Epidemiology and demographic patterns of cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms deaths in Western Europe: a 1990-2019 analysis

OBJECTIVES

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and neoplasms have been considered as public health concerns worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the epidemiological patterns of death burden on CVDs and neoplasms and its attributable risk factors in Western Europe from 1990 to 2019 to discuss the potential causes of the disparities.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We collected data on CVDs and neoplasms deaths in 24 Western European countries from the Global Burden of Disease Study. We analyzed patterns by age, sex, country, and associated risk factors. The results include percentages of total deaths, age-standardized death rates per 100,000 population, and uncertainty intervals (UIs). Time trends were assessed using annual percent change.

RESULTS

In 2019, CVDs and neoplasms accounted for 33.54% and 30.15% of Western Europe's total deaths, with age-standardized death rates of 128.05 (95% UI: 135.37, 113.02) and 137.51 (95% UI: 142.54, 128.01) per 100,000. Over 1990-2019, CVDs rates decreased by 54.97%, and neoplasms rates decreased by 19.54%. Top CVDs subtypes were ischemic heart disease and stroke; top cancers for neoplasms were lung and colorectal. Highest CVD death burdens were in Finland, Greece, Austria; neoplasm burdens in Monaco, San Marino, Andorra. The major risk factors were metabolic (CVDs) and behavioral (neoplasms). Gender differences revealed higher CVDs death burden in males, while neoplasms burden varied by risk factors and age groups.

CONCLUSION

In 2019, CVDs and neoplasms posed significant health risks in Western Europe, with variations in death burdens and risk factors across genders, age groups, and countries. Future interventions should target vulnerable groups to lessen the impact of CVDs and neoplasms in the region.

Effect of asiatic acid supplementation in tris-extender on post-thaw functional competence, antioxidant enzyme activity and in vivo fertility of bull sperm

Reactive oxygen species at supra-physiological levels trigger oxidative stress during cryopreservation, which can be neutralised by incorporating suitable antioxidants into the semen extender medium. This study was intended to explore the effect of asiatic acid (AA) as an antioxidant in semen extender on frozen-thawed sperm quality and in vivo fertility of bull sperm. Semen was collected from Holstein Friesian bulls for 10 consecutive weeks (total ejaculates = 60). Semen was cryopreserved with a Tris citric acid egg yolk-based extender supplemented with 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, and 100 μM AA. The supplementation of the extender with 40 and 60 μM AA improved (p < 0.05) post-thaw motility kinematics, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, sperm viability, and DNA integrity of bull sperm. Mitochondrial membrane potential was high (p < 0.05) with 60 μM of AA concentration in extender media. The catalase activity in seminal plasma was maintained (p < 0.05) when semen was added with 20, 40, and 60 μM of AA. The in vivo fertility was found to be significantly high with the semen extended with 60 μM AA. Conclusively, this study showed that AA supplementation in semen extender significantly improved sperm motility kinematics and cell integrity, conserved antioxidant enzyme activity, and improved in vivo fertility.

The Perceived Value of Liquid Biopsy: Results From a Canadian Validation Study of Circulating Tumor DNA T790M Testing-Patient's Willingness-to-Pay: A Brief Report

Introduction

Liquid biopsy is recommended to diagnose molecular resistance to targeted therapy in patients with lung cancer. Nevertheless, not all jurisdictions provide funding and patient access. We report patients' perceived value of liquid biopsy in targeted therapy resistance.

Methods

Canadian patients participating in a national EGFR T790M liquid biopsy validation study completed structured interviews measuring perceived value and willingness-to-pay for plasma circulating tumor DNA testing as an alternative to tumor biopsy using open-ended and iterative bidding approaches.

Results

A total of 60 patients with advanced lung cancer participated with a median age of 64 years (range: 31-87 y); 69% were Asian and 45% female. All had received prior EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor; 17% also received chemotherapy. All patients preferred to have plasma testing over repeat tumor biopsy. In the context of the Canadian publicly funded system, patients estimated that a median of 300 (interquartile range: 150-800) Canadian dollars was a reasonable price to pay for liquid biopsy. Patients were personally willing to pay a median 100 (interquartile range: 33-350) Canadian dollars.

Conclusions

In a system that covers the cost of standard diagnostic tests, patients with lung cancer indicated high willingness-to-pay out-of-pocket for liquid biopsy in the setting of acquired targeted therapy resistance. Patients have high perceived value of plasma genotyping and prefer it to repeat tumor biopsy.

Ethnomedicinal uses of plants for various diseases in the remote areas of Changa Manga Forest, Pakistan

Abstract This study aims at reporting the indigenous knowledge of the medicinal flora from the inhabitants of surroundings of the World’s largest artificial planted forest “Changa Manga”, Pakistan. Data were collected by direct interviews and group meetings from 81 inhabitants including 32 local healers having information regarding the use of indigenous medicinal plants over a period of one year. Different statistical tools were applied to analyze the data including Frequency citation (FC), Relative frequency citation (RFC), Use Value, Factor of informants consensus and fidelity level. This study reported 73 plant species belonging to 37 plant families and 46 genera. The majority of plant species belong to compositae family. The most commonly used medicinal plants were P. hysterophorus L., P. dactylifera L., S. indicum L, P. harmala L., P. emblica L., and A. indica A.Juss. The greatest number of species was used to cure gastrointestinal disorders. The highest fidelity level (68.18%) was of E. helioscopia to cure gastrointestinal disorders. Maximum fresh uses (17) were reported by C. dactylon (L.) Pars. While the highest number of species reporting fresh uses in similar number was 13. In this study, five novel plants are being reported for the first time in Pakistan for their ethnomedicinal worth. Our data reflect unique usage of the medicinal plants in the study area. The statistical tools used in the study proved useful in pointing the most important and disease category specific plants. High use value plant and the new reported medicinal plants might prove an important source of the isolation of pharmacologically active compounds.

Consolidative Radiotherapy for Residual PET-Avid Disease on Day +30 Post CAR T-Cell Therapy in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Up to30% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients achieve a partial response (PR) to anti-CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy (CART) on day +30. Most PR patients relapse and only 30% achieve spontaneous complete response (CR) without additional therapies. This study is the first to report on the role of consolidative radiotherapy (cRT) for PR PET-avid disease on day +30 post-CART in NHL.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Aretrospective review across 3 institutions from 2018 to 2022 identified 60 patients with B-cell NHL who received CART and achieved PR (Deauville 4-5) with <5 PET-avid disease sites on day +30. Progression-free survival (PFS) was defined from CART infusion to any disease progression. Overall survival (OS) was defined from CART infusion to death. Local relapse-free survival (LRFS), calculated based on the total number of PR sites, was defined from CART infusion to local relapse (LR) in the PR site identified on day +30. cRT was defined as comprehensive (compRT) - treated all PR PET-avid sites - or focal (focRT).

RESULTS

Followingday +30 PET scan, 45 PR patients were observed and 15 received cRT. Only one patient received consolidative systemic therapy and belonged to the cRT group. Prior to CART, bridging RT was given to 13 patients (9 in observation group and 4 in cRT group). There were no significant differences in the pre-CART and day +30 baseline characteristics, including the median size and SUVmax of the PR sites, between the two groups. However, the median number of PR sites on day +30 was higher in the cRT group (2 [range 1-3] vs 1 [range 1-3], p = 0.003). The median equivalent 2 Gy dose was 39.1 (Interquartile range 36.8-41) Gy, and the most common cRT regimen was 37.5 Gy in 15 fractions. The median follow-up was 21 months. Among the observed patients, 15 (33%) achieved spontaneous CR, and 27 (60%) experienced disease progression with all relapses involving the initial PR sites. Among patients who received cRT, 10 (67%) achieved CR, and 3 (20%) had disease progression with no relapses in the radiated PR sites. None of the 10 cRT patients achieving CR relapsed or required subsequent therapies. The 2-year PFS was 80% and 37% (p = 0.012) and the 2-year OS was 78% and 43% (p = 0.12) in the cRT and observation groups, respectively. Patients consolidated with compRT (n = 12) had superior 2-year PFS (92% vs 37%, p = 0.003) and 2-year OS (86% vs 43%, p = 0.048) compared to observed or focRT patients (n = 48). There were no grade 3+ RT-related toxicities. A total of 90 PR sites were identified; 64 were observed and 26 received cRT. Fourteen (22%) observed PR sites achieved spontaneous sustained CR and 42 (66%) experienced LR. Twenty-four (92%) PR sites consolidated with cRT achieved sustained CR and none experienced LR. The 2-year LRFS was 100% in the cRT sites and 31% in the observed sites (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

NHL patients who achieve PR by PET to CART are at high risk of local progression. cRT for residual PET-avid disease on day +30 post-CART appears to alter the pattern of relapse and improve LRFS and PFS.

The Role of Radiation Therapy in the Management of Gray Zone Lymphoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Gray zone lymphoma (GZL) is a relatively rare disease predominantly affecting young adults with purportedly poor outcomes with current treatment approaches. The role of radiation therapy (RT) in the management of GZL is not well established. This is the largest study to report on the outcomes of GZL patients treated with and without RT.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A retrospective review of 30 patients with GZL treated across 3 institutions from 2009 to 2021 was performed. Event-free survival (EFS) was defined from initiation of frontline chemotherapy (CHT) to disease progression/relapse, initiation of salvage therapy, or death. Local control (LC) was defined from RT start date to in-field recurrence.

RESULTS

The median age was 32 (range: 18-86) years, and 16 (53%) patients had early stage (I-II) disease. Bulky mediastinal disease was present in 63% of patients, and the median tumor diameter was 10 (range: 1.5-18) cm. Patients received ABVD (20%), RCHOP (33%), or REPOCH (47%) as frontline CHT. Among 25 patients with interim PET/CT scan, there were 6 rapid early responders and 14 slow early responders (SER), with 2-year EFS of 33% and 24%, respectively (p = 0.13). After the completion of CHT, 15 (50%) patients achieved complete response (CR) and 10 (33%) achieved partial response (PR), with 2-year EFS of 46% and 10%, respectively (p = 0.004). RT was given to 9 patients in CR (n = 3) or in PR (n = 6). The median RT dose was 36 (30.6-48.6) Gy, at 1.8-2 Gy/fraction. Those receiving RT had bulkier disease at diagnosis (p = 0.049) and lower rates of CR following CHT (p = 0.03). After RT, 3/6 (50%) PR patients converted to CR. At a median follow-up of 4 years, the 2-year EFS was 26% for all patients, 33% for RT and 23% for noRT (p = 0.44). Among patients who did not receive upfront RT and experienced progression (n = 17), 16 (94%) relapsed in pre-existing sites. The 5-year OS was 80% for all patients, 88% for RT and 78% for no RT (p = 0.63). Patients who achieved PR to CHT and received RT had better 2-year EFS (17% vs 0%, p = 0.007) compared to patients who did not receive RT. Similarly, patients with SER who received RT had superior 2-year EFS (33% vs 13%, p = 0.038). Patients with bulky mediastinal disease had a 2-year EFS of 43% with RT and 11% without RT (p = 0.08). After 1st line treatment, 22 (73%) patients relapsed and 18 were successfully salvaged with a sustained CR. The most common salvage regimen involved high dose CHT followed by hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) (n = 15). RT was given for 7 patients in the relapsed/refractory setting (consolidative peri-HCT n = 4; definitive salvage n = 3) and 5 (71%) achieved a sustained CR. Among the 16 patients who received RT in the upfront (n = 9) or salvage (n = 7) setting, 3 patients experienced in-field recurrence translating to 2-year LC of 79%.

CONCLUSION

GZL patients have high risk of relapse and maximal upfront combined modality therapy should be considered. RT provides good local control and improves EFS particularly for SER, PR, and bulky mediastinal disease.

Tumor Treating Fields therapy with standard systemic therapy versus standard systemic therapy alone in metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer following progression on or after platinum-based therapy (LUNAR): a randomised, open-label, pivotal phase 3 study

BACKGROUND

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are electric fields that disrupt processes critical for cancer cell survival, leading to immunogenic cell death and enhanced antitumour immune response. In preclinical models of non-small-cell lung cancer, TTFields amplified the effects of chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. We report primary results from a pivotal study of TTFields therapy in metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer.

METHODS

This randomised, open-label, pivotal phase 3 study recruited patients at 130 sites in 19 countries. Participants were aged 22 years or older with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer progressing on or after platinum-based therapy, with squamous or non-squamous histology and ECOG performance status of 2 or less. Previous platinum-based therapy was required, but no restriction was placed on the number or type of previous lines of systemic therapy. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to TTFields therapy and standard systemic therapy (investigator's choice of immune checkpoint inhibitor [nivolumab, pembrolizumab, or atezolizumab] or docetaxel) or standard therapy alone. Randomisation was performed centrally using variable blocked randomisation and an interactive voice-web response system, and was stratified by tumour histology, treatment, and region. Systemic therapies were dosed according to local practice guidelines. TTFields therapy (150 kHz) was delivered continuously to the thoracic region with the recommendation to achieve an average of at least 18 h/day device usage. The primary endpoint was overall survival in the intention-to-treat population. The safety population included all patients who received any study therapy and were analysed according to the actual treatment received. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02973789.

FINDINGS

Between Feb 13, 2017, and Nov 19, 2021, 276 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive TTFields therapy with standard therapy (n=137) or standard therapy alone (n=139). The median age was 64 years (IQR 59-70), 178 (64%) were male and 98 (36%) were female, 156 (57%) had non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer, and 87 (32%) had received a previous immune checkpoint inhibitor. Median follow-up was 10·6 months (IQR 6·1-33·7) for patients receiving TTFields therapy with standard therapy, and 9·5 months (0·1-32·1) for patients receiving standard therapy. Overall survival was significantly longer with TTFields therapy and standard therapy than with standard therapy alone (median 13·2 months [95% CI 10·3-15·5] vs 9·9 months [8·1-11·5]; hazard ratio [HR] 0·74 [95% CI 0·56-0·98]; p=0·035). In the safety population (n=267), serious adverse events of any cause were reported in 70 (53%) of 133 patients receiving TTFields therapy plus standard therapy and 51 (38%) of 134 patients receiving standard therapy alone. The most frequent grade 3-4 adverse events were leukopenia (37 [14%] of 267), pneumonia (28 [10%]), and anaemia (21 [8%]). TTFields therapy-related adverse events were reported in 95 (71%) of 133 patients; these were mostly (81 [85%]) grade 1-2 skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders. There were three deaths related to standard therapy (two due to infections and one due to pulmonary haemorrhage) and no deaths related to TTFields therapy.

INTERPRETATION

TTFields therapy added to standard therapy significantly improved overall survival compared with standard therapy alone in metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer after progression on platinum-based therapy without exacerbating systemic toxicities. These data suggest that TTFields therapy is efficacious in metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer and should be considered as a treatment option to manage the disease in this setting.

FUNDING

Novocure.

Decreased plasma myonectin levels in female patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its correlation with lipid and glycemic parameters

OBJECTIVE

Myonectin is a novel myokine which has significant implications on diabetes. This study aimed to investigate plasma myonectin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and their correlation with body composition, lipid and glycemic parameters.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study participants included 40 diabetic and 33 non-diabetic healthy adult Saudi females matched for their BMI and age. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Fasting blood samples were used to investigate plasma myonectin levels by ELISA, along with lipid and glycemic parameters.

RESULTS

We found that plasma myonectin levels were significantly decreased in diabetic patients (40.90±4.13 ng/ml, p<0.05) compared to non-diabetic participants (59.58±4.41). Diabetic patients with poor glycemic parameters had significantly decreased myonectin levels (35.18±4.03 ng/ml p<0.05) compared to non-diabetic healthy subjects. There was no significant difference in myonectin levels between diabetic patients with good glycemic control (55.76±8.09 ng/ml p>0.05) and non-diabetic healthy participants. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a significant negative correlation with fasting blood sugar (R=-0.366, p=0.001), HbA1c (R=-0.406, p<0.0001), triglycerides (R=-0.264, p=0.024), insulin (R=-0.278, p=0.017), and HOMA-IR (R=-0.409, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight an important aspect of myonectin in the pathophysiology of T2DM. They also show that myonectin has the potential to be a useful biomarker and therapeutic target in T2DM.

Report from the 24th Annual Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference on Colorectal Cancer, Richmond, British Columbia, 28-29, October 2022

The 24th annual Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference (WCGCCC) was held in Richmond, British Columbia, on 28-29 October 2022. The WCGCCC is an interactive multidisciplinary conference attended by healthcare professionals from across Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) who are involved in the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists; pathologists; radiologists; and allied health care professionals such as dieticians, nurses and a genetic counsellor participated in presentation and discussion sessions for the purpose of developing the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses current issues in the management of colorectal cancer.

Brief Report: Canadian Cancer Trials Group IND.227: A Phase 2 Randomized Study of Pembrolizumab in Patients With Advanced Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (NCT02784171)

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have activity in mesothelioma. IND.227 was a phase 2 trial (120 patients planned) comparing progression-free survival of standard platinum and pemetrexed (CP) versus CP + pembrolizumab (pembro) versus pembro. Accrual to the pembro arm was discontinued on the basis of interim analysis (IA-16 wk disease control rate). CP + pembro was tolerable, with progression-free survival similar between arms and median survival and overall response rate higher than those of CP alone (19.8 mo [95% confidence interval or CI: 8.4-41.36] versus 8.9 mo [95% CI: 5.3-12.8] and 47% [95% CI: 24%-71%] versus 19% [95% CI: 5%-42%], respectively). The subsequent phase 3 trial has completed accrual; results are expected in 2023.

Prevalence of Gram positive bacteria in the affected individuals of Otitis media with effusion from the indigenous population of Southern Punjab, Pakistan: first report

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a type of otitis media (OM) characterized by the presence of fluid behind intact tympanic membrane and is one of the most common diseases of early childhood. It is an infectious disease associated with the presence of many pathogenic bacteria in the middle ear of affected individuals. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria from the middle ear of OME patients in the population of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. The incidence of OME under comprehensive healthcare setting was investigated in patients who consulted at the department of ear, throat and nose, Bahawal Victoria Hospital (BVH), Bahawalpur, from December, 2019 to May, 2021. Ear swabs were taken from affected and normal individuals. After culturing bacteria from the ear swabs, microscopic analysis and biochemical tests were performed to characterize the cultured Gram-positive bacteria. Out of 352 patients examined, 109 (30.9%) patients had OME. Age of the participants ranged from 14 to 50 years; individuals between the ages of 14 and 22 years had the highest infection rates, while individuals between 40 and 50 years had the lowest rate of infection. Tympanic membrane perforation, fever, cough, sore throat, ear pain and hearing problem showed association with symptoms of OME. Microscopic analysis and biochemical characterization showed the presence of streptococci and staphylococci in all the studied samples. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus with percentage of 53.3%, 20% and 13.3% respectively. Enterococcus faecalis (6.6%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (6.6%) were also identified in the studied samples. This study will help in the better medical administration of OME affected individuals.

Efektivitas Edukasi Penggunaan Pasta Gigi Zinc Kepada Guru TK Mengunakan Metode Teledentsistry di Masa Pandemi COVID-19

Pandemi COVID-19 memiliki dampak terhadap masyarakat, pengetahuan dalam pencegahan penyebaran diperlukan agar dapat mengurangi tertularnya COVID-19. Oleh karena penerapan physical distancing, metode edukasi secara daring dilakukan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektivitas edukasi penggunaan pasta gigi zinc kepada guru TK menggunakan metode teledentistry di masa pandemi COVID-19. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode cross-sectional yang dilakukan pada guru TK se-Kecamatan Lubuk Basung yang telah memenuhi kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi. Kuisioner dengan 10 pertanyaan tertutup diberikan kepada populasi yang berjumlah 53 orang sebelum intervensi, kemudian dilakukan intervensi berupa edukasi secara daring dan dilakukan pengisian kuisioner kembali. Nilai 1 diberikan jika jawaban benar dan 0 jika jawaban salah. Statistika deskriptif dan perangkat lunak PSPP digunakan untuk menganalisa data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya peningkatan rerata pengetahuan yang signifikan antara sebelum (17,98±2,274) dan sesudah (19,49±1,265) pemberian edukasi penggunaan pasta gigi zinc kepada guru TK mengunakan metode teledentsistry (Pv=0,000). Berdasarkan uji gain score diperoleh hasil sebesar 0,75, disimpulkan edukasi penggunaan pasta gigi zinc kepada guru TK menggunakan metode teledentistry terbukti  memiliki efektifitas tinggi.

Early Versus Delayed Treatment for Gartland Type III Supracondylar Humeral Fractures in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The timing of treatment for Gartland type III supracondylar fractures has been an area of contention as it was previously thought to be a surgical emergency. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to clarify whether there is a difference in perioperative outcomes between early and delayed treatment for Gartland type III supracondylar humeral fractures in children.

METHODS

Literature search and study selection were performed according to the PRISMA process. The early surgery (ES) and delayed surgery (DS) groups were defined by the authors of each study included, based on the time to surgery. The primary outcome was the risk of conversion to open reduction. The secondary outcome was perioperative complication risks.

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies met the eligibility criteria (n = 1263 patients), of which 665 (52.7%) patients had undergone early surgery, while 598 (47.3%) had delayed surgery. On meta-analysis, there was no significant difference between ES and DS for the outcome of open reduction conversion risk. There was also no significant difference for the secondary outcomes of post-operative compartment syndrome, iatrogenic nerve injury, vascular injury, and surgical site infection.

CONCLUSION

Despite the limitations in the literature, evidence exists to support the notion that a delayed approach to the surgical treatment of Gartland type III supracondylar humeral fractures in children does not result in an increased risk of converting to open reduction and perioperative complications.

Awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices before the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

The COVID-19 outbreak was first reported in Wuhan City, China in early December 2019. It was declared a pandemic by WHO in March 2020. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes of the general population in Saudi Arabia towards COVID-19, as well as its adherence to preventive measures and its willingness to take the vaccine.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study involved an online sample of 7,188 participants (from five regions of Saudi Arabia) who completed a self-administered online-based questionnaire. They were recruited from 23 November 2020 to 29 November 2020 based on the nonprobability convenience sampling method. The self-administered questionnaire comprised four main sections: gathering information about participants' demographics, knowledge and awareness of COVID-19, participants' practices (hygiene and other) against infection, and vaccine acceptability.

RESULTS

More than half of the study participants were knowledgeable about COVID-19. The mean scores were 10.4 (SD=3.44, range: 0-18 - with high scores indicating better knowledge or awareness) for knowledge and 6.1 (SD=2.26, range: 0-11) for awareness, indicating a need for more educational campaigns to improve the level of knowledge and awareness among the Saudi Arabian population about COVID-19. The mean score for attitude was 5 (SD=1.67, range: 0-8 - from 0=very pessimistic to 8=very optimistic), indicating moderate optimism. As for practices, the mean score was 7.8 (SD=1.57, range: 0-10), indicating good practices to prevent or control infection. Concerning acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine, 63.8% of the participants agreed to take the vaccine if it was proven to be 95% effective.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study can help us designing effective measures against COVID-19 infections. Our results highlight the best practices adopted by the Saudi Arabian population, as well as those areas requiring improvement, including knowledge, attitudes, and practices against this disease.

Evaluation of prognostic risk models for postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a systematic review and international external validation cohort study

BACKGROUND

Stratifying risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery allows clinicians to modify risk through targeted interventions and enhanced monitoring. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate prognostic models against a new consensus definition of postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and international external validation cohort study. The systematic review was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 1, 2020, for articles published in English that reported on risk prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. External validation of existing models was done within a prospective international cohort study of adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing major abdominal surgery. Data were collected between Jan 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Discriminative ability and prognostic accuracy summary statistics were compared between models for the 30-day postoperative pulmonary complication rate as defined by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine Core Outcome Measures in Perioperative and Anaesthetic Care (StEP-COMPAC). Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC).

FINDINGS

In total, we identified 2903 records from our literature search; of which, 2514 (86·6%) unique records were screened, 121 (4·8%) of 2514 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 29 unique prognostic models were identified. Nine (31·0%) of 29 models had score development reported only, 19 (65·5%) had undergone internal validation, and only four (13·8%) had been externally validated. Data to validate six eligible models were collected in the international external validation cohort study. Data from 11 591 patients were available, with an overall postoperative pulmonary complication rate of 7·8% (n=903). None of the six models showed good discrimination (defined as AUROCC ≥0·70) for identifying postoperative pulmonary complications, with the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score showing the best discrimination (AUROCC 0·700 [95% CI 0·683-0·717]).

INTERPRETATION

In the pre-COVID-19 pandemic data, variability in the risk of pulmonary complications (StEP-COMPAC definition) following major abdominal surgery was poorly described by existing prognostication tools. To improve surgical safety during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and beyond, novel risk stratification tools are required.

FUNDING

British Journal of Surgery Society.

Hydrogen sulphide and nitric oxide mitigate the negative impacts of waterlogging stress on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulphide (H₂ S) are important gaseous signalling molecules that regulate key physiochemical mechanisms of plants under environmental stresses. A number of attempts have been made to improve waterlogging tolerance in plants, but with limited success. Having said that, NO and H₂ S are vital signalling molecules, but their role in mitigating waterlogging effects on crop plants is not well established. We investigated the efficacy of exogenous NO and H₂ S to alleviate waterlogging effects in two wheat cultivars (Galaxy-2013 and FSD-2008). Waterlogging produced a noticeable reduction in plant growth, yield, chlorophyll, soluble sugars and free amino acids. Besides, waterlogging induced severe oxidative damage seen as higher cellular TBARS and H₂ O₂ content. Antioxidant enzyme activity increased together with a notable rise in Fe²⁺ and Mn²⁺ content. Proline content was higher in waterlogged plants compared with non-waterlogged plants. In contrast, waterlogging caused a substantial decline in endogenous levels of essential nutrients (K⁺ , Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ). Waterlogged conditions led to Fe²⁺ and Mn²⁺ toxicity due to rapid reduction of Fe³⁺ and Mn³⁺ in the soil. Exogenous NO and H₂ S significantly protected plants from waterlogging effects by enhancing the oxidative defence and regulating nutritional status. Besides, the protective effects of exogenous NO were more prominent as compared with effects of H₂ S. Further, we did not study the effect of H₂ S and NO on photosynthetic attributes and expression of stress-related genes. Therefore, future studies should examine the effects of H₂ S and NO on wheat physiology and gene expression under waterlogging.

Therapeutic potential of stem cell and melatonin on the reduction of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in experimental mice model

Liver fibrosis is initial stage of any chronic liver disease and its end stage is develops into cirrhosis. Chronic liver diseases are a crucial global health issue and the cause of approximately 2 million deaths per year worldwide. Cirrhosis is currently the 11th most common cause of death globally. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) treatment is the best way to treat acute and chronic liver disease. The aim of this study is to improve the therapeutic potential of MSCs combined with melatonin (MLT) to overcome CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and also investigate the individual impact of melatonin and MSCs against CCl4-induced liver impairment in animal model. Female BALB/c mice were used as CCL4-induced liver fibrotic animal model. Five groups of animal model were made; negative control, Positive control, CCl4+MSCs treated group, CCl4+MLT treated group and CCl4+MSCs+MLT treated group. Cultured MSCs from mice bone marrow were transplanted to CCl4-induced liver injured mice model, individually as well as together with melatonin. Two weeks after MSCs and MLT administration, all groups of mice were sacrificed for examination. Morphological and Histopathological results showed that combined therapy of MSCs+MLT showed substantial beneficial impact on CCl4-induced liver injured model, compared with MSCs and MLT individually. Biochemically, considerable reduction was observed in serum bilirubin and ALT levels of MLT+MSC treated mice, compared to other groups. PCR results shown down-regulation of Bax and up-regulation of Bcl-xl and Albumin, confirm a significant therapeutic effect of MSCs+MLT on CCI4-induced liver fibrosis. From the results, it is concluded that combined therapy of MSCs and MLT show strong therapeutic effect on CCL4-induced liver fibrosis, compared with MSCs and MLT individually.

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of antioxidant, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in various weed plants associated with wheat crops

This study explores the antioxidant activity, phytochemical screening, total phenolic and flavonoids contents in the extracts of four locally available weeds plants namely Convolvulus arvensis, Chenopodium murale, Avena fatua and Phalaris minor with different solvents. The antioxidant activities of these extracts were determined via various in-vitro methods such as total antioxidant activity (TAA), reducing power (RP), DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. Phytochemical screening was performed both qualitatively as well as quantitatively. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined through Folin- Ciocalteu reagent and aluminium chloride methods respectively. Methanol-chloroform solvent showed the presence of a high amount of TPC in milligram of gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry weight (mg of GAE/g of DW) in the extracts of all weeds. Their descending sequence was Avena fatua (74.09) ˃ Phalaris minor (65.66) ˃ Chenopodium murale (64.04) ˃ Convolvulus arvensis (61.905), while, chloroform solvent found to be best solvent for the extraction of TFC. Methanol-chloroform solvent was also found to be best solvent for TAA (Total antioxidant activity assay) which showed values in milligram of ascorbic acid equivalent per gram of dry weight (mg of AAE /g of DW), for DPPH scavenging activity, reducing power (antioxidant activity) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids and glycosides in these weeds.

Early discontinuation of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer correlates with inferior survival: A multicenter population-based cohort study

Background

The current study aimed to determine the association between timing and completion of adjuvant chemotherapy and outcomes in real-world patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer.

Methods

In this multi-center cohort study patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer who were diagnosed from 2007–2017 and underwent complete resection in the province of Saskatchewan were examined. Cox proportional multivariate analyses were performed for correlation with recurrence and survival.

Results

Of 168 patients, 71 eligible patients with median age of 69 years and M:F of 37:34 were identified. Median time to the start of adjuvant therapy from surgery was 73 days. Of all patients, 49 (69%) patients completed adjuvant chemotherapy and 22 (31%) required early treatment discontinuation. Median recurrence-free survival of patients who completed treatment was 22 months (95%CI:15.8–28.2) vs. 9 months (3.3–14.7) if treatment was discontinued early (P<0.001). Median overall survival of those who completed treatment was 33 (17.5–48.5) vs. 16 months (17.5–48.5) with early treatment discontinuation (P<0.001). In the multivariate analysis, treatment discontinuation was significantly correlated with recurrent disease, hazard ratio (HR), 2.57 (1.41–4.68), P = 0.002 and inferior survival, HR, 2.55 (1.39–4.68), P = 0.003. No correlation between treatment timing and survival was noted.

Conclusions

Early discontinuation but not the timing of adjuvant chemotherapy correlates with inferior outcomes.

Will weather stem the spread of the COVID-19 in Pakistan?

The pandemic of COVID-19 started spreading more exponentially across Pakistan since the end of February 2020. Numerous models and factors have been used to estimate predictions of the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 infections around the globe. While many factors play a role in the spread of COVID-19, climate and weather conditions are considered key elements in the transmission of COVID-19. Many researchers believe that recent increases in COVID-19 cases correlate strongly with local temperatures and factors (such as humidity, weather conditions, etc.) related to it. In this manuscript we test the hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 spread is temperature-dependent by using the available data derived from Pakistan. The present review focuses on the relationship between temperature and COVID-19, examining the virus's viability and infectivity under various conditions. Our findings indicate that the trough and crest of the COVID-19 wave observed in 2020 are likely to repeat in the summer and winter of 2021, respectively. In Pakistan, temperatures, and humidity significantly affect the COVID-19 transmission and incidence. Like other types of beta-coronaviruses (ß-CoVs), the spread of COVID-19 may depend upon a great deal on temperature.

Photosynthetic acclamatory response of Panicum antidotale Retz. populations to root zone desiccation stress

Growth of plants is severely reduced due to water stress by affecting photosynthesis including photosystem II (PSII) activity and electron transport. This study emphasised on comparative and priority targeted changes in PSII activity due to progressive drought in seven populations of Panicum antidotale (P. antidotale) collected from Cholistan Desert and non-Cholistan regions. Tillers of equal growth of seven populations of P. antidotale grown in plastic pots filled with soil were subjected progressive drought by withholding water irrigation for three weeks. Progressive drought reduced the soil moisture content, leaf relative water content, photosynthetic pigments and fresh and dry biomass of shoots in all seven populations. Populations from Dingarh Fort, Dingarh Grassland and Haiderwali had higher growth than those of other populations. Cholistani populations especially in Dingarh Grassland and Haiderwali had greater ability of osmotic adjustment as reflected by osmotic potential and greater accumulation of total soluble proteins. Maximum H2O2 under water stress was observed in populations from Muzaffargarh and Khanewal but these were intermediate in MDA content. Under water stress, populations from Muzaffargarh and Dingarh Fort had greater K+ accumulation in their leaves. During progressive drought, non-Cholistani populations showed complete leaf rolling after 23 days of drought, and these populations could not withstand with more water stress condition while Cholistani populations tolerated more water stress condition for 31 days. Moreover, progressive drought caused PSII damages after 19 days and it became severe after 23 days in non-Cholistani populations of P. antidotale than in Cholistani populations.

Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of a methanolic extract of Debregeasia salicifolia in Alloxan-induced diabetic albino mice

Diabetes mellitus (DM), an endocrine syndrome characterized by high blood glucose levels due to abrogated insulin activity. The existing treatments for DM have side effects and varying degrees of efficacy. Therefore, it is paramount that novel approaches be developed to enhance the management of DM. Therapeutic plants have been accredited as having comparatively high efficacy with fewer adverse effects. The current study aims to elucidate the phytochemical profile, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-diabetic effects of methanolic extract D. salicifolia (leaves) in Alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Alloxan was injected intraperitoneally (150 mg kg-1, b.w), to induced diabetes in mice. The mice were divided into three groups (n=10). Group 1 (normal control) received normal food and purified water, Group II (diabetic control) received regular feed and clean water and group III (diabetic treated) received a methanolic extract of the plant (300 mg kg-1) for 28 days with a typical diet and clean water throughout the experiment. Blood samples were collected to checked serum glucose and concentration of LDL, TC, TG. The extract demonstrated significant antihyperglycemic activity (P<0.05), whereas improvements in mice's body weight and lipid profiles were observed after treatment with the extract. This study establishes that the extract has high efficacy with comparatively less toxicity that can be used for DM management.

Pulsed Laser Deposited Zeolite Coatings on Femtosecond Laser-Nanostructured Steel Meshes for Durable Superhydrophilic/Oleophobic Functionalities

Ultrafast laser structuring has proven to alter the wettability performance of surfaces drastically due to controlled modification of the surface roughness and energy. Surface alteration can be achieved also by coating the surfaces with functional materials with enhanced durability. On this line, robust and tunable surface wettability performance can be achieved by the synergic effects of ultrafast laser structuring and coating. In this work, femtosecond laser-structured stainless steel (SS-100) meshes were used to host the growth of NaAlSi₂O₆-H₂O zeolite films. Contact angle measurements were carried on pristine SS-100 meshes, zeolite-coated SS-100 meshes, laser-structured SS-100 meshes, and zeolite-coated laser-structured SS-100 meshes. Enhanced hydrophilic behavior was observed in the zeolite-coated SS-100 meshes (contact angle 72°) and in laser-structured SS-100 meshes (contact angle 41°). On the other hand, superior durable hydrophilic behavior was observed for the zeolite-coated laser-structured SS-100 meshes (contact angle 14°) over an extended period and reusability. In addition, the zeolite-coated laser-structured SS-100 meshes were subjected to oil-water separation tests and revealed augmented effectuation for oil-water separation.

Real-world comparison of the last generation balloon-expandable and self-expanding valves in patients undergoing TAVI

Background/Introduction

The balloon expandable (BE) Edwards Sapien-S3/Ultra, and the self-expanding (SE) Medtronic Evolut-Pro represent the main volume of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures conducted worldwide.

Purpose

The present study represents the largest real-world comparison of periprocedural and short-term outcome between the aforementioned last generation devices.

Methods

Consecutive patients who had undergone TAVI with either the BE (S3/Ultra) or SE (Evolut-Pro/R-34mm if 34mm valve was required) device, in five centers were retrospectively studied. Periprocedural and short-term outcomes were recorded and compared.

Results

In total, 1341 patients (58.5% male) were treated with contemporary BE and SE valves (574 and 767pts with BE and SE respectively) and followed up for a median of 18.7 (IQR 30) months. Baseline demographics were similar between the two groups apart from severe left ventricle (LV) systolic impairment and extensive aorta calcification, being more prevalent amongst BE and SE groups respectively. Patients treated with the Evolut-Pro/R34mm device had significantly lower peak (16±9mmHg for SE vs 23.9±6mmHg for the BE valves, p=0.001) and mean (8.6±6mmHg SE vs 11.2±5.2mmHg BE, p=0.001) gradients at discharge.

Conversely, the BE group demonstrated significantly lower rates of at least moderate residual aortic regurgitation (AR) post-operatively (0.7% vs 5.2% for BE and SE valves respectively, p&lt;0.001). Interestingly, the rate of new permanent pacemaker (PPM) required after the implantation in initially pacemaker-free patients, was higher for the S3/Ultra cohort compared to the self-expanding valve group (14.4% vs 12.3% respectively, p=0.001). No statistical difference was recorded between valve groups regarding cerebrovascular events (3.4% vs. 2.7% for SE and BE respectively, p=0.466), major vascular complications (4.2% vs. 3.0% for SE and BE respectively, p=0.251) and death to hospital discharge (1.6% vs. 2.9% for SE and BE respectively, p=0.117).

One-year Kaplan-Meier estimated survival was similar between the two groups (88.7% for BE vs. 91.4% for SE valves, plog-rank=0.093). When adjusting for age, extensive calcification of the aorta and baseline LV function all caused mortality hazard ratios were similar between patients treated with BE vs SE valves (HR 1.39; 95% CI 0.97 to 1.98, p=0.07).

Conclusions

Real life comparison of the last generation balloon expandable and self-expanding devices demonstrates superiority of the former in terms of residual PVL, at the expense of higher transvalvular gradients and higher need of new PPM implantation. The latter however may represent differences in center practices with regards to thresholds for permanent pacing. Long-term follow-up and future larger trials are required to establish any potential long-term difference in clinical outcomes and prognosis.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

606 AUDIT: IV Fluid Prescribing in Surgical Patients

Aim

A recent change to electronic fluid prescribing has enabled us to evaluate our adherence to recommendations. NICE clinical guideline 174 states that patients should receive 25-30ml/kg/day water and 1mmol/kg/day of sodium, potassium, and chloride with regards to maintenance fluid therapy. We retrospectively audited our practice in surgical patients.

Method

Patients were selected from two surgical inpatient wards in a district general hospital utilising random sampling over a one-month period. Prescribed intravenous fluid (IV) therapy over a 24-hour period was collected; in addition to weight, presence of an acute kidney injury (AKI) and indication for IV replacement (maintenance versus resuscitation).

Results

50 patients were identified during the period. All of them were emergency presentations. Maintenance fluids were prescribed for 76% of patients. No patients had an AKI at time of data collection. The mean weight was 75kg. Overall, patients received a mean fluid volume of 2.3L/day. The mean concentration of electrolytes administered over a 24-hour period were: Sodium 297mmol, Potassium 13mmol, Chloride 237mmol. When adjusting for patient weight, this resulted in a net administration of: Sodium +221mmol, Potassium -62mmol, Chloride +162mmol.

Conclusions

Three quarters of surgical patients were administered maintenance fluids. The electrolyte contents of these fluids were inadequate. Patients received 295% excess Sodium, 216% excess Chloride, and 82% less than the recommended daily requirement of Potassium. We aim to introduce a protocol for maintenance fluid prescribing, in addition to teaching sessions, that would allow for adherence to guidelines and improve patient care.

160 Informed Consent for Surgery at Resumption of Elective Activity After the First Wave of COVID-19

Aim

The Royal College of Surgeons of England published guidance on consent during COVID-19. Through this study, we aimed to assess our local consent adherence to these guidelines on the resumption of elective activity after the first wave of COVID-19.

Method

This prospective review of consecutive elective surgical consent forms was conducted from 20 July 2020 to 16 August 2020 at the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, England. The primary outcome was evidence of COVID-19 risk documentation on the consent forms.

Results

A total of 116 patients’ consent forms were reviewed. Most patients were American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade 2 (n = 70; 60.34%). Only 25 consent forms (21.55%) had COVID -19 and its associated risks documented, with registrars being the most compliant (19/46; 41.3%) followed by consultants (6/51; 11.7%). With regards to the surgical sub-specialities, general surgery, orthopaedics and ENT had the highest compliance with the guidance.

Conclusions

As the elective activity resumes, peri-operative risks of COVID-19 should be weighted in during the informed consent process, as mentioned in the latest international guidelines on consent to avoid litigation and negligence claims.

989 Sustained and Further Improvements in Management of Open Fractures at a UK Major Trauma Centre

Aim

To re-audit pre-operative hospital management of open fractures following further interventions (junior doctor education and awareness, editing of trauma clerking form), after the initial audit and interventions led to improvements in all parameters.

Method

Pre-operative hospital management of open fractures was audited by reviewing patient notes using standards from the NICE (NG37) and BOAST/BAPRAS open fracture management guidelines. Patients included were treated by doctors with full exposure to the further interventions (due to junior doctor changeover the third cycle included fewer patients).

Results

All parameters remained improved in the third audit cycle compared to the first (before interventions were implemented). The following results compare the second (n = 30) and third audit (n = 14) cycles. Patients receiving correct antibiotics (96%vs100%) and in a timely manner (&lt;2 hours) where not given pre-hospital (46%vs60%) improved. Initial neurovascular assessment (93%vs100%), specifying nerves assessed (60%vs71%), assessing all relevant arteries (60%vs71%) and nerves (63%vs71%) and using Medical Research Council (MRC) grading in nerve assessment (3%vs71%) improved, while specifying arteries assessed was similar (87%vs86%). Post-manipulation, neurovascular assessment (93%vs75%) and appropriate nerve examination (90%vs50%) deteriorated, however appropriate vascular assessment (60%vs75%) and use of MRC grading in nerve assessment (0%vs50%) improved. Documentation where neurovascular assessment was not possible, initially (50%vs93%) and post-manipulation (40%vs50%) improved. Photo availability deteriorated (70%vs64%). Tetanus cover (87%vs100%) and appropriate dressing use (47%vs71%) improved.

Conclusions

Most parameters showed sustained and further improvements. The haemodynamic stability variation of these patients may create difficulties in fully adhering to the management standard; in some cases, other acute concerns may take priority.

P14.76 Bevacizumab (BEV) alone or in combination with chemotherapy in recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM): A real world experience

BACKGROUND

Patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) have a median survival of about 14 months. In recurrent GBM no active intervention has shown improvement in survival. Clinical trials has shown that bevacizumab (BEV) alone or in combination with chemotherapy is associated with better progression free survival (PFS). The current study aims to assess efficacy of BEV in real-world setting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Population-based retrospective cohort study patients with recurrent GBM diagnosed in the province of Saskatchewan during 2008–2018 and received BEV alone or in combination with chemotherapy were evaluated. Survival was compared with historic control.

RESULTS

43 eligible patients with GBM treated with BEV with or without chemotherapy. 25 patients were treated with Bev alone and 18 patients treated with chemotherapy+ BEV. Median age of the patients were noted to be 53 years. 28 male, and 15 female. 80% of patients treated with single agent BEV had a performance status of either 2 or 3 compared to 33% of patient treated with BEV+ chemotherapy.

Median PFS was 4.6 months with 95% CI 2.9–6.9. Median Overall survival (OS) from the time of diagnosis was 17.5 month. Median OS from the time of start of BEV was 5.4 months with 95% CI 3.4–6.8. Partial response (PR) was noted in 3 patients (7%) with stable disease (SD) in 6 patients (14%). 33 (77%) had progressive disease (PD). We were unable to confirm response status in one patient (2%). No statistically significant difference in response rate for patients treated with BEV and BEV+ Chemotherapy. From the start of Bev to the best response, 11 patients (30.56%) noted decrease in the dose of steroids, 14 patients (38.89%) dose remained unchanged. 7 patients (19.44%) required increase in the dose of steroids. 4 patients (11.11%) were not on steroids. For 7 patients we did not have the information on use of steroids. PFS was better for patients treated with chemotherapy + BEV with median PFS of 6.9 months, 95% CI 3.2- 22.3 verses BEV alone with median PFS 3.53 months 95% CI 1.4–5.3, P-value 0.0449. The Cox regression model for PFS to test comparing Bev with chemotherapy vs. Bev alone with the co-variables of sex, age, and ECOG performance status (PS). The model showed that patient with higher ECOG PS were noted to have inferior PFS with a Hazard ratio of 1.92 95% CI 1.09–3.37. P value of 0.2. Patient treated with BEV+ chemo had better PFS with a HR of 6.44 95% CI 1.86–22.28. P value of 0.003.

CONCLUSION

Retrospective real world study confirms that, patients with recurrent GBM, treatment with BEV is associated with similar PFS as reported in literature. Our study showed similar overall survival from the diagnosis compared to historic control. However the Median OS from Start of BEV was noted to be inferior to what is reported in EORTC EH1.3. Better ECOG performance status is associated with better PFS. Higher number of patients with ECOG 2 and 3 received BEV alone.

Major threats and habitat use status of Demoiselle crane (Anthropoides virgo), in district Bannu, Pakistan

Cranes are the large and attractive Creatures of nature with long necks, legs, and life-span. Adults of both sexes are the same with similar color patterns. Demoiselle cranes spend most of their lifespan on dry grasses. They are also found around the stream, rivers, shallow lakes, natural wetlands, and depressions. To evaluate the current status of habitat use and major threats a study was conducted in tehsil Domel district Bannu. Line transect method and water quality tests (temperature, PH, contamination of E-coli bacteria) were used. To determine the major threats questionnaire method was used. The whole data was analyzed by using SPSS 21 version. Based on the distribution four study sites were selected and four water samples from each study site were taken. Most sites were moderate to highly degraded except Kashoo and kurram river mixing point which was low degraded with livestock grazing and human activities. Water quality tests showed PH ranges from 7-9, temperature 6.5-8.5, and contamination of E-coli in all samples. The social survey revealed that hunting, habitat degradation, and pollution as major threats. Effective long-term conservation and management in the study area are needed to focus on the protection of disturbance-free habitat.

Correlation between Length of Ala and Transverse Diameter of First Sacral Vertebral Body in both Sexes

Sacrum is a triangular bone formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae. It is situated near the lower end of the spinal column, where it joins both hip bones to form the posterio superior wall of the pelvic cavity. It is an important bone for identification of sex in human skeletal system. This cross sectional and descriptive study was done among 150 (59 male and 91 female) fully ossified dry human sacrum in Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2017 to December 2017. The sex of sacrum was determined by previously measured different parameters. Sample collection was done by purposive sampling technique from anatomy department of Mymensingh Medical College and Community Based Medical College of Bangladesh, Mymensingh. The parameters included the length of ala and transverse diameter of first sacral vertebral body which were measured by digital vernier slide caliper and was expressed in mm. In present study the mean length of ala in male and female were 29.21±6.30mm and 30.77±5.56mm respectively. The mean transverse diameter of first sacral vertebral body in male and female were 48.10±4.83mm and 44.05±6.16mm respectively. Comparison of both length of ala and transverse diameter of first sacral vertebral body was done between male and female by unpaired student 't' test which was statistically significant. There was positive correlation between these two parameters and the differences were statistically highly significant in both sexes.

Identification and crop damage assessment of indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) in selected zones of Abbottabad, Pakistan

Indian crested porcupine is the largest rodent pest that damages a wide variety of crops, vegetables, and tree species which ultimately causes huge economic loss in Pakistan, which is an agricultural country. It prefers to live in hilly terrain but common in temperate and tropical forests, shrublands, and grasslands. This study focused on the identification and assessment of crops damaged along with the main precautionary measures used by the local farmers. The data was collected from twenty-four villages of two union councils i.e. Chamhad and Slahad of district Abbottabad. Two types of data (primary and secondary) were collected from the study area. Primary data was collected for identification and estimation calculation of total crop damaged through direct field observation by taking random quadrates in each village of the study area. The damage in the crop was assessed by randomly selecting a quadrate of 1x1 m2 for the wheat, pearl millet, and Sorghum fields. While 4x4 m2 quadrates were taken for maize and vegetables. At least three quadrate samples were taken from each field including one quadrate taken from the center of the field area. In union council Chamhad, damage to maize (11.31%) and wheat (0.73%) by the Indian crested porcupine while in union council Salhad, damage of maize (6.95%) and wheat (1.6%) was observed. In the entire study area, overall damage to maize crop (8.01%) and wheat (0.88%) was calculated. Based on information obtained from the farmers, the Indian porcupine inflicted damage to potato, tomato, cauliflower, chili pepper, turnip, radish, pea, and onion, etc. Secondary data obtained through a questionnaire survey to explore the human porcupine conflict and precautionary measures used by the farmers and landowners. Open and close-ended questionnaires (159) highlighted the presence of Indian crested porcupine in the study area and 96% of the respondents have seen porcupine directly. Many types of precautionary measures were used by the farmers such as fencing, night stay, night firing, and dogs to decrease the crop damage, respondents (63.91%) use guns for hunting. however, due to the largely agricultural area and nocturnal behavior of Indian crested porcupine majority of the respondents (51.57%) did not use any precautionary measure. Biological control of Indian porcupine is recommended in the study area. Farmers should be encouraged and provide incentives and killing through current should be banned while proper hunting license should be issued to overcome overhunting. Scientific studies are required to control the reproduction of porcupine specifically in the more damaged areas.

180 Management of Open Fractures at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust Major Trauma Centre

Introduction

This audit was developed after noticing patients with open fractures had poor neurovascular assessment documentation (non-specific, none post-manipulation), and to check these patients received appropriate antibiotics. Review of open fracture management guidelines identified areas to be improved.

Method

Pre-operative hospital management of open fractures was audited using the NICE (NG37) and joint BOAST/BAPRAS guidelines on open fracture management. Interventions were awareness and education of junior doctors and editing the Trauma Clerking Form to prompt appropriate management and documentation, followed by re-audit.

Results

30 patients were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Correct antibiotic administration rate (93%vs97%) and speed (50% &lt;2 hours where not given pre-hospital - in both groups) were similar. The initial neurovascular assessment frequency was identical (93%), however documentation of assessment of specific arteries (86%vs30%) and nerves (60%vs23%) and assessing all appropriate arteries (60%vs13%) and nerves (60%vs20%) improved. There were increased frequencies of documenting manipulation in A&E (90%vs47%) and neurovascular assessment post-manipulation (90%vs16%). Tetanus cover (87%vs77%), photo availability (70%vs40%), and appropriate dressing use (47%vs27%) improved.

Conclusions

Antibiotic management was consistent and appropriate. There were improvements in frequency and quality of neurovascular assessment, tetanus cover, availability of photographs of injuries and appropriate dressings used. Overall, pre-operative hospital management of open fractures improved.

ANALISIS BAHAYA DAN RESIKO PADA UNIT PELAKSANA UJI BERKALA KENDARAAN BERMOTOR

Pendahuluan : Unit Pelaksana Uji Berkala Kendaraan Bermotor (UPUBKB) Kabupaten Kebumen merupakan salah satu unit pelayanan publik yang setiap harinya melayani uji berkala kendaraan bermotor (keur) sehingga terdapat potensi bahaya dan resiko kecelakaan kerja yang mengintai setiap harinya.Tujuan : Penelitian ini secara khusus membahas bahaya dan resiko di dalam proses pengujian berkala kendaraan bermotor.Metode : Metode Hazard Identification Risk Assessment and Risk Control (HIRARC) dipakai dalam penelitian ini. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui serta mengidentifikasi bahaya serta resiko pada pelaksanaan uji berkala pada UPBKB Kabupaten Kebumen, sehingga dapat diberikan rekomendasi usulan pengendalian dan mitigasi dampak guna meminimalisir kecelakaan kerja berdasarkan jenis dan kategori resikonya.Hasil : Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah resiko pada pengujian kolong bawah kendaraan berada pada level tinggi dengan temuan bahaya berupa terbentur bagian kepala dengan bagian bawah kendaraan, terkena tetesan oli dan cairan panas dari bagian bawah kendaraan, paparan radiasi panas dari bagian mesin kendaraan. Resikonya luka pada kepala, iritasi pada mata dan kulit serta paparan radiasi panas ke tubuh.Kesimpulan : Kesimpulannya terdapat potensi bahaya dan resiko pada UPUBKB Kabupaten Kebumen yaitu pada pengujian kolong kendaraan mendapatkan risk level tinggi sehingga perlu adanya identifikasi dan mitigasi dampak guna mengeliminasi bahaya dan resiko tersebut.

Healthcare workers' knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

The world is facing a devastating challenge in the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 19) outbreak.  Healthcare workers (HCWs) provide the first line of defense against any disease outbreak. Thus, the present study is designed to assess HCWs' attitudes towards, knowledge of, and awareness of COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an online survey on social media; the participants were 597 adults. The study was conducted from March to April 2020. The questionnaire was randomly administered on Arabic-language social media applications; the 26-item survey assessed knowledge levels, attitudes, and practices.

RESULTS

The analysis includes 597 complete responses from HCWs; participants included physicians, nurses, medical students, and pharmacists. Most participants were females aged 18 to 25 years. Most participants agreed that the virus can spread via direct and indirect contact. Most participants indicated that they wash their hands; avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth; and avoid crowded places to protect themselves against infection. Most indicated that a bat was the original source of the virus. Most participating HCWs indicated that the symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Most of the participants also indicated that there is no specific treatment for patients infected with COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this work can support the design of effective measures to prevent and control COVID-19 infections during the pandemic. The results also highlight where improvement is needed to HCWs' knowledge of and attitudes towards COVID-19; the findings also highlight the best healthcare practices regarding this illness.

Systemic therapy with a loco-regional treatment in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer: The SMART study

TPS445

Background: Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death. About 40% of patients with pancreatic cancer present with locally advanced disease and are not candidates for curative surgery. Most patients are treated with chemotherapy with a limited life expectancy. The role of local treatment such as radiation is not well defined. Other conventional ablative therapies, such as thermal or cryoablation have limited role due to the risk of collateral damage to the adjacent structures. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel non-thermal ablation technology that does not cause injury to nearby blood vessels, ducts, and bowel and has the potential to provide longer disease control and thereby better overall survival. We hypothesized that addition of IRE to combination chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer will improve their outcomes, and patients with undetectable 12-week post IRE circulating tumor cell DNA will have better prognoses. Methods: It is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm phase II study. The primary objective is to determine 12-month PFS rate of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer who are treated with combination chemotherapy and IRE. Secondary objectives include identification of prognostic and predictive biomarkers, 24-months survival rate, quality of life of subjects, as well as cost-effectiveness and complication rates of IRE. Based on the assumption that treatment with IRE and chemotherapy would result in doubling of PFS versus chemotherapy alone a sample of n = 27 of patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma is estimated. Eligible patients will be recruited at the two major cancer centers in Saskatchewan. All IRE-eligible patients will receive 12 weeks of induction combination chemotherapy and will undergo IRE if there is no disease progression. An additional 12 weeks of chemotherapy will be recommended. Patients who are not eligible for IRE will receive chemotherapy at the discretion of treating oncologist until disease progression or until they become eligible for IRE. Circulating tumor DNA and a panel of genes will be examined using next-generation sequencing for their correlation with prognosis. Quality of life will be assessed, and cost-effectiveness analysis of IRE will be performed.The results of this study will be used to develop a future multicenter, national phase III trial. Clinical trial information: NCT04276857.

A longitudinal evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors, treatment patterns, and outcomes in patients with documented cardiovascular disease treated with lipid lowering therapy in the United Kingdom

Background

Over time, guidelines for dyslipidemia management in patients at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) changed with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Guidelines have been released by the European Joint Task Force in 2007, 2012 and 2016, European Society of Cardiology in 2011, 2016 and 2019, Joint British Societies in 2014, and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in 2014.

Purpose

Evaluate cardiovascular risk factors, treatment patterns, and cardiovascular outcomes over time related to dyslipidemia management.

Methods

Ten prevalent cohorts of patients with documented CVD receiving lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) were created using Clinical Research Practice Datalink (CPRD) records as of January 1, each year from 2008 through 2017. For each cohort, we identified CVD risk factors and LLT, and estimated the 1-year composite rate of fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke (IS), or revascularization. Patient follow-up was censored at the earliest of one year, end of data, or the outcome of interest. Patients in each cohort were required to be ≥18 years old, have ≥1 years of available medical history, and have received ≥2 LLT prescriptions in the prior year. Documented CVD was defined as MI, IS, angina, revascularization, transient ischemic attack, carotid stenosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, or peripheral arterial disease. Patients could be in multiple cohorts.

Results

Annual patient counts ranged from 170,501 to 179,137 through 2013 and declined to 94,418 by 2017 (due to fewer patients in the overall CPRD data). Comparing 2008, 2011 (when ESC guidelines were revised) and 2017 showed the following for CVD risk factors: mean age was 71.6, 72.3, and 72.5 years; males were 59.9%, 61.1%, and 63.1%; current smoking was 15.1%, 15.2%, and 13.9%; type 2 diabetes was 18.4%, 20.2%, and 22.4%; stage 3–5 chronic kidney disease was 22.4%, 25.1%, and 22.8%; history of MI was 22.5%, 23.9%, and 27.4%; history of IS was 5.5%, 6.6%, and 7.9%; LDL &lt;1.8 mmol/L was 27.8%, 29.2% and 37.2%; and LDL &lt;1.4 mmol/L was 9.9%, 10.1%, and 15.6%. In terms of treatment, high intensity statin use increased from 12.9% to 15.7% to 30.8%; atorvastatin 40–80 mg use increased from 12.9% to 15.5% to 30.5%; while simvastatin 20–40 mg use decreased from 55.4% to 58.8% to 36.7%. The 1-year cardiovascular event rate declined from 2.54 to 2.35 to 1.96 events per 100 person-years (Figure).

Conclusions

After 2011 in the UK, there was an increased use of high intensity statins, a greater proportion of patients with LDL levels &lt;1.8 and &lt;1.4 mmol/L, and lower 1-year cardiovascular event rates. While improved CVD management likely contributed to the event rate decline, less than 40% of very high-risk patients achieved an LDL &lt;1.8 mmol/L, and the proportion with LDL &lt;1.4 mmol/L, as recommended by the 2019 ESC guidelines, was less than 20%. Clinicians should continue their efforts to reduce LDL in these patients.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Amgen

Identification of degradation products of aflatoxin B1 and B2 resulting after their biodetoxification by aqueous extracts of Acacia nilotica

Contamination of food and feed items with mycotoxins causes extensive economic damage. It is therefore important to explore environmentally friendly approaches to manage these toxins with less drawbacks. Phytochemicals can provide a safe alternative to synthetic chemicals. This study was designed to investigate the detoxification potential of water-based extracts of Acacia nilotica against aflatoxins B1 and B2. First trials were carried out to standardise temperature, pH and incubation time for biodetoxification in spiked maize. A significant percentage of detoxification was observed under all tested conditions, showing an increasing detoxifying potential with an increase in all three parameters. Leaf extract was found to be more effective than shoot extract. Leaf extract resulted in 86-90% detoxification of both aflatoxin B1 and B2 when incubated for 72 h at 60 °C and pH 10. To avoid the detrimental effects of very high temperature and pH, experiments on spiked maize were conducted at 30 °C and pH 8. A significant detoxification of 82-83% was recorded during trials with spiked maize. MS/MS analyses showed conversion of aflatoxins B1 into seven and aflatoxins B2 into two new compounds. Most of the compounds were formed due to the removal of the double bond in the terminal furan ring and modification of the lactone group, indicating less toxicity as compared to the parent compounds. Decontamination and reduction in toxicity of treated aflatoxins was corroborated by a brine shrimps bioassay.

Multicenter Validation Study to Implement Plasma Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor T790M Testing in Clinical Laboratories

PURPOSE

Plasma detection of EGFR T790M mutations is an emerging alternative to tumor rebiopsy in acquired epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance. Validation of analytical sensitivity and clinical utility is required before routine diagnostic use in clinical laboratories.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-three patients with advanced EGFR-mutant lung cancer at 7 Canadian centers, who were being screened for the ASTRIS trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02474355), participated in this companion study. Plasma T790M mutation was detected using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, Cobas (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN), or next-generation sequencing in 4 laboratories. T790M concordance was assessed between plasma and tumor samples.

RESULTS

Assessment of T790M in tumor biopsy tissue was successful in 81% of patients; 49% had confirmed T790M results (tumor or plasma) for ASTRIS. Plasma testing in this companion study yielded T790M results in 97% of patients; 62% had T790M-positive results, 36% had negative results, and 2% had indeterminate results. Of 38 patients with negative or indeterminate biopsy results, 55% had positive plasma T790M results, increasing the proportion with T790M-positive results to 73%. Sensitivity of plasma T790M testing was 75%. Overall concordance between tissue and plasma was 64%, and concordance among laboratories was 90.3%. Response to osimertinib and duration of therapy were similar irrespective of testing method (overall response rate, 62.5% for tissue, 66.7% for plasma, and 70.6% for both).

CONCLUSION

This multicenter validation study demonstrates that plasma EGFR T790M testing can identify significantly more patients than biopsy alone who may benefit from targeted therapy.

Retraction notice to "Synergistic effects of thymoquinone and curcumin on immune response and anti-viral activity against avian influenza virus (H9N2) in turkeys" [Poult. Sci. 95 (2016) 1513-1520]

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). The authors retract the above paper due to: 1) conflict of interest among the authors; and 2) addition of coauthor Dr. Muhammad Younus without his knowledge or permission. The authors apologize for these two grave mistakes.

Molecular characterisation and phylogenetic analysis of Marek's disease virus in Turkish layer chickens

1. There is no current data about the genotypes of Marek's disease virus (MDV) in Turkish poultry flocks; hence, this study was performed to analyse CVI988/Rispens, turkey herpesvirus (HVT) vaccine viruses and MDV field viruses as well as to perform phylogenetic analysis of MDV in Turkish layer chickens. 2. In 2017 and 2018, a total of 602 spleen samples from 49 layer flocks were collected from the Marmara, West Black Sea and Aegean regions. DNA was extracted from the spleen samples and the samples were analysed by real-time PCR probe assay to detect CVI988/Rispens and HVT vaccine viruses and MDV field strains. Samples found positive for MDV by real-time PCR were subjected to PCR using the Meq gene primers for phylogenetic analysis. 3. Amongst 49 flocks, virulent MDV was detected in nine flocks. CVI988/Rispens and HVT vaccine strains were detected in 47 flocks and HVT in all 49 flocks. Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and tumours in the oviduct were observed in chickens of affected flocks. Virulent MDV was detected in 120 out of 602 spleen samples. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses showed that MDVs detected in this study were closely related to MDV strains from Italy, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, India and China but showed diversity with MDV strains from Egypt and Hungary. Multiple sequence analysis of the Meq protein revealed several point mutations in deduced amino acid sequences. Interestingly, CVI988/Rispens vaccine virus from China (AF493555) showed mutations at position 66 (G66R) and 71 (S66A) along with two other vaccine strains from China (GU354326.1) and Russia (EU032468.1), in comparison with the other vaccine strain CVI988/Rispens (DQ534538). The molecular analyses of the Meq gene suggested that Turkish field strains of MDV are in the class of virulent or very virulent pathotypes. 4. The results have shown that MDV still affects poultry health, and the phylogenetic and amino acid variation data obtained will help in vaccination and control strategies.

Novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV: prevalence, biological and clinical characteristics comparison with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV

OBJECTIVE

Human infections with zoonotic coronavirus contain emerging and reemerging pathogenic characteristics which have raised great public health concern. This study aimed at investigating the global prevalence, biological and clinical characteristics of novel coronavirus, Wuhan China (2019-nCoV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection outbreaks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data on the global outbreak of "2019-nCoV, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV" were obtained from World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), concerned ministries and research institutes. We also recorded the information from research documents published in global scientific journals indexed in ISI Web of Science and research centers on the prevalence, biological and clinical characteristics of 2019-nCoV, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV.

RESULTS

Worldwide, SARS-CoV involved 32 countries, with 8422 confirmed cases and 916 (10.87%) casualties from November 2002 to August 2003. MERS-CoV spread over 27 states, causing 2496 cases and 868 (34.77%) fatalities during the period April 2012 to December 2019. However, the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV spread swiftly the global borders of 27 countries. It infected 34799 people and resulted in 724 (2.08%) casualties during the period December 29, 2019 to February 7, 2020. The fatality rate of coronavirus MERS-CoV was (34.77%) higher than SARS-CoV (10.87%) and 2019-nCoV (2.08%); however, the 2019-nCoV transmitted rapidly in comparison to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV has diverse epidemiological and biological characteristics, making it more contagious than SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. It has affected more people in a short time period compared to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, although the fatality rate of MERS-CoV was higher than SARS-CoV and 2019-nCoV. The major clinical manifestations in coronavirus infections 2019-nCoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS CoV are fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, generalized myalgia, malaise, drowsy, diarrhea, confusion, dyspnea, and pneumonia. Global health authorities should take immediate measures to prevent the outbreaks of such emerging and reemerging pathogens across the globe to minimize the disease burden locally and globally.