ABSTRACT
Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on myocardial perfusion scans (MPS) during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Method(s): We respectively reviewed single photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion scans (SPECT-MPS) performed between June and September 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Nuclear Medicine Research Center at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The findings of stress SPECT-MPS studies acquired in the corresponding months of 2019 were also evaluated for direct comparison. Result(s): In COVID-19 pandemic compared to period prior to the pandemic, no difference was observed in terms of age range of patients under study or their cardiovascular risk factors, except smoking which underwent a significant increase during the COVID-19 pandemic ( 19% vs. 13% , p = 0.009). While the number of patients with non-angina (19% vs. 31%, p = 0.000) or typical (11% vs. 19%, p = 0.000) chest pain significantly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, atypical (42% vs. 25%, p = 0.000) chest pain cases showed an increasing number. By considering pretest probability of the patients (high, intermediate and low/very low), during the COVID-19 period, cases of high pretest probability decreased (6% vs. 18%, p = 0.000) and intermediate pretest probability patients also increased (64% vs. 55%, p = 0.005) while low/very low pretest probability cases showed no changes between the two periods. All types of MPS stress tests in the COVID-19 period were pharmacological compared to exercise stress test. No statistically significant difference on the myocardial ischemia or cardiomyopathy between patients between the two periods was observed. Summed stress score (SSS) and summed rest score (SRS) was similar over the two periods,while summed difference score (SDS) significantly increased over the course of COVID-19, confirming a non- increasing pattern of myocardial ischemia. Conclusion(s): Previous research underscores the fact that the number of stress SPECT-MPS studies was significantly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the corresponding months prior to the pandemic [1, 2]. Our study concluded that all types of MPS stress tests in the COVID-19 period were pharmacological. This is due to the fact that all related recommendations published in the literature [3] highlighted the avoidance of exercise stress tests during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the risk of droplet exposure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients in two ends of the spectrum (e.g., non-angina & typical chest pain) were referred less for MPS. However, patients in the middle of the spectrum (e.g., atypical chest pain) underwentMPS less frequently. Myocardial ischemia and cardiomyopathy were not decreased or increased in patients over the COVID-19 period.
ABSTRACT
In Lebanon, with COVID-19 cases escalating and national efforts exhausted in the contain-ment of the pandemic, calls were made for increased awareness, scientific literacy, and the debunking of false information. This article sheds light on the positive role that a private University can play in spreading scientifically-authenticated, health-related, awareness through the community. The Lebanese International University (LIU) has 9 campuses distributed across all Lebanese Governorates with an extensive communications platform that takes advantage of LIU's website, University Management Sys-tem, several Facebook pages with thousands of followers, and many WhatsApp groups. LIU has over 34,000 undergraduate and graduate students, in addition to a little over a thousand faculty and staff members. The University capitalized on this extensive network to play a positive role in delivering authenticated health-related information to the University's greater community. A health committee comprised of multidisciplinary educators, mostly from the fields of medicine and health sciences, was established to act as a health advisory panel to the University Council and to raise awareness among the University's larger community. An extensive health awareness campaign was launched through activities and the sharing of the material of different formats aimed at providing accurate information on infection prevention, and disseminating authentic and accurate health-related guidelines and recommendations during the pandemic. This compendium aims to summarize the role of the health committee in meeting the various challenges created by the emergence of COVID-19 in our community, and highlights its influence and future perspectives.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.
ABSTRACT
A 56-year-old woman with new-onset aphasia and mood changes was diagnosed with a left temporal mass. The surgery was done. She was referred for a trial of post-operative study of in vivo evaluation of CXCR4 expression using [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor (Pars-CixaforTM) PET/CT in high-grade glioma. The imaging from the brain revealed no evidence of tumoral remnant. Furthermore, the patient represented positive COVID-19 PCR about 4 weeks prior to the study. Surprisingly, mild diffuse uptake was noted in the base and periphery of both lungs with ground glass opacities (GGO) and consolidations (SUVmax = 2.60) with CXCR4-avid hilar lymph nodes (SUVmax up to 3.42).Copyright © 2023 The Authors.
ABSTRACT
Aim/Introduction: While COVID-19 infection is associated with the increased risk of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), it may also affects the lungs that causes ventilation-perfusion (VQ) patterns other than PTE. Although extensive research has been done to address different anatomical patterns of COVID-19, there is a knowledge gap in terms of VQ lung scintigraphy in these patients. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate these patterns and to show how important it is to use SPECT/CT in addition to planar images to differ these patterns from PTE [1, 2, 3]. Material(s) and Method(s): We collected lung scans performed in 64 patients with history of past/recent COVID-19 infection (in the preceding 1.5 years) who were referred for VQ scintigraphy. The scan was performed using Q-SPECT/Q-planar (26.6%), Q-SPECT/CT (42.2%), VQ-SPECT (14%) and VQ-SPECT/CT (17.2%). Interpretation was based on the EANM criteria. Result(s): Of these patients 10 (15.6%) had positive scan for PTE. Moreover, in 49 (76.6%) of these patients, anatomical abnormalities were observed compatible with COVID-19 infection. The patterns seen were as follows: 1) apparent hot spot due to focal sparing of lung, 2) zones of decreased and increased perfusion, 3) zones of normal and increased perfusion, 4) small sub-segmental defects matching with CT findings, and 5) reverse mismatched defects. Also, a case of loculated pleural effusion in CT with Q abnormalities was observed. Conclusion(s): Lung perfusion abnormalities are common findings in COVID-19 patients. They are usually either due to pulmonary embolism, parenchymal infiltrates, or other causes of mosaic attenuation related to, but not specific of the pathophysiology of COVID-19 infection. The value of VQ SPECT/CT imaging to detect and differentiate the various types of Q abnormalities was noticeable.
ABSTRACT
Aim/Introduction: While COVID-19 infection is associated with the increased risk of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), it may also affects the lungs that causes ventilation-perfusion (VQ) patterns other than PTE. Although extensive research has been done to address different anatomical patterns of COVID-19, there is a knowledge gap in terms of VQ lung scintigraphy in these patients. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate these patterns and to show how important it is to use SPECT/CT in addition to planar images to differ these patterns from PTE [1, 2, 3]. Material(s) and Method(s): We collected lung scans performed in 64 patients with history of past/recent COVID-19 infection (in the preceding 1.5 years) who were referred for VQ scintigraphy. The scan was performed using Q-SPECT/Q-planar (26.6%), Q-SPECT/CT (42.2%), VQ-SPECT (14%) and VQ-SPECT/CT (17.2%). Interpretation was based on the EANM criteria. Result(s): Of these patients 10 (15.6%) had positive scan for PTE. Moreover, in 49 (76.6%) of these patients, anatomical abnormalities were observed compatible with COVID-19 infection. The patterns seen were as follows: 1) apparent hot spot due to focal sparing of lung, 2) zones of decreased and increased perfusion, 3) zones of normal and increased perfusion, 4) small sub-segmental defects matching with CT findings, and 5) reverse mismatched defects. Also, a case of loculated pleural effusion in CT with Q abnormalities was observed. Conclusion(s): Lung perfusion abnormalities are common findings in COVID-19 patients. They are usually either due to pulmonary embolism, parenchymal infiltrates, or other causes of mosaic attenuation related to, but not specific of the pathophysiology of COVID-19 infection. The value of VQ SPECT/CT imaging to detect and differentiate the various types of Q abnormalities was noticeable.
ABSTRACT
G protein-coupled receptor family C group 5 member D (GPRC5D) has limited expression in healthy human tissue but is highly expressed in malignant plasma cells, making it a promising target for immunotherapy approaches for MM. Talquetamab (JNJ-64407564) is a first-in-class bispecific antibody that binds to both GPRC5D and CD3 receptors to redirect T cells to kill MM cells. Updated and new results of talquetamab at the recommended phase 2 doses (RP2Ds) are reported (NCT03399799). Eligible patients had RRMM or were intolerant to standard therapies. Patients who were previously treated with B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed therapies were eligible. This analysis focuses on patients who received talquetamab subcutaneously (SC;range: 5.0-800 μg/kg) weekly (QW) or biweekly (Q2W) with step-up dosing. The primary objectives were to identify the RP2D (part 1) and assess talquetamab safety and tolerability at the RP2Ds (part 2). Adverse events (AEs) were graded by CTCAE v4.03;cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was graded per Lee et al 2014 criteria. Responses were investigator-assessed per IMWG criteria. As of July 19, 2021, 95 patients had received SC talquetamab. The original RP2D was 405 μg/kg SC talquetamab QW with step-up doses, and a second RP2D of 800 μg/kg SC talquetamab Q2W with step-up doses was also identified. 30 patients received 405 μg/kg QW (median 61.5 years [range 46-80];63% male;100% triple-class exposed;80% penta-drug exposed;77% triple-class refractory, 20% penta-drug refractory;30% prior BCMA-directed therapy;median follow-up [mF/U]: 7.5 mo [range 0.9-15.2]). 23 patients received 800 μg/kg Q2W (median 60.0 years [range 47-84];48% male;96% triple-class exposed;70% penta-drug exposed;65% triple-class refractory, 22% penta-drug refractory;17% prior BCMA-directed therapy;mF/U: 3.7 mo [range 0.0-12.0]). No treatment discontinuations due to AEs were reported at either RP2Ds. Most common AEs at the 405 μg/kg QW were CRS (73%;1 grade 3 CRS), neutropenia (67%;grade 3/4: 60%), and dysgeusia (60%;grade 2: 29%). Skin-related AEs occurred in 77% of patients and were all grade 1/2 (nail disorders: 30%). Infections occurred in 37% of patients (1 grade 3 COVID-19 pneumonia). Most common AEs at 800 μg/kg Q2W were CRS (78%;all grade 1/2), dry mouth (44%;all grade 1/2), and neutropenia (44%;grade 3/4: 35%). Skin-related AEs occurred in 65% of patients with grade 3 events in 13% (nail disorders: 17%). Infections occurred in 13% of patients (1 grade 3 pneumococcal sepsis). In 30 response-evaluable patients treated at 405 μg/kg QW, the overall response rate (ORR) was 70% (very good partial response or better [≥VGPR]: 57%). In 17 response-evaluable patients treated at 800 μg/ kg Q2W, the ORR was 71% (≥VGPR: 53%). Responses were durable and deepened over time with both RP2Ds (Figure). Median duration of response (DOR) was not reached at either RP2D;6-month DOR rate was 67% (95% CI: 41-84) at 405 μg/kg QW. Serum trough levels of talquetamab were comparable at both RP2Ds. Pharmacodynamic data at both RP2Ds showed peripheral T cell activation and induction of cytokines. SC talquetamab is well tolerated and highly effective at both RP2Ds. Preliminary data suggest that less frequent, higher doses of SC talquetamab do not negatively impact the safety profile. Further evaluation of talquetamab as monotherapy (phase 2;NCT04634552) and in combination with other therapies in patients with RRMM is underway. (Figure Presented) .
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Despite recent advances in treatment, patients with multiple myeloma (MM) continue to relapse. G protein-coupled receptor family C group 5 member D (GPRC5D) is a promising target for immunotherapy in patients with MM due to its high expression in malignant plasma cells and limited expression in normal human tissue;unlike other antigens targeted by MM therapies, there is no indication that GPRC5D sheds into the periphery. Talquetamab (JNJ-64407564) is a first-in-class bispecific IgG4 antibody that redirects T cells to kill MM cells by binding to both GPRC5D and CD3 receptors. Here we report updated and new results of talquetamab at the recommended phase 2 doses (RP2Ds) from a phase 1 trial in relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM;NCT03399799). Methods: Eligible patients with MM had relapsed or refractory disease or were intolerant to standard therapies;patients previously treated with B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed therapies were eligible. This analysis focuses on patients who received talquetamab subcutaneously (SC;range 5.0-800 µg/kg) weekly or biweekly. Step-up dosing was used as a patient management strategy to minimize the severity of cytokine release syndrome (CRS). The primary objectives were to identify the RP2D (part 1) and assess talquetamab safety and tolerability at the RP2Ds (part 2). Adverse events (AEs) were graded by CTCAE v4.03 with CRS events graded per Lee et al 2014 criteria. Responses were investigator-assessed per International Myeloma Working Group criteria. Results: As of July 19, 2021, 95 patients have received SC talquetamab. The RP2D was originally identified as a weekly SC dose of 405 µg/kg talquetamab with step-up doses. However, alternative dosing schedules that require less frequent administration continue to be investigated. A biweekly RP2D was also identified as an SC dose of 800 µg/kg talquetamab with step-up doses. 30 patients received the 405 µg/kg weekly dosing schedule (median age: 61.5 years [range 46-80];63% male;100% triple-class exposed;80% penta-drug exposed;77% triple-class refractory, 20% penta-drug refractory;30% prior BCMA-directed therapy;median follow-up: 7.5 mo [range 0.9-15.2]). 23 patients received the 800 µg/kg biweekly dosing schedule (median age: 60.0 years [range 47-84];48% male;96% triple-class exposed;70% penta-drug exposed;65% triple-class refractory, 22% penta-drug refractory;17% prior BCMA-directed therapy;median follow-up 3.7 mo [range 0.0-12.0]). There were no treatment discontinuations due to AEs at either of the RP2Ds. The most common AEs at the 405 µg/kg weekly dose were CRS (73%;1 patient had grade 3 CRS), neutropenia (67%;grade 3/4: 60%), and dysgeusia (60%;grade 2: 29%);skin-related AEs occurred in 77% (all grade 1/2;nail disorders: 30%) of patients, and infections occurred in 37% of patients (1 patient had grade 3 COVID-19 pneumonia). The most common AEs at the 800 µg/kg biweekly dose were CRS (78%;all grade 1/2), dry mouth (44%;all grade 1/2), and neutropenia (44%;grade 3/4: 35%);skin-related AEs occurred in 65% of patients (grade 3: 13%;nail disorders: 17%) and infections occurred in 13% of patients (1 patient had grade 3 pneumococcal sepsis). In 30 response-evaluable patients treated with the 405 µg/kg weekly dose, the overall response rate (ORR) was 70% (very good partial response or better [≥VGPR] rate: 57%). In 17 response-evaluable patients treated with the 800 µg/kg biweekly dose, the ORR was 71% (≥VGPR rate: 53%). Responses were durable and deepened over time in both cohorts (Figure). Median duration of response (DOR) was not reached at either RP2D;the 6-month DOR rate for patients who received the 405 µg/kg weekly dose was 67% [95% CI: 41-84]. Serum trough levels of talquetamab were comparable at both RP2Ds. Consistent with the mechanism of action for talquetamab, pharmacodynamic data from cohorts treated at both dose levels showed peripheral T-cell activation and induction of cytokines. Conclusions: These findings indicate that SC talquetamab is well tolerated and highly effective at both RP2Ds. Preliminary data from the 800 µg/kg biweekly cohorts indicate that less frequent, higher doses of SC talquetamab do not have a negative impact on the previously described safety profile. Further investigation of talquetamab as monotherapy (phase 2;NCT04634552) and in combination with other therapies in patients with RRMM is underway. [Formula presented] Disclosures: Krishnan: MAGENTA: Consultancy;BMS: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Speakers Bureau;JANSSEN: Consultancy, Research Funding;City of Hope Cancer Center: Current Employment;REGENERON: Consultancy;SANOFI: Consultancy;GSK: Consultancy;Amgen: Speakers Bureau. Minnema: Celgene: Other: Travel expenses;Alnylam: Consultancy;Cilag: Consultancy;BMS: Consultancy;Janssen: Consultancy;Kite/Gilead: Consultancy. Berdeja: Lilly, Novartis: Research Funding;Abbvie, Acetylon, Amgen: Research Funding;Celularity, CRISPR Therapeutics: Research Funding;EMD Sorono, Genentech: Research Funding;Poseida, Sanofi, Teva: Research Funding;Bluebird bio, BMS, Celgene, CRISPR Therapeutics, Janssen, Kite Pharma, Legend Biotech, SecuraBio, Takeda: Consultancy;GSK, Ichnos Sciences, Incyte: Research Funding. Oriol: Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Karyopharm: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Oncopeptides: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;BMS/Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. van de Donk: Roche: Consultancy;Takeda: Consultancy;Cellectis: Research Funding;Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding;Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding;BMS/Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria;Novartis /bayer/servier: Consultancy. Rodriguez-Otero: Clínica Universidad de Navarra: Current Employment;Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Celgene-BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Pfizer: Consultancy;Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Kite: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Amgen: Honoraria;Regeneron: Honoraria. Askari: Janssen: Research Funding. Mateos: Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Sea-Gen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Regeneron: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Amgen: 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;Celgene - Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Adaptive Biotechnologies: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Oncopeptides: Honoraria;Bluebird bio: Honoraria;AbbVie: Honoraria;GSK: Honoraria;Oncopeptides: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Costa: BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding;Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau;Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria;Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria;Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Burea . Verona: Janssen: Current Employment. Ma: Janssen: Current Employment, Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company. Girgis: Janssen: Current Employment, Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company. Yang: Janssen: Current Employment. Hilder: Janssen: Current Employment, Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company. Russell: Janssen: Ended employment in the past 24 months. Goldberg: Janssen: Current Employment, Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company. Chari: Shattuck Labs: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Seattle Genetics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding;Millenium/Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding;Sanofi Genzyme: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Karyopharm: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;BMS/Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding;Antengene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding;Amgen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding;Pharmacyclics: Research Funding;Secura Bio: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Oncopeptides: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;AbbVie: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees;Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding;Genentech: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisorycommittees;Janssen Oncology: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A big difficulty in today's world, the Coronavirus has affected all industries and man's life. The disease is caused by a type of the Coronavirus known as COVID-19. A living activated complex, the body is capable of offering various reactions from the defense system against the virus. It should be noted that the most important reaction of the body to the virus involves an activation of the cytotoxic T-shaped cells, which can destroy infected cells as a result of their activity. A more accurate recognition of the cytokine storm mechanism in this disease can greatly contribute to its treatment. In the present study, we investigated the use of IL-10, IL-6, IL-2, and TNF-alpha cytokines in patients with severe conditions at the Intensive Care Unit, and compared that to the real-time PCR method used to relieve the disease in patients. METHODS: We analyzed 30 blood samples from patients with severe conditions and 30 from cured ones using relative real-time RT-PCR, the results of which were subject to statistical analysis using SPSS 20. Moreover, groups of the same age were compared using the t-test. RESULTS: The results showed that age in groups with severe symptoms that were hospitalized in the ICU and people recovering from the disease did not have a significant effect. There was an increase in the expression of IL-10, IL-6, IL-2, and TNF-alpha cytokine genes in the peripheral blood of patients admitted to the ICU compared with those with recovered disease, and there was a significant difference (P value <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The numerical value of fold change for the cytokine genes of IL-10, IL-6, IL-2, and TNF-alpha in patients admitted to the ICU, compared to recovered patients are 1.28, 1.12, 1.30, 1.22 respectively.
ABSTRACT
This article provides an overview of the state of research on social media and education in the twenty-first century. We begin with a synthesis of recent literature reviews to provide context for the articles within this special issue of the American Journal of Education titled “#Cloud2Class: The Disruption and Reorganization of Educational Resources with Social Media.” Next, we introduce each of the four articles and two commentaries in the issue, highlighting their intersections. We conclude with a synthesis of three themes that run across the articles. Together, these articles illuminate the disruption and reorganization of education in the age of social media, forefront critical evaluation of social media’s challenges to education, and off-practical reflections on the future of education during an emergency, such as the global health crisis in 2020 posed by the novel coronavirus—COVID-19. © 2020 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
We aimed to determine the characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) among the Iranian population. In this study, we collected and analysed the demographics, laboratory findings and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to Masih Daneshvari Hospital in Tehran, Iran between 20 February 2020 and 2 April 2020. Among 1061 patients, 692 (65.2%) were male and the median age was 55 years (interquartile range (IQR), 44-66 years). Totally, 129 (12.2%) patients died during hospitalization in the ward or intensive care unit. From the remaining 932 individuals, 46 (5.0%) were admitted to the intensive care unit and 886 (95.0%) were hospitalized in the ward. Those patients who died were significantly older than those hospitalized in the ward (p < 0.001). The median absolute number of lymphocytes was 1.2 × 103/µL (IQR 0.9 × 103 to 1.6 × 103/µL) and 708 (66.7%) patients had lymphopenia (absolute lymphocyte count <1500/µL). Among the laboratory tests, D-dimer, serum ferritin and albumin had the strongest correlations with mortality (r = 0.455, r = 0.412, r = -0.406, respectively; p < 0.001 for each one). In conclusion, laboratory findings could provide useful information with regard to the management of individuals with COVID-19.