Measurement of the ^{13}C(α, n_{0})^{16}O Differential Cross Section from 0.8 to 6.5 MeV

The cross section of the ^{13}C(α,n)^{16}O reaction is needed for nuclear astrophysics and applications to a precision of 10% or better, yet inconsistencies among 50 years of experimental studies currently lead to an uncertainty of ≈15%. Using a state-of-the-art neutron detection array, we have performed a high resolution differential cross section study covering a broad energy range. These measurements result in a dramatic improvement in the extrapolation of the cross section to stellar energies potentially reducing the uncertainty to ≈5% and resolving long standing discrepancies in higher energy data.

Anatomical tilt lateral wrist X-ray - Not always 22°

INTRODUCTION

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) with volar locking plates are commonly used to manage distal radial fractures. The anatomical tilt lateral (ATL) wrist X-ray is often required for evaluation of intra-articular screw penetration due to the screw position. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between the tube angulation given by performing radiographers for the ATL projection and the post-examination measurement of radial inclination (RI) on the Posterior Anterior (PA) wrist image.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed for 36 patients. A standardised method developed by Kreder et al. (1996) was used to measure the RI on the PA wrist image. All ATL images sent into Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) have the tube angulation applied annotated on the image. Pearson's correlation was used to analyse the co-relationship between the RI and the tube angle applied for ATL projection.

RESULTS

The average angle of RI measured by the four observers was 19. Normality of 0.385 was established. A positive correlation (p = 0.792) between the RI and the tube angle applied for ATL was found.

CONCLUSION

Our study found a strong positive correlation between the tube angulation applied by performing radiographers for the ATL projection and the post-examination RI measured on the PA wrist image by the independent reviewers. This suggests that radiographers can use the measured RI to apply the tube angulation when performing the ATL wrist X-ray, instead of estimating the tube angulation to be applied.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Using the measured RI to apply the tube angulation when performing the ATL wrist X-ray will ensure a more reliable and reproducible way that could reduce the number of repeated images and, thus, unnecessary radiation dose to patients.

[Associations of genetic variations in pyroptosis related genes with acute adverse events in postoperative rectal cancer patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy]

Objective: This study aims to investigate the associations between genetic variations of pyroptosis pathway related key genes and adverse events (AEs) of postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with rectal cancer. Methods: DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood which was collected from 347 patients before CRT. Sequenom MassARRAY was used to detect the genotypes of 43 haplotype-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (htSNPs) in eight pyroptosis genes, including absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), caspase-1 (CASP1), caspase-4(CASP4), caspase-5 (CASP5), caspase-11 (CASP11), gasdermin D (GSDMD), gasdermin E (GSDME) and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3). The associations between 43 htSNPs and AEs were evaluated by the odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by unconditional logistic regression models, adjusted for sex, age, clinical stage, tumor grade, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), surgical procedure, and tumor location. Results: Among the 347 patients with rectal cancer underwent concurrent CRT with capecitabine after surgery, a total of 101(29.1%) occurred grade ≥ 2 leukopenia. rs11226565 (OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.21-0.79, P=0.008), rs579408(OR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.03-2.29, P=0.034) and rs543923 (OR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.41-0.98, P=0.040) were significantly associated with the occurrence of grade ≥ 2 leukopenia. One hundred and fifty-six (45.0%) had grade ≥ 2 diarrhea, two SNPs were significantly associated with the occurrence of grade ≥ diarrhea, including CASP11 rs10880868 (OR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.33-0.91, P=0.020) and GSDME rs2954558 (OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.01-2.31, P=0.050). In addition, sixty-six cases (19.0%) developed grade ≥2 dermatitis, three SNPs that significantly associated with the risk of grade ≥2 dermatitis included GSDME rs2237314 (OR=0.36, 95% CI: 0.16-0.83, P=0.017), GSDME rs12540919 (OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.27-0.99, P=0.045) and NLRP3 rs3806268 (OR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.03-2.22, P=0.037). There was no significant difference in the association between other genetic variations and AEs of rectal cancer patients (all P>0.05). Surgical procedure and tumor location had great impacts on the occurrence of grade ≥2 diarrhea and dermatitis (all P<0.01). Conclusion: The genetic variants of CASP4, CASP11, GSDME and NLRP3 are associated with the occurrence of AEs in patients with rectal cancer who received postoperative CRT, suggesting they may be potential genetic markers in predicting the grade of AEs to achieve individualized treatment of rectal cancer.

Clinical effect of unilateral balloon infusion of low dose bone cement in PKP for osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures in the elderly

OBJECTIVE

The study was undertaken to determine the clinical effectiveness of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) with unilateral balloon infusion of low dose of bone cement for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) in the elderly.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out. A total of 36 patients with OVCFs treated by PKP from August 2019 and August 2020 were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to the amount of bone cement infused into the vertebral body. The amount of cement in conventional-dose group was 3.5-6.0 mL and the amount of cement in small-dose group was 1.8-3.0 mL. Pain relief before and after the operation were evaluated, and the leakage of bone cement in the two groups was also observed.

RESULTS

Two groups of patients have obtained a good clinical efficacy. Pain has significant differences before and after the operation (p < 0.05). More importantly, compared with conventional-dose group, small-dose group has lower bone cement leakage rate (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PKP with small-dose bone cement infusion can obtain the same clinical effects of conventional-dose, but the incidence of bone cement leakage is lower and safe.

747 THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF HYPERKALAEMIA IN MEDICAL AND ELDERLY CARE INPATIENTS AT A DISTRICT GENERAL HOSPITAL

Introduction

Severe hyperkalaemia is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition. Despite this knowledge, the incidence of hyperkalaemia in hospital inpatients remains high. On review of the acute management of hyperkalaemia at Croydon University Hospital, only 50% of medical and elderly care inpatients were managed correctly in line with hospital guidelines, and 50% of surveyed doctors did not feel confident managing acute hyperkalaemia—highlighting an urgent requirement for improvement. The project objectives were to improve management in line with hospital guidelines, overall prescription accuracy and the confidence of junior doctors in managing acute hyperkalaemia.

Methods

Two PDSA cycles; cycle one involved teaching sessions to doctors and the creation and circulation of information posters. Cycle two involved the development and implementation of a new electronic order prescription set for the management of acute hyperkalaemia.

Results

Post-intervention results showed an improvement in the correct management of hyperkalaemia from 50% to 80%. Prescription accuracy improved from 90% to 100%. Doctors reported an improvement in their overall confidence from 50% to 64%. Sub-group analysis identified no post-intervention improvement in the correct management of hyperkalaemia in care of the elderly (COTE, &gt;80 years) patients. COTE patients were also less likely to be managed correctly (45% vs 57%) and to have accurate prescriptions (71% vs 100%). However, prescription accuracy did improve in the COTE group (50% to 100%).

Conclusion

This project achieved its initial objectives. However, COTE patients were less likely to be managed correctly. This may be secondary to being more complex patients, having multiple co-morbidities or significant polypharmacy, which may further contribute to hyperkalaemia. Doctors may feel less confident suspending or modifying medications in these cases and seek input from specialist teams prior to doing so. Future interventions will focus on delivering teaching sessions on hyperkalaemia in complex cases to improve confidence and understanding.

POS0879 CLINICAL FEATURES, PROGNOSTIC FACTORS, AND OUTCOME OF ANTI-MDA5 POSITIVE DERMATOMYOSITIS WITH RAPIDLY PROGRESSIVE INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE: A MULTICENTER STUDY OF 238 PATIENTS

Background:

Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 positive dermatomyositis (anti-MDA5+ DM) is typically amyopathic and associated with a life-threatening, therapy-resistant, rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD).

Objectives:

The present study aims to characterize the prognostic factors and long-term outcome of MDA5+ DM -associated RP-ILD.

Methods:

A multicenter retrospective study was performed across ten tertiary hospitals in China between January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019.

Results:

A total of 238 patients (170 women) with MDA5+ DM enrolled into this retrospective clinical study. The mean age was 53.0 ± 12.2 years. The median follow-up duration was 6.3 ± 12.2 months. Of those 238 anti-MDA5+ patients, ILD is commonly observed in 213 patients, and RP-ILD occurred in 35.29% (84/213) of these patients (RP-ILD defined as progressive dyspnea occurs within 1 month after the onset of respiratory symptoms, and chest radiography or pulmonary function test show progressive interstitial abnormalities). The mortality rate of RP-ILD patients within the 6 months was 58.3% (49/84) in our cohort. Death peaked the first three months after diagnosis, occupying 84.8% (39/46) of died RP-ILD patients. Cox univariate proportional hazard analysis showed that age, gender, disease duration, abnormal laboratory features (LDH, CK, ESR and CRP), anti-Ro52 autoantibody and anti-MDA5 grade were related to the risk of occurrence of RP-ILD in patients with MDA5+ DM. The Cox proportional hazards model identified the disease duration [odds ratio (OR) 0.81 (95% CI 0.68, 0.96), P=0.016] as a protective factor, and anti-Ro52 autoantibody [OR 5.82 (95% CI 1.72, 19.73), P=0.005] as independent risk factors for the occurrence of RP-ILD in MDA5+ DM patients. The 6-month all-cause mortality rate of RP-ILD patients was 58.3% (49/84).

Conclusion:

Combined with anti-Ro52 in Myositis-specific antibodies was associated with the occurrence and long-term mortality in MDA5+ DM -associated RP-ILD patients. The results suggest poor overall survival among patients with MDA5+ DM -associated RP-ILD. Survival during the first 6 months is crucial for long-term survival. Early recognition and prompt treatment of this high-risk group of MDA5+ DM -associated RP-ILD patients are therefore important.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0002 PI16 REPRESSES FOXP3 EXPRESSION IN T REGULATORY CELLS AND EXACERBATES AUTOIMMUNE ARTHRITIS VIA INHIBITING THE K48-LINKED POLYUBIQUITIN DEGRADATION OF BMI-1

Background:

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an essential role in maintaining self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. Abnormalities in the quantity or function of Treg cells are believed in RA patients, contributing to the inability to suppress autoimmunity and proinflammatory cytokines. Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) is a crucial transcription factor for the development and differentiation of Tregs. How Tregs lose Foxp3 expression under inflammatory milieu remains largely unknown. Peptidase inhibitor 16 (PI16) is a member of the CAP (Cysteine-rich secretory proteins, Antigen 5, and Pathogenesis-related 1) protein family and its function are largely poor understood. In a genome-wide expression profiling study for identifying human Foxp3 target genes revealed PI16 was expressed on the cell surface of >80% of resting human CD25+ Foxp3+ Tregs. In the inflamed joint of juvenile idiopathic arthritis revealed a low number of PI16+ Tregs but high number of Th17 cells. However, little is known the function role of PI16 on Tregs or on RA development.

Objectives:

To investigate the role of peptidase inhibitor 16 (PI16) on the key T regulatory (Tregs) cells transcription factor Foxp3 expression and on the development of autoimmune arthritis.

Methods:

The expression of PI16 in blood, synovial fluid, inflamed joints were examined in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and in arthritic mice. Arthritis symptom, histological features and Foxp3 expression in PI16 transgenic (PI16Tg) arthritic mice were examined. Posttranslational mechanisms on PI16-mediated Foxp3 expression were analyzed. The specific role PI16 on Foxp3 expression was validated in conditional knockout (KO) mice.

Results:

The expression of PI16 was significantly increased in PBMC, serum, synovial tissue from RA patients or arthritic mice compared with controls. PI16Tg arthritic mice exhibited obvious inflammation, synovial hyperplasia and articular cartilage destruction in the joints compared with those in wild-type mice (WT) arthritic mice.

Foxp3 is downregulated in splenic T cells and synovial tissue from PI16Tg arthritic mice. Naïve T cells derived from PI16Tg arthritic mice showed the decreased capacity to differentiate into Tregs. Polycomb-group (PcG) proteins complex molecule of Bmi-1 was significant increase in Tregs and joint tissue from PI16Tg arthritic mice. A direct interaction between 1-95AA domains of PI16 and 169 and 436 domains of Bmi-1 in Tregs promoter was observed. The binding of PI16 with Bmi-1 in the Foxp3 promoter inhibit the K48-linked polyubiquitin degradation of Bmi-1 at lysine site 72 and 153 region, which prompts the repressive histone modification of H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub, and inhibits the active histone modification of H3K4me3. Furthermore, conditional knockout of PI16 in Tregs retarded Foxp3 loss and blunted disease progression in experimental arthritis.

Conclusion:

PI16 represses Foxp3 expression by mediating histone modification via inhibiting K48-linked polyubiquitin degradation of Bmi-1 in Foxp3 promoter, contributing to disease progression in arthritic mice.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

POS0398 ADIPONECTIN INDUCES SYNOVIAL ANGIOGENESIS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS THROUGH METABOLIC REMODELING

Background:

Our team have previously reported that Adiponectin correlates well with synovial inflammation and progressive bone erosion in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Angiogenesis is another important part, which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of RA.

Objectives:

We hypothesized that adiponectin induces synovial angiogenesis in RA.

Methods:

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) was used to screen cellular changes in local knee joint of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) after intraarticularly injected of adiponectin. Chimera models of synovium-cartilage-NOD/SCID mice, matrigel plug assay and rat aortic ring assay were performed to demonstrate the pro-angiogenesis role of adiponectin. Cellular experiment, including proliferation, migration, apoptosis, tube formation and angiogenesis related gene expression profile, were detected with Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) and Mice Lung Microvessel Endothelial Cell (MLMEC) after adiponectin stimulation. Seahorse was performed to clear the influence of adiponectin to cell metabolism.

Results:

The synovium and pannus hyperplasia worse in CIA model after intraarticularly injected of adiponectin, along with more serious synovitis and bone erosion. ScRNA-Seq of synovial tissues separated from CIA reminded that endothelial cell barbarically grows via metabolic remodeling after stimulated with adiponectin. Synovial chimera, matrigel plug and rat aortic ring shows adiponectin accelerates angiogenesis significantly in different background conditions. In vitro, endothelial cell proliferation detecting by RCTA and CCK8, migration by wound healing and transwell, apoptosis by FACS, tube formation and angiogenesis related gene expression profile by PCR-ARRAY were promoted by adiponectin in both HUVEC and MLMEC. Seahorse showed HUVEC made more use of glycolysis after co-cultured with adiponectin, a method of cell energy supply that tumor cells possess called warburg effect, that drives endothelial cell hyperplasia in severe environment.

Conclusion:

As a classic metabolic regulator, adiponectin exacerbates CIA by promoting angiogenesis through metabolic remodeling. The findings not only provide a novel insight into the pathogenic role of adiponectin, but also reveals a potential therapeutical strategy to attenuate revascularization in RA.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0320 POOR PROGNOSIS PREDICTION IN ANTI-MDA5 POSITIVE DERMATOMYOSITIS ASSOCIATED WITH INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE: THE CROSS-CAR DECISION TREE MODEL

Background:

The prognosis of anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 positive dermatomyositis (anti-MDA5+ DM) – associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) is poor and heterogeneity.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors and to develop a simple and generally applicable bedside decision tree model for predicting outcomes in patients with anti-MDA5+ DM and to guide treatment.

Methods:

We analyzed data for 246 anti-MDA5+ DM patients from Myositis Study Group-Jiangsu, a multicenter cohort across eighteen tertiary hospitals in Jiangsu province, from March 2019 to October 2020. The primary end point was all-cause death, and the secondary end point was occurring of rapidly progressive-ILD (rp-ILD). We used a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model to identify the independent prognostic risk factors of death and rp-ILD respectively. A decision-tree prediction model was developed by using data from 10 hospital of southern region (n=163), with validation by using contemporaneous data from northern region (n=83).

Results:

To assess the risk of rp-ILD, we developed a combined risk score, the CROSS score, that included the following values and scores: C-reactive protein (≤8mg/L, 0; >8mg/L, 3), anti-Ro52 antibody (negative, 0; positive, 4), Sex (Female, 0; Male, 2) and Short course of disease (More than 3 months, 0; Less than 3 months, 2). The mortality risk was identified by the CAR score, including C-reactive protein (≤8mg/L, 0; >8mg/L, 1), Alanine Transaminase (≤50units/L, 0; >50units/L, 1) and rp-ILD (non-rpILD, 0; rp-ILD, 3). We divided patients into three risk groups according to the CROSS score: low, 0 to 3; medium, 4 to 7; and high 8-11. And then Use of a simple decision tree prediction model permitted stratification into three different outcome prediction groups. High-risk patients had significantly higher mortality rates than low- and medium-risk patients in both discovery and validation cohorts (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

The CROSS-CAR decision tree model is easy to evaluate the poor prognostic risk in MDA5+ DM patients during any follow-up period. Unnecessary lung examination, such as chest CT scan and arterial blood gas analysis was avoided in low- and medium- rpILD risk patients. The special ambulance, with red cross sign tagged on car in China, may help to screen the high risk patients and to guide further treatment.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Randomized controlled trial of topical corticosteroid and home-based narrowband ultraviolet B for active and limited vitiligo: results of the HI-Light Vitiligo Trial

BACKGROUND

Evidence for the effectiveness of vitiligo treatments is limited.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness of (i) handheld narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) and (ii) a combination of potent topical corticosteroid (TCS) and NB-UVB, compared with TCS alone, for localized vitiligo.

METHODS

A pragmatic, three-arm, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial (9-month treatment, 12-month follow-up). Adults and children, recruited from secondary care and the community, aged ≥ 5 years and with active vitiligo affecting < 10% of skin, were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 to receive TCS (mometasone furoate 0·1% ointment + dummy NB-UVB), NB-UVB (NB-UVB + placebo TCS) or a combination (TCS + NB-UVB). TCS was applied once daily on alternating weeks; NB-UVB was administered on alternate days in escalating doses, adjusted for erythema. The primary outcome was treatment success at 9 months at a target patch assessed using the participant-reported Vitiligo Noticeability Scale, with multiple imputation for missing data. The trial was registered with number ISRCTN17160087 on 8 January 2015.

RESULTS

In total 517 participants were randomized to TCS (n = 173), NB-UVB (n = 169) and combination (n = 175). Primary outcome data were available for 370 (72%) participants. The proportions with target patch treatment success were 17% (TCS), 22% (NB-UVB) and 27% (combination). Combination treatment was superior to TCS: adjusted between-group difference 10·9% (95% confidence interval 1·0%-20·9%; P = 0·032; number needed to treat = 10). NB-UVB alone was not superior to TCS: adjusted between-group difference 5·2% (95% CI - 4·4% to 14·9%; P = 0·29; number needed to treat = 19). Participants using interventions with ≥ 75% expected adherence were more likely to achieve treatment success, but the effects were lost once treatment stopped. Localized grade 3 or 4 erythema was reported in 62 (12%) participants (including three with dummy light). Skin thinning was reported in 13 (2·5%) participants (including one with placebo ointment).

CONCLUSIONS

Combination treatment with home-based handheld NB-UVB plus TCS is likely to be superior to TCS alone for treatment of localized vitiligo. Combination treatment was relatively safe and well tolerated but was successful in only around one-quarter of participants.

An economic evaluation of the randomized controlled trial of topical corticosteroid and home-based narrowband ultraviolet B for active and limited vitiligo (the HI-Light Vitiligo Trial)

BACKGROUND

Economic evidence for vitiligo treatments is absent.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the cost-effectiveness of (i) handheld narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) and (ii) a combination of topical corticosteroid (TCS) and NB-UVB compared with TCS alone for localized vitiligo.

METHODS

Cost-effectiveness analysis alongside a pragmatic, three-arm, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial with 9 months' treatment. In total 517 adults and children (aged ≥ 5 years) with active vitiligo affecting < 10% of skin were recruited from secondary care and the community and were randomized 1: 1: 1 to receive TCS, NB-UVB or both. Cost per successful treatment (measured on the Vitiligo Noticeability Scale) was estimated. Secondary cost-utility analyses measured quality-adjusted life-years using the EuroQol 5 Dimensions 5 Levels for those aged ≥ 11 years and the Child Health Utility 9D for those aged 5 to < 18 years. The trial was registered with number ISRCTN17160087 on 8 January 2015.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD cost per participant was £775 ± 83·7 for NB-UVB, £813 ± 111.4 for combination treatment and £600 ± 96·2 for TCS. In analyses adjusted for age and target patch location, the incremental difference in cost for combination treatment compared with TCS was £211 (95% confidence interval 188-235), corresponding to a risk difference of 10·9% (number needed to treat = 9). The incremental cost was £1932 per successful treatment. The incremental difference in cost for NB-UVB compared with TCS was £173 (95% confidence interval 151-196), with a risk difference of 5·2% (number needed to treat = 19). The incremental cost was £3336 per successful treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination treatment, compared with TCS alone, has a lower incremental cost per additional successful treatment than NB-UVB only. Combination treatment would be considered cost-effective if decision makers are willing to pay £1932 per additional treatment success.

VENTHEART is required for cardiomyocyte specification and function

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) control early stages of cardiac differentiation, however their role in later specification and maturation is still not well explored.

Methods and results

We performed single cell RNA-seq for 2, 6 and 12 week-old hESC-CM. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) identified core genes significantly upregulated, along with a subset of lncRNAs. Importantly, these lncRNAs are highly abundant and unique to human heart. Through independent integrative analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) data using human hearts, we also identified a long intergenic noncoding RNA (we call VENTHEART, VHRT) as co-regulated with core cardiac contractile genes, and strongly associated with heart failure. VHRT was highly expressed in MYL2+ hESC-CMs in our single cell dataset, and its locus is antisense and downstream of MYL2. VHRT knockdown (KD) in 6-weeks old hESC-CMs downregulated MYL2 and other key cardiac genes. Patch clamp recordings with VHRT KD cells showed a loss of the ventricular-like action potential. Concordantly, CRISPR-mediated excision of the VHRT locus led to impaired CM sarcomere formation, and loss of CM specification gene programs. VHRT transcript replacement in VHRT-KO cells was however insufficient to rescue the phenotype. Instead, we established by 3C assay, that the VHRT locus loops and interacts with the MYL2 promoter, bearing histone marks characteristic of a super-enhancer.

Conclusion

Thus, we conclude that both the VHRT lncRNA transcript and its genomic locus are required for proper CM specification and function, and may play a role in heart failure progression.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Other. Main funding source(s): EMBO, Singapore National Research Council

Evaluation of colostrum bioactive protein transfer and blood metabolic traits in neonatal lambs in the first 24 hours of life

Colostrum is a unique resource that contributes to the passive transfer of immunity and plays a central role in the health status of neonatal ruminants. However, digestion and absorption of colostral proteins in the gut remain incompletely understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of bovine colostrum feeding on blood metabolic traits and to quantify colostral bioactive proteins in the gastrointestinal digesta and blood to evaluate intestinal transfer in neonatal lambs in the first 24 h of life. Fifty-four newborn lambs were used in this study, including 27 lambs fed pooled bovine colostrum and slaughtered at 6 (C6h), 12 (C12h), or 24 h (C24h) after birth; 18 lambs not fed any colostrum or milk and slaughtered at birth (N0h) or 24 h (N24h) after birth; and 9 milk-fed lambs slaughtered at 24 h (M24h) after birth. Lambs receiving colostrum or milk were bottle-fed within the first 2 h to obtain intakes of 8% of body weight at birth. Samples of blood and digesta from the abomasum, jejunum, and ileum were collected after slaughter. Serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, total protein, and aspartate aminotransferase were higher in colostrum-fed lambs than in N0h lambs. Serum concentrations of insulin, total protein, insulin-like growth factor 1, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase were higher in C24h lambs than in N24h or M24h lambs. Apparent efficiencies of IgG absorption in C6h, C12h, and C24h lambs were 14.4, 26.8, and 17.2%, respectively, whereas apparent efficiencies of lactoferrin (LF), α-lactalbumin (α-LA), and β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) absorption were very low in colostrum-fed lambs, with mean values of 0.06, 0.002, and 0.003%, respectively. Concentrations of IgG, LF, α-LA, and β-LG in the digesta of the abomasum, jejunum, and ileum rapidly decreased from C6h to C24h lambs, and the disappearance rates of IgG, LF, α-LA, and β-LG were higher in lambs from C6h to C12h (62.1, 75.7, 91.3, and 95.0% for IgG, LF, α-LA, and β-LG, respectively) than from C12h to C24h (34.6, 22.5, 7.5, and 2.2% for IgG, LF, α-LA, and β-LG, respectively). These results indicated that bovine colostrum feeding improved the metabolic and immunological status of lambs, and that ingested colostral IgG was prone to intact uptake into the blood, whereas almost all ingested LF, α-LA, and β-LG disappeared in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract in a time-dependent manner. The findings provide novel information for exploring selective absorption of colostral compounds in the small intestine of lambs.

Multiple-centre clinical evaluation of an ultrafast single-tube assay for SARS-CoV-2 RNA

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the performance of an ultrafast single-tube nucleic acid isothermal amplification detection assay for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA using clinical samples from multiple centres.

METHODS

A reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) assay for SARS-CoV-2 was conducted within 15 minutes at 39°C with portable instruments after addition of extracted RNA. The clinical performance of RT-RAA assay was evaluated using 947 clinical samples from five institutions in four regions of China; approved commercial fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) kits were used for parallel detection. The sensitivity and specificity of RT-RAA were compared and analysed.

RESULTS

The RT-RAA test results of 926 samples were consistent with those of qRT-PCR (330 were positive, 596 negative); 21 results were inconsistent. The sensitivity and specificity of RT-RAA was 97.63% (330/338, 95% confidence interval (CI) 95.21 to 98.90) and 97.87% (596/609, 95% CI 96.28 to 98.81) respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 96.21% (330/343, 95% CI 93.45 to 97.88) and 98.68% (596/604, 95% CI 97.30 to 99.38) respectively. The total coincidence rate was 97.78% (926/947, 95% CI 96.80 to 98.70), and the kappa was 0.952 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

With comparable sensitivity and specificity to the commercial qRT-PCR kits, RT-RAA assay for SARS-CoV-2 exhibited the distinctive advantages of simplicity and rapidity in terms of operation and turnaround time.

Complete remission with immunotherapy: Case report of a patient with metastatic bladder cancer to the humerus

Bladder cancer is the sixth most common malignancy in the United States. Cisplatin combination regimens are first line therapy for patients with metastatic urothelial bladder cancer who are eligible candidates and no treatments have shown to improve outcome compared to chemotherapy for the past 20 years. Significant advances were made in past 2-3 years and the most significant was the introduction of checkpoints inhibitors in bladder cancer treatment. We present a patient diagnosed with metastatic urothelial carcinoma who progressed while on cisplatin/gemcitabine chemotherapy in the form of oligometastasis to the bone. He has achieved a durable complete response with atezolizumab.

A randomised feasibility trial comparing needle fasciotomy with limited fasciectomy treatment for Dupuytren's contractures

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of conducting a large, multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing needle fasciotomy with limited fasciectomy for treatment of Dupuytren’s contractures.

Design

The design of this study is a parallel, two-arm, multicentre, randomised feasibility trial with embedded QuinteT Recruitment Intervention.

Participants

Patients aged 18 years or over who were referred from primary to secondary care for treatment of a hand with Dupuytren’s contractures of one or more fingers of more than 30° at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and/or proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints and well-defined cord(s). Patients were excluded if they had undergone previous Dupuytren’s contracture surgery on the same hand.

Methods

Potential participants were screened for eligibility. Recruited participants randomised (1:1) to treatment with either needle fasciotomy or limited fasciectomy and followed-up for up to 6 months after treatment. Data on recruitment rates, completion of follow-up, and procedure costs were collected. Four patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and objective outcome measures were collected before intervention and 6 weeks and 6 months afterwards.

Results

One hundred and fifty-three of 267 (57%) primary-care referrals for Dupuytren’s contractures met the eligibility criteria for the study. Seventy-one of the 153 (46%) agreed to participate and were randomly allocated to treatment with needle fasciotomy or limited fasciectomy. Sixty-seven of these underwent their allocated treatment, two were crossovers from limited fasciectomy to needle fasciotomy, and two (both allocated limited fasciectomy) received no treatment. Fifty-nine participants (85%) completed 6-month follow-up PROMs. Participants felt the MYMOP, PEM and URAM PROMs allowed them to better describe how their treatment affected their hand function than the DASH PROM. The estimated costs of limited fasciectomy (in an operating theatre) and needle fasciotomy (in a clinic room) were £777 and £111 respectively.

Conclusion

A large RCT comparing treatment of Dupuytren’s contractures by needle fasciotomy and limited fasciectomy is feasible. Data from this study will help determine the number of sites and duration of recruitment required to complete an adequately powered RCT and will assist the selection of PROMs in future studies on the treatment of Dupuytren’s contractures. (Level 1 feasibility study).

Trial registration

Trial registered with ISRCTN (registration number: ISRCTN11164292), date assigned - 28/08/2015.

Study of 3He(n,p)3H reaction at cosmological energies with trojan horse method

In the network of reactions present in the Big Bang nucleosynthesis, the 3He(n, p)3H has an important role which impacts the final 7Li abundance. The Trojan Horse Method (THM) has been applied to the 3He(d, pt)H reaction in order to extract the astrophysical S(E)-factor of the 3He(n, p)3H in the Gamow energy range. The experiment will be described in the present work together with the first preliminary results.

Tacrolimus inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis by decreasing survivin in scar fibroblasts after glaucoma surgery

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of tacrolimus on the proliferation of fibroblasts after glaucoma surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Biopsy was applied in this study. Under aseptic conditions, tissues were collected from rabbits, cut into small pieces and cultured. Morphology of fibroblasts was observed under a microscope. Features of fibroblasts were identified via immunocytochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Western blotting and RT-PCR were performed to detect the expressions of related proteins after treatment. Flow cytometry and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay were employed to examine the proliferation of human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts (HTFs) after tacrolimus treatment.

RESULTS

Tacrolimus decreased the levels of survivin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) after transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) treatment. Besides, it inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of HTFs.

CONCLUSIONS

Tacrolimus reduces proliferation and promotes apoptosis of HTFs by inhibiting the expression of survivin, which may be a strategy for treating hypertrophic scar after glaucoma surgery.

Soft-sheath, stiff-core microfiber hydrogel for coating vascular implants

Vascular implants remain clinically challenged due to often-occurring thrombosis and stenosis. Critical to addressing these complications is the design of implant material surfaces to inhibit the activities of platelets, smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and inflammatory cells. Recent mechanobiology studies accentuate the significance of material elasticity to cells and tissues. We thus developed and characterized an implant coating composed of hybrid, viscoelastic microfibers with coaxial core-sheath nanostructure. The coating over metallic stent material was formed by first depositing coaxially-electrospun fibers of poly(L-lactic acid) core and polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate sheath, and then polymerizing fibers with various UV times. Material characterizations were performed to evaluate the coating structure, mechanical property and biocompatibility. Results showed that coaxial microfibers exhibited arterial-like mechanics. The soft surface, high water content and swelling ratio of the coaxial fibers resemble hydrogels, while they are mechanically strong with an elastic modulus of 172-729 kPa. The coating strength and surface elasticity were tunable with the photopolymerization time. Further, the elastic fibers, as conformal coating on stent metal, strongly reduced SMC overgrowth and discouraged platelet adhesion and activation, compared to bare metals. Importantly, after 7-day subcutaneous implantation, coaxial fiber-coated implants showed more favorable in vivo responses with reduced tissue encapsulation, compared to bare stent metals or those coated with a two-layered fiber mixture composed of fibers from individual polymers. The excellent biocompatibility aroused from nanostructural interfaces of hybrid fibers offering hydrated, soft, nonfouling microenvironments. Such integrated fiber system may allow creation of advanced vascular implants that possess physico-mechanical properties of native arteries.

A randomised controlled trial of stepwise sputum collection to increase yields of confirmed tuberculosis

<sec> <title>SETTING</title> The proportion of bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis (TB) in China has decreased far below the worldwide average. </sec> <sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> To investigate whether stepwise measures to ensure sputum quality can improve the rate of bacteriologically confirmed TB. </sec> <sec> <title>DESIGN</title> We enrolled 980 adults with suspected TB from three counties in China during 2017 for this multicentre randomised controlled trial. Half the participants (n = 490) were randomly assigned to intervention groups that received instructions by a study nurse, and sputum induction, if necessary. In the remaining 490 patients, sputum samples were collected without observation. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients detected as bacteriologically positive on smear, culture or molecular assays (EasyNAT or Xpert). </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS</title> Bacteriological confirmation rates were significantly higher in the intervention than in the control group: overall (159/490 [32%] vs. 122/490 [25%]; P = 0.009); confirmation using smear (17% vs. 11%; P = 0.010); confirmation using culture (28% vs. 21%; P = 0.021); and confirmation using molecular assays (27% vs. 18%; P = 0.001). Most of the improvement was in patients who received instruction alone, while improvement was greatest in younger patients (adjusted odds ratio 1.27, 95%CI 1.05-1.53 per 10 years). </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> If implemented effectively in resource-limited primary care clinics, our simple stepwise procedure combining instruction and sputum induction could increase the proportion of bacteriologically confirmed TB significantly. </sec>.