Developing a core outcome set for clinical trials in olfactory disorders: a COMET initiative

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Evaluating the effectiveness of the management of Olfactory Dysfunction (OD) has been limited by a paucity of high-quality randomised and/or controlled trials. A major barrier is heterogeneity of outcomes in such studies. Core outcome sets (COS) -standardized sets of outcomes that should be measured/reported as determined by consensus-would help overcome this problem and facilitate future meta-analyses and/or systematic reviews (SRs). We set out to develop a COS for interventions for patients with OD.

METHODS

A long-list of potential outcomes was identified by a steering group utilising a literature review, thematic analysis of a wide range of stakeholders' views and systematic analysis of currently available Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). A subsequent e-Delphi process allowed patients and healthcare practitioners to individually rate the outcomes in terms of importance on a 9-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

After 2 rounds of the iterative eDelphi process, the initial outcomes were distilled down to a final COS including subjective questions (visual analogue scores, quantitative and qualitative), quality of life measures, psychophysical testing of smell, baseline psychophysical testing of taste, and presence of side effects along with the investigational medicine/device and patient's symptom log.

CONCLUSIONS

Inclusion of these core outcomes in future trials will increase the value of research on clinical interventions for OD. We include recommendations regarding the outcomes that should be measured, although future work will be required to further develop and revalidate existing outcome measures.

Lifestyle and health behaviour change support in traditional acupuncture: a mixed method survey study of reported practice (UK)

Aims

Complementary medicine therapists such as traditional acupuncturists are a large resource for supporting public health targets to improve health behaviours. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence and patterns of UK acupuncturists’ provision of lifestyle change support, test theory-based hypotheses about facilitators and barriers to supporting lifestyle changes and to explore associated characteristics and attitudes.

Methods

A mixed methods design in which British Acupuncture Council members (Sept 2019-April 2020) completed an online questionnaire assessing prevalence of lifestyle change support, typical patterns across patients and behaviours, Theory of Planned Behaviour constructs, practitioner characteristics and open-text responses regarding additional behaviours and clinical decisions to introduce lifestyle change.

Results

Three hundred fifty-two traditional acupuncturists participated (Mean age = 51.5 years, SD 9.9; 81.8% (n = 288) female). 57.7% (n = 203) reported offering support for lifestyle change during their most recent consultation. 91.7% (n = 323) reported supporting lifestyle change ‘always or most of the time’ for patients with chronic conditions and 67.9% (n = 239) reported this for patients with acute conditions. The pattern of typical support for different health behaviours ranged from 44.6% (n = 157) for smoking reduction (acute conditions) to 95.2% (n = 335) for diet support (chronic conditions). A linear regression model found that frequency of support for lifestyle change in acute patients was predicted by acupuncturists’ attitudes to both clinical role and importance of health behaviours, confidence in their ability to provide lifestyle change support and use of fewer behaviour change techniques. The decision to first offer lifestyle change support was guided by perceived patient receptiveness, whether presenting condition/diagnosis were likely to improve with lifestyle change and whether a strong therapeutic relationship was established.

Conclusions

Traditional acupuncturists’ reports suggest their work supports key public health targets for promoting healthy behaviours. Less frequent support for alcohol/smoking may reflect user characteristics but may suggest training needs for acupuncturists. Increase could be made for support in acute presentations, however the importance of patient receptiveness, linking advice to condition, and therapeutic alliance should be explored further. There may be important differences between acupuncture practice and mainstream healthcare (e.g. high level of contact, longer visits, holistic approach) which impact mechanisms of action of behaviour change.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03719-6.

AB0501 COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME: 5-YEAR RESULTS OF A MULTIDISCIPLINARY SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME CLINIC

Background

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a systemic rheumatic disease that affects several organ systems, most frequently the ocular, oral and musculoskeletal domains. Multidisciplinary care is thus crucial in the optimal management of SS patients.

Objectives

To report the clinical impact of a Multidisciplinary SS Clinic (MSSC) over a 5-year period.

Methods

We prospectively included patients assessed in the MSSC from September 2015 to October 2020. All patients had a full clinical evaluation, including disease-related questionnaires, specialized oral/ocular assessment, salivary gland biopsy (SGB) and ultrasound (SGUS), tear and salivary flow and ocular staining scores. We compared the results of patient-reported outcomes, comprehensive clinical assessments and specialized complementary exams in patients with pSS and other diagnoses.

Results

445 patients (96% women, mean age 57±14 years) with sicca symptoms underwent complete multidisciplinary evaluation. Patients were most frequently referred from Rheumatology (91%), but also from Stomatology (5%), Ophthalmology (2%), Internal Medicine (1%) and other medical specialties (1%). Most patients were diagnosed with pSS (n=221; 50%), followed by non-Sjögren sicca syndrome (nSSS, n=134; 30%), secondary SS (sSS, n=60; 13%) and undifferentiated connective tissue disease (n=30; 7%). Positive sicca tests were present in 217/385 patients (56%): unstimulated whole salivary flow (UWSF) ≤0.1ml/min in 84/317 (27%); Schirmer’s test ≤5mm/5min in 163/354 (46%); van Bijsterveld score ≥4 in 42/349 (12%); Ocular Staining Score (OSS) ≥5 in 36/343 (11%). Subjective complaints assessed by the EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), the EULAR Sicca Score (ESS), the Profile of Fatigue and Discomfort - Sicca Symptoms Inventory (PROFAD-SSI), the Xerostomia Inventory (XI), and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) did not differ between patients with pSS and other diagnoses. However, objective dryness measures such as UWSF (31vs20%, p=0.028), Schirmer’s test (51vs40%, p=0.040) and OSS (14vs7%, p=0.048) were significantly associated with pSS. A positive SGB (focus score≥1) was seen in 48% of patients with a clinical diagnosis of pSS (p<0.001 vs. other diagnoses), with a mean focus score of 1.1±1.6. Instead, 94% of patients with nSSS had grade 0-1 biopsies. Mean SGUS scores (p=0.006) and the frequency of moderate/severe changes (p<0.001) were higher in pSS patients.

Conclusion

Multidisciplinary evaluation was crucial in the assessment of patients with similar sicca complaints and in the management of ocular/oral/systemic involvement. Objective measurements and specialized complementary exams greatly contribute to establishing or confirming the diagnosis of pSS.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Adverse event management costs for first-line treatment with cetuximab or panitumumab of RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer patients in Latin America

203

Background: Anti-EGFR treatment of RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in Latin America includes cetuximab or panitumumab, added to chemotherapy (cet+CT and pan+CT, respectively). Adverse event (AE) profiles for each regimen may influence the treatment decision. This study aimed to estimate the associated financial impact of AE management in three countries: Argentina (AR), Brazil (BR) and Panama (PA) from a healthcare payer perspective. Methods: We revised a published Microsoft Excel-based economic model to calculate average patient- and population-level costs from a payer perspective of mCRC AE management for first-line cet+CT and pan+CT treatment, using AE frequency and severity data derived from the authorization relevant FDA prescribing information (PI), multiplied by the country-specific unit costs of managing AEs. Costs of AE management were obtained from publicly available sources in each country and converted to US dollars (USD). Country-specific market research data were applied to calculate costs at the eligible mCRC population level. The model structure and input parameters were endorsed by local practising oncologists. Results: A 17.5% (all-grade) and 31.6% (grade 3-4) lower average per patient AE frequency were estimated from the PI, for cet+CT vs pan+CT. Cost results are presented in the table. Projected AE management costs of cet+CT for the eligible mCRC population are $297,643 (AR), $124,981 (BR) and $65,895 (PA), annually, reducing current annual estimated AE costs by $42,181 (AR), $8,548 (BR) and $4,691 (PA). Conclusions: According to the average estimated AE frequencies, patients treated with cet+CT are expected to experience fewer AEs than with pan+CT. According to our analyses, the lower frequency rates could result in lower overall and severe AEs’ management costs, resulting in 12.4% (AR), 6.4% (BR) and 6.6% (PA) lower costs of AE management for cet+CT versus pan+CT.[Table: see text]

A 500-km Cascaded White Rabbit Link for High-Performance Frequency Dissemination

We perform experiments exploring the use of white rabbit precision time protocol (WR-PTP) for time and frequency dissemination over long-distance optical fiber links. We use unidirectional links, to ensure compatibility with active telecommunication networks, and White Rabbit equipment with modifications for improved performance. Using fiber spools, we realize a 500 km, four-span cascaded white rabbit link. We show short term fractional frequency stability of 2×10^-12 , averaging down to 2×10^-15 at one day of integration time, with no frequency shift within the statistical uncertainty. We demonstrate the impact of increasing the White Rabbit SoftPLL bandwidth and the PTP message rate. We show evidence of the effect of thermal fluctuations acting on the fiber, and finally discuss the limitations of the achieved performance. We show comparisons with experimental data acquired with commercial good quality global positioning system (GPS) receivers and show that the medium- and long- term stability and accuracy are more than one order of magnitude better with a WR-PTP link.

Digital technologies and implications for Veterinary Services

The pace of digital disruption over the past few years has been spectacular, transforming every sector of the economy, including animal production, health and welfare. This paper reviews some advanced digital technologies that may shape the future of Veterinary Services. These technologies are all data driven and are illustrated by three examples that fall under the following categories: a) wireless and mobile technologies for animal health monitoring, disease surveillance, reporting and information sharing; b) advanced data-processing technologies, such as big data and data analytics used to detect patterns, make predictions, find correlations and other information; and c) promising technologies such as blockchain applications, used for effective and efficient management of various input supply chains. The authors briefly discuss current challenges to increasing the use of these technologies in the animal health sector, along with some implications for Veterinary Services. Digital technologies will have a profound effect on how animal health services are delivered and how animal health systems are managed. It is therefore crucial for Veterinary Services to be proactive and adapt to the ongoing digital transformation. Investment in new technologies and preparing the current and future veterinary workforce with the necessary digital skills and knowledge to stay up to date and at the centre of digital innovation in animal health should be a priority for the years to come.

Abstract P417: Cardiomyopathy-associated Variant In Troponin T Tail Domain Promotes Disruption Of Both Frank-starling Mechanism And Cardiac Myofilament Performance

Missense variant Ile79Asn in human cardiac troponin T (HcTnT-I79N) tail region has been linked to familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), arrhythmia, and sudden cardiac death. It has been reported that inotropic stimulation with high extracellular Ca 2+ or isoproterenol led to diastolic dysfunction in both isolated and in vivo HcTnT-I79N mice hearts. Although HcTnT-I79N effects are acknowledged to be dependent on the inotropic state of the cardiac muscle, little is known about how this pathogenic variant affects the Frank-Starling law of the heart. To further investigate the functional and structural consequences of this deadly variant in a stretch-dependent manner, cardiac tissues were harvested from non-transgenic (NTg) control mice and transgenic mice bearing HcTnT-I79N. Left ventricular papillary muscle bundles were permeabilized and mounted for mechanical measurements. Sarcomere length (SL 1.9, 2.1 or 2.3 μm) was set at pCa 8 using HeNe laser diffraction and then Ca 2+ -dependence of isometric force, sinusoidal stiffness (SS, 0.2% PTP length oscillation) and rate of tension redevelopment ( k TR ) were measured. We observed that HcTnT-I79N tissue exhibited increased myofilament Ca 2+ -sensitivity of force, increased SS, slower k TR at all levels of Ca 2+ -activation, and diminished length-dependent activation (LDA). Small-angle X-ray diffraction revealed that HcTnT-I79N permeabilized cardiac muscles exhibit smaller myofilament lattice spacing at longer SLs (2.1 μm and 2.3 μm) compared to NTg. Using 3% Dextran T500 to osmotically compress the myofilament lattice (SL 2.1 μm), HcTnT-I79N showed no change in myofilament lattice spacing and little change in contractile indices associated with LDA. Interestingly, upon osmotic compression, HcTnT-I79N displayed a decrease in disordered relaxed state (DRX, ON state) of myosin and an increase in super-relaxed state (SRX, OFF state) of myosin. We conclude that altered cardiac myofilament performance, lack of responsiveness to osmotic compression, and reduced LDA observed with HcTnT-I79N are partially due to a combination of smaller myofilament lattice and disturbed ON and OFF states of myosin.

Blurring the boundary between homogenous and heterogeneous catalysis using palladium nanoclusters with dynamic surfaces

Using a magnetron sputtering approach that allows size-controlled formation of nanoclusters, we have created palladium nanoclusters that combine the features of both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts. Here we report the atomic structures and electronic environments of a series of metal nanoclusters in ionic liquids at different stages of formation, leading to the discovery of Pd nanoclusters with a core of ca. 2 nm surrounded by a diffuse dynamic shell of atoms in [C₄C₁Im][NTf₂]. Comparison of the catalytic activity of Pd nanoclusters in alkene cyclopropanation reveals that the atomically dynamic surface is critically important, increasing the activity by a factor of ca. 2 when compared to compact nanoclusters of similar size. Catalyst poisoning tests using mercury and dibenzo[a,e]cyclooctene show that dynamic Pd nanoclusters maintain their catalytic activity, which demonstrate their combined features of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts within the same material. Additionally, kinetic studies of cyclopropanation of alkenes mediated by the dynamic Pd nanoclusters reveal an observed catalyst order of 1, underpinning the pseudo-homogeneous character of the dynamic Pd nanoclusters.

Establishing a structure-property relationship for nanoclusters and the link with their catalytic performance remain challenging. Here the authors show palladium nanocluster with a core of 2 nm surrounded by a diffuse dynamic shell of Pd atoms exhibit features of heterogeneous and homogenous catalyst at the same time.

The impact of the cardiac rehabilitation program in patients with mid-range heart failure (40-50%) in improving cardio respiratory predictors

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central

Methods

We studied 30 patients (P) with ejection fraction (EF) 40-50%, in a number of 198 P that participated in cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP). Of these P, 24 (80%) male and 6 (20%) female, 20 P were diagnosed myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation, 2 P myocardial infarction non ST and 8 P with myocardial hypertrophy non ischemic. Of these P 30% were diabetics, 56% hypertension, 70% dyslipidemia, 36% smokers previous to CRP and body mass index 26,3 medium.

All P were submitted to previous echocardiogram, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CET) and a rehabilitation program minimum 4 sessions and maximum 52 sessions. At the end of the total sessions the echocardiogram and CET were repeated.

Results

Of the 30 P that participated in CRP only 20 completed the program, while the other 10 P dropped out because of social and economic problems. Of the P that completed the CRP, 70% got better on EF, 80% improved VE/VCO2 slope &lt; 33 therefore are classified VC-II in ventilatory classification (VC), 5% VE/VCO2 slope &gt; 40  VC-III classification, and 15% maintained the initial classification.  50% of the P increased at least one level metabolic equivalent of task (MET) from the first CET. Only 3 of the 20 patients came, once, to the hospital after the CRP with heart failure, and one died but did not fulfill the program.

Conclusion

Patients with mid-range heart failure submitted to a CRP can improve cardiorespiratory predictors, leading to a better quality of life. However, it is important to find solutions to minimize the causes that make patients to give up CRP.

City resilience and recovery from COVID-19: The case of Macao

Due to COVID-19, Macao established a prolonged tourism lockdown for over half a year. With no COVID-19 cases for 3 months, the lockdown and resilient measures provided the ability to recover, becoming the first city globally to reopen travel borders to all of China. Using the case of Macao during a real-time pandemic crisis we develop a conceptual framework on economic resilience and tourism recovery. We propose for the first-time, destination vulnerabilities as a consequence of recovery and resilient actions. Contrary to government direction that Macao diversify beyond gaming revenues after COVID-19, our study affirms this is unlikely, as casino companies focus on recuperating revenue losses. Our theoretical assertions have wider implications as tourism cities globally look at COVID-19 exit strategies. The short-term resilient endeavors taken now by cities may have longer-term consequences on their 'reset' milieu. With the challenges of vaccination rollout, a COVID-19 exit will be prolonged further with continued economic and tourism recovery challenges for cities, giving greater significant the study's theoretical assertions.

A210 DECLINE IN HEPATITIS B QUANTITATIVE SURFACE ANTIGEN LEVELS IN CHRONIC HEPATITIS B PATIENTS ON TREATMENT WITH NUCLEOS(T)IDE ANALOGUES

Background

The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects over 250 million people worldwide and can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) quantification is increasingly used to predict disease activity and treatment response. As there is no virologic cure, clinicians are seeking a “functional cure”, or HBsAg loss, as a guide to safely stopping nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy. Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) and Entecavir (ETV) are first line therapy but require prolonged treatment to achieve HBsAg clearance.

Aims

To assess the association between nucleos(t)ide therapy and decline in quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg) in patients with HBV from Calgary, Alberta.

Methods

A retrospective review of adult patients with chronic HBV, followed at the University of Calgary Liver Clinic, was conducted between January 2012 and October 2020. Patients were excluded if treatment was discontinued or changed, only had a single qHBsAg measurement, or were co-infected with hepatitis C virus, hepatitis delta virus, or HIV. Patients were stratified according to therapy with TDF, ETV, or no treatment. To identify associations between mean changes in qHBsAg by medication exposure, one-way ANOVAs and t-tests were performed. Results were reported as means and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The median time from initial qHBsAg to most-recent was calculated.

Results

187 patients were included in the final analysis (Table 1). 77 were excluded for being on more than one medication over the study period, 10 were excluded due to discontinuation of treatment, and 195 were excluded for single qHBsAg measurements. The mean qHBsAg decline was -750.04 IU/mL (95% CI -1311.58, -188.50) in the TDF group (n=45) and -309.20 IU/mL (95% CI -600.90, -17.50) in the ETV group (n=35) (p=0.20). In the no treatment group (n=107), the mean qHBsAg increased by 711.29 IU/mL (95% CI -600.78, 2023.80)(Figure 1). The median time from initial qHBsAg to most-recent was 980 days.

Conclusions

Quantitative HBsAg levels declined in patients on TDF and ETV, but increased in untreated patients. Although HBsAg levels showed a trend for greater decline in TDF-treated patients, results failed to reach statistical significance, and may be affected by overall treatment duration. Future studies will explore medication use as a time-varying covariate to identify how change in treatment influences changes in HBsAg over time.

Funding Agencies

None

Reverse Semi-Combustion Driven by Titanium Dioxide-Ionic Liquid Hybrid Photocatalyst

Unprecedented metal-free photocatalytic CO2 conversion to CO (up to 228±48 μmol g-1 h-1) was displayed by TiO2@IL hybrid photocatalysts prepared by simple impregnation of commercially available P25-titanium dioxide with imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs). The high activity of TiO2@IL hybrid photocatalysts was mainly associated to (i) TiO2@IL red shift compared to the pure TiO2 absorption, and thus a modification of the TiO2 surface electronic structure; (ii) TiO2 with IL bearing imidazolate anions lowered the CO2 activation energy barrier. The reaction mechanism was postulated to occur via CO2 photoreduction to formate species by the imidazole/imidazole radical redox pair, yielding CO and water.

Correction: Highly modulated supported triazolium-based ionic liquids: direct control of the electronic environment on Cu nanoparticles

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D0NA00055H.].

Highly modulated supported triazolium-based ionic liquids: direct control of the electronic environment on Cu nanoparticles

A series of new triazolium-based supported ionic liquids (SILPs), decorated with Cu NPs, were successfully prepared and applied to the N-arylation of aryl halides with anilines. The triazoles moieties were functionalised using copper-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition. SILP surface characterisation showed a strong correlation between the triazolium cation volume and textural properties. STEM images showed well-dispersed Cu NPs on SILPs with a mean diameter varying from 3.6 to 4.6 nm depending on the triazolium cation used. Besides, XPS results suggest that the Cu(0)/Cu(i) ratio can be modulated by the electronic density of triazolium substituents. XPS and computational analysis gave mechanistic insights into the Cu NP stabilisation pathways, where the presence of electron-rich groups attached to a triazolium ring plays a critical role in leading to a cation adsorption pathway (E _ads = 72 kcal mol^-1). In contrast, less electron-rich groups favour the anion adsorption pathway (E _ads = 63 kcal mol^-1). The Cu@SILP composite with electron-rich groups showed the highest activity for the C-N Ullmann coupling reaction, which suggests that electron-rich groups might act as an electron-like reservoir to facilitate oxidative addition for N-arylation. This strategy firmly suggests the strong dependence of the nature of triazolium-based SILPs on the Cu NP surface active sites, which may provide a new environment to confine and stabilise MNPs for catalytic applications.

Identification of Copy Number Variation by Array-CGH in Portuguese Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders

BACKGROUND

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect many children with an estimated prevalence of 1%. Array-comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) offers significant sensitivity for the identification of submicroscopic chromosomal abnormalities and it is one of the most used techniques in daily practice. The main objective of this study was to describe the usefulness of array-CGH in the etiologic diagnosis of ASD.

METHODS

Two-hundred fifty-three patients admitted to a neurogenetic outpatient clinic and diagnosed with ASD were selected for array-CGH (4 × 180K microarrays). Public databases were used for classification in accordance with the American College of Medical Genetics Standards and Guidelines.

RESULTS

About 3.56% (9/253) of copy number variations (CNVs) were classified as pathogenic. When likely pathogenic CNVs were considered, the rate increased to 11.46% (29/253). Some CNVs apparently not correlated to the ASD were also found. Considering a phenotype-genotype correlation, the patients were divided in two groups. One group according to previous literature includes all the CNVs related to ASDs (23 CNVs present in 22 children) and another with those apparently not related to ASD (10 CNVs present in 7 children). In 18 patients, a next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel were performed. From these, one pathogenic and 16 uncertain significance variants were identified.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study are in accordance with the literature, highlighting the relevance of array-CGH in the genetic of diagnosis of ASD population, namely when associated with other features. Our study also reinforces the need for complementarity between array-CGH and NGS panels or whole exome sequencing in the etiological diagnosis of ASD.

One Health operations: a critical component in the International Health Regulations Monitoring and Evaluation Framework

Under the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005), a legally binding document adopted by 196 States Parties, countries are required to develop their capacity to rapidly detect, assess, notify and respond to unusual health events of potential international concern. To support countries in monitoring and enhancing their capacities and complying with the IHR (2005), the World Health Organization (WHO) developed the IHR Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (IHR MEF). This framework comprises four complementary components: the State Party Annual Report, the Joint External Evaluation, after-action reviews and simulation exercises. The first two are used to review capacities and the second two to help to explore their functionality. The contribution of different disciplines, sectors, and areas of work, joining forces through a One Health approach, is essential for the implementation of the IHR (2005). Therefore, WHO, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and other international and national partners, has actively worked on facilitating the inclusion of the relevant sectors, in particular the animal health sector, in each of the four components of the IHR MEF. Other tools complement the IHR MEF, such as the WHO/OIE IHR-PVS [Performance of Veterinary Services] National Bridging Workshops, which facilitate the optimal use of the results of the IHR MEF and the OIE Performance of Veterinary Services Pathway and create an opportunity for stakeholders from animal health and human health services to work on the coordination of their efforts. The results of these various tools are used in countries' planning processes and are incorporated in their National Action Plan for Health Security to accelerate the implementation of IHR core capacities. The present article describes how One Health is incorporated in all components of the IHR MEF.

Reference equation for the incremental shuttle walk test in Portuguese children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

The incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) is one of the most widely used field tests to assess cardiorespiratory fitness in clinical and research settings. Reference equations to predict ISWT distance in different populations and age cohorts have been established. However, an equation for the Portuguese pediatric population is not available. This study aimed to develop a reference equation for predicting ISWT in Portuguese children and adolescents.

METHOD

Healthy children and adolescents aged between 5 and 17 years old were recruited. Sociodemographic (sex, age), anthropometric (height, weight) and physical activity (Physical Activity Index) data were collected. Lung function was assessed through spirometry and quadriceps muscular strength through hand-held dynamometry. The ISWT was performed twice. A reference equation was established with a multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

130 (60 male; 13.66±2.61y) participants with normal lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second 102.73±15.09% predicted), body mass index (BMI) (20.27±3.59kg/m²) and quadriceps muscular strength (19.75±6.84kgf), completed the assessment. 50.8% (n=66) of the participants were moderately active. Participants walked on average 1165.08±327.19m in the ISWT. Sex, age and BMI were independent contributors to the ISWT, explaining 54% of its variability (p<0.001). The derived reference equation was: ISWT=342.06+(283.07×sex)+(83.61×age)-(22.22×BMI), with female=0 and male=1.

CONCLUSION

Sex, age and BMI were found to be contributors to the ISWT predictive equation for pediatric population, providing a simple reference to assess their cardiorespiratory fitness.

International health threats and global early warning and response mechanisms

The global community continues to incur the high costs of crisis mitigation and emergency response to outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases, such as those caused by the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, Ebola virus, Nipah virus, Zika virus or the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. These viruses are particularly dangerous in regions associated with poor development indicators and high vulnerability. The drivers of these disease crises include failures in the way that animal diseases are detected and reported and failures in the way in which disease response is implemented by animal health and public health systems. In addition, the lack of a coordinated response hampers disease control efforts. A comprehensive approach for disease prevention, detection and response, however, requires a coordinated and joint effort among governments, communities, donors and international networks to invest effectively in prevention systems that can identify early signals of the emergence, spillover and spread of animal pathogens at the local level. These signals include trade bans, market closures, civil unrest, heavy rains and droughts associated with climate change, and livestock intensification or changes in consumer behaviour. The global community needs to increase its investment in early warning and detection systems that can provide information that enables action to be taken at the national, regional and global levels in the event of an outbreak of a transboundary animal disease (TAD). Like any preventive measure, an early warning system requires financial resources, but these are insignificant when compared to the losses that are avoided. Building a global early warning and effective response system for outbreaks is value for money, as the benefits far outweigh the costs. The goal of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is to end hunger and poverty, which is a challenging and complex task. Building global capacity to prepare for and respond to TADs is an important element of the FAO's strategic objective to increase the resilience of livelihoods to threats and crises. Each year, livestock, and the people who rely upon them for their livelihoods, are confronted with animal disease and crises. They can strike suddenly, causing obvious illness and death, or emerge insidiously and become well established before becoming apparent. Animal disease emergencies threaten the production of, and access to, food; consequently, one of the FAO's missions is to help countries to prepare for and respond to animal health disasters.

A novel nested polymerase chain reaction assay targeting Plasmodium mitochondrial DNA in field-collected Anopheles mosquitoes

Sensitive techniques for the detection of Plasmodium (Aconoidasida: Plasmodiidae) sporozoites in field-collected malaria vectors are essential for the correct assessment of risk for malaria transmission. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) protocol targeting Plasmodium mtDNA proved to be much more sensitive in detecting sporozoites in mosquitoes than the widely used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay targeting Plasmodium circumsporozoite protein (CSP-ELISA). However, because of the relatively high costs associated with equipment and reagents, RT-PCRs are mostly used to assess the outcomes of experimental infections in the frame of research experiments, rather than in routine monitoring of mosquito infection in the field. The present authors developed a novel mtDNA-based nested PCR protocol, modified from a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for Plasmodium recognition in human blood samples, and compared its performance with that of routinely used CSP-ELISAs in field-collected Anopheles coluzzii (Diptera: Culicidae) samples. The nested PCR showed 1.4-fold higher sensitivity than the CSP-ELISA. However, nested PCR results obtained in two laboratories and in different replicates within the same laboratory were not 100% consistent, probably because the copy number of amplifiable Plasmodium mtDNA was close in some specimens to the threshold of nested PCR sensitivity. This implies that Plasmodium-positive specimens should be confirmed by a second nested PCR to avoid false positives. Overall, the results emphasize the need to use molecular approaches to obtain accurate estimates of the actual level of Plasmodium circulation within malaria vector populations.

Abstract P3-01-07: Comparison of the prognostic value of lymph node ratio versus residual lymph node status in triple negative breast cancer

Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients with residual disease are characterized for a bad outcome. In these patients nodal involvement after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is one of the most important prognostic determinants. In this study we compare two prognostic variables based on nodal status, the lymph node ratio (LNR=#positive nodes/#resected nodes) and residual lymph node status (ypN) in TNBC who received NAC.

Methods: We evaluated a retrospective cohort of TNBC patients with residual disease in the lymph nodes (at least 4 resected nodes) and treated with NAC between 2000-2014 at the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas (Lima-Peru). Patients were grouped in three LNR groups (≤0.20, 0.20-0.69 and ≥0.70). Survival differences were calculated by the log rank test. Prognostic factors for progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed by the Cox regression analysis.

Results: Overall, 189 were evaluated. Mean age was 48y (range: 26-73) where 53.5% were premenopausal and 16.5% had breast/ovary cancer familial background. A total of 175 pts (92.6%) had clinical T3-T4 tumors and 85.2% had nodal involvement at diagnosis. Indeed, the majority of patients had III CS (94.2%). Regarding to the LNR, 48.2% (n=91), 29.6% (n=56) and 22.2% (n=42) (22.2) had LNR ≤0.20, 0.21-0.69 and ≥0.70, respectively. Distribution of clinical differences was similar between groups, except for the clinical N stage (N2-N3: 15.4%, 46.4%, 52,3%, respectively; p&lt;0.001). The median follow-up was 7 years. Progression risk was higher in patients with LNR ≤0.20 than 0.20-0.69 and ≥0.70 (HR=1.77, 95%CI:1.21-2.59, p=0.003 and HR=2.22, 95%CI:1.47-3.35, respectively, p&lt;0.001). It was similar for the risk of death (HR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.17-2.70, p=0.007 and HR=2.95, 95%CI:1.91-4.56, respectively, p&lt;0.001). LNR groups were associated to progression events (P=0.02) in contrast to ypN groups (P=0.07). In the multivariate analysis, pre-menopausal status, a higher LNR and ypT with non-complete response were prognostic factors of worse DFS. Only a higher LNR has a negative impact on OS (table 1).

Conclusion: LNR was an independent prognostic factor for TNBC in patients with residual disease with better capability than ypN to predict progression events. LNR should be considered in the risk stratification after NAC among these patients.

Table 1. Multivariate Cox Regression AnalysisCharacteristicsDFS  OS   HR95%CIp valueHR95%CIp valuePremenopausal status1.931.37-2.73&lt;0.001nsnsnsLNR 0.20 vs 0.21-0.692.011.36-2.970.0011.781.17-2.700.007LNR 0.20 vs 0.701.751.57-3.74&lt;0.0012.921.88-4.55&lt;0.001ypT complete vs partial1.751.13-2.710.012nsnsnsypT complete vs non-response2.041.20-3.480.009nsnsnsns=not significant

Citation Format: De la Cruz-Ku G, Morante Z, Pinto J, Enriquez D, Eyzaguirre E, Saavedra A, Luján M, Luque R, Ramírez M, Araujo J, Fuentes H, Flores C, Moller M, Yakoub D, Neciosup S, Gomez H. Comparison of the prognostic value of lymph node ratio versus residual lymph node status in triple negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-01-07.

Abstract P3-10-11: Triple negative breast cancer in young Peruvian patients: 15-years' experience in a public hospital

Background: The incidence of breast cancer (BC) is low in young women and is characterized by a high prevalence of triple-negative tumors, representing a group of high risk. In this work, we describe the clinicopathological and epidemiological features of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in patients aged ≤35 years.

Methods: We reviewed information of TNBC patients diagnosed at ≤35 years old and treated at the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas (between 2000 and 2014). The Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify prognostics factors for DFS and OS.

Results: In total, of 243 out 2007 cases (12.11%) were very young TNBC patients. The median follow-up was 9 years. The median age was 32 years (range: 19-35); 14.8% had obesity. A total of 40 (16.5%) patients had a family history of breast-ovary cancer (FHBOC). Regarding to the clinical-pathological characteristics, 59.4% presented T-Stages 3/4; 65.2% had nodal involvement and 7 patients (2.9%) had bilateral BC. Most of patients were diagnosed at Clinical Stage (CS) III (50.8%). The most common histological subtype the was ductal invasive carcinoma (92.1%), followed by medullar (4.5%) and lobulillar (1.7%). A high histological grade was frequent (84.7%), while 71 cases (49%) were diagnosed with vascular permeation and 55 (48.2%) with macrometastasis in lymph nodes. The majority of patients underwent mastectomy (60.2%) compared to lumpectomy (39.8%). Locoregional relapse and distant metastasis were reported in 30.9% and 49.4% of cases, respectively. The most frequent sites of metastases were lung (14.8%) and brain (11.5%). In the multivariate analysis, only N3 stage was associated with a poor outcome in terms of (N0 vs N3, HR=7.89, 95%CI:2.76-22.56, p&lt;0.001). Variables associated with the risk of death were N stage (P&lt;0.001 for N0 vs N3), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P&lt;0.027), adjuvant chemotherapy (P&lt;0.001), and radiotherapy (P=0.008).

Conclusions: TNBC in very young Peruvian women was characterized by advanced stage at diagnosis. In these patients, nodal involvement was the most important prognostic factor for DFS. It presents distinctive characteristics and poorer outcomes in terms of DFS and OS.

Table 1. Multivariate Cox Regression Analysis.CharacteristicsPFS  OS   HR95% CIp valueHR95% CIp valueN0 vs N11.820.74-4.480.191.510.88-2.590.14N0 vs N22.260.69-7.360.183.031.69-5.46&lt;0.001N0 vs N37.892.76-22.56&lt;0.0013.581.83-7.01&lt;0.001Adjuvant chemotherapynsnsns0.340.20-0.55&lt;0.001Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapynsnsns0.590.37-0.940.027Radiotherapynsnsns0.560.37-0.860.008ns = not significant

Citation Format: Morante Z, De la Cruz-Ku G, Pinto J, Araujo J, Eyzaguirre E, Saavedra A, Lujan M, Enriquez D, Ramirez M, Fuentes H, Neciosup S, Gomez H. Triple negative breast cancer in young Peruvian patients: 15-years' experience in a public hospital [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-10-11.

Abstract P1-15-02: Benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in disease-free survival for T1N0 triple negative breast cancer

Background: Although chemotherapy is not recommended in low-risk early breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) have twice risk of recurrence despite an aggressive treatment. In this study we evaluated the role of chemotherapy in the outcome of T1N0 TNBC patients in terms of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Methods: We evaluated a retrospective cohort T1N0 TNBC patients diagnosed between 2000 to 2014 at the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas (Lima-Peru). Survival rates differences were assessed by Log-rank test and prognostic factors were identified using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results: We identified 123 T1N0 TNBC patients. The median age was 51 years (range: 28-85), where 38.5% were premenopausal. Thirty-six (29.3%) were pT1a/b and 87 were pT1c (70.7%). ACT was administered more frequently in pT1c patients (74.7% vs 55.6%; P=0.036). Locoregional relapse and distant metastases rates were 8.3% vs 19.5% and 5.6% vs 16.1% for tumors pT1a/b and pT1c, respectively. The median of follow-up was 8.8 years. Independent prognostic factors were pT stage and treatment with ACT. In relation to pT stage, DFS rates were 97% vs 78% (at 5-years) and 97% vs 70% (at 8-years) for pT1a/b vs pT1c patients, respectively (HR=4.8; 95%CI:1.46-17.0; P=0.015). In the other hand, patients treated with ACT had a better outcome with DFS rates to 5-years of 86% vs 74% and 8-years of 81% vs 65% (HR: 0.41, 95%CI: 0.17-0.97, p=0.043). Our study had not statistical power to evaluate benefit of ACT in pT1a/b patients. In cases with pT1c tumors, treatment with ACT was the only factor associated with a better DFS (HR=0.29, 95%CI: 0.11-0.77, p=0.012). Because the low mortality in our cohort, OS was not evaluable.

Conclusions: Treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy reduces the recurrence risk in 71% among pT1cN0 TNBC.

Citation Format: Morante Z, De la Cruz-Ku G, Pinto J, Araujo J, Fuentes H, Enriquez D, Luque R, Eyzaguirre E, Saavedra A, Luján M, Neciosup S, Gomez H. Benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in disease-free survival for T1N0 triple negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-15-02.

Abstract P6-08-26: Outcomes and prognostic factors in 2000 patients with TNBC: Long-term results covering 10 years

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by being a heterogeneous disease with different risk factors and poor survival rates. TNBC have a higher prevalence in the Peruvian population (21.3%) than in Caucasian groups. Our study aims to determine the outcome and identify prognostic factors in Peruvian women with TNBC.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed TNBC patients treated at the “Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas” between 2000 and 2014. Survival rates and differences were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test, respectively. With the Cox regression, in univariate and multivariate analysis, we identified prognostic factors in for our TNBC population.

Results: In total, 2007 patients were diagnosed.The mean age was 50 years (range: 19-95 years); 44.8% were premenopausal and 26.2% had obesity at diagnosis. A family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer was present in 266 (28.9%) patients. Regarding the clinical-pathological features, 1860 (93.5%) had ductal invasive carcinoma and 1024 (51.6%) patients were in Stage (S) III. Local relapse and distant metastasis affected to 34.5% and 51.4% of our patients, respectively. Lung (14.5%) and bone (9.7%) were the most frequent sites of metastasis. The median follow-up was 9 years. The 5 and 10 yrs DFS/OS rates are shown in table 1. In the multivariate analysis, adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) (HR: 0.60, 95%CI: 0.44-0.82, p=0.001) and radiotherapy (RT) (HR:0.72, 95%CI:0.55-0.93, p=0.014) were associated with a reduced risk of recurrence, while nodal involvement were associated to a high recurrence risk. Factors associated to a reduction in the risk of death were ACT (HR:0.73, 95%CI:0.61-0.88, p=0.001), RT (HR: 0.70, 95%CI: 0.60-0.92, p&lt;0.001), and Neoadjuvant CT (HR: 0.61, 95%CI: 0.51-0.73, p&lt;0.001); in contrast, a NLR≥3 (HR:1.60,95%CI: 1.36-1.87, p&lt;0.001), N stage were associated with a higher risk of death.

Conclusions: Sociodemographic features of Peruvian patients with TNBC resemble other populations; however, our population is diagnosed at more advanced clinical stages, hence DFS and OS were lower than international reports while prognostic factors were similar to previous studies.

Table 1. 5- and 10-years DFS/OS ratesClinical StageIIIIIIIVTotalp (value)DFS (%)     &lt;0.0015-years837540-63 10-years696429-52 OS (%)     &lt;0.0015-years938239655 10-years837532550 

Citation Format: De la Cruz-Ku G, Morante Z, Pinto J, Enriquez D, Araujos J, Luque R, Eyzaguirre E, Saavedra A, Fuentes H, Neciosup S, Gomez H. Outcomes and prognostic factors in 2000 patients with TNBC: Long-term results covering 10 years [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-08-26.

Enhanced oil removal from water in oil stable emulsions using electrospun nanocomposite fiber mats

Fibrous mats with hydrophobic and oleophilic properties have been fabricated and used as absorbents of oil from stable water in oil emulsions.

Wii-based exercise program to improve physical fitness, motor proficiency and functional mobility in adults with Down syndrome

BACKGROUND

People with Down syndrome (DS) usually display reduced physical fitness (aerobic capacity, muscle strength and abnormal body composition), motor proficiency impairments (balance and postural control) and physical functional limitations. Exergames can be an appealing alternative to enhance exercise engagement and compliance, whilst improving physical fitness and motor function. This study aims to analyse the effects of a Wii-based exercise program on physical fitness, functional mobility and motor proficiency of adults with DS.

METHODS

Twenty-seven adults with DS were randomly allocated to an experimental group (Wii; n = 14) or control group (n = 13). Participants in the experimental group completed a 2-month Wii-based exercise program, with three 1-h sessions per week that included training games for aerobic endurance, balance and isometric strength. Participants completed assessments regarding anthropometric measures, physical fitness, functional mobility and motor proficiency.

RESULTS

Mixed ANOVA analysis showed a significant group by time interaction for aerobic endurance, explosive leg power and flexibility. Independent samples t-test for change scores indicated significant between-group differences favouring the experimental group regarding speed of limb movement, trunk strength and functional mobility, as well as a trend towards significance on body weight. Mann-Whitney's U test for change scores demonstrated between-group differences favouring the experimental group for visceral fat as well as running speed and agility. Large within-group effect sizes were observed for explosive leg power (d = 1.691), body weight (d = 1.281), functional mobility (d = 1.218), aerobic endurance (d = 1.020), speed of limb movement (d = 0.867) and flexibility (d = 0.818) in the experimental group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that Wii-based exercise can be an effective tool to improve physical fitness, functional mobility and motor proficiency of adults with DS, including crucial measures such as aerobic capacity and lower limb strength. Exergames using Wii Fit or other equipment can be appealing alternatives for adults with DS to engage in regular physical activity, preventing sedentary behaviour and decreasing the risk to develop cardiovascular diseases.

Relationship between oro and nasopharynx permeability and the direction of facial growth

AIM

Most scientific literature relates vertical growth to individuals with decreased upper airway permeability. However, we often find subjects with a long face and a normal breathing pattern, most likely caused by other aetiological factors. And, frequently, we also find decreased upper airway permeability with horizontal growth. The aim of the study was to compare the cephalometric measurements of the oro and nasopharynx permeability with the facial growth direction and to identify the most common facial growth direction in individuals with decreased upper airway permeability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cephalometric analysis was carried out in 158 pre-adolescent patients at the Orthodontic appointment, using facial profile teleradiographs. Parameters used were Jabarak's ratio and measurement of oro-nasopharynx space. Data collected were submitted to statistical treatment.

RESULTS

This study points to the presence of an intermediate growth in individuals with diminished oro and nasopharynx permeability, either simultaneous or separate. The number of individuals with diminished permeability and vertical growth is close to the number of individuals with horizontal growth.

CONCLUSIONS

The individuals with diminished permeability of the upper airway present an intermediate growth direction, representing the most frequent type. In the less common growth directions, there is a slight tendency to horizontal facial growth verified in individuals with diminished nasopharynx permeability. Also, a light tendency to vertical facial growth is present when oropharynx permeability is reduced.