ForMAX - a beamline for multiscale and multimodal structural characterization of hierarchical materials

The ForMAX beamline at the MAX IV Laboratory provides multiscale and multimodal structural characterization of hierarchical materials in the nanometre to millimetre range by combining small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering with full-field microtomography. The modular design of the beamline is optimized for easy switching between different experimental modalities. The beamline has a special focus on the development of novel fibrous materials from forest resources, but it is also well suited for studies within, for example, food science and biomedical research.

Influence of at-risk family interactions on the course of psychiatric care in adolescence

Dysparenting, referring to inappropriate parental attitudes, is a vulnerability factor for mental disorders during adolescence and a therapeutic leverage, yet clinicians lack reliable tools to assess it in daily clinical practice. Moreover, the effect of this dysparenting on the amount of psychiatric care remains unclear. The Family and Care study aims to develop the at-risk family interactions and levers (ARFIL) scale, a comprehensive 30-item clinical scale, and to assess in a cross-sectional design, the impact of these at-risk family interactions on the care of adolescents (n = 425) hospitalized in psychiatry and aged 13-19 years old. Factorial analysis shows that the ARFIL scale consists of three main dimensions associated with cohesion/conflicts, love/hostility, and autonomy/control with good psychometric properties. Multivariate regressions show that the ARFIL intensity score predicts the duration of hospital care, regardless of age, gender, medical severity on admission, assessed by the Global Assessment of Functioning scale, the presence of maltreatment and psychiatric diagnoses. Moreover, the ARFIL diversity score (number of items present regardless of their severity) predicts both the number and duration of hospitalizations. At-risk family interactions are a determining dimension of psychiatric adolescent care, and the ARFIL scale could constitute a valuable tool, not only for holistic evaluation and treatment, but also for prevention.

Current views on in vivo models for breast cancer research and related drug development

INTRODUCTION

Animal models play a crucial role in breast cancer research, in particular mice and rats, who develop mammary tumors that closely resemble their human counterparts. These models allow the study of mechanisms behind breast carcinogenesis, as well as the efficacy and safety of new, and potentially more effective and advantageous therapeutic approaches. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each model is crucial to select the most appropriate one for the research purpose.

AREA COVERED

This review provides a concise overview of the animal models available for breast cancer research, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each one for searching new and more effective approaches to treatments for this type of cancer.

EXPERT OPINION

Rodent models provide valuable information on the genetic alterations of the disease, the tumor microenvironment, and allow the evaluation of the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. However, in vivo models have limitations, and one of them is the fact that they do not fully mimic human diseases. Choosing the most suitable model for the study purpose is crucial for the development of new therapeutic agents that provide better care for breast cancer patients.

Surgeon experience in second-look transurethral resection of bladder cancer - a prospective study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is crucial in the treatment of bladder tumors and when incorrectly performed can cause staging mistakes. To avoid these errors, a second resection is recommended in selected cases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the surgeon's ability to predict histologically complete primary resection of newly diagnosed bladder tumors avoiding the need for a second TURBT.

METHODS

This is a prospective, observational study involving 47 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed bladder tumors who had previously undergone primary TURBT, and met EAU criteria for second-look TURBT. Second-look TURBT specimens were analyzed for routine histological assessment and compared with the surgeon's impression of the tumor at initial resection.

RESULTS

Of 91 patients submitted to primary TURBT, 47 met the criteria for second-look TURBT. Second-look specimens revealed residual disease in 20.9% of patients and 3 (6.4%) of patients showed upstaging disease. The sensitivity of a senior to detect disease on second-look TURBT in relation to muscle invasion was 75%, and the specificity was 85%.

CONCLUSIONS

Second-look TURBT is crucial in the treatment of bladder cancer and cannot be replaced by a surgeon's opinion, so international recommendations should be followed. Supervision of less experienced surgeons is a cornerstone.

Two- and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic assessment and successful occlusion of a window-like patent ductus arteriosus in two dogs

A 16-month-old Labrador-poodle cross (case 1) and a 3-month-old German shorthaired pointer (case 2) were referred for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion. Two-dimensional transthoracic and two- and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography revealed a window-like PDA characterized by a wide and short ductus. Due to the atypical PDA morphology with no ampulla in case 1, ductal occlusion was attempted with non-canine-specific Amplatzer occluder devices. However, these were too small and failed to remain stable. Amplatz Canine Duct Occluder (ACDO) devices were used with success in both cases. Due to the defects' morphology, the proximal ACDO disc protruded into the aorta but there were no signs of obstruction to aortic blood flow 16 months (case 1) and 1 month (case 2) post-occlusion. We describe two cases of a window-like type PDA that were successfully occluded with an ACDO.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a dog: a systematic diagnostic approach

A seven-year-old female neutered Parson Russel Terrier was referred for syncopal episodes. An electrocardiogram revealed paroxysmal atrial flutter followed by periods of sinus arrest, suggesting sick sinus syndrome. Echocardiography showed severe biventricular wall thickening (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) phenotype) with no signs of fixed or dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Blood pressure, abdominal ultrasound, serum total thyroxin and thyroid-stimulating hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-1 were all within normal limits. Cardiac troponin I was elevated (1.7 ng/mL, ref<0.07). Serological tests for common infectious diseases were negative. A 24-h Holter confirmed that the syncopal episodes were associated with asystolic pauses (sinus arrest after runs of atrial flutter) ranging between 8.5 and 9.6 s. Right ventricular endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) were performed at the time of pacemaker implantation to assess for storage or infiltrative diseases that mimic HCM in people. Histological analysis of the EMB revealed plurifocal inflammatory infiltrates with macrophages and lymphocytes (CD3+ > 7/mm2) associated with myocyte necrosis, but no evidence of myocyte vacuolisation or infiltrative myocardial disorders. These findings were compatible with myocardial ischaemic injury or acute lymphocytic myocarditis. Molecular analysis of canine cardiotropic viruses were negative. The dog developed refractory congestive heart failure and was euthanised 16 months later. Cardiac post-mortem examination revealed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and disarray with diffuse interstitial and patchy replacement fibrosis, and small vessel disease, confirming HCM. We described a systemic diagnostic approach to an HCM phenotype in a dog, where a diagnosis of HCM was reached by excluding HCM phenocopies.

Impact of acute psychosocial stress on attentional control in humans. A study of evoked potentials and pupillary response

Psychosocial stress has increased considerably in our modern lifestyle, affecting global mental health. Deficits in attentional control are cardinal features of stress disorders and pathological anxiety. Studies suggest that changes in the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system could underlie the effects of stress on top-down attentional control. However, the impact of psychosocial stress on attentional processes and its underlying neural mechanisms are poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the effect of psychosocial stress on attentional processing and brain signatures. Evoked potentials and pupillary activity related to the oddball auditory paradigm were recorded before and after applying the Montreal Imaging Stress Task (MIST). Electrocardiogram (ECG), salivary cortisol, and subjective anxiety/stress levels were measured at different experimental periods. The control group experienced the same physical and cognitive effort but without the psychosocial stress component. The results showed that stressed subjects exhibited decreased P3a and P3b amplitude, pupil phasic response, and correct responses. On the other hand, they displayed an increase in Mismatch Negativity (MMN). N1 amplitude after MIST only decreased in the control group. We found that differences in P3b amplitude between the first and second oddball were significantly correlated with pupillary dilation and salivary cortisol levels. Our results suggest that under social-evaluative threat, basal activity of the coeruleus-norepinephrine system increases, enhancing alertness and decreasing voluntary attentional resources for the cognitive task. These findings contribute to understanding the neurobiological basis of attentional changes in pathologies associated with chronic psychosocial stress.

Technological features of smartphone apps for physical activity promotion in patients with COPD: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Low physical activity (PA) levels have a negative impact on the health status of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Smartphone applications (apps) focused on PA promotion may mitigate this problem; however, their effectiveness depends on patient adherence, which can be influenced by the technological features of the apps. This systematic review identified the technological features of smartphone apps aiming to promote PA in patients with COPD.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in the databases ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Papers including the description of a smartphone app for PA promotion in patients with COPD were included. Two researchers independently selected studies and scored the apps features based on a previously developed framework (38 possible features).

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were included and 19 apps identified, with an average of 10 technological features implemented. Eight apps could be connected to wearables to collect data. The categories 'Measuring and monitoring' and 'Support and Feedback' were present in all apps. Overall, the most implemented features were 'progress in visual format' (n = 13), 'advice on PA' (n = 14) and 'data in visual format' (n = 10). Only three apps included social features, and two included a web-based version of the app.

CONCLUSIONS

The existing smartphone apps include a relatively small number of features to promote PA, which are mostly related to monitoring and providing feedback. Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between the presence/absence of specific features and the impact of interventions on patients' PA levels.

Nannochloropsis oceanica microalga feeding increases long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in lamb meat

To test the hypothesis that lambs fed freeze-dried Nannochloropsis oceanica (NO) biomass will have a higher deposition of EPA in tissues than those fed other Nannochloropsis EPA-sources, we fed 28 lambs with one of four diets: i) C, control, without EPA; ii) O, with 1.2% Nannochloropsis oil; iii) SD, with 12.3% spray-dried NO biomass; iv) FD, with 9.2% freeze-dried NO biomass. Dry matter intake, growth, tissues fatty acid composition, oxidative stability and sensory traits of the resultant meat were evaluated. The EPA was highest in tissues of lambs fed SD and FD compared with O but was similar between SD and FD. Total trans-18:1 did not differ among treatments, but the t10/t11-18:1 ratio decreased with all EPA containing diets. EPA diets were also supplemented with Vitamin E preventing the lipid oxidation in EPA-enriched meat and the meat sensory traits were not affected although occasionally some off-flavours were detected in FD meat.

Thin and hypokinetic myocardial segments in cats with cardiomyopathy

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES

Thin and hypokinetic myocardial segments (THyMS) represent adverse ventricular (LV) remodeling in human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We describe the echocardiographic features and outcome in cats with THyMS, and in a subpopulation, the echocardiographic phenotype before LV wall thinning was detected (pre-THyMS).

ANIMALS

Eighty client-owned cats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective multicenter study. Clinical records were searched for cats with THyMS, defined as LV segment(s) with end-diastolic wall thickness (LVWT) <3 mm and hypokinesis in the presence of ≥one LV segment(s) with LVWT >4 mm and normal wall motion. When available, echocardiograms pre-THyMS were assessed. Survival time was defined as time from first presentation with THyMS to death.

RESULTS

Mean thickest LV wall segment (MaxLVWT) was 6.1 mm (95% CI 5.8-6.4 mm) and thinnest (MinLVWT) was 1.7 mm (95% CI 1.6-1.9 mm). The LV free wall was affected in 74%, apex in 13% and septum in 5%. Most cats (85%) presented with heart failure and/or arterial thromboembolism. Median circulating troponin I concentration was 1.4 ng/mL ([range 0.07-180 ng/mL]). Prior echocardiography results were available for 13/80 cats, a mean of 2.5 years pre-THyMS. In segments subsequently undergoing thinning, initial MaxLVWT measured 6.7 mm (95% CI 5.8-7.7 mm) vs. 1.9 mm (95% CI 1.5-2.4 mm) at last echocardiogram (P<0.0001). Survival data were available for 56/80 cats, median survival time after diagnosing THyMS was 153 days (95% CI 83-223 days). Cardiac histopathology in one cat revealed that THyMS was associated with severe transmural scarring.

CONCLUSIONS

Cats with THyMS had advanced cardiomyopathy and a poor prognosis.

Lewy Body Pathology and Alzheimer Disease in Down Syndrome

Introduction/Objective

Aging adults with Down syndrome (DS) develop Alzheimer disease neuropathology (AD) by the age of 40 years, primarily due to the overexpression of the amyloid precursor protein on chromosome 21. Lewy bodies (LBs), containing alpha-synuclein protein, are observed in 7-60% of AD patients in the amygdala and in cortex. Prior DS studies (n=20-56 cases) find the frequency of LB pathology to range between 8-50% of cases being affected. We hypothesized that LB pathology would also be present in DS brain with similar locations and prevalence to AD. Thus, we evaluated the frequency of LB in our UCI cohort of DS cases that we have collected over the past 25 years.

Methods/Case Report

Neuropathology reports from 55 cases with DS from the UCI-ADRC were included in this study. Cases were stained for beta-amyloid, phosphor-tau, alpha-synuclein and TDP-43 as per NACC protocols (one case each v7,8,9 and three v11).

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

We identified 6 cases (10.9%), all male, with a mean age of 57 years (SD=3) that showed LB and/or Lewy neurites. LB pathology was classified as amygdala predominant in 3 cases, brainstem predominant in one, intermediate/transitional in one, and diffuse/neocortical in one. Five cases were BRAAK stage 6 and one was stage 5. Five cases had CERAD neuritic plaque score C and one case had a B score. Two of 3 cases were Thal phase 5, and one was phase 4. The case with diffuse/neocortical LB pathology demonstrated hippocampal sclerosis.

Conclusion

The observation that all our LB positive cases were male may reflect a sample bias. In our study, Lewy pathology was most common in amygdala but other sites of involvement are seen similar to a prior DS study and AD studies. Prior DS studies (n=20-56 cases) find the frequency of LB pathology to range between 8-50% of cases being affected. The prevalence of LB in our DS cohort (10.9%) is in the low end of the range seen in other DS and AD studies.

Association between first trimester platelet to lymphocyte ratio and stillbirth

INTRODUCTION

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been investigated as inflammatory markers of malignancies, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. We explored the association between NLR, PRL, measured during pregnancy, and stillbirth (SB).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective case control study at a tertiary hospital center in New York City from May 2015 to July 2018. Cases were defined as SB pregnancies and controls as uncomplicated pregnancies. We calculated NLR and PLR using the complete blood count components routinely collected during prenatal care in the first trimester. The groups were matched by age, parity, body mass index (BMI) and race. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to evaluate the association of NLR and PLR to SB.

RESULTS

We identified 28 patients with SB pregnancies and matched them with 28 controls. Age, parity, BMI and race were equally distributed between the groups. The median gestational age of SB was 30 weeks [22 - 34]. PLR was significantly lower in SB cases compared to controls (124.8 vs 153.4, p = 0.044) with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.65. A PLR value higher than 156.4 accurately excluded SB with a sensitivity of 0.50, specificity of 0.89, positive predictive value of 0.013 and a negative predictive value of 0.998. NLR did not show a significant difference in the first trimester.

CONCLUSIONS

A PLR higher than 156.4 in the first trimester appears to reliably exclude the occurrence of SB later during pregnancy. Lower platelet and higher lymphocyte levels may be related to an early inflammatory process. We speculate that pregnancies in which the initial myometrial invasion by the placental cells is dysfunctional and reflected by a high level of inflammation in the peripheral maternal blood, may contribute to fetal demise. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results.

P-064 Clinical outcomes of 127 patients with recurrent implantation failure treated with testicular sperm aspiration (TESA)

Study question

Are the embryological, clinical and newborn outcomes using aspirated testicular sperm improved in cases with recurrent implantation failure previously treated with ejaculated sperm?

Summary answer

Aspirated testicular sperm enabled to obtain significant higher embryological, clinical and newborn outcomes in cases with recurrent implantation failure previously treated with ejaculated sperm.

What is known already

High levels of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) were associated to poor clinical outcomes (1-Simon et al., 2017). Testicular sperm display lower SDF than ejaculated sperm (2-Sakas and Alvarez, 2010), improving clinical outcomes in cases with abnormal semen parameters (3-Awaga et al., 2018; 4-Kang et al., 2018), recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and pregnancy loss (RPL) (5-Esteves et al., 2017), and elevated SDF (6-Ambar et al., 2021). As only a few studies are specifically dedicated to RIF, we expanded the number of cases and first provided full demographic, stimulation, embryological, clinical and newborn outcomes.

References

1-(https://doi.org/10.4103/1008-682X.182822);

2-(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.10.046);

3-(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.08.017);

4-(https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-26280-0);

5-(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.06.018);

6-(https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.200084

Study design, size, duration

We retrospectively evaluated during consecutive years (2010-2020) 63 patients with recurrent implantation failure, which accepted to perform testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) as an alternative treatment. These patients presented a long history of failed treatments (153 cycles) using ejaculated sperm. From these cycles, no pregnancy ensued. The present study compares 127 treatment cycles, 80 with testicular sperm (17 cases repeated TESA) and 47 with ejaculated sperm from the same patients performed at the present IVF clinic.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Patients were screened for karyotype abnormalities, for Y-chromosome microdeletions (7-Gonçalves et al., 2016), and for SDF with the TUNEL assay (8-Sá et al., 2015). Conventional semen analysis was performed according to World Health Organization guidelines (9-WHO, 2010). Male evaluation and TESA was performed by the same experienced urologist (LF) according to established protocols (10-Madureira et al 2014). The procedure was performed entirely on an outpatient basis, with no complications reported.

References

7-(https://doi.org/10.4103/1008-682X.172827);

8-(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.06.019);

9-(https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/44261);

10-(https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00231.x).

Main results and the role of chance

The mean ages were 35.5±3.4 (26-42)-female and 38.1±5.7 (29-59)-male. There were 4 abnormal karyotypes (3-female, 1-male), all without known relevance. Most cases had asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia (65.1%), or oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (41.8%). Of the 19 cases with &lt;5M/ml, none presented Y-chromosome microdeletions. Although we do not routinely perform SDF testing, 15 patients had previous SDF values (12, &gt;20%; 8, &gt;36%). Female basal characteristics and testicular evaluation were under normal values. The TESA procedure took about 15-20 min, and the time of laboratorial search around 30-60 min. Cases using testicular sperm showed significant higher rates of fertilization (64% vs 73%-p=0.005), blastocyst development (47% vs 62%-p=0.010), implantation (6% vs 27%-p=0.000), clinical pregnancy (10% vs 39%-p=0.001), live birth delivery (5% vs 28%-p=0.005) and newborn (5% vs 32%-p=0.000) than ejaculated sperm. No significant differences were observed regarding the rates of embryo cleavage (95% vs 94.8%) and high quality embryos (89.4% vs 94%), in the mean number of transferred embryos (1.8±0.4 vs 1.9±0.4), or in the abortion rate (2 cases-50% vs 7 cases-25.9%). Cases using testicular sperm had 22 frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles, enabling per initiated cycle a cumulative pregnancy rate of 45%, live birth delivery rate of 31.3% and newborn rate of 37.5% (32 newborn).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Although presenting the higher number of cycles using TESA in the treatment of RIF, this number needs to be increased for drawing more definitive conclusions, as these women present a diversity of conditions, rendering subgrouping difficult. In the future, it would also be important to evaluate SDF in all cases.

Wider implications of the findings

In conclusion, the present results gave further evidence for the superiority of using testicular sperm instead of ejaculated sperm in cases with recurrent implantation failure. Data also evidences the security of using testicular sperm aspiration, as there were no pregnancy or delivery complications, or congenital anomalies among the 32 newborn.

Trial registration number

Not Applicable

AB0926 ENTHESITIS OF THE HAND IS A DOMINANT LESION IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND MAY HELP DISTINGUISH IT FROM RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: CASE-CONTROL, SINGLE-CENTRE, ULTRASOUND STUDY

Background

Enthesitis is the hallmark of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and may assist in distinguishing PsA from other forms of arthritis (1,2). Its clinical evaluation is hampered by lack of specificity of physical examination (3). Ultrasound (US) may provide information about its presence and response to treatment. Although some previous works have shown that enthesitis of the hand is important in PsA (4), most US studies and scores focused on greater size entheses.

Objectives

To explore the prevalence of enthesitis of the hand in PsA patients as evaluated by US, and compare it with other inflammatory arthritides, namely rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Cross-sectional study in which consecutive patients with PsA and RA were recruited for an US protocol evaluating 4 entheses of the hand including: 1. measurement of the extensor digitorum tendon central slip at its insertion at the middle phalanx of the 2nd and 3rd finger bilaterally; 2. search for the presence of power-Doppler (PD) sign; 3. identification of structural lesions.

Linear regression models were built to test if diagnosis (PsA vs RA) explained part of the variance of the thickness of tendons insertion while controlling possible influences of age, type of work and body surface area. A ROC curve was built to find a mean thickness cut-off allowing distinction between PsA and RA. The prevalence of PD sign and structural lesions of the entheses was compared between groups.

Results

Fifty-eight patients were recruited (29 with PsA and 29 with RA) and a total of 232 entheses were evaluated.

Mean thickness of the interest entheses was superior in PsA patients compared to RA patients (2nd finger – 0.96 ± 0.16mm vs. 0.74 ± 0.09mm; 3rd finger – 0.96 ± 0.20mm vs. 0.76 ± 0.11mm).

Linear regression models including diagnosis and potential confounders significantly explained mean thickness of both entheses (2nd finger – R2=0.56, p<.001; 3rd finger – R2=0.41, p<.001), with the diagnosis group being the most important predictor (Table 1). ROC curve (AUC 0.897, p<.001) showed a cut-off value of 0.925mm for the mean of the 4 entheses had a specificity of 93.1% for the identification of PsA patients.

Table 1.

Multiple linear regression models explaining thickness of the entheses.

2nd finger (mean of both sides)3rd finger (mean of both sides)Linear regression modelR2=0.56p<.001***R2=0.39p<.001***Diagnosis (PsA vs RA)β=0.587; B=0.203mmp<.001***β=0.483; B = 0.182mmp<.001***

In our sample, 8 (3.5%) entheses had a measured thickness above mean + 2 SD, all belonging to PsA patients; 6 (75%) had signs of ongoing inflammatory process as proved by the presence of PD sign (Figure 1). Regarding structural lesions, enthesophytes or bone irregularities/erosions were found in 13.8% of PsA entheses, which compared to 1.7% of RA entheses.

Figure 1.

Enthesitis of the central slip of extensor digitorum of the 3rd finger in a patient with PsA: swelling of the 3rd proximal interphalangeal joint (A) due to inflammatory process originating in the enthesis, with no signs of synovitis, as evaluated by US (B).

Conclusion

This work reinforces enthesitis as a key lesion in PsA. It also shows enthesitis occurs significantly in small entheses, like the ones of the hand and that, in some instances, it may be the dominant lesion in a swollen joint. US may be valuable for establishing a diagnosis in the setting of inflammatory arthritis of unknown etiology.

References

[1]Mease P. Enthesitis in psoriatic arthritis (Part 3): clinical assessment and management. Rheumatology. 2020 Mar 1;59(Supplement_1):i21–8.

[2]Sapundzhieva T, Karalilova R, Batalov A. Hand ultrasound patterns in rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis: the role of ultrasound in the differential diagnosis. Rheumatol Int. 2020 Jun;40(6):837–48.

[3]Kaeley GS. Enthesitis in psoriatic arthritis (Part 2): imaging. Rheumatology. 2020 Mar 1;59(Supplement_1):i15–20.

[4]Smerilli G, Di Matteo A, Cipolletta E, Grassi W, Filippucci E. Enthesitis in Psoriatic Arthritis, the Sonographic Perspective. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2021 Sep;23(9):75.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Depression and health-related quality of life in critical COVID-19 survivors

Introduction

Long-term neuropsychiatric consequences of critical illness are well known. Therefore, it is expected that critical COVID-19 patients might also present several psychiatric symptoms such as depression, with inevitable negative effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), commonly used as an indicator of illness and treatment impact.

Objectives

To identify depressive symptoms in critical COVID-19 survivors and to examine its association with HRQoL domains.

Methods

This preliminary study involved critical COVID-19 patients admitted into the Intensive Care Medicine Department (ICMD) of a University Hospital, between October and December of 2020. Patients with an ICMD length of stay (LoS)≤24h, terminal illness, major auditory loss, or inability to communicate at the follow-up time were excluded. From 1-2 months after discharge, all participants were evaluated by telephone at follow-up appointment, with Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) (depression) and EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level EQ-5D-5L (HRQoL). This study is part of the longitudinal MAPA project.

Results

Eighty-three patients were included with a median age of 63 years (range: 31-86) and the majority were male (63%). The most reported problems on EQ-5D-5L domains were usual activities (82%) and mobility (76%). About 27% presented depressive symptoms, and with more problems of self-care (68%vs41%; p=0.029), pain/discomfort (86%vs49%; p=0.002), and anxiety/depression (96%vs54%; p<0.001).

Conclusions

These preliminary results are in line in previous studies in critical COVID-19 survivors, with depression being associated with worse HRQoL. Bearing this in mind, follow-up approaches with an early screening and treatment of these psychiatric symptoms will be fundamental to optimize the recovery of these patients.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

POS1518-HPR BELIEFS ABOUT MEDICATION IN A POPULATION OF PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHROPATHY

Background

The beliefs that patients have regarding their medication, namely about its need and concerns regarding possible adverse effects, are a determining factor for adherence and therapeutic success1.

Objectives

Determine which sociodemographic and clinical factors are associated with beliefs related to medication, either in terms of necessity or concerns about medication, in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) or Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA).

Methods

Observational study, with a sample consisting of 58 patients (female 72,4%, male 27,6%; mean age = 51,0 ± 13,2 years; education < 9 years 39,7%, ≥ 9 years 60,3%). Of these, 33 had a diagnosis of RA and 25 of PsA (mean years of disease duration = 8,2 ± 7,3 years; mean disease activity by DAS28-PCR or DAS28-PCR 3 variables = 2,32 ± 0,95). Between March 2021 and June 2021, a brief questionnaire was applied with sociodemographic and clinical variables, such as the use of classic or biological DMARDs and their administration´s route. The Specific Beliefs About Medication Scale (BMQ) was anonymously applied, adapted from the Beliefs About Medicines Questionnaire, comprising 2 sections: section 1 – Specific Needs, patients beliefs about the need for medication; section 2 – Specific Concerns, beliefs related to the dangers of addiction and long-term toxicity or side effects. Higher scores (scale from 5 to 25 points), in sections 1 and 2, reflect the belief of greater need and greater concern regarding medication, respectively. The average scores in section 1 and in section 2 of the BMQ were 9 and 15,7 points, respectively. Statistics: descriptive, Student t-Test, Pearson Correlation and ANOVA, p<0,05.

Results

Patients with PsA and younger age had a higher mean score in section 2 of the BMQ (p= 0,049 e p<0,01, respectively). The variables male gender, education ≥ 9 years and shorter duration of the disease also showed a tendency to be associated with the higher score in section 2 of the BMQ, with p-values close to statistical significance (p=0,091, p=0,074 and p=0,094, respectively). In the multivariate analysis with the above variables, only the diagnosis of PsA showed a statistically significant association with the score in section 2 of the BMQ (B=4,269; p<0,001; CI 95%=[2,060-6,477]). There was also a statistically significant correlation (p=0,007) between the scores in section 1 and section 2 of the BMQ. Regarding analysis of the sample by diagnosis, there was an association between the subcutaneous route of drug administration in individuals with RA and greater concern with the adverse effects of the medication (p=0,007), and between low disease activity and greater belief in the specific need for medication for the disease (p=0,006).

Conclusion

In this study, patients with PsA were more concerned about the possible adverse effects of medication than patients with RA. RA patients who take subcutaneous drugs are more afraid of the drug’s toxic potential, and those with lower disease activity have a greater need to comply with the prescribed therapy, which can be explained by the previous effectiveness of the drug in disease control. It was also found that the greater the belief in the need for medication, the greater the concern with its possible long-term harmful effects.

References

[1]Smolen JS, Gladman D, McNeil HP, et al. Predicting adherence to therapy in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis: A large cross-sectional study. RMD Open. 2019;5(1):1-13. doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2017-000585

Acknowledgements

I have no acknowledgements to declare.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Dermatological diagnoses in preterm newborns: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of dermatological diagnoses in preterm newborns and the associated perinatal factors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analytical study with a convenience sample and prospective data collection, carried out between November 2017 and May 2018. Were examined 151 premature and late preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in a hospital of tertiary care level. The studied population was evaluated to evidence, describe and photograph the dermatological diagnoses present up to 28 days of life. RESULTS: The frequency of dermatological diagnoses was 99.3%, being the most observed: lanugo in 128 newborns (84.7%), salmon spot in 115 (76.1%), sebaceous hyperplasia in 89 (58. 9%), physiological flaking in 74 (49%), mongolian stain in 54 (35.7%), Epsteins pearl in 43 (28.4%), traumatic skin lesions in 42 (27.8%), milia cyst in 40 (26.4%), jaundice in 36 (23.8%) and toxic erythema in 20 (13.2%). Participants with a higher gestational age had a higher frequency of salmon spot, toxic erythema, mongolian spot, sebaceous hyperplasia, milia cyst and Epsteins pearl. CONCLUSION: Dermatological diagnoses were frequent and those of older gestational age had a higher frequency of physiological changes and birthmarks. Traumatic skin lesions were among the 10 most frequently observed, reinforcing the need to implement protocols for neonatal skin care, with emphasis on premature infants.

COVID-19 and influenza vaccine hesitancy among college students

BACKGROUND

Successful vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an essential component of achieving community immunity to bring the COVID-19 pandemic to an end. Vaccine hesitancy, identified as a top threat to global health by the World Health Organization, is a significant barrier to vaccine uptake. With COVID-19 vaccination programs in effect since December 2020, it is critical that vaccination barriers are proactively identified. With limited information surrounding college students' perspectives on COVID-19 vaccines, outreach measures will play a pivotal role in vaccine uptake in this population. Development of informative, cohort-driven vaccination campaigns requires proactive assessment of factors influencing vaccine hesitancy, access, and uptake.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the spectrum of vaccine hesitancy among college students at the University of Rhode Island (URI). The secondary objective was to identify differences in COVID-19 and influenza vaccine hesitancy rates in this population.

METHODS

A 22-item, Institutional Review Board-approved, anonymous questionnaire was developed to survey URI students who voluntarily attended 2 joint University Health Services and College of Pharmacy influenza vaccination clinics in November 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 237 vaccination clinic participants consented and responded to at least 1 question on the survey. Once available to their respective priority group, 92% are very/somewhat likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and 50% will receive a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Only 3% of the participants stated that they would never receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The top 3 reported COVID-19 vaccine-related concerns were safety (37%), effectiveness (24%), and limited information (16%). When asked if COVID-19 vaccines and influenza vaccines should be mandated, 85% and 83%, respectively, were in favor.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the spectrum of vaccine hesitancy is critical in achieving COVID-19 community immunity thresholds. URI students are willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19 provided that the vaccines are proven safe and efficacious.

Sociocultural factors of cervical cancer screening uptake among migrant women: a mixed methods study

 

Cervical cancer has a high mortality in Europe despite being preventable by cervical cancer screening (CCS). Migrant women have a lower CCS attendance compared to non-migrants. This study aims to describe CCS uptake among migrant women in Portugal and explore sociocultural influences. Within a mixed-methods approach, an online survey and focus group discussions (FGs) were conducted. The survey included 655 migrant women and collected data on sociodemographics, attendance and attitudes toward CCS. Four FGs with 12 healthcare workers and a FG with 5 community workers were conducted exploring perceptions on CCS attendance and barriers among migrant women. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive analysis and Chi-Square test and qualitative data through content analysis. Survey data shows that 24.9% of women never had CCS or had it over 5 years ago, more Asian and African women (51.3% and 36.7%, respectively) (p &lt; 0.001). Non-attenders reported significantly more often embarrassment towards CCS (21.7% vs. 18.8% of CCS attenders, p = 0.002) and being unaware of their risk of cancer and the relevance of CCS (28.8% vs. 12.5%, p &lt; 0.001). Around 24% of non-attenders reported concern with having a consultation with a male doctor. For FGs participants, CCS is a taboo in some communities, particularly African, Asian and Muslim. Lack of information about CCS along with feelings of embarrassment and discomfort related to pap smear and with being seen by a male doctor were referred as reasons for avoidance of CCS. Participants also stated that some women have low autonomy and often their husbands have a key role in deciding whether they should attend CCS. Lack of a preventive mindset was also stated as reason for low CCS attendance. The sociocultural background can influence migrant women's attendance to CCS. A culturally grounded approach is needed to provide tailored information on CCS and to create opportunities to engage migrant communities on CCS and improve their uptake.

Key messages

Lack of information, embarrassment and low autonomy hinder some migrant women’s attendance to CCS. The sociocultural influences on CCS uptake call for a culturally grounded approach to provide tailored information and engage migrant communities on CCS.

Stent strategies in left main bifurcation lesions: the simpler, the better?

Introduction

Although percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ostial or midshaft lesions in left main (LM) disease has shown similar results as compared with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), distal LM bifurcations are associated with an increase in procedural complexity and higher rates of target lesion revascularization. Several studies have investigated the optimal stenting strategy in patients with coronary bifurcation lesions and showed no benefit for systematic two-stent approach in comparison with provisional stenting. This is reflected in the current guidelines that recommend provisional stenting of the side branch as the preferred approach for most bifurcation lesions. However, there is still debate about the optimal strategy according to lesion location.

Objectives

This analysis aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of LM bifurcation PCI using a provisional strategy versus a two-stent strategy.

Methods

Retrospective, observational study including patients submitted to LM bifurcation (Medina 1,1,1) PCI between January 2010 and December 2019. Data was collected from the emergency department and hospitalization registries. Patients were divided according to the stenting approach. We made a global analysis including baseline clinical and angiographic data. The primary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF), defined as the composite of myocardial infarction, cardiac death, and target lesion revascularization (TLR). Secondary endpoints included the individual components.

Results

A total of 106 patients were included (median age 74 [66–82], 79 (74.5%) males), 57 (53.8%) submitted to provisional stenting and 49 (46.2%) to a two-stent technique. Baseline characteristics were well matched (table 1). The mean SYNTAX score was 29.6±10.0 and LM stenosis grade was ≥70% in all lesions. Median follow-up was 26.6 [12.0–48.6] months. No differences were found regarding the primary endpoint (TLF in provisional stenting was 21.7% vs 21.4%, HR 2.432; 95% confidence interval, 0.472–12.450; p=0.233.). Although target lesion revascularization within the LM complex was numerically higher in the two-stent group (10.2% vs. 3.5%, p=0.245), the opposite was found in cardiac death (provisional group 10.5% vs. 4.3%, p=0.289).

Conclusions

Besides being a “simpler” technique, provisional stenting had no significant differences in outcomes compared to two-stent techniques. Without further evidence, revascularization strategies should primarily rely on operator expertise.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Differences in obstetrical care and outcomes associated with the proportion of the obstetrician's shift completed

BACKGROUND

Understanding and improving obstetrical quality and safety is an important goal of professional societies, and many interventions such as checklists, safety bundles, educational interventions, or other culture changes have been implemented to improve the quality of care provided to obstetrical patients. Although many factors contribute to delivery decisions, a reduced workload has addressed how provider issues such as fatigue or behaviors surrounding impending shift changes may influence the delivery mode and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to assess whether intrapartum obstetrical interventions and adverse outcomes differ based on the temporal proximity of the delivery to the attending's shift change.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a secondary analysis from a multicenter obstetrical cohort in which all patients with cephalic, singleton gestations who attempted vaginal birth were eligible for inclusion. The primary exposure used to quantify the relationship between the proximity of the provider to their shift change and a delivery intervention was the ratio of time from the most recent attending shift change to vaginal delivery or decision for cesarean delivery to the total length of the shift. Ratios were used to represent the proportion of time completed in the shift by normalizing for varying shift lengths. A sensitivity analysis restricted to patients who were delivered by physicians working 12-hour shifts was performed. Outcomes chosen included cesarean delivery, episiotomy, third- or fourth-degree perineal laceration, 5-minute Apgar score of <4, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Chi-squared tests were used to evaluate outcomes based on the proportion of the attending's shift completed. Adjusted and unadjusted logistic models fitting a cubic spline (when indicated) were used to determine whether the frequency of outcomes throughout the shift occurred in a statistically significant, nonlinear pattern RESULTS: Of the 82,851 patients eligible for inclusion, 47,262 (57%) had ratio data available and constituted the analyzable sample. Deliveries were evenly distributed throughout shifts, with 50.6% taking place in the first half of shifts. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of cesarean delivery, episiotomy, third- or fourth-degree perineal lacerations, or 5-minute Apgar scores of <4 based on the proportion of the shift completed. The findings were unchanged when evaluated with a cubic spline in unadjusted and adjusted logistic models. Sensitivity analyses performed on the 22.2% of patients who were delivered by a physician completing a 12-hour shift showed similar findings. There was a small increase in the frequency of neonatal intensive care unit admissions with a greater proportion of the shift completed (adjusted P=.009), but the findings did not persist in the sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSION

Clinically significant differences in obstetrical interventions and outcomes do not seem to exist based on the temporal proximity to the attending physician's shift change. Future work should attempt to directly study unit culture and provider fatigue to further investigate opportunities to improve obstetrical quality of care, and additional studies are needed to corroborate these findings in community settings.

A Rapid Method for Performing a Multivariate Optimization of Phage Production Using the RCCD Approach

Bacteriophages can be used in various applications, from the classical approach as substitutes for antibiotics (phage therapy) to new biotechnological uses, i.e., as a protein delivery vehicle, a diagnostic tool for specific strains of bacteria (phage typing), or environmental bioremediation. The demand for bacteriophage production increases daily, and studies that improve these production processes are necessary. This study evaluated the production of a T4-like bacteriophage vB_EcoM-UFV09 (an E. coli-infecting phage with high potential for reducing environmental biofilms) in seven types of culture media (Luria-Bertani broth and the M9 minimal medium with six different carbon sources) employing four cultivation variables (temperature, incubation time, agitation, and multiplicity of infection). For this purpose, the rotatable central composite design (RCCD) methodology was used, combining and comparing all parameters to determine the ideal conditions for starting to scale up the production process. We used the RCCD to set up the experimental design by combining the cultivation parameters in a specific and systematic way. Despite the high number of conditions evaluated, the results showed that when specific conditions were utilized, viral production was effective even when using a minimal medium, such as M9/glucose, which is less expensive and can significantly reduce costs during large-scale phage production.

Histological findings after non-ablative Er:YAG laser therapy in women with severe vaginal atrophy

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of non-ablative erbium vaginal laser treatment on vaginal mucosa tissue affected by severe atrophy.Methods: Ten patients with severe genitourinary syndrome of menopause were treated with two sessions of the non-ablative erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser (Er:YAG laser) separated by 4 weeks. Vaginal biopsies were performed before and 3 months after the second treatment. The improvement in vaginal atrophy was assessed using multiple measuring tools before and 6 months after the treatment. The degree of patients' satisfaction was also assessed.Results: Microscopic examination showed significant changes in the main structural components of the vaginal wall mucosa after two non-ablative Er:YAG laser sessions. The epithelial thickness increased from 45 µm (10-106 µm) to 153 µm (97-244 µm) measured 3 months after the final laser treatment. Vaginal atrophy improved in all patients by all measured outcomes. The degree of patient satisfaction was very high (3.6 on the Likert four-point scale). No adverse events or complications were observed in any of the sessions. Conclusion: The non-ablative Er:YAG laser seems to be a safe and effective method to increase epithelial thickness of the vaginal mucosa in patients with severe vaginal atrophy.

Ultrasonographic Follow-up of the Multistep Protocol for Prostate Cancer Induction in Wistar Rats

AIM

This work intended to improve the knowledge of the rat model of prostate cancer (PCa) by ultrasonographic monitoring.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats were divided into control (n=8) and PCa (n=14) groups. PCa development was induced in the PCa group through the sequential administration of the anti-androgenic drug flutamide, testosterone propionate and the carcinogenic N-methyl-N-nitrosourea. The prostate was evaluated by ultrasonography at five timepoints along 49 weeks of the experimental protocol. Ventral prostate lobes were observed in all ultrasonographic examinations.

RESULTS

The ventral prostate area of the control group increased gradually between the first and the last ultrasonographic examination. The ventral prostate area of PCa groups decreased due to flutamide administration and increased after androgen and carcinogen administration. The area of the dorsal prostate lobe increased between the fourth and the fifth ultrasonographic examination. In the last ultrasonographic examination, hypoechoic and anechoic lesions were observed in the PCa group.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first study presenting a follow-up of rat prostatic dimensions by ultrasonography. Ultrasonography is a feasible approach for prostate cancer monitoring in experimental models.

POS0359 MOLECULAR PROFILING OF RADIOGRAPHIC AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS PATIENTS REVEALS AN ASSOCIATION BETWEEN INNATE AND ADAPTIVE CELL POPULATIONS AND THERAPEUTIC RESPONSE TO ADALIMUMAB

Background:

The response to treatment in spondylarthropaties is heterogeneous, due to factors yet to be better described. For that reason, it is important to find tools that might help clinicians to decide what is the best available therapeutic option for each patient.

Objectives:

The goal of this study is to use comprehensive molecular profiling to characterize clinical response to therapy in a real-world setting. Specifically, to identify molecular biomarkers differentiating good responders and non-responders to TNF inhibitors (TNFi) treatment, using adalimumab, in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis | ankylosing spondylitis (r-axSpA|AS) patients context.

Methods:

Whole-blood mRNA and plasma proteins were measured in a cohort of biologic naïve r-axSpA|AS patients (n = 35) from the Bioefficacy study (Biomarkers identification of anti-TNF alpha agent efficacy in AS patients using RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry), pre and post (14 weeks) TNFi treatment using adalimumab. Response to treatment was categorized according to ASAS20. Results of differential expression analysis were used to identify the most enriched pathways and in predictive models to distinguish responses to TNFi.

Results:

A treatment-related signature, independent of the type of response, suggests a reduction in inflammatory disease activity. We found genes and proteins robustly differentially expressed between baseline and week 14 in responders, including the GWAS AS-associated genes TNFRSF1A, FCGR2A, TYK2, TBKBP1, IL1R1, IL6R, ICOSLG, IL7R, HHAT and LTBR. Moreover, CRP and HP proteins showed strong and early decrease in the plasma of AS patients, while a cluster of apolipoproteins (APO1, APO2, APO3) showed an increased expression at week 14. Good responders to TNFi treatment tend to have higher expression of innate immunity genes at baseline, and lower expression of markers associated with adaptive immunity, particularly B-cells. A logistic regression model incorporating ASDAS-CRP, gender and Gene x, the top differentially expressed gene at baseline between responders and non-responders, enabled an accurate prediction of response to adalimumab in our cohort (AUC=0.97).

Conclusion:

Differences in disease activity and/or innate/adaptive immune cell type composition at baseline may be a major contributor to response to adalimumab in r-axSpA|AS. Alternatively, a model including clinical and gene expression variables could be considered, particularly in patients with mild disease activity.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS1438 EARLY FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INITIATION OF TREATMENT WITH BIOLOGICS IN PATIENTS WITH AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS – RESULTS FROM A SINGLE CENTRE RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Background:

Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) refers to a group of rheumatic diseases that mainly affect the axial skeleton. Treatment with Biological Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (bDMARDs) is indicated when low disease activity is not achieved with Non-Steroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs. Some studies reported that some clinical and socio-demographic were associated with biologics initiation1,2. However, early factors associated with the initiation of bDMARDs have not been extensively studied.

The authors speculate that certain features early in disease presentation may be associated with future need for treatment with bDMARDs in patients with axSpA.

Objectives:

To study a population of patients with axSpA and determine whether the presence of certain factors at diagnosis is associated with a later need for biological treatment.

Methods:

A single centre retrospective study was conducted comprising patients fulfilling the ASAS criteria for axSpA that attended the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic from January to December 2019. Patients with psoriatic arthritis and enteropathic spondyloarthritis were excluded. All data, except regarding use of bDMARD, refers to the two initial appointments. Between group comparisons were performed through independent sample t-test or Chi-Square as applicable. Logistic Multivariate Regression was performed to understand which factors independently contributed to the use of bDMARDs.

Results:

One hundred and fifty patients were included, and 52 patients (34,7%) were under biological treatment. In comparison to the group that was not under treatment with bDMARDs, these were significantly more likely to be hard-workers (57,8% vs 29,7%; p =,003), to have had elevated C-Reactive Protein (81,6% vs 48,9%; p <,001), to have had a grade of sacroiliitis greater than 2 (67,4% vs 29,5%; p <,001) and to have history of enthesitis, (32,7% vs 13,3%; p =,006). No differences between groups were found in sex, age, HLA-B27 positivity, state of employment, diagnostic delay, smoking status, history of dactylitis and history of uveitis. In multivariate regression analysis, only the hard-worker type and the highest grade of sacroiliitis were found to be independently associated with the use of bDMARDs as presented in Table 1. Although not statistically significant, a trend to association was found between elevated CRP at diagnosis and use of bDMARDs.

Table 1.

Multivariate logistic regression of variables associated with initiation of bDMARDs.

BS.E.WaldOR95% CIpWorker typeaNon-hardref.Hard1,127,5094,8903.09 1.14 – 8.37.027*HLA-B27Negativeref.Positive1,153,6702,9623.17 0.85 – 11.77.085CRPaNormalref.Elevated1,003,5293,5912.730.97 – 7.69.058Grade of Sacroiliitisa≤2ref.>21,485,4899,2264.411.69 – 11.50.002*History of EnthesitisaNoref.Yes,299,574,2721.35 0.44 – 4.15.602

aAt the time of diagnosis; ref. - reference

S.E. – Standard Error; OR – Odds Ratio; CI – Confidence Interval

Conclusion:

In our study, the performance of work associated with greater biomechanical stress and the presence of greater structural damage at diagnosis were shown to be associated with the latter use of bDMARDs. The authors highlight the importance of recognizing these factors that seem to relate to more aggressive disease, with more structural damage, thus suggesting a need for a tighter control management strategy in these patients accordingly current guidelines. More studies still needed to better depict the influence of certain early clinical and patient related variables in management of axSpA patients.

References:

[1]Png WY, Kwan YH, Lee YX, et al. Factors Associated with Initiation of Biologics in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis in an Urban Asian City: A PRESPOND Study. J Clin Rheumatol. 2019 Mar;25(2):59-64.

[2]Inman R, Garrido-Cumbrera M, Chan J, et al SAT0629-HPR FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH USE OF BIOLOGICAL THERAPIES FOR AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS IN CANADA. RESULTS FROM THE IMAS SURVEY. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2020;79:1274-1275.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

The predictive value of clinical, radiographic, echocardiographic variables and cardiac biomarkers for assessing risk of the onset of heart failure or cardiac death in dogs with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease enrolled in the DELAY study

OBJECTIVES

To identify the predictive value on time to onset of heart failure (HF) or cardiac death of clinical, radiographic, and echocardiographic variables, as well as cardiac biomarkers N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponin I in dogs with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).

ANIMALS

One hundred sixty-eight dogs with preclinical MMVD and left atrium to aortic root ratio ≥1.6 (LA:Ao) and normalized left ventricular end-diastolic diameter ≥1.7 were included.

METHODS

Prospective, randomized, multicenter, single-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Clinical, radiographic, echocardiographic variables and plasma cardiac biomarkers concentrations were compared at different time points. Using receiving operating curves analysis, best cutoff for selected variables was identified and the risk to develop the study endpoint at six-month intervals was calculated.

RESULTS

Left atrial to aortic root ratio >2.1 (hazard ratio [HR] 3.2, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.9-5.6), normalized left ventricular end-diastolic diameter > 1.9 (HR: 6.3; 95% CI: 3.3-11.8), early transmitral peak velocity (E peak) > 1 m/sec (HR: 3.9; 95% CI: 2.3-6.7), and NT-proBNP > 1500 ρmol/L (HR: 5.7; 95% CI: 3.3-9.5) were associated with increased risk of HF or cardiac death. The best fit model to predict the risk to reach the endpoint was represented by the plasma NT-proBNP concentrations adjusted for LA:Ao and E peak.

CONCLUSIONS

Logistic and survival models including echocardiographic variables and NT-proBNP can be used to identify dogs with preclinical MMVD at higher risk to develop HF or cardiac death.

Electroconvulsive therapy and informed consent in compulsory treatment – an ethical dilemma

Introduction

Given the effectiveness and overall safety in several psychiatry conditions, electroconvulsive therapy remains a widely used procedure in current medical practice. Informed consent is still a requirement for the use of ECT both in voluntary and compulsory treatment; however, since severe mental illness can affect decision-making capacity and insight of the need for treatment, this requirement often constitutes an obstacle to its use. In addition, stigma around ECT still contributes to treatment refusal.

Objectives

To summarize the most recent evidence published about ECT and discuss the ethical and legal implications of its use, enlightened by the empirical description of a clinical vignette.

Methods

Review of literature on the ethical and legal issues involving the ECT use in patients on compulsory treatment, considering the efficacy, risks, the mental health legislation in Portugal, and several international directives.

Results

Informed consent is the basic tenet in the contemporary physician-patient relationship. In principle, ECT can only be administered to patients who prior consent to the treatment. In contemporary practice, providing the best medical assistance and respecting the patient’s autonomy are two fundamental principles. However, we often face an ethical dilemma, when severely ill patients, whose insight, the ability for self-determination and decision-making capacity may be impaired, refuse a potential beneficial treatment as ECT.

Conclusions

The use of ECT in severe mental illness is still hampered by legal and ethical constraints. A future revision of the law could protect patients from being excluded from a treatment that may change the course of the disease.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Longitudinal association between daytime sleepiness and cognitive decline in dementia: A study protocol

Introduction

Dementia is a major cause of disability worldwide. About 25%-40% of patients with mild to moderate dementia are affected by sleep-awake cycle disturbances, including increased daytime sleepiness and insomnia. However, little is known about the specific impact of excessive daytime sleepiness on the cognitive decline of dementia patients.

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of daytime sleepiness on the cognitive decline of dementia patients. Additionally, longitudinal associations with functional impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms will be explored.

Methods

A longitudinal study will be conducted in a psychogeriatric consultation. Patients will be consecutively invited according to predefined eligibility criteria. Those aged ≥65 years, with dementia diagnosis or Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) <24, and with a knowledgeable caregiver, will be included. The exclusion criteria are: a caregiver <18 years, terminally ill, incapable to communicate or with a known diagnosis of insomnia, sleep related respiratory disorders, central hyperinsomnia, restless legs syndrome or sleep paralysis. Participants will undergo an assessment with a comprehensive protocol including: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Barthel and Lawton Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Global Deterioration Scale (GDS). Participants will be re-assessed 6 months after the initial evaluation. The Health Ethics Committee of Hospital Universitário de São João granted the study authorization (nº 260/2020).

Results

Findings will be disseminated via publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international scientific conferences.

Conclusions

This study will address key questions on the relation of daytime sleepiness and dementia outcomes, in order to undertake corrective and preventive non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches.