Clinical assessment of a point-of-care assay to determine protective vaccinal antibody titers to canine viral diseases

Guidelines recommend that dogs are vaccinated for canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), and canine adenovirus (CAV) every 3 years. Alternatively, their antibody titers are measured and vaccines given when titers fall below a protective threshold. In this study, a point-of-care (POC) assay was compared to hemagglutination inhibition (for CPV) and virus neutralization (for CAV and CDV) assays to predict the need for revaccination Ninety-two dogs presented for vaccination were enrolled. The POC assay indicated protective titers against CDV in 79/80, CPV in 89/90, and CAV in 91/91 dogs with reference standard antibody measurements that were over a protective threshold. The sensitivity of the POC assay for to detect protective concentrations of CDV antibodies was 99% (95% confidence interval [CI 95%], 93.3-99.9%). Ten dogs were falsely considered protected against CDV by the POC assay with a specificity of 17% (CI 95%, 3.0-44.8%). The sensitivity of the POC assay for protective concentrations of CPV titers was 99% (CI 95%, 93.9-99.9%). The sensitivity of the POC assay to detect protective concentrations of CAV antibodies was 100% (CI 95%, 95.9-100%). Only classifying high-positive CDV and CPV titers on the POC assay as protective improved assay specificity to 100%, but sensitivity decreased to 51% and 76% respectively. This POC assay had a high sensitivity for the detection of protective antibody titers; however, some dogs were falsely categorized as protected, especially for CDV.

Suspect severe gastroenteritis associated with ingestion of caterpillar setae fragments in a cat

A 6-month-old male neutered Domestic Shorthair cat was assessed for a 24-h history of anorexia, lethargy, depressed mentation, mild abdominal pain and persistent bradycardia. Abdominal ultrasound revealed marked thickening of the gastric wall, gastric distension, free abdominal fluid, distension and corrugation of the small intestine. Full-thickness histopathological biopsy of the gastric wall demonstrated intralesional chitinous structures whose morphology (size and presence of obvious barbs) supports these structures being urticating hairs (setae). A processionary caterpillar is considered most likely as these are the most common urticating caterpillars in Australia. This is the first case of suspected severe gastroenteritis associated with the ingestion of caterpillar setae fragments in a cat.

Socioeconomic and Geographic Predictors of Poor Diet Quality in a Large U.S. Cohort of Adult Men and Women

PURPOSE

Poor diet quality is an important determinant of obesity and chronic disease risk. A better understanding of social, economic and geographic factors associated with diet quality can inform public health and policy efforts for advancing health equity.

METHODS

This cross-sectional analysis of 155,331 adult men and women in the American Cancer Society (ACS) Cancer Prevention Study-3 examined race/ethnicity, socioeconomic (individual-level education and income), and geographic (metropolitan to rural dwelling, residence in food desert) predictors of poor diet quality, mutually adjusted using multivariable logistic regression models. A diet score reflecting concordance with the 2020 ACS dietary recommendations for cancer prevention based on intake of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and highly processed foods was calculated from responses to a validated food frequency questionnaire, with scores ranging from 0 (worst) to 12 (best) diet quality, and scores 0-3 representing poor diet quality.

RESULTS

All socioeconomic and geographic characteristics assessed were statistically significant, independent predictors of poor diet quality. Compared to White participants, Black participants had a 16% higher likelihood of poor diet quality, while Hispanic/Latino and Asian/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander participants had 16% and 33% lower risk of poor diet quality, respectively. Higher income and education were linearly associated with better diet quality among White participants, but not among other racial/ethnic groups. Even after controlling for other characteristics, non-metropolitan residence was associated with a 61% higher risk of poor diet quality. Additionally, residence in a food desert was associated with a 17% higher risk. All diet score components contributed to disparities observed, particularly red and processed meat and SSBs.

CONCLUSIONS

Race/ethnicity, socioeconomic and geographic factors independently predicted risk of poor diet quality among a large, diverse adult U.S.

POPULATION

These findings contribute information to more effectively target behavioral interventions, programs, and policies to improve diet quality for populations at highest risk.

Alpha-delta sleep pattern in an acute functional neurological patient with no perception of sleep

Functional neurological disorders (FND) are characterized by neurologic symptoms not consistent with a primary neurologic pathology. Though neurological disorders are commonly associated with poor sleep, alpha intrusion of slow wave sleep is not described in cases of FND. We describe a case demonstrating an alpha-delta sleep pattern in a patient presenting with a functional neurological disorder (FND) and no perception of sleep. Though alpha-delta sleep is more commonly associated with fibromyalgia, this pattern may be a potential biomarker for the physiology of sleep misperception and potentially functional neurologic symptoms disorder. It is important to recognize this pattern via close sleep EEG or spectral analysis for patients with concerning clinical histories.

HIV Increases Sleep-based Brain Age Despite Antiretroviral Therapy

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Age-related comorbidities and immune activation raise concern for advanced brain aging in people living with HIV (PLWH). The brain age index (BAI) is a machine learning model that quantifies deviations in brain activity during sleep relative to healthy individuals of the same age. High BAI was previously found to be associated with neurological, psychiatric, cardiometabolic diseases, and reduced life expectancy among people without HIV. Here, we estimated the effect of HIV infection on BAI by comparing PLWH and HIV-controls.

METHODS

Clinical data and sleep EEGs from 43 PLWH on antiretroviral therapy (HIV+) and 3,155 controls (HIV-) were collected from Massachusetts General Hospital. The effect of HIV infection on BAI, and on individual EEG features, was estimated using causal inference.

RESULTS

The average effect of HIV on BAI was estimated to be +3.35 years (p < 0.01, 95% CI = [0.67, 5.92]) using doubly robust estimation. Compared to HIV- controls, HIV+ participants exhibited a reduction in delta band power during deep sleep and rapid eye movement sleep.

CONCLUSION

We provide causal evidence that HIV contributes to advanced brain aging reflected in sleep EEG. A better understanding is greatly needed of potential therapeutic targets to mitigate the effect of HIV on brain health, potentially including sleep disorders and cardiovascular disease.

1008 Brain Age Based on Sleep Encephalography is Elevated in HIV+ Adults on ART

Introduction

Sleep EEG is a promising tool to measure brain aging in vulnerable populations such as people with HIV, who are high risk of brain aging due to co-morbidities, increased inflammation, and antiretroviral neurotoxicity. Our lab previously developed a machine learning model that estimates age from sleep EEG (brain age, BA), which reliably predicts chronological age (CA) in healthy adults. The difference between BA and CA, the brain age index (BAI), independently predicts mortality, and is increased by cardiovascular co-morbidities. Here, we assessed BAI in HIV+ compared to matched HIV- adults.

Methods

Sleep EEGs from 43 treated HIV+ adults were gathered and matched to controls (HIV-, n=284) by age, gender, race, alcoholism, smoking and substance use history. We compared BAI between groups and used additional causal interference methods to ensure robustness. Individual EEG features that underlie BA prediction were also compared. We performed a sub-analysis of BAI between HIV+ with or without a history of AIDS.

Results

After matching, mean CA of HIV+ vs HIV- adults were 49 and 48 years, respectively (n.s.). The mean HIV+ BAI was 3.04 years higher than HIV- (4.4 vs 1.4 yr; p=0.048). We found consistent and significant results with alternative causal inference methods. Several EEG features predictive of BA were different in the HIV+ and HIV- cohorts. Most notably, non-REM stage 2 sleep (N2) delta power (1-4Hz) was decreased in HIV+ vs. HIV- adults, while theta (4-8Hz) and alpha (8-12Hz) power were increased. Those with AIDS (n=19, BAI=4.40) did not have significantly different BAI than HIV+ without AIDS (n=23, BAI=5.22). HIV+ subjects had higher rates of insomnia (56% vs 29%, p&lt;0.001), obstructive apnea (47% vs 30%, p=0.03), depression (49% vs 23%, p&lt;0.001), and bipolar disorder (19% vs 4%, p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion

HIV+ individuals on ART have excess sleep-EEG based brain age compared to matched controls. This excess brain age is partially due to reduction in delta power during N2, suggesting decreased sleep depth. These results suggest sleep EEG could be a valuable brain aging biomarker for the HIV population.

Support

This research is supported by the Harvard Center for AIDS Research HU CFAR NIH/NIAID 5P30AI060354-16.

Real-Time PCR and LAMP Assays for the Detection of Spores of Alternaria solani and Sporangia of Phytophthora infestans to Inform Disease Risk Forecasting

Real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for the detection of sporangia of the causal pathogen of late blight, Phytophthora infestans, and spores of the main causal pathogen of early blight, Alternaria solani, were developed to facilitate the in-field detection of airborne inoculum to improve disease forecasting. These assays were compared with an existing real-time PCR assay for P. infestans and a newly developed real-time PCR assay for A. solani. Primers were designed for real-time LAMP of P. infestans and A. solani. The specificity of the P. infestans real-time LAMP assay was similar to that of an existing real-time PCR assay: DNA of P. infestans was consistently amplified as was DNA of the taxonomically closely related species Phytophthora mirabilis, Phytophthora phaseoli, and Phytophthora ipomoea; no amplification of DNA from the potato pathogens Phytophthora erythroseptica or Phytophthora nicotianae occurred. Real-time LAMP and PCR assays were developed for A. solani, and the specificity was compared with an existing conventional PCR assay. Importantly, the A. solani real-time LAMP and PCR assays did not amplify the species Alternaria alternata. However, cross-reactivity with Alternaria dauci was observed with the real-time PCR assay and Alternaria brassicae with the real-time LAMP assay. The sensitivity of all assays for the detection of DNA extracted from sporangia/spores of the target pathogens was evaluated. The P. infestans real-time LAMP assay reliably detected 5 pg of DNA, equivalent to ∼1 sporangia per reaction. By comparison, 20 fg of DNA was detectable with the existing real-time PCR assay. In the case of A. solani, real-time LAMP detected 4.4 pg of DNA, equivalent to ∼1 spore per reaction, and real-time PCR detected 200 fg of DNA. In-field air samplers were deployed in two trial plots planted with potato: one infected with P. infestans, and the other infected with A. solani. Four additional samplers were located in commercial potato fields. Air samples were taken through the season, and detection of airborne inoculum of P. infestans and A. solani with both real-time PCR and LAMP was assessed.

Is ultra wide-field retinal imaging alone appropriate for retinal angioma screening in lower risk subjects attending Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) clinics?

Purpose: To determine if non-mydriatic ultra wide-angle digital retinal imaging alone is effective for screening subjects considered to be at 50% or lower risk for developing retinal angiomas.Methods: Digital records and retinal images of subjects attending a regional Von-Hippel-Lindau disease multi-disciplinary clinic over a 12 month period were reviewed. Individuals were stratified for risk of developing retinal angiomas on the basis of age, clinical features and genetic risk. The image quality and necessity for subsequent mydriatic fundoscopy were assessed.Results: Eighty subjects from 55 pedigrees attended the VHL clinic over 12 months. Of these, 44 (55%) were considered to be at lower risk for retinal angiomatosis: 34 (77%) because they had reached at least 30 years of age without developing an angioma, 16 with a presenting solitary tumour of the type associated with VHL but no identifiable gene mutation, and 12 with a family history giving them a 50% risk of carrying a gene mutation. Eighteen patients fulfilled two low risk criteria. All were able to comply with imaging but poor image quality (limited view of the inferior retinal far-periphery) required subsequent dilated fundoscopy in five (6%) eyes of three patients.Conclusions: Non-mydriatic ultra wide-field retinal imaging enabled satisfactory assessment in over 95% of lower-risk VHL subjects. Virtual clinics or remote imaging of lower-risk subjects may improve both the efficiency and flexibility in the provision of multi-disciplinary VHL services and the patient experience.

Disseminated Sporotrichosis in a Bilby (Macrotis lagotis)

A male bilby (Macrotis lagotis) was presented to the Murdoch University Veterinary Anatomical Pathology Service following humane destruction due to severe lethargy. The bilby was emaciated with a focal ulcerated skin lesion on the dorsal tail base. Multifocal to coalescing foci of pyogranulomatous and often necrotizing inflammation was present within multiple organs, including the tail wound, adrenal glands, kidneys, lungs, brain, testes, lymph nodes, heart, liver, spleen and salivary glands. Admixed were abundant intrahistiocytic and extracellular pleomorphic yeast (round, oval and cigar-shaped) up to 6 μm diameter, often with a thin clear halo and occasional narrow-based budding. The diagnosis of disseminated sporotrichosis was confirmed via culture and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region of the causative agent, Sporothrix schenckii sensu lato. The route of entry of infection was considered most likely to have been via cutaneous inoculation of the tail base wound. To the authors' knowledge, this report describes the first known case of sporotrichosis in a native Australian animal.

Evaluation of a theory-based concussion education program for secondary school student-athletes in Ireland

Concussion education is an important aspect of concussion prevention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a novel, theory of planned behavior (TPB)-driven concussion education program on secondary school athletes' concussion-reporting relevant cognitions immediately post-intervention and at 3 months follow-up. Data were collected from 428 secondary school athletes during the 2016-2017 academic year: 229 were assigned to an intervention group of which 59 (25.76%) completed assessments at all timepoints; 199 were assigned to a control group of which 153 (76.88%) completed assessments at all timepoints. Using repeated measures ANOVAs, we examined differences in athletes' concussion-reporting cognitions, by group and gender. The program had a significant positive effect on athletes' knowledge (P < 0.01), perceived behavioral control over concussion recognition and reporting (P < 0.01), and reporting intention (P < 0.01). These results were maintained at 3 months follow-up, with the exception of perceived behavioral control. The program did not have a significant effect on athletes' attitudes toward concussion reporting and subjective reporting norms. Results suggest that the TPB may be a useful framework to inform the development of more effective educational programs. There is a need for multi-layered interventions that aim to create sporting environments that encourage positive concussion care seeking behaviors.

Feline Respiratory Extramedullary Plasmacytoma with Lymph Node Metastasis and Intrahistiocytic Amyloid

A 14-year-old domestic longhaired cat presented with a 2-year history of nasal discharge and a recent onset of inappetence and submandibular lymphadenopathy. The cat was humanely destroyed after developing severe respiratory distress. Necropsy examination revealed thickened nasal turbinates and soft palate, and friable red–tan material within the frontal sinus, nasal cavity and nasopharynx. The lungs contained multifocal irregular friable tan nodules. Multiple lymph nodes were enlarged, friable and red–tan in colour. Histopathology revealed a mature type extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) within the frontal sinus, nasal cavity, soft palate, larynx, trachea, lungs and multiple lymph nodes. The lymph nodes and larynx also contained marked granulomatous inflammation with extensive intrahistiocytic (and lesser amounts of extracellular) lambda light chain amyloid, confirmed by electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Neoplastic cells expressed CD79a and MUM1. This is the first report of an infiltrative EMP of the feline respiratory tract with lymph node metastasis and predominantly intrahistiocytic amyloid.

A SNaPshot of potentially personalized care: Molecular diagnostics in gynecologic cancer

BACKGROUND

Genetic abnormalities underlie the development and progression of cancer, and represent potential opportunities for personalized cancer therapy in Gyn malignancies.

METHODS

We identified Gyn oncology patients at the MGH Cancer Center with tumors genotyped for a panel of mutations by SNaPshot, a CLIA approved assay, validated in lung cancer, that uses SNP genotyping in degraded DNA from FFPE tissue to identify 160 described mutations across 15 cancer genes (AKT1, APC, BRAF, CTNNB1, EGFR, ERBB2, IDH1, KIT, KRAS, MAP2KI, NOTCH1, NRAS, PIK3CA, PTEN, TP53).

RESULTS

Between 5/17/10 and 8/8/13, 249 pts consented to SNaPshot analysis. Median age 60 (29-84) yrs. Tumors were ovarian 123 (49%), uterine 74(30%), cervical 14(6%), fallopian 9(4%), primary peritoneal 13(5%), or rare 16(6%) with the incidence of testing high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) halving over time. SNaPshot was positive in 75 (30%), with 18 of these (24%) having 2 or 3 (n=5) mutations identified. TP53 mutations are most common in high-grade serous cancers yet a low detection rate (17%) was likely related to the assay. However, 4 of the 7 purely endometrioid ovarian tumors (57%) harbored a p53 mutation. Of the 38 endometrioid uterine tumors, 18 mutations (47%) in the PI3Kinase pathway were identified. Only 9 of 122 purely serous (7%) tumors across all tumor types harbored a 'drugable' mutation, compared with 20 of 45 (44%) of endometrioid tumors (p<0.0001). 17 pts subsequently enrolled on a clinical trial; all but 4 of whom had PIK3CA pathway mutations. Eight of 14 (47%) cervical tumors harbored a 'drugable' mutation.

CONCLUSION

Although SNaPshot can identify potentially important therapeutic targets, the incidence of 'drugable' targets in ovarian cancer is low. In this cohort, only 7% of subjects eventually were treated on a relevant clinical trial. Geneotyping should be used judiciously and reflect histologic subtype and available platform.

PCR-based prevalence of a fatal reovirus of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun) along the northern Atlantic coast of the USA

There is a need for more information on the relationship between diseases and fluctuations of wild populations of marine animals. In the case of Callinectes sapidus reovirus 1 (CsRV1, also known as RLV), there is a lack of baseline information on range, prevalence and outbreaks, from which to develop an understanding of population-level impacts. An RT-qPCR assay was developed that is capable of detecting 10 copies of the CsRV1 genome. In collaboration with state, federal and academic partners, blue crabs were collected from sites throughout the north-eastern United States to assess the northern range of this pathogen. In addition, archived crab samples from the Chesapeake Bay were assessed for CsRV1 by RT-qPCR and histology. PCR-based assessments indicate that CsRV1 was present at all but one site. Prevalence of CsRV1 as assessed by RT-qPCR was highly variable between locations, and CsRV1 prevalence varied between years at a given location. Mean CsRV1 prevalence as assessed by RT-qPCR was >15% each year, and peak prevalence was 79%. The wide geographic range and highly variable prevalence of CsRV1 indicate that more study is needed to understand CsRV1 dynamics and the role the virus plays in blue crab natural mortality.

External dacryocystorhinostomy in consultants and fellows - a comparison of the causes of failure

PURPOSE

Failure of primary dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) often requires revision surgery to inspect the cause of failure and re-establish anatomic patency. This study aims to specifcally compare the anatomical causes of failure noted during revision DCR of primary external DCR (EX-DCR) and compare the difference between consultants and fellows.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 37 patients who underwent revision of a primary external approach DCR over a 7-year-period in a University Hospital. All primary surgery was performed by either a consultant surgeon or senior oculoplastic fellow. Details of the initial pathology prior to primary DCR and grade of operating surgeon were collected along with perioperative surgical findings. The cause of failure of the initial surgery was classified according to perioperative findings. Failure was classified as either inappropriately sized/located ostium or fibrous/membranous soft tissue obstruction of the newly created ostium.

RESULTS

The cause of failure of the initial surgery was soft tissue obstruction in 43.3% and an inappropriately sized/located ostium in 56.7%. In those patients whose primary surgery was performed by a consultant, 73.3% were found to have a soft tissue obstruction and 26.7% were found to have an inappropriately sized/ located ostium. In contrast, if initial surgery was performed by a fellow, 22.7% were found to have a soft tissue obstruction and 77.3% an inappropriately sized/ located ostium (p =0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Where the primary surgeon has been a trainee there is a trend toward inadequately sized or located ostium being the most likely causative factor in failure of primary EX-DCR.  Hippokratia 2015; 19 (3): 216-218.

Patients' perceptions of health-related quality of life during and after adjuvant radiotherapy for T1N0M0 breast cancer

AIMS

The effects of radiotherapy on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) may influence decisions about adjuvant radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery. We sought women's ratings of HRQOL during and after radiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Women completed HRQOL measures before, during and after adjuvant radiotherapy for node-negative, hormone receptor-positive breast cancers that were less than 2 cm in size. Acute and late toxicities were rated by clinicians.

RESULTS

There were 161 participants with a median age of 58 years (range 34-82). Mean scores for most aspects of HRQOL worsened only slightly during radiotherapy and improved to baseline levels or better within a few months. The symptoms rated as most distressing were: difficulty sleeping (29%), fatigue (23%), breast discolouration (21%), uncertainty about the future (18%), feeling sad or depressed (18%), feeling anxious or worried (19%). Most rated their experience as better (39%) or much better (28%) than expected. Grade 3 toxicities were rare (5% acute, 1% late) with no grade 4 toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiotherapy was associated with transient and generally mild impairments in a few aspects of HRQOL. Concerns about adverse effects on HRQOL should not weigh heavily on decisions about adjuvant breast radiotherapy.

Intravitreal bevacizumab injection in unrecognised early pregnancy

PURPOSE

The use of intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor medications has widened considerably to include indications affecting females of reproductive age.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We present our experiences following intravitreal injection of bevacizumab during the first trimester of unrecognised pregnancies in four women.

RESULTS

All our patients were inadvertently exposed to bevacizumab within the first trimester when placental growth and fetal organogenesis take place. There were three cases of pregnancy without complication and one case of complicated pregnancy in which there was a significant past obstetric history.

CONCLUSION

This case series provides further insights into intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in early pregnancy. There is insufficient information to suggest that such use is safe, nor is there definitive evidence to suggest that it causes harm. We advise that ophthalmologists discuss pregnancy with women of childbearing age undergoing intraocular anti-VEGF injections. Should a woman become pregnant, counselling is needed to explain the potential risks and benefits, and the limited available data relating to the use of these agents in early pregnancy.

A Year of Fractures: a snapshot analysis of the logistics, problems and outcomes of a hospital-based fracture liaison service

SUMMARY

Our fracture liaison service identifies patients with low trauma fractures, determines the need for osteoporosis therapy and instigates therapy if necessary. We describe the tracking and outcome of 768 patients attending our emergency department over 1 year and discuss the problems we encountered and potential solutions.

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporotic fractures result in substantial morbidity, mortality and economic cost, and patients sustaining a first fracture are known to be at higher risk of sustaining future fracture. Treatment of at-risk patients has been shown to assist in prevention of future fracture including hip fracture. We established a "First Fracture Project" to identify and treat these patients in 2003.

METHODS

We assessed "A Year of Fractures": the logistics, outcome and problems in tracking patients presenting to our emergency department with a low trauma fracture by our fracture liaison service, over 1 year from July 2008 to June 2009. Patients were tracked by our osteoporosis nurse and offered assessment, and treatment where necessary.

RESULTS

In 1 year, 768 patients aged 50 or over were identified from emergency department records as attending with a low trauma fracture. About 84 % of patients eventually received assessment. Of the162 patients progressing through the entire process, 74 % had osteoporosis treatment planned and/or commenced.

CONCLUSIONS

Our fracture liaison service was effective at identifying most low trauma fracture patients at risk of further fracture and providing access to osteoporosis assessment. There were many difficulties: we outline logistic and practical issues in delivering our service and suggest potential improvements.

Intravenous zoledronic acid and oral alendronate in patients with a low trauma fracture: experience from an osteoporosis clinic

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Oral bisphosphonates have been shown to be effective in treating osteoporosis. However, there has been a significant problem with compliance. Newer intravenous bisphosphonates are available for osteoporosis management, but have not been compared with oral bisphosphonates in a clinical setting. The aim of this study was to compare the safety and effectiveness of intravenous zoledronic acid (ZOL) and oral alendronate (ALN) in osteoporotic patients following a low trauma fracture.

METHODS

A non-randomized, retrospective cohort study was conducted of 169 patients with a low trauma fracture and reduced bone mineral density (BMD). Patients were treated with either an infusion of 4 mg ZOL or ALN 70 mg weekly. The outcomes measured were change in BMD after 12 months of treatment with either bisphosphonate, and new osteoporotic fractures. All adverse events were documented.

RESULTS

Lumbar spine BMD (L2-L4) improved 5.6% in the ZOL group (P < 0.001) and 5.5% in the ALN group (P < 0.001). Total hip BMD improved 2% in the ZOL group (P < 0.01) and 2.5% in the ALN group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in BMD change between the groups. There were significantly more new fractures (P < 0.001) in the ZOL group (7.2%) than the ALN group (1%). The ZOL group were significantly older (P < 0.01) and had a significantly higher proportion of males (P < 0.05) at baseline. There were no serious adverse reactions in either group.

CONCLUSION

ZOL and ALN both produce a significant increase in BMD and are well tolerated in patients with osteoporotic, low trauma fractures. Yearly ZOL provides a safe, convenient alternative to weekly oral bisphosphonates.

Clinical correlates of sex steroids and gonadotropins in men over the late adulthood: the Framingham Heart Study

Low serum concentrations of sex steroids and gonadotropins in men have been associated with increased cardiometabolic risk and mortality, but the clinical correlates of these hormones in men over late adulthood are less clearly understood. We analysed up to five serial measurements of total testosterone (TT), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and total estradiol (EST) in older men in the original cohort of the Framingham Heart Study to determine the short- (2-years; 1,165 person-observations in 528 individuals) and long-term (up to 10-years follow-up; 2520 person-observations in 835 individuals with mean baseline age: 71.2 years) clinical correlates of these sex steroids and gonadotropins using multilevel modelling and Generalized Estimating Equations. Age, body mass index and pre-existing type 2 diabetes were inversely related to long-term TT concentrations, whereas higher systolic blood pressure showed a positive association. Furthermore, age and pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) were inversely associated and HDL cholesterol concentrations positively associated with long-term DHEAS concentrations respectively. Analyses of short-term changes revealed age was inversely related to DHEAS, but positively related to FSH and LH concentrations. Our community-based study identified modifiable correlates of decreasing TT and DHEAS concentrations in elderly men, suggesting that maintenance of a low CVD risk factor burden may mitigate the age-related decline of these hormones over the late adulthood.

A selective and potent CXCR3 antagonist SCH 546738 attenuates the development of autoimmune diseases and delays graft rejection

BACKGROUND

The CXCR3 receptor and its three interferon-inducible ligands (CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11) have been implicated as playing a central role in directing a Th1 inflammatory response. Recent studies strongly support that the CXCR3 receptor is a very attractive therapeutic target for treating autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis, and to prevent transplant rejection. We describe here the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterizations of a novel and potent small molecule CXCR3 antagonist, SCH 546738.

RESULTS

In this study, we evaluated in vitro pharmacological properties of SCH 546738 by radioligand receptor binding and human activated T cell chemotaxis assays. In vivo efficacy of SCH 546738 was determined by mouse collagen-induced arthritis, rat and mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and rat cardiac transplantation models. We show that SCH 546738 binds to human CXCR3 with a high affinity of 0.4 nM. In addition, SCH 546738 displaces radiolabeled CXCL10 and CXCL11 from human CXCR3 with IC50 ranging from 0.8 to 2.2 nM in a non-competitive manner. SCH 546738 potently and specifically inhibits CXCR3-mediated chemotaxis in human activated T cells with IC90 about 10 nM. SCH 546738 attenuates the disease development in mouse collagen-induced arthritis model. SCH 546738 also significantly reduces disease severity in rat and mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis models. Furthermore, SCH 546738 alone achieves dose-dependent prolongation of rat cardiac allograft survival. Most significantly, SCH 546738 in combination with CsA supports permanent engraftment.

CONCLUSIONS

SCH 546738 is a novel, potent and non-competitive small molecule CXCR3 antagonist. It is efficacious in multiple preclinical disease models. These results demonstrate that therapy with CXCR3 antagonists may serve as a new strategy for treatment of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, and to prevent transplant rejection.

A selective and potent CXCR3 antagonist SCH 546738 attenuates the development of autoimmune diseases and delays graft rejection

BACKGROUND

The CXCR3 receptor and its three interferon-inducible ligands (CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11) have been implicated as playing a central role in directing a Th1 inflammatory response. Recent studies strongly support that the CXCR3 receptor is a very attractive therapeutic target for treating autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis, and to prevent transplant rejection. We describe here the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterizations of a novel and potent small molecule CXCR3 antagonist, SCH 546738.

RESULTS

In this study, we evaluated in vitro pharmacological properties of SCH 546738 by radioligand receptor binding and human activated T cell chemotaxis assays. In vivo efficacy of SCH 546738 was determined by mouse collagen-induced arthritis, rat and mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and rat cardiac transplantation models. We show that SCH 546738 binds to human CXCR3 with a high affinity of 0.4 nM. In addition, SCH 546738 displaces radiolabeled CXCL10 and CXCL11 from human CXCR3 with IC50 ranging from 0.8 to 2.2 nM in a non-competitive manner. SCH 546738 potently and specifically inhibits CXCR3-mediated chemotaxis in human activated T cells with IC90 about 10 nM. SCH 546738 attenuates the disease development in mouse collagen-induced arthritis model. SCH 546738 also significantly reduces disease severity in rat and mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis models. Furthermore, SCH 546738 alone achieves dose-dependent prolongation of rat cardiac allograft survival. Most significantly, SCH 546738 in combination with CsA supports permanent engraftment.

CONCLUSIONS

SCH 546738 is a novel, potent and non-competitive small molecule CXCR3 antagonist. It is efficacious in multiple preclinical disease models. These results demonstrate that therapy with CXCR3 antagonists may serve as a new strategy for treatment of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, and to prevent transplant rejection.

Vaginal progesterone reduces the rate of preterm birth in women with a sonographic short cervix: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Women with a sonographic short cervix in the mid-trimester are at increased risk for preterm delivery. This study was undertaken to determine the efficacy and safety of using micronized vaginal progesterone gel to reduce the risk of preterm birth and associated neonatal complications in women with a sonographic short cervix.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled asymptomatic women with a singleton pregnancy and a sonographic short cervix (10-20 mm) at 19 + 0 to 23 + 6 weeks of gestation. Women were allocated randomly to receive vaginal progesterone gel or placebo daily starting from 20 to 23 + 6 weeks until 36 + 6 weeks, rupture of membranes or delivery, whichever occurred first. Randomization sequence was stratified by center and history of a previous preterm birth. The primary endpoint was preterm birth before 33 weeks of gestation. Analysis was by intention to treat.

RESULTS

Of 465 women randomized, seven were lost to follow-up and 458 (vaginal progesterone gel, n=235; placebo, n=223) were included in the analysis. Women allocated to receive vaginal progesterone had a lower rate of preterm birth before 33 weeks than did those allocated to placebo (8.9% (n=21) vs 16.1% (n=36); relative risk (RR), 0.55; 95% CI, 0.33-0.92; P=0.02). The effect remained significant after adjustment for covariables (adjusted RR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.31-0.91; P=0.02). Vaginal progesterone was also associated with a significant reduction in the rate of preterm birth before 28 weeks (5.1% vs 10.3%; RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.25-0.97; P=0.04) and 35 weeks (14.5% vs 23.3%; RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.42-0.92; P=0.02), respiratory distress syndrome (3.0% vs 7.6%; RR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.17-0.92; P=0.03), any neonatal morbidity or mortality event (7.7% vs 13.5%; RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.33-0.99; P=0.04) and birth weight < 1500 g (6.4% (15/234) vs 13.6% (30/220); RR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.26-0.85; P=0.01). There were no differences in the incidence of treatment-related adverse events between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of vaginal progesterone gel to women with a sonographic short cervix in the mid-trimester is associated with a 45% reduction in the rate of preterm birth before 33 weeks of gestation and with improved neonatal outcome.

The effect of acute and chronic exercise on thyroid hormones in obesity

Thyroid hormones were measured before, during and after acute exercise (60 min) or physical training (3 months) in obese women. Thyroid stimulating hormone concentration increased during acute work and decreased immediately after. No changes were seen during the two following days. An increase was seen after ten days as well as after three months of physical training. Thyroxine concentrations showed no changes. 3,5,3'-Triiodothyronine decreased slightly immediately after acute exercise, and after three months of physical training, 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (reverse triiodothyronine) increased slowly during and after acute exercise. A negative correlation was found between changes in fasting insulin and thyroxine and a positive correlation between changes in blood pressure and triiodothyronine after training. Lack of agreement in previous reports is probably due to methodological differences such as methods more or less susceptible to fatty acid interference, and thyroid hormones changing differently during acute work and before and after physical training. The duration of the study may also be of importance, even 3 months possibly being too short for attaining equilibrium in thyroid homeostasis.

Substitution treatment of injecting opioid users for prevention of HIV infection

BACKGROUND

Injecting drug users are vulnerable to infection with HIV and other blood borne viruses as a result of collective use of injecting equipment as well as sexual behaviour.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of oral substitution treatment for opioid dependent injecting drug users on rates of HIV infections, and high risk behaviours.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO to March 2007. We also searched reference lists of articles, reviews and conference abstracts

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies were required to consider the incidence of risk behaviours, or the incidence of HIV infection related to substitution treatment of opioid dependence. All types of original studies were considered. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

One reviewer extracted data from included studies, assessed quality and confirmed decisions by consulting with all other reviewers.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirty-three studies, involving 10,400 participants, were included. The majority were not randomised controlled studies and there were problems of confounding and bias. The studies varied in several aspects limiting the extent of quantitative analysis. Studies consistently show that oral substitution treatment for opioid-dependent injecting drug users is associated with statistically significant reductions in illicit opioid use, injecting use and sharing of injecting equipment. It is also associated with reductions in the proportion of injecting drug users reporting multiple sex partners or exchanges of sex for drugs or money, but has little effect on condom use. It appears that the reductions in risk behaviours related to drug use do translate into reductions in cases of HIV infection.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Oral substitution treatment for injecting opioid users reduces drug-related behaviours with a high risk of HIV transmission, but has less effect on sex-related risk behaviours. The lack of data from randomised controlled studies limits the strength of the evidence presented in this review.

Long-term adjustment of early-stage ovarian cancer survivors

The objectives of this study were to describe the quality of life (QOL), consequences of treatment, complementary therapy use, and factors correlating with psychologic state in 58 survivors of early-stage ovarian cancer since little is known about the QOL of early-stage ovarian cancer survivors. Survivors were interviewed using standardized measures to assess physical, psychologic, social, and sexual functioning; impact of cancer on socioeconomic status; and complementary therapy use. Survivors reported good physical QOL scores and few unmet needs. However, menopausal symptoms and negative impact on sexuality were reported. Less than 10% of survivors reported either an interest in sex or were sexually active. Psychologic assessment yielded a subset of 26% of patients with scores suggestive of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 40% of survivors scored below the norm on the Mental Health Inventory-17 Survey. One third of patients required treatment for family/personal problems and took antianxiety medications. About 56% of survivors reported fear of cancer recurrence and 59% reported anxiety when their CA125 is tested. Better mental health was significantly related to less fatigue (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy [FACT]-fatigue, r = 0.61, P < 0.0001), less pain (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer [EORTC], r =-0.54, P < 0.0001), fewer stressful life events (Life Event Scale, r =-0.44, P > 0.001), and greater social support (MOS Social Support Survey, r = 0.41, P < 0.01). Early-stage ovarian cancer survivors had few physical complaints and unmet needs, but psychologic distress was evident in a subset of survivors; the majority of survivors reported sexual dysfunction. These results indicate the need for intervention and improved distress screening in the early-stage ovarian cancer population.

First Fracture Project: addressing the osteoporosis care gap

Patients sustaining a low-trauma fracture are at greater risk of subsequent fracture, but as a group are poorly managed. We report the development of our 'First Fracture Project', in which we attempt to assess all patients over 50 years of age with a low-trauma fracture attending orthopaedic fracture clinics and treat osteopenia and osteoporosis. We found that the First Fracture Project has greatly increased our success in improving delivery of osteoporosis care to appropriate at-risk patients.

Murine CXCR1 is a functional receptor for GCP-2/CXCL6 and interleukin-8/CXCL8

Functional interleuin-8 (IL-8) receptors (IL-8RA and IL-8RB: CXCR1 and CXCR2, respectively) have been described in human, monkey, dog, rabbit, and guinea pig. Although three IL-8R homologues have been found in rat, only one of these, rat CXCR2, appears to be functional based on responsiveness to ligands. Similarly, CXC chemokines induce biological responses through the murine homolog of CXCR2, but the identification of functional rodent CXCR1 homologues has remained elusive. We have identified and characterized the mouse CXCR1 homologue (mCXCR1). Murine CXCR1 shares 68 and 88% amino acid identity with its human and rat counterparts, respectively. Similar to the tissue distribution pattern of rat CXCR1, we found murine CXCR1 mRNA expression predominantly in lung, stomach, bone marrow, and leukocyte-rich tissues. In contrast to previous reports, we determined that mCXCR1 is a functional receptor. We show predominant engagement of this receptor by mouse GCP-2/CXCL6, human GCP-2, and IL-8/CXCL8 by binding, stimulation of GTPgammaS exchange, and chemotaxis of mCXCR1-transfected cells. Furthermore, murine CXCR1 is not responsive to the human CXCR2 ligands ENA-78/CXCL5, NAP-2/CXCL7, GRO-alpha, -beta, -gamma/CXCL1-3, or rat CINC-1-3. In addition, we show concomitant elevation of mCXCR1 and its proposed major ligand, GCP-2, positively correlated with paw swelling in murine collagen-induced arthritis. This report represents the first description of a functional CXCR1-like receptor in rodents.

Long-term impact of chemotherapy on early stage ovarian cancer patients

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Background: Quality of life (QOL) assessments in early stage (stage I and II) ovarian cancer survivors (CS) are limited and have to date not focused on CS who have received adjuvant platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy (CT). Methods: 55 early stage ovarian patients (pts) were identified from patient logs from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital. 54 pts. received CT. QOL and long-term medical sequelae were measured in pts who were > 3 years from diagnosis and had no evidence of recurrent cancer. Pts were interviewed by phone, and the following surveys were administered: EORTC QLQ-C30 (EORTC) and QLQ-OV28 (OV-28), MHI-17, CALGB sexual functioning, GOG Neuropathy, FACT Fatigue, Beck’s Hopelessness, Fear of Recurrence (FOR), Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), PCL-C post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Unmet Needs, FACT-Spirituality (FACT-Sp), complementary therapy use, and MOS Social Support (MOS). Results: 55 pts were interviewed (mean age 58 yrs, range 34 to 77 yrs). Mean time between diagnosis and interview was 5.6 yrs. CS reported significantly higher MHI-17 scores than the population norm, and higher MHI-17 scores were associated with better overall QOL (EORTC, r = 0.57, p < 0.0001), increased social support (MOS, r = 0.54, p < 0.0001), and better marital relationships (DAS, r = 0.42, p < 0.001). Sexual problems (1.57 out of 6) and unmet needs (1.5 out of 14) were minimal. FOR was correlated with lowered overall QOL (EORTC, r = −0.63, p < 0.0001), increased abdominal symptoms (OV-28 abdominal scale, r = 0.48, p < 0.0002), increased hopelessness (Beck’s, r = 0.46, p < 0.0005), and increased spirituality (FACT-Sp, r = −0.57, p < 0.0001). CS were using 5.4 complementary therapies for QOL purposes and 5.8 for cancer treatment. Minimal negative socioeconomic impact was observed in CS (0.16 out of 4). However, 12.5% of pts had scores indicative of a diagnosis of PTSD. Conclusions: Long-term QOL follow-up of early stage ovarian cancer survivors demonstrated minimal long-term symptoms, excellent mental health, minimal unmet needs, and minimal socioeconomic impact.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Utility of osteopontin as a biomarker in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

Osteopontin (OPN) is overexpressed in tumors and serum of ovarian cancer patients and may serve as a biomarker. To evaluate the utility of serum osteopontin in monitoring disease status, we evaluated 234 serum samples from post-oophorectomy patients with ovarian cancer and 38 samples from healthy controls.

METHODS

Serum samples were collected from 203 women with recurrent ovarian cancer and 31 newly diagnosed women participating in an experimental chemotherapeutic clinical trial. Controls included 11 young healthy women and 27 peri- or postmenopausal women without ovarian cancer. Samples were assayed for osteopontin using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Statistical analyses for group comparisons of biomarker distribution used the nonparametric Wilcoxon's rank sum test for two-group comparisons and the Kruskal-Wallis test for three-group comparisons.

RESULTS

Osteopontin values ranged from 25 to 1463 ng/ml for patients and 25 to 617 ng/ml for controls. Mean patient levels were lower than mean control levels (74 ng/ml vs. 147 ng/ml, respectively, P = 0.0006). Serum osteopontin levels correlated with recurrent disease versus remission (68 ng/ml vs. 34 ng/ml, P = 0.0034), presence of ascites versus absence (71 ng/ml vs. 53 ng/ml, P = 0.0002), and bulky disease vs. nonbulky disease (75 ng/ml vs. 38 ng/ml, P = 0.0005). CA-125 values yielded the same trends with greater statistical difference.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that serum osteopontin concentrations in post-oophorectomy patients with recurrent ovarian cancer are not greater than in healthy controls. Nevertheless, within this heterogeneous patient population, the values do correlate with bulk of disease. The potential utility of this assay in monitoring women with CA-125 negative disease is worthy of exploration.

An adaptation of the Framingham coronary heart disease risk function to European Mediterranean areas

AIM

To determine whether the Framingham function accurately predicts the 10 year risk of coronary disease and to adapt this predictive method to the characteristics of a Spanish population.

METHOD AND RESULTS

A Framingham function for predicting 10 year coronary deaths and non-fatal myocardial infarction was applied to the population of the province of Gerona, Spain, where the cumulated incidence rate of myocardial infarction has been determined since 1988 by a specific registry. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in this region of Spain was established in 1995 by a cross sectional study on a representative sample of 1748 people. The number of cases estimated by the Framingham function for 10 year coronary deaths and non-fatal myocardial infarction was compared with that observed. The Framingham function estimated 2425 coronary heart disease cases in women and 1181 were observed. In men, 9919 were estimated and 3706 were observed. Recalibrating the Framingham equations to the event rate and the prevalence of the risk factors in Gerona led to estimates very close to the number of cases observed in Gerona men and women.

CONCLUSIONS

The Framingham function estimates more than doubled the actual risk of coronary disease observed in north east Spain. After calibration, the Framingham function became an effective method of estimating the risk in this region with low coronary heart disease incidence.