Effects of a personalized nutrition program on cardiometabolic health: a randomized controlled trial

Large variability exists in people's responses to foods. However, the efficacy of personalized dietary advice for health remains understudied. We compared a personalized dietary program (PDP) versus general advice (control) on cardiometabolic health using a randomized clinical trial. The PDP used food characteristics, individual postprandial glucose and triglyceride (TG) responses to foods, microbiomes and health history, to produce personalized food scores in an 18-week app-based program. The control group received standard care dietary advice (US Department of Agriculture Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025) using online resources, check-ins, video lessons and a leaflet. Primary outcomes were serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and TG concentrations at baseline and at 18 weeks. Participants (n = 347), aged 41-70 years and generally representative of the average US population, were randomized to the PDP (n = 177) or control (n = 170). Intention-to-treat analysis (n = 347) between groups showed significant reduction in TGs (mean difference = -0.13 mmol l-1; log-transformed 95% confidence interval = -0.07 to -0.01, P = 0.016). Changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were not significant. There were improvements in secondary outcomes, including body weight, waist circumference, HbA1c, diet quality and microbiome (beta-diversity) (P < 0.05), particularly in highly adherent PDP participants. However, blood pressure, insulin, glucose, C-peptide, apolipoprotein A1 and B, and postprandial TGs did not differ between groups. No serious intervention-related adverse events were reported. Following a personalized diet led to some improvements in cardiometabolic health compared to standard dietary advice. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT05273268 .

A dynamical measure of the black hole mass in a quasar 11 billion years ago

Tight relationships exist in the local Universe between the central stellar properties of galaxies and the mass of their supermassive black hole (SMBH)1-3. These suggest that galaxies and black holes co-evolve, with the main regulation mechanism being energetic feedback from accretion onto the black hole during its quasar phase4-6. A crucial question is how the relationship between black holes and galaxies evolves with time; a key epoch to examine this relationship is at the peaks of star formation and black hole growth 8-12 billion years ago (redshifts 1-3)7. Here we report a dynamical measurement of the mass of the black hole in a luminous quasar at a redshift of 2, with a look back in time of 11 billion years, by spatially resolving the broad-line region (BLR). We detect a 40-μas (0.31-pc) spatial offset between the red and blue photocentres of the Hα line that traces the velocity gradient of a rotating BLR. The flux and differential phase spectra are well reproduced by a thick, moderately inclined disk of gas clouds within the sphere of influence of a central black hole with a mass of 3.2 × 108 solar masses. Molecular gas data reveal a dynamical mass for the host galaxy of 6 × 1011 solar masses, which indicates an undermassive black hole accreting at a super-Eddington rate. This suggests a host galaxy that grew faster than the SMBH, indicating a delay between galaxy and black hole formation for some systems.

The effects of short-term, progressive exercise training on disease activity in smouldering multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance: a single-arm pilot study

BACKGROUND

High levels of physical activity are associated with reduced risk of the blood cancer multiple myeloma (MM). MM is preceded by the asymptomatic stages of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM) which are clinically managed by watchful waiting. A case study (N = 1) of a former elite athlete aged 44 years previously indicated that a multi-modal exercise programme reversed SMM disease activity. To build from this prior case study, the present pilot study firstly examined if short-term exercise training was feasible and safe for a group of MGUS and SMM patients, and secondly investigated the effects on MGUS/SMM disease activity.

METHODS

In this single-arm pilot study, N = 20 participants diagnosed with MGUS or SMM were allocated to receive a 16-week progressive exercise programme. Primary outcome measures were feasibility and safety. Secondary outcomes were pre- to post-exercise training changes to blood biomarkers of MGUS and SMM disease activity- monoclonal (M)-protein and free light chains (FLC)- plus cardiorespiratory and functional fitness, body composition, quality of life, blood immunophenotype, and blood biomarkers of inflammation.

RESULTS

Fifteen (3 MGUS and 12 SMM) participants completed the exercise programme. Adherence was 91 ± 11%. Compliance was 75 ± 25% overall, with a notable decline in compliance at intensities > 70% V̇O2PEAK. There were no serious adverse events. There were no changes to M-protein (0.0 ± 1.0 g/L, P =.903), involved FLC (+ 1.8 ± 16.8 mg/L, P =.839), or FLC difference (+ 0.2 ± 15.6 mg/L, P =.946) from pre- to post-exercise training. There were pre- to post-exercise training improvements to diastolic blood pressure (- 3 ± 5 mmHg, P =.033), sit-to-stand test performance (+ 5 ± 5 repetitions, P =.002), and energy/fatigue scores (+ 10 ± 15%, P =.026). Other secondary outcomes were unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

A 16-week progressive exercise programme was feasible and safe, but did not reverse MGUS/SMM disease activity, contrasting a prior case study showing that five years of exercise training reversed SMM in a 44-year-old former athlete. Longer exercise interventions should be explored in a group of MGUS/SMM patients, with measurements of disease biomarkers, along with rates of disease progression (i.e., MGUS/SMM to MM).

REGISTRATION

https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN65527208 (14/05/2018).

Multiscale Porous Poly (Ether-Ether-Ketone) Structures Manufactured by Powder Bed Fusion Process

The aim of the study is to create a multiscale highly porous poly (ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK) structure while maintaining mechanical performance; the distribution of pores being generated by the manufacturing process combined with a porogen leaching operation. Salt at 70 wt% concentration was used as a porogen in a dry blend with PEEK powder sintered in the powder bed fusion process. The printed porous PEEK structures were examined and evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, microcomputed tomography, and mechanical testing. The PEEK structures incorporating 70 wt% salt achieved 79-86% porosity, a compressive yield strength of 4.1 MPa, and a yield strain of ∼60%. Due to the salt leaching process, the PEEK porous frameworks were fabricated without the need to drastically reduce the process parameters (defined by the energy density [ED]), hence maintaining the structural integrity and good mechanical performance. The compression results highlighted that the performance is influenced by the printing orientation, level of the PEEK particle coalescence (controlled here by the ED), pore/cell wall thickness, and subsequently, the overall porosity framework. The porous printed PEEK structures could find potential uses in a wide range of applications from tissue engineering, filtration and separation to catalysts, drug release, and gas storage.

Prototype Design for Grading Structures in Powder Bed Fusion Processes

While targeted alignment in certain additive manufacturing (AM) methods such as material extrusion (MEX) and stereolithography (SLA) has been well documented in the research community, a method for targeted alignment of added fillers or fibrous materials in powder bed fusion (PBF) AM devices has yet to be successfully achieved. Similarly, incorporation of multimaterials does not work easily with any of the AM technologies. This study creates a prototype design that could be integrated into a PBF system to allow for multimaterial layer deposition and alignment of powders and powder blends. The rheological properties of polyamide powder and a range of polyamide composite blends (incorporating milled carbon fibre, graphite flakes, polytetrafluoroethylene, and glass microspheres) in different concentrations were studied, and together with the particle size distribution and particle morphology analysis were applied for the design of a prototype hopper for incorporation in the PBF system to create targeted multimaterial deposition. Different concept designs, multichambered and multi-hopper with hopper angles calculated specifically for the composite blend powders selected, were proposed. Initial deposition trials outside a PBF process were tested, and the deposited layers were measured.

Biological treatment in severe psoriasis: Influence on peripheral blood dendritic cells

In-depth immunophenotyping by flow cytometry of peripheral blood dendritic cell (DC) populations of psoriasis vulgaris without (PsO; N = 23) or with psoriatic arthritis (PsA; N = 15), before (T1) and after 12 months (T2) therapy with the anti-TNF drugs infliximab, etanercept, the anti-IL-17A secukinumab and the anti-IL12/IL-23 ustekinumab. Compared to healthy donors (N = 38), patients with PsA displayed lower frequencies of dendritic cell subsets pDC, cDC1 and cDC2, which were normalized following treatment except pDC. In contrast, patients with PsO only displayed lower frequencies of pDC which were normalized following treatment. Figure created with BioRender.com.

Exploring the relationship between social jetlag with gut microbial composition, diet and cardiometabolic health, in the ZOE PREDICT 1 cohort

PURPOSE

In this study, we explore the relationship between social jetlag (SJL), a parameter of circadian misalignment, and gut microbial composition, diet and cardiometabolic health in the ZOE PREDICT 1 cohort (NCT03479866).

METHODS

We assessed demographic, diet, cardiometabolic, stool metagenomics and postprandial metabolic measures (n = 1002). We used self-reported habitual sleep (n = 934) to calculate SJL (difference in mid-sleep time point of ≥ 1.5 h on week versus weekend days). We tested group differences (SJL vs no-SJL) in cardiometabolic markers and diet (ANCOVA) adjusting for sex, age, BMI, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. We performed comparisons of gut microbial composition using machine learning and association analyses on the species level genome bins present in at least 20% of the samples.

RESULTS

The SJL group (16%, n = 145) had a greater proportion of males (39% vs 25%), shorter sleepers (average sleep < 7 h; 5% vs 3%), and were younger (38.4 ± 11.3y vs 46.8 ± 11.7y) compared to the no-SJL group. SJL was associated with a higher relative abundance of 9 gut bacteria and lower abundance of 8 gut bacteria (q < 0.2 and absolute Cohen's effect size > 0.2), in part mediated by diet. SJL was associated with unfavourable diet quality (less healthful Plant-based Diet Index), higher intakes of potatoes and sugar-sweetened beverages, and lower intakes of fruits, and nuts, and slightly higher markers of inflammation (GlycA and IL-6) compared with no-SJL (P < 0.05 adjusted for covariates); rendered non-significant after multiple testing adjustments.

CONCLUSIONS

Novel associations between SJL and a more disadvantageous gut microbiome in a cohort of predominantly adequate sleepers highlight the potential implications of SJL for health.

Coulomb Blockade in a Nonthermalized Quantum Dot

We investigate nonequilibrium transport properties of a quantum dot in the Coulomb blockade regime under the condition of negligible inelastic scattering during the dwelling time of the electrons in the dot. Using the quantum kinetic equation we show that the absence of thermalization leads to a double step in the distribution function of electrons on the dot, provided that it is symmetrically coupled to the leads. This drastically changes nonlinear transport through the dot resulting in an additional (compared to the thermalized case) jump in the conductance at voltages close to the charging energy, which could serve as an experimental manifestation of the absence of thermalization.

Extension of the Segatella copri complex to 13 species with distinct large extrachromosomal elements and associations with host conditions

The Segatella copri (formerly Prevotella copri) complex (ScC) comprises taxa that are key members of the human gut microbiome. It was previously described to contain four distinct phylogenetic clades. Combining targeted isolation with large-scale metagenomic analysis, we defined 13 distinct Segatella copri-related species, expanding the ScC complex beyond four clades. Complete genome reconstruction of thirteen strains from seven species unveiled the presence of genetically diverse large circular extrachromosomal elements. These elements are consistently present in most ScC species, contributing to intra- and inter-species diversities. The nine species-level clades present in humans display striking differences in prevalence and intra-species genetic makeup across human populations. Based on a meta-analysis, we found reproducible associations between members of ScC and the male sex and positive correlations with lower visceral fat and favorable markers of cardiometabolic health. Our work uncovers genomic diversity within ScC, facilitating a better characterization of the human microbiome.

Extending and improving metagenomic taxonomic profiling with uncharacterized species using MetaPhlAn 4

Metagenomic assembly enables new organism discovery from microbial communities, but it can only capture few abundant organisms from most metagenomes. Here we present MetaPhlAn 4, which integrates information from metagenome assemblies and microbial isolate genomes for more comprehensive metagenomic taxonomic profiling. From a curated collection of 1.01 M prokaryotic reference and metagenome-assembled genomes, we define unique marker genes for 26,970 species-level genome bins, 4,992 of them taxonomically unidentified at the species level. MetaPhlAn 4 explains ~20% more reads in most international human gut microbiomes and >40% in less-characterized environments such as the rumen microbiome and proves more accurate than available alternatives on synthetic evaluations while also reliably quantifying organisms with no cultured isolates. Application of the method to >24,500 metagenomes highlights previously undetected species to be strong biomarkers for host conditions and lifestyles in human and mouse microbiomes and shows that even previously uncharacterized species can be genetically profiled at the resolution of single microbial strains.

Head injury in older adults presenting to the ambulance service: who do we convey to the emergency department, and what clinical variables are associated with an intracranial bleed? A retrospective case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Most older adults with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) reach the emergency department via the ambulance service. Older adults, often with mild TBI symptoms, risk being under-triaged and facing poor outcomes. This study aimed to identify whether sufficient information is available on the scene to an ambulance clinician to identify an older adult at risk of an intracranial haemorrhage following a head injury.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case-control observational study involving one regional ambulance service in the UK and eight emergency departments. 3545 patients aged 60 years and over presented to one regional ambulance service with a head injury between the 1st of January 2020 and the 31st of December 2020. The primary outcome was an acute intracranial haemorrhage on head computed tomography (CT) scan in patients conveyed to the emergency department (ED). A secondary outcome was factors associated with conveyance to the ED by the ambulance clinician.

RESULTS

In 2020, 2111 patients were conveyed to the ED and 162 patients were found to have an intracranial haemorrhage on their head CT scan. Falls from more than 2 m (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.45, 95% CI 1.78-6.40), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (aOR 2.80, 95% CI 1.25-5.75) and Clopidogrel (aOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.04-3.59) were associated with an intracranial haemorrhage. Conveyance to the ED was associated with patients taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication or a visible head injury or head injury symptoms.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights that while most older adults with a head injury are conveyed to the ED, only a minority will have an intracranial haemorrhage following their head injury. While mechanisms of injury such as falls from more than 2 m remain a predictor, this work highlights that Clopidogrel and CKD are also associated with an increased odds of tICH in older adults following a head injury. These findings may warrant a review of current ambulance head injury guidelines.

Glycaemic variability, assessed with continuous glucose monitors, is associated with diet, lifestyle and health in people without diabetes

Background

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide high-frequency information regarding daily glucose variation and are recognised as effective for improving glycaemic control in individuals living with diabetes. Despite increased use in individuals with non-diabetic blood glucose concentrations (euglycemia), their utility as a health tool in this population remains unclear.

Objectives

To characterise variation in time in range (TIR) and glycaemic variability in large populations without diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance; describe associations between CGM-derived glycaemic metrics and metabolic and cardiometabolic health traits; identify key diet and lifestyle factors associated with TIR and glycaemic variability.

Design

Glycaemic variability (coefficient of variation) and time spent in both the ADA secondary target range (TIRADA; 3.9-7.8 mmol/L) and a more stringent range (TIR3.9-5.6; 3.9-5.6 mmol/L) were calculated during free-living in PREDICT 1, PREDICT 2, and PREDICT 3 euglycaemic community-based volunteer cohorts. Associations between CGM derived glycaemic metrics, markers of cardiometabolic health, diet (food frequency questionnaire and logged diet records), diet-habits, and lifestyle were explored.

Results

Data from N=4135 participants (Mean SD; Age: 47 12 y; Sex: 83% Female, BMI: 27 6 kg/m2). Median glycaemic variability was 14.8% (IQR 12.6-17.6%), median TIRADA was 95.8% (IQR 89.6-98.6%) and TIR3.9-5.6 was 75.0% (IQR 64.6-82.8%). Greater TIR3.9-5.6 was associated with lower HbA1c, ASCVD 10y risk and HOMA-IR (all p < 0.05). Lower glycaemic variability was associated with lower % energy derived from carbohydrate (rs: 0.17, p < 0.01), ultra-processed foods (NOVA 4, % EI; rs: 0.12, p = 0.01) and a longer overnight fasting duration (rs: -0.10, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

A stringent TIR target provides sensitivity to detect changes in HOMA-IR, ASCVD 10 y risk and HbA1c that were not detected using ADA secondary targets. Associations among TIR, glycaemic variability, dietary intake (e.g. carbohydrate and protein) and habits (e.g. nocturnal fasting duration) highlight potential strategic targets to improve glycaemic metrics derived from continuous glucose monitors.

Powder Bed Fusion Versus Material Extrusion: A Comparative Case Study on Polyether-Ether-Ketone Cranial Implants

As the choice of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies is becoming wider with reliable processes and a wider range of materials, the selection of the right technology to fabricate a certain product is becoming increasingly difficult from a technical and cost perspective. In this study polyether-ether-ketone cranial implants were manufactured by two AM techniques: powder bed fusion (PBF) and fused filament fabrication (FFF) and their dimensional accuracy, compression performance, and drop tower impact behavior were evaluated and compared. The results showed that both types of specimens differed from the original computer-aided design; although the origin of the deviation was different, the PBF samples were slightly inaccurate owing to the printing process where the accuracy of the FFF samples was influenced by postprocessing and removal of the scaffolds. The cranial implants fabricated using the FFF method absorbed more energy during the compression and impact tests in comparison with the PBF process. The failure mechanisms revealed that FFF samples have a higher ability to deform and a more consistent failure mechanisms, with the damage localized around the puncture head region. The brittle nature of the PBF samples, a feature observed with other polymers as well, led to complete failure of the cranial implants into several pieces.

Ultrasound compared with projection radiography for the detection of soft tissue foreign bodies - A technical note

INTRODUCTION

Soft tissue foreign bodies (STFBs) present a diagnostic challenge depending on their composition. Untreated complications can arise, namely infection through to loss of function. General (projection) radiography is recommended as the first line imaging examination. However, some STFBs are radiolucent, leading to false negative radiographs. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare ultrasound with projection radiographs for the detection of a range of different types of STFB.

METHOD

Ethical approval (for use of participants to evaluate images) was granted by the Higher Education Institute's departmental Ethics Committee. Seven hand phantoms were created from a water, gelatine and psyllium mix. A different STFB (radiolucent and radiopaque) was inserted into six phantoms, with the seventh being a control. Ultrasound and projection radiograph images were generated of each phantom. Participants (academics and radiography students) reviewed all images.

RESULTS

50 responses were received from a study population of approximately 400, (10 academics, 40 students). The ability of ultrasound to detect radiolucent foreign bodies performs well compared with projection radiography: sensitivity 94% versus 9%, specificity 90% versus 88%. For radiopaque foreign bodies the data was more mixed: sensitivity 96% versus 99%, specificity 90% versus 88%.

DISCUSSION

These data suggest that ultrasound is superior to projection radiography for the detection of radiolucent STFBs. Limitations include the lack of formal postgraduate ultrasound training within the study population and a lack of simulated bony structure within the hand phantoms.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Ultrasound has the potential to be a useful modality in the detection of STFBs, particularly radiolucent objects. There are associated challenges such as conducting ultrasound in the vicinity of a wound, but further exploration of this application of ultrasound is warranted.

Herring roe oil in treatment of psoriasis - influence on immune cells and cytokine network

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin disease with systemic inflammation and comorbidities. Although the disease severity may vary over time, many patients suffer from mild to moderate disease. Often local treatment will be sufficient to control the symptoms, but they may have several side effects. ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have shown promising results in clinical trials with mild-to-moderate psoriasis.

Methods

We explored the impact of phospholipid bound docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in a 3:1 ratio on immune cells and cytokine networks in peripheral blood of patients with psoriasis. We investigated the inter-relation of plasma cytokine levels and disease severity in 58 patients, and explored the status of circulating immune cell activity in 18 patients with non-severe psoriasis before and during herring roe oil supplementation. Plasma concentration of 22 cytokines was measured by Luminex technology and circulating immune cells were analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry.

Results

CCL2 levels decreased over time, and IFN-γR1 increased, possibly related to the action of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. We observed a shift from naïve to effector CD4+ T cells and decreases of CD38 expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, CD56bright NK cells and CD14+CD16- classical monocytes.

Conclusions

These findings support the beneficial effect of herring roe oil supplementation.

Coulomb staircase in an asymmetrically coupled quantum dot

We investigate the Coulomb blockade in quantum dots asymmetrically coupled to the leads for an arbitrary voltage bias focusing on the regime where electrons do not thermalise during their dwell time in the dot. By solving the quantum kinetic equation, we show that the current-voltage characteristics are crucially dependent on the ratio of the Fermi energy to charging energy on the dot. In the standard regime when the Fermi energy is large, there is a Coulomb staircase which is practically the same as in the thermalised regime. In the opposite case of the large charging energy, we identify a new regime in which only one step is left in the staircase, and we anticipate experimental confirmation of this finding.

Safety and efficacy of tenecteplase in patients with wake-up stroke assessed by non-contrast CT (TWIST): a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Current evidence supports the use of intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase in patients with wake-up stroke selected with MRI or perfusion imaging and is recommended in clinical guidelines. However, access to advanced imaging techniques is often scarce. We aimed to determine whether thrombolytic treatment with intravenous tenecteplase given within 4·5 h of awakening improves functional outcome in patients with ischaemic wake-up stroke selected using non-contrast CT.

METHODS

TWIST was an investigator-initiated, multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial with blinded endpoint assessment, conducted at 77 hospitals in ten countries. We included patients aged 18 years or older with acute ischaemic stroke symptoms upon awakening, limb weakness, a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 3 or higher or aphasia, a non-contrast CT examination of the head, and the ability to receive tenecteplase within 4·5 h of awakening. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either a single intravenous bolus of tenecteplase 0·25 mg per kg of bodyweight (maximum 25 mg) or control (no thrombolysis) using a central, web-based, computer-generated randomisation schedule. Trained research personnel, who conducted telephone interviews at 90 days (follow-up), were masked to treatment allocation. Clinical assessments were performed on day 1 (at baseline) and day 7 of hospital admission (or at discharge, whichever occurred first). The primary outcome was functional outcome assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days and analysed using ordinal logistic regression in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with EudraCT (2014-000096-80), ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03181360), and ISRCTN (10601890).

FINDINGS

From June 12, 2017, to Sept 30, 2021, 578 of the required 600 patients were enrolled (288 randomly assigned to the tenecteplase group and 290 to the control group [intention-to-treat population]). The median age of participants was 73·7 years (IQR 65·9-81·1). 332 (57%) of 578 participants were male and 246 (43%) were female. Treatment with tenecteplase was not associated with better functional outcome, according to mRS score at 90 days (adjusted OR 1·18, 95% CI 0·88-1·58; p=0·27). Mortality at 90 days did not significantly differ between treatment groups (28 [10%] patients in the tenecteplase group and 23 [8%] in the control group; adjusted HR 1·29, 95% CI 0·74-2·26; p=0·37). Symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage occurred in six (2%) patients in the tenecteplase group versus three (1%) in the control group (adjusted OR 2·17, 95% CI 0·53-8·87; p=0·28), whereas any intracranial haemorrhage occurred in 33 (11%) versus 30 (10%) patients (adjusted OR 1·14, 0·67-1·94; p=0·64).

INTERPRETATION

In patients with wake-up stroke selected with non-contrast CT, treatment with tenecteplase was not associated with better functional outcome at 90 days. The number of symptomatic haemorrhages and any intracranial haemorrhages in both treatment groups was similar to findings from previous trials of wake-up stroke patients selected using advanced imaging. Current evidence does not support treatment with tenecteplase in patients selected with non-contrast CT.

FUNDING

Norwegian Clinical Research Therapy in the Specialist Health Services Programme, the Swiss Heart Foundation, the British Heart Foundation, and the Norwegian National Association for Public Health.

Factors Influencing Continued Wearable Device Use in Older Adult Populations: Quantitative Study

BACKGROUND

The increased use of wearable sensor technology has highlighted the potential for remote telehealth services such as rehabilitation. Telehealth services incorporating wearable sensors are most likely to appeal to the older adult population in remote and rural areas, who may struggle with long commutes to clinics. However, the usability of such systems often discourages patients from adopting these services.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to understand the usability factors that most influence whether an older adult will decide to continue using a wearable device.

METHODS

Older adults across 4 different regions (Northern Ireland, Ireland, Sweden, and Finland) wore an activity tracker for 7 days under a free-living environment protocol. In total, 4 surveys were administered, and biometrics were measured by the researchers before the trial began. At the end of the trial period, the researchers administered 2 further surveys to gain insights into the perceived usability of the wearable device. These were the standardized System Usability Scale (SUS) and a custom usability questionnaire designed by the research team. Statistical analyses were performed to identify the key factors that affect participants' intention to continue using the wearable device in the future. Machine learning classifiers were used to provide an early prediction of the intention to continue using the wearable device.

RESULTS

The study was conducted with older adult volunteers (N=65; mean age 70.52, SD 5.65 years) wearing a Xiaomi Mi Band 3 activity tracker for 7 days in a free-living environment. The results from the SUS survey showed no notable difference in perceived system usability regardless of region, sex, or age, eliminating the notion that usability perception differs based on geographical location, sex, or deviation in participants' age. There was also no statistically significant difference in SUS score between participants who had previously owned a wearable device and those who wore 1 or 2 devices during the trial. The bespoke usability questionnaire determined that the 2 most important factors that influenced an intention to continue device use in an older adult cohort were device comfort (τ=0.34) and whether the device was fit for purpose (τ=0.34). A computational model providing an early identifier of intention to continue device use was developed using these 2 features. Random forest classifiers were shown to provide the highest predictive performance (80% accuracy). After including the top 8 ranked questions from the bespoke questionnaire as features of our model, the accuracy increased to 88%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study concludes that comfort and accuracy are the 2 main influencing factors in sustaining wearable device use. This study suggests that the reported factors influencing usability are transferable to other wearable sensor systems. Future work will aim to test this hypothesis using the same methodology on a cohort using other wearable technologies.

1230 PALLIATIVE CARE MOVEMENT DISORDERS MULTIDISCIPLINARY MEETING

Introduction

It is well recognised that patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have significant symptom burden in advanced stages of their disease. Integration of movement disorder and palliative care services has been limited by concerns about resource and sustainability. We present our experience of establishing a movement disorders palliative care multidisciplinary meeting.

Method

In 2019 we established a multidisciplinary virtual bimonthly meeting between movement disorders and palliative care specialists. Referrals were accepted from movement disorder specialists, community Parkinson’s practitioners and palliative care specialists. Referring clinicians all actively applied primary palliative care approaches within their existing services. Aims of the meeting were to facilitate holistic management of complex needs, support advance care planning (ACP) and consider referral to specialist palliative care services.

Result

37 patients in total were discussed over a 2-year period (although the service was limited for a time due to COVID pressures). On average 3 new patients were discussed per meeting. Reasons for referral included motor and non-motor symptoms, support with ACP, medication advice, caregiver concerns and emotional distress. Meeting outcomes included medication adjustments, expediting reviews, hospice support, carer support, and referral to other services. Since the meetings started 23 (62%) patients have died. Of these, 30% died in hospital compared with the national average of 43.4%. The average between discussion at the meeting and death was 139 days. The meeting has generated education opportunities, triggered joint assessments and a professionals’ framework for the palliative management of patients with a movement disorder.

Conclusions

We present the experience of an MDT embedded within an early integrated palliative care service for movement disorders. The MDT has strengthened partnership working and findings suggest that alongside active primary palliative care, specialist palliative care for PD can be sustainable and resource efficient in a UK setting.

Genetic and gut microbiome determinants of SCFA circulating and fecal levels, postprandial responses and links to chronic and acute inflammation

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are involved in immune system and inflammatory responses. We comprehensively assessed the host genetic and gut microbial contribution to a panel of eight serum and stool SCFAs in two cohorts (TwinsUK, n = 2507; ZOE PREDICT-1, n = 328), examined their postprandial changes and explored their links with chronic and acute inflammatory responses in healthy individuals and trauma patients. We report low concordance between circulating and fecal SCFAs, significant postprandial changes in most circulating SCFAs, and a heritable genetic component (average h2: serum = 14%(SD = 14%); stool = 12%(SD = 6%)). Furthermore, we find that gut microbiome can accurately predict their fecal levels (AUC>0.71) while presenting weaker associations with serum. Finally, we report different correlation patterns with inflammatory markers depending on the type of inflammatory response (chronic or acute trauma). Our results illustrate the breadth of the physiological relevance of SCFAs on human inflammatory and metabolic responses highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of this important class of molecules.

Renal replacement and extracorporeal therapies in critical care: current and future directions

There are a wide number of indications for extracorporeal therapies in the critical care environment. A common indication seen by the acute physician is continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in a proportion of patients with acute kidney injury. It is therefore important that acute physicians have a sound understanding of the principles of CRRT in the acutely unwell patient. This review will outline the indications for its use, commonly used methods and anticoagulation considerations. It will discuss when to start and stop CRRT as well as describing potential treatment complications. This review will also discuss the role of therapeutic plasma exchange in critical care and novel extracorporeal therapies including blood purification in sepsis and carbon dioxide removal in acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute exacerbations of obstructive lung disease. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is outside of the scope of this article.

Time Is a Critical Factor When Evaluating Oligonucleotide Therapeutics in Human Ether-a-Go-Go-Related Gene Assays

In accord with International Conference on Harmonization S7B guidelines, an in vitro human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) assay is one component of an integrated risk assessment for delayed ventricular repolarization. Function of hERG could be affected by direct (acute) mechanisms, or by indirect (chronic) mechanisms. Some approved oligonucleotide therapeutics had submitted hERG data to regulatory agents, which were all collected with the same protocol used for small-molecule testing (incubation time <20 min; acute), however, oligonucleotides have unique mechanisms and time courses of action (indirect). To reframe the hERG testing strategy for silencing RNA (siRNA), an investigation was performed to assess the time course for siRNA-mediated inhibition of hERG function and gene expression. Commercially available siRNAs of hERG were evaluated in a stable hERG-expressed cell line by whole-cell voltage clamp using automated electrophysiology and polymerase chain reaction. In the acute hERG study, no effects were observed after treatment with 100 nM siRNA for 20 min. The chronic effects of 100 nM siRNAs on hERG function were evaluated and recorded over 8-48 h following transfection. At 8 h there was no significant effect, whereas 77% reduction was observed at 48 h. Measurement of hERG mRNA levels demonstrated a 79% and 93% decrease of hERG mRNA at 8 and 48 h, respectively, consistent with inhibition of hERG transcription. The results indicate that an anti-hERG siRNA requires a long exposure time (48 h) in the hERG assay to produce a maximal reduction in hERG current; short exposures (20 min-8 h) had no effect. These findings imply that off-target profiling of novel oligonucleotides could benefit from using hERG protocol with long incubation times to de-risk potential off-target (indirect) effects on the hERG channel. This hERG assay modification may be important to consider if the findings are used to support an integrated nonclinical-clinical risk assessment for QTc (the duration of the QT interval adjusted for heart rate) prolongation.

Harmonization and qualification of intracellular cytokine staining to measure influenza-specific CD4+ T cell immunity within the FLUCOP consortium

Despite the knowledge that cell-mediated immunity (CMI) contributes to the reduction of severe influenza infection, transmission, and disease outcome, the correlates of protection for cell-mediated immunity remain still unclear. Therefore, measuring the magnitude and quality of influenza-specific T cell responses in a harmonized way is of utmost importance to improve characterisation of vaccine-induced immunity across different clinical trials. The present study, conducted as part of the FLUCOP project, describes the development of a consensus protocol for the intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) assay, in order to reduce inter-laboratory variability, and its qualification. In order to develop a consensus protocol, the study was divided into different stages. Firstly, two pilot studies evaluated critical parameters in the analytical (read-outs) and post-analytical (gating strategies and data analysis) methods applied by eight different laboratories within the FLUCOP consortium. The methods were then harmonized by fixing the critical parameters and the subsequent consensus protocol was then qualified by one FLUCOP member. The antigen-specific cell population was defined as polypositive CD4⁺ T cells (i.e. positive for at least two markers among CD40L/IFNγ/IL2/TNFα), which was shown to be the most sensitive and specific read-out. The qualification of this consensus protocol showed that the quantification of polypositive CD4⁺ T cells was precise, linear and accurate, and sensitive with a lower limit of quantification of 0.0335% antigen-specific polypositive CD4⁺ T cells. In conclusion, we provide the description of a harmonized ICS assay, which permits quantitative and qualitative evaluation of influenza vaccine-induced T cell responses. Application of this harmonized assay may allow for future comparisons of T cell responses to different influenza vaccines. It may facilitate future assessments of potential correlates of protection with the promise of application across other pathogens.

Menopause is associated with postprandial metabolism, metabolic health and lifestyle: The ZOE PREDICT study

BACKGROUND

The menopause transition is associated with unfavourable alterations in health. However, postprandial metabolic changes and their mediating factors are poorly understood.

METHODS

The PREDICT 1 UK cohort (n=1002; pre- n=366, peri- n=55, and post-menopausal females n=206) assessed phenotypic characteristics, anthropometric, diet and gut microbiome data, and fasting and postprandial (0-6 h) cardiometabolic blood measurements, including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data. Differences between menopausal groups were assessed in the cohort and in an age-matched subgroup, adjusting for age, BMI, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use, and smoking status.

FINDINGS

Post-menopausal females had higher fasting blood measures (glucose, HbA1c and inflammation (GlycA), 6%, 5% and 4% respectively), sugar intakes (12%) and poorer sleep (12%) compared with pre-menopausal females (p<0.05 for all). Postprandial metabolic responses for glucose_2hiauc and insulin_2hiauc were higher (42% and 4% respectively) and CGM measures (glycaemic variability and time in range) were unfavourable post- versus pre-menopause (p<0.05 for all). In age-matched subgroups (n=150), postprandial glucose responses remained higher post-menopause (peak_0-2h 4%). MHT was associated with favourable visceral fat, fasting (glucose and insulin) and postprandial (triglyceride_6hiauc) measures. Mediation analysis showed that associations between menopause and metabolic health indicators (visceral fat, GlycA_360mins and glycaemia (peak_0-2h)) were in part mediated by diet and gut bacterial species.

INTERPRETATION

Findings from this large scale, in-depth nutrition metabolic study of menopause, support the importance of monitoring risk factors for type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in mid-life to older women to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with oestrogen decline.

FUNDING

Zoe Ltd.

Improved diagnostic accuracy for apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Introduction

The diagnosis of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM) is contingent on demonstrating apical maximum wall thickness (MWT) of ≥15mm; the same threshold as other HCM subtypes. However, the myocardium naturally tapers towards the apex in healthy individuals, so ≥15mm MWT is proportionately higher in the apex than in naturally thicker basal segments. Using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), relative ApHCM has been described (typical ECG features, loss of apical tapering, cavity obliteration but hypertrophy &lt;15mm). Wall thickness measurement using machine learning now exceeds human performance.

Purpose

We aimed to redefine the optimal diagnostic threshold for ApHCM using segment-specific criteria based on a large cohort of healthy control subjects.

Methods

Segmental wall thickness was measured using healthy subjects from the UK Biobank using a clinically validated machine learning algorithm1,2. A normative reference range was established for all 16 segments, conditioned to body surface area (BSA), sex and age. Derived segment-specific wall thickness thresholds were used to define optimal disease thresholds for patients clinically managed with overt (MWT ≥15mm) and relative ApHCM (MWT &lt;15mm, but typical ECG and imaging findings).

Results

4118 UK biobank subjects were used to define normal segmental thicknesses and reference ranges. These were applied to ApHCM (73 overt, 31 relative). There were no apical wall thickness age related differences. The upper limit of the 95% confidence interval corresponded to a combined maximum apical MWT for both males and females of 10.4mm using non-indexed measurement, or 5.6mm/m2 when indexed to BSA. Non-indexed segmental threshold identified 100% of ApHCM patients (true positives), 81% (25 of 31) relative ApHCM and 3% (115 of 4118) of healthy UK biobank subjects (false positives). Indexed segmental thresholds improved the diagnostic potential in relative ApHCM without an increase in false positives (100% of ApHCM patients, 84% (26 of 31) of relative ApHCM patients, and 3% healthy UK biobank (127 of 4118).

Conclusion

We propose new diagnostic criteria for ApHCM using segmental indexed apical wall thickness of &gt;5.6 mm/m2 to better identify inappropriate apical hypertrophy in those whose wall thickness does not meet current criteria for diagnosis.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging predictors of ventricular arrhythmia in mid-cavity obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background/Introduction

Left ventricular (LV) mid-cavity obstruction (LVMCO) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an uncommon phenotypic feature predisposed to the formation of myocardial fibrosis and apical aneurysms (LVAA). These features may be independently proarrhythmic, and LVAA is considered a class 2a indication for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in current US, but not European guidelines for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is the preferred modality for detecting these and other phenotypic features critical to SCD risk assessment.

Purpose

To assess the ability of CMR imaging parameters to predict occurrence of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) in HCM patients with Doppler-derived evidence of LVMCO.

Methods

Multi-modality imaging records were retrospectively assessed to identify HCM patients with Doppler-LVMCO and CMR scans. CMR images were assessed by an investigator blinded to clinical status. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was quantified using the full-width, half-maximum technique. CMR imaging parameters were assessed for predictive ability using Cox proportional hazards during univariate and multivariate analyses, accounting for time to event (NSVT or censorship of follow-up).

Results

The study cohort included 58 patients (57±11 years, 74% male) with a median follow-up of 6.2 (IQR 4.3) years. Mean mid-cavity gradient was 33±23 mmHg. NSVT was detected in 27/58 (47%) patients, was 4 beats or longer in 23/27 (85%) and was monomorphic in 21/27 (77%).

On univariate analysis, predictors of NSVT during follow-up include LV mass index (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.04, p=0.03), LGE in grams (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.06, p=0.005), and LVAA (HR 2.57, 95% CI 1.14–5.79, p=0.023). After multivariate adjustment (Table 2), none were significantly associated.

Conclusions

In LVMCO, magnitude of LV hypertrophy, extent of LGE and the presence of an apical aneurysm may not be independent predictors of ventricular arrhythmias. SCD algorithms based on qualitative assessments of these features may overestimate risk.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): National Institute of Health Research (NIHR)

Harmonization and qualification of an IFN-γ Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSpot assay (ELISPOT) to measure influenza-specific cell-mediated immunity within the FLUCOP consortium

Influenza continues to be the most important cause of viral respiratory disease, despite the availability of vaccines. Today’s evaluation of influenza vaccines mainly focuses on the quantitative and functional analyses of antibodies to the surface proteins haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). However, there is an increasing interest in measuring cellular immune responses targeting not only mutation-prone surface HA and NA but also conserved internal proteins as these are less explored yet potential correlates of protection. To date, laboratories that monitor cellular immune responses use a variety of in-house procedures. This generates diverging results, complicates interlaboratory comparisons, and hampers influenza vaccine evaluation. The European FLUCOP project aims to develop and standardize assays for the assessment of influenza vaccine correlates of protection. This report describes the harmonization and qualification of the influenza-specific interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSpot (ELISpot) assay. Initially, two pilot studies were conducted to identify sources of variability during sample analysis and spot enumeration in order to develop a harmonized Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Subsequently, an assay qualification study was performed to investigate the linearity, intermediate precision (reproducibility), repeatability, specificity, Lower and Upper Limits of Quantification (LLOQ-ULOQ), Limit of Detection (LOD) and the stability of signal over time. We were able to demonstrate that the FLUCOP harmonized IFN-γ ELISpot assay procedure can accurately enumerate IFN-γ secreting cells in the analytical range of 34.4 Spot Forming Units (SFU) per million cells up to the technical limit of the used reader and in the linear range from 120 000 to 360 000 cells per well, in plates stored up to 6 weeks after development. This IFN-γ ELISpot procedure will hopefully become a useful and reliable tool to investigate influenza-specific cellular immune responses induced by natural infection or vaccination and can be an additional instrument in the search for novel correlates of protection.

Aberrant signaling of immune cells in Sjögren’s syndrome patient subgroups upon interferon stimulation

Background

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease, characterized by mononuclear cell infiltrates in the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to glandular atrophy and dryness. Patient heterogeneity and lack of knowledge regarding its pathogenesis makes pSS a difficult disease to manage.

Methods

An exploratory analysis using mass cytometry was conducted of MAPK/ERK and JAK/STAT signaling pathways in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 16 female medication free pSS patients (8 anti-Sjögren’s syndrome-related antigen A negative/SSA- and 8 SSA+) and 8 female age-matched healthy donors after stimulation with interferons (IFNs).

Results

We found significant differences in the frequencies of memory B cells, CD8+ T central and effector memory cells and terminally differentiated CD4+ T cells among the healthy donors and patient subgroups. In addition, we observed an upregulation of HLA-DR and CD38 in many cell subsets in the patients. Upon IFNα2b stimulation, slightly increased signaling through pSTAT1 Y701 was observed in most cell types in pSS patients compared to controls, while phosphorylation of STAT3 Y705 and STAT5 Y694 were slightly reduced. IFNγ stimulation resulted in significantly increased pSTAT1 Y701 induction in conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) and classical and non-classical monocytes in the patients. Most of the observed differences were more prominent in the SSA+ subgroup, indicating greater disease severity in them.

Conclusions

Augmented activation status of certain cell types along with potentiated pSTAT1 Y701 signaling and reduced pSTAT3 Y705 and pSTAT5 Y694 induction may predispose pSS patients, especially the SSA+ subgroup, to upregulated expression of IFN-induced genes and production of autoantibodies. These patients may benefit from therapies targeting these pathways.

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.

Impaired activation of STAT5 upon IL-2 stimulation in Tregs and elevated sIL-2R in Sjögren's syndrome

Background

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and the high-affinity IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) are essential for the survival of regulatory T cells (Tregs) which are the main players in immune tolerance and prevention of autoimmune diseases. Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease predominantly affecting women and is characterised by sicca symptoms including oral and ocular dryness. The aim of this study was to investigate an association between IL-2R and Treg function in patients with SS of different severity defined by the salivary flow rate.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, we determined plasma soluble IL-2R (sIL-2R) levels in women with SS (n=97) and healthy females (n=50) using ELISA. A subset of those (n=51) was screened for Treg function measured by the STAT5 signalling response to IL-2 using phospho-flow cytometry.

Results

We found that elevated plasma levels of sIL-2R were positively associated with the severity of SS reflected by a pathologically low salivary flow. Phospho-flow analysis revealed that patients with SS have a significantly lower frequency of pSTAT5⁺ Tregs upon IL-2 stimulation compared with healthy individuals, while the frequency of Tregs and pSTAT5 in conventional T cells remained unchanged. In addition, we observed more pSTAT5⁺ Tregs at baseline in patients with SS, which is significantly associated with seropositivity and elevated sIL-2R.

Conclusions

Our data indicates that Tregs have a weakened immunosuppressive function in patients with SS due to impaired IL-2/IL-2R signalling capacity. This could mediate lymphocytic infiltration into salivary glands inducing sicca symptoms. We believe that sIL-2R could act as a useful indicator for SS and disease severity.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-022-02769-y.

Self-reported COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake among participants from different racial and ethnic groups in the United States and United Kingdom

Worldwide, racial and ethnic minorities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 with increased risk of infection, its related complications, and death. In the initial phase of population-based vaccination in the United States (U.S.) and United Kingdom (U.K.), vaccine hesitancy may result in differences in uptake. We performed a cohort study among U.S. and U.K. participants who volunteered to take part in the smartphone-based COVID Symptom Study (March 2020-February 2021) and used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios of vaccine hesitancy and uptake. In the U.S. (n = 87,388), compared to white participants, vaccine hesitancy was greater for Black and Hispanic participants and those reporting more than one or other race. In the U.K. (n = 1,254,294), racial and ethnic minority participants showed similar levels of vaccine hesitancy to the U.S. However, associations between participant race and ethnicity and levels of vaccine uptake were observed to be different in the U.S. and the U.K. studies. Among U.S. participants, vaccine uptake was significantly lower among Black participants, which persisted among participants that self-reported being vaccine-willing. In contrast, statistically significant racial and ethnic disparities in vaccine uptake were not observed in the U.K sample. In this study of self-reported vaccine hesitancy and uptake, lower levels of vaccine uptake in Black participants in the U.S. during the initial vaccine rollout may be attributable to both hesitancy and disparities in access.

Accessible data curation and analytics for international-scale citizen science datasets

The Covid Symptom Study, a smartphone-based surveillance study on COVID-19 symptoms in the population, is an exemplar of big data citizen science. As of May 23rd, 2021, over 5 million participants have collectively logged over 360 million self-assessment reports since its introduction in March 2020. The success of the Covid Symptom Study creates significant technical challenges around effective data curation. The primary issue is scale. The size of the dataset means that it can no longer be readily processed using standard Python-based data analytics software such as Pandas on commodity hardware. Alternative technologies exist but carry a higher technical complexity and are less accessible to many researchers. We present ExeTera, a Python-based open source software package designed to provide Pandas-like data analytics on datasets that approach terabyte scales. We present its design and capabilities, and show how it is a critical component of a data curation pipeline that enables reproducible research across an international research group for the Covid Symptom Study.

EP.FRI.265 Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy with Complete Mesocolic Excision for a T4 Caecal Tumour with Associated Phlegmon

A 67-years-old female presented with right lower abdominal pain and raised inflammatory markers. A computed tomography scan showed marked inflammatory changes with collections adjacent to terminal ileum. Patient was managed with intravenous antibiotics initially. Subsequent colonoscopy showed a bulky 8cm caecal pole tumour involving ileocaecal valve. Histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. Staging CT was negative for distant metastases. The patient subsequently proceeded to laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision (CME). Intraoperatively the ileocolic vein was clipped just at the level of its confluence with superior mesenteric vein. The ileocolic artery was divided at its origin form superior mesenteric artery followed by division of right colic artery. The caecal mass was dissected off the abdominal wall. Proximally small bowel was resected 25cm form the ileocaecal valve and distally colon was divided up till mid transverse point. The specimen was extracted through a 9 cm Pfannenstiel incision. An intracorporeal isoperistaltic ileocolic side to side anastomosis was performed using a novel technique.1 The patient made full recovery and proceeded to adjuvant chemotherapy. Histology showed moderately differentiated T4 adenocarcinoma with tumour free lymph nodes. This case demonstrates intraoperative steps of laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision. CME is now becoming a standard due to improved oncological outcomes as it yields higher number of resected lymph nodes and better tumour clearance margins. This approach can be challenging due to variability in vascular anatomy, however, in experienced hands it is feasible and safe resulting in extensive lymphadenectomy and better oncological radicality. 1.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28833963/

Blue poo: impact of gut transit time on the gut microbiome using a novel marker

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Gut transit time is a key modulator of host-microbiome interactions, yet this is often overlooked, partly because reliable methods are typically expensive or burdensome. The aim of this single-arm, single-blinded intervention study is to assess (1) the relationship between gut transit time and the human gut microbiome, and (2) the utility of the 'blue dye' method as an inexpensive and scalable technique to measure transit time.

METHODS

We assessed interactions between the taxonomic and functional potential profiles of the gut microbiome (profiled via shotgun metagenomic sequencing), gut transit time (measured via the blue dye method), cardiometabolic health and diet in 863 healthy individuals from the PREDICT 1 study.

RESULTS

We found that gut microbiome taxonomic composition can accurately discriminate between gut transit time classes (0.82 area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) and longer gut transit time is linked with specific microbial species such as Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides spp and Alistipes spp (false discovery rate-adjusted p values <0.01). The blue dye measure of gut transit time had the strongest association with the gut microbiome over typical transit time proxies such as stool consistency and frequency.

CONCLUSIONS

Gut transit time, measured via the blue dye method, is a more informative marker of gut microbiome function than traditional measures of stool consistency and frequency. The blue dye method can be applied in large-scale epidemiological studies to advance diet-microbiome-health research. Clinical trial registry website https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03479866 and trial number NCT03479866.

Chiari 1: Is decompression always necessary previous to scoliosis surgery?

The association between Chiari 1 malformation and scoliosis is well known in the literature. Prevalence has increased after the advent of magnetic resonance imaging. In children with this association, prophylactic suboccipital decompression prior to scoliosis correction is a common surgical procedure although the rationale for this surgical management and whether not performing it may lead to spinal cord injury has not been clearly elucidated. We conducted a systematic review of the literature with the aim to obtain strong data to support the hypothesis that it is safe to proceed with scoliosis correction without prior prophylactic suboccipital decompression for Chiari 1 in an asymptomatic population. Using the Prisma methodology, we analyzed 3250 studies published between 1972 and 2018. Only four studies met the inclusion criteria. None of the studies had a level of evidence high enough to recommend prophylactic decompression previous to correction of the spinal deformity.

A Comparative study on the Effectiveness of Augmented Reality on Denture Tooth Selection

One of the most difficult aspects of providing removable dentures, for both the patient and the dentist, is the tooth selection process. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR) on patient experience of the tooth selection process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3D scanning of upper anterior teeth of various shapes and sizes allowed for the creation of a virtual library that were subsequently used to programme an AR software application, 'ToothPick'. Seventeen participants were recruited to a comparative study at Leeds Dental Institute, over two clinical appointments, to trial the app and complete a 10-question survey to assess the efficacy of AR simulation. The sample size response generated outcome variables for 'perceived usefulness' and 'perceived ease of use' from the perspectives of the patient, dentist and technician.

RESULTS

By the second appointment, 86% of participants preferred the app over the conventional methods for selection of denture teeth due to increased ease of use and accuracy that AR simulation had in replicating the wax try-in.

CONCLUSION

The sample population favoured the adoption of AR technology to select denture teeth from the perspective of both the patient and the clinician.

Race, ethnicity, community-level socioeconomic factors, and risk of COVID-19 in the United States and the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

There is limited prior investigation of the combined influence of personal and community-level socioeconomic factors on racial/ethnic disparities in individual risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis nested within a prospective cohort of 2,102,364 participants from March 29, 2020 in the United States (US) and March 24, 2020 in the United Kingdom (UK) through December 02, 2020 via the COVID Symptom Study smartphone application. We examined the contribution of community-level deprivation using the Neighborhood Deprivation Index (NDI) and the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) to observe racial/ethnic disparities in COVID-19 incidence. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04331509.

FINDINGS

Compared with non-Hispanic White participants, the risk for a positive COVID-19 test was increased in the US for non-Hispanic Black (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-1.47) and Hispanic participants (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.33-1.52) and in the UK for Black (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.02-1.34), South Asian (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.30-1.49), and Middle Eastern participants (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.18-1.61). This elevated risk was associated with living in more deprived communities according to the NDI/IMD. After accounting for downstream mediators of COVID-19 risk, community-level deprivation still mediated 16.6% and 7.7% of the excess risk in Black compared to White participants in the US and the UK, respectively.

INTERPRETATION

Our results illustrate the critical role of social determinants of health in the disproportionate COVID-19 risk experienced by racial and ethnic minorities.

Early detection of COVID-19 in the UK using self-reported symptoms: a large-scale, prospective, epidemiological surveillance study

BACKGROUND

Self-reported symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic have been used to train artificial intelligence models to identify possible infection foci. To date, these models have only considered the culmination or peak of symptoms, which is not suitable for the early detection of infection. We aimed to estimate the probability of an individual being infected with SARS-CoV-2 on the basis of early self-reported symptoms to enable timely self-isolation and urgent testing.

METHODS

In this large-scale, prospective, epidemiological surveillance study, we used prospective, observational, longitudinal, self-reported data from participants in the UK on 19 symptoms over 3 days after symptoms onset and COVID-19 PCR test results extracted from the COVID-19 Symptom Study mobile phone app. We divided the study population into a training set (those who reported symptoms between April 29, 2020, and Oct 15, 2020) and a test set (those who reported symptoms between Oct 16, 2020, and Nov 30, 2020), and used three models to analyse the self-reported symptoms: the UK's National Health Service (NHS) algorithm, logistic regression, and the hierarchical Gaussian process model we designed to account for several important variables (eg, specific COVID-19 symptoms, comorbidities, and clinical information). Model performance to predict COVID-19 positivity was compared in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) in the test set. For the hierarchical Gaussian process model, we also evaluated the relevance of symptoms in the early detection of COVID-19 in population subgroups stratified according to occupation, sex, age, and body-mass index.

FINDINGS

The training set comprised 182 991 participants and the test set comprised 15 049 participants. When trained on 3 days of self-reported symptoms, the hierarchical Gaussian process model had a higher prediction AUC (0·80 [95% CI 0·80-0·81]) than did the logistic regression model (0·74 [0·74-0·75]) and the NHS algorithm (0·67 [0·67-0·67]). AUCs for all models increased with the number of days of self-reported symptoms, but were still high for the hierarchical Gaussian process model at day 1 (0·73 [95% CI 0·73-0·74]) and day 2 (0·79 [0·78-0·79]). At day 3, the hierarchical Gaussian process model also had a significantly higher sensitivity, but a non-statistically lower specificity, than did the two other models. The hierarchical Gaussian process model also identified different sets of relevant features to detect COVID-19 between younger and older subgroups, and between health-care workers and non-health-care workers. When used during different pandemic periods, the model was robust to changes in populations.

INTERPRETATION

Early detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection is feasible with our model. Such early detection is crucial to contain the spread of COVID-19 and efficiently allocate medical resources.

FUNDING

ZOE, the UK Government Department of Health and Social Care, the Wellcome Trust, the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the UK National Institute for Health Research, the UK Medical Research Council, the British Heart Foundation, the Alzheimer's Society, the Chronic Disease Research Foundation, and the Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness.

Comparison of the prognostic value of stress and rest pulmonary transit time estimation using myocardial perfusion CMR

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation Clinical Research Training Fellowship

Background

Pulmonary transit time (PTT) is a quantitative biomarker of cardiopulmonary status. Rest PTT was previously shown to predict outcomes in specific disease models, but clinical adoption is hindered but challenges in data acquisition. Whether evaluation of PTT during stress encodes incremental prognostic information has not been previously investigated as scale.

Objectives

To compare the prognostic value of stress and rest PTT derived from a fully automated, in-line method of estimation using perfusion CMR, in a large patient cohort.

Methods

A retrospective two-center study of patients referred clinically for adenosine stress myocardial perfusion assessment using CMR. Analysis of right and left ventricular cavity arterial input function curves from first pass perfusion was performed automatically, allowing the in-line estimation of both rest and stress PTT. Association with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was evaluated. MACE was defined as a composite outcome of myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure admission and ventricular tachycardia or appropriate ICD treatment (including ICD shock and/or anti-tachycardia pacing).

Results

985 patients (67% male, median age 62 years (IQR 52,71)) were included, with median left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 62% (IQR 54-69). Median stress PTT was shorter than rest PTT 6.2 (IQR 5.1, 7.7) seconds versus 7.7 (IQR, 6.4, 9.2) seconds. Stress and rest PTT were highly correlated (r = 0.69; p &lt; 0.001). Stress PTT also correlated with LVEF (r=-0.37), stress MBF (r=-0.31), LVEDVi (r = 0.24), LA area index (r = 0.32) (p &lt; 0.001 for all). Over a median follow-up period of 28.6 (IQR, 22.6 35,7) months, MACE occurred in 61 (6.2%) patients. After adjusting for prognostic factors, both rest and stress PTT, independently predicted MACE, but not all-cause mortality. For every 1xSD (2.39s) increase in rest PTT the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for MACE was 1.43 (95% CI 1.10-1.85, p = 0.007). The hazard ratio for one standard deviation (2.64s) increase in stress PTT was 1.34 (95% CI 1.048-1.723; p = 0.020) after adjusting for age, LVEF, hypertension, diabetes, sex and presence of LGE

Conclusions

In this 2-center study of 985 patients, we deploy a fully automated method of PTT estimation using perfusion mapping with CMR and show that both stress and rest PTT are independently associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In this patient cohort, there is no clear incremental prognostic value of stress PTT, over its evaluation during rest.

Figure 1. Stress and Rest Pulmonary Transit Time estimation using myocardial perfusion CMR

Figure 2. Event-free survival curves for major adverse cardiovascular events (Heart failure hospitalization, myocardial infarction, stroke and ventricular tachycardia/ICD treatment) according to mean rest PTT (8.05seconds) and mean stress PTT (6.7seconds). Log-rank for both p &lt; 0.05

Prospective case-control study of cardiovascular abnormalities six months following mild COVID-19 in healthcare workers

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Barts Charity UCLH Charity

OnBehalf

COVIDsortium

Background

Recent CMR studies have reported cardiac abnormalities after COVID-19 are common, even after mild, non-hospitalised illness with evidence of ongoing myocardial inflammation.  Such a prevalence of chronic myocarditis after mild disease has prompted societal concerns in diverse domains, and suggests that screening should be considered post COVID-19, even in asymptomatic individuals.  Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has proven utility for diagnosis in patients with COVID-19 infection and elevated troponin from unclear causes by measuring cardiac structure, function, myocardial scar (late gadolinium enhancement) and oedema (T1 and T2 mapping).

Objectives

We aimed to determine the prevalence and extent of late cardiac and cardiovascular sequelae after mild non-hospitalised SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

Participants were recruited from COVIDsortium, a three-hospital prospective study of 731 healthcare workers who underwent first wave weekly symptom, PCR and serology assessment over 4 months, with seroconversion in 21.5% (n = 157). At 6 months post infection, 74 seropositive and 75 age-, sex-, ethnicity-matched seronegative controls were recruited for cardiovascular phenotyping (comprehensive phantom-calibrated Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and blood biomarkers). Analysis was blinded, using objective AI analytics where available.

Results

149 subjects (mean age 37 years, range 18-63, 58% female) were recruited. Seropositive infections had been mild with case definition/non-case definition/asymptomatic disease in 45(61%), 18(24%) and 11(15%) with one person hospitalised (for 2 days). Between seropositive and seronegative groups, there were no differences in cardiac structure (left ventricular volumes, mass; atrial area), function (ejection fraction, global longitudinal shortening, aortic distensibility), tissue characterisation (T1, T2, ECV mapping, late gadolinium enhancement) or biomarkers (troponin, NT-proBNP).  With abnormal defined by the 75 seronegatives (2 standard deviations from mean, e.g. EF &lt; 54%, septal T1 &gt; 1072ms, septal T2 &gt; 52.4ms), individuals had abnormalities including reduced EF (n = 2, minimum 50%), T1 elevation (n = 6), T2 elevation (n = 9), LGE (n = 13, median 1%, max 5% of myocardium), biomarker elevation (borderline troponin elevation in 4; all NT-proBNP normal). These were distributed equally between seropositive and seronegative individuals.

Conclusions

Cardiovascular abnormalities are no more common in seropositive vs seronegative otherwise healthy, workforce representative individuals 6 months post mild SARS-CoV-2 infection.  Our study provides societal reassurance for the cardiovascular health of working-aged individuals with convalescence from mild SARS-CoV-2. Screening asymptomatic individuals following mild diseases is not indicated.