Citations

Functional designs of nanostructured materials seek to exploit the potential of complex morphologies and disorder. In this context, the spin dynamics in disordered antiferromagnetic materials present a significant challenge due to induced geometric frustration. Here we analyse the processes of magnetisation reversal driven by an external field in generalised spin networks with higher-order connectivity and antiferromagnetic defects. Using the model in (Tadić et al. Arxiv:1912.02433), we grow nanonetworks with geometrically constrained self-assemblies of simplexes (cliques) of a given size n, and with probability p each simplex possesses a defect edge affecting its binding, leading to a tree-like pattern of defects. The Ising spins are attached to vertices and have ferromagnetic interactions, while antiferromagnetic couplings apply between pairs of spins along each defect edge. Thus, a defect edge induces n − 2 frustrated triangles per n-clique participating in a larger-scale complex. We determine several topological, entropic, and graph-theoretic measures to characterise the structures of these assemblies. Further, we show how the sizes of simplexes building the aggregates with a given pattern of defects affects the magnetisation curves, the length of the domain walls and the shape of the hysteresis loop. The hysteresis shows a sequence of plateaus of fractional magnetisation and multiscale fluctuations in the passage between them. For fully antiferromagnetic interactions, the loop splits into two parts only in mono-disperse assemblies of cliques consisting of an odd number of vertices n. At the same time, remnant magnetisation occurs when n is even, and in poly-disperse assemblies of cliques in the range n ∈ [ 2 , 10 ] . These results shed light on spin dynamics in complex nanomagnetic assemblies in which geometric frustration arises in the interplay of higher-order connectivity and antiferromagnetic interactions.

Abstract Aims Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute heart failure syndrome, which shares many features with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Although TTS was initially described with angiographically normal coronary arteries, smaller studies recently indicated a potential coexistence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in TTS patients. This study aimed to determine the coexistence, features, and prognostic role of CAD in a large cohort of patients with TTS. Methods and results Coronary anatomy and CAD were studied in patients diagnosed with TTS. Inclusion criteria were compliance with the International Takotsubo Diagnostic Criteria for TTS, and availability of original coronary angiographies with ventriculography performed during the acute phase. Exclusion criteria were missing views, poor quality of angiography loops, and angiography without ventriculography. A total of 1016 TTS patients were studied. Of those, 23.0% had obstructive CAD, 41.2% had non-obstructive CAD, and 35.7% had angiographically normal coronary arteries. A total of 47 patients (4.6%) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, and 3 patients had acute and 8 had chronic coronary artery occlusion concomitant with TTS, respectively. The presence of CAD was associated with increased incidence of shock, ventilation, and death from any cause. After adjusting for confounders, the presence of obstructive CAD was associated with mortality at 30 days. Takotsubo syndrome patients with obstructive CAD were at comparable risk for shock and death and nearly at twice the risk for ventilation compared to an age- and sex-matched ACS cohort. Conclusions Coronary artery disease frequently coexists in TTS patients, presents with the whole spectrum of coronary pathology including acute coronary occlusion, and is associated with adverse outcome. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01947621.

Postoperative pain treatment affects immediate and long-term outcomes in children undergoing cardiac surgery. Opioids, as part of multimodal analgesia, are effective in treating pain, however, they can be disadvantageous due to adverse side effects. Therefore, we assessed whether the local anesthetic bupivacaine as a parasternal nerve block in children post-cardiac surgery is an effective adjunct to pain management. This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent cardiothoracic surgery via median sternotomy at a large children’s hospital between November 2011 and February 2014 with and without bupivacaine following the introduction of perioperative bupivacaine in late 2012 on a single unit. 62 out of 148 patients (age 3–17 years) who received bupivacaine demonstrated decreased postoperative opioid use. Within one day of surgery, patients who received bupivacaine required, on average, 0.57 mg/kg (95% CI, 0.46 to 0.68) of total morphine equivalent compared to 0.93 mg/kg (95% CI, 0.80 to 1.06) for patients who did not receive bupivacaine. This difference was statistically significant after adjusting for potential confounders (p-value = 0.002). Length of stay and intubation were shorter on average among patients who received bupivacaine, but these differences were not statistically significant after adjusting for potential confounders. The study results seem to suggest that the perioperative administration of bupivacaine may reduce opioid usage among children post-cardiotomy.

8095 Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable and invariably relapses after initial therapy. There is no uniform approach to management of relapsed MM and is dictated by type of initial therapy and the response seen, and availability of new drugs. The outcomes associated with current approaches have not been systematically examined. Methods: We enrolled 383 patients (pts) with myeloma who had a documented relapse between Jan 2007 and June 2010, including 220 from Europe, 106 from Asia, and 31 from South America and 26 from North America. Time Zero (T0) was defined as date of treatment after first relapse. Results: Across the study, 61% were male and 49% were over 65 years at T0. ISS stage distribution at diagnosis included 26, 40 and 33% of patients in stages 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Among regimens used at first relapse; bortezomib (Btz) containing regimens were most common (54%), followed by lenalidomide (Len, 25%) and cyclophosphamide (21%). The overall response rate (>=PR) to first therapy after relapse was 58% including 14% with a CR. There was a progressive decrease in the response rates with successive regimen; 45%, 30% and 15% for regimens 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Len use was considerably lower in the Asian cohort, while Btz use was comparable across the regions. The median PFS from T0 was 13 mos and OS was 35 mos, for the entire cohort. The PFS to first salvage regimen was similar across the regions, while OS was shorter for the Asian and South American cohorts. In a univariate analysis, ISS stage 3, presence of cytogenetic abnormalities, history of plasma cell leukemia or extramedullary disease (EMD), bone marrow PC% > 33% and presence of renal insufficiency were all associated with a shorter PFS as well as shorter OS (P<=0.01). In a multivariate model, ISS stage 3 and presence of EMD were most associated with short OS. Conclusions: Median PFS for current second line regimens, typically containing Btz or Len appear to be 1 yr with an OS from first relapse of about 3 yrs. The OS from first relapse is nearly double that seen in a cohort of patients in first relapse prior to introduction of new drugs. Clear-cut regional differences can be seen in terms of patterns of drug use and likely reflect drug availability and healthcare costs.

8526 Background: Many randomised trials have evaluated the role of adjuvant interferon-a (IFN) in high-risk melanoma, some suggesting benefit and others not. To assess the totality of current evidence, an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis of all available trials was performed. Methods: Standard IPD meta-analysis methods were used to assess event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS), with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated. Trials were divided by dose of IFN - high (20 MU/m2), intermediate (5–10 MU), low (3 MU) and very low (1 MU). Subgroup analyses by patient age, gender and disease characteristics were also performed. Results: IPD was provided for 10 of 13 reported trials of IFN vs. no IFN (for the other 3 trials published data were used). 6067 patients (IPD available for 85%) were included in the analysis, with over 3,700 and 3,000 events for EFS and OS. There was statistically significant benefit for IFN for both EFS (OR=0.87, CI=0.81–0.93, p=0.00006) and OS (0.9, 0.84–0.97, p=0.008). There was no evidence of differences according to dose (Table 1; trend p>0.1) or duration of IFN. This proportional survival advantage translates into an absolute benefit of about 3% (CI 1%-5%) at 5 years. The effect of IFN did not differ with age, gender, tumor site, Breslow thickness, clinical nodes or disease stage. Only for ulceration was there some evidence of an interaction (p=0.03); patients with ulcerated tumors had greater benefit from IFN (EFS: OR=0.76, OS: OR=0.77) than those with no ulceration (EFS: OR=0.94, OS: OR=0.98). Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides evidence that adjuvant IFN significantly reduces the risk of relapse and improves overall survival, although the absolute survival benefit is relatively small. This analysis does not however, clarify the optimal (high, intermediate or low) dose of IFN. Given the large number of subgroup analyses performed, the apparent increased benefit in patients with ulceration requires confirmation. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

AbstractImmune checkpoint inhibitor therapies targeting PD‐1/PD‐L1 are now the standard of care in oncology across several hematologic and solid tumor types, including triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Patients with metastatic or locally advanced TNBC with PD‐L1 expression on immune cells occupying ≥1% of tumor area demonstrated survival benefit with the addition of atezolizumab to nab‐paclitaxel. However, concerns regarding variability between immunohistochemical PD‐L1 assay performance and inter‐reader reproducibility have been raised. High tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have also been associated with response to PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors in patients with breast cancer (BC). TILs can be easily assessed on hematoxylin and eosin–stained slides and have shown reliable inter‐reader reproducibility. As an established prognostic factor in early stage TNBC, TILs are soon anticipated to be reported in daily practice in many pathology laboratories worldwide. Because TILs and PD‐L1 are parts of an immunological spectrum in BC, we propose the systematic implementation of combined PD‐L1 and TIL analyses as a more comprehensive immuno‐oncological biomarker for patient selection for PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibition‐based therapy in patients with BC. Although practical and regulatory considerations differ by jurisdiction, the pathology community has the responsibility to patients to implement assays that lead to optimal patient selection. We propose herewith a risk‐management framework that may help mitigate the risks of suboptimal patient selection for immuno‐therapeutic approaches in clinical trials and daily practice based on combined TILs/PD‐L1 assessment in BC. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract Human neurodegenerative diseases can be characterized as disorders of protein aggregation. As a key player in cellular autophagy and the ubiquitin proteasome system, p62 may represent an effective immunohistochemical target, as well as mechanistic operator, across neurodegenerative proteinopathies. In this study, 2 novel mouse-derived monoclonal antibodies 5G3 and 2A5 raised against residues 360–380 of human p62/sequestosome-1 were characterized via immunohistochemical application upon human tissues derived from cases of C9orf72-expansion spectrum diseases, Alzheimer disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, Lewy body disease, and multiple system atrophy. 5G3 and 2A5 reliably highlighted neuronal dipeptide repeat, tau, and α-synuclein inclusions in a distribution similar to a polyclonal antibody to p62, phospho-tau antibodies 7F2 and AT8, and phospho-α-synuclein antibody 81A. However, antibodies 5G3 and 2A5 consistently stained less neuropil structures, such as tau neuropil threads and Lewy neurites, while 2A5 marked fewer glial inclusions in progressive supranuclear palsy. Both 5G3 and 2A5 revealed incidental astrocytic tau immunoreactivity in cases of Alzheimer disease and Lewy body disease with resolution superior to 7F2. Through their unique ability to highlight specific types of pathological deposits in neurodegenerative brain tissue, these novel monoclonal p62 antibodies may provide utility in both research and diagnostic efforts.

Abstract Osteolineage cell‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a regulatory role in hematopoiesis and have been shown to promote the ex vivo expansion of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Here, we demonstrate that EVs from different human osteolineage sources do not have the same HSPC expansion promoting potential. Comparison of stimulatory and non‐stimulatory osteolineage EVs by next‐generation sequencing and mass spectrometry analyses revealed distinct microRNA and protein signatures identifying EV‐derived candidate regulators of ex vivo HSPC expansion. Accordingly, the treatment of umbilical cord blood‐derived CD34 + HSPCs with stimulatory EVs‐altered HSPC transcriptome, including genes with known roles in cell proliferation. An integrative bioinformatics approach, which connects the HSPC gene expression data with the candidate cargo in stimulatory EVs, delineated the potentially targeted biological functions and pathways during hematopoietic cell expansion and development. In conclusion, our study gives novel insights into the complex biological role of EVs in osteolineage cell‐HSPC crosstalk and promotes the utility of EVs and their cargo as therapeutic agents in regenerative medicine.

Abstract Eating disorders and substance use disorders frequently co‐occur. Twin studies reveal shared genetic variance between liabilities to eating disorders and substance use, with the strongest associations between symptoms of bulimia nervosa and problem alcohol use (genetic correlation [ r g ], twin‐based = 0.23‐0.53). We estimated the genetic correlation between eating disorder and substance use and disorder phenotypes using data from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). Four eating disorder phenotypes (anorexia nervosa [AN], AN with binge eating, AN without binge eating, and a bulimia nervosa factor score), and eight substance‐use‐related phenotypes (drinks per week, alcohol use disorder [AUD], smoking initiation, current smoking, cigarettes per day, nicotine dependence, cannabis initiation, and cannabis use disorder) from eight studies were included. Significant genetic correlations were adjusted for variants associated with major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. Total study sample sizes per phenotype ranged from ~2400 to ~537 000 individuals. We used linkage disequilibrium score regression to calculate single nucleotide polymorphism‐based genetic correlations between eating disorder‐ and substance‐use‐related phenotypes. Significant positive genetic associations emerged between AUD and AN ( r g = 0.18; false discovery rate q = 0.0006), cannabis initiation and AN ( r g = 0.23; q < 0.0001), and cannabis initiation and AN with binge eating ( r g = 0.27; q = 0.0016). Conversely, significant negative genetic correlations were observed between three nondiagnostic smoking phenotypes (smoking initiation, current smoking, and cigarettes per day) and AN without binge eating ( r gs = −0.19 to −0.23; qs < 0.04). The genetic correlation between AUD and AN was no longer significant after co‐varying for major depressive disorder loci. The patterns of association between eating disorder‐ and substance‐use‐related phenotypes highlights the potentially complex and substance‐specific relationships among these behaviors.

Background Systemic AL amyloidosis is a clonal plasma cell disorder in which amyloid fibrils are deposited in tissues and organs, leading to multi-system organ dysfunction. The most frequently involved organs are the heart and kidney (individually or together), with advanced cardiac involvement conferring particularly poor outcomes. Achievement of hematologic response and improved organ function result in better outcomes. There are currently no approved treatments for AL amyloidosis; multiple myeloma (MM) treatment strategies are used for these pts. Active, tolerable treatment options specific for AL amyloidosis are needed. The oral proteasome inhibitor (PI) ixazomib (ixa) is active and approved in combination with lenalidomide (L)-dexamethasone (Dex) for the treatment of MM pts who have received ≥1 prior therapy. Methods RRAL pts with measurable disease and major organ involvement (cardiac/renal) who required treatment after 1-2 prior therapies (and were not refractory to prior PI therapy) were randomized to ixa (4.0 mg, d 1, 8, 15) plus Dex (20 mg, d 1, 8, 15, 22) or physician's choice (Dex alone or plus melphalan [M], cyclophosphamide [C], thalidomide [T], or lenalidomide [L]) in 28-d cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (or best response plus 2 cycles or maximum 18 mos therapy/600 mg total dose for MDex). Randomization was stratified by cardiac risk stage, relapsed vs refractory disease, and prior PI exposure. Primary endpoints were 1) overall hematologic response rate (ORR) centrally adjudicated, and 2) death or vital organ deterioration at 2 yrs. Key secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and hematologic complete response (CR) rate; other secondary endpoints included hematologic/vital organ progression-free survival (PFS), time to vital organ deterioration or mortality, duration of hematologic response (DOR), and safety. Results 168 pts were randomized to ixa-Dex (n=85) or physician's choice (n=83; 47 LDex, 24 MDex, 10 CDex, 2 TDex); median age was 65 (range 38-84) vs 66 (33-82) yrs, 60% vs 55% were male, 56% vs 63% had cardiac and 66% vs 58% had renal involvement (33% vs 23% had both) at initial diagnosis (plus 9% vs 12% liver, 12% vs 18% gastrointestinal tract, and 11% vs 10% peripheral nerve involvement), 47% vs 47% had prior bortezomib, and 47% vs 37% had prior transplant. Median time since diagnosis was 14.7 vs 15.9 mos. Hematologic responses were seen in 45 (53%) vs 42 (51%) pts receiving ixa-Dex vs physician's choice (odds ratio 1.10 [95% CI 0.60-2.01], p=0.762). Higher CR rates were seen with ixa-Dex vs physician's choice (26% vs 18%). Overall survival, overall/hematologic/vital organ PFS, time to vital organ deterioration/death, DOR, time to treatment failure, and time to subsequent therapy data all favored pts treated with ixa-Dex vs physician's choice (Figure). Vital organ response rates were 36% in the ixa-Dex arm vs 11% with physician's choice (cardiac response rate: 18% vs 5%; renal response rate: 28% vs 7%). At data cut-off, pts had received a median treatment duration of 11.7 vs 4.9 mos with ixa-Dex vs physician's choice, and 21% vs 6% of pts remained on treatment. Grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) were seen in 59% vs 56% of pts, including 33% vs 41% with drug-related grade ≥3 AEs, 45% vs 33% had serious AEs, 25% vs 20% had AEs resulting in discontinuation, and there were 6% vs 5% on-study deaths. AEs of clinical importance included diarrhea (34% vs 30%), rash (33% vs 20%), cardiac arrhythmias (25% vs 15%), nausea (24% vs 14%), pneumonia (22% vs 16%), and peripheral neuropathy (20% vs 15%). Common (≥5% overall) grade ≥3 AEs were fatigue (9% vs 9%), anemia (2% vs 10%), cardiac failure, dyspnea (each 6% vs 4%), peripheral edema, and pneumonia (each 5% vs 5%). Conclusions Treatment with ixa-Dex significantly prolonged duration of composite survival and vital organ function, PFS, and time to subsequent therapy vs physician's choice. Moreover, ixa-Dex resulted in an improved CR rate and DOR and, although the primary endpoint of hematologic response was not met, all clinically relevant time-to-event endpoint data favored ixa-Dex vs physician's choice. Ixa-Dex was generally well tolerated and associated with a doubling of treatment duration vs physician's choice; no new safety signals were seen. TOURMALINE-AL1 is the first phase 3 trial in RRAL to show significant outcome improvements, suggesting ixa-Dex represents a new option for RRAL pts, who have limited access to therapies. Disclosures Dispenzieri: Akcea: Consultancy; Intellia: Consultancy; Alnylam: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy. Kastritis:Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Prothena: Honoraria; Genesis: Honoraria. Wechalekar:Takeda: Honoraria; GSK: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Amgen: Research Funding; Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria. Schönland:Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Medac: Other: Travel Grant. Sanchorawala:Proclara: Consultancy, Honoraria; Caelum: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Research Funding; Prothena: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Landau:Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Caelum: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Suzuki:Takeda: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding; Ono: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria. Comenzo:Takeda: Research Funding; Caelum: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Karyopharm: Research Funding; Prothena Biosciences: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Unum: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Myself: Patents & Royalties: Patent 9593332, Pending 20170008966. Berg:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd: Employment, Patents & Royalties. Liu:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Employment. Faller:Phoenicia Biosciences: Equity Ownership; Briacell Pharmaceuticals: Equity Ownership; Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited: Employment; Viracta Pharmaceuticals: Equity Ownership; Boston University: Employment. Off Label Disclosure: Investigation of the oral proteasome inhibitor ixazomib in combination with dexamethasone versus physician's choice (of which there are no approved treatment options) for the treatment of relapsed/refractory primary systemic amyloidosis.