Laboratory-based Data Research Articles

P-2338. Global surveillance of human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) epidemiology since 2022

Abstract Background Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are common respiratory pathogens. Whilst the seasonality of RSV is well-documented, less is known about the epidemiology of hMPV and the global impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on both viruses. The objective of this study was to monitor the real-time temporal and geographic distribution patterns of hMPV and RSV over two seasons. Methods A global surveillance dashboard using publicly available outputs of (sub-)national clinical or laboratory-based surveillance data was developed in 2022. Twenty-six countries from both hemispheres were included, based on the availability and consistency of surveillance data for both viruses. For each country, data were extracted on the weekly number of hMPV- or RSV-positive cases and the weekly positivity rate (cases/total tested). Results From Jan-22­, hMPV and RSV circulated globally with seasonal patterns in most geographic regions. The hMPV season was typically observed in winter and spring, following the RSV season in autumn and winter. There was some overlap between the hMPV and RSV seasonal epidemic curves in most countries. The number of cases and the peak positivity rate were generally lower for hMPV than RSV. However, not all countries fit these patterns: hMPV can circulate year-round in tropical countries, and RSV peaked particularly early in East Asia, with a second peak in the spring and summer. While these data suggest a trend for both hMPV and RSV to return to pre-pandemic seasonality, there was residual displacement of the timing of the peaks in multiple countries. Conclusion hMPV and RSV displayed seasonal patterns in most countries with an evolving return to pre-pandemic seasonality. Continued surveillance is required to confirm this trend during the coming season to better understand the dynamics of hMPV seasonality. Source of funding: Funded by Icosavax, a member of the AstraZeneca Group. All authors contributed to the development of the publication and maintained control over the final content. Disclosures Barry Rodgers-Gray, n/a, AstraZeneca: Employer has received payment from AstraZeneca for work on various projects outside the scope of this study|Sanofi: Employer has received payment from Sanofi for work on various projects outside the scope of this study John Fullarton, n/a, AstraZeneca: Employer has received payment from AstraZeneca for work on various projects outside the scope of this study|Sanofi: Employer has received payment from Sanofi for work on various projects outside the scope of this study

Trends in human parainfluenza virus in Scotland before and after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, January 2017 to October 2023.

BackgroundHuman parainfluenza viruses (HPIV) commonly cause upper respiratory tract infections, with potential for severe lower respiratory complications. Understanding seasonal increases informs strategies to prevent HPIV spreading.AimWe examined the impact of COVID-19 on HPIV epidemiological and clinical patterns in Scotland using non-sentinel and sentinel surveillance data.MethodsInformation on HPIV swab positivity (January 2017-October 2023) and demographic data was obtained from the Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland (ECOSS) non-sentinel surveillance sources (laboratory-based data from hospital and community) and the Community Acute Respiratory Infection (CARI) sentinel surveillance programme (enhanced surveillance and symptom data).ResultsIn 2020 during early COVID-19 waves, HPIV detection decreased aligning with lockdowns and preventive measures. In summer 2021, HPIV positivity increased, with HPIV-3 possibly reverting to pre-pandemic seasonality, but HPIV-1 not yet re-establishing alternate-year peaks. Most positive results from non-sentinel sources came from hospital tests. Sentinel surveillance (CARI) complemented non-sentinel data, offering community-level insights. There was no significant difference in CARI swab positivity by sex in any age group. Consistent with historical trends, children under five years exhibited highest test positivity: 9.3% (95% CI: 7.6-11.2) in females and 8.5% (95% CI 7.0-10.2) in males.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic impacted HPIV detection in Scotland. The decline during the pandemic peak and subsequent partial resurgence underscores the complex interplay between viral epidemiology and public health measures. Combining diverse surveillance systems provides a comprehensive understanding of HPIV dynamics. Insights into age-specific and symptom-associated patterns contribute to understanding HPIV epidemiology and refining public health strategies.

Review of Associations of Diabetes and Insulin Resistance With Brain Health in Three Harmonised Cohort Studies of Ageing and Dementia.

Diabetes increases the risk of dementia, and insulin resistance (IR) has emerged as a potential unifying feature. Here, we review published findings over the past 2decades on the relation of diabetes and IR to brain health, including those related to cognition and neuropathology, in the Religious Orders Study, the Rush Memory and Aging Project, and the Minority Aging Research Study (ROS/MAP/MARS), three harmonised cohort studies of ageing and dementia at the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (RADC). A wide range of participant data, including information on medical conditions such as diabetes and neuropsychological tests, as well as other clinical and laboratory-based data collected annually. Neuropathology data are collected in participants who agree to autopsy at death. Recent studies have measured additional peripheral and brain IR data, including multi-omics. This review summarises findings from the RADC cohort studies that investigate the relation of diabetes and IR in older adults to cognition, neuropathology, omics in dementia, and other brain health measures. Examining the risk of clinically diagnosed dementia in older adults, our study found a 65% increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia in individuals with diabetes compared with those without. Regarding cognitive function, we have consistently observed associations of diabetes, as well as both peripheral and brain IR, with worse and declining performance in global cognition and specific cognitive domains, particularly semantic memory and perceptual speed. Studies utilising neuropathological data showed associations of diabetes and peripheral IR with brain infarcts, while brain IR measures, notably alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase1 (AKT1), were associated with both brain infarcts and AD pathology. Multi-omics studies suggested shared causal genes and pathways between diabetes and dementia. Recent epigenetic studies have revealed associations between IR and AD risk, along with distinct 5-hydroxymethylcytosine signatures in diabetes-associated AD. Furthermore, our studies have utilised other available data to investigate the impact of diabetes on neurological outcomes other than cognition and reported worsening of parkinsonian-like signs in diabetes. Recent studies have also explored risk factors for diabetes and have reported associations between lower literacy and decision-making abilities with elevated haemoglobin A1C levels, a peripheral IR measure. Overall, our findings, as summarised in this review, illustrate a range of mechanistic and other insights into the complex relationship of diabetes and IR with brain health. These findings may have important implications for future research on the ageing brain, including the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia in persons at risk for or with diabetes.

Optimal Hyperspectral Characteristic Parameters Construction and Concentration Retrieval for Inland Water Chlorophyll-a Under Different Motion States

In recent decades, the rapid expansion of phytoplankton blooms caused by lake eutrophication has led to severe ecological destruction and impeded the sustainable economic development of local regions. Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) is commonly used as a biological indicator to detect phytoplankton blooms due to its ease of detection. To improve the accuracy of Chl-a estimation in aquatic systems, an accurate understanding of its true spectral characteristics is imperative. In this study, a comprehensive and realistic experimental scheme was designed from the perspective of real algal strains and real water states. Both in situ and laboratory-based hyperspectral data were collected and analyzed. The results show that there are huge spectral differences not only between laboratory-cultured and real algae strains, but also between static and disturbed water surface conditions. A total of ten different categories of spectral characteristics were selected in both disturbed and static states. Then, six parameters with the best models to the Chl-a concentration were identified. Finally, two linear models of the Chl-a concentration at peaks of 810 nm and 700 nm were identified as the best estimation models for the static and disturbed states, respectively. The results provide a scientific reference for the large-scale retrieval of the Chl-a concentration using satellite remote sensing data. This advancement benefits inland water monitoring and management efforts.

Identifying freshwater invertebrate taxa susceptible to AChE-acting pesticides

Globally pesticide use has been associated with negative impacts on riverine invertebrate communities, but chronic exposure effects to most specific groups of pesticides are not well understood. In this paper, we sought to identify invertebrate species most vulnerable to effects of AChE-acting pesticides in UK rivers for potential application in environmental monitoring. We did this using a combination of the conservation of molecular target for AChE-acting pesticides (identified using the SeqAPass tool), laboratory-based toxicity data, and both biological traits and life history information. We then applied this information to assess for evidence of impacts on these riverine invertebrate communities in the Anglian region of England where there is high pesticide use. Sensitive genera to AChE-acting pesticides included Aedes, Anopheles, Cloeon, Ischnura, and the tolerant genera were Culex, Daphnia, Lymnaea. Using the UK Environment Agency's biota monitoring data spanning over period of 28 years (1984–2011) we evidence absence of the taxa most sensitive to AChE-acting pesticides (Ischnura, Aedes and Anopheles) but presence of AChE pesticide tolerant taxa (Lymnaea) at riverine sites in the Anglian region with high AChE pesticide use.

Activity Variations of CYP2B6 Determine the Metabolic Stratification of Efavirenz.

To investigate the effects of hepatic enzyme activity variations and CYP2B6 gene polymorphisms on the in vivo and in vitro metabolism of efavirenz. In vitro enzyme systems using rat and human liver microsomes (RLM/HLM) were established, with in vivo studies conducted on Sprague-Dawley rats. Metabolite detection was performed via LC-MS/MS. Human recombinant CYP2B6 microsomes were prepared using a baculovirus-insect cell system and ultracentrifugation, with efavirenz serving as the substrate to study enzyme kinetics. Isavuconazole exhibited an IC50 of 21.14 ± 0.57 μM in RLM, indicating a mixed competitive and noncompetitive mechanism, and an IC50 of 40.44 ± 4.23 μM in HLM, suggesting an anticompetitive mechanism. In rats, coadministration of efavirenz and isavuconazole significantly increased the AUC, Tmax, and Cmax of efavirenz. Co-administration of efavirenz and rifampicin significantly elevated the AUC, Tmax, and Cmax of 8-OH-efavirenz. The activity of CYP2B6.4, 6, and 7 increased significantly compared to CYP2B6.1, with relative clearance ranging from 158.34% to 212.72%. Conversely, the activity of CYP2B6.3, 8, 10, 11, 13-15, 18-21, 23-27, 31-33, and 37 was markedly reduced, ranging from 4.30% to 79.89%. Variations in liver enzyme activity and CYP2B6 genetic polymorphisms can significantly alter the metabolism of efavirenz. It provides laboratory-based data for the precise application of efavirenz and other CYP2B6 substrate drugs.

Detection of Rifampicin Resistance rpoB Gene Using GeneXpert MTB/RIF Assay in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Cases at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a preventable and treatable disease leading to the second death globally. The evolution of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), particularly rifampicin resistance (RR), has hampered TB control efforts. Thus, this study aimed to provide information regarding the magnitude of MTB and rifampicin resistance among patients tested using the GeneXpert method. A retrospective analysis was carried out at DTCSH. The study included TB registration logbook data from all patients who visited the hospital and were tested for MTB with the Xpert MTB/RIF assay from 2017 to 2024. The laboratory-based data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Multilogistic regression analysis was employed, and a pvalue ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 12,981 patient results were included, of which 8.9% (1160/12,981) were MTB-positive and 7.1% (82/1160) were RR. Individuals aged 15-29 years (AOR = 2.13; 95% CI = 1.55-2.93, p < 0.001), living in rural areas (AOR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.08-1.41, p = 0.003), and HIV+ (AOR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.48-2.33, p < 0.001) had a higher risk of developing tuberculosis. While RR was identified in 63.4% (52/82) of new, 24.4% (20/82) of re-treated, and 12.2% (10/82) of failed presumptive TB patients. In this study, MTB and RR trends were high. Productive age groups, rural populations, and HIV patients were at risk. To lessen the burden of this contagious and fatal disease, it is recommended to increase early diagnosis of drug-resistant TB and enhance infection control.

Age-related changes in sleep spindle characteristics in individuals over 75 years of age: a retrospective and comparative study

BackgroundSleep and its architecture are affected and changing through the whole lifespan. We know main modifications of the macro-architecture with a shorter sleep, occurring earlier and being more fragmented. We have been studying sleep micro-architecture through its pathological modification in sleep, psychiatric or neurocognitive disorders whereas we are still unable to say if the sleep micro-architecture of an old and very old person is rather normal, under physiological changes, or a concern for a future disorder to appear. We wanted to evaluate age-related changes in sleep spindle characteristics in individuals over 75 years of age compared with younger individuals.MethodsThis was an exploratory study based on retrospective and comparative laboratory-based polysomnography data registered in the normal care routine for people over 75 years of age compared to people aged 65–74 years. We were studying their sleep spindle characteristics (localization, density, frequency, amplitude, and duration) in the N2 and N3 sleep stages. ANOVA and ANCOVA using age, sex and OSA were applied.ResultsWe included 36 participants aged > 75 years and 57 participants aged between 65 and 74 years. An OSA diagnosis was most common in both groups. Older adults receive more medication to modify their sleep. Spindle localization becomes more central after 75 years of age. Changes in the other sleep spindle characteristics between the N2 and N3 sleep stages and between the slow and fast spindles were conformed to literature data, but age was a relevant modifier only for density and duration.ConclusionWe observed the same sleep spindle characteristics in both age groups except for localization. We built our study on a short sample, and participants were not free of all sleep disorders. We could establish normative values through further studies with larger samples of people without any sleep disorders to understand the modifications in normal aging and pathological conditions and to reveal the predictive biomarker function of sleep spindles.

The Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network Supports High-Quality Surveillance.

With 762 laboratories, the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN) is the largest laboratory network coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Like the Global Polio Laboratory Network, the GMRLN has multiple tiers, including global specialized laboratories, regional reference laboratories, national laboratories, and, in some countries, subnational laboratories. Regional networks are supervised by regional laboratory coordinators reporting to a global coordinator at WHO headquarters. Laboratories in the GMRLN have strong links to national disease control and vaccination programs. The GMRLN's goal is to support member states in obtaining timely, complete, and reliable laboratory-based surveillance data for measles and rubella as part of the strategy for achieving measles and rubella elimination. Surveillance data are reported to the national program and are included in annual reports on the status of measles and rubella elimination to national verification committees for review by regional verification commissions. Quality within the GMRLN is ensured by monitoring performance through external quality assurance programs, confirmatory and quality control testing, accreditation, and coordination of corrective action and training where needed. The overall performance of the laboratories has remained high over the years despite many challenges, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. The GMRLN is well-positioned to support high-quality laboratory-based surveillance for measles and rubella and to transition to supporting laboratory testing for other pathogens, including vaccine-preventable diseases.

Regional and socio-demographic variation in laboratory-based predictions of 10-year cardiovascular disease risk among adults in north and south India

ObjectiveCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in India. There is no laboratory-based CVD risk data among Indians from different regions and backgrounds. This study estimated laboratory-based 10-year CVD risk across different population sub-groups. MethodsData from UDAY derived from cross-sectional surveys of rural and urban populations of northern (Haryana) and southern (Andhra Pradesh) India were analysed. World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension laboratory-based equations calculated 10-year CVD risk among participants without CVD history. Wilcoxon rank sum test analyzed average CVD risk across subgroups. Chi-square test compared population proportions in different CVD risk categories. Regression analysis assessed the association between CVD risk and participant characteristics. ResultsThe mean (SD) age of the participants (n = 8448) was 53.2 (9.2) years. Males in Haryana had increased CVD risk compared to those in Andhra Pradesh (p < 0.01). In both states, female gender was shown to have a protective effect on CVD risk (p < 0.01). Age correlated with increased risk (p < 0.01). Education level did not affect CVD risk however employment status may have. Hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and insufficient exercise were associated with increased CVD risk (p < 0.01). Residence (urban versus rural) and wealth index did not largely affect CVD risk. ConclusionMinor differences exist in the distribution of laboratory-based CVD risk across Indian population cohorts. CVD risk was similar in urban wealthy participants and rural poor and working-class communities in northern and southern India. Public health efforts need to target all major segments of the Indian population to curb the CVD epidemic.

Human Joint Angle Estimation Using Deep Learning-Based Three-Dimensional Human Pose Estimation for Application in a Real Environment.

Human pose estimation (HPE) is a technique used in computer vision and artificial intelligence to detect and track human body parts and poses using images or videos. Widely used in augmented reality, animation, fitness applications, and surveillance, HPE methods that employ monocular cameras are highly versatile and applicable to standard videos and CCTV footage. These methods have evolved from two-dimensional (2D) to three-dimensional (3D) pose estimation. However, in real-world environments, current 3D HPE methods trained on laboratory-based motion capture data encounter challenges, such as limited training data, depth ambiguity, left/right switching, and issues with occlusions. In this study, four 3D HPE methods were compared based on their strengths and weaknesses using real-world videos. Joint position correction techniques were proposed to eliminate and correct anomalies such as left/right inversion and false detections of joint positions in daily life motions. Joint angle trajectories were obtained for intuitive and informative human activity recognition using an optimization method based on a 3D humanoid simulator, with the joint position corrected by the proposed technique as the input. The efficacy of the proposed method was verified by applying it to three types of freehand gymnastic exercises and comparing the joint angle trajectories during motion.

Electroanalytical Platform for Rapid E. coli O157:H7 Detection in Water Samples.

There is a pressing need to enhance early detection methods of E. coli O157:H7 to mitigate the occurrence and consequences of pathogenic contamination and associated outbreaks. This study highlights the efficacy of a portable electrochemical sensing platform that operates without faradaic processes towards detecting and quantifying E. coli O157:H7. It is specifically tailored for quick identification in potable water. The assay processing time is approximately 5 min, addressing the need for swift and efficient pathogen detection. The sensing platform was constructed utilizing specific, monoclonal E. coli antibodies, based on single-capture, non-faradaic, electrochemical immunoassay principles. The E. coli sensor assay underwent testing over a wide concentration range, spanning from 10 to 105 CFU/mL, and a limit of detection (LoD) of 1 CFU/mL was demonstrated. Significantly, the sensor's performance remained consistent across studies, with both inter- and intra-study coefficients of variation consistently below 20%. To evaluate real-world feasibility, a comparative examination was performed between laboratory-based benchtop data and data obtained from the portable device. The proposed sensing platform exhibited remarkable sensitivity and selectivity, enabling the detection of minimal E. coli concentrations in potable water. This successful advancement positions it as a promising solution for prompt on-site detection, characterized by its portability and user-friendly operation. This study presents electrochemical-based sensors as significant contributors to ensuring food safety and public health. They play a crucial role in preventing the occurrence of epidemics and enhancing the supervision of water quality.

Monoclinic Pleysteinite and Hochleitnerite from the Hagendorf-Süd Pegmatite: Synchrotron Microfocus Diffraction Studies on Twinned Members of Paulkerrite-Group Minerals

Abstract Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data sets for pleysteinite, [(H2O)K]Mn2Al3(PO4)4F2(H2O)10·4H2O, and hochleitnerite, [(H2O)K]Mn2(Ti2Fe)(PO4)4O2(H2O)10·4H2O, collected using a synchrotron microfocus beam, gave monoclinic unit cells, in contrast to previously reported orthorhombic cells obtained using laboratory-based sealed-tube diffractometer data. The differences are attributed to twinning in crystals of the two minerals. As the laboratory diffractometer beam diameter of the sealed-tube SXRD is larger than the crystals that were analyzed, the diffraction results were averaged over the different twin domains, whereas those obtained with the synchrotron microfocus beam gave diffraction data wholly or predominantly from a single domain. Data from the synchrotron datasets give a = 10.440(5) Å, b = 20.588(5) Å, c = 12.234(2) Å, β = 90.38(1)° for pleysteinite and a = 10.547(2) Å, b = 20.577(4) Å, c = 12.373(2) Å, β = 90.09(3)° for hochleitnerite. The crystal structures for both minerals were refined in P21/c, giving Robs = 0.059, 0.058 for 5951, 6718 reflections with I &amp;gt; 3σ(I), respectively. The ideal formulae for the two minerals in this setting conform to the general formula A1A2M12M22M3(PO4)4X2(H2O)10·4H2O, with K and H2O ordered at separate A sites, whereas K and H2O were disordered over a single A site in the orthorhombic models (space group Pbca). Crystal-chemical aspects of the paulkerrite-group minerals, pleysteinite, hochleitnerite, paulkerrite, rewitzerite, and macraeite, are compared and discussed.

A Retrospective Analysis of Postmortem Salmonella Dublin Cases in Dairy Cattle in British Columbia

Salmonella Dublin is a bovine-adapted bacterial pathogen that primarily affects dairy cattle. The incidence of S. Dublin has been increasing across North America, including strains that are multidrug resistant. In British Columbia, the Ministry of Agriculture’s Animal Health Center (AHC) reported an increase in cases since 2015, warranting an investigation into how S. Dublin is spreading within the province. The objectives of this study were to make use of historical data collected from dairy farms across the province to (1) describe S. Dublin cases diagnosed at the AHC between 2007 and 2021, (2) identify risk factors for S. Dublin transmission across British Columbia dairy farms, and (3) identify any potential biases associated with passive laboratory-based data that may apply to our results. We found that S. Dublin cases diagnosed at the AHC have been increasing over time. Over half of the cases had respiratory symptoms; however, clinical signs tended to be highly variable. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was mirrored by florfenicol treatment and was suggested to be due to using a first-line antibiotic for more common causes of pneumonia when presented with an S. Dublin case. Calves were 38 times more likely to have S. Dublin when compared to adults (odds ratio = 38.43, confidence interval = 7.26–203.64), and given the sample population (postmortem cases), it is reasonable to conclude clinical disease is most severe in this age group. Farm premise accounted for a large amount of variability within our model (92% of unexplained variance), suggesting that farm-level management practices may be the most important risk factor for S. Dublin infection. In total, only 54% of BC dairy farms submitted to the laboratory between 2007 and 2021; however, proximity to the laboratory did not appear to influence submissions as proportionally; farms within the Fraser Valley submitted as frequently as farms from other regions. We strongly suggest that future work explore factors associated with farm management practices, given our findings regarding the clustering by premises.

Remote Detection of Geothermal Alteration Using Airborne Light Detection and Ranging Return Intensity

The remote detection of hydrothermally altered grounds in geothermal exploration demands datasets capable of reliably detecting key outcrops with fine spatial resolution. While optical thermal or radar-based datasets have resolution limitations, airborne LiDAR offers point-based detection through its LiDAR return intensity (LRI) values, serving as a proxy for surface reflectivity. Despite this potential, few studies have explored LRI value variations in the context of hydrothermal alteration and their utility in distinguishing altered from unaltered rocks. Although the link between alteration degree and LRI values has been established under laboratory conditions, this relationship has yet to be demonstrated in airborne data. This study investigates the applicability of laboratory results to airborne LRI data for alteration detection. Utilising LRI data from an airborne LiDAR point cloud (wavelength 1064 nm, density 12 points per square metre) acquired over a prospective geothermal area in Bajawa, Indonesia, where rock sampling for a related laboratory study took place, we compare the airborne LRI values within each ground sampling area of a 3 m radius (due to hand-held GPS uncertainty) with laboratory LRI values of corresponding rock samples. Our findings reveal distinguishable differences between strongly altered and unaltered samples, with LRI discrepancies of approximately ~28 for airborne data and ~12 for laboratory data. Furthermore, the relative trends of airborne and laboratory-based LRI data concerning alteration degree exhibit striking similarity. These consistent results for alteration degree in laboratory and airborne data mark a significant step towards LRI-based alteration mapping from airborne platforms.

Association between serum calcium and prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke in ICU: analysis of the MIMIC-IV database

BackgroundWhile serum Ca has proven to be a reliable predictor of mortality across various diseases, its connection with the clinical outcomes of ischemic stroke (IS) remains inconclusive. Our research aimed to explore the relationships between serum total Ca (tCa) and serum ionized Ca (iCa) and mortality among acute IS (AIS) patients.MethodsWe gathered data from 1773 AIS patients in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care Database IV, including baseline demographic data, comorbidities, vital signs, laboratory-based data, and scoring systems. Endpoints for the study encompassed 30-d, 90-d, and 365-d all-cause mortalities. Employing restricted cubic spline Cox regression, we explored potential nonlinear relationships between admission serum iCa and tCa levels and mortality. Participants were categorized into four groups based on serum iCa and tCa quartiles. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was then conducted to evaluate the independent association of iCa and tCa quartiles with all-cause mortality.ResultsThe restricted cubic spline revealed a U-shaped association between iCa and 30-d and 90-d mortality (P<0.05), while the relationship between iCa and 365-d mortality was linear (P<0.05). After adjusting for confounders, multivariable Cox analysis demonstrated that the lowest serum iCa level quartile was independently associated with increased risks of 30-d, 90-d, and 365-d mortality. Similarly, the highest serum iCa level quartile was independently associated with increased risks of 30-d and 90-d mortality, but not 365-d mortality. Notably, serum tCa level showed no association with increased risks of 30-d, 90-d, and 365-d mortality.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that serum iCa, rather than tCa, is linked to ischemic stroke prognosis. Both high and low serum iCa levels are associated with poor short-term prognosis, while only low serum iCa is associated with poor long-term prognosis in AIS patients.

Abstract LB097: Sensitive detection of central nervous system tumors using a sequencing based cerebrospinal fluid test

Abstract The current approach to diagnosing and monitoring tumors of the central nervous system relies almost exclusively on radiographic imaging and neurosurgical procedures. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is appealing for diagnosis because it is already part of the standard of care for the diagnosis or management of several types of CNS disease, including cancer, and the tumor DNA is more highly concentrated inside the blood brain barrier than in plasma or other bodily fluids. Even though cytology is widely used, sensitivity remains low ranging from 2% to 50%, depending on cancer type. We report an analytic technique that efficiently introduces identical molecular barcodes to both strands of CSF template DNA molecules for the identification of cancer specific somatic mutations and copy number alterations. We apply this approach to 126 CSF samples obtained from individuals with known primary or metastatic tumors involving the brain and 36 CSF samples obtained from individuals with non-neoplastic neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and another neurologic conditions. We correctly detect 91% of cancers at a specificity of 94.5%. In cases (n=20) where standard of care cytology was available, cytology detected 25% of cancers while our molecular assay detected 90%. Our approach has the capacity to be used in combination with other clinical, radiologic, and laboratory-based data to inform the diagnosis and management of patients with suspected cancers of the brain. Positives n= Sensitivity GBM 42 46 91.3% Lymphoma 22 24 91.7% Medulloblastoma 14 16 87.5% Metastases 37 40 92.5% Citation Format: Christopher B. Douville, Chetan Bettegowda. Sensitive detection of central nervous system tumors using a sequencing based cerebrospinal fluid test [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB097.

Epidemiological Data and Antimicrobial Resistance of Campylobacter spp. in Portugal from 13 Years of Surveillance.

This study extensively analyzed campylobacteriosis surveillance in Portugal from 2009 to 2021, aiming to investigate demographic shifts, seasonal variations, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within Campylobacter isolates. Surveillance network and sentinel laboratory-based system data revealed a substantial under-notification of campylobacteriosis cases, suggesting an underestimated disease burden. Notification rates exhibited a paradigm shift, with a notable prevalence among the pediatric population, particularly in children aged 1-4 years, diverging from European reports. Additionally, an emerging trend of Campylobacter infections in younger adults (15-44 years) was observed. The study unveiled a unique seasonal distribution of cases, defying typical summer peaks seen elsewhere. AMR analysis revealed high resistance to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline, in both C. jejuni (93.7% and 79.2%, respectively) and C. coli (96.5% and 93.2%, respectively), stable throughout the studied period (2013-2021). C. coli exhibited significantly higher resistance to erythromycin, gentamicin, ampicillin and ertapenem compared to C. jejuni (p < 0.001). Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) data demonstrated the distribution of resistance markers across diverse sequence types, challenging the notion of a clonal origin for multidrug-resistant isolates. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for enhanced surveillance and raises concerns about alarming AMR levels, recommending the implementation of whole-genome sequencing (WGS)-based surveillance for a deeper comprehension of disease patterns and an evolving AMR landscape.

Ergonomic saddle design features influence lumbar spine motion and can reduce low back pain in mountain biking

ABSTRACT Low back pain is common in mountain biking due to the sustained flexion of the lumbar spine, particularly during fatiguing hill climbs. In this study, we investigated whether an ergonomic mountain bike saddle including a raised rear, a longitudinal dip, and a subtle lateral instability (the ‘Active’-technology) can reduce acute low back pain at the end of a hill climb (>1 h) in a group of mountain bikers with a history of cycling-related low back pain (n = 28). In addition, we conducted a laboratory experiment to investigate the isolated effects of the ‘Active’-technology on the cyclists’ pelvis and spine motion as well as on the activity of surrounding muscles. The field test demonstrated a significant reduction in numerical low back pain ratings with the experimental saddle compared to the riders’ own standard saddle (p = 0.001, strong effect). The laboratory-based data suggested that the ‘Active’-technology does lead to potentially beneficial effects on pelvis-spine kinematics and muscle activity, which in combination with an optimised saddle geometry may explain the observed reduction in low back pain following mountain bike hill climbing.

PATH-66. SEQ-ING THE SINES OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM TUMORS IN CEREBROSPINAL FLUID DNA

Abstract It is often challenging to distinguish cancerous from non-cancerous lesions in the brain using conventional diagnostic approaches. We here introduce an analytic technique called Real-CSF to detect cancers of the central nervous system from evaluation of DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) from throughout the genome are PCR-amplified with a single primer pair and the PCR products are evaluated by next generation sequencing. Real-CSF assesses genome wide copy number alterations in each of 39 chromosome arms as well as focal amplifications of selected oncogenes. Real-CSF was applied to 280 CSF samples and correctly identified 67% of 184 cancers and 96% of 96 non-cancerous brain lesions. CSF analysis was considerably more sensitive than standard of care cytology and plasma cell-free DNA analysis in the same patients. Real-CSF therefore has the capacity to be used in combination with other clinical, radiologic, and laboratory-based data to inform the diagnosis and management of patients with suspected cancers of the brain.