tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
FRI0522 The association between occupational-related mechanical stress and radiographic damage in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: W Zhou, R Cook, V Chandran, DD Gladman, L Eder
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2017)

<h3>Background</h3> Mechanical stress is thought to play a role in the development of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). <h3>Objectives</h3> To determine the association between occupational-related mechanical factors and the severity of radiographic peripheral and axial joint damage in patients with PsA. <h3>Methods</h3> A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients with longstanding PsA (&gt;10 years duration). Patients were asked to report all paid employment since the age of 18. The key predictor variables included various occupational-related mechanical exposures. For each job, the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) was used to rate the level of exposure to 11 workers abilities and 16 occupational exposures. The outcomes of interest were the extent of radiographic damage in the peripheral and axial joints, as measured by the modified Steinbrocker score (mSS), and the modified Stokes Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS). The association between the predictor and outcome variables was assessed by linear multivariable regression models after adjusting for age, sex, PsA duration and lifestyle habits. <h3>Results</h3> 307 eligible patients were analyzed. Univariate analysis identified severeal occupational factors associated with radiographic damage (Table 1–2). In the multivariable regression analysis prolonged repetitive hand movements was associated with a higher peripheral joint damage score (by mSS, adjusted β=29.5, 95% CI 8.2, 50.8, p=0.007, Table 1), while the association between prolonged time spent sitting and lower mSS was of borderline significance (p=0.085, Table 1). Additionally, occupations that required higher finger dexterity were associated with higher mSS (adjusted β=5.4, 95% CI 1.6, 9.2, p=0.005, Table 2). Regarding axial damage, occupations that involved prolonged walking/running were associated with a higher mSASSS score (adjusted β=4.4, 95% CI 0.1, 8.7, p=0.04). PsA duration was independently associated with both peripheral and axial joint damage (p&lt;0.001). <h3>Conclusions</h3> High level of occupation-related mechanical stress is associated with increased radiographic peripheral joint damage. These findings support the potential role of micro-trauma in the pathogenesis of PsA. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared
A Contagious Tumor of the Hamster
Authors: Darlene C. Brindley, William G. Banfield
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1961)

A spontaneous reticulum-cell sarcoma of the hamster was successfully carried through 12 passages. Generalized cutaneous involvement was present in the first and second passages. Thereafter, the growth was typified by widespread metastases and a large, ulcerating tumor at the injection site, with local skin invasion only. In the terminal phases of transplanted growth, the peripheral blood became flooded with tumor cells. Injections of blood, ascitic fluid, and brain from tumor-bearers produced tumor in the host. Cell-free filtrates of brain, ascitic fluid, and tumor have not produced tumor. Ten untreated animals were caged with 10 animals inoculated with the tumor. Of the untreated animals, 7 died with laryngeal obstruction, of which 6 had submucosal tumor growth primary in the larynx, and 1, a mass in the posterior pharynx. Two animals, with the generalized systemic involvement similar to that caused by solid tumor inoculations and without laryngeal involvement, were killed. Three uninoculated animals were separated by a screen from 3 inoculated animals; one of the uninoculated group developed tumor in the larynx. Fresh tumor tissue was fed to 6 separated animals. One developed a systemic tumor involvement, another the laryngeal obstruction only.
Effects of tumor microenvironments on targeted delivery of glycol chitosan nanoparticles
Authors: Ji Young Yhee, Sangmin Jeon, Hong Yeol Yoon, Man Kyu Shim, Hyewon Ko, Jiwoong Min, Jin Hee Na, Hyeyoun Chang, Hyounkoo Han, Jong-Ho Kim, Minah Suh, Hyukjin Lee, Jae Hyung Park, Kwangmeyung Kim, Ick Chan Kwon
Journal: Journal of Controlled Release (2017)
AB0493 Blys upregulation is related to lymphopenia in systemic erythematous lupus patients
Authors: E Grau Garcia, CM Feced Olmos, E Sánchez Labrador, FM Ortiz-Sanjuan, M Fernandez Matilla, N Fernández-Llanio, I Chalmeta Verdejo, K Arévalo Ruales, R Negueroles Albuixech, J Ivorra Cortes, JJ Fragio Gil, I Martínez Cordellat, R Mazarío González, L Gonzalez Puig, C Alcañiz Escandell, C Nájera Herranz, I Cánovas Olmos, E Vicens Bernabeu, JE Oller Rodriguez, JA Castellano Cuesta, V Fornés Ferrer, D Marín Hervás, JA Román Ivorra
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2017)

<h3>Background</h3> B lymphocyte stimulator factor (BLyS) is produced by wide range of cells of the immune system, and has proven to be a key factor in the selection and survival of B cells. BLyS is an important factor in the pathology of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; elevated serum levels (≥20ng/mL) of soluble BlyS are at increased risk of flare. <h3>Objectives</h3> Analyze the association among BLyS levels and clinical manifestations, as well as with SLE clinical activity. <h3>Methods</h3> A cross-sectional and observational study was performed in patients diagnosed of SLE according to SLICC 2012 criteria and healthy controls. The study included a complete blood-test and clinical data collected by personal interview. Disease activity assessment was made by SLEDAI index and for the evaluation of chronic damage we used the validated SLICC damage index. Serum concentration of BLyS was analyzed by colorimetric methods. Lupus patients were dichotomized as high and low BLyS levels based on BLyS levels above 2 SD of the mean in healthy controls. Biostatistical analysis with R (3.3.2.) was performed. <h3>Results</h3> Two hundred forty-two SLE patients were evaluated; 94.4% of them were female. Mean values were as follow: age at diagnosis 33.29±13.53 years, disease duration 15.82±10.56 years, SLEDAI 5.91±5.06, SLICC score 1.06±1.42, BLyS levels 1.811±1.757 ng/mL. The 22.5% of patients displayed increased BLyS levels. The 29.6% of total patients exhibit SLEDAI values up to 6, and only the 7% of them showed SLEDAI values up to 6 and high BLyS levels simultaneously. Higher BLyS levels were significantly correlated to the ANAs positivity (p=0.0006) and lymphopenia (p=0.01) but showed no correlation with hypocomplementemia neither anti-dsDNA. The statistical analysis did not yield differences in the clinical activity or accumulated damage between patients with lower and higher BLyS levels. <h3>Conclusions</h3> In our series we observed a 22.5% of patients with high levels of BLyS, and the 7% of cases had BLyS high levels and SLEDAI&gt;6. BLyS upregulation is related to ANAs positivity and lymphopenia. We have found no statistical evidences on the relationship of BLyS levels and clinical activity in our series of patients. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared
Descriptive Study of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma in Algeria and Tunisia over a Period of 5 Years
Authors: N Boudjerra, S Oukid, MT Abad, C Aboura, L Louanchi, M Ramaoun, M Belhani, M Allouda, H Aftisse, H Ait Ali, R Ben lakhal, B Meddeb, N Ait Ameur, F Belhadri, F Tensaout, R Ahmed Nacer, RM Hamladji, S Bougherira, F Grifi, Y Ghassouli, M Djilali, SE Belakehal, Fz Ardjoun, S Bouchama, L Charef, MA Bekadja, M Benhalilou, N Sidi Mansour, A Kechichi, S Hamdi, H Bellaaj, B Berber, N Mesli, L Zatla, H Touhami, MA Laatiri, N Si Ali, Z Zouaoui, H Hamza, Y Ouarhlent, N Belkesmaoui, H Ghedira, M Khemiri, N Mehalhal, N Lakhdari, M Saidi, S Behloul, A Lazzazi, S Abrouk, T Ben Othman, M Benakli
Journal: Blood (2016)
Strategies for Preparing Albumin-based Nanoparticles for Multifunctional Bioimaging and Drug Delivery
Authors: Fei-Fei An, Xiao-Hong Zhang
Journal: Theranostics (2017)

Biosafety is the primary concern in clinical translation of nanomedicine. As an intrinsic ingredient of human blood without immunogenicity and encouraged by its successful clinical application in Abraxane, albumin has been regarded as a promising material to produce nanoparticles for bioimaging and drug delivery. The strategies for synthesizing albumin-based nanoparticles could be generally categorized into five classes: template, nanocarrier, scaffold, stabilizer and albumin-polymer conjugate. This review introduces approaches utilizing albumin in the preparation of nanoparticles and thereby provides scientists with knowledge of goal-driven design on albumin-based nanomedicine.
SP0103 How to assess us competency skills
Authors: HB Hammer
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2017)

To optimize and standardize musculoskeletal ultrasonography education for rheumatologists, there is a need for competency assessments addressing the required training and practical and theoretical skills. Because of the increasing use of MSUS in rheumatology, there has been a focus over the past years on training. A minimum training requirements are described by The European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) where a 3 levels competency assessment (COMPASS) has been developed for rheumatologists, including an in-detail description of what theoretical and practical competencies to be acquired at each level with a related log book (1). The rheumatology-COMPASS levels are closely related to the levels of the EULAR MSUS courses, thereby ensuring that the content is supported by already provided courses such as the EULAR and EULAR-endorsed MSUS courses to facilitate the implementation of the rheumatology-COMPASS. In COMPASS level 1 the course contents resemble the EULAR MSUS basic and intermediate courses, level 2 resembles the EULAR MSUS advanced course whereas level 3 requires attendance in a "teach-the- teachers course" or experience as a teacher in at least 2 international MSUS courses. Level 3 also includes an academic level requiring research activity and acceptance of level 1 and 2 sonographers for training. The EULAR MSUS courses have been organized since 1998 and the interest in these courses has been increasing. In 2007, the first 3 level EULAR MSUS course was conducted with great success and the 3 level courses (basic, intermediate and advanced) have been running ever since in relation to the EULAR congress, focusing mainly on the relevant content on the individual levels and the distribution between practical and theoretical skills. EULAR has developed the following competence levels; level 1 and 2. The EULAR level 1 competency includes the performance of EULAR Online MSUS course and attendance to basic, intermediate and advanced MSUS courses, where attending the intermediate and advanced courses require a certain number of US examinations (however, if already reached COMPASS level 1, 2 or 3, there is no need of images for the EULAR courses), and the advanced course requires in addition to pass a practical examination. The EULAR level 2 competency is organized to ensure a minimum level of US knowledge for teachers in MSUS courses (2). This level includes the EULAR Teach the Teachers course as well as passing a theoretical and practical examination. Since there is a growing number of EULAR endorsed MSUS courses, it is of highly importance that the teachers in these courses have equal qualifications thereby providing comparable training and competencies beneficial for the clinical use of US. Information about the competence requirements is found at the EULAR website (http://www.EULAR.org). <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared
P094 Assessment of intracranial vessels and vascular lesions in rheumatoid arthritis. a detailed transcranial doppler, carotid ultrasound and brain MRI study
Authors: Z Kardos, C Oláh, M Sepsi, A Sas, L Kostyál, H Bhattoa, K Hodosi, A Domján, G Kerekes, L Tamási, A Valikovics, D Bereczki, Z Szekanecz
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2018)

<h3>Introduction</h3> Stroke has been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Vascular physiology should be assessed in the preclinical vascular state. Assessment of intracranial vessels includes transcranial doppler (TCD). TCD performance requires intact temporal acoustic windows (TAW). Failure of TAW (TAWF) is present in 8%–20% of people. This may be due to pathological bone metabolism. <h3>Objectives</h3> We assessed RA patients and healthy controls by transcranial Doppler (TCD), carotid ultrasonography and brain MRI. We wished to determine preclinical pathophysiological changes in the cerebral vasculature. <h3>Methods</h3> TAWF, temporal bone thickness and texture were determined by ultrasound and CT. BMD and T-scores of multiple bones were determined by DEXA. Several bone biomarkers were assessed by ELISA. Altogether 63 female RA patients and 60 age-matched controls underwent TCD assessment of the medium cerebral (MCA), basilar and vertebral arteries. Pulsatility(PI), resistance(RI) indices and circulatory reserve capacity (CRC) were determined. The presence of carotid plaques and intima-media thickness (cIMT) were also determined. Intracerebral vascular lesions were investigated by brain MRI. RA subsets include MTX- and biologic-treated patients. <h3>Results</h3> In RA, the right and left TAW were undetectable in 35% and 53% of patients, respectively. In controls, TAWF was only present in 20% of subjects. Temporal bone was thicker, and texture was more heterogeneous in RA patients was controls (p&lt;0.05). These TAW features were generally more common on the left side. There was close association between TAWF, bone thickness and texture (p&lt;0.05). These TAW parameters all correlated with age, however TAW failure and texture also correlated with serum osteoprotegerin. TAW bone thickness inversely correlated with hip BMD (p&lt;0.05). <h3>Conclusions</h3> TAWF, thicker and heterogeneous temporal bones were associated with RA. These features have been associated with bone loss and OPG production. Bone loss seen in RA may result in OPG release and stimulation of bone formation around TAW. This may be the first study to show increased distal MCA and basilar artery occlusion in RA as determined by TCD. RA patients also exert CRC defect. We also confirmed increased carotid plaque formation, increased cIMT. Biologics may beneficially influence some parameters in the intracranial vessels. <h3>Disclosure of interest</h3> None declared
Caloric restriction promotes rapid expansion and long-lasting increase of <i>Lactobacillus</i> in the rat fecal microbiota
Authors: Cristina Fraumene, Valeria Manghina, Erika Cadoni, Fabio Marongiu, Marcello Abbondio, Monica Serra, Antonio Palomba, Alessandro Tanca, Ezio Laconi, Sergio Uzzau
Journal: Gut Microbes (2017)

Previous studies indicated that caloric restricted diet enables to lower significantly the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In experimental animal models, life-long lasting caloric restriction (CR) was demonstrated to induce changes of the intestinal microbiota composition, regardless of fat content and/or exercise. To explore the potential impact of short and long-term CR treatment on the gut microbiota, we conducted an analysis of fecal microbiota composition in young and adult Fisher 344 rats treated with a low fat feed under ad libitum (AL) or CR conditions (70%). We report here significant changes of the rat fecal microbiota that arise rapidly in young growing animals after short-term administration of a CR diet. In particular, Lactobacillus increased significantly after 8 weeks of CR treatment and its relative abundance was significantly higher in CR vs AL fed animals after 36 weeks of dietary intervention. Taken together, our data suggest that Lactobacillus intestinal colonization is hampered in AL fed young rats compared to CR fed ones, while health-promoting CR diet intervention enables the expansion of this genus rapidly and persistently up to adulthood.
WIP deficiency severely affects human lymphocyte architecture during migration and synapse assembly
Authors: Laurène Pfajfer, Markus G. Seidel, Raïssa Houmadi, Javier Rey-Barroso, Tatjana Hirschmugl, Elisabeth Salzer, Inés María Antón, Christian Urban, Wolfgang Schwinger, Kaan Boztug, Loïc Dupré
Journal: Blood (2017)
Analysis of safety and outcome of the combination of carboplatin (C) paclitaxel (P) and bevacizumab (B) in advanced/recurrent cervical cancer (ACC).
Authors: Juan Jose Zarba, Victor Alexis Pastrana, Diego Ezequiel Espinoza, Nancy Elizabeth Soria, Gustavo Correa Zeballos, Gino Angel Colombo, Elisa Arroyo, Rodrigo Segovia, Jorge Raul Arcuri, Laura De Gregorio
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2016)

e17015 Background: Combination of Cisplatin , Paclitaxel and Bevacizumab has demonstrated a better RR, PFS and OS than Chemotherapy alone in ACC (Tewary K et al. N Engl J Med; 2014, 370:734-743) However there are safety concerns with the combination because a significantly higher incidence of gastrointestinal fistulas (3%) and thromboembolic events (8%). Cisplatin and C in combination with P are equally effective in terms of OS however CP seems to be better tolerated (Kiagawa R, et al; J Clin Oncol Jul 1, 2015:2129-2135). We evaluate the combination of CPB in ACC in terms of efficacy and safety. Methods: We evaluate pts with ACC treated in our service between 01/15 and 12/15. PCB regimen consisted of P 175 mg/m2, C AUC x 5 mg/mL and B 15 mg/kg on the same day. We evaluate toxicity every cycle and Response every 3 cycles of treatment. Results: 19 pts were treated in our service during 2015. 11/19 received CPB, 6 pts were Stage IVB and 5 were relapsed/persistent disease after local treatment. According Moore score risk: 1/11 was Low (LR), 6/11 were Intermediate (IR) and 4/11 were Hight (HR). Median number of cycles: 3. OR was 45% (5/11), PR 27% (3) CR 18% (2). Tocicty: (G 3/4) Febrile Neutropenia 9%, Astenia 9%, Vomiting 18%, only 1 pt presented a VTE and there was not fistulas. With a median follow up of 6 months (m) the median survival according to Moore score was 9m for LR, 6m IR and 4.5m HR Conclusions: With an adequate selection of pts, CPB seems to be effective and safe for this poor prognostic population. The use of C seems to be as effective as Cisplatin in terms of RR, and median survival. To remark we do not have any fistula in our pts and only 1 pt with a VTE.
SAT0748-HPR Working with a musculoskeletal disorder – a qualitative study of workers' experiences
Authors: A Cochrane, CJ Rothwell, O FitzGerald, P Gallagher, J Ashton, R Breen, A Brennan, O Corcoran, D Desmond
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2017)

<h3>Background</h3> Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading cause of temporary and permanent work related disability across Europe, yet many people are able to remain at work. <h3>Objectives</h3> To explore perceived facilitators and barriers to staying at work amongst people experiencing MSD. <h3>Methods</h3> Semi-structured interviews conducted with 19 individuals who had attended musculoskeletal assessment clinics in three Irish hospitals within the preceding year with a confirmed diagnosis of non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorder. Participants were only included if they had been in paid employment continuously for at least six of the previous 12 months. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. <h3>Results</h3> Participants ranged in age from 21 to 50 years, most were female (n=16). Fifteen participants were continuing to work, while experiencing pain and some functional limitations. Job control emerged as a key factor in continued work participation, specifically, being able to organise workload and make modifications to work practices enabled participants to maintain an acceptable level of work performance. The value of work, both personal and financial, motivated people to continue to work. While some co-workers and supervisors were considered to be helpful, interviewees were concerned that they could lose their job if they asked for assistance or took time off work. Fatigue had a considerable impact on life outside of work, with interviewees reporting effects on family life and reduced participation in social activities. <h3>Conclusions</h3> While continuing to work was beneficial, negative spillover effects on life outside of work were commonly reported. Workers with MSD may benefit from interventions that focus on coping with pain and fatigue management, as well as those that raise awareness amongst employers. <h3>Acknowledgements</h3> This research is funded by the Health Research Board [RCQPS-2014–2]. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared
THU0116 European multicentre pilot survey to assess vitamin d and clinical status in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: M Cutolo, J Vojinovic, A Tincani, S Soldano, L Andreoli, F Dall'Ara, F Salaffi, R Ionescu, K Simic Pasalic, I Balcune, I Ferraz-Amaro, M Tlustochowicz, I Butrimiene, E Punceviciene, N Toroptsova, S Grazio, J Morovic-Vergles, P Masaryk, K Otsa, M Bernardes, V Boyadzhieva, A Sulli
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2017)

<h3>Background</h3> Vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency seems a distinct risk factor influencing prevalence and severity of several autoimmune diseases. Several studies suggest that low serum concentrations of vitamin D are frequent in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and an inverse relationships have been reported between 25(OH)D serum concentrations and disease activity or disability. <h3>Objectives</h3> European multicentre cross-sectional study to collect data on vitamin D serum concentrations in RA patients from different countries, and to investigate the relationship with disease activity, disability and quality of life in a large population. <h3>Methods</h3> The survey involved 625 RA patients (mean age 55±11 years, mean disease duration 11±9 years) and 276 age and sex-matched healthy subjects from 13 European countries. Serum samples for 25(OH)D measurement were collected during winter time (December-March) and analyzed in a central laboratory using chemiluminescence immunoassay (DiaSorin). Thirty-six percent of RA patients were treated with vitamin D analogues. Patient past medical history, Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact Diseases (RAID) score, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and DAS28-CRP were also collected. Statistical analysis was performed by non parametric tests. <h3>Results</h3> Mean serum concentration of 25(OH)D was found significantly lower in RA patients (17.6±9.7 ng/ml) when compared to matched controls (18.9±9.4 ng/ml) (p=0.01), Several statistically significant differences between European countries were observed (possibly linked to different latitude, sun exsposure and dietary habits) (see figure). Vitamin D deficiency (&lt;20 ng/ml) was found in almost 66% of RA patients, and severe deficiency (&lt;10 ng/ml) was detected in almost 25% of them; insufficiency (between 20 and 30 ng/ml) was found in 27% of RA patients. Only 6% of the RA patients were found within the normal concentrations (&gt;30 ng/ml). Male and female RA patients showed similar 25(OH)D values. Negative statistically significant correlations were found between 25(OH)D serum concentrations and RAID (p=0.05) HAQ (p=0.04) and DAS28-CRP (p&lt;0.001) scores in the RA patients group. <h3>Conclusions</h3> This European survey add new evidences that vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency is frequent in RA patients with statistically significant differences between several countries. Vitamin D serum concentrations negatively correlate with the clinimetric indexes for disease activity, disability and quality of life in the present cohort of RA European patients. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared