USA Inc Research Articles

Corneal endothelial validation in the eye bank: differences in automated methods and repeatability

To evaluate reproducibility of endothelial cell density (ECD) measurements using the Konan Cell Check D in donor corneas by two different ophthalmologists and to compare the two automated cell count methods (center and flex-center) available in the software of this specular microscope. ECD values were quantified in 54 donor corneas by two independent investigators using the Cell Check D (Konan Medical USA Inc) with both automated cell count methods. In the center method, at least 30 contiguous cells are marked. For the flex-center method, an area is delineated and only the cells within the designated area are counted. The mean ECD was 2473.81±378.22 cells/mm2. Good ECD intergrader reproducibility for the center (ICC=0.821) and the flex-center method (ICC=0.784) were noted. Poor reliability was observed for coefficient of variation and hexagonality (ICC≤0.265). When both methods for ECD analysis were compared, a moderate correlation for the two independent graders using the two manual (center and flex-center) methods was detected (correlation coefficient of 0.678 and 0.745 for each of the investigators). Comparison between methods yielded significantly higher ECD with the flex-center method (P=0.013). When corneas were divided by ECD, those under 2200 cells/mm2 and those between 2200 and 2700 cells/mm2 also had significantly higher ECD with the flex-center method (P<0.022). ECD values are reproducible with both methods, although the flex-center method ECDs tend to be higher, particularly in cases of low ECD. Eye banks and surgeons should exercise caution in making decisions based only on small differences in ECD.

Optical Biometry Changes Throughout Childhood and Adolescence in Patients Wearing Ortho-K Lenses.

Orthokeratology has been shown to suppress progressive myopia in some children. We examine the changes in optical biometry parameters in orthokeratology (Ortho-K) patients, in a retrospective longitudinal study at a tertiary eye care center in Ann Arbor, MI, USA. Optical biometry measurements obtained with the Lenstar LS 900 (Haag-Streit USA Inc, EyeSuite software version i9.1.0.0) were aggregated from 170 patients who had undergone Ortho-K for myopia correction between 5 and 20 years of age. Pre-intervention biometry measurements were compared with follow-up measurements done 6-18 months after initiation of Ortho-K. Linear mixed models were used to quantify associations in biometry changes with age of intervention allowing for correlation between measurements on two eyes of the same patient. A total of 91 patients were included in the study. Axial length increased through the age of 15.7 ± 0.84 years for Ortho-K patients at our center. The growth curve in our Ortho-K population was comparable to previously published normal growth curves in Wuhan and Germany populations. Corneal thickness and keratometry decreased at a stable rate regardless of age of intervention (-7.9 µm, 95% CI [-10.2, -5.7], p < 0.001). In our population, Ortho-K did not appear to affect the overall trajectory of axial length progression when compared to normal growth curves, despite showing a previously described reduction in corneal thickness. As Ortho-K has been shown to have varying effects that differ from individual to individual, it continues to be important to reassess its effects on new populations to better understand its ideal uses.

Antibiotic exposure and risk of Parkinson's disease in the United Kingdom: A case-control study (P5-11.001)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To determine whether antibiotic or antifungal exposure increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD). <h3>Background:</h3> A prior study suggested that adults who received &gt;1 course of anti-anaerobic or tetracycline antibiotics had an increased PD risk 10–15 years after exposure, while antifungal medication exposure was associated with an increased PD risk 1–10 years later. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> A nested case-control study was used to examine the association between antimicrobial exposure with newly diagnosed PD using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), a primary care UK database. Each case was matched to up to 15 controls by age, year of registration, sex, and practice, at time of PD diagnosis (index date, ID). Number of prescribed antimicrobial courses was assessed 1–5, 5–10, and 10–15 years prior to ID. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between antimicrobial exposure and risk of PD adjusted for relevant covariates. <h3>Results:</h3> We compared 19,022 PD cases to 120,447 matched controls. Exposure to one dose of penicillin 1–5 years prior to ID was associated with increased PD risk (OR 1.07, CI 1.0–1.13, p = 0.04), but reduced PD risk with exposure to &gt;2 penicillin doses (OR 0.92, CI 0.86–0.99, p = 0.02). Exposure to &gt;5 penicillin doses 1–10 years prior to ID was associated with reduced PD risk. Adjusting for multiple comparisons, there was a trend towards significance regarding reduced PD risk with exposure to &gt;5 penicillin doses 1–5 (p = 0.06) and 6–10 years (p = 0.09) prior to ID. A trend towards significance was found with exposure to &gt;2 doses of antifungals 1–5 years prior to ID and increased PD risk (p = 0.06). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> We found a borderline association between penicillin exposure and reduced risk of PD, but increased PD risk after antifungal exposure. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Pal has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Guidepoint. Dr. Pal has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Kyowa Kirin. Dr. Pal has stock in Baudax Bio. The institution of Dr. Pal has received research support from National Institutes of Health. The institution of Dr. Pal has received research support from Parkinson’s Foundation. Dr. Bennett has stock in Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Bennett has stock in Merck. Dr. Bennett has stock in Cigna. Dr. Bennett has stock in Organon. Dr. Roy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nyandege has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mouradian has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for HanAll Biopharma. Dr. Mouradian has received personal compensation in the range of $50,000-$99,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for American Society for Experimental Neurotherapeutics. Dr. Mouradian has stock in Alnylam, Eli Lilly. The institution of Dr. Mouradian has received research support from NIH, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research; American Parkinson Disease Association. Dr. Mouradian has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care. Dr. Mouradian has a non-compensated relationship as a Board of Directors with ANA that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Gerhard has nothing to disclose. Daniel Horton has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as an officer or member of the Board of Directors for Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance. Daniel Horton has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Pharmacoepidemiology &amp; Drug Safety. The institution of Daniel Horton has received research support from Danisco USA Inc. The institution of Daniel Horton has received research support from Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance/Arthritis Foundation. Daniel Horton has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Consultant with US Food &amp; Drug Administration. Daniel Horton has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Guideline Development Team Member, Speaker with American College of Rheumatology.

Microburst Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Safety and Efficacy Outcomes (S44.003)

Microburst Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Safety and Efficacy Outcomes (S44.003)

A phase 1, open-label, dose escalation and expansion, multicenter study of claudin 18.2-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T-cells in patients with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic gastric, gastroesophageal junction, esophageal, or pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

TPS480 Background: Locally advanced and metastatic gastric, esophageal, gastroesophageal junction, and pancreatic adenocarcinomas (GC, EC, GEJC, and PC) have poor overall survival, and more effective therapies are needed. Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2), a tight junction protein, is commonly expressed in these cancers. Monoclonal antibody and CAR-T cell therapies targeting CLDN18.2 have shown promising antitumor activity (Türeci O et al, 2019; Qi C et al, 2022). This study aims to assess the safety and preliminary efficacy of a CLDN18.2 targeted CAR-T, LB1908, in subjects with GC, EC, GEJC, and PC. Methods: This is a phase 1, open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation and expansion study of LB1908 that aims to identify the recommended phase 2 dose (NCT05539430; open to enrollment early 2023). During prescreening, that may occur as early as at initial diagnosis, we will screen subjects for tumor expression of CLDN18.2 by IHC of ≥ 1+ in ≥ 50% of tumor cells. Inclusion criteria include: must be ≥18 and ≤75 years old; histologically/cytologically confirmed unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic adenocarcinoma of the GC, EC, GEJC, and PC; progressed on at least standard 1st line therapy; ECOG PS 0 or 1; life expectancy &gt; 4 months per investigator judgment; and adequate organ function per protocol. The study has 2 parts. In Part A (dose escalation), 12 to 21 subjects with GC, EC, or GEJC will be enrolled in up to 3 planned dose level cohorts (0.5X106, 1.5X106, and 3.0X106 CAR+ viable T cells/kg), to determine the recommended dose for expansion (RDE). In Part B (dose expansion) the RDE will be administered to up to 35 subjects with GC, EC, and GEJC in one expansion cohort and PC in another cohort (n=11-17 for GC/EC/GEJ, to total 23 subjects when pooling with RDE-treated subjects from part A; n=18 for PC). LB1908 will be manufactured from autologous T cells collected via PMBC apheresis. Subjects may receive optional bridging therapy followed by lymphodepleting chemotherapy with fludarabine 30 mg/m2/day and cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2/day for 3 days. One infusion of LB1908 will then be administered, and subjects will be followed post-infusion for safety, laboratory, and disease assessments. Primary endpoints are incidence, duration, and severity of AEs and laboratory abnormalities (Parts A and B); and frequency of DLTs at each dose level (Part A). Secondary and exploratory endpoints include: objective response rate, disease control rate, duration of response, progression-free survival, characterization of PK by CAR-positive T cell counts, CAR transgene level in blood, effusions, and target tissues, and evaluation of immunogenicity by presence of anti-LB1908 antibodies. Acknowledgments: This study is funded by Legend Biotech USA Inc. Clinical trial information: NCT05539430 .

169. Combining DRIP Score and Rapid Diagnostics for Improved Antibiotic Stewardship

Abstract Background Analysis of broad-spectrum antibiotic use in pneumonia revealed that 60% of patients were overtreated, highlighting the need for effective antibiotic stewardship practices. Systems such as the Drug Resistance in Pneumonia (DRIP) score select patients who are more likely to need broad spectrum antibiotics but still leads to overtreatment as it does not target specific pathogens. Rapid diagnostics such as the Unyvero Lower Respiratory Tract Panel (LRTP) can identify specific pathogens to narrow antibiotic use even further when combined with the DRIP score. Methods Using an existing patient pool from a clinical trial of the LRTP (NCT01922024) a DRIP score was determined for each patient. When data elements of the DRIP score were unavailable a DRIPmax and DRIPmin were calculated assuming all missing elements were positive or negative respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the DRIP score vs culture and LRTP were determined. An algorithm for antibiotic selection based on the results of the DRIP score combined with the LRTP was applied to each patient (Fig 1) . Figure 1.Antibiotic Selection Algorithm for DRIP Score and Unyvero Lower Respiratory Tract Panel Results The sensitivity of the DRIP score vs culture in this population was 91.2% and the specificity was 65.1%. DRIP score vs culture + LRTP combined had a sensitivity of 86.6% and a specificity of 66.3%., the lower sensitivity was mainly due to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Applying the algorithm to each patient based on the DRIP score and the LRTP improved antibiotic choices by reducing broad spectrum antibiotic and by more selectively targeting the identified pathogens earlier and eliminating use of multiple empiric antibiotics. Conclusion Using an antibiotic stewardship algorithm combining DRIP score with LRTP rapid diagnostic data, which results in 5 hours, can lead to improved prediction of the presence of drug resistant pathogens and aid in narrowing antibiotics. The LRTP compensates for the DRIP score only predicting presence of antibiotic resistant pathogens, not specific pathogens. The DRIP score can compensate for the LRTP only having limited antibiotic resistance markers on panel and not supplying phenotypic antibiotic resistance testing. Further study using a prospectively collected cohort with antibiotic adjustment in real time is needed for validation of our results. Disclosures Matthew Sims, MD PhD, Astra Zeneca: Grant/Research Support|ContraFect: Grant/Research Support|Crestone: Grant/Research Support|Diasorin Molecular LLC: Grant/Research Support|Epigenomics Inc: Grant/Research Support|EUROIMMUN US: Grant/Research Support|Finch Theraputics: Grant/Research Support|Genentech USA Inc: Grant/Research Support|Janssen Research and Development LLC: Grant/Research Support|Kinevant Sciences GmBH: Grant/Research Support|Leonard-Meron Biosciences: Grant/Research Support|Lysovant: Grant/Research Support|Merck: Grant/Research Support|OpGen: Grant/Research Support|Prenosis: Advisor/Consultant|Prenosis: Grant/Research Support|Qiagen: Grant/Research Support|Regeneron Pharmaceuticals: Grant/Research Support|Seres Therapeutics Inc: Grant/Research Support|Shire: Grant/Research Support|Summit Therapeutics: Grant/Research Support.

CORR Insights®: Is Advanced Imaging to Assess Rotator Cuff Integrity Before Shoulder Arthroplasty Cost-effective? A Decision Modeling Study.

1Division of Shoulder Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Columbia, MD, USA U. Srikumaran, Division of Shoulder Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 10700 Charter Drive, Suite 140, Columbia, MD 21044, USA, Email: [email protected] This CORR Insights® is a commentary on the article “Is Advanced Imaging to Assess Rotator Cuff Integrity Before Shoulder Arthroplasty Cost-Effective? A Decision Modeling Study” by Levin and colleagues, available at: DOI: 10.1097/CORR.0000000000002110. The author certifies receipt of personal payments or benefits, during the study period, in an amount of USD 10,000 to USD 100,000 from Stryker Orthopaedics and in an amount of less than USD 10,000 from FX Shoulder USA Inc. All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request. The opinions expressed are those of the writer, and do not reflect the opinion or policy of CORR® or The Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons®.

Effect of femtosecond laser zirconia surface treatment on cement shear bond strength

It was aimed to evaluate the effects of conventional surface treatment techniques and femtosecond (FS) laser on shear bond strength (SBS) between zirconia and resin cement. 84 zirconia blocks (2 × 10 × 10 mm) (Zirkonzahn, Zirkonzahn USA Inc, USA) were divided into six groups (n = 14): group FS, FS laser application; group SB-FS, sandblasting followed by FS laser treatment; group FS-SB, FS laser treatment followed by sandblasting, group PS, plasma sputtering; group R, tribochemical silica coating; group SB, sandblasting with 110 µm Al2O3. The resin cement (Panavia F 2.0, Kuraray Medical Inc., Tokyo, Japan) was applied to the samples and polymerized with a LED curing light. SBS test was performed on 72 samples (12 samples from each group) with a universal testing machine. The other two samples of each group were analyzed with SEM and profilometer. For statistical analysis, ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests were used. Although, there were no significant differences between the group SB (7.66 ± 2.04 MPa), group PS (7.39 ± 2.98 MPa) and group R (5.62 ± 1.39 MPa) (p > 0.05), the SBS values of the group FS (13.35 ± 2.48 MPa), group SB + FS (13.23 ± 1.84 MPa) and group FS + SB (11.31 ± 2.07 MPa) were higher than them with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). SEM images showed differences in surface morphology among the groups. According to the 3-D profilometer images, the Ra values of Group SB, Group R, Group PS, Group FS, Group FS-SB and Group SB-FS were 0.93, 0.98, 0.16, 6.40, 10.70 and 9.11, respectively. The FS laser surface treatment provided a significantly higher bond strength than the conventional techniques. It is not recommended to combine FS laser treatment with sandblasting.

Harbor Freight Tools USA Inc.

Corporate Philanthropy ReportVolume 36, Issue 10 p. 10-11 Corporate Profiles Harbor Freight Tools USA Inc. First published: 12 September 2021 https://doi.org/10.1002/cprt.31061Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume36, Issue10October 2021Pages 10-11 RelatedInformation

Prophetic EU: Prospective Identification of Pneumonia in Hospitalized Patients in the Intensive Care Unit–A Comparison of European and United States Cohorts

Background: Prospective identification of patients at high risk of nosocomial pneumonia may improve clinical trial feasibility and foster antibacterial development. Clinical criteria prospectively identified patients at highest risk of hospital-acquired/ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP) in the United States (US). Whether these findings are applicable in a European population is unknown. Methods: Adults considered high risk for pneumonia (treatment with ventilation or high levels of supplemental oxygen) in the intensive care units of seven European hospitals were prospectively enrolled. We estimated the proportion of high-risk patients developing HABP/VABP, defined according to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance, and the subset potentially eligible for antibacterial trial enrollment. We compared patient characteristics, exposures, and HABP/VABP incidence in European and US cohorts. Findings: Of 888 high-risk patients enrolled between June 12 and December 27, 2017, 211/888 (24%) were treated for possible pneumonia and 150/888 (17%) met the FDA definition for HABP/VABP. A higher proportion of European high-risk patients treated for possible pneumonia met the HABP/VABP definition (150/211 [71%] versus 537/1464 [37%] in US, p<0·001). Among patients developing HABP/VABP, a higher proportion in the European cohort met antibacterial trial eligibility criteria (124/150 [83%] versus 371/537 [69%], p<0·001). Interpretation: Readily available clinical criteria prospectively identified patients with high rates of HABP/VABP in this European cohort of high-risk patients. Despite higher rates of established risk factors and incident HABP/VABP, European high-risk patients were significantly less likely to receive antibiotics for possible pneumonia than US patients. Different treatment practices may contribute to lower rates of antibacterial trial enrollment observed in the US. Funding: U.S. Food and Drug Administration Declaration of Interest: SP Bergin: Dr. Bergin reports consulting for Aridis Pharmaceuticals and C3J Therapeutics. SB Calvert: Dr. Calvert reports salary support from the U.S. FDA grant R18FD005292 and CTTI membership fees. J Farley: Dr. Farley reports no conflicts related to this work. J-L Sun: Ms. Sun reports no conflicts related to this work. K Chiswell: Dr. Chiswell reports no conflicts related to this work. W Dieperink: Dr. Dieperink reports no conflicts related to this work. J Kluytmans: Dr. Kluytmans reports no conflicts related to this work. JC Lopez-Delgado: Dr. Lopez-Delgado reports no conflicts related to this work. R Leon-Lopez: Dr. Leon-Lopez reports no conflicts related to this work. MJ Zervos: Dr. Zervos reports serving as a consultant for ContraFect and receiving research grants from Merck, Moderna, Janssen, Pfizer, and Serono. MH Kollef: Dr. Kollef reports support by the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation. M Sims: Dr. Sims reports grants from Aridis Pharmaceuticals Inc, Cidara Therapeutics, ContraFect, Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc (now Merck), Curetis Ag, Curetis GmBM, CutisPharma, DiaSorin Molecular LLC, Epigenomics Inc, EUROIMMUN US, Finch Therapeutics, Genentech USA Inc, Gilead Sciences, IBIS Biosystems, Iterum Therapeutics, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Kinevant Sciences GmBH, Leonard-Meron Biosciences, Merck, Nabriva Therapeutics, NeuMoDx Molecular, Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Prenosis, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi Pasteur Inc, Seres Therapeutics Inc, Shire, Summit Therapeutics BA Kabchi: Dr. Kabchi reports no conflicts related to this work. D Rubin: Dr. Rubin reports no conflicts related to this work. J Santiago: Dr. Santiago reports no conflicts related to this work. M Natarajan: Dr. Natarajan reports no conflicts related to this work. P Tenaerts: Dr. Tenaerts reports salary support from the U.S. FDA grant R18FD005292 and CTTI membership fees. VG Fowler Jr.: Dr. Fowler reports serving as chair of the V710 Scientific Advisory Committee (Merck); has received grant support from Cerexa/Actavis/Allergan, Pfizer, Advanced Liquid Logics, NIH, MedImmune, Basilea Pharmaceutica, Karius, ContraFect, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, and Genentech; has NIH Small Business Technology Transfer/Small Business Innovation Research grants pending with Affinergy, Locus, and Medical Surface; has been a consultant for Achaogen, Astellas Pharma, Arsanis, Affinergy, Basilea Pharmaceutica, Bayer, Cerexa Inc., ContraFect, Cubist, Debiopharm, Durata Therapeutics, Grifols, Genentech, MedImmune, Merck, the Medicines Company, Pfizer, Novartis, NovaDigm Therapeutics Inc., Theravance Biopharma, and XBiotech; has received honoraria from Theravance Biopharma and Green Cross; and has a patent pending in sepsis diagnostics. TL Holland: Dr. Holland reports consulting for Basilea Pharmaceutica (ceftobiprole), Genentech (immunotherapeutic), Motif Bio (iclaprim), Aridis (monoclonal antibody) and Lysovant (lysin). MJ Bonten: Mr. Bonten reports no conflicts related to this work. SJ Hullegie: Mr. Hullegie reports grants from ZonMW, outside the submitted work. Ethical Approval: The study protocol was approved, and a waiver of informed consent was granted by an independent review board (Copernicus Group, CTTI_001, DCR2-15-710), or when required, the institutional review board of participating US institutions, and by ethics committees of each country in Europe.

Focus on lasers, imaging, microscopy, and nanoscience

Focus on lasers, imaging, microscopy, and nanoscience

Life Expectancy in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Systematic Review and Reconstructed Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis

Background: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a rare progressive disease, which is often diagnosed in early childhood, and causes significantly reduced life expectancy. Due to its rarity, research literature and patient numbers are limited. To fully characterise the natural history, appropriate estimates of the life-expectancy of patients with DMD are crucial.Methods: A systematic review of the published literature on mortality in DMD up until July 2020 was undertaken, specifically focusing on publications in which Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curves with age as a time-scale were presented. These were digitised and individual patient data (IPD) reconstructed. The pooled IPD were analysed using the Kaplan-Meier estimator and parametric survival analysis models. Estimates were also stratified by birth cohort.Findings: Of 1177 articles identified, 14 publications met the inclusion criteria and provided data on 2283 patients, of whom 1049 had died. Median age at death was 22.0 years (95% CI: 21.2, 22.4). Analyses stratifying by three time-periods in which patients were born showed markedly increased life expectancy in more recent patient populations; patients born after 1990 have a median survival of 28.1 years (95% CI 25.1, 30.3).Interpretation: In the absence of large-scale prospective cohort studies or trials reporting mortality data for patients with DMD, extraction of IPD from the literature provides a viable alternative to estimating life-expectancy for this patient population. Further research comparing these estimates to population-level data is warranted in order to assess both possible selection effects and the generalisability of results.Funding: Duchenne UK, NIHR Research Methodology Fellowship.Declaration of Interests: JB and MH received funding from Project HERCULES. MJC and KRA were partially supported by Project HERCULES. Project HERCULES is funded by Duchenne UK, Pfizer, PTC Therapeutics, Roche, Summit Therapeutics PLC, Sarepta Therapeutics Inc, Wave Life Sciences USA Inc, Solid Biosciences, Santhera Pharmaceuticals and Catabasis Pharmaceuticals. JB is supported by a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Doctoral Research Fellowship. MC has served as a paid consultant, providing methodological advice, to Roche. MG is (or has been over the past 5 years) the principle investigator for clinical trials sponsored by Pfizer, Italfarmaco, Roche, Summit, Santhera, ReveraGen. She is a member of advisory boards fro NS Pharma and Pfizer (consultancy fees to Newcastle University. She received funding from Sarepta for academic projects through TREAT NMD. KRA has served as a paid consultant to ABPI, AZ, Allergan, Astellas, Amaris, GSK, Janssen, Pfizer, Roche, NICE, Novartis, Congentia, Sanofi, Takeda, NovoNordisk, Abbvie, BMS. KRA is a partner/director of Visible Analytics. KRA has received grants from BHF, HDR UK, MRC and National Institute for Health Research during the course of the study. KRA is a member of the NICE Decision Support Unit (DSU) and the NICE Technical Support Unit (TSU) and has provided strategic and methodological advice to NICE. KRA is a standing member of the NICE Diagnostics Advisory Committee (DAC). KRA is a member of the Health Data Research (HDR) UK/UKRI/SAGE COVID-19 Task Force.

Evaluation of Salivary Procalcitonin and Macrophage Activating Factor in Generalised Chronic Periodontitis Patients with and without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Periodontitis is a polymicrobial and multifactorial oral disease and is the sixth complication of diabetes mellitus. Early diagnosis is important, and the use of non invasive biomarkers are highly useful for this purpose. The level of Macrophage Activating Factor (MAF) and Procalcitonin (ProCT) corresponds to the intensity of the inflammatory response and the severity of infection; thereby indicating that an increase in concentration or persistence of high values is considered as a prognostic indicator for severity of infection with an adverse outcome. Aim: To assess the periodontal parameters and quantify the levels of MAF and ProCT in saliva samples of generalised chronic periodontitis subjects with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus and to correlate these levels with the periodontal parameters. Materials and Methods: The study was a single centre cross- sectional study carried out at the Department of Periodontology, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from November 2018 to November 2019. A total of 80 subjects with generalised severe chronic periodontitis were selected and divided into two groups. Group I comprised of 40 subjects who were diagnosed with generalised chronic periodontitis without type 2 diabetes mellitus, whereas group II comprised of 40 subjects with generalised chronic periodontitis who had already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Periodontal parameters such as Plaque Index (PI), Bleeding on Probing (BOP), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) were recorded. The collected samples were subjected to molecular analysis for evaluating ProCT and MAF using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.1 (Chicago, USA Inc). Student’s Independent t-test was used to compare the mean values for the variables in the control and test group. The Pearson’s correlation test was used to evaluate correlation between all the variables. The p-value &lt;0.05 was set as the level of significance. Results: On comparing the periodontal parameters between group I and group II, there was no significant difference between the groups p-value &gt;0.05. The mean salivary ProCT level in group I and group II was 268.76±152.78 ng/mL and 785.75±244.37 ng/mL, respectively. The mean salivary MAF level in group I and group II was 7.15±2.02 ng/mL and 26.56±9.12 ng/mL, respectively. On comparing MAF and ProCT value between group I and group II, there was a statistically significant increase in group II (p-value &lt;0.001) and a weak correlation value with the periodontal parameters was seen. Conclusion: There was a significant difference in levels of MAF and ProCT in saliva samples of generalised chronic periodontitis subjects with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus, however the periodontal variables in each group did not correlate with MAF and ProCT.

Efficacy and Safety of Venetoclax in Combination with Gilteritinib for Relapsed/Refractory FLT3-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the Expansion Cohort of a Phase 1b Study

Efficacy and Safety of Venetoclax in Combination with Gilteritinib for Relapsed/Refractory FLT3-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the Expansion Cohort of a Phase 1b Study

Toray Membrane USA partners with M|MBR Systems

Toray Membrane USA Inc (TMUS) and M|MBR Systems LLC, a service provider of flat-sheet membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems, have entered into an exclusive supply agreement covering MBR retrofit applications.

Focus on lasers, imaging, and microscopy

Focus on lasers, imaging, and microscopy

Cryodur 2357

Abstract Cryodur 2357 is a shock resistant tool steel (AISI S7) with excellent toughness and high strength. It is suitable for cold and hot work applications up to 538 °C (1000 °F). This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, and hardness. It also includes information on low and high temperature performance as well as joining. Filing Code: TS-781. Producer or source: Schmolz + Bickenbach USA Inc..

CRYODUR 2833

Abstract Cryodur 2833 is a wear-resistant water-hardening steel with resistance to overheating. Applications include cold heading dies; first and finish upsetting punches; cold stamps; dies for the manufacturing of screws, rivets, and bolts; and compression pistons. This datasheet provides information on composition and physical properties. It also includes information on heat treating. Filing Code: TS-777. Producer or source: Schmolz + Bickenbach USA Inc..

CRYODUR 2550

Abstract Cryodur 2550 cold work tool steel for cutting, punching, and folding. This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, and hardness. It also includes information on joining. Filing Code: TS-774. Producer or source: Schmolz + Bickenbach USA Inc..

CRYODUR 2842

Abstract Cryodur 2842 is a cold work tool steel for cutting, punching, and folding. This datasheet provides information on composition and physical properties. It also includes information on heat treating and joining. Filing Code: TS-771. Producer or source: Schmolz + Bickenbach USA Inc..