A comprehensive MRI investigation to identify potential biomarkers of Osgood Schlatter disease in adolescents: A cross sectional study comparing Osgood Schlatter disease with controls

BACKGROUND

Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is the most common knee pain complaint among adolescents playing sports. Despite this, there remains controversy over the pathophysiology and whether specific anatomical characteristics are associated with OSD.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to systematically and comprehensively characterize adolescents with OSD using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to pain-free controls, including both tissue abnormalities that may be associated with OSD, as well as anatomical characteristics. A secondary objective was to identify potential imaging biomarkers associated with pain.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Adolescents with OSD and controls were recruited from 2020 to 2022. Following a clinical exam, demographics, pain, sports participation, and Tanner stage were collected. Knee MRI was conducted on the participants' most symptomatic knee (OSD) or the dominant leg (controls).

RESULTS

Sixty-seven adolescents (46 with OSD and 30 controls) were included. 80% of participants with OSD had at least one tissue alteration compared to 54% of controls. Compared to controls, OSD had 36.3 (95%CI 4.5 to 289.7) higher odds of bony oedema at the tibial tuberosity, and 32.7 (95%CI 4.1 to 260.6) and 5.3 (95%CI 0.6 to 46.2) higher odds of bony oedema at the  tibial epiphysis and metaphysis respectively. Participants with OSD also had higher odds of fluid/oedema at the patellar tendon (12.3 95%CI 3.3 to 46.6), and superficial infrapatellar bursitis (7.2).  Participants with OSD had a more proximal tendon attachment (mean tibial attachment portion difference, -0.05, 95% CI: -0.1 to 0.0, p = 0.02), tendon thickness (proximal mean difference, -0.09, 95% CI: -0.4 to 0.2, p = 0.04; distal mean difference, -0.6, 95% CI: -0.9 to -0.2, p = 0.01). Those with bony/tendon oedema had 1.8 points (95% CI: 0.3 to 3.2) higher pain on palpation than those without (t = -2.5, df = 26.6, p = 0.019), but there was no difference between these groups in a functional single leg pain provocation.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents with OSD present with tissue and structural abnormalities on MRI that differed from age-matched controls. The majority had findings in the patellar tendon and bone, which often co-occurred. However, a small proportion of OSD also presents without alterations. It appears these findings may be associated with clinical OSD-related pain on palpation of the tibial tuberosity.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Our highlight the pathophysiology on imaging, which has implications for understanding the mechanism and treatment of OSD.

Multiorgan MRI findings after hospitalisation with COVID-19 in the UK (C-MORE): a prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The multiorgan impact of moderate to severe coronavirus infections in the post-acute phase is still poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the excess burden of multiorgan abnormalities after hospitalisation with COVID-19, evaluate their determinants, and explore associations with patient-related outcome measures.

METHODS

In a prospective, UK-wide, multicentre MRI follow-up study (C-MORE), adults (aged ≥18 years) discharged from hospital following COVID-19 who were included in Tier 2 of the Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 study (PHOSP-COVID) and contemporary controls with no evidence of previous COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibody negative) underwent multiorgan MRI (lungs, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys) with quantitative and qualitative assessment of images and clinical adjudication when relevant. Individuals with end-stage renal failure or contraindications to MRI were excluded. Participants also underwent detailed recording of symptoms, and physiological and biochemical tests. The primary outcome was the excess burden of multiorgan abnormalities (two or more organs) relative to controls, with further adjustments for potential confounders. The C-MORE study is ongoing and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04510025.

FINDINGS

Of 2710 participants in Tier 2 of PHOSP-COVID, 531 were recruited across 13 UK-wide C-MORE sites. After exclusions, 259 C-MORE patients (mean age 57 years [SD 12]; 158 [61%] male and 101 [39%] female) who were discharged from hospital with PCR-confirmed or clinically diagnosed COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and Nov 1, 2021, and 52 non-COVID-19 controls from the community (mean age 49 years [SD 14]; 30 [58%] male and 22 [42%] female) were included in the analysis. Patients were assessed at a median of 5·0 months (IQR 4·2-6·3) after hospital discharge. Compared with non-COVID-19 controls, patients were older, living with more obesity, and had more comorbidities. Multiorgan abnormalities on MRI were more frequent in patients than in controls (157 [61%] of 259 vs 14 [27%] of 52; p<0·0001) and independently associated with COVID-19 status (odds ratio [OR] 2·9 [95% CI 1·5-5·8]; padjusted=0·0023) after adjusting for relevant confounders. Compared with controls, patients were more likely to have MRI evidence of lung abnormalities (p=0·0001; parenchymal abnormalities), brain abnormalities (p<0·0001; more white matter hyperintensities and regional brain volume reduction), and kidney abnormalities (p=0·014; lower medullary T1 and loss of corticomedullary differentiation), whereas cardiac and liver MRI abnormalities were similar between patients and controls. Patients with multiorgan abnormalities were older (difference in mean age 7 years [95% CI 4-10]; mean age of 59·8 years [SD 11·7] with multiorgan abnormalities vs mean age of 52·8 years [11·9] without multiorgan abnormalities; p<0·0001), more likely to have three or more comorbidities (OR 2·47 [1·32-4·82]; padjusted=0·0059), and more likely to have a more severe acute infection (acute CRP >5mg/L, OR 3·55 [1·23-11·88]; padjusted=0·025) than those without multiorgan abnormalities. Presence of lung MRI abnormalities was associated with a two-fold higher risk of chest tightness, and multiorgan MRI abnormalities were associated with severe and very severe persistent physical and mental health impairment (PHOSP-COVID symptom clusters) after hospitalisation.

INTERPRETATION

After hospitalisation for COVID-19, people are at risk of multiorgan abnormalities in the medium term. Our findings emphasise the need for proactive multidisciplinary care pathways, with the potential for imaging to guide surveillance frequency and therapeutic stratification.

FUNDING

UK Research and Innovation and National Institute for Health Research.

Lyme Disease General Practice Sentinel Scheme

BACKGROUND

Lyme Disease (LD) is a multisystem zoonosis with uncertain epidemiology. It may be increasing in rural hotspots. GP datasets are weakened by coding and definitions. Public and climate concerns have raised awareness of LD.

AIM

Improving diagnostic coding, UK Lyme Disease incidence and distribution. Behavioural risk factors for public health policy.

METHOD

Education modules for 35 general practices from Orkney to Southampton.Remote installation of software providing decision support, case definitions, pictures, coding, prescribing guidelines. Questionnaire on tick exposure and removal methods. Anonymous data extraction.Data on tick bite body location, age, place of exposure, attachment time, removal methods, leisure pursuits and occupation to guide public health policy.GP data capture and coding from hospital, A&E and OOH (out of hours) records.Erythema Migrans (EM) is a clinical diagnosis without serological testing. Rash photographs establish a data bank of disease expression in age groups, ethnicity, and skin types.

RESULTS

There were 69 cases reported in the pilot period (September to December 2021), 52% diagnosed EM following a definite tick bite. Tick attachment time showed a majority > 24 hours, with home tweezers, fingernails often used for removal, with both associated with higher disease transmission.Analysis of pilot data suggested a Lyme Disease incidence of 94/100 000 with the inclusion of EM. This compares to a serologically confirmed incidence of 38.2/100 000 in 2019 in Highland Region.

CONCLUSION

Early data suggests that the Lyme Disease General Practice Sentinel Scheme has improved case ascertainment, epidemiology, and risk factor understanding.

Bi-allelic variants in WNT7B disrupt the development of multiple organs in humans

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypoplasia, Diaphragmatic anomalies, Anophthalmia/microphthalmia and Cardiac defects delineate the PDAC syndrome. We aim to identify the cause of PDAC syndrome in patients who do not carry pathogenic variants in RARB and STRA6, which have been previously associated with this disorder.

METHODS

We sequenced the exome of patients with unexplained PDAC syndrome and performed functional validation of candidate variants.

RESULTS

We identified bi-allelic variants in WNT7B in fetuses with PDAC syndrome from two unrelated families. In one family, the fetus was homozygous for the c.292C>T (p.(Arg98*)) variant whereas the fetuses from the other family were compound heterozygous for the variants c.225C>G (p.(Tyr75*)) and c.562G>A (p.(Gly188Ser)). Finally, a molecular autopsy by proxy in a consanguineous couple that lost two babies due to lung hypoplasia revealed that both parents carry the p.(Arg98*) variant. Using a WNT signalling canonical luciferase assay, we demonstrated that the identified variants are deleterious. In addition, we found that wnt7bb mutant zebrafish display a defect of the swimbladder, an air-filled organ that is a structural homolog of the mammalian lung, suggesting that the function of WNT7B has been conserved during evolution for the development of these structures.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that defective WNT7B function underlies a form of lung hypoplasia that is associated with the PDAC syndrome, and provide evidence for involvement of the WNT-β-catenin pathway in human lung, tracheal, ocular, cardiac, and renal development.

ENGAGING A DIVERSE PATIENT AND CARE PARTNER COUNCIL TO REFINE DEMENTIA CARE DIGITAL HEALTH TOOLS

Digital health tools have potential to reduce health disparities for persons with dementia and their family care partners (i.e., dementia dyads). We aimed to promote digital health equity through engaging stakeholders to identify priorities and suggestions for refinements to digital health tools. We convened a council, “Memory Research Partners in Caring and Technology” comprised of three dementia dyads, two care partners, and 10 community members with experience as research partners. The council met six times over seven months. Methods of engagement included: a) delivering preparatory educational materials and hosting guest speakers; b) World Café participatory methods and small group discussions using Google jamboards; and c) individual consultations with partners for additional input. Data was analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis and member checking with research partners. We evaluated engagement methods with a research partner survey and analyzed responses using descriptive statistics. Research partners identified key priorities for equitable refinement of digital health tools, including: 1) Communicating with dementia dyads based on their preferences; 2) Creating user-friendly patient portals; 3) Ensuring digital health tools offer dementia dyads convenience; 4) Providing technology supports; and 5) Facilitating connection to community resources. Stakeholder feedback regarding project engagement indicated majority strongly agreed their input was accurately heard (69%); communication and scheduling was accommodating (77%); they contributed to the research project (69%); and they gained new knowledge on digital tools (54%) and dementia (85%). Research partner insights and ongoing member checking will inform future next steps towards improving dementia care coordination and communication using digital tools.

Clinical characteristics with inflammation profiling of long COVID and association with 1-year recovery following hospitalisation in the UK: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

No effective pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions exist for patients with long COVID. We aimed to describe recovery 1 year after hospital discharge for COVID-19, identify factors associated with patient-perceived recovery, and identify potential therapeutic targets by describing the underlying inflammatory profiles of the previously described recovery clusters at 5 months after hospital discharge.

METHODS

The Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 study (PHOSP-COVID) is a prospective, longitudinal cohort study recruiting adults (aged ≥18 years) discharged from hospital with COVID-19 across the UK. Recovery was assessed using patient-reported outcome measures, physical performance, and organ function at 5 months and 1 year after hospital discharge, and stratified by both patient-perceived recovery and recovery cluster. Hierarchical logistic regression modelling was performed for patient-perceived recovery at 1 year. Cluster analysis was done using the clustering large applications k-medoids approach using clinical outcomes at 5 months. Inflammatory protein profiling was analysed from plasma at the 5-month visit. This study is registered on the ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN10980107, and recruitment is ongoing.

FINDINGS

2320 participants discharged from hospital between March 7, 2020, and April 18, 2021, were assessed at 5 months after discharge and 807 (32·7%) participants completed both the 5-month and 1-year visits. 279 (35·6%) of these 807 patients were women and 505 (64·4%) were men, with a mean age of 58·7 (SD 12·5) years, and 224 (27·8%) had received invasive mechanical ventilation (WHO class 7-9). The proportion of patients reporting full recovery was unchanged between 5 months (501 [25·5%] of 1965) and 1 year (232 [28·9%] of 804). Factors associated with being less likely to report full recovery at 1 year were female sex (odds ratio 0·68 [95% CI 0·46-0·99]), obesity (0·50 [0·34-0·74]) and invasive mechanical ventilation (0·42 [0·23-0·76]). Cluster analysis (n=1636) corroborated the previously reported four clusters: very severe, severe, moderate with cognitive impairment, and mild, relating to the severity of physical health, mental health, and cognitive impairment at 5 months. We found increased inflammatory mediators of tissue damage and repair in both the very severe and the moderate with cognitive impairment clusters compared with the mild cluster, including IL-6 concentration, which was increased in both comparisons (n=626 participants). We found a substantial deficit in median EQ-5D-5L utility index from before COVID-19 (retrospective assessment; 0·88 [IQR 0·74-1·00]), at 5 months (0·74 [0·64-0·88]) to 1 year (0·75 [0·62-0·88]), with minimal improvements across all outcome measures at 1 year after discharge in the whole cohort and within each of the four clusters.

INTERPRETATION

The sequelae of a hospital admission with COVID-19 were substantial 1 year after discharge across a range of health domains, with the minority in our cohort feeling fully recovered. Patient-perceived health-related quality of life was reduced at 1 year compared with before hospital admission. Systematic inflammation and obesity are potential treatable traits that warrant further investigation in clinical trials.

FUNDING

UK Research and Innovation and National Institute for Health Research.

OP0084 CENTRAL MECHANISMS TRAIT PREDICTS PERSISTENT KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN AT 24-MONTHS: DATA FROM THE OSTEOARTHRITIS INITIATIVE

Background:

In the UK, 10% of men and 18% of women over the age of 60 suffer from symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA), and rising. OA knee pain can worsen without significant radiographic changes and pain remains a major problem for up to 20% of patients after total knee joint replacement. Chronic knee OA pain is augmented by central pain mechanisms, including central sensitisation. Measures of the level of central involvement in pain could inform clinical decision making. Self-report characteristics of depression, anxiety, cognitive difficulties, catastrophizing, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and widespread pain distribution together contribute to a Central Mechanisms Trait which is associated with central sensitisation and OA knee pain

Objectives:

Using self-report questionnaire data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative Cohort Study (OAI) we aimed to evaluate the prognostic performance of baseline CMT for pain at 24-months.

Methods:

OAI participants with knee OA or at risk of knee OA with pain in the same knee at both index time point (48-months) and one year prior to that date were included (n=1984). Knee pain was measured using the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain sub-scale, by reference to the index knee (the knee with the highest WOMAC pain sub-scale score at baseline). Questionnaire items were selected to assess the 7 available characteristics identified by Akin-Akinyosoye et al.[1], from which a single CMT factor was calculated by confirmatory factor analysis. Anxiety, fatigue and cognitive difficulties were assessed by single items, depression and sleep disturbance represented by multiple items, and catastrophising by using the Coping Strategies Questionnaire – Catastrophising sub-scale. Pain distribution was defined as a sum of other painful joints at or below the hip. A CMT factor was derived from the 7 characteristics using confirmatory factor analysis. The association between the CMT factor score and 24-month pain (adjusted for baseline pain, radiographic OA (Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) scale) and demographic confounders) was investigated using generalised linear regression with a negative binomial link function.

Results:

At baseline, participants had a mean (SD) age 65(9) years, a BMI 29.6(5.1) kg/m2, 60% were female, 19.8% were African American, KL score was 1.92(1.35) indicating that the majority of the cohort had radiographic OA. Model diagnostics informed the CMT model, with the final model having an RMSEA of 0.073 (90%CI 0.070-0.076). Data were consistent with a single factor model for CMT. In the multivariable model, higher baseline CMT scores were significantly associated with 24-month WOMAC pain scores, with or without adjustment for baseline pain and other covariates, including KL score (multivariable model; std beta=0.173 (SE=0.027), p=0.004). Association of baseline CMT was of similar strength, and over and above association of KL score with 24-month pain (std beta=0.164 (SE=0.038), p=<0.001). Adjusted regression coefficients and associated p-values are shown in Table 1.

Table 1.

Adjusted regression coefficients for analysed variables against WOMAC pain at 24-months

VariablesStd beta (SE)PSex-0.096 (0.101)0.344Age, y-0.001 (0.006)0.881BMI, kg/m20.017 (0.010)0.088Index Knee Kellgren-Lawrence Score0.164 (0.038)<0.001CMT Factor Score0.173 (0.060)0.004Baseline Pain0.857 (0.035)<0.001

n=1421, rows in bold indicate significant association (p<0.05), associations adjusted for race and ethnicity

Conclusion:

CMT predicts worse pain prognosis with a similar magnitude to radiographic OA even after adjustment for other factors. A self-report tool which included items relevant to the characteristics included in the CMT may help to select people with OA knee pain with unfavourable pain prognosis. Poor outcomes related to central pain mechanisms or to joint structural damage might be amenable to treatments addressing central or peripheral pain mechanisms respectively.

References:

[1]Akin-Akinyosoye et al., PAIN, 2018. 159(6): p. 1035-1044.

Acknowledgements:

This abstract was prepared using an Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) public use data set and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the OAI investigators, the NIH, or the private funding partners. The authors wish to thank the participants, principal investigators, co-investigators and staff of all the hospitals who have contributed data to the OAI. The OAI is a public-private partnership comprised of five contracts (N01-AR-2-2258; N01-AR-2-2259; N01-AR-2-2260; N01-AR-2-2261; N01-AR-2-2262) funded by the National Institutes of Health, a branch of the Department of Health and Human Services, and conducted by the OAI Study Investigators. Private funding partners include Merck Research Laboratories; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, GlaxoSmithKline; and Pfizer, Inc. Private sector funding for the OAI is managed by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health.

Disclosure of Interests:

Samuel Holden: None declared, Daniel McWilliams Grant/research support from: Pfizer and Eli Lilly, Stephanie Smith: None declared, David Walsh Consultant of: Pfizer, Eli Lilly, AbbVie and GlaxoSmithKline, Grant/research support from: Pfizer and Eli Lilly

Neural correlates of daily function: A pilot study of the white matter retrogenesis hypothesis and three separate performance-based functional assessments

OBJECTIVE

Increasing evidence points to mild alterations in everyday functioning early in the course of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), despite prior research suggesting functional declines occur primarily in later stages. However, daily function assessment is typically accomplished with subjective self- or informant-report, which can be prone to error due to various factors. Performance-based functional assessments (PBFAs) allow for objective evaluation of daily function abilities, but little is known on their sensitivity to the earliest ADRD-related brain alterations. We aimed to determine the neural correlates of three different PBFAs in a pilot study.

METHOD

A total of 40 older participants (age = 70.9 ± 6.5 years; education = 17.0 ± 2.6 years; 51.5% female; 10.0% non-White; 67.5% cognitively normal) completed standardized PBFAs related to medication management (MM), finances (FIN), and communication abilities (COM). Participants underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scans, from which mean fractional anisotropy (FA) composite scores of late- (LMF) and early myelinated (EMF) fibers were calculated. Linear regression analyses controlling for age and global cognition were used to assess the relationship of PBFAs with FA.

RESULTS

Better performance on MM was associated with higher mean FA on LMF composite (t38 = 2.231, p = .032), while FIN and COM were not (ps > .05). PBFAs were not associated with EMF (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary findings demonstrate better performance on a PBFA of medication management is associated with higher FA in late-myelinated white matter tracts. Despite a small sample size, these results are consistent with growing evidence that performance-based functional assessments may be a useful tool in identifying early changes related to ADRD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Early drain removal does not increase the rate of surgical site infections following an open transversus abdominis release

PURPOSE

Intraoperative drain placement during an open transversus abdominis release (TAR) is common practice. However, evidence detailing the optimal timing of drain removal is lacking. Surgical dogma teaches that drains should remain in place until output is minimal. This practice increases the risk of drain-associated complications (infection, pain, and skin irritation) and prolongs the burden of surgical drain maintenance. The objective of this study is to review infectious outcomes following TAR with early or late drain removal.

METHODS

Patients who underwent an open bilateral TAR from 1/2018 to 1/2020 were eligible for the study. Prior to 2019, one of the two intraoperative drains was left in place at discharge. In 2019, clinical practice shifted to remove both drains at hospital discharge irrespective of output. The rate of infectious morbidity was compared between the two cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 184 patients were included: 89 late and 95 early drain removal. No differences in wound complications existed between the two cohorts: surgical site occurrence (SSO): 21.3% vs. 18.9% (p = 0.68); surgical site infection (SSI): 14.6% vs. 10.5% (p = 0.40); abscess: 8.9% vs. 4.2% (p = 0.20); seroma: 6.7% vs. 10.5% (p = 0.36); cellulitis: 14.6% vs. 8.4% (p = 0.19%); or SSO requiring procedural intervention (SSOPI): 5.6% vs. 5.2% (p = 0.92). Rates of antibiotic prescription and 30-day readmission were also similar (p = 0.69 and p = 0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

Early removal of abdominal wall surgical drains at discharge irrespective of drain output does not increase the prevalence of infectious morbidity following TAR. It is likely safe to remove all drains at discharge regardless of drain output.

Lewy Body Dementia Association's Research Centers of Excellence Program: Inaugural Meeting Proceedings

The first Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) Research Centers of Excellence (RCOE) Investigator’s meeting was held on December 14, 2017, in New Orleans. The program was established to increase patient access to clinical experts on Lewy body dementia (LBD), which includes dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), and to create a clinical trials-ready network. Four working groups (WG) were created to pursue the LBDA RCOE aims: (1) increase access to high-quality clinical care, (2) increase access to support for people living with LBD and their caregivers, (3) increase knowledge of LBD among medical and allied (or other) professionals, and (4) create infrastructure for a clinical trials-ready network as well as resources to advance the study of new therapeutics.

Transparency in the eye region of an ostracod carapace ( Macrocypridina castanea, Myodocopida)

Many myodocopid ostracods are unusual in that they have well-developed compound eyes yet must view their environment through a shell. The cypridinid Macrocypridina castanea is relatively large among ostracods (about 5-10 mm) and is a pelagic predator. This species possess highly pigmented shells with a transparent region lying just above the eye. Here we examine the ultrastructure and transparency of this window using electron microscopy, serial-block face scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis and optical modelling. An internal, laminar stack was identified within the window region of the shell that formed a more regular half-wave reflector than in non-window regions, and where the distance between molecules in the chitin-protein fibrils decreases as compared to the non-window area. This results in excellent transmission properties-at around 99% transmission-for wavelengths between 350 and 630 nm due to its half-wave reflector organization. Therefore, blue light, common in the mid and deep sea, where this species inhabits, would be near-optimally transmitted as a consequence of the sub-micrometre structuring of the shell, thus optimizing the ostracod's vision. Further, pore canals were identified in the shell that may secrete substances to prevent microbial growth, and subsequently maintain transparency, on the shell surface. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology'.

The effect of dietary supplementation of algae rich in docosahexaenoic acid on boar fertility

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of dietary supplementation of a commercial algal product rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on boar fertility as assessed in vitro and in vivo. Boars were fed one of three experimental diets for 19 weeks: (i) Control (Ctl) diet (n = 31), (ii) Ctl diet plus 75g All-G-Rich per day (n = 31) or (iii) Ctl diet plus 150g All-G-Rich per day (n = 30). Parameters assessed were (i) raw semen quality; volume, sperm concentration, total motility and morphology (ii) liquid semen quality; progressive motility, viability, hypotonic resistance and acrosomal integrity (iii) frozen-thawed semen quality; motility, thermal stress, viability, membrane fluidity and mitochondrial activity (iv) sperm and seminal plasma (SP) fatty acid composition (FAC) (v) total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of SP and (vi) farrowing rates and litter sizes of sows (n = 1158) inseminated with liquid semen. Boars consuming 75g All-G-Rich had a larger semen volume (P < 0.05) and a higher total sperm number (P < 0.01) than the Ctl treatment, however, there was no effect of treatment on any other semen quality parameter (P > 0.05). There was no effect of dietary treatment on the FAC and TAC of SP or on farrowing rate and litter size (P > 0.05). There was an effect of dietary treatment on the FAC of sperm, represented by an 1.72 and 1.60 fold increase in the DHA content for 75 and 150g treatments, respectively, compared to the Ctl treatment. In conclusion, a significant increase in semen volume and total sperm number in boars supplemented 75g All-G-Rich daily, resulted in an increase in production of 3 to 4 more doses per ejaculate, thus, indicating that the feeding regime described within this study has the potential for increasing the output of boar studs.

Large-scale discovery of novel genetic causes of developmental disorders

Despite three decades of successful, predominantly phenotype-driven discovery of the genetic causes of monogenic disorders, up to half of children with severe developmental disorders of probable genetic origin remain without a genetic diagnosis. Particularly challenging are those disorders rare enough to have eluded recognition as a discrete clinical entity, those with highly variable clinical manifestations, and those that are difficult to distinguish from other, very similar, disorders. Here we demonstrate the power of using an unbiased genotype-driven approach to identify subsets of patients with similar disorders. By studying 1,133 children with severe, undiagnosed developmental disorders, and their parents, using a combination of exome sequencing and array-based detection of chromosomal rearrangements, we discovered 12 novel genes associated with developmental disorders. These newly implicated genes increase by 10% (from 28% to 31%) the proportion of children that could be diagnosed. Clustering of missense mutations in six of these newly implicated genes suggests that normal development is being perturbed by an activating or dominant-negative mechanism. Our findings demonstrate the value of adopting a comprehensive strategy, both genome-wide and nationwide, to elucidate the underlying causes of rare genetic disorders.

Diagnosing PD-MCI by MDS Task Force criteria: how many and which neuropsychological tests?

BACKGROUND

The optimal properties of a comprehensive (level II) neuropsychological battery for determining Parkinson's disease mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) by Movement Disorder Society (MDS) Task Force criteria remain unresolved.

METHODS

Seventy-six nondemented PD patients underwent PD-MCI classification using a consensus diagnosis and level II criteria. We examined the optimal number of tests in each of the five designated cognitive domains, identified the best tests within each domain, and determined the best overall battery for PD-MCI level II diagnosis.

RESULTS

A battery with two tests per domain provided a highly practical, robust diagnostic assessment. Level II testing with the two best tests and impairment defined as 2 standard deviations below norms was highly sensitive and specific for PD-MCI diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings strongly support the MDS Task Force Level II testing recommendations, provide a framework for creating an optimal, efficient neuropsychological test battery for PD-MCI diagnosis, and offer specific test recommendations.

Development of a pseudo/anonymised primary care research database: Proof-of-concept study

General practice records present a comprehensive source of data that could form a variety of anonymised or pseudonymised research databases to aid identification of potential research participants regardless of location. A proof-of-concept study was undertaken to extract data from general practice systems in 15 practices across the region to form pseudo and anonymised research data sets. Two feasibility studies and a disease surveillance study compared numbers of potential study participants and accuracy of disease prevalence, respectively. There was a marked reduction in screening time and increase in numbers of potential study participants identified with the research repository compared with conventional methods. Accurate disease prevalence was established and enhanced with the addition of selective text mining. This study confirms the potential for development of national anonymised research database from general practice records in addition to improving data collection for local or national audits and epidemiological projects.

Treatment of psychosis and dementia in Parkinson's disease

OPINION STATEMENT

Parkinson's disease (PD) has been increasingly recognized as having a multitude of nonmotor symptoms including psychosis, cognitive impairment and dementia, mood disturbances, fatigue, apathy, and sleep disorders. Psychosis and dementia, in particular, greatly affect quality of life for both patients and caregivers and are associated with poor outcomes. Safe and effective treatment options for psychosis and dementia in PD are much needed. Antipsychotics with dopamine-blocking properties can worsen parkinsonian motor features and have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in elderly, dementia patients. For treating PD psychosis, a first step would be eliminating confounding variables, such as delirium, infections, or toxic-metabolic imbalances, followed by simplifying parkinsonian medications as tolerated. If additional treatment is warranted after such interventions, clozapine or quetiapine can be implemented at the low dose levels typically needed by PD patients. Although quetiapine is easy-to-use in clinical settings, does not require blood count monitoring like clozapine, and is anecdotally beneficial, it remains "investigational" in evidence-based medicine reviews. Though not currently available, the novel 5-HT2a inverse agonist, pimavanserin has shown promise in the treatment of PD psychosis. Current treatments for PD dementia are mostly derived from those utilized in Alzheimer's disease, focusing mainly on cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, a NMDA receptor antagonist. Rivastigmine, the only Food and Drug Administration approved medication for PD dementia, is a reasonable first choice. Other cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine have not yet achieved recommendation status in evidence-based medicine reviews but are well tolerated in studies of PD dementia patients. At present, there are no approved treatments for mild cognitive impairment in PD, but rasagiline, a selective MAO-B inhibitor, and atomoxetine, a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, have been recently studied. Nonpharmacological interventions, including cognitive therapy, physical activity, music and art therapy, and noninvasive brain stimulation techniques, may be promising options for PD cognitive impairment but await rigorous study.

Defining optimal cutoff scores for cognitive impairment using Movement Disorder Society Task Force criteria for mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease

The recently proposed Movement Disorder Society (MDS) Task Force diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD-MCI) represent a first step toward a uniform definition of PD-MCI across multiple clinical and research settings. However, several questions regarding specific criteria remain unanswered, including optimal cutoff scores by which to define impairment on neuropsychological tests. Seventy-six non-demented PD patients underwent comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and were classified as PD-MCI or PD with normal cognition (PD-NC). The concordance of PD-MCI diagnosis by MDS Task Force Level II criteria (comprehensive assessment), using a range of standard deviation (SD) cutoff scores, was compared with our consensus diagnosis of PD-MCI or PD-NC. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were examined for each cutoff score. PD-MCI subtype classification and distribution of cognitive domains impaired were evaluated. Concordance for PD-MCI diagnosis was greatest for defining impairment on neuropsychological tests using a 2 SD cutoff score below appropriate norms. This cutoff also provided the best discriminatory properties for separating PD-MCI from PD-NC compared with other cutoff scores. With the MDS PD-MCI criteria, multiple domain impairment was more frequent than single domain impairment, with predominant executive function, memory, and visuospatial function deficits. Application of the MDS Task Force PD-MCI Level II diagnostic criteria demonstrates good sensitivity and specificity at a 2 SD cutoff score. The predominance of multiple domain impairment in PD-MCI with the Level II criteria suggests not only influences of testing abnormality requirements, but also the widespread nature of cognitive deficits within PD-MCI.

Genotypes and phenotypes of 162 families with a glomulin mutation

A decade ago, we identified a novel gene, glomulin (GLMN) in which mutations cause glomuvenous malformations (GVMs). GVMs are bluish-purple cutaneous vascular lesions with characteristic glomus cells in the walls of distended venous channels. The discovery of the genetic basis for GVMs allowed the definition of clinical features to distinguish GVMs from other venous anomalies. The variation in phenotype was also highlighted: from a single punctate blue dot to a large plaque-like lesion. In this study, we screened GLMN in a large cohort of patients to broaden the spectrum of mutations, define their frequency and search for possible genotype-phenotype correlations. Taking into account 6 families published by others, a mutation in GLMN has been found in 162 families. This represents 40 different mutations; the most frequent one being present in almost 45% of them. Expressivity varies largely, without a genotype/phenotype relationship. Among 381 individuals with a mutation, we discovered 37 unaffected carriers, implying a penetrance of 90%. As nonpenetrant individuals may transmit the disease to their descendants, knowledge on the mutational status is needed for appropriate genetic counseling.

Etanidazole as a modulator of combined modality therapy in the rat 9l-gliosarcoma

The use of chemotherapy has led to improved treatment outcome for some pediatric patients with medulloblastoma. We have used a pre-radiation chemotherapy regimen consisting of vincristine and CDDP. The 9L gliosarcoma implanted intracranially and subcutaneously in the same animals was used as a preclinical model system to assess the efficacy of treatment combinations including: vincristine, CDDP, cyclo-phosphamide, etanidazole and radiation. The experimental endpoints were percent increase-in-lifespan, tumor growth delay and tumor cell survival. Both the tumor growth delay and percent increase-in-lifespan improved as the number of agents included in the chemotherapy regimen increased. so that the chemotherapy regimen including all four agents (ETA/VIN/CDDP/CTX) resulted in the greatest tumor growth delay (23.6 +/- 1.5 days) and the greatest increase-in-lifespan (35.8%). When radiation (20 Gray, single dose) was added to the treatment regimens the combinations of ETA/CTX/X-ray and ETA/VIN/CDDP/CTX/X-ray resulted in equivalent tumor growth delays (25.2 +/- 1.3 days and 25.8 +/- 1.7 days, respectively), while the greatest increase-in-lifespan (39.1%) was obtained with the five agent combination. The response of the 9L gliosarcoma to CDDP and cyclophosphamide over a dosage range was very similar to that of the murine FSaII fibrosarcoma. Our results indicate that etanidazole may be an effective chemosensitizer of combination chemotherapy and combined modality treatment regimens for brain tumors.

A solid phase extraction-liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of concentrations of GDC-0941, a small molecule class I phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase inhibitor, to support clinical development

A solid phase extraction (SPE) liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination of GDC-0941 concentrations in human plasma has been developed and validated to support clinical development. An Oasis MCX 10mg 96-well SPE plate was used to extract plasma samples (50 μL) and the resulting extracts were analyzed using reverse-phase chromatography and mass spectrometer coupled with a turbo-ionspray interface. The method was validated over the calibration curve range 0.500-500 ng/mL with linear regression and 1/x(2) weighting. Within-run relative standard deviation (%RSD) ranged from 1.5 to 11.5%, while the between-run %RSD varied from 0.0 to 4.4%. The accuracy ranged from 96.0% to 110.0% of nominal for within-run and 98.0% to 108.0% of nominal for between-run at all concentrations including the LLOQ quality control at 0.500 ng/mL. Extraction recovery of GDC-0941 was between 79.0% and 86.2%. Stability of GDC-0941 was established in human plasma for 602 days at -70 °C and 598 days at -20°C, respectively, and established in reconstituted sample extracts for 167 h when stored at room temperature. Internal standard normalized matrix factor was 1.1, demonstrating that the use of the stable-labeled internal standard GDC-0941-d(8) effectively compensated observed matrix effect and resulting in no adverse impact on the quality of the data produced. This assay was used for the determination of GDC-0941 human plasma concentrations over a sufficient time period to determine pharmacokinetic parameters at relevant clinical doses.

What are the clinical and radiological characteristics of spinal injuries from physical abuse: a systematic review

AIM

Systematic review of 'What are the clinical and radiological characteristics of inflicted spinal injury?'

METHODS

Literature search of 20 electronic databases, websites, references and bibliographies (1950-2009) using selected keywords. Critical appraisal: by two trained reviewers, (a third review, if discrepant).

INCLUSION CRITERIA

primary studies of inflicted spinal injury in children <18 years, alive at presentation, with a high surety of diagnosis of abuse and sufficient detail to analyse.

RESULTS

19 studies of 25 children were included. Twelve children (median age 5 months) had cervical injury. In seven cases, the clinical signs of spinal injury were masked by respiratory symptoms and impaired levels of consciousness; six of these children had coexistent inflicted head trauma. Twelve children had thoraco-lumbar injury (median age 13.5 months), 10/12 had lesions at T11-L2, and 9/12 had fracture dislocations. All children had focal signs: 10/12 had lumbar kyphosis or thoraco-lumbar swelling, and two had focal neurology. One child had cervical, thoracic and sacral injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal injury is a potentially devastating inflicted injury in infants and young children. The published evidence base is limited. However, this case series leads us to recommend that any clinical or radiological indication of spinal injury warrants an MRI. In children undergoing brain MRI for abusive head trauma, consideration should be given to including an MRI of the spine. All skeletal surveys in children with suspected abuse should include lateral views of the cervical and thoraco-lumbar spine. Further prospective comparative studies would define the discriminating features of inflicted spinal injuries.

Assessment of the biological and pharmacological effects of the ανβ3 and ανβ5 integrin receptor antagonist, cilengitide (EMD 121974), in patients with advanced solid tumors

BACKGROUND

Cilengitide, an antiangiogenic agent that inhibits the binding of integrins alpha(nu)beta(3) and alpha(nu)beta(5) to the extracellular matrix, was studied at two dose levels in cancer patients to determine the optimal biological dose.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The doses of cilengitide were 600 or 1200 mg/m(2) as a 1-h infusion twice weekly every 28 days. A novel dose escalation scheme was utilized that relied upon the biological activity rate.

RESULTS

Twenty patients received 50 courses of cilengitide with no dose-limiting toxic effects. The pharmacokinetic (PK) profile revealed a short elimination half-life of 4 h, supporting twice weekly dosing. Of the six soluble angiogenic molecules assessed, only E-selectin increased significantly from baseline. Analysis of tumor microvessel density and gene expression was not informative due to intrapatient tumor heterogeneity. Although several patients with evaluable tumor biopsy pairs did reveal posttreatment increases in tumor and endothelial cell apoptosis, these results did not reach statistical significance due to the aforementioned heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

Cilengitide is a well-tolerated antiangiogenic agent. The biomarkers chosen in this study underscore the difficulty in assessing the biological activity of antiangiogenic agents in the absence of validated biological assays.

A phase I study of trastuzumab-MCC-DM1 (T-DM1), a first-in-class HER2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in patients (pts) with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (BC)

1042

Background: ADCs utilize tumor-specific and/or over-expressed surface antigens that undergo internalization to deliver highly potent anti-tumor agents via linkage to antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). T-DM1 contains the humanized anti-HER2 MoAb trastuzumab (T) previously demonstrated to prolong survival in HER2+ BC to which a highly potent antimicrotubule drug (DM1) derived from maytansine has been chemically linked. Maytansine has been studied as a free drug with responses noted in breast and lung cancer pts; principal adverse events (AEs) were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and neuropathy. The MCC linker employed in T-DM1 provides a stable bond between T and DM1 that is designed to prolong exposure and reduce the toxicity of T-DM1 while maintaining activity; T-DM1 is the first ADC with an MCC linker in clinical trials. T-DM1 has activity in T-resistant HER2+ BC xenografts; its principal preclinical toxicities were reversible transaminase elevations, reversible decreases in platelets, and neuropathy. Methods: This ongoing first-in-human phase I study is evaluating the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of T-DM1 given IV q3 weeks to pts with HER2+ metastatic BC who have progressed on a T-containing regimen. Results: Seven pts (median age 58 (range 47–70); all PS 0–1; median number prior chemo regimens 6 (range 5–11)) have received 24 doses of T-DM1 at 5 dose levels (0.3–4.8 mg/kg). Related grade (gr) 1–2 AEs include elevations in hepatic transaminases (2 pts), fatigue (2 pts), anemia (1 pt), and thrombocytopenia (TCP, 1 pt). Related gr 3–4 AEs have been limited to rapidly reversible gr 4 TCP at 4.8 mg/kg (1 pt). There has been no cardiac toxicity. Consistent with preclinical modeling, dose dependent decrease in clearance was observed for T-DM1 across dose levels. One pt at 2.4 mg/kg has maintained an ongoing partial response for 6 cycles. Conclusions: At these initial doses, gr =2 AEs related to T-DM1 have been infrequent and manageable; gr 4 (dose-limiting) rapidly reversible TCP was seen at 4.8 mg/kg. T-DM1 PK is consistent with q3-week dosing. Objective tumor response has been observed. Enrollment is ongoing to determine the maximum tolerated dose of q3-week T-DM1.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Biomarkers and obesity in surgically treated patients with prostate cancer

14536

Background: Obesity is associated with poor outcomes in prostate cancer (PC). We explored if biomarkers for proliferation and estrogen signaling relate to obesity and surgical outcomes in PC patients (pts) treated by radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods: Pts with RP at a single institution between 1993 and 2002 were reviewed (1156 pts). The analysis subset included pts with full preoperative staging and anthropometric variables (541 pts). Clinical variables examined included: age, PSA, pre-operative hemoglobin (Hgb), ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI). Surgical outcomes included: estimated blood loss (EBL), Gleason score ≥ 7 (GS >7), extra-capsular extension (ECE), positive margins (MR+), and pathologic stage (pT2 vs. pT3/T4). Biomarkers examined in a convenience subset (n = 61) included proliferation index (Ki67% in cancer cells) and ERα positivity (nuclei staining ≥5% in cancer or peri-tumoral stromal cells). Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. A step-wise logistic regression analysis was used to determine odds ratio (OR) in relation to obesity. Results: Mean ± standard deviation for pre-operative data included: age 62.7 ± 7.5 yrs; PSA 8.4 ± 6.8 ng/dl; Hgb 13.6 ± 1.8 g/dl; and BMI 26.5 ± 3.8 kg/m2. Pt reported ethnicities included: white (432 pts), Black/African-American (69 pts), Asian/Pacific Islander (20 pts), Hispanic (16 pts). BMI correlated highly with race (Kruskal-Wallis p = 0.002) and weakly with EBL (Spearman 0.11, p = 0.009) and Hgb (Spearman 0.15, p = 0.002). No correlation was observed between obesity and Gleason score. Regression models showed obesity was independently associated with ECE (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2–5.3) and pT3/T4 (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0–3.3). Biomarker analysis showed Ki67% correlated with GS >7, (Spearman 0.25, p = 0.048), but not BMI. No ERα positivity was noted in cancer cells. Stromal ERα positivity was noted in 21/30=70% of non-obese and 15/31=48% of obese pts (Fisher’s exact test p = 0.12). Conclusion: We confirm the association between obesity, ethnicity, and poor surgical outcomes. Biomarker analysis shows that obesity has no effect on proliferation index or tumor grade. However, we observe a trend towards down-regulation of stromal ERα expression in obese patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase I combination study of trabectedin (T) and capecitabine (C) in patients with advanced malignancies

2079

Background: T binds to the minor groove of DNA, synergizes with functional nuclease excision repair and targets inducible transcription. T is active in several tumor types and exhibits preclinical synergy with C. The primary objective of this study is to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of T in combination with C. Secondary objectives include safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses. Methods: Pts with advanced cancer, performance status 0–1 and adequate organ function are eligible. Pts received T starting at 0.4 mg/m2 over 3 hours on day 1 followed by C on days 2 through 15. The initial dose of C was 2000 mg/m2/day and was reduced to 1600 mg/m2/day due to GI dose-limiting toxicity. Dose escalation of T continued. Cycles are repeated every 3 weeks, with PK sampling included. Standard “3+3” dose escalation design, definitions of dose limiting toxicity (DLT), and dose modification for toxicity are implemented. Results: To date, 30 patients have received 112 cycles (range 1–12, median 4) of treatment at 7 dose levels. Two of 3 pts at dose level 4 (C 2000 mg/m2/d and T 0.9 mg/m2) and 2/6 pts at dose level 3 (C 2000 mg/m2/d and T 0.75 mg/ m2) developed gastrointestinal DLT (emesis, diarrhea, pancreatitis). C was subsequently reduced to 1600 mg/m2/d and a new T dose escalation was initiated at 0.6 mg/m2. Treatment has been well tolerated with C 1600 mg/m2/d and T up to the current dose of 0.9 mg/m2 (dose level 4a), with 1of 6 subjects experiencing grade 1 alkaline phosphatase. The most frequently reported related grade 3–4 adverse events (AEs) are diarrhea (23%), neutropenia (20%), nausea (16.6%), hand-foot syndrome (16.6%) and vomiting (13%). Anti-tumor activity to date includes a confirmed partial response lasting 8 months (m) in a patient with cholangiocarcinoma, and prolonged stable disease in 2 patients with breast cancer (6 and 7m), ovarian cancer (11m) and chondrosarcoma (9m). Conclusions: The combination of C 1600mg/m2/d and T up to 0.9mg/m2 is tolerable and has promising activity in several tumor types. Dose escalation of T continues at 1.1 mg/m2. Biologic and pharmacokinetic analyses will be presented.

[Table: see text]

A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of BAY59: a novel taxane

PURPOSE

To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), the dose limiting toxicities (DLT) and the pharmacokinetics of BAY59, a novel taxane given as a 1-hour intravenous infusion every 3 weeks in patients with advanced refractory solid tumors.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Initially, 15 patients with previously treated (median of 4 prior chemotherapy regimens) refractory cancers, but with normal marrow, hepatic and renal function were treated with BAY59 at doses of 15, 30, 50, 75 and 100 mg/m2 using a standard dose escalation design. Subsequently, 11 patients were treated, 5 at 90 mg/m2 and 6 who had had prior oxaliplatin at 75 mg/m2.

RESULTS

At 75 mg/m2, grade 4 neutropenia was noted in 2/6 patients, of whom 1 had grade 4 neutropenia lasting more than 5 days (DLT). At 100 mg/m2, 2/2 patients had febrile neutropenia, with 1 fatality. At 90 mg/m2, 2/5 patients had DLTs, including grade 3 neuropathy, severe lower extremity pain, dehydration and grade 4 neutropenia. The MTD was determined to be 75 mg/m2. A cohort of 6 patients, previously exposed to oxaliplatin, were enrolled at the MTD to evaluate the incidence of neurotoxicity. While DLTs (grade 3 arthralgia, grade 4 neutropenia) were noted in 3/6 patients, there was no increase in the incidence of neurotoxicity. There were no responses. Pharmacokinetics of BAY59 was linear over the doses studied, with a median terminal half-life of 21 h.

CONCLUSIONS

The recommended phase II dose for BAY59 is 75 mg/m2.

The effectiveness of community-based animal health workers, for the poor, for communities and for public safety

The development of community animal health (CAH) is an invaluable tool for addressing a series of challenges, particularly for the policy-maker, whose prime concern is public welfare. This paper examines three of the major challenges which confront governments, particularly the governments of less-developed countries, namely, the collapse of government services, the crucial issue of poverty reduction and the misuse of animal drugs. Although CAH is a potentially powerful tool for approaching all of these problems, the authors argue that CAH can only be fully exploited on a macroscopic level by developing strong institutions to support and regulate such community initiatives. In some countries, developing such institutions depends upon accepting the more fundamental and controversial principle of legalising non-professional animal health service providers who work within the private sector. In Section 1, the authors outline the three principal challenges which face governments, particularly in developing countries, and to which CAH offers a potential solution. Sections 2 to 4 investigate the evidence relating to each of these challenges in turn. Section 5 briefly draws on the lessons that have been generated by field experiences over the years, to propose how governments may develop CAH systems to their best advantage.