Effect of cannabidiol on apoptosis and cellular interferon and interferon-stimulated gene responses to the SARS-CoV-2 genes ORF8, ORF10 and M protein.

AIMS: To study effects on cellular innate immune responses to ORF8, ORF10, and Membrane protein (M protein) from the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19, in combination with cannabidiol (CBD). MAIN METHODS: HEK293 cells transfected with plasmids expressing control vector, ORF8, ORF10, or M protein were assayed for cell number and markers of apoptosis at 24 h, and interferon and interferon-stimulated gene expression at 14 h, with or without CBD. Cells transfected with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly (I:C)) were also studied as a general model of RNA-type viral infection. KEY FINDINGS: Reduced cell number and increased early and late apoptosis were found when expression of viral genes was combined with 1-2 µM CBD treatment, but not in control-transfected cells treated with CBD, or in cells expressing viral genes but treated only with vehicle. In cells expressing viral genes, CBD augmented expression of IFNγ, IFNλ1 and IFNλ2/3, as well as the 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) family members OAS1, OAS2, OAS3, and OASL. CBD also augmented expression of these genes in control cells not expressing viral genes, but without enhancing apoptosis. CBD similarly enhanced the cellular anti-viral response to Poly (I:C). SIGNIFICANCE: Our results demonstrate a poor ability of HEK293 cells to respond to SARS-CoV-2 genes alone, but an augmented innate anti-viral response to these genes in the presence of CBD. Thus, CBD may prime components of the innate immune system, increasing readiness to respond to RNA-type viral infection without activating apoptosis, and could be studied for potential in prophylaxis.

The 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours: Lymphoid Neoplasms.

We herein present an overview of the upcoming 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours focussing on lymphoid neoplasms. Myeloid and histiocytic neoplasms will be presented in a separate accompanying article. Besides listing the entities of the classification, we highlight and explain changes from the revised 4th edition. These include reorganization of entities by a hierarchical system as is adopted throughout the 5th edition of the WHO classification of tumours of all organ systems, modification of nomenclature for some entities, revision of diagnostic criteria or subtypes, deletion of certain entities, and introduction of new entities, as well as inclusion of tumour-like lesions, mesenchymal lesions specific to lymph node and spleen, and germline predisposition syndromes associated with the lymphoid neoplasms.

Effect of cannabidiol on apoptosis and cellular interferon and interferon-stimulated gene responses to the SARS-CoV-2 genes ORF8, ORF10 and M protein

Aims To study effects on cellular innate immune responses to ORF8, ORF10, and Membrane protein (M protein) from the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19, in combination with cannabidiol (CBD). Main methods HEK293 cells transfected with plasmids expressing control vector, ORF8, ORF10, or M protein were assayed for cell number and markers of apoptosis at 24 h, and interferon and interferon-stimulated gene expression at 14 h, with or without CBD. Cells transfected with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly (I:C)) were also studied as a general model of RNA-type viral infection. Key findings Reduced cell number and increased early and late apoptosis were found when expression of viral genes was combined with 1–2 μM CBD treatment, but not in control-transfected cells treated with CBD, or in cells expressing viral genes but treated only with vehicle. In cells expressing viral genes, CBD augmented expression of IFNγ, IFNλ1 and IFNλ2/3, as well as the 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) family members OAS1, OAS2, OAS3, and OASL. CBD also augmented expression of these genes in control cells not expressing viral genes, but without enhancing apoptosis. CBD similarly enhanced the cellular anti-viral response to Poly (I:C). Significance Our results demonstrate a poor ability of HEK293 cells to respond to SARS-CoV-2 genes alone, but an augmented innate anti-viral response to these genes in the presence of CBD. Thus, CBD may prime components of the innate immune system, increasing readiness to respond to RNA-type viral infection without activating apoptosis, and could be studied for potential in prophylaxis.

Widening cancer care disparities in the adoption of telemedicine during COVID 19: who is left behind?

To determine the racial disparities in oncology visits of racial minorities before and after COVID-19. Data were obtained from the electronic health records, a multi-specialty healthcare system serving a racially/ethnically diverse patient population in northern California. The study cohort included patients who had at least one oncology visit from January 2019 to August 2020. We examined the trends in the volume of oncology office visits and adoption of video visits during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic period. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were performed to examine variability in use of video visits by specific patient characteristics (sex, age, race/ethnicity and language barrier). Of 63,903 cancer patients (median age: 66;68% female), Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians and others composed of 64.8%, 3.5%, 9.2%, 11.7% and 10.8% of our study cohort. Over the 20 month study period, the drop in in-person visits began in March and peaked in April 2020. Compared to the year 2019, the office visits decreased by -16.6%, -55.9%, and -50.9% in March, April, and May of 2020. Although there was a trend towards increased office visits in June (-21.9% compared to 2019), this again decreased to -35% in July 2020. The proportion of visits conducted by video began at 16.6% in the first week after California's shelter-in-place order in March, peaked at a high rate of 43.4% in April, and remained at a rate of 33.8% in August. We focused on variability by specific patient subgroups when telemedicine was offered and used prevalently during early pandemic in April. Based on age, the younger cohorts, 18-50 and 51-64 year olds, were more likely to utilize video visit at 50.6%, and 50.6% compared to only 38.0% and 36.7% of the older groups (65-75 and 76+ years old, p<0.001). In fact, the largest discrepancy, 21% difference between the younger vs older groups, was observed towards the end of April. With respect to race, Asians had the highest use of video visits (51.4%) compared to Hispanic (34.5%) and Black patients (40.3%) in April (p<0.001). Although the gap narrowed over the next 4 months with only a 4% difference by August, these cancelled visits were not recovered in the minority groups. Finally, 44.6% of those who did not require an interpreter utilized video visits as compared to only 19.8% who did require an interpreter (p<0.001). Age and race/ethnicity remain strong predictors of video visit use after adjusting the main and interaction effects of patient characteristics, with Asians 51-64 year old having the highest rate (58%) and Hispanics 76+ year old the lowest rate (30%). Overall office visits have decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older patients, Black patients, Hispanic patients, and patients who required interpreting services were less likely to be treated through video visits. Future studies are needed to better understand the barriers to telemedicine care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Gynecologic Oncology is the property of Academic Press Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Anti-cancer therapy and clinical trial considerations for gynecologic oncology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has consumed considerable resources and has impacted the delivery of cancer care. Patients with cancer may have factors which place them at high risk for COVID 19 morbidity or mortality. Highly immunosuppressive chemotherapy regimens and possible exposure to COVID-19 during treatment may put patients at additional risk. The Society of Gynecologic Oncology convened an expert panel to address recommendations for best practices during this crisis to minimize risk to patients from deviations in cancer care and from COVID-19 morbidity. METHODS: An expert panel convened to develop initial consensus guidelines regarding anti-neoplastic therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to gynecologic cancer care and clinical trials. RESULTS: COVID-19 poses special risks to patients who are older, have medical co-morbidities, and cancer. In addition, this pandemic will likely strain resources, making delivery of cancer care or conduct of clinical trials unpredictable. Recommendations are to limit visits and contact with health care facilities by using telemedicine when appropriate, and choosing regimens which require less frequent visits and which are less immunosuppressive. Deviations will occur in clinical trials as a result of limited resources, and it is important to understand regulatory obligations to trial sponsors as well as to the IRB to ensure that clinical trial and patient safety oversight are maintained. CONCLUSIONS: The ongoing crisis will strain resources needed to deliver cancer care. When alterations to the delivery of care are mandated, efforts should be taken to minimize risks and maximize safety while approximating standard practice.