Satellite Symposium Research Articles

Studying bats using a One Health lens: bridging the gap between bat virology and disease ecology.

Accumulating data suggest that some bat species host emerging viruses that are highly pathogenic in humans and agricultural animals. Laboratory-based studies have highlighted important adaptations in bat immune systems that allow them to better tolerate viral infections compared to humans. Simultaneously, ecological studies have discovered critical extrinsic factors, such as nutritional stress, that correlate with virus shedding in wild-caught bats. Despite some progress in independently understanding the role of bats as reservoirs of emerging viruses, there remains a significant gap in the molecular understanding of factors that drive virus spillover from bats. Driven by a collective goal of bridging the gap between the fields of bat virology, immunology, and disease ecology, we hosted a satellite symposium at the 2024 American Society for Virology meeting. Bringing together virologists, immunologists, and disease ecologists, we discussed the intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as virus receptor engagement, adaptive immunity, and virus ecology that influence spillover from bat hosts. This article summarizes the topics discussed during the symposium and emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaborations and resource sharing.

Platinum Resistance in Ovarian Cancer: Is This the End of the Line?

Approximately 80% of females with ovarian cancer are diagnosed with advanced disease, and around 70% of these females relapse within 3 years of first-line treatment. Five-year survival for newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer is less than 50%. Platinum-based chemotherapy is the cornerstone of systemic treatment; however, it is not appropriate for patients with relapsed ovarian cancer who had disease progression during previous platinum treatment, early symptomatic progression post-platinum treatment, or who are platinum intolerant. New drugs are needed to address the unmet need in patients with relapsed ovarian cancer who are not eligible for platinum-based chemotherapy. This article presents highlights from a satellite symposium conducted as part of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2024, which took place from 13th–17th September 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. The objectives of the symposium were to improve understanding of the current treatment pathways and unmet needs for patients with ovarian cancer who are ineligible for platinum-based therapies, to raise awareness of the rationale for targeting folate receptor α (FRα) in a variety of novel therapeutics for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC), and to review the efficacy outcomes and side effects from recent clinical trials involving antibody–drug conjugates (ADC) in PROC. In this symposium, Ana Oaknin, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain, described the current landscape in advanced ovarian cancer and the unmet need in relapsed disease; Philipp Harter, Evangelische Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Germany, explored FRα-targeted therapeutics in PROC; and Kathleen Moore, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, USA, discussed ADC development beyond FRα in PROC. The symposium concluded with a lively discussion, including questions from the audience, key examples of which are included in this article.

Advancements in dementia research, diagnostics, and care in Latin America: Highlights from the 2023 Alzheimer's Association International conference satellite symposium in Mexico City.

While Latin America (LatAm) is facing an increasing burden of dementia due to the rapid aging of the population, it remains underrepresented in dementia research, diagnostics, and care. In 2023, the Alzheimer's Association hosted its eighth satellite symposium in Mexico, highlighting emerging dementia research, priorities, and challenges within LatAm. Significant initiatives in the region, including intracountry support, showcased their efforts in fostering national and international collaborations; genetic studies unveiled the unique genetic admixture in LatAm; researchers conducting emerging clinical trials discussed ongoing culturally specific interventions; and the urgent need to harmonize practices and studies, improve diagnosis and care, and use affordable biomarkers in the region was highlighted. The myriad of topics discussed at the 2023 AAIC satellite symposium highlighted the growing research efforts in LatAm, providing valuable insights into dementia biology, genetics, epidemiology, treatment, and care.

IV Joint Congress of RSPOH “Actual problems and prospects for the development of pediatric oncology and hematology in the Russian Federation – 2023”. Resolution on the results of the satellite symposium “Tepadina in oncohematology: forgotten opportunities and new horizons”

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The phage fought the cells, and the phage won: a satellite symposium at the ASV 2023 annual meeting.

This satellite symposium was focused on the molecular arms race between bacteria and their predators, the bacteriophages: who's the friend and who's the foe? This Gem recounts highlights of the talks and presents food for thought and additional reflections on the current state of the field.

Clinical data, guidelines and real-world outcomes of endovascular iliac aneurysm repair with the GORE® EXCLUDER® Iliac Branch EndoprosthesisProvision of Services for People with Vascular Disease 2021

Isolated aneurysms of the iliac arteries are extremely rare. They most frequently occur in the common iliac artery (CIA) and are least frequent in the external iliac artery (EIA).1 Most (95%) affected patients are male and the median age of diagnosis is in the seventh decade of life.2 The underlying pathology of isolated iliac artery aneurysms is similar to that of abdominal aortic aneurysms. This includes degenerative aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, penetrating ulcer, post-dissection aneurysm mycotic aneurysm, and traumatic aneurysm.3 Unlike patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms, those with iliac artery aneurysms present with symptoms of compression of other structures, particularly the ureter, sacral plexus and iliac veins. Reported growth rate of isolated iliac artery aneurysms is similar to that of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Ruptured isolated iliac artery aneurysms are associated with significant mortality,4 which is higher when treatment is undertaken as an emergency rather than an elective surgical procedure. Effective and timely intervention is therefore essential to improve survival. The aim of surgical treatment is to exclude the aneurysm from the circulation to prevent further growth and rupture. Traditional open surgical repair (OSR) was the mainstay of treatment but is technically challenging due to the location of the aneurysms in the pelvis and a frequent prior history of abdominal aortic aneurysms.1 Endovascular repair (EVAR) of isolated iliac artery aneurysms is a less invasive alternative to OSR. It is performed by a combination of branch-vessel coil embolisation and stent grafting, and has potential advantages over OSR in reducing perioperative morbidity and mortality.5 This supplement is a report of a satellite symposium held during the Vascular Societies' Annual Scientific Meeting in November 2022. It reviews clinical data, guidelines and real-world outcomes of endovascular iliac aneurysm repair with the GORE® EXCLUDER® Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis.

Prioritising Patient Outcomes and Reducing Environmental Burden: How Both Are Achievable in Respiratory Care

Patient outcomes must take precedence when considering environmental legislation related to the availability of inhaler devices, which are essential for the care of patients with respiratory diseases. This article reviews presentations and abstracts from the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress 2023, held in Milan, Italy, in September 2023. The sessions focused on healthcare inequality and patient outcomes, highlighting the need for stakeholders to make patient-centric decisions in order to ensure access to essential inhaled medicines are prioritised. This is especially important during a period when there is an increasing need to reduce the carbon footprint associated with respiratory care. During a satellite symposium, co-chairs John Hurst, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at University College London (UCL), UK, and Helen Reddel, Research Leader at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia, emphasised the necessity of addressing environmentally sustainable respiratory care while prioritising patient outcomes. Christine Jenkins, Clinical Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia, discussed the association between health inequity and uncontrolled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, and how that relates to the carbon footprint of treatment. Alberto Papi, Full Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Ferrara, Italy, examined how implementing evidence-based guidelines can improve patient outcomes and reduce the carbon footprint of respiratory care, and the progress being made in the transition to near-zero propellants in pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) devices. Omar Usmani, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), Imperial College London, UK, stressed that pMDIs contain essential medicines, and inhaler regimens should not be considered readily interchangeable. He urged the respiratory community to ensure that their voice is heard in decisions where it relates to the environment regarding COPD and asthma care. The symposium emphasised the opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of respiratory care whilst prioritising patient outcomes. By supporting the transition to climate-friendly propellants in pMDI devices, and implementing guidelines to improve patient outcomes, the overall carbon footprint of respiratory care can be reduced. However, this must be done without limiting access to essential medicines, or increasing adverse health outcomes. The symposium identified pathways towards achieving patient-centric, sustainable respiratory care by improving outcomes, harnessing innovation, and promoting multi-stakeholder collaboration.

THU003 An Analysis Of A Patient Simulation Platform To Test Learners’ Obesity Management Skills During A Live Educational Event

Abstract Disclosure: R.L. Black: None. E.L. Brechtelsbauer: None. C.M. Apovian: Consulting Fee; Self; Altimmunte, EnteroMedics, Gelesis, L-Nutra, NeuroBo, Novo Nordisk. K. Fujioka: Consulting Fee; Self; Amgen Inc, Currax, Gelesis, Novo Nordisk, Rhythm, Shionogi, Sunovion, Takeda. Background: Obesity remains a significant health problem in the United States. Unfortunately, healthcare professionals (HCPs) are often reticent to discuss weight with patients and use obesity medications—despite their proven efficacy in clinical and real-world practice. These deficits in practice highlight the need for ongoing education among HCPs focused on guideline-recommended, proactive management of obesity. Therefore, Clinical Care Options (CCO), in partnership with Edocate, developed an interactive, simulation-based CME/CE-certified satellite symposium on obesity management using the Patient SimX platform and presented during ObesityWeek. Aim: The goal of this analysis is to determine the educational impact and remaining knowledge gaps among HCPs following a live case-based simulation on obesity management. Methods: CCO produced an online case-based simulation on obesity management, which was presented via live satellite symposium with simulcast on November 2, 2022. Learners completed 2 interactive patient cases that were designed to simulate an in-office visit to address common challenges related to obesity management. The Patient SimX platform provides learners with instant feedback on clinical decisions and tracks progress toward clinical goals. Faculty presented a live didactic presentation reviewing key considerations and best practices in obesity management informed by real-time decisions made by learners. Patient cases were designed to be similar but unique so that learners could demonstrate improvements in key patient care goals and outcomes from Patient 1 to Patient 2. Patient cases provided learners with the opportunity to test their obesity management skills in patients with and without type 2 diabetes. Results: HCP Demographics: N = 208; in-person: 77; simulcast: 131; MD: 39%; pharmacist: 13%; NP: 6%; PA: 5%; nurse: 4%; other HCP: 16%; non-HCP: 13%. Baseline and Remaining Gaps: Learners significantly improved in their ability to treat obesity from Patient 1 to Patient 2. A relatively high percentage of learners were able to achieve a 5% weight loss goal in Patient 1 (76%), and this significantly increased in Patient 2 (91%). Similarly, 66% of learners referred Patient 1 for meal planning, which increased to 84% for Patient 2, and 59% of learners recommended physical activity for Patient 1, which increased to 86% for Patient 2, demonstrating further room for improvement in lifestyle-based treatments. Across learners, 97.4% of treatments prescribed for Patient 1 (history of type 2 diabetes) were incretin based (GLP-1 RA or tirzepatide), whereas 91.8% of treatments prescribed for Patient 2 (no history of type 2 diabetes) were incretin based. Conclusions: This analysis demonstrates that the Patient SimX platform was an effective teaching tool in a live setting to improve guideline-based treatment of obesity. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Proceedings of the 2023 Division of Translational Toxicology Satellite Symposium.

The 2023 annual Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT) Satellite Symposium, entitled "Pathology Potpourri," was held in Summerlin, Nevada, at the Society of Toxicologic Pathology's 41st annual meeting. The goal of this symposium was to present and discuss challenging diagnostic pathology and/or nomenclature issues. This article presents summaries of the speakers' talks along with select images that were used by the audience for voting and discussion. Various lesions and topics covered during the symposium included induced and spontaneous neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions in the mouse liver, infectious and proliferative lesions in nonhuman primates, interesting presentations of mononuclear cell infiltrates in various animal models and a complex oral tumor in a rat.

Beyond CME at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2023: How Corporate Sponsors Augment Education Opportunities with Satellite Symposia and More

Beyond CME at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2023: How Corporate Sponsors Augment Education Opportunities with Satellite Symposia and More

Highlights From the Annual Meeting of the American Epilepsy Society 2022

With more than 6000 attendees between in-person and virtual offerings, the American Epilepsy Society Meeting 2022 in Nashville, felt as busy as in prepandemic times. An ever-growing number of physicians, scientists, and allied health professionals gathered to learn a variety of topics about epilepsy. The program was carefully tailored to meet the needs of professionals with different interests and career stages. This article summarizes the different symposia presented at the meeting. Basic science lectures addressed the primary elements of seizure generation and pathophysiology of epilepsy in different disease states. Scientists congregated to learn about anti-seizure medications, mechanisms of action, and new tools to treat epilepsy including surgery and neurostimulation. Some symposia were also dedicated to discuss epilepsy comorbidities and practical issues regarding epilepsy care. An increasing number of patient advocates discussing their stories were intertwined within scientific activities. Many smaller group sessions targeted more specific topics to encourage member participation, including Special Interest Groups, Investigator, and Skills Workshops. Special lectures included the renown Hoyer and Lombroso, an ILAE/IBE joint session, a spotlight on the impact of Dobbs v. Jackson on reproductive health in epilepsy, and a joint session with the NAEC on coding and reimbursement policies. The hot topics symposium was focused on traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic epilepsy. A balanced collaboration with the industry allowed presentations of the latest pharmaceutical and engineering advances in satellite symposia.

Alcohol and Immunology: Mechanisms of multi-organ damage. Summary of the 2022 alcohol and Immunology research interest group (AIRIG) meeting.

On October 26th, 2022 the annual Alcohol and Immunology Research Interest Group (AIRIG) meeting was held as a satellite symposium at the annual meeting of the Society for Leukocyte Biology in Hawaii. The 2022 meeting focused broadly on the immunological consequences of acute, chronic, and prenatal alcohol exposure and how these contribute to damage in multiple organs and tissues. These included alcohol-induced neuroinflammation, impaired lung immunity, intestinal dysfunction, and decreased anti-microbial and anti-viral responses. In addition, research presented covered multiple pathways behind alcohol-induced cellular dysfunction, including mitochondrial metabolism, cellular bioenergetics, gene regulation, and epigenetics. Finally, the work presented highlighted potential biomarkers and novel avenues of treatment for alcohol-induced organ damage.

Understanding the evolution of immune genes in jawed vertebrates.

Driven by co-evolution with pathogens, host immunity continuously adapts to optimize defence against pathogens within a given environment. Recent advances in genetics, genomics and transcriptomics have enabled a more detailed investigation into how immunogenetic variation shapes the diversity of immune responses seen across domestic and wild animal species. However, a deeper understanding of the diverse molecular mechanisms that shape immunity within and among species is still needed to gain insight into-and generate evolutionary hypotheses on-the ultimate drivers of immunological differences. Here, we discuss current advances in our understanding of molecular evolution underpinning jawed vertebrate immunity. First, we introduce the immunome concept, a framework for characterizing genes involved in immune defence from a comparative perspective, then we outline how immune genes of interest can be identified. Second, we focus on how different selection modes are observed acting across groups of immune genes and propose hypotheses to explain these differences. We then provide an overview of the approaches used so far to study the evolutionary heterogeneity of immune genes on macro and microevolutionary scales. Finally, we discuss some of the current evidence as to how specific pathogens affect the evolution of different groups of immune genes. This review results from the collective discussion on the current key challenges in evolutionary immunology conducted at the ESEB 2021 Online Satellite Symposium: Molecular evolution of the vertebrate immune system, from the lab to natural populations.

X-Linked Hypophosphatemia at the European Society of Pediatric Endocrinology Meeting 2022

AbstractRickets, a growth plate disorder, is classified into calcipenic and phosphopenic types based on the etiology. Phosphopenic rickets can be further classified into fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) mediated and non-FGF23 mediated. FGF-23 has a phosphaturic effect which results in hypophosphatemia and, therefore, the accumulation of hypertrophied chondrocytes, leading to rachitic changes in the bones. One of the most common causes of inherited hypophosphatemic rickets is X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), mainly due to a mutation in the PHEX gene that ends in the extended release of FGF-23. During the 60th annual meeting of the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, held in Rome between September 15 and 19, 2022, approximately 15 presentations were made either as free communication or poster. In addition, there was a dedicated satellite symposium focusing on XLH. This article has been prepared mainly to share knowledge and updates discussed during the meeting about hypophosphatemic rickets, as we feel this disease is still to be focused on in the MENA region, since there are some gaps in the recognition and management of FGF23 hypophosphatemic rickets and osteomalacia.

Management of Clinically Significant Itch in Cholestatic Liver Disease

Cholestatic liver diseases include primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). In all of these conditions, cholestatic itch is a major symptom that can severely and chronically impact a person’s quality of life (QoL). At a satellite symposium presented at the 2022 meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) in Washington, D.C., USA, leading experts discussed the importance of assessing itch in all patients with one of these cholestatic liver diseases. The experts presented patient cases to illustrate the challenges of managing itch in these cholestatic liver diseases. Studies show that many of these patients are not being adequately treated for this important symptom. However, while there are several treatments for itch, although not all are specifically approved medications, finding the right one for each patient may be a process of trial and error. In some cases, for people with severe, chronic, non-treatment-responsive cholestatic itch, a liver transplant may be the only treatment option.

Engaging psoriasis patients in adherence and outcomes to topical treatments: A summary from the Symposium 'Tailoring topical psoriasis treatments to patients' needs and expectations' of the 30th EADV Congress 2021.

This article is based on a presentation given by authors at the Satellite Symposium titled 'Tailoring topical psoriasis treatments to patients' needs and expectations' held during the 30th European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress. During this session, the factors affecting adherence and outcomes to topical treatments were presented, with a particular focus on the patients' point of view. Psoriasis is not just a skin condition. Psoriasis can cause negative psychosocial effects, such as depression and anxiety. The risk of suicidality in patients with psoriasis is higher than in the background population. Psychosocial comorbidities can be prevented by patient involvement in psoriasis management and need to be treated in a multidisciplinary manner. Adherence may be the largest barrier to treatment success with topical therapies. Improvement in several areas of disease management may lead to benefits in treatment adherence and hence clinical benefit. There are several treatment-related factors for non-adherence, such as patient dissatisfaction, side effects, treatment regimen or the drug vehicle. Delivering comprehensive treatment information to the patient will help develop realistic objectives and expectations. Patients need to be involved in the selection of treatment strategies, as psoriasis patients have various preferences for their use of topical treatments. A shared decision-making with the patient has been shown to improve medication adherence and treatment success. Prescribing therapy in line with a patient preference for treatment vehicle and improving the communication between healthcare professionals and patients may be key factors to maximize adherence. The calcipotriol (CAL) and betamethasone dipropionate (BDP) cream, a novel formulation of the CAL/BDP fixed-dose combination based on Poly-Aphron Dispersion (PAD) Technology, is a topical treatment of mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis, including scalp psoriasis, that has high cosmetic acceptance and overall treatment satisfaction.

The role of topical therapies along the psoriasis patient journey: An overview from the Symposium 'Tailoring topical psoriasis treatments to patients' needs and expectations' of the 30th EADV Congress 2021.

This article summarizes a presentation titled 'The role of topical therapies along the psoriasis patient journey' held at the Satellite Symposium of the 30th European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress. During this session, the role of topical treatments in the management of psoriasis was presented, with a particular focus on the current unmet needs and data gaps. Psoriasis plays a significant role in a patient's daily life, impacting them not only physically but also psychologically and socially. The disease burden increases with duration and severity. Topical therapies are the keystone of the management of psoriasis. About 70%-80% of patients present a mild-to-moderate form of psoriasis that can be successfully treated with topical agents. According to a German recommendation, patients with mild psoriasis should initiate a topical therapy in combination with skin care products. In the real-life setting, the calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (CAL/BDP) fixed combination was the most prescribed topical treatment for beyond-mild patients in Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. Healthcare professionals also often or very often prescribed topicals as an alternative to non-biologic systemics in certain situations, such as patient preference (51%), contraindication (50%) and to limit side effects (26%). Adjunctive topical therapy to patients using systemic therapy is used to optimize treatment outcomes and improving the quality of life for patients. Topical treatments can be also effective in severe forms of psoriasis. However, there are still some gaps and unmet needs on topical therapy. Ineffectiveness, patient dissatisfaction and adherence are the largest barriers to treatment success. Main strengths of topical treatments include the availability of various topical ingredients and galenics, the adaptability to different anatomical areas and the possible combination with phototherapy and systemics. Moreover, patients in specific situations can benefit from switching to topical treatments (e.g. pregnancy or surgery).

Can access and accessibility rebuild public trust in research?

Trust is built gradually, and it is easily threatened, particularly in relation to pharmaceutical research. The potential for open access publishing and plain language summaries to contribute to improved trust in pharmaceutical research was discussed by experts at the Open Pharma Satellite Symposium, held at the Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers Annual Conference and Awards 2022 in Manchester, UK. No single endeavour will win public trust overnight, but removing paywall barriers between all readers and sources of trusted information, and publishing research summaries that are written in accessible, plain English are important steps towards fostering greater trust in research. Both endeavours also have the potential to help the public make informed decisions about their health.

Management of Children with Swallowing Problems: New Advances in Paediatric Thickeners

A satellite symposium on the evaluation and management of dysphagia in children was held during the 12th Annual Congress of the European Society for Swallowing Disorders (ESSD) in Leuven, Belgium, on 14th September 2022. Dysphagia is the impairment or difficulty in swallowing and may have an oropharyngeal or oesophageal cause. This can result in delayed transit of liquids or solid food from the mouth to the stomach. Food thickening agents can reduce regurgitation and improve swallowing mechanics, particularly in infants and young children. At this symposium, Karen van Hulst, Speech and Language Therapist and Clinical Epidemiologist at Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia’s Children’s Hospital, the Netherlands, introduced the topic of dysphagia and its complications, and the evaluation of dysphagia. She then discussed the use of thickening agents in children with dysphagia. Ben Hanson from the Department of Engineering, University College London, UK, introduced the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI). The IDDSI has developed a standardised and practical method of measuring the thickness of liquid and food that can be used when preparing foods at home or in the hospital, and may be applied commercially. Analou Sugar, Clinical Lead in Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Foundation Trust, London, UK, ended the symposium with a presentation of her recent clinical experience using a new thickener (ThickenUp® Junior, Nestlé Health Science, Vevey, Switzerland) in paediatric patients.

Tailoring Motor Fluctuation Treatment: Beyond Levodopa Dose Adjustment

Susan Fox opened this satellite symposium at the 8th European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress with an overview of the concept of motor fluctuations (MF) in Parkinson’s disease (PD). She emphasised that levodopa remains the gold standard therapy for PD. However, MFs are one of the critical complications of levodopa therapy that affect many patients with advancing PD and, when diagnosed, represent a challenge in patient management. Alternative options are, therefore, needed to provide continuous dopaminergic stimulation while maximising the levodopa benefit. Despite different options, Angelo Antonini showed that neurologists often prefer to adjust levodopa dose rather than add an adjunctive agent. Market research confirms that, in patients with PD, the levodopa dose is adjusted in around 80% of patients, while only 20% have adjunct therapy as a first-line option. Adjusting the levodopa dose, either by increasing or fractionating the dose, or both, remains a valid, tried-and-tested option, although it has limitations. Joaquim Ferreira presented emerging evidence from a Phase II clinical trial, suggesting a potential benefit of adding opicapone 50 mg compared with 100 mg levodopa to treat patients with PD and end-of-dose fluctuations. This symposium aimed to present the effect of opicapone with relatively low total daily doses of levodopa; an option that may not have been traditionally considered by neurologists who are used to adjusting levodopa as a first-line response.