Using a food web model to predict the effects of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) accidental spills on deep-sea hydrothermal vents from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) region

Deep-sea hydrothermal vents host unique ecosystems but face risks of incidents with Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) along busy shipping lanes such as the transatlantic route. We developed an Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) model of the Menez Gwen (MG) vent field (MG-EwE) (Mid-Atlantic Ridge) to simulate ecosystem effects of potential accidental spills of four different HNS, using a semi-Lagrangian Dispersion Model (sLDM) coupled with the Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) calibrated for the study area. Food web modelling revealed a simplified trophic structure with low energy efficiency. The MG ecosystem was vulnerable to disruptions caused by all tested HNS, yet it revealed some long-term resilience. Understanding these impacts is vital for enhancing Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure plans (SPCC) in remote marine areas and developing tools to assess stressors effects on these invaluable habitats.

Inhibition of METTL3 Results in a Cell-Intrinsic Interferon Response That Enhances Antitumor Immunity

Therapies that enhance antitumor immunity have altered the natural history of many cancers. Consequently, leveraging nonoverlapping mechanisms to increase immunogenicity of cancer cells remains a priority. Using a novel enzymatic inhibitor of the RNA methyl-transferase METTL3, we demonstrate a global decrease in N6-methyladenosine (m6A) results in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) formation and a profound cell-intrinsic interferon response. Through unbiased CRISPR screens, we establish dsRNA-sensing and interferon signaling are primary mediators that potentiate T-cell killing of cancer cells following METTL3 inhibition. We show in a range of immunocompetent mouse models that although METTL3 inhibition is equally efficacious to anti-PD-1 therapy, the combination has far greater preclinical activity. Using SPLINTR barcoding, we demonstrate that anti-PD-1 therapy and METTL3 inhibition target distinct malignant clones, and the combination of these therapies overcomes clones insensitive to the single agents. These data provide the mole-cular and preclinical rationale for employing METTL3 inhibitors to promote antitumor immunity in the clinic.

SIGNIFICANCE

This work demonstrates that METTL3 inhibition stimulates a cell-intrinsic interferon response through dsRNA formation. This immunomodulatory mechanism is distinct from current immunotherapeutic agents and provides the molecular rationale for combination with anti-PD-1 immune-checkpoint blockade to augment antitumor immunity. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2109.

P04.02.A Integrated diagnosis and therapeutic decision of pediatric nervous system tumors using a comprehensive genomic profiling test

Background

Nervous system tumors (NST) are one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in children. Next-generation sequencing has enabled the identification of an increasing number of genetic markers, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis, and may help guide clinicians towards a more specific therapeutic approach.

Material and Methods

Retrospective cohort study of pediatric and young adult patients with NST analyzed with FoundationOneHeme® (FOH) panel from March 2020 to April 2021. This panel was requested, in addition to previously performed pathological reviews and routine genetic tests, in order to obtain more accurate diagnoses and/or possible therapeutic targets.

Results

Fifty NST were analyzed with FOH panel, corresponding to 49 patients. Median age at NST diagnosis was 13 years (range 0-23 years); 50% were females. Initial diagnoses were: 10 pilocytic astrocytomas, 10 diffuse gliomas, 5 ependymomas, 6 mixed neuronal-glial tumors, 7 embryonal tumors, 3 meningeal tumors, 5 peripheral nervous system tumors (PNST) and 4 other types of tumors. There was a change in the final integrated diagnosis after performing the FOH panel in 10 patients (1 pilocytic astrocytoma, 3 diffuse gliomas, 4 mixed neuronal-glial tumors and 1 PNST). In thirty patients, at least one possible therapeutic target was identified: in 5 patients the target therapies are approved for the patients’ tumor type; in 20 patients, target therapies are approved for the same mutations in other tumor types; and in 30 patients target therapies are still being evaluated in ongoing clinical trials. After the results of the FOH panel were known, the previous therapeutic approach was changed in 15 patients, but in only 4 this was attributed to the new genomic findings.

Conclusion

Comprehensive genomic profiling tests can improve diagnostic accuracy and allow for a more reliable approach to the management of pediatric patients with nervous system tumors. Although in most patients there was no immediate therapeutic application of the potential targets found, the genomic data obtained could be very useful to patients who may have tumor progressions in the future.

Increased expression of RUNX3 inhibits normal human myeloid development

RUNX3 is a transcription factor dysregulated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, its role in normal myeloid development and leukemia is poorly understood. Here we investigate RUNX3 expression in both settings and the impact of its dysregulation on myelopoiesis. We found that RUNX3 mRNA expression was stable during hematopoiesis but decreased with granulocytic differentiation. In AML, RUNX3 mRNA was overexpressed in many disease subtypes, but downregulated in AML with core binding factor abnormalities, such as RUNX1::ETO. Overexpression of RUNX3 in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) inhibited myeloid differentiation, particularly of the granulocytic lineage. Proliferation and myeloid colony formation were also inhibited. Conversely, RUNX3 knockdown did not impact the myeloid growth and development of human HSPC. Overexpression of RUNX3 in the context of RUNX1::ETO did not rescue the RUNX1::ETO-mediated block in differentiation. RNA-sequencing showed that RUNX3 overexpression downregulates key developmental genes, such as KIT and RUNX1, while upregulating lymphoid genes, such as KLRB1 and TBX21. Overall, these data show that increased RUNX3 expression observed in AML could contribute to the developmental arrest characteristic of this disease, possibly by driving a competing transcriptional program favoring a lymphoid fate.

Protein Kinase C Epsilon Overexpression Is Associated With Poor Patient Outcomes in AML and Promotes Daunorubicin Resistance Through p-Glycoprotein-Mediated Drug Efflux

The protein kinase C (PKC) family of serine/threonine kinases are pleiotropic signaling regulators and are implicated in hematopoietic signaling and development. Only one isoform however, PKCϵ, has oncogenic properties in solid cancers where it is associated with poor outcomes. Here we show that PKCϵ protein is significantly overexpressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML; 37% of patients). In addition, PKCϵ expression in AML was associated with a significant reduction in complete remission induction and disease-free survival. Examination of the functional consequences of PKCϵ overexpression in normal human hematopoiesis, showed that PKCϵ promotes myeloid differentiation, particularly of the monocytic lineage, and decreased colony formation, suggesting that PKCϵ does not act as an oncogene in hematopoietic cells. Rather, in AML cell lines, PKCϵ overexpression selectively conferred resistance to the chemotherapeutic agent, daunorubicin, by reducing intracellular concentrations of this agent. Mechanistic analysis showed that PKCϵ promoted the expression of the efflux pump, P-GP (ABCB1), and that drug efflux mediated by this transporter fully accounted for the daunorubicin resistance associated with PKCϵ overexpression. Analysis of AML patient samples also showed a link between PKCϵ and P-GP protein expression suggesting that PKCϵ expression drives treatment resistance in AML by upregulating P-GP expression.

RUNX3 overexpression inhibits normal human erythroid development

RUNX proteins belong to a family of transcription factors essential for cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis with emerging data implicating RUNX3 in haematopoiesis and haematological malignancies. Here we show that RUNX3 plays an important regulatory role in normal human erythropoiesis. The impact of altering RUNX3 expression on erythropoiesis was determined by transducing human CD34⁺ cells with RUNX3 overexpression or shRNA knockdown vectors. Analysis of RUNX3 mRNA expression showed that RUNX3 levels decreased during erythropoiesis. Functionally, RUNX3 overexpression had a modest impact on early erythroid growth and development. However, in late-stage erythroid development, RUNX3 promoted growth and inhibited terminal differentiation with RUNX3 overexpressing cells exhibiting lower expression of glycophorin A, greater cell size and less differentiated morphology. These results suggest that suppression of RUNX3 is required for normal erythropoiesis. Overexpression of RUNX3 increased colony formation in liquid culture whilst, corresponding RUNX3 knockdown suppressed colony formation but otherwise had little impact. This study demonstrates that the downregulation of RUNX3 observed in normal human erythropoiesis is important in promoting the terminal stages of erythroid development and may further our understanding of the role of this transcription factor in haematological malignancies.

Acute and subchronic effects of petroleum on the freshwater fish Hoplias aff. malabaricus

Abstract Petroleum water soluble fraction (WSF) impairs organisms, but damages may vary among cell and tissue levels. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acute (24 h, 48 h, 72 h) and subchronic effects (36 days) of WSF (0%, 25% and 100%) in juveniles of the Neotropical top predator fish Hoplias aff. malabaricus. The effects of WSF were evaluated at a molecular level using the comet assay and micronucleus test for genome damage; and at a morphological level through histological identification of liver pathologic lesions. In both acute and subchronic exposure we found low levels of DNA damage (< 10% of comet tail) and non-significant frequency of micronucleus in WSF exposed fish. The most significant liver lesions in WSF exposed fish were fatty vacuolization, hypertrophy and focal necrosis. Since these tissue injuries were progressive and persistent, their irreversibility may negatively affect fish recruitment, even in a such resistant top predator.

Vocal universals and geographic variations in the acoustic repertoire of the common bottlenose dolphin

Acoustical geographic variation is common in widely distributed species and it is already described for several taxa, at various scales. In cetaceans, intraspecific variation in acoustic repertoires has been linked to ecological factors, geographical barriers, and social processes. For the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), studies on acoustic variability are scarce, focus on a single signal type-whistles and on the influence of environmental variables. Here, we analyze the acoustic emissions of nine bottlenose dolphin populations across the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and identify common signal types and acoustic variants to assess repertoires' (dis)similarity. Overall, these dolphins present a rich acoustic repertoire, with 24 distinct signal sub-types including: whistles, burst-pulsed sounds, brays and bangs. Acoustic divergence was observed only in social signals, suggesting the relevance of cultural transmission in geographic variation. The repertoire dissimilarity values were remarkably low (from 0.08 to 0.4) and do not reflect the geographic distances among populations. Our findings suggest that acoustic ecology may play an important role in the occurrence of intraspecific variability, as proposed by the 'environmental adaptation hypothesis'. Further work may clarify the boundaries between neighboring populations, and shed light into vocal learning and cultural transmission in bottlenose dolphin societies.

Removal of flocculated TiO2 nanoparticles by settling or dissolved air flotation

Engineered nanoparticles of TiO₂ (TiO₂-NPs) are used in the industry for a great number of applications. After their usage, the particles end up in aquatic environments, contaminating supply waters and watercourses. Bench-scale studies report removal of TiO₂-NPs (450 nm, the mean volumetric diameter) by flocculation followed by settling or by dissolved air flotation (4 bar saturation pressure and 30% recycling ratio). Floc formation was conducted after heterocoagulation with iron hydroxide (30-40 mg L^-1Fe³⁺⁾ and gelatinized corn starch (10-20 mgL^-1) as flocculant, at pH 7. Particle size distribution and zeta potential, removal efficiencies as a function of time and microphotography of flocs were analyzed. Mechanisms involve ferric hydroxide precipitation, heterocoagulation with the nanoparticles and flocculation of the loaded carrier precipitates with gelatinized starch. Best results showed removals between 95-100% of TiO₂-NPs, either by settling or flotation after 5 min. Clear treated waters with low turbidity < 3 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) and TiO₂-NPs concentrations <1 mg L^-1 were obtained. A practical advantage in DAF was the higher solids content (1.9% w/w) of the sludge, when compared to settling (0.7% w/w). This would facilitate the sludge dewatering and disposal, but DAF has the disadvantage of the poor efficiency at high concentration of the nanoparticles of titanium oxide (>100 mg L^-1). Conversely, the removal by settling of the flocs increased at high dosages. It is believed that both processes are sustainable in terms of reagents and the removal efficiencies of TiO₂ nanoparticles from water.

Tisseel® versus Hemopatch® for dural sealing in neurosurgery. A prospective study in a tertiary center

BACKGROUND

Dural repair is a potential source of complications in neurosurgery. We make a comparison in pseudomeningocele and CSF leak incidence with the sealants Tisseel® and Hemopatch®.

METHODS

We collected 147 patients from September 2017 to December 2018 in a prospective observational study. Inclusion criteria were adult patients with an intradural cranial or spinal surgery whose dura was closed with a fibrin sealant. Primary endpoints were the incidence of pseudo meningocele and CSF leak. Secondary endpoints were the surgical-site infection, epidural hematoma, and the influence of previous surgery.

RESULTS

In 65 and 82 patients Tisseel® and Hemopatch® were used as sealants respectively. The incidence of CSF leak presented a significant statistical relation with the use of Tisseel® in a univariate and multivariate analysis. Infratentorial surgery presented a higher incidence of pseudomeningocele and CSF leak, but the approach used was not a significant factor in multivariate analysis. Patients who were operated previously had a higher risk present a postoperative complication.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of pseudomeningocele and CSF leak was higher with Tisseel® compared with Hemopatch® with a statistic significant relation in case of CSF fistulae. The procedure done may be a confusion factor in our study. There was no report of adverse effects or a higher incidence of complications. However, it is recommended to plan randomized trials with larger samples to get stronger evidence.

A cost-utility analysis of increasing percutaneous coronary intervention use in elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes in six European countries

AIMS

Percutaneous coronary intervention reduces mortality in acute coronary syndrome patients but the cost-utility of increasing its use in elderly acute coronary syndrome patients is unknown.

METHODS

We assessed the efficiency of increased percutaneous coronary intervention use compared to current practice in patients aged ≥75 years admitted for acute coronary syndrome in France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain with a semi-Markov state transition model. In-hospital mortality reduction estimates by percutaneous coronary intervention use and costs were derived from the EUROpean Treatment & Reduction of Acute Coronary Syndromes cost analysis EU project (n = 28,600). Risk of recurrence and out-of-hospital all-cause mortality were obtained from the Information System for the Development of Research in Primary Care (SIDIAP) database from North-Eastern Spain (n = 55,564). In-hospital mortality was modelled using stratified propensity score analysis. The 8-year acute coronary syndrome recurrence risk and out-of-hospital mortality were estimated with a multistate survival model. The scenarios analysed were to increase percutaneous coronary intervention use among patients with the highest, moderate and lowest probability of receiving percutaneous coronary intervention based on the propensity score analysis.

RESULTS

France, Greece and Portugal showed similar total costs/1000 individuals (7.29-11.05 m €); while in Germany, Italy and Spain, costs were higher (13.53-22.57 m €). Incremental cost-utility ratios of providing percutaneous coronary intervention to all patients ranged from 2262.8 €/quality adjusted life year gained for German males to 6324.3 €/quality adjusted life year gained for Italian females. Increasing percutaneous coronary intervention use was cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of 10,000 €/quality adjusted life year gained for all scenarios in the six countries, in males and females.

CONCLUSION

Compared to current clinical practice, broadening percutaneous coronary intervention use in elderly acute coronary syndrome patients would be cost-effective across different healthcare systems in Europe, regardless of the selected strategy.

AB0968 DIAGNOSIS OF INFLAMMATORY BACK PAIN (IBP) IN A LOW-INCOME POPULATION USING ASAS IBP DEFINITION

Background:

Inflammatory back pain (IBP) is an important entry criterion for identifying patients with axial spondyloarthritis. Due to the very frequent prevalence of chronic non-inflammatory back pain (CBP), IBP is difficult to differentiate and recognize in many clinical practices. CBP is a frequent diagnosis in populations with low socioeconomic status.

Objectives:

To investigate whether IBP ASAS definition help discriminate from CBP in a low-income population.

Methods:

A total of 202 consecutive individuals were directly interviewed in Fortaleza/Brazil, for the prevalence of IBP (ASAS definition), monthly family income (US$), school education [>/≤ 8 school-years(SY)], and smoking habit (present/absent). People from all social levels were included.

Results:

Mean age was 38.9±12.9 years, 100 (49.5%) were male and 36 (17.8%) were smokers; 135 (66.8%) declared less than 730US$ family earnings per month and 71 (35.1%) had less than 8 SY. Although 122 (60.3%) declared lumbar pain, in comparison, 29 (14.3%), 22 (10.9%) and 59 (29.2%) fulfilled ASAS, Berlin, and Calin’s IBP criteria, respectively. There were 39 (58.02%) vs. 83 (61.5%) with vs. without CBP and 9 (13.4%) vs. 20 (14.8%) fulfilling vs. not fulfilling the ASAS IBP definition among those with more or less than 730US$ earnings (P>0.05), respectively.

Conclusion:

This is the first report on the prevalence of IBP in a very low-income population. Over one-third had less than 8SY, revealing very low literacy. Smoking prevalence was also low if compared to 28% smoking prevalence WHO estimates across Europe*. These IBP prevalence data are similar to those reported in wealthier populations, living in higher latitude. Data suggest that ASAS IBP definition may be used to discriminate patients with IBP from those with CBP, regardless of income and literacy.

References:

This is the first report on the prevalence of IBP in a very low-income population. Over one-third had less than 8SY, revealing very low literacy. Smoking prevalence (17.8%) was also low if compared to 28% smoking prevalence WHO estimates across Europe*. These IBP prevalence data are similar to those reported in wealthier populations, living in higher latitude. Data suggest that ASAS IBP definition may be used to discriminate patients with IBP from those with CBP, regardless of income and literacy.

Disclosure of Interests:

Jobson Oliveira: None declared, Rodolfo Nunes: None declared, Guilherme da Silva: None declared, Igor Nogueira: None declared, Artur Azevedo: None declared, Xenofon Baraliakos Grant/research support from: Grant/research support from: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB and Werfen, Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB and Werfen, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB and Werfen, Airton Rocha Speakers bureau: Not related to the present work

P03.13 Evaluation of PIK3CA mutational status in glioma molecular subgroups

BACKGROUND

Gliomas are the most common and lethal malignant tumors of central nervous system. In 2016, World Health Organization (WHO) classification included IDH mutations and 1p/19q codeletion as diagnostic criteria to define glioma entities. However, new biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and response to therapy are needed. In this context, PIK3CA mutations have been described as constitutive mutations, which highlights their relevance in gliomas. Here we clarified the clinical relevance of PIK3CA mutations according to the 2016 WHO classification, the potential impact on diagnosis, prognosis, response to therapy, as well as their correlation with EGFR amplification and PTEN deletion.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cohort of 444 adult diffuse glioma samples from Instituto Português de Oncologia Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG) was classified according to the 2016 WHO Classification. The mutational status of exon 9 and 20 of PIK3CA was evaluated in molecular subgroups of gliomas by Sanger sequencing. PTEN deletion and EGFR amplification were identified by Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).

RESULTS

PIK3CA mutations showed a higher frequency in the subgroup of gliomas with IDH mutations and 1p/19q codeletion - oligodendrogliomas (10%). In Glioblastoma (GBM) IDH-mutant and IDH-wildtype these oncogenic mutations were observed in 9% and 3% of cases, respectively. Similar results were obtained using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, which was 8% and 2%, respectively. H1047R and E542K were the most frequent mutations identified in the glioma molecular subgroups. Importantly, we found 3 unreported pathogenic variants in exon 20 of PIK3CA (c.3112T>C, c.2988T>C, c.3040C>T) and one polymorphic variant (c.3210A>G). In addition, PIK3CA mutations, PTEN deletion and EGFR amplification were not mutually exclusive alterations in glioma molecular subgroups. For the first time in gliomas, it was identified the rs45455192 polymorphism at a frequency of 16% in astrocytomas IDH-mutant, 24% in oligodendrogliomas and 18% in both molecular subgroups of GBM, although this polymorphism did not have prognostic value. The analysis of PIK3CA mutations in glioma recurrences showed that these mutations are maintained during glioma progression.

CONCLUSION

In two independent cohorts (IPOLFG and TCGA), it was obtained similar frequencies of PIK3CA mutations in GBM molecular subgroups. In addition, these mutations are more relevant in less aggressive gliomas (IDH-mutated and 1p/19q codeleted). These alterations seem to be important in tumor maintenance and progression, which makes this gene a potential therapeutic target. In the future, we will investigate the effect of the in vitro pharmacological inhibition of PIK3CA in GBM mutant cell lines.

Bulk nanobubbles in the mineral and environmental areas: Updating research and applications

In the last decade, the research with bulk nanobubbles (ultrafine bubbles with a diameter <1 μm, according to ISO 20480-1:2017) has been rapidly increasing in the academic and industrial environments. Nowadays, there are many applications reported in the literature, with several patents, procedures, and techniques on nanobubbles generation and an evergrowing research and many applications. Yet, most of those publications reporting bulk nanobubbles generation devices, do not bring information on measurements of size distribution or bubbles concentration (if nanobubbles). Further, there is a problem of scale and many of these products are small bench discontinuous rigs difficult to scale up, which might serve small scale purposes, but are not able for treating high flow-rate wastewaters or minerals pulps at industrial scale. These nanometric bubbles present interesting and peculiar properties such as high surface area per volume unit, high stability and longevity, surface charge in water and the ability to aggregate hydrophobic particles. These findings demonstrate their high potential for applications in many technological areas, which occur not only as isolated bubbles but also jointly with micro (~ 1-100 μm diameter) and/or macrobubbles (~100 μm - 2 mm diameter). This paper reviews the evolution of basic research on nanobubbles, the challenges concerning generation and stability and their applications in the mineral (flotation) and environmental areas (treatment of water and wastewaters or remediation of contaminated environments). Herein, because the importance in engineering, as a whole, most of the studies are based on the nanobubbles generated by depressurisation/hydrodynamic cavitation of the air-saturated water in flow constrictors (venturi, needle valves). In the mineral area, they appear to be responsible for increasing the recovery and flotation kinetics of fine (<74 μm) and ultrafine (<13 μm) particles at lower frother and collector dosages. In the environmental area, nanobubbles have been reported to enhance the removal of a variety of pollutants (emulsified oil, colloidal solids, organic/inorganic precipitates, ions) by flotation associated with bigger bubbles. More, the application of isolated nanobubbles on the removal of residual pollutants, such as amine and oil (both as flocs) were reported. Also, the use of ozone and oxygen nanobubbles has been studied for the remediation/decontamination of soil and aquatic ecosystems and for the oxidation of emerging pollutants in water and wastewater treatment. The future of nanobubbles in flotation separation research is highly promising; operating costs of the different forms of nanobubbles generation and bench studies should be validated through pilot and real scale with the continuous injection of these bubbles.

Gata2 as a Crucial Regulator of Stem Cells in Adult Hematopoiesis and Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Subversion of transcription factor (TF) activity in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) leads to the development of therapy-resistant leukemic stem cells (LSCs) that drive fulminant acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Using a conditional mouse model where zinc-finger TF Gata2 was deleted specifically in hematopoietic cells, we show that knockout of Gata2 leads to rapid and complete cell-autonomous loss of adult hematopoietic stem cells. By using short hairpin RNAi to target GATA2, we also identify a requirement for GATA2 in human HSPCs. In Meis1a/Hoxa9-driven AML, deletion of Gata2 impedes maintenance and self-renewal of LSCs. Ablation of Gata2 enforces an LSC-specific program of enhanced apoptosis, exemplified by attenuation of anti-apoptotic factor BCL2, and re-instigation of myeloid differentiation--which is characteristically blocked in AML. Thus, GATA2 acts as a critical regulator of normal and leukemic stem cells and mediates transcriptional networks that may be exploited therapeutically to target key facets of LSC behavior in AML.

Metformin and Breast Cancer: Molecular Targets

Metformin has been the first-line drug for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus for decades, being presently the most widely prescribed antihyperglycemic drug. Retrospective studies associate the use of metformin with a reduction in cancer incidence and cancer-related death. However, despite extensive research about the molecular effects of metformin in cancer cells, its mode of action remains controversial. The major molecular targets of metformin include complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), but AMPK-independent effects of metformin have also been described. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. Several studies have reinforced a link between breast cancer risk and diabetes. Moreover, metformin significantly reduces breast cancer risk, compared to patients who are not using metformin and is independent of diabetes status. In this review, we summarize the current molecular evidence to elucidate metformin's mode of action against breast cancer cells.

Perturbative measurement of magnetoresistance

In this paper, we report the development of a novel technique in which the magnetoresistance of nanostructures is perturbatively measured by transversally modulating the DC magnetic field. It measures the electrical transport counterpart of the transverse magnetic AC-susceptibility. The technique was developed in a conventional four-probe configuration in which a small DC current flows through the sample and a small transverse AC-field perturbates the equilibrium position of the sample magnetization. Lock-in detection, in-phase with the AC-perturbation, is used to measure the voltage signal between the two inner electrodes of the four-probe station. We successfully demonstrated that this signal is proportional to the product of the first derivative of sample resistance with respect to the equilibrium position of the magnetization times the second derivative of the energy with respect to the equilibrium position of the magnetization. These dependences add new features to the technique investigated here that were not captured by the investigations previously reported on the same subject. To show the effective use of the technique, we discuss its application in measuring magnetic properties of thin magnetic films in the non-saturated regime.

Raw water clarification by flotation with microbubbles and nanobubbles generated with a multiphase pump

Raw water clarification by flotation was studied by injecting air into a centrifugal multiphase pump to generate microbubbles (MBs) and nanobubbles (NBs). Measurements of gas dispersion parameters were performed and optimal conditions were obtained using a pump pressure of 4 bar. Values showed a bubble Sauter diameter of 75 μm, an air holdup of 1.2%, a bubble surface area flux of 34 s^-1 and an NB concentration of 1 × 10⁸ NBs mL^-1 (measuring 220 nm). Then, a study compared flotation with bubbles formed with the multiphase pump (F-MP) to lamellar settling at the clarification stage of a water treatment plant (WTP), in Brazil. The F-MP showed a higher separation efficiency at high hydraulic loads (9-15 m h^-1), even without the use of a polymer, reaching 2 NTU (10-25 NTU raw water feed), which was much lower than the technical goal of the WTP (5 NTU). The results and the technical aspects are discussed, and it is concluded that the employment of MBs and NBs with pumps widens new research lines and applications in modern flotation.

Satisfaction with a therapeutic sleeve for arm lymphedema secondary to breast cancer treatment: Controlled crossover trial

Highlights

Secondary lymphedema is a late iatrogenic side effect of breast cancer treatment.Despite multimodal decongestive therapy in their daily life breast cancer survivors with lymphedema have few alternatives but to use a compressive sleeve.Concerned with the well-known low compliance to the daily use of traditional sleeves, we conducted a comparative study to evaluate the subjective assessment of an innovative class 1 compression sleeve.We concluded that the PRADEX^® sleeve, not being worse in its compressive efficacy, is much better with regard to patient comfort.

Abstract

Secondary arm lymphedema is a feared late iatrogenic side effect of breast cancer survivors with a negative impact on patient's self-image and quality of life. Its reported incidence is extremely variable, from 6% to 80%, as well as the effectiveness of the multimodal decongestive lymphedema therapy.In their daily life breast cancer survivors with lymphedema have few alternatives but to use a compressive sleeve. Concerned with the well-known low compliance to the daily use of traditional sleeves, we conducted a comparative study in a subgroup of our patients with lymphedema secondary to breast cancer treatment for the subjective assessment of PRADEX^®, an innovative class 1 compression sleeve. Secondarily, we aimed to assess the non-inferiority of PRADEX^® regarding subjective and objective measures of the severity of lymphedema.We studied 46 women with grade 1 secondary arm lymphedema, who used their usual sleeve and PRADEX^® daily for 2 weeks each, in a crossover design.The new therapeutic sleeve was classified as having a better design and a better usability and comfort (more comfortable, thinner, fresher, softer, more flexible, comfortable, resistant to dirt and easier to dress and to wear). Women's subjective opinion about the severity of lymphedema favored their usual sleeve in detriment of PRADEX^®, but this subjective feeling was contradicted by objective measurements of different perimeters of the arm at the beginning and at the end of the study.We concluded that the PRADEX^® sleeve, not being worse in its compressive therapeutic efficacy, is much better with regard to patient comfort.

Mid-regional proadrenomedullin: An early marker of response in critically ill patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia?

BACKGROUND

Mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) is a novel biomarker with potential prognostic utility in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

PURPOSE

To evaluate the value of MR-proADM levels at ICU admission for further severity stratification and outcome prediction, and its kinetics as an early predictor of response in severe CAP (SCAP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective, single-center, cohort study of 19 SCAP patients admitted to the ICU within 12h after the first antibiotic dose.

RESULTS

At ICU admission median MR-proADM was 3.58nmol/l (IQR: 2.83-10.00). No significant association was found between its serum levels at admission and severity assessed by SAPS II (Spearman's correlation=0.24, p=0.31) or SOFA score (SOFA<10: <3.45nmol/l vs. SOFA≥10: 3.90nmol/l, p=0.74). Hospital and one-year mortality were 26% and 32%, respectively. No significant difference in median MR-proADM serum levels was found between survivors and non-survivors and its accuracy to predict hospital mortality was bad (aROC 0.53). After 48h of antibiotic therapy, MR-proADM decreased in all but 5 patients (median -20%; IQR -56% to +0.1%). Its kinetics measured by the percent change from baseline was a good predictor of clinical response (aROC 0.80). The best discrimination was achieved by classifying patients according to whether MR-proADM decreased or not within 48h. No decrease in MR-proADM serum levels significantly increased the chances of dying independently of general severity (SAPS II-adjusted OR 174; 95% CI 2-15,422; p=0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

In SCAP patients, a decrease in MR-proADM serum levels in the first 48h after ICU admission was a good predictor of clinical response and better outcome.

Abundance and spatial-temporal distribution of the shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Decapoda: Penaeidae): an exploited species in southeast Brazil

This study evaluated the abundance and spatial-temporal distribution of the shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri in the coastal region of Macaé, state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. Monthly samples were obtained from March 2008 to February 2010 in six stations located in Inner (5, 10 and 15m depth) and Outer (25, 35 and 45m depth) areas. It was used a commercial fishery boat equipped with an otter-trawl net (3.5 m mouth width, mesh size 20mm and 15mm in the cod end). Water samples were taken for determination of temperature and salinity, and sediment samples for determination of texture and organic matter content. A total of 7146 shrimps were sampled. About 95% of all shrimps were caught in the shallow area, i.e., depths <20m. Greatest abundances were recorded in winter and spring. No significant correlation was observed between sediment (phi) and abundance. The distribution of X. kroyeri in the studied area was closely related to seasonal cold waterfront of the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) and temperature was the main factor affecting the species abundance.

Evaluating Transportation by Comparing Several uses of Rotary Endodontic Files

AIM

To evaluate the frequent use of ProTaper Next (PTN; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) systems on shaping ability of root canal utilizing Solidworks (2014, Dassault Systemes) software.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six root canals in clear resin blocks (Dentsply-Maillefer) were allocated into six experimental groups (n = 36). Six new sets of PTN instruments (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) were used six times to shape the resin blocks. A #15 K-file was inserted to the working length (WL), followed by ProGlider (PG) to create a glide path. Sequential use of PTN instrumentation in a crown-down technique was used to reach size (30/07) apically. Macroscopic photos of the blocks were taken before and after instrumentation, layered by Paint Shop Pro 9 from JascSoftware, and then canal transportation was measured using Solidwork 2014. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22. Multivariate statistical analysis general linear model (GLM) was also applied. Bonferroni correction test was used in multiple comparisons and the statistical significance was set to 0.05.

RESULTS

There was no difference in canal transportation resulted from utilizing PTN files after six multiple uses; in addition, the PTN files showed ability to maintain the original canal anatomy, especially in the apical level, where lowest total mean value of canal center displacement was seen (3 mm level) (0.019 ± 0.017).

CONCLUSION

ProTaper Next files can be used to prepare single and multiple canals in a single furcated tooth.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

ProTaper Next nickel-titanium (NiTi) file system is a safe instrument that respects the canal shape, allows practitioners to treat difficult cases with good results, and low risk of separation.

Spin-Current to Charge-Current Conversion and Magnetoresistance in a Hybrid Structure of Graphene and Yttrium Iron Garnet

The use of graphene in spintronic devices depends, among other things, on its ability to convert a spin excitation into an electric charge signal, a phenomenon that requires a spin-orbit coupling (SOC). Here we report the observation of two effects that show the existence of SOC in large-area CVD grown single-layer graphene deposited on a single crystal film of the ferrimagnetic insulator yttrium iron garnet (YIG). The first is a magnetoresistance of graphene induced by the magnetic proximity effect with YIG. The second is the detection of a dc voltage along the graphene layer resulting from the conversion of the spin current generated by spin pumping from microwave driven ferromagnetic resonance into a charge current, which is attributed to the inverse Rashba-Edelstein effect.

Population biology of the commercially exploited shrimp Artemesia longinaris (Decapoda: Penaeidae) in an upwelling region in the Western Atlantic: comparisons at different latitudes

This study characterized the population biology of the dendrobranchiate penaeid shrimp Artemesia longinaris Spence Bate, 1888, focusing on population structure, sexual maturity, reproductive period and recruitment, and comparing reproductive parameters of a different populations along western South Atlantic..Samples were collected monthly from March, 2008 to February, 2010 in Macaé, northern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, a region influenced by the Cabo Frio upwelling. There was a significantly higher percentage of females and with larger sizes than males. Both carapace length and sexual maturity in Macaé were similar to the dimensions found in populations in the South of the continent (Argentina). Reproductive females were present in all months, with main peaks during winter and summer. Recruitment was also continuous, with peaks, usually one to two months after the appearance of reproductive females, after the reduction of the bottom temperature values of water. These data suggest that November to January would be the appropriate months for legal off-season, due to the higher intensity of spawning females and juveniles during this period. A comparação latitudinal dos parâmetros reprodutivos, não confirma o paradigma de que tamanho do corpo e a maturidade sexual das fêmeas são menores em regiões tropicais e aumentam em direção às maiores latitudes, reforçando a hipótese da influência e importância da ACAS na dinâmica reprodutiva de A. longinaris na região The results of this study contribute to the understanding of the biology of A. longinaris, and could also be a reference to monitor this important fishery resource and consequent legal off-season. Furthermore, this population located at the northern limit of the species distribution is a source of highly relevant comparison for population studies in other areas.

Trends in prevalence of diabetes mellitus and mean fasting glucose in Portugal (1987-2009): a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To assess time trends of the prevalence of diabetes and mean blood glucose in Portuguese adults.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

The search strategy included Pubmed search and screening of bibliographic references of the review articles. Sex-specific linear regression models, with survey year and participants' age as independent variables, were used to predict prevalence estimates of self-reported diabetes and mean fasting glucose.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven eligible studies were identified. Time trends of objectively defined diabetes could not be quantified due to the heterogeneity of the diagnostic criteria. Between 1987 and 2009, the prevalence of self-reported diabetes remained approximately constant in young adults, while it increased in middle-aged and older adults, more than two-fold among women and three-fold among men. In the same period, mean fasting glucose increased 7 mg/dL among women and 8 mg/dL among men.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of self-reported diabetes and mean fasting glucose increased in the last two decades, demanding for effective strategies to reverse this tendency and to manage the increasing number of people with diabetes in the Portuguese population.