Interfacial Kinetics and Ionic Diffusivity of the Electrodeposited MoS2 Film

The transition-metal disulfide (MoS₂) is a fantastic material used in diverse fields of applications. Ionic diffusivity and interfacial exchange current density are model parameters that play a crucial role for the optimization of device performances, which are not clearly known for this material. The additive-free dense film of MoS₂ has been deposited by a facile electrodeposition approach and characterized by structural, morphological, and compositional analyses. This report provides the characterization of interfacial charge-transfer kinetics and diffusion of lithium ion in the MoS₂ films as a function of lithium concentration at 25 °C temperature. The interfacial exchange current density is observed to be varied barely, ∼0.069-0.066 mA/cm², with the change of lithium content, from x = 0.01-0.25, in Li _xMoS₂. The ionic diffusivity of the film is found to be in the range of ∼3 × 10^-11-10^-11 cm² s^-1 and does not vary much with the measured lithium concentration window. The electrochemical performances of the material are limited by the transport of lithium ion and interfacial kinetics over the measured state of lithium content. A submicron-size particle with high surface area is needed to be used as an electrode of the material for practical C-rates.

Genetic insights into the morass of metastatic heterogeneity

Tumour heterogeneity poses a substantial problem for the clinical management of cancer. Somatic evolution of the cancer genome results in genetically distinct subclones in the primary tumour with different biological properties and therapeutic sensitivities. The problem of heterogeneity is compounded in metastatic disease owing to the complexity of the metastatic process and the multiple biological hurdles that the tumour cell must overcome to establish a clinically overt metastatic lesion. New advances in sequencing technology and clinical sample acquisition are providing insights into the phylogenetic relationship of metastases and primary tumours at the level of somatic tumour genetics while also illuminating fundamental mechanisms of the metastatic process. In addition to somatically acquired genetic heterogeneity in the tumour cells, inherited population-based genetic heterogeneity can profoundly modify metastatic biology and further complicate the development of effective, broadly applicable antimetastatic therapies. Here, we examine how genetic heterogeneity impacts metastatic disease and the implications of current knowledge for future research endeavours and therapeutic interventions.

A survey of staffing levels in paediatric diabetes services throughout the UK

AIMS

To assess staffing levels of healthcare professionals involved in the care of children and young people with diabetes in the UK.

METHODS

A web-based questionnaire was distributed to lead consultant paediatricians from all paediatric diabetes services in the UK between October and December 2014. Data on staffing levels and other aspects of diabetes services were collected and differences between the four nations of the UK and across the 10 English diabetes networks were explored.

RESULTS

Some 175 services (93%) caring for 29 711 children and young people aged ≤ 24 years with diabetes participated in the survey. Northern Ireland and Wales had the lowest ratio of total staff to patient population. Nursing caseloads per one whole-time equivalent (WTE) nurse ranged from 71 patients in England to 110 patients in Northern Ireland with only 52% of the UK services meeting the Royal College of Nursing recommended nurse-to-patient ratio of > 1 : 70. Scotland and Northern Ireland had the highest ratio of consultants and fully trained doctors per 1000 patients (3.5 WTE). Overall, 17% of consultants had a Certificate of Completion of Training in Endocrinology and Diabetes. Some 44% of dietitians were able to adjust insulin dose. Only 43% of services provided 24-h access to advice from the diabetes team and 82% of services had access to a psychologist. Staffing levels adjusted for volume were not directly related to glycaemic performance of services in England and Wales.

CONCLUSIONS

Wide variations in staffing levels existed across the four nations of the UK and important gaps were present in key areas.

Introgression, Generational Expression and Salinity Tolerance Conferred by the Pea DNA Helicase 45 Transgene into Two Commercial Rice Genotypes, BR28 and BR47

DNA helicase (PDH45) from the pea plant (Pisum sativum) is a member of the DEAD box protein family and plays a vital regulatory role in saline stress tolerance in plants. We previously reported that over-expression of PDH45 gene confers both seedling and reproductive stage salinity tolerance to a Bangladeshi rice landrace, Binnatoa (BA). In this study, transgenic BA-containing PDH45 (♂) was crossed with two different farmer-popular BRRI rice varieties (♀), BR28 and BR47, in a contained net house. F1 plants positive for the transgene and having recipient phenotype were advanced from F1 to F5. Expression of the PDH45 gene was detected in all generations. The expression level of PDH45 was 200-fold higher in the donor compared to the two recipient genotypes but without any effect on their salt stress tolerance ability in various assays. Under 120 mM NaCl stress at seedling stage, all rice genotypes showed vigorous growth, higher chlorophyll content, lower electrolyte leakage and lower LDS (Leaf Damage Score) compared to their corresponding wild types. At the reproductive stage under continuous salinity stress at 80 mM NaCl, the cross-bred lines BR28 and BR47 showed significantly better spikelet fertility and yield per plant, which were two- and 2.5-folds, respectively, than their corresponding wild types. The PDH45 transgene was observed to increase the expression of 6 salt stress-related downstream genes at 150 mM NaCl stress to similar differential degrees in the donor and recipient genotypes. However, the expression of OsLEA was significantly higher in transgenic BR28 compared to transgenic BR47, where the latter shows comparatively higher salt tolerance. The study shows stability of transgene expression across generations. It also demonstrates that there may be an effect of background genotype on transgene expression. Moreover, some downstream effects of the transgene may also be genotype-specific.

Reduced active transcellular intestinal oxalate secretion contributes to the pathogenesis of obesity-associated hyperoxaluria

Most kidney stones are composed of calcium oxalate, and minor changes in urine oxalate affect the stone risk. Obesity is a risk factor for kidney stones and a positive correlation of unknown etiology between increased body size, and elevated urinary oxalate excretion has been reported. Here, we used obese ob/ob (ob) mice to elucidate the pathogenesis of obesity-associated hyperoxaluria. These ob mice have significant hyperoxaluria (3.3-fold) compared with control mice, which is not due to overeating as shown by pair-feeding studies. Dietary oxalate removal greatly ameliorated this hyperoxaluria, confirming that it is largely enteric in origin. Transporter SLC26A6 (A6) plays an essential role in active transcellular intestinal oxalate secretion, and ob mice have significantly reduced jejunal A6 mRNA (- 80%) and total protein (- 62%) expression. While net oxalate secretion was observed in control jejunal tissues mounted in Ussing chambers, net absorption was seen in ob tissues, due to significantly reduced secretion. We hypothesized that the obesity-associated increase in intestinal and systemic inflammation, as reflected by elevated proinflammatory cytokines, suppresses A6-mediated intestinal oxalate secretion and contributes to obesity-associated hyperoxaluria. Indeed, proinflammatory cytokines (elevated in ob mice) significantly decreased intestinal oxalate transport in vitro by reducing A6 mRNA and total protein expression. Proinflammatory cytokines also significantly reduced active mouse jejunal oxalate secretion, converting oxalate transport from net secretion in vehicle-treated tissues to net absorption in proinflammatory cytokines-treated tissues. Thus, reduced active intestinal oxalate secretion, likely secondary to local and systemic inflammation, contributes to the pathogenesis of obesity-associated hyperoxaluria. Hence, proinflammatory cytokines represent potential therapeutic targets.

Clinic variation in glycaemic control for children with Type 1 diabetes in England and Wales: a population-based, multilevel analysis

AIM

To understand the scope for improving children's glycaemic outcomes by reducing variation between clinics and examine the role of insulin regimen and clinic characteristics.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of 2012-2013 National Paediatric Diabetes Audit data from 21 773 children aged < 19 years with Type 1 diabetes cared for at 176 clinics organized into 11 regional diabetes networks in England and Wales. Variation in HbA_1c was explored by multilevel models with a random effect for clinic. The impact of clinic context was quantified by computing the per cent of total variation in HbA_1c which occurs between clinics (intraclass correlation coefficient; ICC).

RESULTS

Overall, 69 of the 176 diabetes clinics (39%) had a glycaemic performance that differed significantly from the national average after adjusting for patient case-mix with respect to age, gender, diabetes duration, deprivation and ethnicity. However, differences between clinics accounted for 4.7% of the total variation in HbA_1c . Inclusion of within-clinic HbA_1c standard deviation led to a substantial reduction in ICC to 2.4%. Insulin regimen, clinic volume and diabetes networks had a small or moderate impact on ICC.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences between diabetes clinics accounted for only a small portion of the total variation in glycaemic control because most of the variation was within clinics. This implies that national glycaemic improvements might best be achieved not only by targeting poor centres but also by shifting the whole distribution of clinics to higher levels of quality.

The Modular Optical Underwater Survey System

The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center deploys the Modular Optical Underwater Survey System (MOUSS) to estimate the species-specific, size-structured abundance of commercially-important fish species in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. The MOUSS is an autonomous stereo-video camera system designed for the in situ visual sampling of fish assemblages. This system is rated to 500 m and its low-light, stereo-video cameras enable identification, counting, and sizing of individuals at a range of 0.5–10 m. The modular nature of MOUSS allows for the efficient and cost-effective use of various imaging sensors, power systems, and deployment platforms. The MOUSS is in use for surveys in Hawaii, the Gulf of Mexico, and Southern California. In Hawaiian waters, the system can effectively identify individuals to a depth of 250 m using only ambient light. In this paper, we describe the MOUSS’s application in fisheries research, including the design, calibration, analysis techniques, and deployment mechanism.

Cholesterol-Lowering Gene Therapy Counteracts the Development of Non-ischemic Cardiomyopathy in Mice

A causal role of hypercholesterolemia in non-ischemic heart failure has never been demonstrated. Adeno-associated viral serotype 8 (AAV8)-low-density lipoprotein receptor (AAV8-LDLr) gene transfer was performed in LDLr-deficient mice without and with pressure overload induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). AAV8-LDLr gene therapy resulted in an 82.8% (p < 0.0001) reduction of plasma cholesterol compared with controls. Mortality rate was lower (p < 0.05) in AAV8-LDLr TAC mice compared with control TAC mice (hazard ratio for mortality 0.457, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.237-0.882) during 8 weeks of follow-up. AAV8-LDLr gene therapy attenuated cardiac hypertrophy, reduced interstitial and perivascular fibrosis, and decreased lung congestion in TAC mice. Cardiac function, quantified by invasive hemodynamic measurements and magnetic resonance imaging, was significantly improved 8 weeks after sham operation or after TAC in AAV8-LDLr mice compared with respective control groups. Myocardial protein levels of mammalian target of rapamycin and of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase were strikingly decreased following cholesterol lowering in mice without and with pressure overload. AAV8-LDLr therapy potently reduced cardiac glucose uptake and counteracted metabolic remodeling following pressure overload. Furthermore, oxidative stress and myocardial apoptosis were decreased following AAV8-LDLr therapy in mice with pressure overload. In conclusion, cholesterol-lowering gene therapy potently counteracts structural and metabolic remodeling, and enhances cardiac function.

Coconut Oil Aggravates Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiomyopathy without Inducing Obesity, Systemic Insulin Resistance, or Cardiac Steatosis

Studies evaluating the effects of high-saturated fat diets on cardiac function are most often confounded by diet-induced obesity and by systemic insulin resistance. We evaluated whether coconut oil, containing C12:0 and C14:0 as main fatty acids, aggravates pressure overload-induced cardiomyopathy induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in C57BL/6 mice. Mortality rate after TAC was higher (p < 0.05) in 0.2% cholesterol 10% coconut oil diet-fed mice than in standard chow-fed mice (hazard ratio 2.32, 95% confidence interval 1.16 to 4.64) during eight weeks of follow-up. The effects of coconut oil on cardiac remodeling occurred in the absence of weight gain and of systemic insulin resistance. Wet lung weight was 1.76-fold (p < 0.01) higher in coconut oil mice than in standard chow mice. Myocardial capillary density (p < 0.001) was decreased, interstitial fibrosis was 1.88-fold (p < 0.001) higher, and systolic and diastolic function was worse in coconut oil mice than in standard chow mice. Myocardial glucose uptake was 1.86-fold (p < 0.001) higher in coconut oil mice and was accompanied by higher myocardial pyruvate dehydrogenase levels and higher acetyl-CoA carboxylase levels. The coconut oil diet increased oxidative stress. Myocardial triglycerides and free fatty acids were lower (p < 0.05) in coconut oil mice. In conclusion, coconut oil aggravates pressure overload-induced cardiomyopathy.

Bites by the Monocled Cobra, Naja kaouthia, in Chittagong Division, Bangladesh: Epidemiology, Clinical Features of Envenoming and Management of 70 Identified Cases

AbstractWe describe 70 cases of monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) bite admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. The biting snakes were identified by examining the dead snake and/or detecting N. kaouthia venom antigens in patients' serum. Bites were most common in the early morning and evening during the monsoon (May-July). Ligatures were routinely applied to the bitten limb before admission. Thirty-seven patients consulted traditional healers, most of whom made incisions around the bite site. Fifty-eight patients experienced severe neurotoxicity and most suffered swelling and pain of the bitten limb. The use of an Indian polyvalent antivenom in patients exhibiting severe neurotoxicity resulted in clinical improvement but most patients experienced moderate-to-severe adverse reactions. Antivenom did not influence local blistering and necrosis appearing in 19 patients; 12 required debridement. Edrophonium significantly improved the ability of patients to open the eyes, endurance of upward gaze, and peak expiratory flow rate suggesting that a longer-acting anticholinesterase drug (neostigmine) could be recommended for first aid. The study suggested that regionally appropriate antivenom should be raised against the venoms of the major envenoming species of Bangladesh and highlighted the need to improve the training of staff of local medical centers and to invest in the basic health infrastructure in rural communities.

A Standard Mutual Authentication Protocol for Cloud Computing Based Health Care System

Telecare Medical Information System (TMIS) supports a standard platform to the patient for getting necessary medical treatment from the doctor(s) via Internet communication. Security protection is important for medical records (data) of the patients because of very sensitive information. Besides, patient anonymity is another most important property, which must be protected. Most recently, Chiou et al. suggested an authentication protocol for TMIS by utilizing the concept of cloud environment. They claimed that their protocol is patient anonymous and well security protected. We reviewed their protocol and found that it is completely insecure against patient anonymity. Further, the same protocol is not protected against mobile device stolen attack. In order to improve security level and complexity, we design a light weight authentication protocol for the same environment. Our security analysis ensures resilience of all possible security attacks. The performance of our protocol is relatively standard in comparison with the related previous research.

Abstract P6-09-26: Effect of race on triple negative breast cancer outcomes

Background: African American (AA) women and patients with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) have poor outcomes. It is unclear whether these worse outcomes in AA women are due to a higher frequency of TNBC in AA women. The purpose of our study was to determine difference in outcomes between AA and Caucasian (CA) female with TNBC.

Methods: A retrospective study of women diagnosed with ER, PR and HER2 (1+) negative breast cancer between January 1/2001 and December 31/2013 at Vidant Medical Center (East Carolina University) in Greenville, North Carolina was undertaken. Patient demographics and tumor characteristics were analyzed to determine impact on overall survival.

Results: In our institution, 4,434 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in this study period, of which 378 had TNBC. Our TNBC population was predominantly AA (53%). AA patients were younger (54.1 years vs 58.7 years, p=0.005), less often postmenopausal (62.6% vs 74.5%, p=0.013), more likely to have Medicaid (24.3% vs 7.9%, p &lt;0.001), and to have received chemotherapy (80% vs 69%, p=0.017) compared to CA women. There was no difference in stage at diagnosis between AA and CA patients (p=0.12). By univariate analysis, improved survival in TNBC was associated with non-Medicaid status (p=0.01), early stage at diagnosis (p=0.001), N stage (&lt;0.001), and tumor grade (p&lt;0.001). A Cox regression analysis demonstrated that only insurance status (p=0.007) and N Stage (p=0.01) predicted outcomes in TNBC. Survival in TNBC was not affected by race (p=0.7).

Conclusions: Poorer outcomes in AA women cannot be attributed to the higher frequency of TNBC. Improved access to healthcare, with broader insurance coverage, may help minimize disparities in outcome by diagnosing TNBC at an earlier stage.Background: African American (AA) women and patients with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) have poor outcomes. It is unclear whether these worse outcomes in AA women are due to a higher frequency of TNBC in AA women. The purpose of our study was to determine difference in outcomes between AA and Caucasian (CA) female with TNBC.

Methods: A retrospective study of women diagnosed with ER, PR and HER2 (1+) negative breast cancer between January 1/2001 and December 31/2013 at Vidant Medical Center (East Carolina University) in Greenville, North Carolina was undertaken. Patient demographics and tumor characteristics were analyzed to determine impact on overall survival.

Results: In our institution, 4,434 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in this study period, of which 378 had TNBC. Our TNBC population was predominantly AA (53%). AA patients were younger (54.1 years vs 58.7 years, p=0.005), less often postmenopausal (62.6% vs 74.5%, p=0.013), more likely to have Medicaid (24.3% vs 7.9%, p &lt;0.001), and to have received chemotherapy (80% vs 69%, p=0.017) compared to CA women. There was no difference in stage at diagnosis between AA and CA patients (p=0.12). By univariate analysis, improved survival in TNBC was associated with non-Medicaid status (p=0.01), early stage at diagnosis (p=0.001), N stage (&lt;0.001), and tumor grade (p&lt;0.001). A Cox regression analysis demonstrated that only insurance status (p=0.007) and N Stage (p=0.01) predicted outcomes in TNBC. Survival in TNBC was not affected by race (p=0.7).

Conclusions: Poorer outcomes in AA women cannot be attributed to the higher frequency of TNBC. Improved access to healthcare, with broader insurance coverage, may help minimize disparities in outcome by diagnosing TNBC at an earlier stage.

Citation Format: Mosquera C, Amin R, Wong JH. Effect of race on triple negative breast cancer outcomes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-09-26.