Labile assembly of a tardigrade protein induces biostasis

Tardigrades are microscopic animals that survive desiccation by inducing biostasis. To survive drying tardigrades rely on intrinsically disordered CAHS proteins, which also function to prevent perturbations induced by drying in vitro and in heterologous systems. CAHS proteins have been shown to form gels both in vitro and in vivo, which has been speculated to be linked to their protective capacity. However, the sequence features and mechanisms underlying gel formation and the necessity of gelation for protection have not been demonstrated. Here we report a mechanism of fibrillization and gelation for CAHS D similar to that of intermediate filament assembly. We show that in vitro, gelation restricts molecular motion, immobilizing and protecting labile material from the harmful effects of drying. In vivo, we observe that CAHS D forms fibrillar networks during osmotic stress. Fibrillar networking of CAHS D improves survival of osmotically shocked cells. We observe two emergent properties associated with fibrillization; (i) prevention of cell volume change and (ii) reduction of metabolic activity during osmotic shock. We find that there is no significant correlation between maintenance of cell volume and survival, while there is a significant correlation between reduced metabolism and survival. Importantly, CAHS D's fibrillar network formation is reversible and metabolic rates return to control levels after CAHS fibers are resolved. This work provides insights into how tardigrades induce reversible biostasis through the self-assembly of labile CAHS gels.

Time-Warping Analysis of the T-Wave Peak-to-End Interval to Quantify Ventricular Repolarization Dispersion During Ischemia

Variations in the dispersion of ventricular repolarization can be quantified by T-wave time-warping based index, dw. However, the early phase of the T-wave can be affected by ST-segment changes during ischemia. We hypothesized that restricting dw to the T-wave peak-to-end ( Tpe) would circumvent this limitation while still quantifying variations in repolarization dispersion. A total of 101 ECG recordings from patients undergoing coronary occlusion, together with their control recordings, were analyzed. A series of dw values was calculated by quantifying the Tpe morphological variations between the T-waves at different occlusion stages and a baseline T-wave. We introduced a normalized version of dw, Rd, reflecting variations of dw during occlusion relative to control recordings ( Rd = 1 corresponds to the same level of variation). The dw series followed a gradually increasing trend with occlusion time, reaching median [range] Rd values of 9.44 [1.01, 80.74] at the occlusion end. Rd at occlusion end was significantly higher than threshold values of 1, 2, 5, and 10 in 94.1%, 85.11%, 64.4% and 48.5% of patients, respectively. The spatial lead-wise analysis of dw showed distinct distributions depending on the occluded artery, suggesting a relation with the ischemia location. The relative variation R with ischemia of index dw (9.4) is greater than that of the T-wave amplitude (7.7), Tpe interval (2.7) and T-wave width (3.0). In conclusion, dw tracks ischemic-induced variations in repolarization dispersion in a more robust manner than classical indexes, avoiding the impact of ST segment elevation/depression or early T-wave distortions, thus warranting further clinical studies.

Soft Tissue Sarcomas in Octogenarian Patients: Are Treatment Options and Oncological Outcomes Different? A SEER Retrospective Study

AIMS

As the US population continues to age, oncological strategies and outcomes for soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) should continue to be examined for varying age groups. The aim of this study was analyse and compare treatment strategies and oncological outcomes for octogenarian patients with STSs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) national database were used. Varying treatment modalities were studied when utilised for specific tumour staging with respect to the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer.

RESULTS

In total, 24 666 patients were included for analysis, where 3341 (14%) were 80 years old or older. The octogenarian group was diagnosed with more advanced disease (stages II-IV), relative to their younger counterparts (85% versus 75%, P < 0.001). However, a smaller proportion of the older patients underwent surgical resection (74% versus 86%, P < 0.001). Likewise, the octogenarians received less chemotherapy (4% versus 21%, P < 0.001) and radiotherapy (29% versus 42%, P = 0.010). Surgical resection and chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival for those older patients with stage II STS, whereas surgical resection and radiotherapy improved mortality in this cohort with both stage III and IV STS. Overall survival at 1 and 5 years of follow-up was lower within the octogenarian group compared with the younger group (1 year: 68% versus 88%, P < 0.001 and 5 years: 7% versus 58%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Octogenarian patients, in most cases, are diagnosed with stage III or metastatic disease. Surgical resection of the primary tumour was beneficial in both age cohorts, with radiotherapy correlating to better overall survival when used in those patients with higher stage STS. Chemotherapy was associated with better mortality in the younger cohort with respect to tumour stage. The octogenarian overall survival at 1 and 5 years was lower than for younger patients.

Genetic architecture of spatial electrical biomarkers for cardiac arrhythmia and relationship with cardiovascular disease

The 3-dimensional spatial and 2-dimensional frontal QRS-T angles are measures derived from the vectorcardiogram. They are independent risk predictors for arrhythmia, but the underlying biology is unknown. Using multi-ancestry genome-wide association studies we identify 61 (58 previously unreported) loci for the spatial QRS-T angle (N = 118,780) and 11 for the frontal QRS-T angle (N = 159,715). Seven out of the 61 spatial QRS-T angle loci have not been reported for other electrocardiographic measures. Enrichments are observed in pathways related to cardiac and vascular development, muscle contraction, and hypertrophy. Pairwise genome-wide association studies with classical ECG traits identify shared genetic influences with PR interval and QRS duration. Phenome-wide scanning indicate associations with atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular block and arterial embolism and genetically determined QRS-T angle measures are associated with fascicular and bundle branch block (and also atrioventricular block for the frontal QRS-T angle). We identify potential biology involved in the QRS-T angle and their genetic relationships with cardiovascular traits and diseases, may inform future research and risk prediction.

Influence of Monensin and Diflubenzuron on the Control of Immature Horn Fly and House Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) and Chemical Composition of Cattle Feces

Twelve Angus × Hereford crossbred heifers were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of monensin and diflubenzuron feed additives on horn fly (Haematobia irritans) (L.) and house fly (Musca domestica) (L.) immature development. Heifers were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups; 1) monensin fed at label rate, 2) diflubenzuron fed at label rate, 3) monensin and diflubenzuron fed at label rates together, and 4) nonsupplemented control. All treatments were administered from SD 0 to 28, followed by a 16-d wash-out period for a total study duration of 45 d and assayed to assess adult fly emergence, as well as fecal pH and fecal bacterial and total protein. A treatment × day interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for adult fly emergence. Fly emergence was not affected (P ≥ 0.05) by monensin, but was reduced during the 28 d treatment period when diflubenzuron was present (P = 0.01). Fecal pH, fecal bacterial protein, and total protein were not affected by any of the treatments (P ≥ 0.13). It is concluded that diflubenzuron is effective against both horn and house fly development regardless of the presence of monensin.

P-Rex1 is a novel substrate of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Malin associated with Lafora disease

Laforin and Malin are two proteins that are encoded by the genes EPM2A and EPM2B, respectively. Laforin is a glucan phosphatase and Malin is an E3-ubiquitin ligase, and these two proteins function as a complex. Mutations occurring at the level of one of the two genes lead to the accumulation of an aberrant form of glycogen meant to cluster in polyglucosans that go under the name of Lafora bodies. Individuals affected by the appearance of these polyglucosans, especially at the cerebral level, experience progressive neurodegeneration and several episodes of epilepsy leading to the manifestation of a fatal form of a rare disease called Lafora disease (LD), for which, to date, no treatment is available. Despite the different dysfunctions described for this disease, many molecular aspects still demand elucidation. An effective way to unknot some of the nodes that prevent the achievement of better knowledge of LD is to focus on the substrates that are ubiquitinated by the E3-ubiquitin ligase Malin. Some substrates have already been provided by previous studies based on protein-protein interaction techniques and have been associated with some alterations that mark the disease. In this work, we have used an unbiased alternative approach based on the activity of Malin as an E3-ubiquitin ligase. We report the discovery of novel bonafide substrates of Malin and have characterized one of them more deeply, namely PIP3-dependent Rac exchanger 1 (P-Rex1). The analysis conducted upon this substrate sets the genesis of the delineation of a molecular pathway that leads to altered glucose uptake, which could be one of the origin of the accumulation of the polyglucosans present in the disease.

Implicating genes, pleiotropy, and sexual dimorphism at blood lipid loci through multi-ancestry meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Genetic variants within nearly 1000 loci are known to contribute to modulation of blood lipid levels. However, the biological pathways underlying these associations are frequently unknown, limiting understanding of these findings and hindering downstream translational efforts such as drug target discovery.

RESULTS

To expand our understanding of the underlying biological pathways and mechanisms controlling blood lipid levels, we leverage a large multi-ancestry meta-analysis (N = 1,654,960) of blood lipids to prioritize putative causal genes for 2286 lipid associations using six gene prediction approaches. Using phenome-wide association (PheWAS) scans, we identify relationships of genetically predicted lipid levels to other diseases and conditions. We confirm known pleiotropic associations with cardiovascular phenotypes and determine novel associations, notably with cholelithiasis risk. We perform sex-stratified GWAS meta-analysis of lipid levels and show that 3-5% of autosomal lipid-associated loci demonstrate sex-biased effects. Finally, we report 21 novel lipid loci identified on the X chromosome. Many of the sex-biased autosomal and X chromosome lipid loci show pleiotropic associations with sex hormones, emphasizing the role of hormone regulation in lipid metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our findings provide insights into the biological mechanisms through which associated variants lead to altered lipid levels and potentially cardiovascular disease risk.

Food to Overcome Outcomes Disparities: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Food Insecurity Interventions to Improve Cancer Outcomes

PURPOSE

Food insecurity is prevalent among low-income immigrant and minority patients with cancer. To our knowledge, this randomized controlled trial is the first to prospectively examine the impact on cancer outcomes of food insecurity interventions, with the goal of informing evidence-based interventions to address food insecurity in patients with cancer.

METHODS

A three-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted among food-insecure (18-item US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module score ≥ 3) patients with cancer (N = 117) at four New York City safety net cancer clinics. Arms included a hospital cancer clinic-based food pantry (arm 1), food voucher plus pantry (arm 2), and home grocery delivery plus pantry (arm 3). Treatment completion (primary outcome) and full appointment attendance were assessed at 6 months. Food security status, depression symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and quality-of-life scores (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General) were assessed at baseline and at 6 months.

RESULTS

Voucher plus pantry had the highest treatment completion rate (94.6%), followed by grocery delivery plus pantry (82.5%) and pantry (77.5%; P = .046). Food security scores improved significantly in all arms, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General scores improved significantly in the pantry and delivery plus pantry arms.

CONCLUSION

Our findings in this preliminary study suggest that voucher plus pantry was the most effective intervention at improving treatment completion, and it met our a priori criterion for a promising intervention (≥ 90%). All interventions demonstrated the potential to improve food security among medically underserved, food-insecure patients with cancer at risk of impaired nutrition status, reduced quality of life, and poorer survival. All patients with cancer should be screened for food insecurity, with evidence-based food insecurity interventions made available.

A saturated map of common genetic variants associated with human height

Common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are predicted to collectively explain 40-50% of phenotypic variation in human height, but identifying the specific variants and associated regions requires huge sample sizes1. Here, using data from a genome-wide association study of 5.4 million individuals of diverse ancestries, we show that 12,111 independent SNPs that are significantly associated with height account for nearly all of the common SNP-based heritability. These SNPs are clustered within 7,209 non-overlapping genomic segments with a mean size of around 90 kb, covering about 21% of the genome. The density of independent associations varies across the genome and the regions of increased density are enriched for biologically relevant genes. In out-of-sample estimation and prediction, the 12,111 SNPs (or all SNPs in the HapMap 3 panel2) account for 40% (45%) of phenotypic variance in populations of European ancestry but only around 10-20% (14-24%) in populations of other ancestries. Effect sizes, associated regions and gene prioritization are similar across ancestries, indicating that reduced prediction accuracy is likely to be explained by linkage disequilibrium and differences in allele frequency within associated regions. Finally, we show that the relevant biological pathways are detectable with smaller sample sizes than are needed to implicate causal genes and variants. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive map of specific genomic regions that contain the vast majority of common height-associated variants. Although this map is saturated for populations of European ancestry, further research is needed to achieve equivalent saturation in other ancestries.

Genetic analyses of the electrocardiographic QT interval and its components identify additional loci and pathways

The QT interval is an electrocardiographic measure representing the sum of ventricular depolarization and repolarization, estimated by QRS duration and JT interval, respectively. QT interval abnormalities are associated with potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmia. Using genome-wide multi-ancestry analyses (>250,000 individuals) we identify 177, 156 and 121 independent loci for QT, JT and QRS, respectively, including a male-specific X-chromosome locus. Using gene-based rare-variant methods, we identify associations with Mendelian disease genes. Enrichments are observed in established pathways for QT and JT, and previously unreported genes indicated in insulin-receptor signalling and cardiac energy metabolism. In contrast for QRS, connective tissue components and processes for cell growth and extracellular matrix interactions are significantly enriched. We demonstrate polygenic risk score associations with atrial fibrillation, conduction disease and sudden cardiac death. Prioritization of druggable genes highlight potential therapeutic targets for arrhythmia. Together, these results substantially advance our understanding of the genetic architecture of ventricular depolarization and repolarization.

A multi-layer functional genomic analysis to understand noncoding genetic variation in lipids

A major challenge of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) is to translate phenotypic associations into biological insights. Here, we integrate a large GWAS on blood lipids involving 1.6 million individuals from five ancestries with a wide array of functional genomic datasets to discover regulatory mechanisms underlying lipid associations. We first prioritize lipid-associated genes with expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) colocalizations and then add chromatin interaction data to narrow the search for functional genes. Polygenic enrichment analysis across 697 annotations from a host of tissues and cell types confirms the central role of the liver in lipid levels and highlights the selective enrichment of adipose-specific chromatin marks in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. Overlapping transcription factor (TF) binding sites with lipid-associated loci identifies TFs relevant in lipid biology. In addition, we present an integrative framework to prioritize causal variants at GWAS loci, producing a comprehensive list of candidate causal genes and variants with multiple layers of functional evidence. We highlight two of the prioritized genes, CREBRF and RRBP1, which show convergent evidence across functional datasets supporting their roles in lipid biology.

P-568 The effect of recombinant hCG on FSH-induced ovarian stimulation in rats depends on the FSH dose and can be detrimental at high concentrations

Study question

What is the effect of choriogonadotropin beta (CG beta) on FSH-induced ovarian stimulation and multifollicular development in a rat model?

Summary answer

CG beta dose-dependently potentiates effects of low-to-mid FSH doses but has inhibitory effects at high concentrations: optimal CG beta/FSH ratio depends on the FSH dose.

What is known already

Similarly to follitropin delta (rFSH), CG beta (FE 999302) is a novel recombinant hCG purified from the human PER.C6®cell line. A recent placebo-controlled trial in women undergoing ovarian stimulation with follitropin delta demonstrated that the addition of 1 to 12 µg CG beta reduced the number of intermediate follicles and related hormones. This observation required further preclinical research to (1) evaluate whether the pharmacology of CG beta at LH/CGR was different than other hCG forms used in the clinic and/or (2) assess the effect of high concentrations of hCG and different hCG/FSH ratios on multiple follicular development and follicle atresia.

Study design, size, duration

Signaling properties of CG beta and other LH/hCG forms were compared at downstream pathways of LH/CGR in recombinant systems and human granulosa cells. To evaluate the effects of FSH±hCG in vivo, juvenile female rats were injected subcutaneously twice daily with follitropin delta ± CG beta/alfa for three days followed by an ovulatory dose of hCG. Oviducts were then collected for oocyte enumeration, ovaries and uteri were weighed, and ovaries were fixed for histological analysis.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The pharmacology of CG beta and other LH/hCG forms was evaluated in a cAMP assay in human granulosa cells from follicular fluid from IVF patients and in recombinant systems, at the Gs, Gq and arrestin pathways. In the rat model, a dose response of follitropin delta (Rekovelle) was first evaluated, followed by evaluation of the dose-dependent effects of CG beta (0.00117-2.4 µg/kg), or CG alfa (Ovidrel/Ovitrelle), in combination with 1, 3 or 10 µg/kg rFSH.

Main results and the role of chance

The in vitro pharmacology (potency and efficacy) of CG beta was similar to recombinant LH, urinary hCG and recombinant hCG (CG alfa) tested at all proximal pathways evaluated downstream of LH/CGR as well as in human granulosa cells.

In vivo, treatment with follitropin delta induced a bell-shaped dose-response curve for oocyte release with a maximum response of 40-50 oocytes at 8-10 µg/kg follitropin delta dose.

The addition of CG beta dose-dependently potentiated the effects at low-to-mid follitropin delta doses but had inhibitory effects on the number of ovulated oocytes at high CG beta concentrations. The lowest CG beta dose that clearly reduced the number of ovulated oocytes was 2.4, 0.6 and 0.3 µg/kg in combination with a fixed dose of 1, 3 and 10 µg/kg follitropin delta, respectively, which indicated that the optimal hCG/FSH ratio and corresponding hCG efficacious dose was inversely related to the FSH dose. There was no difference between CG beta and CG alfa for the dose effect on the number of ovulated oocytes or ovarian weight. Histology data indicated many cystic follicles following high CG beta exposure which may represent atretic follicles prior to triggering follicular maturation and ovulation.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This is the first study demonstrating that the FSH dose in combination with the hCG dose determines the effect on multiple follicle growth, ovulation, and atresia. These observations need to be confirmed in clinical research, as doses and ratios applied in the rat cannot be extrapolated to the clinical setting.

Wider implications of the findings

A better understanding of the effect of different FSH to hCG ratios will help to improve current mixed protocols and design future recombinant combination products providing the optimal treatment outcome for each individual patient.

Trial registration number

not applicable

AB0931 Characteristics associated with the perception of high-impact disease (PsAID ≥4) in patients with recent-onset psoriatic arthritis. Model based on machine learning

Background

The Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease (PsAID) questionnaire is the standard tool for evaluating the impact of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) on quality of life [1]. Variables associated with high disease impact were studied in patients with long-standing established disease. The characteristics associated with high-impact PsAID in recent-onset PsA remain unknown.

Objectives

To evaluate which patient and disease characteristics are associated with the perception of high-impact disease (PsAID ≥4) in recent-onset PsA.

All patients gave their informed consent. The study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Principality of Asturias.

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis. The dataset was generated using data for the independent variables at the 3 visits (baseline, first year, and second year of follow-up) matched with the PsAID values at each of the 3 visits. PsAID was categorized into two groups, namely, <4 and ≥4 [1]. We trained logistic regression models and a random forest–type machine learning algorithm to analyze the association between the outcome measure and the variables selected in the bivariate analysis (statistical significance defined as p value <0.05). We used a confusion matrix to visualize the performance of the final model. This matrix shows the real class of the data items, together with the class predicted by the machine learning algorithm, and records the number of hits and misses.

Results

The sample comprised 158 patients. 20.9% were lost to follow-up. Of the patients who attended the clinic, 45.8% scored PsAID ≥4 at baseline; 27.1%, at the first follow-up visit, and 23.0%, at the second follow-up visit. The variables associated with PsAID ≥4 selected in the logistic regression analysis were HAQ, patient global pain during the previous week, educational level, and level of physical activity in the previous week. The association was positive for the first 2 variables and for level of physical activity and negative for educational level. When physical activity was introduced as a categorical variable, a possible negative association was observed for a moderate level (although this was not statistically significant) and a positive association was observed for a high level (Table 1).

Table 1.

Variables associated with PsAID ≥4: Logistic regression analysis.

VariableRegression coefficient95% CIp value (Wald test)HAQ10.394[7.777, 13.011]<0.001Patient global pain in the previous week5.668[4.016, 7.320]<0.001Educational level-2.064[-3.515, -0.613]0.005Moderate level of physical activity in the previous week-0.341[-1.255, 0.573]0.465High level of physical activity in the previous week1.221[0.158, 2.283]0.024

When the random forest–type machine learning algorithm was trained with these 4 variables, the order of importance (from more to less) attributed by the model was: patient global pain, HAQ, educational level, and physical activity. The percentage of hits in the confusion matrix was 86.14%.

Conclusion

Pain control and control of the disease as a whole, preventing patients from suffering a decrease in their functional capacity, are first-order treatment objectives. PsA patients should take regular physical exercise, but with a moderate or low impact on their joints and entheses.

References

[1]Orbai A, Holland R, Leung YY, Tillett W, Goel N, McHugh N et al. PsAID12 provisionally endorsed at OMERACT 2018 as core outcome measure to assess psoriatic arthritis-specific health- related quality of life in clinical trials. J Rheumatol 2019;46:990–95.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge José Luis Fernández Sueiro for his contribution to the conception of the study; José Miguel Carrasco for his contribution to the design of the study; Nuria Montero and Cristina Oliva for her contribution to data monitoring; Ana González Marcos and Cristina Pruenza for her contribution to data analysis; Thomas O´Boyle for the translation of the manuscript; and non-author investigators of Proyecto REAPSER Study Group

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS1074 MINIMAL DISEASE ACTIVITY (MDA) IN PATIENTS WITH RECENT-ONSET PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS. PREDICTIVE MODEL BASED ON MACHINE LEARNING

Background

Very few data are available on predictors of minimal disease activity (MDA) in patients with recent-onset psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Such data are crucial, since the therapeutic measures used to change the adverse course of PsA are more likely to succeed if we intervene early.

Objectives

To detect patient and disease variables associated with achieving MDA in patients with recent-onset PsA.

Methods

We performed a multicenter observational prospective study (2-year follow-up, regular annual visits), promoted by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology. Patients aged ≥18 years who fulfilled the CASPAR criteria, with less than 2 years since the onset of symptoms, were included. The intention at the baseline visit was to reflect the patient’s situation before disease progress was modified by the treatments prescribed by the rheumatologist.

All patients gave their informed consent. The study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Principality of Asturias.

MDA was defined as fulfillment of at least 5 of the following: ≤1 tender joint; ≤1 swollen joint; PASI ≤1 or BSA ≤3%; score on the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain provided by the patient ≤1.5; overall score for disease activity provided by the patient ≤2; HAQ score ≤0.5; ≤1 painful enthesis [1].

The dataset contained data for the independent variables from the baseline visit and from follow-up visit number 1. These were matched with the outcome measures from follow-up visits 1 and 2, respectively. We trained a random forest–type machine learning algorithm to analyze the association between the outcome measure and the variables selected in the bivariate analysis. In order to understand how the model uses the variables to make its predictions, we applied the SHAP technique. This approach assigns a SHAP value to each value of each variable according to the extent to which it affects the prediction of the model (the higher the absolute SHAP value, the greater the influence of this data item on prediction) and to how it affects the prediction (if the SHAP value is positive, the data item positively affects the prediction, that is, it confers a higher value on the prediction). The SHAP summary graphs order the predictors by their importance in the predictions of the model. This importance is calculated with the mean of the SHAP values assigned to each data item of a variable; mean values <0.01 indicate the low importance of the variable in the model. We used a confusion matrix to visualize the performance of the model. This matrix shows the real class of the data items, together with the predicted class, and records the number of hits and misses.

Results

The sample comprised 158 patients. 14.6% were lost to follow-up. 55.5% and 58.3% of the patients had MDA at the first and second follow-up visit, respectively. The importance of the variables in the model according to the mean of the SHAP values is shown in Table 1. The variables with the greatest predictive ability were global pain, impact of the disease (PsAID), patient global assessment of disease and physical function (HAQ-Disability Index). The SHAP values for each value of each variable are shown in Figure 1. The percentage of hits in the confusion matrix was 85.94%.

Table 1.

Variables in the predictions of the random forest for MDA according to the SHAP method.

VariableImportance according to SHAP1Global pain0.069PsAID0.064Patient global assessment of disease0.047HAQ0.044Articular pattern at diagnosis0.029Physician global assessment of disease0.023Tender joint count0.014Sex0.009Weekly alcohol consumption0.009

1Mean of the SHAP values for each value of the variable.

MDA: minimal disease activity.

Figure 1.

SHAP summary graph.

Conclusion

A key objective in the management of PsA should be control of pain, which is not always associated with inflammatory burden, and the establishment of measures to better control the various domains of PsA.

References

[1]Coates LC, Fransen J, Helliwell PS. Defining minimal disease activity in psoriatic arthritis: a proposed objective target for treatment. Ann Rheum Dis. 2010;69:48-53.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge José Luis Fernández Sueiro for the conception of the study; José Miguel Carrasco for his contribution to the design of the study; Nuria Montero and Cristina Oliva for her contribution to data monitoring; Ana González Marcos and Cristina Pruenza for her contribution to data analysis; and Thomas O´Boyle for the translation of the manuscript.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Use of Electro-Convulsive Therapy as a Bipolar Disorder Treatment: A Systematic Review

Introduction

Electro-convulsive Therapy (ECT) has been considered a useful for the treatment of depression and other affective disorders, however it is considered as a last resort given the risks and possible adverse effects.

Objectives

The objective of this review is to assess the use of ECT (in terms of efficacy and tolerability) for patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder and how it can be compared with other treatments more commonly used to treat this disorder.

Methods

A search was carried out in Medline and in the Virtual Health Library as well as in the Trripdatabase with the search terms “Bipolar disorder”, “Bipolar Depression”, “ECT”, “ECT treatment” and “Mania” in English and narrowing the search to the last 5 years. 8 articles were included for the review after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

A favorable and well tolerated response was observed when applied ECT on patients with Bipolar disorder, especially the elderly populations. It was observed that the administration of unilateral and bilateral ECT are both equally effective. A better response was detected to ECT compared to newer treatments like ketamine, as well as lower suicide rate when ECT was used compared to other treatments.

Conclusions

ECT is considered an effective and safe treatment for Bipolar Disorder and should be taken into account not only as a last resort. Even so, given the limitations observed, it is necessary to carry out further investigation on the matter.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Weighted Time Warping Improves T-wave Morphology Markers Clinical Significance

Background: T-wave (TW) morphology indices based on time-warping (d_w) have shown significant cardiovascular risk stratification value. However, errors in the location of TW boundaries may impact their prognostic power. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that a weighted time-warping function (WF) would reduce the sensitivity of d_w to these errors and improve their clinical significance. Methods: The WFs were proportional to (i) the reference TW (T), and (ii) the absolute value of its derivative (D). The index d_w was recalculated using these WFs, and its performance was compared to the unweighted control case (C) in four different scenarios: 1) robustness against simulated TW boundaries location errors; 2) ability to retain physiological information in an electrophysiological cardiac model; 3) ability to monitor blood potassium concentration changes ([K⁺]) in 29 hemodialysis (HD) patients; 4) and the sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk stratification value of the TW morphology restitution (TMR) index, derived from d_w, in 651 chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. Results and Discussion: The WFs led to a reduced sensitivity (R) of d_w to TW boundary location errors as compared to C (median R=0.19 and 0.22 and 0.35 for T, D and C, respectively). They also preserved the physiological relationship between d_w and repolarization dispersion changes at ventricular level. No improvements in [K⁺] tracking were observed for the HD patients (Pearsons median correlation [r] between [K⁺] and d_w was 0.86r0.90 for T, D and C). In CHF patients, the SCD risk stratification value of TMR was improved by applying T (hazard ratio, HAR, of 2.80), followed by D (HAR=2.32) and C (HAR=2.23). Conclusions and Significance: The proposed WFs, with T showing the best performance, increased the robustness of time-warping based markers against TW location errors preserving their physiological information content and boosting their SCD risk stratification value. Results from this work support the use of T when deriving d_w for future clinical applications.

The Effect of Horn Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Infestation on Behavior, Water, and Feed Intake, and Digestion Characteristics of Beef Cattle

Seven mature Angus × Hereford crossbreed cows (544 ± 23.2 kg of body weight) fitted with duodenal and ruminal cannulas were used in a crossover design to evaluate the effects of horn fly (Haematobia irritans) (L.) infestation on horn fly-induced defensive behaviors, feed and water intake, as well as digestion characteristics of beef cows. Cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: 1) a horn fly infested (1,000 flies per cow) or 2) a noninfested control group. All cows were housed in individual screened pens. Fly counts and infestations were performed daily to maintain consistent populations throughout the study. Sudan hay (11.4 % crude protein, dry matter basis) was selected to mimic forage quality that range cattle frequently graze in the southwest region. Horn fly-induced host defensive behaviors were greater (P ≤ 0.0002) for horn fly infested cattle. Intake of water, dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber were similar (P ≥ 0.4765) among infested and noninfested cows. However, total volatile fatty acid concentration tended to increase (P = 0.0967) when horn flies were present. Dry matter fecal excretion and total tract digestion were not affected (P ≥ 0.2602) by horn fly infestation. These data indicate that horn fly infestations do not affect forage intake or digestion characteristics of beef cattle (Bos taurus) in confinement settings.

The association between housing and food insecurity among medically underserved cancer patients

PURPOSE

To assess the prevalence of socioeconomic needs and associations between housing characteristics and food insecurity among low-income cancer patients, among whom housing and food insecurity are particularly prevalent.

METHODS

Low-income cancer patients in active treatment (N = 1618) were enrolled in a comprehensive patient navigation program. Food insecurity was assessed using the 18-item US Department of Agriculture US Household Food Security Survey Module. Participants self-reported their need for assistance with housing issues/type of assistance needed, perception of overcrowding, satisfaction with living situation, and household density via a cross-sectional survey. Descriptive analyses, cross-tabulations and tests of proportions, and binary logistic regression were used in data analyses.

RESULTS

Seventy percent of patients were food insecure. Housing characteristics associated with food insecurity were homelessness or living in sheltered/supportive housing (83.3% food insecure), renting (71.9%), and homeownership (58.1%; p < .001); living situation satisfaction (not satisfied, 79.4%; somewhat satisfied, 25.6%; very satisfied, 66%; p < .001); need of housing assistance (79.2%; p < .001), and feeling crowded in their living unit (77.6%; p < .05). Associations of living unit type with food insecurity were significant in the binary logistic regression model (renters 1.68 OR, homeless/sheltered housing 2.80 OR vs homeowners).

CONCLUSION

The vulnerability to food insecurity of patients in this low-income sample was underlined by the high rates found, and clear associations with housing characteristics of homelessness, housing assistance needs, and feeling overcrowded were identified. These results could help shape priorities around screening patients for nutrition and housing needs and developing interventions to address them.

The power of genetic diversity in genome-wide association studies of lipids

Increased blood lipid levels are heritable risk factors of cardiovascular disease with varied prevalence worldwide owing to different dietary patterns and medication use1. Despite advances in prevention and treatment, in particular through reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels2, heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide3. Genome-wideassociation studies (GWAS) of blood lipid levels have led to important biological and clinical insights, as well as new drug targets, for cardiovascular disease. However, most previous GWAS4-23 have been conducted in European ancestry populations and may have missed genetic variants that contribute to lipid-level variation in other ancestry groups. These include differences in allele frequencies, effect sizes and linkage-disequilibrium patterns24. Here we conduct a multi-ancestry, genome-wide genetic discovery meta-analysis of lipid levels in approximately 1.65 million individuals, including 350,000 of non-European ancestries. We quantify the gain in studying non-European ancestries and provide evidence to support the expansion of recruitment of additional ancestries, even with relatively small sample sizes. We find that increasing diversity rather than studying additional individuals of European ancestry results in substantial improvements in fine-mapping functional variants and portability of polygenic prediction (evaluated in approximately 295,000 individuals from 7 ancestry groupings). Modest gains in the number of discovered loci and ancestry-specific variants were also achieved. As GWAS expand emphasis beyond the identification of genes and fundamental biology towards the use of genetic variants for preventive and precision medicine25, we anticipate that increased diversity of participants will lead to more accurate and equitable26 application of polygenic scores in clinical practice.

1174 The Reporting of Centre and Surgeon Experience in Studies of Robot Assisted Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review

Introduction

Over 90% of cholecystectomies are performed using minimally invasive techniques. Robotic cholecystectomy (RC) has been developed to overcome technical limitations of laparoscopy, including improved range of movement and visualisation. Despite becoming increasingly widespread, the safety and efficacy of RC remain unestablished. This review aims to analyse the quality assurance reporting through centre and surgeon expertise in RC.

Method

A systematic search was conducted to identify all published studies reporting RC. Data on quality assurance measures were collected, including: centres involved, surgeons’ experience and training.

Results

Of the 1425 abstracts screened, 90 full-text papers were included. Sixty-four studies (71%) were single institutions. Of the thirty studies (33%) reporting centre type, 28 were conducted in specialist/regional/tertiary centres. Only four stated their caseload of RC. No studies described pre-specified criteria or minimum experience required for a surgeon to participate. Fifty-two (58%) reported the number of surgeons operating and 13 (14%) stated surgeons’ training grade. Two quantified previous RC experience, 7 stated prior laparoscopic experience. Only 21 (23%) described training prior to the surgeons’ first in-human procedure; animal based (n = 12), simulation (n = 12), observation (n = 4), lab-based (n = 3). Specific mentorship was reported in 8 studies, and 13 described dual operating.

Conclusions

Little information was provided about the experience and training of operating surgeons, making it difficult to ascertain whether replicable techniques were utilised which would allow development of a learning curve. This highlights the need for better transparency when reporting surgical innovation, to ensure the safe, evidence-based adoption of new technologies into clinical practice.

1096 Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Oesophagectomy: Comparing the Geography of Research Publication with The Global Burden of Disease

Introduction

Robot-assisted minimally invasive oesophagectomy (RAMIE) is increasingly used in the management of oesophageal tumours. It is unclear if there is equitable access to this innovative technique worldwide, specifically in areas of greatest need. This study aimed to map the geographic distribution of publications on RAMIE and compare this to global disease burden.

Method

Systematic searches identified all studies of RAMIE from inception to 2020. The country of origin of each study was identified. The incidence and age standardised rate (ASR) of oesophageal cancer for each country was obtained from The Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) database. World Bank classifications of countries by income level were obtained.

Results

A total of 103 studies were identified. The majority (81%) were published in high-income countries, 15% in upper-middle, and 5% in lower-middle income countries. Thirty-four were published in the USA, the country with the fifth-highest incidence of oesophageal cancer worldwide, but 90th by ASR. The greatest incidence was in China (54% of global incidence) but was the source of only 15% of studies. Of the ten countries with the highest incidence, five were represented in published studies, in comparison to one of the top 10 by ASR.

Conclusions

There is evident disparity in the geographical distribution of published studies of RAMIE. This disparity may represent unequal access to surgical technologies, or a lack of evaluation of the technology in different healthcare settings. This may impact the generalisability of research findings. Equitable access to novel surgical technologies is ethical and can help address global disease burden.

1158 Summarising the Reporting of Study Outcomes in Robotic Oesophagectomy: A Systematic Review

Introduction

There is an increasing adoption of robotic oesophagectomy in place of standard techniques for oesophageal cancer resection. This is potentially due to its perceived technical benefits and improved short-term outcomes. Consistency in outcome selection, definition and reporting between studies is required for effective evidence synthesis and prevention of research waste. The aim of this review is to perform an in-depth analysis of outcome reporting in robotic oesophagectomy.

Method

Systematic searches were conducted using key words for robotic surgery and oesophageal cancer, from inception to February 2020. Studies reporting any outcome for robotic oesophagectomy were included. Outcomes in each study were recorded verbatim and categorised into twelve domains. Outcomes were independently categorised by two reviewers. Where reported, the follow-up period was also recorded.

Results

Of 954 abstracts screened, 226 full texts were reviewed and 102 included. Only one study was a RCT. A total of 1422 outcomes were reported. Each study had a median of 14 reported outcomes (range 1-25). Outcomes related to complications (n = 578, 99 studies), technical/operative factors (n = 290, 90 studies), and pathology (e.g., resection margin) (n = 197, 83 studies) were reported most frequently. No single outcome, or outcome domain was reported in all studies. No studies used a core outcome set for reporting. Forty-five studies stated a follow-up period, ranging from &lt;1 month to 58 months.

Conclusions

There is significant heterogeneity in the selection and reporting of outcomes in robotic oesophagectomy. This calls for the use of a core outcome set to allow standardisation and transparency of outcome reporting.

A connection between pattern classification by machine learning and statistical inference with the General Linear Model

A connection between the general linear model (GLM) with frequentist statistical testing and machine learning (MLE) inference is derived and illustrated. Initially, the estimation of GLM parameters is expressed as a Linear Regression Model (LRM) of an indicator matrix; that is, in terms of the inverse problem of regressing the observations. Both approaches, i.e. GLM and LRM, apply to different domains, the observation and the label domains, and are linked by a normalization value in the least-squares solution. Subsequently, we derive a more refined predictive statistical test: the linear Support Vector Machine (SVM), that maximizes the class margin of separation within a permutation analysis. This MLE-based inference employs a residual score and associated upper bound to compute a better estimation of the actual (real) error. Experimental results demonstrate how parameter estimations derived from each model result in different classification performance in the equivalent inverse problem. Moreover, using real data, the MLE-based inference including model-free estimators demonstrates an efficient trade-off between type I errors and statistical power.

AB0193 PRESENCE OF SUBLINICAL SYNOVITIS IN A ESTABLISHED RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS COHORT

Background:

Some studies prove that a significant percentage of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in sustained clinical remission has radiological progression or joint damage, and the presence of residual activity objectified by imaging studies such as ultrasonography could be related to a relapse or flare of RA.(1,2)

Objectives:

To determine the presence of subclinical synovitis measured by ultrasonography in patients with RA on sustained clinical remission from the Rheumatology service at Hospital de Clínicas, San Lorenzo, Paraguay.

Materials and Methods:

Prospective, cross sectional, descriptive study, in RA patients meeting ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria, older than 18 years, on sustained clinical remission (≥6 months), measured by ESR-DAS28 (<2,6), doing follow-ups on our service. A healthy control group was included. All groups signed informed consent. Synovial hypertrophy (SH) and intraarticular vascularization grades on Power Doppler (PD) mode were determined according to EULAR recommendations and OMERACT 7 group definitions. Clinical data were obtained from the service’s registries.

SPSS 23rd version was used for data analysis. Quantitative variables were presented as means and qualitative as frequencies. Chi square test was performed for comparisons between dichotomous variables and t Student for continuous. For comparisons between variables the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was performed, and p≤0.05 for statistical significance. Factors predicting subclinical synovitis were analyzed with Odds Ratio (OR) CI 95%.

Results:

From 147 patients, 31 (21%) met remission criteria; 87.1% women, mean age 51.9±14.8 years. Mean disease duration was 9,06±10,81 years. 64,5% were RF and ACPA positive and 25,9% had erosions.

Ultrasonograms were made in 20 joints of both hands: radiocarpals (RC), metacarpophalangeals (MCP) and proximal interphalangeals (PIP). 12 patients (38.7%) presented subclinical synovitis (SH≥2+PD), more frequently on RC (29% right, 22.6% left), and MCP (9.7% on 2RMCP, 9.7% 4LMCP). These patients had greater CDAI (3.9±1.37 vs 2.89±1.15, p=0.03), HAQ (0.14±0.29 vs 0.00±0.00, p=0.04), CRP (9.90±7.46 vs 4.74±2.30, p=0.00) RF levels (502.67±275.66 vs 200.92±158.43, p=0,00), greater prednisone (16.5% vs 3.2%, p=0.04), and methotrexate use (20.16±5.54 vs 17.50±3.98, p=0.01). None of the healthy controls presented subclinical synovitis.

In binary logistic regression CRP levels, RF titers and methotrexate doses were associated to subclinical synovitis. This association is not found in multivariate logistic regression. Negative association was found between subclinical synovitis and two csDMARDs use.

Conclusion:

This is the first study of its type in Paraguayan patients, which clearly evidenced that an important part of RA patients in clinical remission still presented subclinical synovitis (HS≥2 + PD). It was associated with CRP, RF and methotrexate dose.

References:

[1]Płaza M, Nowakowska-Płaza A, Pracoń G, Sudoł-Szopińska I. Role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases in light of ACR/EULAR guidelines. J Ultrason. marzo de 2016;16(64):55-64.

[2]Foltz V, Gandjbakhch F, Etchepare F, Rosenberg C, Tanguy ML, Rozenberg S, et al. Power Doppler ultrasound, but not low-field magnetic resonance imaging, predicts relapse and radiographic disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis patients with low levels of disease activity. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 2012;64(1):67-76.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Characterization of T Wave Amplitude, Duration and Morphology Changes During Hemodialysis: Relationship With Serum Electrolyte Levels and Heart Rate

OBJECTIVE

Chronic kidney disease affects more than 10% of the world population. Changes in serum ion concentrations increase the risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, particularly in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. We characterized how T wave amplitude, duration and morphology descriptors change with variations in serum levels of potassium and calcium and in heart rate, both in ESRD patients and in simulated ventricular fibers.

METHODS

Electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings from twenty ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and pseudo-ECGs (pECGs) calculated from twenty-two simulated ventricular fibers at varying transmural heterogeneity levels were processed to quantify T wave width ( T_w), T wave slope-to-amplitude ratio ([Formula: see text]) and four indices of T wave morphological variability based on time warping ( d_w, [Formula: see text], d_a and [Formula: see text]). Serum potassium and calcium levels and heart rate were measured along HD.

RESULTS

[Formula: see text] was the marker most strongly correlated with serum potassium, dw with calcium and da with heart rate, after correction for covariates. Median values of partial correlation coefficients were 0.75, -0.74 and -0.90, respectively. For all analyzed T wave descriptors, high inter-patient variability was observed in the pattern of such relationships. This variability, accentuated during the first HD time points, was reproduced in the simulations and shown to be influenced by differences in transmural heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Changes in serum potassium and calcium levels and in heart rate strongly affect T wave descriptors, particularly those quantifying morphological variability.

SIGNIFICANCE

ECG markers have the potential to be used for monitoring serum ion concentrations in ESRD patients.

Predictors of Health Insurance, Life Insurance, and Retirement Savings Among NYC's Immigrant Taxi and For-Hire Vehicle Drivers

Taxi and for-hire vehicle (FHV) drivers are a predominantly immigrant population facing a range of occupational stressors, including lack of workplace benefits and increasing financial strain from tumultuous industry changes and now COVID-19's devastating impact. Bilingual research staff surveyed 422 New York City taxi/FHV drivers using a stratified sampling approach in driver-frequented locations to examine drivers' health and financial planning behaviors for the first time. Drivers lacked health insurance at double the NYC rate (20% vs. 10%). Life insurance and retirement savings rates were lower than U.S. averages (20% vs. 60%, 25% vs. 58%, respectively). Vehicle ownership was a significant predictor of health insurance, life insurance, and retirement savings. Compared to South Asian drivers, Sub-Saharan African drivers were significantly less likely to have health insurance and North African, and Middle Eastern drivers were significantly less likely to have retirement savings. Although most drivers indicated the importance of insurance and benefits, < 50% understood how to use them. Drivers felt primary care coverage to be most important followed by other health-related coverage, retirement benefits, and life insurance. Results reveal compelling addressable gaps in insurance and benefits coverage and the need to implement accessible financial literacy with navigation and advising services and programs.

A Case Study in Academic-Community Partnerships: A Community-Based Nutrition Education Program for Mexican Immigrants

Hispanics are the largest U.S. immigrant group and Mexican Americans are the largest U.S. Hispanic population. Hispanics, particularly Mexican Americans, are among the highest risk groups for obesity, placing them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. Obesity lifestyle interventions incorporating Motivational Interviewing techniques and specific adaptations for the population of interest can have a significant impact on reducing health risks. This paper presents a community-engaged, culturally-sensitive nutrition and dietary counseling intervention conducted between 2016 and 2018 at the Consulate General of Mexico in New York City and reports preliminary findings regarding participant satisfaction and self-reported changes in eating and exercise habits. In addition, it describes the community and academic partners' roles and processes in program development, discusses strengths and challenges posed by a multi-sector partnership and describes adaptations made using the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations to increase the program's sustainability and potential for scalability.

Food Purchasing Behavior of Food Insecure Cancer Patients Receiving Supplemental Food Vouchers

PURPOSE

Food insecure cancer patients experience worse health outcomes and poorer quality of life than food secure patients. There has been little research in programs to alleviate food insecurity in cancer patients. The objective of this paper is to report on the food purchasing behaviors of cancer patients enrolled in a supplemental food voucher program.

METHODS

This paper utilized data from a three-arm randomized controlled trial investigating the impact of food interventions on alleviating food insecurity in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. In one arm, patients received a monthly $230 voucher with which to purchase food. Receipts were collected for items purchased with the voucher and were coded to analyze purchasing behaviors.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients provided receipts for more than 11,000 individual items. Patients spent 50% of voucher funds on animal protein, fruits, and vegetables. Patients spent, on average, 77% of voucher funds on items categorized as "healthy."

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who received a food voucher purchased more fruits and vegetables than national averages would suggest. They also spent less on sweetened beverages than national samples. Patients who were born outside of the United States or who were limited English proficient purchased significantly more healthy foods than English-speaking and American-born study patients. Supplemental food vouchers for food insecure cancer patients resulted in the purchase of healthy food items.

SAT0030 A NOVEL ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ANTI-CARBAMYLATED ANTIBODIES AND INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is associated with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, an early diagnosis is fundamental. Anti-carbamylated proteins (Anti-CarP) have been described in different chronic respiratory diseases without a previous history of RA.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to analyse the association between Anti-CarP and ILD in RA patients.

Methods:

We performed a cross-sectional study, including RA patients fulfilling the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria. The main population comprised 2 groups: 1) RA patients diagnosed with ILD (RA-ILD group) and 2) RA patients without ILD (non-ILD RA group). ILD was diagnosed by high-resolution tomography and confirmed by a multidisciplinary committee. Three IgG Anti-CarP autoantibodies against fetal calf serum (Anti-FCS), fibrinogen (Anti-Fib), and fibrine/filagrine homocitrullinated peptide (Anti-CFFHP) and one IgA against FCS (Anti-FCS-IgA) were determined by home-made ELISA. Associations between Anti-CarPs and ILD were explored using multivariable logistic regression adjusted by a set of variables known to be related to the development of ILD: smoking, sex, age, RA disease duration, RF and ACPA. An independent replication sample was obtained to validate our findings from another hospital.

Results:

The main population included 179 patients: 37 were included in the RA-ILD group, and 142 in the non-ILD RA group. Most patients were female (79%), with a mean age of 59.7±13 years with a mean disease duration of 6.6±5 years. Baseline features are shown in table 1. The replication sample was composed of 25 patients in the RA-ILD group and 50 patients in the non-ILD RA group. We found that Anti-CarPs specificities were more frequent in RA-ILD patients (Anti-FCS 70% vs. 43%; Anti-Fib 73% vs. 51%; Anti-CFFHP 38% vs. 19%; Anti-CarP-IgA 51% vs. 20%, p<0.05 for all comparisons). Serum mean titers of Anti-CarPs were higher in RA-ILD patients with significant statistical differences for all of them, except Anti-Fib. The multivariate analysis showed that Anti-CarPs specificities were independently associated with ILD (Anti-FCS (OR: 3.42; CI95%: 1.13-10.40), Anti-Fib (OR: 2.85; CI95%: 0.83-9.70), Anti-CFFHP (OR: 3.11; CI95%: 1.06-9.14) and Anti-FCS-IgA (OR: 4.30; CI95%: 1.41-13.04). In the replication sample our findings were validated only for Anti-FCS (OR: 10.42; CI95%: 1.68-64.46).

TABLE 1.

Main population demographic, clinical, therapeutic, and autoantibody status features.

RA-ILDn:37Non-ILD RAn:142p valueFemale (%)25 (68)116 (82)NSAge mean (±SD)67.3 (10.1)57.7 (12.9)<0.005Mean disease duration (±SD)11.6 (7.1)5.3 (13.3)<0.005Ever smokers (%)21 (57)62 (44)NSSmoking cumulative dose (±SD)30.7 (11.1)21.8 (12)<0.005Caucasian (%)31 (84)120 (85)NSTreatmentGlucocorticoids (%)25 (68)81 (57)NScsDMARDs (%)33 (89)132 (86)NSMTX (%)20 (54)95 (67)NSbDMARDs (%)11 (30)36 (25)NSMean DAS28 (±SD)3.71 (1.35)2.74 (1.05)<0.005Erosive disease (%)26 (70)63 (44)<0.005Mean HAQ-DI (CI-95%)0.69 (0.53-0.85)0.31 (0.24-0.38)<0.005ACPA positive (%)29 (78)99 (70)NSMedian titer ACPA (IQR) CU674 (2,215)143 (1,132)NSRF positive (%)28 (76)83 (59)NSMedian titer RF (IQR) IU105 (298)34 (110)NS

Conclusion:

A strong association between RA-ILD and Anti-CarP was found independently of cofounders, including RF and ACPA. Our findings suggest a possible link between Anti-CarP and the development of ILD.

Disclosure of Interests:

Raul Castellanos-Moreira Speakers bureau: Lilly, MSD, Sanofi, UCB, Sebastian Rodriguez-Garcia: None declared, Katherine Cajiao: None declared, Gabriela Jimenez: None declared, Maria Jose Gomara: None declared, Virginia Ruiz Speakers bureau: Lilly, Pfizer, Ivette Casafont-Solé: None declared, Julio Ramirez: None declared, José Gomez Puerta Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, BMS, Roche and Pfizer, Susana Holgado Pérez: None declared, Juan de Dios Cañete: None declared, Isabel Haro: None declared, Raimón Sanmartí Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, BMS, Roche and Pfizer

The Nutrition Benefits Participation Gap: Barriers to Uptake of SNAP and WIC Among Latinx American Immigrant Families

To examine nutrition benefit under-enrollment in Latinx American immigrant families, we administered a survey to 100 adults attending a NY Latinx American community serving organization. We used a logistic regression approach to analyze misinformation impact on enrollment, and examined non-enrollment explanations, among participants in whose families a child or pregnant or breastfeeding woman appeared SNAP- or WIC-eligible. Among households (N = 51) with ≥ 1 SNAP-eligible child, 49% had no child enrolled. Reasons included repercussion fears (e.g. payback obligation, military conscription, college aid ineligibility, child removal, non-citizen family member penalties), and logistical barriers. In multivariable regression models, having heard the rumor that SNAP/WIC participation makes unauthorized status family members vulnerable to being reported to the government was associated with an 85% lower enrollment rate (OR 0.15, CI 0.03, 0.94). Misinformation impedes nutrition benefit participation. A multi-level intervention is necessary to inform potential applicants and providers regarding eligibility criteria and erroneous rumors, along with an informed discussion of the risks versus benefits of using resources, especially as public charge criteria change.

FRI0053 PROLIFERATIVE SYNOVITIS, AN ULTRASOUND PATTERN ASSOCIATED WITH ACPA POSITIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Seronegative (sero-) and seropositive (sero+) Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) have different genetic, immunopathological and vascular morphology features, but no previous studies have analyzed if US characteristics differ between sero+ or sero- RA. Our preliminary studies suggest that sero+ RA is associated with an expansive synovitis pattern that we have called “proliferative synovitis” (PS)

Objectives:

To analyze potential differences between patients with RA according to their autoantibody status by using ultrasonography (US). We aimed to assess whether PS is associated with ACPA+ pts

Methods:

We collected clinical, epidemiological data and bilateral carpal and hand US images of pts with RA. Synovial hypertrophy (SH), Power Doppler signal (PD) and total score (sum of scores of SH and PD) in wrist and hand (1-5 metacarpophalangeal) were assessed. We evaluated the presence of PS, defined as expansive synovial growth encompassing the concepts of synovial SH grade II and III. We performed synovial biopsies of a subgroup of pts using arthroscopy or US guided in order to see immunohistochemistry differences between “proliferative” and “flat” (non-proliferative) synovitis. Serum levels of angiogenic and inflammatory biomarkers were performed

Results:

Two hundred and five RA patients were collected. Overall, 173 (84.8%) pts were sero+ for RF (68.7%) or ACPA (74.6%), general characteristics are summarized in Table. No significant differences between sero+ and sero- pts in terms of disease activity or therapy were found. PS was present in 55.5% of sero+ pts (55.3% in RF+ and 58.2% in ACPA+ pts) and 16.1% of sero- pts (p=0.0001). Globally, 101 pts (49.2%) had PS. Ninety-six (95.0%) were RF or ACPA positive. Only 5 pts with sero- RA had PS (p=0.001). In the univariate analysis, significantly more pts with PS had erosive disease (72.3% vs 35.0% p=0.0001), higher US scores (p=0.0001) and more of them were taking conventional synthetic Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARD) (81.8% vs 69.6% p=0.05). No differences regarding disease activity were found.

In the multivariate analysis erosions [OR 4.90 CI 95% (2.17-11.07) p=0.0001] and ACPA [OR 3.5 CI 95% (1.39-10.7) p=0.09] but not RF status [OR 0.74 CI 95% (0.31-1.71) p=0.483] were independently associated with the presence of PS.

We immunostained synovial biopsies from 23 pts with PS (13 pts) or non-PS (10 pts). PS was significantly associated with higher density of vessels (p=0.042) and a strong trend to a higher density of B, T, Mast cells and macrophages (figure 1). Significantly higher serum levels of angiogenic (Activin A, bFGF, IL18, IL20, PIGF, SDF-1 and VEGF-D) and pro-inflammatory (IL23) cytokines were found in patients with PS (figure 2).

Conclusion:

The presence of “proliferative Synovitis” was significantly associated with ACPA and erosive disease in patients with RA. PS pattern also was associated with higher density of synovial vessels and higher serum levels of angiogenic and inflammatory mediators

Table .Total US pattern p valueN=205Proliferative (N=101)Non proliferative (N=104)Female, n (%)162 (79.4)79 (78.2)83 (80.6)0.57Age, mean (SD) years57.1 (± 14,1)56.3 (± 12.0)58.0 (± 15.9)0.40Current Smoker, n (%)47 (26.9)22 (25.6)25 (28.1)0.73Disease duration, mean (SD) months113.3 (± 105.7)127.7 (± 111.1)99.3 (± 99.3)0.05Erosion, n (%)108 (53.7)73 (72.3)35 (35.0)0.00ACPA, n (%)153 (75.4)89 (89)64 (62.1)0.00RF, n (%)99 (68.3)78 (78)63 (61.2)0.01DAS 28–CRP, mean (SD)2.55 (±1.03)2.66 (±1.04)2.44 (±1.02)0.17GC, n (%)99 (49.3)45 (45.5)54 (52.9)0.32cDMARDs, n (%)152 (75.6)81 (81.8)71 (69.6)0.05bDMARD, n (%)69 (34.3)35 (35.4)34 (33.3)0.76Total US score14.9 (± 11.5)18.8 (± 11.8)11.1 (± 9.9)0.00

*ACPA anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, RF rheumatoid factor, DAS28-CRP Disease Activity Score 28-joint count, CRP C-reactive protein, GC glucocorticoids, bDMARD biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs

Disclosure of Interests:

Ana Belén Azuaga-Piñango: None declared, Beatriz Frade-Sosa: None declared, Roberto Gumucio: None declared, Katherine Cajiao: None declared, Andrea Cuervo: None declared, Raquel Celis: None declared, Jose A. Gómez-Puerta Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BMS, GSK, Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, Raimón Sanmartí Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, BMS, Roche and Pfizer, Juan de Dios Cañete: None declared, Julio Ramirez: None declared

AB0768 TREATMENT WITH TOFACITINIB IN REFRACTORY PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS. MULTICENTER STUDY OF 87 PATIENTS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

Background:

Tofacitinib (TOFA) is the first JAKi approved for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in Europe (July 2018). TOFA has shown efficacy in refractory patients to anti-TNF in Randomized Clinical Trials (RCT) (Gladman D. NEJM 2017; 377: 1525-36).

Objectives:

To assess efficacy and safety of TOFA in clinical practice (CP). To compare the profile of CP with RCT

Methods:

Study of 87 patients of CP with PsA treated with TOFA; Results are expressed as percentage, mean±SD or median [IRQ].

Results:

87 patients (28♀/59♂), mean age of 52.8±11.4 years (Table 1). Pattern of joint involvement was: peripheral (n=60), axial (1) and mixed (26). Presented also enthesitis (49.4%), nail involvement (30.2%) and dactylitis (31%).

Prior TOFA, most patients (80%) received oral prednisone, synthetic immunosuppressants (mean 2.3±0.9) and biological therapy (BT) (3.6±1.9): etanercept (n=58), adalimumab (54), infliximab (31), golimumab (37), certolizumab (30), secukinumab (54), ustekinumab (39) and ixekizumab (2). Apremilast was used in 17.

After a mean follow-up of 12.3±9.3 years from PsA diagnosis, TOFA was started (5 mg/12 h). In 48 (55.2%) TOFA was used in combined therapy: methotrexate (30) and leflunomide (15). In the remaining 39, monotherapy was prescribed.

Patients of CP compared with RCT have a longer duration of PsA, worst functional disability (HAQ) and received a higher proportion of corticosteroids and BT (anti-TNF and non-anti-TNF) (Table 1).

Patients improved in activity indexes (PASI, DAS28, DAPSA) and laboratory test (table 2). Minor side effects were reported in 21 patients (gastrointestinal symptoms), and TOFA was discontinued in 29 due to inefficiency mainly.

Conclusion:

Patients of CP had a longer evolution and received a greater number of biologics than those of RCT. TOFA as in RCT seems effective, rapid and relatively safe for refractory PsA.

Table 1.

Baseline features

CLINICAL TRIALGladmanN=131CLINICAL PRACTICEN=87Age, years (mean±SD)49.5±12.352.8±11.4Sex, n (%)67M/64F (51/49)59M/28F (68/32.2)Duration PsA, years (mean±SD)9.6±7.612,3±9.3HAQ-DI1.3±0.71.4±0.7 (n=26)Swollen joint count, mean±SD12.1±10.65.7±5.8Painful joint count, mean±SD20.5±13.08.0±6.6Elevated CRP, n (%)85 (65)55 (63.2)PASI score, median [IQR]7.6 [0.6-32.2]9.0 [4.2-15]Oral glucocorticoid, n (%)37(28)44(50.5)Concomitant synthetic DMARDs, n (%)- Methotrexate98 (75)30 (34.4)- Leflunomide12 (9)15 (17.2)- Sulfasalazine21 (16)6 (6.9)- Others2 (2)N. of previous TNF inhibitors, mean±SD1.7±1.02.4±1.4Previous use of other biological no anti-TNF, n (%)11 (8)68 (78.2)Table 2.

Table 2. Improvement at 1st, 6thand 12thmonth

Baselinen=871st monthn=776th monthn=5212th monthn=20Nail involvement, n (%)17 (19.5)Improvement, n (%)5 (35.7)6 (60)5 (83.3)Enthesitis, n (%)28 (32.2)Improvement, n (%)8 (47.1)10 (58.8)3 (50)Dactylitis, n (%)16 (18.4)Improvement, n (%)9 (69.2)6 (85.7)0 (0)CRP mg/dl, median [IQR]1.9 [0.3-5]0.5 [0.1-2.2]0.5 [0.3-1.2]0.4 [0.4-3.7]p (vs baseline)0.0040.0050.66DAS28, median [IQR]4.8 [4.1-5.403.7 [2.8-4.6]2.8 [2.2-3.8]2.9 [2.2-3.7]p (vs baseline)<0.001<0.001<0.001DAPSA, median [IQR]28 [18.41-34.05]15.5 [10.1-25.7]9 [6.07-15]4.3 [2.4-8]p (vs baseline)<0.001<0.001<0.001PASI, median [IQR]5 [1-14]1.4 [0-7]0 [0-4]0.05 [0-2.7]p (vs baseline)0.1920.1050.300

Disclosure of Interests:

E. Galindez: None declared, D. Prieto-Peña: None declared, José Luis Martín-Varillas Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Pfizer, Janssen and Celgene, Speakers bureau: Pfizer and Lilly, Beatriz Joven-Ibáñez Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Olga Rusinovich: None declared, RAQUEL ALMODOVAR Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer.

, Juanjo J Alegre-Sancho Consultant of: UCB, Roche, Sanofi, Boehringer, Celltrion, Paid instructor for: GSK, Speakers bureau: MSD, GSK, Lilly, Sanofi, Roche, UCB, Actelion, Pfizer, Abbvie, Novartis, LARA MENDEZ DIAZ: None declared, Agusti Sellas-Fernández Speakers bureau: Abbott, Lilly, Celgene, Pfizer, Schering-Plough, Janssen, Novartis, and Nordic Pharma, À Martínez-Ferrer: None declared, Rosario Garcia de Vicuna Grant/research support from: BMS, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Roche, Consultant of: Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Gebro, Lilly, Mylan, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi, Paid instructor for: Lilly, Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi, Clara Ventín-Rodríguez: None declared, Julio Ramirez: None declared, Manuel Moreno: None declared, Maria jose Moreno: None declared, María del Carmen Castro Villegas: None declared, Antia Crespo Golmar: None declared, Natalia Palmou-Fontana: None declared, FRANCISCO ORTIZ SANJUAN: None declared, Ximena Elizabeth Larco Rojas: None declared, Antonio Juan Mas: None declared, Christian Y Soleto: None declared, Iñigo Gorostiza: None declared, Miguel A González-Gay Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, MSD, Ricardo Blanco Grant/research support from: AbbVie, MSD, and Roche, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen, and MSD

Multi-ancestry GWAS of the electrocardiographic PR interval identifies 202 loci underlying cardiac conduction

The electrocardiographic PR interval reflects atrioventricular conduction, and is associated with conduction abnormalities, pacemaker implantation, atrial fibrillation (AF), and cardiovascular mortality. Here we report a multi-ancestry (N = 293,051) genome-wide association meta-analysis for the PR interval, discovering 202 loci of which 141 have not previously been reported. Variants at identified loci increase the percentage of heritability explained, from 33.5% to 62.6%. We observe enrichment for cardiac muscle developmental/contractile and cytoskeletal genes, highlighting key regulation processes for atrioventricular conduction. Additionally, 8 loci not previously reported harbor genes underlying inherited arrhythmic syndromes and/or cardiomyopathies suggesting a role for these genes in cardiovascular pathology in the general population. We show that polygenic predisposition to PR interval duration is an endophenotype for cardiovascular disease, including distal conduction disease, AF, and atrioventricular pre-excitation. These findings advance our understanding of the polygenic basis of cardiac conduction, and the genetic relationship between PR interval duration and cardiovascular disease.

Patient-reported benefit from proposed interventions to reduce financial hardship during cancer treatment

7080

Background: Awareness of cancer patients’ financial toxicity (FT) has increased substantially over the past decade; however, interventions to minimize financial burden remain underdeveloped and understudied. This survey-based study explores patient beliefs on which potential mitigating strategies could improve their financial hardship during cancer treatment. Methods: Interviewer-administered surveys were conducted with consecutive patients in an outpatient, urban, private academic Gynecologic Cancer clinic waiting room for 2 weeks in August 2019. The survey items included patient demographics, disease characteristics, the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) tool (validated measure of FT with score 0-44; lower scores indicate worse FT), assessment of cost-coping strategies, and patient-reported anticipated benefit from described potential interventions (items that were feasible and relevant to implement in clinic). Results: Of 101 patients who initiated the survey, 87 (86%) completed it and were included in this analysis. The median age was 66 (range, 32-87). Thirty-eight patients (44%) had ovarian, 29 (33%) uterine, 5 (6%) cervical, and 15 (17%) an “other” gynecologic cancer. The median COST score was 32 (range, 6-44). Twenty-nine patients (33%) had COST scores ≤25 and 16 (18%) had COST scores ≤18. The most frequent cost-coping strategy reported was reducing leisure activities (n = 36, 41%) and using savings to pay for medical bills (n = 34, 39%). Six patients (7%) reported not taking a prescribed medication in the past 12 months due to the inability to pay and 0 reported skipping a recommended imaging study. When it came to interventions patients anticipated would improve their current financial hardships, 34 (39%) indicated access to transportation assistance to and from appointments, 31 (36%) said “knowing up front how much I’m going to have to pay for my healthcare”, 29 (33%) indicated “minimizing wait time associated with appointments, which keeps me away from work”, and 22 (25%) indicated “access to free food during/around appointments and treatments”. Only 26 (30%) noted they were not experiencing financial hardship. Conclusions: For an outpatient population of gynecologic cancer patients, several focused, feasible interventions could be implemented to potentially decrease patient FT. Our study can help health care providers in the design of interventions to create meaningful improvements in patient financial burden. Next steps should assess the impact of targeted interventions on patient outcomes.

Food Insecurity among Cancer Patients Enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Purpose: Food insecurity, which leads to adverse health outcomes, has even more severe implications for cancer patients. Yet medically underserved cancer patients are more likely to be food insecure than the general population.Methods: This study is a cross-sectional analysis of intake data from patients who participated in the Integrated Cancer Care Access Network (ICCAN). ICCAN is a specialized program that addresses socioeconomic barriers to cancer care among underserved cancer patients in NYC. This study utilized ICCAN data from 2011 to 2017. The USDA food insecurity score, self-reported SNAP receipt, and SNAP eligibility based on household income were compared between SNAP and non-SNAP recipients.Results: 681 patients were assessed for food insecurity. Sixty-nine percent of participants lived in food insecure households. Despite SNAP assistance, most SNAP recipients (68%) were food insecure; 69% of respondents who did not receive SNAP were also food insecure.Conclusions: Underserved cancer patients who receive SNAP are still food insecure, hence at more significant risk for its associated negative outcomes. Supplemental programs for patients with chronic diseases are needed in clinics with large low income populations. SNAP benefits should account for the additional financial burden posed by treatment costs and exceptional circumstances faced by cancer patients.

Significant differences in access to tests and treatments for multiple myeloma between public and private systems in Latin America. Results of a Latin American survey. GELAMM (Grupo de Estudio Latino Americano de Mieloma Múltiple)

The incidence of multiple myeloma (MM) has increased in the last 20 years, particularly in middle and low-middle income countries. Access to diagnostic and prognostic tests and the availability of effective care is highly variable globally. Latin America represents 10% of the world population, distributed in countries of varied size, population, and socio-economic development. In the last decade, great improvements have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of MM. Applying these advances in real life is a challenge in our region. Local data regarding MM standards of care and outcomes are limited. A survey was carried out among hematologists from 15 Latin American countries to describe access to MM diagnostic and prognostic tests and the availability of effective care options. This study provides real-world data for MM in our region, highlighting striking differences between public and private access to essential analyses and therapeutic options.

Development of a Medically Tailored Hospital-based Food Pantry System

Fifty-six percent of high-needs NYC cancer patients are food insecure, at times choosing between medical treatment and food. We describe FOOD (Food to Overcome Outcome Disparities), an innovative intervention, which has established eleven medically tailored food pantries in NYC cancer centers and distributed the equivalent of 307,080 meals since 2011.

Stochastic decision trigger modelling to assess the probability of wildland fire impact

The ability to estimate both the time and probability of a wildfire reaching an area to be protected is critically important to preventing loss of human life and property, and damage to ecological and economic assets. Wildfire decision trigger modelling has been used to assess fire exposure and create evacuation trigger buffers around the communities providing a specific amount of warning time. This approach has been applied in multiple scenarios including household-level and community-level evacuation planning and during suppression operations. However, little attention has been paid to input data uncertainty using this modelling approach. This study presents an innovative stochastic fire simulation decision trigger modelling method that produces a probability map of the fire arrival to areas to be protected by simulating (n) wildfire decision trigger buffers with varied input data according to a potential range of deviations. The Tubbs fire (USA) was used as case study to show the applicability of this approach to estimate the probability of wildland fire impact. Our results highlighted the importance of considering input data uncertainty in operational environments to estimate fire progression and decision trigger buffers to better develop suppression tactic and strategy. The method presented may be solved in real-time and used with any empirical fire propagation model as a core engine. Practical real-time implications of this fire simulation mode are discussed.

Safety and probiotic evaluation of two Bacillus strains producing antioxidant compounds

Bacillus species are becoming increasingly relevant for use as probiotics or feed additives where their heat stability can ensure survival in the food matrix or enable long-term storage at ambient temperature. Some Bacillus species are pigmented and in this study, we have examined two strains, one Bacillus pumilus (pigmented red) and the other Bacillus megaterium (pigmented yellow) for their safety for potential use in humans as dietary supplements. In addition, we have set out to determine if they might confer any potential health benefits. Both strains produce C30 carotenoids while the B. pumilus strain also produced large quantities of riboflavin equivalent to genetically modified Bacillus strains and most probably contributing to this strain’s pigmentation. Riboflavin’s and carotenoids are antioxidants, and we have evaluated the ability of vegetative cells and/or spores to influence populations of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in the colon of mice. While both strains increased levels of F. prausnitzii, spores of the B. pumilus strain produced a significant increase in F. prausnitzii levels. If found to be reproducible in humans such an effect might, potentially, confer health benefits particularly for those suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.

Taxi Drivers at Risk: Tailoring Nutrition and Exercise Materials

Cognitive interviewing was used to refine nutrition and exercise health education materials for use in the New York City taxi driver community. Cognitive interviews were conducted with taxi drivers at garages and community centers across New York City. Interviews were conducted in five rounds with approximately 10 interviews conducted in each round. Modifications were made to the education materials between rounds based on driver feedback. Interviews were transcribed, coded to identify areas needing improvement, and then used to modify materials. Areas that needed adaptation included colloquialisms, literacy level, complex jargon/terminology, vague/confusing phrasing, driver-specific and ethnic-specific preferences, visual aids, and mathematical calculations. These were organized into four key themes: linguistic responsiveness, occupational and cultural adaptation, visuals, and calculations. Cognitive interviewing is a useful method for refining health education materials in the diverse driver population. Cognitive interviewing revealed a need to reduce literacy level, avoid complex terminology, make further occupational and cultural adaptations, use clear visual aids, and avoid the use of complex calculations. Cognitive interviewing is an effective method for refining health education materials for immigrant and low literacy populations.