Alloengraftment without significant toxicity or GVHD in CD45 antibody-drug conjugate-conditioned Fanconi anemia mice.

ABSTRACT: Fanconi anemia (FA) is an inherited DNA repair disorder characterized by bone marrow (BM) failure, developmental abnormalities, myelodysplasia, leukemia, and solid tumor predisposition. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), a mainstay treatment, is limited by conditioning regimen-related toxicity and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) can open marrow niches permitting donor stem cell alloengraftment. Here, we report that single dose anti-mouse CD45-targeted ADC (CD45-ADC) facilitated stable, multilineage chimerism in 3 distinct FA mouse models representing 90% of FA complementation groups. CD45-ADC profoundly depleted host stem cell enriched Lineage-Sca1+cKit+ cells within 48 hours. Fanca-/- recipients of minor-mismatched BM and single dose CD45-ADC had peripheral blood (PB) mean donor chimerism >90%; donor HSCs alloengraftment was verified in secondary recipients. In Fancc-/- and Fancg-/- recipients of fully allogeneic grafts, PB mean donor chimerism was 60% to 80% and 70% to 80%, respectively. The mean percent donor chimerism in BM and spleen mirrored PB results. CD45-ADC-conditioned mice did not have clinical toxicity. A transient <2.5-fold increase in hepatocellular enzymes and mild-to-moderate histopathological changes were seen. Under GVHD allo-HSCT conditions, wild-type and Fanca-/- recipients of CD45-ADC had markedly reduced GVHD lethality compared with lethal irradiation. Moreover, single dose anti-human CD45-ADC given to rhesus macaque nonhuman primates on days -6 or -10 was at least as myeloablative as lethal irradiation. These data suggest that CD45-ADC can potently promote donor alloengraftment and hematopoiesis without significant toxicity or severe GVHD, as seen with lethal irradiation, providing strong support for clinical trial considerations in highly vulnerable patients with FA.

Prevention of acute GVHD using an orthogonal IL-2/IL-2Rß system to selectively expand regulatory T cells in vivo.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a curative option for patients with hematological disorders and bone marrow (BM) failure syndromes. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity posttransplant. Regulatory T cell (Treg) therapies are efficacious in ameliorating GVHD but limited by variable suppressive capacities and the need for a high therapeutic dose. Here, we sought to expand Treg in vivo by expressing an orthogonal interleukin 2 receptor ß (oIL-2Rß) that would selectively interact with oIL-2 cytokine and not wild-type (WT) IL-2. To test whether the orthogonal system would preferentially drive donor Treg expansion, we used a murine major histocompatibility complex-disparate GVHD model of lethally irradiated BALB/c mice given T cell-depleted BM from C57BL/6 (B6) mice alone or together with B6Foxp3+GFP+ Treg or oIL-2Rß-transduced Treg at low cell numbers that typically do not control GVHD with WT Treg. On day 2, B6 activated T cells (Tcons) were injected to induce GVHD. Recipients were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or oIL-2 daily for 14 days, then 3 times weekly for an additional 14 days. Mice treated with oIL-2Rß Treg and oIL-2 compared with those treated with PBS had enhanced GVHD survival, in vivo selective expansion of Tregs, and greater suppression of Tcon expansion in secondary lymphoid organs and intestines. Importantly, oIL-2Rß Treg maintained graft-versus-tumor (GVT) responses in 2 distinct tumor models (A20 and MLL-AF9). These data demonstrate a novel approach to enhance the efficacy of Treg therapy in allo-HSCT using an oIL-2/oIL-2Rß system that allows for selective in vivo expansion of Treg leading to GVHD protection and GVT maintenance.

A CD45-targeted antibody-drug conjugate successfully conditions for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in mice.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a potentially curative treatment of patients with nonmalignant or malignant blood disorders. Its success has been limited by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Current systemic nontargeted conditioning regimens mediate tissue injury and potentially incite and amplify GVHD, limiting the use of this potentially curative treatment beyond malignant disorders. Minimizing systemic nontargeted conditioning while achieving alloengraftment without global immune suppression is highly desirable. Antibody-drug-conjugates (ADCs) targeting hematopoietic cells can specifically deplete host stem and immune cells and enable alloengraftment. We report an anti-mouse CD45-targeted-ADC (CD45-ADC) that facilitates stable murine multilineage donor cell engraftment. Conditioning with CD45-ADC (3 mg/kg) was effective as a single agent in both congenic and minor-mismatch transplant models resulting in full donor chimerism comparable to lethal total body irradiation (TBI). In an MHC-disparate allo-HSCT model, pretransplant CD45-ADC (3 mg/kg) combined with low-dose TBI (150 cGy) and a short course of costimulatory blockade with anti-CD40 ligand antibody enabled 89% of recipients to achieve stable alloengraftment (mean value: 72%). When CD45-ADC was combined with pretransplant TBI (50 cGy) and posttransplant rapamycin, cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), or a JAK inhibitor, 90% to 100% of recipients achieved stable chimerism (mean: 77%, 59%, 78%, respectively). At a higher dose (5 mg/kg), CD45-ADC as a single agent was sufficient for rapid, high-level multilineage chimerism sustained through the 22 weeks observation period. Therefore, CD45-ADC has the potential utility to confer the benefit of fully myeloablative conditioning but with substantially reduced toxicity when given as a single agent or at lower doses in conjunction with reduced-intensity conditioning.

BET-bromodomain and EZH2 inhibitor-treated chronic GVHD mice have blunted germinal centers with distinct transcriptomes.

Despite advances in the field, chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality following allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Because treatment options remain limited, we tested efficacy of anticancer, chromatin-modifying enzyme inhibitors in a clinically relevant murine model of cGVHD with bronchiolitis obliterans (BO). We observed that the novel enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibitor JQ5 and the BET-bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 each improved pulmonary function; impaired the germinal center (GC) reaction, a prerequisite in cGVHD/BO pathogenesis; and JQ5 reduced EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 in donor T cells. Using conditional EZH2 knockout donor cells, we demonstrated that EZH2 is obligatory for the initiation of cGVHD/BO. In a sclerodermatous cGVHD model, JQ5 reduced the severity of cutaneous lesions. To determine how the 2 drugs could lead to the same physiological improvements while targeting unique epigenetic processes, we analyzed the transcriptomes of splenic GCB cells (GCBs) from transplanted mice treated with either drug. Multiple inflammatory and signaling pathways enriched in cGVHD/BO GCBs were reduced by each drug. GCBs from JQ5- but not JQ1-treated mice were enriched for proproliferative pathways also seen in GCBs from bone marrow-only transplanted mice, likely reflecting their underlying biology in the unperturbed state. In conjunction with in vivo data, these insights led us to conclude that epigenetic targeting of the GC is a viable clinical approach for the treatment of cGVHD, and that the EZH2 inhibitor JQ5 and the BET-bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 demonstrated clinical potential for EZH2i and BETi in patients with cGVHD/BO.

Pharmacogenomics-assisted treatment versus standard of care in schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacogenomic (PGx) factors significantly influence how patients respond to antipsychotic medications This systematic review was performed to synthesize the clinical utility of PGx-assisted treatment versus standard of care in schizophrenia. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception till June 2024 that had compared the clinical utility of PGx-assisted intervention as compared to the standard of care in schizophrenia. The primary outcome was safety, and the secondary outcomes were efficacy and medication adherence. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated (random-effects model) wherever feasible. RESULTS: A total of 18,821 studies were screened, and five were included for review. All the RCTs had a high risk of bias. Four studies included the commonly used antipsychotics. Three studies reported negative outcomes (safety, efficacy, and medication adherence) and two reported positive outcomes (safety) using different scales. In the meta-analysis, there were significant differences in the total Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser Side-Effect Rating scale score [SMD 0.95 (95% CI: 0.76-1.13), p < 0.001); I2 = 0%] and the total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale score [SMD 10.65 (95% CI: 2.37-18.93), p = 0.01); I2 = 100%] between the PGx-assisted treatment and standard of care arms. However, the results were inconsistent, and the certainty of evidence (GRADE criteria) was very low. CONCLUSION: Current evidence on the clinical utility of PGx-assisted treatment in schizophrenia is limited and inconsistent and further evidence is required in this regard.

Enforced gut homing of murine regulatory T cells reduces early graft-versus-host disease severity.

Damage to the gastrointestinal tract following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a significant contributor to the severity and perpetuation of graft-versus-host disease. In preclinical models and clinical trials, we showed that infusing high numbers of regulatory T cells reduces graft-versus-host disease incidence. Despite no change in in vitro suppressive function, transfer of ex vivo expanded regulatory T cells transduced to overexpress G protein-coupled receptor 15 or C-C motif chemokine receptor 9, specific homing receptors for colon or small intestine, respectively, lessened graft-versus-host disease severity in mice. Increased regulatory T cell frequency and retention within the gastrointestinal tissues of mice that received gut homing T cells correlated with lower inflammation and gut damage early post-transplant, decreased graft-versus-host disease severity, and prolonged survival compared with those receiving control transduced regulatory T cells. These data provide evidence that enforced targeting of ex vivo expanded regulatory T cells to the gastrointestinal tract diminishes gut injury and is associated with decreased graft-versus-host disease severity.

Repurposing a novel anti-cancer RXR agonist to attenuate murine acute GVHD and maintain graft-versus-leukemia responses.

The nuclear receptor (NR) subclass, retinoid X receptors (RXRs), exert immunomodulatory functions that control inflammation and metabolism via homodimers and heterodimers, with several other NRs, including retinoic acid receptors. IRX4204 is a novel, highly specific RXR agonist in clinical trials that potently and selectively activates RXR homodimers, but not heterodimers. In this study, in vivo IRX4204 compared favorably with FK506 in abrogating acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which was associated with inhibiting allogeneic donor T-cell proliferation, reducing T-helper 1 differentiation, and promoting regulatory T-cell (Treg) generation. Recipient IRX4204 treatment reduced intestinal injury and decreased IFN-γ and TNF-α serum levels. Transcriptional analysis of donor T cells isolated from intestines of GVHD mice treated with IRX4204 revealed significant decreases in transcripts regulating proinflammatory pathways. In vitro, inducible Treg differentiation from naive CD4+ T cells was enhanced by IRX4204. In vivo, IRX4204 increased the conversion of donor Foxp3- T cells into peripheral Foxp3+ Tregs in GVHD mice. Using Foxp3 lineage-tracer mice in which both the origin and current FoxP3 expression of Tregs can be tracked, we demonstrated that IRX4204 supports Treg stability. Despite favoring Tregs and reducing Th1 differentiation, IRX4204-treated recipients maintained graft-versus-leukemia responses against both leukemia and lymphoma cells. Notably, IRX4204 reduced in vitro human T-cell proliferation and enhanced Treg generation in mixed lymphocyte reaction cultures. Collectively, these beneficial effects indicate that targeting RXRs with IRX4204 could be a novel approach to preventing acute GVHD in the clinic.

Realistic personal exposure assessment of air pollutants and health outcomes - A cross-sectional study among Kolkata slum dwellers.

Background: Rapid, unplanned, and unsustainable patterns of urban development can result in many emerging environmental and health hazards. One of the important public health problems of urban environment is regular exposure to dust and pollutants and consequence of such exposure in the form of changes in the pulmonary function. Being the immediate environment, indoor pollution poses a higher risk to human health than the ambient environment. Realistic personal exposure assessment gives the actual idea about the exposure status. Objectives: This study determined the household principal environmental exposures (Dust, SO2, NO2, and total volatile organic compound) among urban slum dwellers and assessment of the respiratory function to determine any possible relationship between those exposures and outcomes. The study also described the knowledge, attitude, and practice of these urban slum people regarding air pollution and its effect. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 442 urban slum people residing in the slums of the Kolkata Municipal area. Household environmental exposures were collected by standardized methods and outcome was observed by conducting a pulmonary function test. Finally, knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding air pollution were carried out with the help of a questionnaire-based survey. Results and Discussion: Almost all the pollutants exposure was associated with impairment of lung function. Younger age and female gender were statistically associated protective factors for the development of any lung disease. Those who had an overall good awareness regarding the means and effects of air pollution were found to be protected from developing lung disease. Using exhaust ventilation, relocation to inner side of slums, using personal protective measures, and adequate pollution awareness can help the slum citizens to overcome the problem.

Danger-associated extracellular ATP counters MDSC therapeutic efficacy in acute GVHD.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) can subdue inflammation. In mice with acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), donor MDSC infusion enhances survival that is only partial and transient because of MDSC inflammasome activation early posttransfer, resulting in differentiation and loss of suppressor function. Here we demonstrate that conditioning regimen-induced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release is a primary driver of MDSC dysfunction through ATP receptor (P2x7R) engagement and NLR pyrin family domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. P2x7R or NLRP3 knockout (KO) donor MDSCs provided significantly higher survival than wild-type (WT) MDSCs. Although in vivo pharmacologic targeting of NLRP3 or P2x7R promoted recipient survival, indicating in vivo biologic effects, no synergistic survival advantage was seen when combined with MDSCs. Because activated inflammasomes release mature interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), we expected that IL-1ß KO donor MDSCs would be superior in subverting GVHD, but such MDSCs proved inferior relative to WT. IL-1ß release and IL-1 receptor expression was required for optimal MDSC function, and exogenous IL-1ß added to suppression assays that included MDSCs increased suppressor potency. These data indicate that prolonged systemic NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition and decreased IL-1ß could diminish survival in GVHD. However, loss of inflammasome activation and IL-1ß release restricted to MDSCs rather than systemic inhibition allowed non-MDSC IL-1ß signaling, improving survival. Extracellular ATP catalysis with peritransplant apyrase administered into the peritoneum, the ATP release site, synergized with WT MDSCs, as did regulatory T-cell infusion, which we showed reduced but did not eliminate MDSC inflammasome activation, as assessed with a novel inflammasome reporter strain. These findings will inform future clinical using MDSCs to decrease alloresponses in inflammatory environments.

B7-H3 expression in donor T cells and host cells negatively regulates acute graft-versus-host disease lethality.

Members of the B7 family have been shown to be important for regulating immune responses by providing either positive or negative costimulatory signals. The function of B7-H3 has been controversial. We show that B7-H3 is upregulated in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) target organs, including the colon, liver, and lung. Infusion of allogeneic donor T cells into B7-H3(-/-) vs wild-type (WT) recipients resulted in increased GVHD lethality associated with increased T-cell proliferation, colonic inflammatory cytokines, and destruction of epithelial barriers. Allogeneic B7-H3(-/-) vs WT donor T cells also had increased T-cell proliferation and GVHD lethality associated with increased proliferation and cytokine secretion in the spleen, intraepithelial lymphocyte inflammatory cytokines, and intestinal permeability. Both resting and activated regulatory T cells (Tregs) lack B7-H3 messenger RNA. Consistent with these data, GVHD was augmented in recipients of B7-H3(-/-) Treg-depleted grafts. In two delayed lymphocyte infusion (DLI) models, T cells lacking B7-H3 are capable of providing graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effects. We conclude that B7-H3 is responsible for providing a negative costimulatory signal. Our studies provide support for developing and testing new therapies directed toward the B7-H3 pathway, including approaches to augment host B7-H3 early after bone marrow transplantation to prevent GVHD and to develop potent antagonistic antibodies later after transplant to facilitate DLI-mediated GVL without GVHD complications.

Host programmed death ligand 1 is dominant over programmed death ligand 2 expression in regulating graft-versus-host disease lethality.

Programmed death 1 (PD-1) and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, play an important role in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance. We explored the role of PD-1 ligands in regulating graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Both PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression were upregulated in the spleen, liver, colon, and ileum of GVHD mice. Whereas PD-L2 expression was limited to hematopoietic cells, hematopoietic and endothelial cells expressed PD-L1. PD-1/PD-L1, but not PD-1/PD-L2, blockade markedly accelerated GVHD-induced lethality. Chimera studies suggest that PD-L1 expression on host parenchymal cells is more critical than hematopoietic cells in regulating acute GVHD. Rapid mortality onset in PD-L1-deficient hosts was associated with increased gut T-cell homing and loss of intestinal epithelial integrity, along with increased donor T-cell proliferation, activation, Th1 cytokine production, and reduced apoptosis. Bioenergetics profile analysis of proliferating alloreactive donor T-cells demonstrated increased aerobic glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in PD-L1-deficient hosts. Donor T-cells exhibited a hyperpolarized mitochondrial membrane potential, increased superoxide production, and increased expression of a glucose transporter in PD-L1-deficient hosts. Taken together, these data provide new insight into the differential roles of host PD-L1 and PD-L2 and their associated cellular and metabolic mechanisms controlling acute GVHD.

Inhibiting retinoic acid signaling ameliorates graft-versus-host disease by modifying T-cell differentiation and intestinal migration.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a critical complication after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. During GVHD, donor T cells are activated by host antigen-presenting cells and differentiate into T-effector cells (Teffs) that migrate to GVHD target organs. However, local environmental factors influencing Teff differentiation and migration are largely unknown. Vitamin A metabolism within the intestine produces retinoic acid, which contributes to intestinal homeostasis and tolerance induction. Here, we show that the expression and function of vitamin A-metabolizing enzymes were increased in the intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes in mice with active GVHD. Moreover, transgenic donor T cells expressing a retinoic acid receptor (RAR) response element luciferase reporter responded to increased vitamin A metabolites in GVHD-affected organs. Increasing RAR signaling accelerated GVHD lethality, whereas donor T cells expressing a dominant-negative RARα (dnRARα) showed markedly diminished lethality. The dnRARα transgenic T cells showed reduced Th1 differentiation and α4ß7 and CCR9 expression associated with poor intestinal migration, low GVHD pathology, and reduced intestinal permeability, primarily via CD4(+) T cells. The inhibition of RAR signaling augmented donor-induced Treg generation and expansion in vivo, while preserving graft-versus-leukemia effects. Together, these results suggested that reagents blunting donor T-cell RAR signaling may possess therapeutic anti-GVHD properties.

An epidemiological study of low back pain among oil drilling workers in India.

Many episodes of low back pain are disabling, thus making it one of the costly occupational health problem. The proper alignment and lifting operations during drilling process frequently exposed the oil-drilling workers to unusual strain on the spine and thus make them susceptible for developing low back pain. The present cross-sectional study was carried out in 71 oil-drilling workers. The prevalence of self-reported low back pain was found to be 29.6%. Higher prevalence was found in those working in awkward working posture (c 2 = 6.41; df = 1; p < 0.01). No other factors, namely, age, obesity, duration of exposure, smoking habit, family history of musculoskeletal disorders, exposure to vibration, lifting of weights and past history of injury was found to be statistically significant. Furthermore, using univariate and multivariate analysis, none of the factor was found to have excess risk of occurrence of low back pain, which can partly be attributed to small sample size.

A study on neurobehavioral performance of workers occupationally exposed to solvent in synthetic resin manufacturing.

BACKGROUND: One major effect of occupational solvent exposure is central nervous system (CNS) impairment, ranging from depression to encephalopathy with cognitive, behavioral changes. Exposures in industries being varied, classification of health outcomes for different exposures is important. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed neurobehavioral performance of synthetic resin manufacturing workers exposed to organic solvent, mainly formalin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study selected subjects by random selection from all such workers of an Indian city. Questionnaire survey and assessment by a neurobehavioral test battery (NBT) was undertaken. RESULTS: Comparison between actual and allied workers observed significant difference in tweezer dexterity, card sorting and backward memory scores. Significant effect of exposure was observed on tweezer dexterity, card sorting, and hand dynamometer scores. CONCLUSION: Changes of neurobehavioral performance might occur following solvent exposure and these changes might have a relationship with the quantum of exposure. Periodic examination of workers with NBT is needed for detection of early neurotoxic effects.

Mental health burden following extreme weather events in South-east Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Exposure to extreme weatherly events potentially develops mental disorders among affected individuals. Aim: To synthesize the burden of mental disorders following impact of extreme weather events in South-east Asian (SEA) countries. Methods: Proposal was registered in PROSPERO register [CRD42023469788] and reported as per PRISMA-2020 guidelines. Studies reporting prevalence of mental health disorders following extreme weather events from SEA countries during 1990 and 2023 were searched on Embase, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Study quality was assessed using Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. Overall pooled prevalence was computed using DerSimonian-Laird method for random-effects model and reported as 95% confidence intervals. Results: On screening 12,046 records, we included 155 studies (2,04,474 participants) for analysis. Overall burden of mental disorders was 35.31% (95%CI: 30.42%-40.21%). In subgroup analysis, studies on cyclones, India, local residents, children and adolescents, rural settings, and community settings reported higher burden of mental disorders. Depression (28.58%; 95%CI: 24.05%-33.1%) and PTSD (29.36%; 95%CI: 26.26%-32.46%) had similar prevalence. Visiting tourists to SEA region experienced fear, fear of recurrence of tsunami, nightmares, and sense of helplessness. Mental health outcomes were relatively higher in studies conducted within 1 year of events. Heterogeneity and possibility of publication bias exists among the reported studies. Conclusion: With the significant rise in episodes of extreme weather events in SEA region over the last three decades, mental disorders are documented in different proportions. We suggest prioritizing well-informed policies to formulate inclusive and resilient strategies on effectively identifying and treating mental health concerns among victims of extreme weather events.

Pharmacogenomics-assisted schizophrenia management: A hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation study protocol to compare the clinical utility, cost-effectiveness, and barriers.

OBJECTIVES: The response to antipsychotic therapy is highly variable. Pharmacogenomic (PGx) factors play a major role in deciding the effectiveness and safety of antipsychotic drugs. A hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation research will be conducted to evaluate the clinical utility (safety and efficacy), cost-effectiveness, and facilitators and barriers in implementing PGx-assisted management compared to standard of care in patients with schizophrenia attending a tertiary care hospital in eastern India. METHODS: In part 1, a randomized controlled trial will be conducted. Adult patients with schizophrenia will be randomized (2: 1) to receive PGx-assisted treatment (drug and regimen selection depending on the results of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes DRD2, HTR1A, HTR2C, ABCB1, CYP2D6, CYP3A5, and CYP1A2) or the standard of care. Serum drug levels will be measured. The patients will be followed up for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint is the difference in the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser Side-Effect Rating Scale score between the two arms. In part 2, the cost-effectiveness of PGx-assisted treatment will be evaluated. In part 3, the facilitators and barriers to implementing PGx-assisted treatment for schizophrenia will be explored using a qualitative design. EXPECTED OUTCOME: The study findings will help in understanding whether PGx-assisted management has a clinical utility, whether it is cost-effective, and what are the facilitators and barriers to implementing it in the management of schizophrenia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study has been registered with the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2023/08/056210).

Burden of mental health disorders and synthesis of community-based mental health intervention measures among adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic in low middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown could have negatively impacted adolescent mental health. The synthesised burden of mental health illness among adolescents during or after the pandemic is unknown in Low Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). The objective was to ascertain the pooled prevalence of mental health disorders among adolescents aged 10 - 19 years and to systematically review & conduct a descriptive synthesis of community-based mental health intervention measures in addressing adolescent mental health disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic in LMICs. METHODS: The literature was searched in Embase, PubMed, and Scopus and selected the relevant studies. The data was extracted from the selected studies, and its quality was assessed using adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scales. Meta-analysis was performed using random effects model to pool the prevalence of mental health disorders. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated through Cochran's Q test & I2 statistic. RESULTS: Thirty-five studies were selected out of 7955 identified studies. Most of the studies (n = 7, each) were from India and Iran. The majority of research works were community-based (n = 18), conducted in 2020 (23 articles), and participant interviews were conducted through online mode (n = 21). Varied instruments were used to measure the burden of mental health in different settings. Pooled prevalence (95% confidence intervals) of anxiety, depression and stress was found to be 43.69 (18.58-68.80)%, 47.02 (31.72-62.32)% and 39.97 (30.53-49.40)%, respectively, with high heterogeneity between the studies. No studies reported community-based mental health interventions. CONCLUSION: There has been a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health illnesses, among adolescents in LMICs during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to note that no existing literature directly addresses community-based interventions for these common mental health illnesses. It is imperative to prepare the health system for early identification and management of common mental health illness among the adolescent age group in the event of any future disaster.

Blood chromium levels of children working in gem-polishing industries in India.

The gem-polishing industry in Jaipur, India employs a substantial proportion of children. The process of polishing may result in exposure to chromium in working children. Thus, this study aims to find out the levels of chromium in these working children and the associated factors. Blood samples were analysed for chromium using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean blood chromium levels were 2.51 ± 1.11 mg/100 ml and 2.33 ± 1.10 mg/100 ml in working and school children, respectively, which is well within the permissible levels. However, the practice of employing children should be totally curbed.

Antibody based conditioning for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a curative therapeutic option for many patients with hematological malignancies and nonmalignant hematopoietic disorders. To achieve stable engraftment of donor hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), recipient HSC deletion is needed to create space for incoming donor HSCs and donor HSCs must escape immune rejection by the recipient. Conventional allo-HSCT requires high dose of irradiation and/or chemotherapy to produce sufficient host stem cell and immune system ablation to permit donor HSC engraftment. However, these procedures also result in nonspecific tissue injury that can cause short- and long-term adverse effects as well as incite and amplify graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD). The delivery of targeted radiotherapy to hematopoietic tissues with the use of a radioimmunoconjugate (ROIC) as a part of transplant preparative regimen has shown clinical benefits. ROIC clinical data provide evidence for decreased relapse without increased transplant-related mortality by delivering higher targeted radiation to sites of malignancy than when given in a nontargeted fashion. An alternative approach to allo-HSCT has been developed and tested in preclinical mouse models in which nonmyeloablative preconditioning with low dose of the alkylating agent (busulfan) or lower systemic dose of irradiation combined with co-stimulatory pathway blockade (CTLA4-Ig, anti-CD40L monoclonal antibody) and/or immunosuppressive drugs have been used. Under these conditions, mixed chimerism and transplantation tolerance to fully MHC mismatched donor marrow was observed. Recently, several novel proof-of-concept antibody-mediated preconditioning methods have been developed that can selectively target hematopoietic stem and immune cells with minimal overall toxicity. Antibody-drug-conjugate (ADC) combined with reduced intensity conditioning or high dose ADC as single dose monotherapy have shown promise for allo-HSCT in preclinical models. The purpose of the current review is to discuss the literature exploring antibody-based conditioning that includes native antibody, radiolabeled antibody conjugates, and ADC for allo-HSCT.