The Incidence of Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia in the Midland Region of New Zealand over a 12-Year Period.

The epidemiology of severe PAD, as characterized by short-distance intermittent claudication (IC) and chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), remains undefined in New Zealand (NZ). This was a retrospective observational cohort study of the Midland region in NZ, including all lower limb PAD-related surgical and percutaneous interventions between the 1st of January 2010 and the 31st of December 2021. Overall, 2541 patients were included. The mean annual incidence of short-distance IC was 15.8 per 100,000, and of CLTI was 36.2 per 100,000 population. The annual incidence of both conditions was greater in men. Women presented 3 years older with PAD (p < 0.001). Patients with short-distance IC had lower ipsilateral major limb amputation at 30 days compared to CLTI (IC 2, 0.3% vs. CLTI 298, 16.7%, p < 0.001). The 30-day mortality was greater in elderly patients (<65 years 2.7% vs. ≥65 years 4.4%, p = 0.049), but did not differ depending on sex (females 36, 3.7% vs. males 64, 4.1%, p = 0.787). Elderly age was associated with a worse survival for both short-distance IC and CLTI. There was a worse survival for females with CLTI. In conclusion, PAD imposes a significant burden in NZ, and further research is required in order to reduce this disparity.

Rapid establishment of the European Bank for induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (EBiSC) - the Hot Start experience.

A fast track "Hot Start" process was implemented to launch the European Bank for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (EBiSC) to provide early release of a range of established control and disease linked human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines. Established practice amongst consortium members was surveyed to arrive at harmonised and publically accessible Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs) for tissue procurement, bio-sample tracking, iPSC expansion, cryopreservation, qualification and distribution to the research community. These were implemented to create a quality managed foundational collection of lines and associated data made available for distribution. Here we report on the successful outcome of this experience and work flow for banking and facilitating access to an otherwise disparate European resource, with lessons to benefit the international research community. ETOC: The report focuses on the EBiSC experience of rapidly establishing an operational capacity to procure, bank and distribute a foundational collection of established hiPSC lines. It validates the feasibility and defines the challenges of harnessing and integrating the capability and productivity of centres across Europe using commonly available resources currently in the field.

Immunophenotypic characterization of peripheral B cells. During short-term immunotherapy with tree pollen allergoid and the immunoadjuvant monophosphoryl lipid A.

The effects of immunotherapy (IT) on the activation and functions of B cells are not well described yet. We therefore measured the expression of several surface markers on peripheral B cells during short-term IT. Twelve patients with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, sensitized to hazel, alder, and birch pollen proven by positive history, skin test, sIgE, and nasal provocation test, were included in the study. Eight patients received short-term IT with TA tree pollen and the immunoadjuvant monophosphoryl Lipid A; 4 patients received a placebo suspension containing 2% tyrosine. After separation of PBMCs, the expression of surface molecules on peripheral B cells were analyzed by flow cytometry before the start of IT, before the 3rd injection, at the end of IT, and after the pollen season. The expression of CD23, CD54, and HLA-DR-II on CD19+ B cells decreased during IT and then increased again after the pollen season. In the placebo group, the expression of CD23, CD54, and HLA-DR-II remained unchanged during the first three measurements. After the season, the expression of CD23, CD54 and HLA-DR-II increased in both groups. CD86 expression was decreased during treatment in both groups. Although CD86 expression increased in both groups after the season, the increase was more pronounced in the placebo group. No changes in the expression of CD32, CD40, and HLA-ABC-I were registered during the study. The results show that expression of CD23, CD54, and HLA-DR-II on peripheral B cells decreases during IT, which indicates reduced B-cell activation. Whether these effects are a result of direct allergen action on the B cells or whether they are mediated by T cells and their clinical relevance remains to be elucidated.