratory) and sodium concentration from the laboratory were available for 47 urine samples. There was a positive relationship between participant dipstick estimated chloride concentration and laboratory sodium (Kendall's τ = 0.45; P < 0.001; Spearman's r_s = 0.58 P < 0.001; 47 pairs). There was a strong correlation between chloride concentrations estimated by dipstick in the laboratory and by participants (Kendall 0.58 p < 0.001, Spearman's 0.69 p < 0.001; 47 pairs). In exploratory analyses, there was no relationship between QOL and dipstick estimated chloride concentration. Participants had no issues collecting urine samples but some difficulties were reported with determining the dipstick reading.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients on HPN are able to collect urine specimens, complete QOL questionnaires, and are capable of using the Quantab dipstick to estimate urinary chloride concentration. The Quantab dipstick correlates with laboratory measured sodium and chloride concentrations. Further work is required to fully establish whether this point-of-care test could be used to guide fluid balance management in the HPN population.

Provision of dietary advice for people with an ileostomy: a survey in the UK and Ireland

AIM

The aim was to explore whether people with an ileostomy in the UK and Ireland receive the dietary advice they require.

METHOD

An online survey with multiple-choice questions asked people with an ileostomy about the dietary advice they received and would have preferred to receive. Participants were recruited via websites of the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association and Crohn's and Colitis UK and via social media. People with a current ileostomy, age 16 years or over, and living in the UK or Ireland were eligible for inclusion. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

In all, 291 eligible responses were received and included in the analysis; 201 (69%) received advice on diet for their ileostomy from a healthcare professional or the internet. Of the 90 who did not receive dietary advice, 82 (91%) would have liked advice. Stoma nurses were the most common source of dietary advice (55%), but many other sources were frequently reported. Most (62%) felt that at least some dietary advice they received was conflicting. Over half (55%) felt anxious about managing their diet with a new ileostomy, 39% were confused, and 31% frustrated. Of 291 respondents, 29% received advice from a dietitian compared to 60% who would have preferred advice from a dietitian.

CONCLUSION

Many people undergoing ileostomy surgery do not receive the dietary advice and support they require. Healthcare professionals working with people with an ileostomy should be mindful they are often anxious about their diet and require clear and consistent dietary advice and support.

SAT0213 IMPACT OF FLARES ON HEALTHCARE RESOURCE USAGE AND PROS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS

Background:

The effect of flares on healthcare resource usage and patient-reported outcome scores in SLE patients is not well quantified.

Objectives:

To understand how flares impact healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and patient-reported outcomes amongst an international real-world dataset of SLE patients.

Methods:

The Adelphi Real World 2015 Lupus Disease Specific Programme (DSP) is a cross-sectional study of 263 rheumatologists in the US and EU5. Rheumatologists were asked to complete patient record forms (PRFs) for the next 5 prospectively consulting SLE patients; the same patients were asked to complete patient self-completion (PSC) forms describing how SLE affected them. PRFs collected data pertaining to the patient’s diagnosis, disease history, current clinical outcomes, treatment and management history. PSCs collected similar data and included patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) to assess humanistic burden. Propensity score matching was used to assess differences in HCRU and health status between SLE patients who had flared (physician defined) in the last 12 months and those who had not. Matching variables were patient ethnicity, time since diagnosis, and severity at diagnosis. Data were extracted from 1278 PRFs, and 591 PSCs. Propensity score matching was carried out on two matched groups of 408 patients.

Results:

Demographic data are reported in Table 1. Propensity score matching showed patients who flared in the last 12 months experienced significantly greater hospitalizations, visits to the ER, and total HCP consults in the last 12 months. Significantly greater drug burden lower physician and patient satisfaction, lower EQ-5D score (worse health status), lower FACIT Fatigue score (greater fatigue), and greater overall work impairment (Table 2) were also observed.

Table 1.

Demographic data

VariableFlared in last 12 monthsNot flared in the last 12 monthsMean age (years)41.842.4% Female86.087.0% White/Caucasian66.276.3Mean years diagnosed5.95.4Table 2.

Propensity score matching results

Outcome variableFlared meanNot flared meanCoefficient95% CIp-valueHospitalisations in last 12 months24.267.630.17[0.12 – 0.21]<0.001Emergency department visits in last 12 months20.834.190.17[0.12 – 0.21]<0.001Number of tests in last 12 months46.4938.907.59[3.74 – 11.44]<0.001Number of current medications2.762.190.57[0.43 – 0.72]<0.001Physician satisfied64.4686.63-0.22[-0.28 – -0.17]<0.001Patient satisfied69.2985.09-0.16[-0.24 – -0.08]<0.001EQ-5D-3L0.720.83-0.11[-0.15 – -0.07]<0.001FACIT Fatigue30.0636.48-6.42[-8.5 – -4.3]<0.001WPAI overall percentage work impairment42.7430.2312.5[7.51 – 17.50]<0.001

Conclusion:

The analysis of international real-world data confirmed that SLE patients who flared in the last year represent a greater burden on healthcare resource and demonstrate significantly worse health status, greater fatigue, lower patient and physician satisfaction and greater overall work impairment compared with non-flaring patients. There is a need for more effective treatments in this patient population to reduce patient and healthcare burden.

Study funded by Johnson and Johnson.

Disclosure of Interests:

Zahi Touma Consultant of: Consultant for Janssen, Ben Hoskin Consultant of: Consultant for Janssen, Christian Atkinson Consultant of: Consultant for Janssen, David Bell Consultant of: Janssen, Olivia Massey Consultant of: Janssen, Jennifer H. Lofland Employee of: Janssen, Pamela Berry Employee of: Janssen, Chetan Karyekar Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Consultant of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen Global Services, LLC. Previously, Novartis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Abbott Labs., Karen Costenbader Grant/research support from: Merck, Consultant of: Astra-Zeneca

THU0246 DIAGNOSTIC CLUSTER PROFILING OF PATIENTS IN A REAL-WORLD DATA SET WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Background:

Previous systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) studies have identified potential clusters of SLE clinical manifestations post diagnosis.

Objectives:

To describe the presentation of SLE at diagnosis across different cohorts of patients and describe management and outcomes after diagnosis within clusters.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study of 263 rheumatologists in the US and EU5. Data were collected from the Adelphi Real World 2015 Lupus Disease Specific Programme. Rheumatologists completed patient record forms (PRFs) for the next 5 prospectively consulting SLE patients; these patients completed patient self-completion (PSC) forms describing how SLE affected them. PRF data includes patient’s characteristics and management history. PSCs focused on similar data collection, including patient reported outcome measures on the humanistic burden. Age at diagnosis, symptoms at diagnosis, organ involvement at diagnosis, and severity at diagnosis were used as covariates in a latent cluster analysis.

Results:

Data were extracted from 1376 PRFs. Cluster analysis resulted in up to 6 clusters, and disease understanding led to the selection of a 4-cluster solution.

Cluster 1 displayed the mildest disease, characterised by joint involvement, while cluster 2 displayed more skin involvement in conjunction with joint. Cluster 3 were characterised by renal involvement and cluster 4 had skin and joint involvement, but also high constitutional and haematological involvement at diagnosis (Table 1).

Table 1

Cluster analysis

ClustersOrgan involvement at diagnosis, n (%)Overall(n=1304)1(n=210)2(n=493)3(n=162)4(n=439)p-valueMusculoskeletal1145 (87.8)174 (82.9)444 (90.1)134 (82.7)393 (89.5)0.0065Mucocutaneous898 (68.9)5 (2.4)397 (80.5)95 (58.6)401 (91.3)<0.0001Neuropsychiatric87 (6.7)19 (9.0)9 (1.8)16 (9.9)43 (9.8)<0.0001Cardiorespiratory176 (13.5)36 (17.1)14 (2.8)22 (13.6)104 (23.7)<0.0001Gastrointestinal44 (3.4)8 (3.0)14 (2.8)8 (4.9)14 (3.2)0.6115Opthalmic47 (3.6)020 (4.1)10 (6.2)17 (3.9)0.0102Renal213 (16.6)15 (7.1)9 (1.8)162 (100)27 (6.2)<0.0001Constitutional425 (32.6)45 (21.4)89 (18.1)55 (34.0)236 (53.8)<0.0001Haematological452 (34.7)64 (30.5)22 (4.5)80 (49.4(286 (65.1)<0.0001Severity at diagnosis, n (%)Mild209 (16.0)55 (26.2)99 (20.1)1 (0.6)54 (12.3)<0.0001Moderate806 (61.8)122 (58.1)324 (65.7)75 (46.3)285 (64.9)Severe289 (22.2)33 (15.7)70 (14.2)86 (53.1)100 (22.8)

Significant between-cluster differences were observed when comparing outcomes; cluster 4 have been diagnosed longest (mean weeks diagnosed 354.6 v. 1: 232.6, 2: 228.7, 3: 338.2, p<0.0001). Cluster 3 consulted more in the last 12 months (mean number of visits 7.9 vs. 1: 5.7, 2: 6.3, 4: 7.6).

Significant differences were also observed between clusters in relation to current treatment proportions: corticosteroid (highest cluster 3: 78.4%), immunosuppressant (highest cluster 3: 75.3%), biologic DMARD (highest cluster 4: 17.8%) and antidepressant (highest cluster 4: 4.1%).

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates the heterogeneity of SLE at diagnosis and highlights four distinct presentations of the disease at diagnosis. Significant proportions of patients present with advanced disease, these clusters go on to present the greatest burden demonstrating the need for better diagnostic tools and novel earlier intervention.

Study funded by Johnson and Johnson.

Disclosure of Interests:

Zahi Touma Consultant of: Consultant for Janssen, Ben Hoskin Consultant of: Consultant for Janssen, Christian Atkinson Consultant of: Consultant for Janssen, David Bell Consultant of: Janssen, Olivia Massey Consultant of: Janssen, Jennifer H. Lofland Employee of: Janssen, Pamela Berry Employee of: Janssen, Chetan Karyekar Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Consultant of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen Global Services, LLC. Previously, Novartis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Abbott Labs., Karen Costenbader Grant/research support from: Merck, Consultant of: Astra-Zeneca

AB1170 THE IMPACT OF HIGH DISEASE ACTIVITY AS MEASURED BY SLEDAI AND DRUG BURDEN-ON HEALTHCARE UTILIZATION, QUALITY OF LIFE AND WORK PRODUCTIVITY IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS

Background:

Although there is abundant literature on healthcare utilization in SLE patients, the impact of disease activity in SLE patients is not well understood.

Objectives:

To quantify the impact of disease activity, as measured by SLEDAI score and drug burden, in SLE patients on health care resource utilization (HCRU), health related quality of life (HRQoL) and work productivity (WP).

Methods:

Data were collected from a cross-sectional survey of 754 rheumatologists in US and EU5 from the Adelphi Real World 2010/2013/2015 Lupus Disease Specific Programmes (DSP). Physicians were asked to complete patient record forms (PRFs) for the next 5 prospectively consulting SLE patients; the same patients were asked to complete patient self-completion (PSC) forms describing how SLE affected them. PRFs collected data pertaining to the patient’s diagnosis, disease history, current clinical outcomes, treatment and management history. PSCs focused on similar data collection and included patient reported outcome measures (PROs). Propensity score matching was used to assess differences in HCRU and PRO scores between SLE patients who had a low disease activity and those who had a high disease activity. Low disease activity was defined as a SLEDAI score of ≤4, a steroid dose of <7.5mg/day, and not on immunosuppressant or biologic. High disease activity was a SLEDAI score of >4, or on an immunosuppressant, biologic, or steroid dose of >7.5mg/day. Patients were matched on age, sex, and ethnicity.

Results:

Data was extracted from 1278 PRFs, and 591 PSCs. Using the estimated propensity score each low disease activity patient (n=44) was matched with a high disease activity patient (n=1187). Using 1:1 matching, with replacement and allowing for ties, matching resulted in 414 high disease activity patients being used as matches for 44 low disease activity patients. Demographic data are reported in Table 1. Patients with a low disease activity were significantly less likely to be currently flaring, lower number of flares in last 12 months, less likely to have been hospitalized in the last 12 months, had fewer consultations in the last 12 months, reported better HrQoL (EQ5D), more favourable levels of fatigue (FACIT), and lower work impairment (WPAI). (Table 2).

Table 1.

Demographic data

VariableLow disease activityHigh disease activityMean age (years)38.140.0% Female90.788.2% White/Caucasian76.767.7Mean years diagnosed5.55.0Table 1.

Propensity score matching results

Outcome variableLow activity meanHigh activity meanCoefficient95% CIp-valueFlared in the last 12 months11.6337.97-0.26[-0.38 – -0.14]<0.001Number of flares in last 12 months0.210.70-0.49[-0.72 - -0.26]<0.001Hospitalised in last 12 months4.6514.98-0.10[-0.17 – -0.04]0.001Number of consults in last 12 months2.843.52-0.68[-1.19 – -0.17]0.009EQ-5D-3L0.780.880.10[0.03 – 0.17]0.004FACIT Fatigue34.6839.865.19[0.80 – 9.57]0.02WPAI overall percentage work impairment14.4245.35-30.93[-45.32 – -16.54]<0.001

Conclusion:

Systemic lupus erythematosus patients with lower levels of disease activity are less burdensome to the healthcare system and experience a significantly better HRQoL and lower levels of productivity impairment. There is a need to establish a universal definition of low disease activity as a treatment goal to benefit patient quality of life and reduce HCRU.

Study funded by Johnson and Johnson.

Disclosure of Interests:

Zahi Touma Consultant of: Consultant for Janssen, Ben Hoskin Consultant of: Consultant for Janssen, Christian Atkinson Consultant of: Consultant for Janssen, David Bell Consultant of: Janssen, James Pike Consultant of: Janssen, Jennifer H. Lofland Employee of: Janssen, Pamela Berry Employee of: Janssen, Chetan Karyekar Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Consultant of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen Global Services, LLC. Previously, Novartis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Abbott Labs., Karen Costenbader Grant/research support from: Merck, Consultant of: Astra-Zeneca

22 Design and Implementation of A Nutrition Clinical Pathway for Patients with Fractured Neck of Femur

Background

Patients with a fractured neck of femur (FNOF) are commonly malnourished pre-admission, have reduced oral intake in hospital and a hypermetabolic state up to three months postoperatively (E Paillaud 2000). Malnutrition is associated with functional deterioration, higher morbidity and mortality.

Evidence suggests nutritional supplementation post-surgery can reduce postoperative complications. As a result, nutritional assessment is included in the National Hip Fracture Database best practice tariff (Avenell, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016).

Introduction

Our aim was to design and implement a clinical pathway for patients with FNOF to identify malnutrition and provide appropriate nutritional support.

Intervention

A retrospective audit of 25 patients was completed to understand baseline rates of assessment, prescription of supplements and referral to dietetics. Using these data meetings were arranged to develop a clinical pathway. Key stakeholders included dietetics, orthopaedic surgeons, geriatricians, physiotherapists and nurses. The pathway was evaluated and optimised with two Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles looking at 25 patients each time.

Results

Baseline: 79% received a nutritional assessment, 32% had nutritional supplements prescribed and 36% (n=9) met criteria for referral to a dietician, of which 55%were referred. However, an additional 5 referrals were made to dietetics for patients who did not meet criteria, a 50% inappropriate referral rate.

PDSA cycle 1: increased nutritional assessment (85%), increased nutritional supplements prescribed (92%), decreased inappropriate referrals to dietetics (43%).

PDSA cycle 2: increased nutritional assessment & nutritional supplements prescribed (100%), increased inappropriate referrals to dietetics (80%).

Conclusions

The implementation of a nutrition pathway has led to increased identification and treatment of malnutrition, which has in addition improved accrual of the best practice tariff. However, greater number of inappropriate referrals have been made to dietetics. This is partly attributed to difficulty weighing patients on admission, and where no weight is inputted on the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool a “High Risk” score is generated triggering a referral. We are now looking at alternative methods to obtaining a weight such a mid-upper arm circumference.

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone in teleosts: New insights from a basal representative, the eel

Since its discovery in birds, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) has triggered investigation in the other groups of vertebrates. In the present study, we have identified a single gnih gene in the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), a representative species of a basal group of teleosts (Elopomorphs). We have also retrieved a single gnih gene in Osteoglossomorphs, as well as in more recently emerged teleosts, Clupeocephala. Phylogeny and synteny analyses allowed us to infer that one of the two gnih paralogs emerged from the teleost-specific whole genome duplication (TWGD or 3R), would have been lost shortly after the 3R, before the emergence of the basal groups of teleosts. This led to the presence of a single gnih in extant teleosts as in other vertebrates. Two gnih paralogs were still found in some teleost species, such as in salmonids, but resulting from the additional whole genome duplication that specifically occurred in this lineage (4R). Eel gnih was mostly expressed in the diencephalon part of the brain, as analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Cloning of eel gnih cDNA confirmed that the sequence of the GnIH precursor encoded three putative mature GnIH peptides (aaGnIH-1, aaGnIH-2 and aaGnIH-3), which were synthesized and tested for their direct effects on eel pituitary cells in vitro. Eel GnIH peptides inhibited the expression of gonadotropin subunits (lhβ, fshβ, and common a-subunit) as well as of GnRH receptor (gnrh-r2), with no effect on tshβ and gh expression. The inhibitory effect of GnIH peptides on gonadotropic function in a basal teleost is in agreement with an ancestral inhibitory role of GnIH in the neuroendocrine control of reproduction in vertebrates.

Engorgement of Deep Medullary Veins in Neurosarcoidosis: A Common-Yet-Underrecognized Cerebrovascular Finding on SWI

We describe the prevalence and potential significance of deep medullary vein engorgement on SWI in patients with neurosarcoidosis, a finding that has not been described previously. Engorgement was evaluated for possible associations with meningeal or perivascular disease, intracranial hemorrhage, and venous thrombosis, as well as with modified Rankin Scale scores at the time of MR imaging and at follow-up. Deep medullary vein engorgement was seen in 7 of 21 patients and was more common in men. Patients with venous engorgement had a significantly increased incidence of microhemorrhages, perivascular disease, and hydrocephalus. There was no association with the degree of leptomeningeal disease, venous dural sinus thrombosis, or modified Rankin Scale scores. In conclusion, deep medullary vein engorgement was common in our patients with neurosarcoidosis. Although its pathophysiology remains uncertain, it could be related to venous or perivenous abnormalities and may represent a useful secondary finding of cerebrovascular disease.

Compartmentalized dynamics of cytomegalovirus replication in treated congenital infection

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most prevalent congenital infection in developed countries. A significant number of infected infants develop long-term neurodevelopmental and hearing impairment irrespective of whether disease is detectable at birth. Studies of viral load and replication dynamics have informed the treatment of CMV in adult populations but no similar data exist in neonates.

OBJECTIVES

To study CMV virus kinetics in different body fluids of babies treated for congenital infection.

STUDY DESIGN

CMV virus load was sequentially analyzed in blood, urine and saliva in 17 babies treated for symptomatic congenital CMV infection.

RESULTS

Virus was detectable in the urine and saliva of all babies at baseline but in only 15/17 in blood. At the end of 6 weeks of antiviral treatment CMV remained detectable in 9/14 blood samples, 9/12 urine samples and 4/7 salivary swabs. Median half-life (T1/2) of virus decline in blood was 2.4 days (IQR 1.9-3.3) and basic reproductive number (Ro) was 2.3. Although T1/2 values were similar in urine and saliva to those observed in blood, virus dynamics differed both during and after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

T1/2 and Ro in blood in this group of neonates were similar to values derived from studies of immunocompromised adults. The persistent viremia observed in treated neonates cannot therefore be adequately explained by the virus dynamics early in treatment. The different dynamics exhibited in blood and urine suggests that studying changes in distinct body compartments may assist in further understanding long-term manifestations of disease.

Validation of International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grading for prostatic adenocarcinoma in thin core biopsies using TROG 03.04 'RADAR' trial clinical data

In 2014 a consensus conference convened by the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) adopted amendments to the criteria for Gleason grading and scoring (GS) for prostatic adenocarcinoma. The meeting defined a modified grading system based on 5 grading categories (grade 1, GS 3+3; grade 2, GS 3+4; grade 3, GS 4+3; grade 4, GS 8; grade 5, GS 9-10). In this study we have evaluated the prognostic significance of ISUP grading in 496 patients enrolled in the TROG 03.04 RADAR Trial. There were 19 grade 1, 118 grade 2, 193 grade 3, 88 grade 4 and 79 grade 5 tumours in the series, with follow-up for a minimum of 6.5 years. On follow-up 76 patients experienced distant progression of disease, 171 prostate specific antigen (PSA) progression and 39 prostate cancer deaths. In contrast to the 2005 modified Gleason system (MGS), the hazards of the distant and PSA progression endpoints, relative to grade 2, were significantly greater for grades 3, 4 and 5 of the 2014 ISUP grading scheme. Comparison of predictive ability utilising Harrell's concordance index, showed 2014 ISUP grading to significantly out-perform 2005 MGS grading for each of the three clinical endpoints.

Analysis of two parallel queues by common exit service and infinite queue size

A system of two parallel queues is considered, where each customer must leave after service through a common gate G. It is assumed that service times at the two stations I and II are independent and identically distributed, and that exit service takes a fixed length of time. A I-customer may be served at station I only if the previous I-customer has completed exit service. Integral equations are formulated from which the distribution of the total service time may be obtained when the two queue sizes are infinite. These equations are solved for exponential and generalized erlangian service times. Extensions to the case of k parallel queues and to the case of Poisson arrivals and finite queue sizes are discussed briefly.

Randomized clinical trial of postoperative chewing gum versus standard care after colorectal resection

Background

Chewing gum may stimulate gastrointestinal motility, with beneficial effects on postoperative ileus suggested in small studies. The primary aim of this trial was to determine whether chewing gum reduces length of hospital stay (LOS) after colorectal resection. Secondary aims included examining bowel habit symptoms, complications and healthcare costs.

Methods

This clinical trial allocated patients randomly to standard postoperative care with or without chewing gum (sugar‐free gum for at least 10 min, four times per day on days 1–5) in five UK hospitals. The primary outcome was LOS. Cox regression was used to calculate hazard ratios for LOS.

Results

Data from 402 of 412 patients, of whom 199 (49·5 per cent) were allocated to chewing gum, were available for analysis. Some 40 per cent of patients in both groups had laparoscopic surgery, and all study sites used enhanced recovery programmes. Median (i.q.r.) LOS was 7 (5–11) days in both groups (P = 0·962); the hazard ratio for use of gum was 0·94 (95 per cent c.i. 0·77 to 1·15; P = 0·557). Participants allocated to gum had worse quality of life, measured using the EuroQoL 5D‐3L, than controls at 6 and 12 weeks after operation (but not on day 4). They also had more complications graded III or above according to the Dindo–Demartines–Clavien classification (16 versus 6 in the group that received standard care) and deaths (11 versus 0), but none was classed as related to gum. No other differences were observed.

Conclusion

Chewing gum did not alter the return of bowel function or LOS after colorectal resection. Registration number: ISRCTN55784442 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).

No advantage observed

Patient experiences of perioperative nutrition within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery programme for colorectal surgery: a qualitative study

AIM

Nutrition is an important element of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme. Patients have previously indicated that nutrition is a key component of ERAS that requires improvement. Our aim was to explore the perioperative nutrition experiences of colorectal surgical patients to identify barriers and facilitators to the integration of nutrition within ERAS.

METHOD

Sixteen individuals undergoing colorectal surgery participated in a semi-structured interview between postoperative day three and hospital discharge. The topic guide was developed iteratively throughout the study; topics included preoperative counselling, carbohydrate loading, fasting and postoperative nutrition. A constant comparison technique was employed during coding, and an inductive thematic analysis was used. Validity was ensured by double coding a sample of transcripts.

RESULTS

Findings are presented in the context of the following clinical themes: preoperative information, preoperative fasting, carbohydrate loading and nutritional drinks, postoperative diet and discharge. Individuals received too much general information which was repetitive, contradictory and not disease specific; this formed a key barrier affecting nutrition. Other barriers were negative experiences of nutritional drinks, stoma management, nausea and vomiting, and challenges from the hospital environment. Facilitators included interactions with staff, food accessibility and choice, and motivation for discharge.

CONCLUSION

The key barrier to adherence of perioperative nutrition protocols was poor provision of information. Targeted information regarding postoperative diet, stoma management and coping with nausea and vomiting would be beneficial for colorectal surgical patients. Easily accessible food provided by ward staff was considered a facilitator.

Effects of donor/recipient human leukocyte antigen mismatch on human cytomegalovirus replication following liver transplantation

Background

Natural immunity against cytomegalovirus (CMV) can control virus replication after solid organ transplantation; however, it is not known which components of the adaptive immune system mediate this protection. We investigated whether this protection requires human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching between donor and recipient by exploiting the fact that, unlike transplantation of other solid organs, liver transplantation does not require HLA matching, but some donor and recipient pairs may nevertheless be matched by chance.

Methods

To further investigate this immune control, we determined whether chance HLA matching between donor (D) and recipient (R) in liver transplants affected a range of viral replication parameters.

Results

In total, 274 liver transplant recipients were stratified according to matches at the HLA A, HLA B, and HLA DR loci. The incidence of CMV viremia, kinetics of replication, and peak viral load were similar between the HLA matched and mismatched patients in the D+/R+ and D−/R+ transplant groups. D+/R− transplants with 1 or 2 mismatches at the HLA DR locus had a higher incidence of CMV viremia >3000 genomes/mL blood compared to patients matched at this locus (78% vs. 17%; P = 0.01). Evidence was seen that matching at the HLA A locus had a small effect on peak viral loads in D+/R− patients, with median peak loads of 3540 and 14,706 genomes/mL in the 0 and combined (1 and 2) mismatch groups, respectively (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Overall, our data indicate that, in the setting of liver transplantation, prevention of CMV infection and control of CMV replication by adaptive immunity is minimally influenced by HLA matching of the donor and recipient. Our data raise questions about immune control of CMV in the liver and also about the cells in which the virus is amplified to give rise to CMV viremia.

Development of a novel single tube nested PCR for enhanced detection of cytomegalovirus DNA from dried blood spots

Newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus (CCMV) using dried blood spots (DBS) has been proposed because many developed countries have DBS screening programmes in place for other diseases. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid, single tube nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for enhanced detection of CMV from DBS compared to existing (single target) real time PCRs. The new method was compared with existing real time PCRs for sensitivity and specificity. Overall sensitivity of the single target PCR assays in both asymptomatic and symptomatic infants with laboratory confirmed congenital CMV was 69% (CMV PCR or culture positive before day 21 of life). In contrast, the single tube nested assay had an increased sensitivity of 81% with100% specificity. Overall the assay detected CMV from a DBS equivalent to an original blood sample which contained 500IU/ml. In conclusion this single tube nested methodology allows simultaneous amplification and detection of CMV DNA in 1.5h removing the associated contamination risk of a two step nested PCR. Owing to its increased sensitivity, it has the potential to be used as a screening assay and ultimately allow early identification and intervention for children with congenital CMV.

Loss of caveolin-1 from bronchial epithelial cells and monocytes in human subjects with asthma

BACKGROUND

Caveolin-1 has emerged as a critical regulator of signaling pathways involved in lung fibrosis and inflammation.

METHODS

Therefore, we investigated whether caveolin-1 is deficient in asthmatic patients and in a murine model of asthma.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical analyses of endobronchial biopsies showed a remarkable loss of caveolin-1 in the lungs of asthmatic patients compared with controls. This loss was most evident in bronchial epithelial cells and associated with an increase in the expression of extracellular matrix proteins: collagen I, tenascin, and periostin. Cultured primary bronchial epithelial cells of asthmatics had lower caveolin-1 expression compared with control cells. In addition, caveolin-1 expression was significantly decreased in peripheral blood monocytes from asthma patients. The loss of caveolin-1 was also observed in a mouse model for asthma (mice sensitized and challenged with aspergillus fumigatus).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that the regulatory protein caveolin-1 is reduced in patients with asthma.