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Abstract Background: Berberine (BBR) is a plant-based nutraceutical that has been used for millennia to treat diarrheal infections and in contemporary medicine to improve patient lipid profiles. Reduction in lipids, particularly cholesterol, is achieved partly through up-regulation of bile acid synthesis and excretion into the Gastrointestinal tract. The efficacy of BBR is also thought to be dependent on structural and functional alterations of the gut microbiome. However, knowledge of the effects of BBR on gut microbiome communities is currently lacking. Distinguishing indirect effects of BBR on bacteria through altered bile acid profiles is particularly important in understanding how dietary nutraceuticals alter the microbiome. Results: Germfree mice were colonized with a defined minimal gut bacterial consortium capable of functional bile acid metabolism (Bacteroides vulgatus, Bacteroides uniformis, Parabacteroides distasonis, Bilophila wadsworthia, Clostridium hylemonae, Clostridium hiranonis, Blautia producta; B4PC2). Multi-omics (bile acid metabolomics, 16S rDNA sequencing, cecal metatranscriptomics) were performed in order to provide a simple in vivo model from which to identify network-based correlations between bile acids and bacterial transcripts in the presence and absence of dietary BBR. Significant alterations in network topology and connectedness in function were observed, despite similarity in gut microbial relative abundance between control and BBR treatment. BBR increased cecal bile acid concentrations and altered the taurocholic acid:tauro-β-muricholic acid ratio in the liver. Overall, analysis of correlation networks indicates both bacterial species-specific responses to BBR, as well as functional commonalities among species, such as up-regulation of Na+/H+ antiporter, cell wall synthesis/repair, carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism. Bile acid concentrations in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract increased significantly during berberine treatment and developed extensive correlation networks with expressed genes in the B4PC2 community. Conclusions: This work has important implications for interpreting the effects of berberine on structure and function of the complex gut microbiome, which may lead to targeted pharmaceutical interventions aimed to achieve the positive physiological effects previously observed with berberine supplementation.

AimsThymic tumours are rare in routine pathology practice. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) classification describes a number of well‐defined categories, the classification remains challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate the reproducibility of the WHO classification among a large group of international pathologists with expertise in thymic pathology and by using whole slide imaging to facilitate rapid diagnostic turnover.Methods and resultsThree hundred and five tumours, consisting of 90 biopsies and 215 resection specimens, were reviewed with a panel‐based virtual microscopy approach by a group of 13 pathologists with expertise in thymic tumours over a period of 6 years. The specimens were classified according to the WHO 2015 classification. The data were subjected to statistical analysis, and interobserver concordance (Fleiss kappa) was calculated. All cases were diagnosed within a time frame of 2 weeks. The overall level of agreement was substantial (κ = 0.6762), and differed slightly between resection specimens (κ = 0.7281) and biopsies (κ = 0.5955). When analysis was limited to thymomas only, and they were grouped according to the European Society for Medical Oncology Clinical Practice Guidelines into B2, B3 versus A, AB, B1 and B3 versus A, AB, B1, B2, the level of agreement decreased slightly (κ = 0.5506 and κ = 0.4929, respectively). Difficulties arose in distinguishing thymoma from thymic carcinoma. Within the thymoma subgroup, difficulties in distinction were seen within the B group.ConclusionsAgreement in diagnosing thymic lesions is substantial when they are assessed by pathologists with experience of these rare tumours. Digital pathology decreases the turnaround time and facilitates access to what is essentially a multinational resource. This platform provides a template for dealing with rare tumours for which expertise is sparse.

AbstractSevere cases of COVID-19 infection, often leading to death, have been associated with variants of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Cell therapy with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is a potential treatment for COVID-19 ARDS based on preclinical and clinical studies supporting the concept that MSCs modulate the inflammatory and remodeling processes and restore alveolo-capillary barriers. The authors performed a systematic literature review and random-effects meta-analysis to determine the potential value of MSC therapy for treating COVID-19-infected patients with ARDS. Publications in all languages from 1990 to March 31, 2020 were reviewed, yielding 2691 studies, of which nine were included. MSCs were intravenously or intratracheally administered in 117 participants, who were followed for 14 days to 5 years. All MSCs were allogeneic from bone marrow, umbilical cord, menstrual blood, adipose tissue, or unreported sources. Combined mortality showed a favorable trend but did not reach statistical significance. No related serious adverse events were reported and mild adverse events resolved spontaneously. A trend was found of improved radiographic findings, pulmonary function (lung compliance, tidal volumes, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, alveolo-capillary injury), and inflammatory biomarker levels. No comparisons were made between MSCs of different sources.Significance statement The potential benefits of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy for patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome support the rapid commencement of clinical trials, as well as the compassionate use of MSCs that already have documented safety profiles from FDA-approved studies.

9520 Background: Capmatinib (INC280) has shown promising efficacy in patients (pts) with MET exon 14 ( METex14)–mutated NSCLC who were pretreated (cohort 4) or treatment (tx)-naïve (cohort 5b) in the ongoing, multicohort, phase 2 GEOMETRY mono-1 study. We report the results for pts enrolled in the expansion cohort 6 with either high-level MET amplification (gene copy number [GCN] ≥10) or METex14 mutation (any MET GCN) whose disease progressed on 1 prior line of systemic therapy. Methods: Adult pts (≥18 years), ECOG PS 0–1 who had ALK and EGFR wt, stage IIIB/IV NSCLC (any histology) received capmatinib tablets 400 mg twice daily (with or without food). Key efficacy endpoints were overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR) by blinded independent review committee (BIRC) per RECIST v1.1. Other secondary endpoints included investigator-assessed ORR, DOR, disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS; BIRC and investigator assessment) and safety. Results: As of Jan 6, 2020, 34 NSCLC pts with METex14 mutation (n = 31) or high-level MET amplification (n = 3) were included in this analysis. Tx was ongoing for 38.2% of pts. In METex14-mutated NSCLC pts, per BIRC assessment: ORR was 48.4%, median DOR was 6.93 months (mo, not yet mature, 95% CI: 4.17–NE) and median PFS was 8.11 mo (not yet mature, 95% CI: 4.17–9.86). Investigator-assessed responses were similar to BIRC assessment (Table). Only 3 pts with high-level MET amplification were included in this cohort due to challenges in enrollment. All 3 pts had stable disease per BIRC assessment and were on treatment for 48, 85 and 97 days. Most common AEs (≥25%, all grades, N = 34) were peripheral edema (64.7%), nausea (35.3%), fatigue (29.4%), back pain (26.5%) and vomiting (26.5%). Data for pts with brain metastasis will be presented at the ASCO 2020 meeting. Conclusions: Capmatinib was confirmed to be efficacious in 2nd line, METex14-mutated NSCLC pts. This is the first cohort where capmatinib has been administered without fasting restriction and data confirm the favorable safety profile. Clinical trial information: NCT02414139 . [Table: see text]

e20506 Background: Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) prolongs survival in patients with light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Mayo 2012 stage and increased plasma cell percentage (%PC) are known predictors for survival. Increased beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) predicts survival in patients with multiple myeloma. However, its prognostic effect in patients with AL amyloidosis undergoing ASCT is not known. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who had a diagnosis of AL amyloidosis and were treated with ASCT between July-1996 and September-2017. Patients with creatinine > 1.2 mg/dL were excluded, as that affects B2M levels. The receiver operator curve was used to determine the best cutoff for B2M in predicting survival and was 2.5 mcg/mL. Baseline characteristics were compared between patients with B2M > 2.5 and ≤2.5. Progression-free survival (PFS) was defined as time from ASCT to relapse or death, whichever occurred first. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from ASCT to death of any cause. Univariate and multivariate analysis were done for OS. Results: Five-hundred patients were identified and 222 (44%) had a B2M > 2.5. These patients were more likely to be > 65 years old (32% vs. 17%, P = 0.0001), have Mayo 2012 stage III/IV (33% vs. 8%, P < 0.0001), have ≥3 organs involved (25% vs. 14%, P = 0.001), and have ≥10% PCs (56% vs. 40%, P = 0.0002) compared to patients with B2M ≤2.5. The median PFS and OS were shorter in patients with B2M > 2.5 (median PFS: 64 vs. 80 months, P = 0.03); (median OS: 104.9 vs. 175.5 months, P < 0.0001). On univariate analysis, predictors for OS included age > 65 (HR: 1.6, P = 0.001), Mayo 2012 stage III/IV (HR: 3.3, P < 0.0001), ≥3 organs involved (HR: 1.3, P = 0.06), ≥10% PC (HR: 1.5, P = 0.004), melphalan conditioning 200mg/m2 (HR: 0.28, P < 0.0001), and B2M > 2.5 (HR: 1.8, P < 0.0001). In a multivariate analysis, only Mayo 2012 stage III/IV (HR: 1.8, P = 0.006), melphalan conditioning 200mg/m2 (HR: 0.35, P < 0.0001), and B2M > 2.5 (HR: 1.7, P = 0.01) remained independent predictive of OS. Conclusions: Beta-2 microglobulin > 2.5 is an independent predictor for OS in AL amyloidosis patients undergoing ASCT and should be routinely measured.

Background Higher serum intact fibroblast growth factor 23 (iFGF23) was associated with disease progression in participants with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in the HALT-PKD Studies. PKD mutation is also an important determinant of progression. We hypothesized that serum levels of iFGF23 and vitamin D metabolites (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH) 2 D] and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25[OH]D]) differ according to ADPKD mutation and differentially predict clinical end points according to genotype (significant interaction between genotype and mineral metabolites). Methods A total of 864 individuals with ADPKD who participated in the HALT-PKD Study A or B and had measurements of mineral metabolites (1,25[OH] 2 D, 25[OH]D, iFGF23) were categorized by PKD mutation (PKD1 truncating, PKD1 nontruncating, PKD2, or no mutation detected [NMD]). The association of the interactions of genotype × iFGF23, genotype × 1,25(OH)2D, and genotype × 25(OH)D with ( 1 ) annualized change in eGFR; ( 2 ) mean annualized percentage change in height-corrected total kidney volume (Study A only); and ( 3 ) time to a composite of 50% reduction in eGFR, ESKD, or death were evaluated using linear regression and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results Median (interquartile range) iFGF23 differed (PKD1 truncating, 55.8 [40.7–76.8]; PKD1 nontruncating, 49.9 [37.7–71.0]; PKD2, 49.0 [33.8–70.5]; NMD, 50.3 [39.7–67.4] pg/ml; P =0.03) and mean±SD 1,25(OH) 2 D differed (PKD1 truncating, 32.8±12.8; PKD1 nontruncating, 33.4±12.5; PKD2, 34.1±13.1; NMD, 38.0±14.6 pg/ml; P =0.02) according to PKD genotype. There was a significant interaction between iFGF23 and genotype ( P =0.02) for the composite end point in fully adjusted models, but no significant interaction between 1,25(OH) 2 D or 25(OH)D and genotype for clinical end points. Conclusions ADPKD genotype interacts significantly with FGF23 to influence clinical end points. Whereas the worst outcomes were in individuals with a PKD1-truncating or -nontruncating mutation and the highest iFGF23 tertile, risk of the composite end point differed according to iFGF23 the most in the PKD1-nontruncating and PKD2 groups.

Purpose To identify risk factors for opioid consumption after arthroscopic meniscectomy using a large national database. Methods Patients undergoing primary arthroscopic meniscectomy from 2007 to 2016 were retrospectively accessed from the Humana database. Patients were categorized as those who filled opioid prescriptions within 3 months (OU), within 1 month (A‐OU), between 1 and 3 months (C‐OU), and never filled opioid prescriptions (N‐OU) before surgery. Rates of opioid use were evaluated preoperatively and longitudinally tracked for each cohort. Prolonged opioid use was defined as continued opioid prescription filling at ≥3 months after surgery. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with opioid refills at 12 months after surgery. Results There were 88,120 patients (53.7% female) who underwent arthroscopic meniscectomy, of whom 46.1% (n = 39,078) were N‐OU. About a quarter (25.3%) of patients continued filling opioid prescriptions at 1 year postoperatively. In addition, opioid fill rate at 1 year was significantly greater in the OU group compared with the N‐OU group with a relative risk of 2.89 (40.7% vs 14.1%; 95% confidence interval 2.81‐2.98; P < .0001). Multiple logistic regression model identified C‐OU (odds ratio 3.67; 95% confidence interval 3.53‐3.82; P < .0001) as the strongest predictor of opioid use at 12 months postoperatively. Furthermore, male sex, A‐OU, knee osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, fibromyalgia, anxiety or depression, alcohol use disorder, and tobacco use ( P < .02 for all) had significantly increased odds of opioid use at 12 months postoperatively. However, patients <40 years ( P < .0001) had significantly decreased odds of opioid use 12 months postoperatively. Conclusions Preoperative opioid filling is a significant risk factor for opioid use at 12 months postoperatively. Male sex, preexisting knee osteoarthritis, and diagnosis of anxiety or depression were independent risk factors for opioid use 12 months following arthroscopic meniscectomy. Level of Evidence Level‐III, Retrospective Cohort Study.

Abstract Introduction: The Bone Marrow Transplant Program at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota) developed a multidisciplinary approach (involving physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and financial specialists) for outpatient management of patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. This approach uses an electronic ordering system for diagnostic tests and chemotherapy to minimize medical errors. Table. Patient Characteristics (N=716) Characteristic Value Male, no. of patients (%) 426 (59) Age, median (IQR), y 59 (53–65) Creatinine, median (IQR), mg/dL 1.0 (0.9–1.2) b2-Microglobulin, median (IQR), mcg/mL 2.5 (1.9–3.7) Gammopathies, no. of patients (%) Measured by serum immunofixation or immunoelectrophoresis IgA 148 (21) IgG 414 (58) IgM 6 (1) IgD 12 (2) Light chain 83 (12) Biclonal 6 (1) None 47 (7) Measured by urine immunofixation or immunoelectrophoresis k light chain 402 (56) l light chain 226 (32) Biclonal 1 (0) None 79 (11) Not performed (anuric) 8 (1) Status at stem cell transplant, no. of patients (%) Untreated 4 (1) Plateau 436 (61) Primary refractory 113 (16) Relapse after therapy 93 (13) Relapse during therapy 70 (10) Characteristic Value CD34+ cells, median (IQR), ×106/kg Collected, no. 10.0 (7.6–12.6) Infused, no. 4.7 (3.9–6.2) Sessions of apheresis, median (IQR) 3 (2–5) Engraftment, median (IQR), days after transplantation Neutrophils, 0.5×109/L 13 (12–15) Platelets, 50×109/L 16 (14–22) Duration of hospitalization, median (IQR), d 4 (0–10) Abbreviation: IQR, interquartile range. Results: During a 45-month period after implementation of the program (2005-Sept 2007), the day-100 survival rate was 99.5% for low-risk myeloma patients (transplantation during first plateau; n=202) and 97% for high-risk myeloma patients (refractory, relapsing or second or greater plateau; n=71). The overall day-100 survival rate was 99%(270/273). Analysis of hospitalization trends since inception of the program showed that 39% of patients completed the transplant procedure as outpatients. The median duration of hospitalization for all patients was 4 days; age and serum creatinine levels were predictive of the need for and duration of hospitalization Conclusion: Outpatient stem cell transplantation is feasible for patients with multiple myeloma with a therapy mortality of 1%. Nearly 40% of our patients completed the procedure without hospitalization. Age and serum creatinine levels predicted a higher likelihood of hospitalization. Implementation of out patient transplant requires affordable housing in the community since many third party payers do not support hotel costs despite the reduction of hospital days. The hospital physical plant and patient registration process has to support use of designated hospital rooms for purely out patient practice. The transplant team must have process owners to standardize across all disease categories collection protocols, conditioning regimens, infusion SOP’s and post infusion supportive care guidelines for standard antibiotics, narcotics, laboratory work and transfusion thresholds. A care team meeting between physicians, nursing, dietary, pharmacy, business office, data base and appointment coordinators is essential to coordinate all the multidisciplinary efforts. Kaplan-Meier curve shows the percentage of patients remaining in the hospital through time t, stratified on the basis of age greater than or less than or equal to 65 years Kaplan-Meier curve shows the percentage of patients remaining in the hospital through time t, stratified on the basis of age greater than or less than or equal to 65 years Kaplan-Meier curve shows the percentage of patients remaining in the hospital through time t, stratified on the basis of creatinine greater than or equal to or less than 1.5mg/dL Kaplan-Meier curve shows the percentage of patients remaining in the hospital through time t, stratified on the basis of creatinine greater than or equal to or less than 1.5mg/dL

Abstract Background: High dose melphalan & autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation is increasingly utilized for primary systemic amyloidosis (AL). PBSC mobilization with filgrastim is safe in various patient & normal donor populations. While there is a case report of filgrastim-induced fatal pulmonary edema in an AL patient undergoing PBSC mobilization, we elucidate the incidence & magnitude of fluid-related complications in this patient population, describe the management & outcomes, & identify features predictive of risk. Methods: IRB approval & patient consent were obtained prior to review of medical records for all adult Mayo Clinic AL patients who underwent PBSC mobilization with filgrastim 10 mcg/kg once daily from 7/98 – 8/03. Three patient episodes were excluded: 1 refused consent & 2 had a 2nd PBSC mobilization & were included once. A fluid-related complication was defined as documented increased fluid retention (peripheral edema, pleural effusion or ascites) or use of additional therapy (diuretics, albumin or dopamine) to facilitate diuresis. Results: Sixty-three of 123 patients (51%) developed a fluid-related complication. Significant interventions were needed during mobilization & prior to PBSC transplant, including admission to ICU (n=3), hemodialysis to manage fluid status (n=3), paracentesis (n=2), & thoracentesis (n=3), including one requiring chest tube placement & pleurodesis. Patients with complications had more hospitalizations during PBSC mobilization compared to those that did not (24 vs 6; p=0.001); with 20 of 24 directly related to fluid status. While not statistically significant, the complications group was more likely to fail to collect adequate PBSC or have mobilization prematurely discontinued (6 vs 2; p=0.32). One patient in each group died suddenly during mobilization. Characteristics Predictive of Fluid-related Complications Patients with Fluid-Related Complications N (%) p-value AL Organ Involvement 1 vs 2 vs 3 23/58 (40%) 26/45 (58%) 14/20 (70%) 0.01 Kidney: yes vs no 48/85 (57%) 15/38 (40%) 0.08 Heart: yes vs no 41/61 (67%) 22/62 (35%) 0.0004 Baseline edema: yes vs no 47/77 (61%) 16/46 (35%) 0.005 Diuretic: 0 vs 1 vs &gt;1 15/52 (29%) 37/59 (63%) 11/12 (92%) &lt;0.0001 Albumin: ≤ 2 vs &gt; 2 mg/dL 18/24 (75%) 45/99 (45%) 0.009 On univariate analysis patients with complications had increased septal wall thickness (median 13 vs 12 mm, p=0.05), increased total urinary protein (median 3.698 vs 2.9575 g/day, p=0.04), & lower serum albumin (median 2.8 vs 3.3 mg/dL, p=0.005). Via multivariate regression patients with albumin &lt; 2 mg/dL had an OR=3.8 (CI 1.2 – 13.6), those with cardiac AL had an OR=5.5 (CI 2.2 – 15.4), & patients utilizing diuretics at baseline had an OR=12.1 (CI 2.8 – 61.2) for the likelihood of complications. Patients with fluid-related complications during mobilization had a lower survival rate at 100 days (78 vs 92%, p=0.003) & 1 year after PBSC transplantation (65 vs 91%, p=0.003). Conclusions: Over 50% of AL patients who undergo PBSC mobilization with filgrastim 10 mcg/kg once daily develop clinically significant fluid retention & subsequent complications. Cardiac AL, hypoalbuminemia, & diuretic use prior to filgrastim administration were more likely to develop complications. Fluid-related complications during PBSC mobilization are associated with poorer survival after transplantation for AL.