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Objectives Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is associated with acute graft-vs.-host disease (aGVHD). The presented study applied a novel multiplex antibody-based proximity extension assay (PEA) proteomic platform that can detect thousands of serum proteins simultaneously for the identification of potential biomarkers of aGVHD. Methods Serum samples from 28 patients who underwent allogeneic HCT for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) were analyzed; 17 were diagnosed with grade II–IV aGVHD while 11 patients were not. Samples collected on day −6, day 0, +14, +30, +60 and +90 post-HCT were analyzed for the relative concentrations of 552 proteins. The concentration of each protein from baseline to the closest time point before onset of aGVHD, or to the latest time point in control patients, was documented. Results Individualized analysis identified 26 proteins demonstrating ≥3-fold increase at aGVHD onset compared to baseline, eliminating proteins with a similar increase in controls. Another approach used paired t-testing and logistic regression that identified a four-marker panel, including SLAMF7, IL-1ra, BTN3A2 and DAB2, where individual log-likelihood ratios ranged from 3.99 to 8.15 (logistic regression, p=0.004–0.046). When combined, the four-marker panel demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.78–1.00; p=0.0006) with high negative predictive value of 81.8% and positive predictive value of 86.7%. All four markers play a physiological role in immune regulation. Among these, three were also present in the individualized analysis (SLAMF7, IL-1ra and BTN3A2). Conclusions We conclude that serum proteins identified using multiplex proteomics, particularly SLAMF7, IL-1ra, BTN3A2 and DAB2, may potentially predict aGVHD.

On behalf of Cell Therapy Transplant Canada (CTTC), we are pleased to present the Abstracts of the CTTC 2022 Annual Conference. The conference was held in-person 15–18 June 2022, in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Poster authors presented their work during a lively and engaging welcome reception on Thursday, 16 June, and oral abstract authors were featured during the oral abstract session in the afternoon on Friday, 17 June 2022. Thirty-three (33) abstracts were selected for presentation as posters and six (6) as oral presentations. The top abstracts in each of four (4) categories, (1) Basic/Translational sciences, (2) Clinical Trials/Observations, (3) Laboratory/Quality, and (4) Pharmacy/Nursing/Other Transplant Support, received awards for both the oral and poster presentations. All of these were marked as “Award Recipient” with the relevant category. We congratulate all the presenters on their research and contribution to the field.

Increasing survival of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has resulted in an increased recognition of therapy-related hematological malignancies (t-MDS/AML, t-ALL, and t-CMML). There are limited data on the role of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) in this patient population.We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent HCT for t-MDS/AML, t-ALL, and t-CMML developing after receiving treatment for MM at our center. Patients were analyzed for myeloma characteristics and therapy, time to diagnosis of therapy-related hematological neoplasms, clinical, laboratory characteristics, transplant details, relapse-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS).Twenty patients underwent HCT for therapy-related hematological malignancies after MM (t-MDS/AML = 13, t-ALL = 6, t-CMML = 1). Median(range) age at time of transplant was 62.5 (49-73) years and 70% (n = 14) were male. The most common cytogenetic abnormality was complex/monosomal karyotype in 30% (n = 6) followed by monosomy/deletion of chromosome 5 or 7 in 15% (n = 3) of patients each. Donors were human leukocyte antigen matched (10/10 or 6/6) siblings in 30% (n = 6), unrelated in 60% (n = 12) and haploidentical in 10% (n = 2) patients. Estimated 2-year OS and RFS for the whole cohort were 53.1% and 47.2% respectively. There was a trend toward better survival in patients with t-ALL when compared to t-MDS/AML; however, the difference was not statistically significant. We did not find any pre-transplant or post-transplant factors that were predictive of survival outcomes after multivariate analysis.Allogeneic HCT provides substantial long-term disease-free survival in a proportion of patients with MM-associated therapy-related hematological malignancies. Multicenter studies with more patients and longer follow-up may provide additional information about factors affecting outcomes.

Purpose: Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant (allo-HSCT) patients are at risk of malnutrition and weight loss from impaired oral intake resulting from gastrointestinal toxicities, dysgeusia, and psychological effects. Methods: A retrospective review of 264 adult patients transplanted at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre who achieved relapse-free survival up to 3 months after allo-HSCT was performed. Results: Overall incidence of patients who experienced WL (WL) ≥10% from HSCT to 3 months post-transplant was 45.9% and from HSCT to 6 months was 56.6%. Patients with ≥10% WL from allo-HSCT at 3-months and 6 months had similar 2-year overall survival (OS) compared to those with Conclusion: Approaches to WL post allo-HSCT should be multifaceted and include members of the interdisciplinary team in order to decrease TRM.

Additional file 1: Table S1. Classification of BAL pathogens. Table S2. Classification of waiting list status2. Table S3. Lung donor characteristics. Table S4. Recipient characteristics at the time of re-transplant for chronic lung allograft dysfunction.

Background Ayurvedic clinical profiling of COVID-19 is a pre-requisite to develop standalone and integrative treatment approaches. At present, Ayurvedic clinicians do not have access to COVID-19 patients in clinical settings. In these circumstances, a preliminary clinical profiling of COVID-19 based on review of modern medical and classical Ayurvedic literature with inputs from Allopathic clinicians treating COVID-19 patients assumes significance. Objectives This paper aims to develop an Ayurvedic clinical profile of COVID-19 by literature review supported by analysis of clinical data of a cohort of COVID-19 patients. Methods The typical Clinical Presentation of COVID-19 was categorized based on a cluster of symptoms with reference to “Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19)” released by the US CDC. As the clinical presentation is found to vary widely, research papers reporting clinical symptoms of patient samples from different parts of the world were also reviewed to identify outliers and atypical presentations. Case Records of fourteen COVID-19 patients treated at Medanta Hospital, Gurgaon were analyzed to compare symptomatology with data obtained from published literature. Further, a careful correlation was done with the data collected from selected Ayurvedic classical texts and expert views of clinical practitioners to arrive at a preliminary Ayurvedic clinical profile of COVID-19. Results COVID-19 can be provisionally understood from the Ayurvedic perspective as vātakapha dominant sannipātajvara of āgantu origin with pittānubandha. The asymptomatic, presymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe and critical stages of COVID-19 with varying clinical presentations have been analysed on the basis of nidāna, doṣa, dūṣya, nidānapancaka and ṣaṭkriyākāla to present a preliminary clinical profile of the disease. Conclusions In this paper, we have demonstrated that a preliminary clinical profiling of COVID-19 from the Ayurvedic perspective is possible through literature review supported by discussions with Allopathic clinicians as well as examination of patient case records. The provisional diagnosis proposed can be further developed with continued review of literature, wider cooperation and teamwork with Allopathic physicians and access to clinical data as well as direct clinical assessment of COVID-19 patients.

The present study is a comparison of the data of spectral analysis of heart rate variability with clinical evaluation of pathological state of doshas. The calculated cardiointervalography values are combined into three integral indexes, which according to the authors' opinion reflect the influence on heart rhythm of vata, pitta and kapha, the regulation systems of the body known as doshas in Ayurveda. Seven gross dosha imbalances were assessed to test the agreement between the two methods in this study. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) spectral data was collected from 42 participants to make the comparison with the clinical assessment of dosha imbalance. Clinical method of dosha assessment and method of calculating integral indexes by cardiointervalography data showed substantial agreement by Kappa coefficient statistic (k = 0.78) in assessment of gross dosha imbalance. The results of the data generated from this pilot study warrant further studies to rigorously validate the algorithms of HRV analysis in understanding dosha imbalance in Ayurvedic clinical practice and research settings. Keywords: Heart rate variability, Ayurveda, Spectral analysis

Background Therapy related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) constitutes a subset of AML that has an increased proportion of high risk cytogenetic and molecular features, poorer response to therapy, higher relapse and decreased overall survival. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers a potential for cure in t-AML, with survival up to 40% at 2 years. Most studies on HSCT in t-AML have limited number of patients and are confounded by the inclusion of patients with secondary AML and t-MDS. We aim to report our 20-year experience of HSCT in t-AML. Patients and Methods All cases of t-AML who underwent HSCT at our centre from June 1999 to July 2019 were reviewed. Demographic characteristics, prior malignancy, cytogenetic and molecular characteristics of AML, induction treatment received, transplant details as well as post-transplant complications were collected. Primary outcome evaluated was overall survival and secondary outcomes were relapse rate and relapse free survival (RFS). Predictors of survival was identified using Cox-proportional hazards regression model. Results Fifty-two patients underwent HSCT for t-AML. 58% were male (n=30) and median age at HSCT was 55.5 years. Performance status prior to transplant was ECOG score 0/1 in 71.2% (n=37) and score 2 in 28.8% (n=15) patients. Myeloablative conditioning was given for 30.8% (n=16) and reduced intensity conditioning was given for 69.2% (n=36) patients. Transplant related mortality before day+100 was 21.1% (n=11). Acute and chronic GVHD occurred in 61.5% (n = 32) and 28.8% (n=15) patients respectively. Cumulative incidence of relapse at 2 years was 17.3%. OS and RFS at 2 years were 44.1% and 41.3% respectively (Figure 1 a,b). Significant predictors of reduced OS (Figure 2 a,b,c) after day+100 of HSCT by Cox regression were ECOG performance status 2 (Hazard ratio(HR) Ð 6.1), GVHD prophylaxis CSA/methotrexate (HR Ð 4.5) and haploidentical donor transplantation (HR Ð 34). Cytogenetic risk stratification (ELN 2017) was a predictor of OS in univariate analysis but not in multivariate regression analysis. Conclusions Patients with favourable cytogenetic profile, good performance status and having HLA matched donor may have better outcomes after allogeneic HSCT in t-AML. However, overall outcomes of patients with t-AML remain suboptimal and more research is needed in this sub-group of AML.

International audience; Emission at 4.6 μm was observed from an N 2 O filled hollow core fiber laser. 8-ns pump pulses at 1.517 μm excited a vibrational overtone resulting in lasing on an R and P branch fundamental transition from the upper pump state. At optimum gas pressure of 80 Torr, photon conversion efficiency of 9% and slope efficiency of 3% were observed from a mirrorless laser. The laser threshold occurred at absorbed pump energy of 150 nJ in a 45-cm long fiber with 85 μm core diameter. The observed dependence of the laser output on gas pressure was shown to be a result of line broadening and relaxation rates.

Continuous wave lasing in the visible spectral region from a molecular iodine-filled hollow core photonic crystal fiber is demonstrated. More than an order of magnitude improvement in photon conversion efficiency has been achieved compared to previous nonfiber-based geometries in this spectral region. The laser shows strong coupling of pump and laser polarization.

International audience

Continuous wave lasing in the visible spectral region from a molecular iodine-filled hollow core photonic crystal fiber is demonstrated. More than an order of magnitude improvement in photon conversion efficiency has been achieved compared to previous nonfiber-based geometries in this spectral region. The laser shows strong coupling of pump and laser polarization.

International audience

We have created a new class of lasers known as Hollow-core Optical Fiber Gas LASer (HOFGLAS) combining the advantages of fiber lasers with those of gas lasers. Pulsed HOFGLAS has been studied with C2H2 and HCN gas inside the hollow core of a kagome structured photonic crystal fiber, and near- ideal efficiencies were realized. The gases are optically pumped near 1.5 microns using 1 ns-pulses and yield laser emissions near 3 microns. Furthermore, we have improved fiber loss near 3 microns to below the dB/m-levels. In addition, we have demonstrated a CO2 waveguide (silver coated hollow capillary) laser lasing at 4.3 microns when pumped at 2.0 microns with 5-nanosecond pulses, and demonstrated a slope efficiency in terms of absorbed power of 22%. We have explored the feasibility of cw lasing from a hollow fiber filled with molecular iodine (I2) when pumped at 532 nm, and have spectrally resolved the intensity dependence of fluorescence from a 10-cm photonic crystal fiber of 80-microns diameter filled with I2. In an effort to achieve near-IR sources for testing fiber transmission, we have demonstrated a novel thulium/holmium fiber laser near 2 microns.

Cirrhosis is the final stage of most of the chronic liver diseases and is most invariably complicated by portal hypertension resulting in ascites. A case of chronic liver disease with portal hypertension (cryptogenic cirrhosis), managed at Amrita School of Ayurveda is discussed in this paper. The clinical picture was that of an uncomplicated cirrhotic ascites. Snehapāna (therapeutic oral administration of lipids) followed by virecana (purgation) was done after an initial course of nityavirecana (daily purgation). Later Vardhamāna pippalī rasāyana [administration of single drug - pippalī (piper longum) in a structured dose pattern] was administered with an intention of rejuvenating liver cells. Ascites and lower limb oedema were completely resolved after the therapy. No recurrence of ascites has been reported after a follow up period of one year.

International audience; The development of hollow core photonic crystal fibers with low losses over a broad spectral region in the near IR enabled the demonstration of a novel laser type - Hollow-core Optical Fiber Gas Laser (HOFGLAS). The laser combines attractive features of fiber lasers such as compactness and long interaction length of pump and laser radiation with those of gas lasers such as the potential for high output power and narrow line width. This paper summarizes recent developments and describes the demonstration of C2H2 and HCN prototype lasers. Avenues to extend laser emission further into the IR are discussed.

Mid-IR lasers operating at 3–3.2 μm and 4.3–4.4 μm with efficiencies near 20% have been demonstrated from 12C 2 H 2 and HCN-filled low-loss (< 5 dB/m) kagome-structure HC-PCF and from CO-filled silver coated capillaries.

International audience; We demonstrate for the first time an optically pumped gas laser based on population inversion using a hollow core photonic crystal fiber (HC-PCF). The HC-PCF filled with 12C2H2 gas is pumped with ~5 ns pulses at 1.52 μm and lases at 3.12 μm and 3.16 μm in the mid-infrared spectral region. The maximum measured laser pulse energy of ~6 nJ was obtained at a gas pressure of 7 torr with a fiber with 20 dB/m loss near the lasing wavelengths. While the measured slope efficiencies of this prototype did not exceed a few percent due mainly to linear losses of the fiber at the laser wavelengths, 25% slope efficiency and pulse energies of a few mJ are the predicted limits of this laser. Simulations of the laser’s behavior agree qualitatively with experimental observations.

Lasing from population inversion in the mid-IR (3.1-3.2 m) region was observed from a gas (acetylene) filled hollow core photonic crystal fiber when optically pumped at 1.5 m.