Co-pyrolysis of chicken feathers and macadamia nut shells, a promising strategy to create nitrogen-enriched electrode materials for supercapacitor applications

Global food waste emits substantial quantities of nitrogen to the environment (6.3 Mtons annually), chicken feather (CF) waste is a major contributor to this. Pyrolysis, in particular co-pyrolysis of nitrogen-rich and lignocellulosic waste streams is a promising strategy to improve the extent of pyrolytic nitrogen retention by incorporating nitrogen in its solid biochar structure. As such, this biochar can serve as a precursor for nitrogen-enriched activated carbons for application in supercapacitors. Therefore, this study investigates the co-pyrolysis of CF with macadamia nut shells (MNS) to create nitrogen-rich activated carbons. Co-pyrolysis increased nitrogen retention during pyrolysis from 9 % to 18 % compared to CF mono-pyrolysis, while the porosity was maintained. After removing undesirable inorganic impurities by dilute acid washing, this led to a specific capacitance of 21F/g using a scan rate of 20 mV/s. Finally, cycling stability tests demonstrated good stability with 73 % capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles.

The ALR-RSI score can be used to evaluate psychological readiness to return to sport after acute Achilles tendon tear

PURPOSE

The return to sport is one of the main goals following Achilles tendon tear repair. Several psychological factors influence the return to sport after a sports injury. The traditional tools to assess the return to sport do not take into account psychological factors. The ankle ligament reconstruction-return to sport injury (ALR-RSI), validated for ankle instability, is a score to evaluate psychological readiness to return to sport. The goal of this study was to validate the ALR-RSI score for the assessment of the readiness to return to sport after Achilles tendon repair.

METHODS

The ALR-RSI score, adapted from the anterior cruciate ligament-return to sport injury (ACL-RSI) score used following knee ligament reconstruction, was validated according to the international COSMIN methodology. Patients operated for Achilles tendon repair responded to the questionnaire during the rehabilitation period. The EFAS, FAAM and VISA-A scores were used as reference questionnaires.

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients were included. The ALR-RSI score was strongly (r > 0.5) correlated to the EFAS score: r = 0.68 [0.50-0.80] the FAMM sport score: r = 0.7 [0.52-0.84] the FAAM AVQ score (r = 0.6 [0.35-0.78]), and the VISA-A score (r = 0.54 [0.26-0.76]). The discriminant validity was good with the ALR-RSI, which was significantly lower in the patients that did not return to sport: 60.7 (40-81.4) compared to those that did: 83.2 (64.3-100) p = 0.001. Reproducibility was excellent with an intra-class correlation coefficient ρ of 0.99 [097-1.00]. The internal consistency was excellent (alpha coefficient = 0.95).

CONCLUSION

The ALR-RSI score provides a valid, reproducible assessment of the psychological readiness to return to sport in patients who undergo surgical Achilles tendon suture repair.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Proteomic and genetic analyses of influenza A viruses identify pan-viral host targets

Influenza A Virus (IAV) is a recurring respiratory virus with limited availability of antiviral therapies. Understanding host proteins essential for IAV infection can identify targets for alternative host-directed therapies (HDTs). Using affinity purification-mass spectrometry and global phosphoproteomic and protein abundance analyses using three IAV strains (pH1N1, H3N2, H5N1) in three human cell types (A549, NHBE, THP-1), we map 332 IAV-human protein-protein interactions and identify 13 IAV-modulated kinases. Whole exome sequencing of patients who experienced severe influenza reveals several genes, including scaffold protein AHNAK, with predicted loss-of-function variants that are also identified in our proteomic analyses. Of our identified host factors, 54 significantly alter IAV infection upon siRNA knockdown, and two factors, AHNAK and coatomer subunit COPB1, are also essential for productive infection by SARS-CoV-2. Finally, 16 compounds targeting our identified host factors suppress IAV replication, with two targeting CDK2 and FLT3 showing pan-antiviral activity across influenza and coronavirus families. This study provides a comprehensive network model of IAV infection in human cells, identifying functional host targets for pan-viral HDT.

The Timing and Magnitude of the Type I Interferon Response Are Correlated with Disease Tolerance in Arbovirus Infection

Infected hosts possess two alternative strategies to protect themselves against the negative impact of virus infections: resistance, used to abrogate virus replication, and disease tolerance, used to avoid tissue damage without controlling viral burden. The principles governing pathogen resistance are well understood, while less is known about those involved in disease tolerance. Here, we studied bluetongue virus (BTV), the cause of bluetongue disease of ruminants, as a model system to investigate the mechanisms of virus-host interactions correlating with disease tolerance. BTV induces clinical disease mainly in sheep, while cattle are considered reservoirs of infection, rarely exhibiting clinical symptoms despite sustained viremia. Using primary cells from multiple donors, we show that BTV consistently reaches higher titers in ovine cells than cells from cattle. The variable replication kinetics of BTV in sheep and cow cells were mostly abolished by abrogating the cell type I interferon (IFN) response. We identified restriction factors blocking BTV replication, but both the sheep and cow orthologues of these antiviral genes possess anti-BTV properties. Importantly, we demonstrate that BTV induces a faster host cell protein synthesis shutoff in primary sheep cells than cow cells, which results in an earlier downregulation of antiviral proteins. Moreover, by using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we also show a more pronounced expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in BTV-infected cow cells than sheep cells. Our data provide a new perspective on how the type I IFN response in reservoir species can have overall positive effects on both virus and host evolution. IMPORTANCE The host immune response usually aims to inhibit virus replication in order to avoid cell damage and disease. In some cases, however, the infected host avoids the deleterious effects of infection despite high levels of viral replication. This strategy is known as disease tolerance, and it is used by animal reservoirs of some zoonotic viruses. Here, using a virus of ruminants (bluetongue virus [BTV]) as an experimental system, we dissected virus-host interactions in cells collected from species that are susceptible (sheep) or tolerant (cow) to disease. We show that (i) virus modulation of the host antiviral type I interferon (IFN) responses, (ii) viral replication kinetics, and (iii) virus-induced cell damage differ in tolerant and susceptible BTV-infected cells. Understanding the complex virus-host interactions in disease tolerance can allow us to disentangle the critical balance between protective and damaging host immune responses.

The E2 glycoprotein holds key residues for Mayaro virus adaptation to the urban Aedes aegypti mosquito

Adaptation to mosquito vectors suited for transmission in urban settings is a major driver in the emergence of arboviruses. To better anticipate future emergence events, it is crucial to assess their potential to adapt to new vector hosts. In this work, we used two different experimental evolution approaches to study the adaptation process of an emerging alphavirus, Mayaro virus (MAYV), to Ae. aegypti, an urban mosquito vector of many other arboviruses. We identified E2-T179N as a key mutation increasing MAYV replication in insect cells and enhancing transmission after escaping the midgut of live Ae. aegypti. In contrast, this mutation decreased viral replication and binding in human fibroblasts, a primary cellular target of MAYV in humans. We also showed that MAYV E2-T179N generates reduced viremia and displays less severe tissue pathology in vivo in a mouse model. We found evidence in mouse fibroblasts that MAYV E2-T179N is less dependent on the Mxra8 receptor for replication than WT MAYV. Similarly, exogenous expression of human apolipoprotein receptor 2 and Mxra8 enhanced WT MAYV replication compared to MAYV E2-T179N. When this mutation was introduced in the closely related chikungunya virus, which has caused major outbreaks globally in the past two decades, we observed increased replication in both human and insect cells, suggesting E2 position 179 is an important determinant of alphavirus host-adaptation, although in a virus-specific manner. Collectively, these results indicate that adaptation at the T179 residue in MAYV E2 may result in increased vector competence-but coming at the cost of optimal replication in humans-and may represent a first step towards a future emergence event.

PSAT219 Renal Phosphate Wasting Caused by ENPP-1 mutation

Background

Increased renal phosphate loss can be Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 (FGF-23) dependent or independent. FGF-23 reduces expression of Sodium-Phosphate co-transporters, responsible for phosphate reabsorption; and by inhibition of 1-alpha hydroxylation of 25-OH-D3. Reduced serum concentration of 1, 25-OH2-D3 results in secondary hyperparathyroidism. Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) mutation is one of the rarest causes of hypophosphatemia, which causes FGF-23 dependent hypophosphatemia.

Case description

31-year-old female referred to endocrinology for evaluation of recurrent nephrolithiasis despite normalization of PTH and serum Calcium (Ca) after right inferior parathyroid adenoma resection. Repeated renal stone analysis revealed calcium phosphate as the major stone composition. Patient achieved mid parental height, denied history of calcium or phosphate metabolism disorders/ rickets in the family. Physical exam was not suggestive of rickets and skeletal survey showed normal bone mineralization. Initial labs following parathyroid adenoma resection showed normal Ca 9.7 mg/dl, PTH 47 pg/ml, Phosphorus (Ph) 2.3 mg/dl, 25-OH-D3 51 ng/ml, albumin 3.9 g/dl, Mg 1.8 mg/dl.

Repeat fasting labs six months later revealed Ca 9 mg/dl, Ph 1.7 mg/dl, 25-OH-D3 52 ng/ml, PTH 67.5 pg/ml and albumin 3.7 g/dl. Persistent low serum phosphate was evaluated further by a 24-hour urine collection which revealed high urine phosphate of 828 mg/day, Ca 181 mg/day, Mg 23 mg/day and creatinine was 1485 mg/day. Tubular reabsorption of phosphorus was 77% (normal: >80%), indicating renal phosphate wasting. Serum FGF-23 on two different days was >180 RU/ml. Next-generation sequencing tested positive for heterozygous ENPP-1 gene mutation variant c1441C>T (p. Arg481Trp). Patient was started on oral Phosphorus supplementation & calcitriol. Repeat labs showed normalization of Ph 2.4 mg/dl. Audiology evaluation suggested mild sensorineural hearing loss. Heart calcium score was zero.

Discussion

ENPP1 gene mutation's clinical presentations can vary from no symptoms, hypophosphatemic rickets to death in the first six months of life from generalized arterial calcification. ENPP1 is an enzyme, which degrades ATP into adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and pyrophosphate (PPi). PPI is an inhibitor of hydroxyapatite crystallization in vascular tissue and organs, while Ph is a pro-mineralization factor. ENPP1 gene mutation results in a low concentration of PPi, predisposing the patient to pathological calcification. It is speculated that ENPP-1 modulates FGF-23 secretion. FGF-23 elevation in these patients is a protective response, as hypophosphatemia prevents pathological calcification. Treatment target is to keep phosphate at low end of normal. In our patient, ENPP- 1 mutation likely contributed to recurrent renal stones and possible parathyroid adenoma. Evaluation of genetic mutations is necessary to decide for or against FGF-23 antibody/Burosumab treatment. In ENPP-1 mutation. Burosumab should be avoided as it can bind to FGF-23 resulting in pathological calcification.

Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Evaluation of prognostic risk models for postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a systematic review and international external validation cohort study

BACKGROUND

Stratifying risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery allows clinicians to modify risk through targeted interventions and enhanced monitoring. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate prognostic models against a new consensus definition of postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and international external validation cohort study. The systematic review was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 1, 2020, for articles published in English that reported on risk prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. External validation of existing models was done within a prospective international cohort study of adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing major abdominal surgery. Data were collected between Jan 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Discriminative ability and prognostic accuracy summary statistics were compared between models for the 30-day postoperative pulmonary complication rate as defined by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine Core Outcome Measures in Perioperative and Anaesthetic Care (StEP-COMPAC). Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC).

FINDINGS

In total, we identified 2903 records from our literature search; of which, 2514 (86·6%) unique records were screened, 121 (4·8%) of 2514 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 29 unique prognostic models were identified. Nine (31·0%) of 29 models had score development reported only, 19 (65·5%) had undergone internal validation, and only four (13·8%) had been externally validated. Data to validate six eligible models were collected in the international external validation cohort study. Data from 11 591 patients were available, with an overall postoperative pulmonary complication rate of 7·8% (n=903). None of the six models showed good discrimination (defined as AUROCC ≥0·70) for identifying postoperative pulmonary complications, with the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score showing the best discrimination (AUROCC 0·700 [95% CI 0·683-0·717]).

INTERPRETATION

In the pre-COVID-19 pandemic data, variability in the risk of pulmonary complications (StEP-COMPAC definition) following major abdominal surgery was poorly described by existing prognostication tools. To improve surgical safety during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and beyond, novel risk stratification tools are required.

FUNDING

British Journal of Surgery Society.

Psychotherapy of Biases in Cognition in Schizophrenia: the SlowMo Randomised Controlled Trial for Paranoia, Outcomes and Mechanisms

Reasoning biases, specifically jumping to conclusions and belief inflexibility, may play a causal role in persistent paranoia. SlowMo, a new digitally supported blended cognitive-behavioural therapy, targets these biases. Adopting the terms ‘fast’ and ‘slow thinking’ as a heuristic to support therapy, SlowMo encourages people to notice a tendency to fast thinking, and to slow down for a moment to reduce paranoia. SlowMo therapy is the first digital blended therapy for paranoia, employing face to face therapy sessions with interactive digital content, and using mobile technology to promote generalisation to daily life. We report a randomised controlled trial with N=362 participants with distressing and persistent (3+months) paranoia, comparing 8 sessions of SlowMo plus Treatment as Usual (TAU) with TAU alone. We examined SlowMo’s effectiveness in reducing paranoia and improving reasoning biases; its mechanisms of action; usability; and acceptability (Garety et al., 2021). Outcomes: SlowMo was beneficial for paranoia: 10 /11 paranoia measures at 12 weeks and 8/11 at 24 weeks demonstrated significant effects, and sustained moderate effects were observed on all observer-rated measures of persecutory delusions. Improvements in self-esteem, worry, wellbeing and quality of life were also reported. Mediation: Consistent with the theory-driven design and treatment rationale, improvements in slower thinking were found to mediate change in paranoia at 12- and 24-week follow-ups. However contrary to hypothesis, reduced fast thinking did not mediate change in paranoia, whereas worry did. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic mechanisms of action of SlowMo which which are discussed further. Garety P, Ward T, Emsley R, et al. Effects of SlowMo, a Blended Digital Therapy Targeting Reasoning, on Paranoia Among People With Psychosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2021;78(7):714–725. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.0326

POS1577-PARE WHAT PATIENTS VALUE AND NEED FROM HEALTHCARE IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS

Background

The clinician’s understanding of what constitutes good quality care for axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA) has been explored (1) and used to define quality standards (2,3). However, research into the patient perspective on what constitutes good quality care was lacking. The UK’s National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) commissioned Headstrong Thinking, and its research partner, Community Research, to investigate this issue.

Objectives

The objectives of the research included: to explore the lived experience of those with an axial SpA diagnosis, to identify all the stages (domains) and milestones they identify and describe in their journey; to identify tangible person-centred indicators of “quality” in each of those stages, covering clinical care, patient care (non-clinical) and support for their mental health needs; to capture the everyday language used to articulate their values and needs around “quality”; and to understand possible differences between individual/subgroup experiences.

Methods

The project will use both qualitative and quantitative methods sequentially.

This paper reports only on the qualitative stage of the project, which comprised twelve individual depth interviews, conducted online, across a broad spectrum of people living with axial SpA in the UK, allowing for variation in age, sex, socioeconomic status, presence of children, length of time since diagnosis, physical symptoms and comorbidities.

Findings from the qualitative stage will inform the questionnaire for the quantitative stage (target n=1,500), which will seek to validate and refine initial hypotheses and quantify differences between sub-groups.

Results

This paper presents a rich understanding of the impacts on mental, emotional, cognitive and practical aspects of life with axial SpA. A detailed picture of a wide range of clinical, psychological and practical adverse impacts around delayed diagnosis is described.

Further, the qualitative research found that, from the perspective of people with axial SpA, quality care consists of three elements, defined by patients as: to be seen, heard and believed; to experience a purposeful, consistent pathway of care, underpinned by effective administration and communication (rather than a series of care “snapshots”); and to be helped to know what they can do to help themselves, including making a care plan that evolves as needs change.

Individuals with multiple or complex comorbidities were less likely to report having experienced good quality care, as they defined it, in part due to the challenges of accessing a joined-up patient journey and their greater reliance on an effective cross- disciplinary (NHS) healthcare system.

Conclusion

Patients define quality care in the diagnosis and management of axial SpA differently to clinicians. Professionals involved in the diagnosis and care of people living with axial SpA (including rheumatologists, but also those involved in the wider care of people living with axial Spa, such as physiotherapists and even mental health professionals) would benefit from a greater understanding of the patient perspective.

The individual stories uncovered in this qualitative phase underline the importance of collecting and analysing quantitative data by demographics, life stage and by discrete phases in the diagnostic /ongoing patient (self) management journey.

References

[1]Kiltz U, Landewé RBM, van der Heijde D, et al Development of ASAS quality standards to improve the quality of health and care services for patients with axial spondyloarthritis Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2020;79:193-201.

[2]ibid

[3]National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2018) Spondyloarthritis Quality Standard

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

A 4-year retrospective study of tonsillectomy rate and admission rate of tonsillitis and complications in the East of England and nationally

OBJECTIVES

Guidance set out by Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) sought to restrict the frequency of elective tonsillectomy in reaction to the recognised and substantial risks of the procedure, namely pain and bleeding. With stricter criteria in place before a patient can undergo tonsillectomy, patients must endure more episodes of tonsillitis than was previously the case. The cost of managing tonsillitis and its complications as an inpatient is substantial to the NHS and also to the economy as a whole in missed work days. The authors sought to establish if the reduced rate of tonsillectomy performed had any effect on the rate of acute hospital admission for tonsillitis or the associated abscesses-peritonsillar, parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal.

METHODS

A retrospective multi-centre study reviewed admission data across a 4-year period. The rate of tonsillectomies performed for recurrent tonsillitis across four trusts in Mid-Essex was compared with the number of admissions for tonsillitis, peritonsillar, parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscesses. National hospital episode statistics data over a 5-year period was also analysed.

RESULTS

For the regional data in 2015, 979 tonsillectomies were performed across the four centres, reducing to 875 in 2018. There was no trend in the rates of acute tonsillitis requiring admission but the rates of peritonsillar abscess increased from 156 to 192 cases per year in the same period. This correlation was found not to be statistically significant in the measured sample size. The National hospital episode statistics data showed a significant correlation between tonsillectomy rates and admissions from complications of tonsillitis as well as the associated abscesses.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the reduced tonsillectomy rate was correlated with an increased number of admissions with peritonsillar abscess regionally. Nationally reduced tonsillectomy rate is significantly associated with increased admissions with tonsillitis and all its complications. A decreased rate of tonsillectomy may be increasing the rate of serious tonsillitis. This has an impact on patient morbidity, an increasing financial burden on the NHS and the UK economy.

Remembering the past to live better in the future: A feasibility randomised controlled trial of memory specificity training for motivation in psychosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

People with a diagnosis of psychosis often experience low motivation and reduced activity levels. Autobiographical memory deficits have been identified in people with psychosis and this may limit the role of memory retrieval in supporting motivation. This pilot study adapted a recently developed protocol, Memflex, which aims to enhance autobiographical memory and has shown promise in depression. Our brief intervention targets experiential negative symptoms of psychosis using supported autobiographical memory retrieval.

METHOD

A sample of 31 participants with psychosis were recruited from inpatient and community settings and randomised in a 2:1 ratio to either a basic recall control or an enhanced recall intervention group. Participants were asked to generate positive autobiographical memories linked to activities they wish to repeat in the future. The enhanced recall condition received additional prompts from the Memflex protocol, and the basic recall condition received no additional support.

RESULTS

The intervention delivered was acceptable (rated >80%) and feasible (94% adherence) to those who took part. Participants were able to generate positive autobiographical memories linked to their goals and experienced appropriate emotions linked to these. The controlled preliminary effect sizes (0.2-0.34) showed encouraging signals for self-efficacy, motivation and a reduction in negative mood.

LIMITATIONS

As this was a pilot study with a small sample size between-group tests of statistical significance were not conducted, and therefore findings should be interpreted with caution.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that guided autobiographical memory retrieval may be an effective way tool for targeting motivation in people with psychosis.

The Global Phosphorylation Landscape of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

The causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has infected millions and killed hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, highlighting an urgent need to develop antiviral therapies. Here we present a quantitative mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics survey of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Vero E6 cells, revealing dramatic rewiring of phosphorylation on host and viral proteins. SARS-CoV-2 infection promoted casein kinase II (CK2) and p38 MAPK activation, production of diverse cytokines, and shutdown of mitotic kinases, resulting in cell cycle arrest. Infection also stimulated a marked induction of CK2-containing filopodial protrusions possessing budding viral particles. Eighty-seven drugs and compounds were identified by mapping global phosphorylation profiles to dysregulated kinases and pathways. We found pharmacologic inhibition of the p38, CK2, CDK, AXL, and PIKFYVE kinases to possess antiviral efficacy, representing potential COVID-19 therapies.

Associations of antenatal maternal psychological distress with infant birth and development outcomes: Results from a South African birth cohort

BACKGROUND

Antenatal maternal psychological distress is common in low and middle-income countries (LMIC), but there is a dearth of research on its effect on birth and developmental outcomes in these settings, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study set out to identify risk factors for antenatal maternal psychological distress and determine whether antenatal maternal psychological distress was associated with infant birth and developmental outcomes, using data from the Drakenstein Child Health Study (DCHS), a birth cohort study in South Africa.

METHODS

Pregnant women were enrolled in the DCHS from primary care antenatal clinics. Antenatal maternal psychological distress was measured using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire 20-item (SRQ-20). A range of psychosocial measures, including maternal childhood trauma, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were administered. Birth outcomes, including premature birth, weight-for-age z-score and head circumference-for-age z-score, were measured using revised Fenton growth charts. The Bayley III Scales of Infant and Toddler Development was administered at 6 months of age to assess infant development outcomes, including cognitive, language, and motor domains in a subset of n=231. Associations of maternal antenatal psychological distress with psychosocial measures, and with infant birth and developmental outcomes were examined using linear regression models.

RESULTS

961 women were included in this analysis, with 197 (21%) reporting scores indicating the presence of psychological distress. Antenatal psychological distress was associated with maternal childhood trauma, antenatal depression, and PTSD, and inversely associated with partner support. No association was observed between antenatal maternal psychological distress and preterm birth or early developmental outcomes, but antenatal maternal psychological distress was associated with a smaller head circumference at birth (coefficient=-0.30, 95% CI: -0.49; -0.10).

CONCLUSION

Antenatal maternal psychological distress is common in LMIC settings and was found to be associated with key psychosocial measures during pregnancy, as well as with adverse birth outcomes, in our study population. These associations highlight the potential value of screening for antenatal maternal psychological distress as well as of developing targeted interventions.

Effectiveness of Ligand Denticity-Dependent Oxidation Protection in Copper MOD Inks

The recent cost-driven transition from silver- to copper-based inks for printing on flexible substrates is connected with new key challenges. Given the high oxidation sensitivity of copper inks before, during, and after the curing process, the conductivity and thereby the device performance can be affected. Strategies to limit or even avoid this drawback include the development of metal organic decomposition (MOD) inks with selected "protective" ligands. In this study, the influence of the ligand on the oxide formation during the ink decomposition process is described using a wide variety of in situ characterization techniques. It is demonstrated that bidentate ligands provide an improved oxidation barrier, although the copper preservation mechanism has its limits: oxygen can interfere in every reduction pathway depending on the curing duration and atmospheric conditions. The generated insights can be applied in the further evolution toward ambient-curable copper MOD inks.

Screen-printing of flexible semi-transparent electrodes and devices based on silver nanowire networks

Silver nanowire networks have demonstrated significant potential as semi-transparent electrodes for various applications. However, for their widespread utilisation in devices, upscaled coating technologies such as screen-printing need to be explored and related to this, the formulation of suitable inks is indispensable. This work contributes to this effort by the synthesis of Ag-NW based formulations. The rheological characteristics that are essential for screen-printing are obtained by the addition of hydrophobically modified cellulose. The electrical and optical characteristics of screen-printed features on PET are compared by a Van der Pauw method and UV-vis spectroscopy. Despite the presence of the cellulose additive, the screen-printed electrodes exhibit a transmittance from 92.8% to 57.3% and a sheet resistance down to 27 Ohm sq^-1. Based on the percolation theory in composites, a mathematical expression is presented, which allows the in-depth analysis of the resulting opto-electrical properties. The application potential of the nanowire-containing formulations is finally demonstrated by screen-printing functional, flexible electroluminescent devices.

A Phase II Study of Pembrolizumab in EGFR-Mutant, PD-L1+, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Naïve Patients With Advanced NSCLC

BACKGROUND

Despite the significant antitumor activity of pembrolizumab in NSCLC, clinical benefit has been less frequently observed in patients whose tumors harbor EGFR mutations compared to EGFR wild-type patients. Our single-center experience on the KEYNOTE-001 trial suggested that pembrolizumab-treated EGFR-mutant patients, who were tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) naïve, had superior clinical outcomes to those previously treated with a TKI. As TKI naïve EGFR-mutants have generally been excluded from pembrolizumab studies, data to guide treatment decisions in this patient population is lacking, particularly in patients with programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression ≥50%.

METHODS

We conducted a phase II trial (NCT02879994) of pembrolizumab in TKI naive patients with EGFR mutation-positive, advanced NSCLC and PD-L1-positive (≥1%, 22C3 antibody) tumors. Pembrolizumab was administered 200 mg every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was objective response rate. Secondary endpoints included safety of pembrolizumab, additional pembrolizumab efficacy endpoints, and efficacy and safety of an EGFR TKI after pembrolizumab.

RESULTS

Enrollment was ceased due to lack of efficacy after 11 of 25 planned patients were treated. Eighty-two percent of trial patients were treatment naïve, 64% had sensitizing EGFR mutations, and 73% had PD-L1 expression ≥50%. Only 1 patient had an objective response (9%), but repeat analysis of this patient's tumor definitively showed the original report of an EGFR mutation to be erroneous. Observed treatment-related adverse events were similar to prior experience with pembrolizumab, but two deaths within 6 months of enrollment, including one attributed to pneumonitis, were of concern.

CONCLUSIONS

Pembrolizumab's lack of efficacy in TKI naïve, PD-L1+, EGFR-mutant patients with advanced NSCLC, including those with PD-L1 expression ≥50%, suggests that it is not an appropriate therapeutic choice in this setting.

Eu3+-Doped Y3−xSmxAl5O12 garnet: synthesis and structural investigation

Sm³⁺-Doped and Eu³⁺/Sm³⁺-co-doped yttrium aluminium garnets (YAG) have been synthesized by an environmentally friendly sol–gel method.

Ti surface doping of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4−δ positive electrodes for lithium ion batteries

The particle surface of LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O_4−δ (LNMO), a Li-ion battery cathode material, has been modified by Ti cation doping through a hydrolysis–condensation reaction followed by annealing in oxygen. The effect of different annealing temperatures (500–850 °C) on the Ti distribution and electrochemical performance of the surface modified LNMO was investigated. Ti cations diffuse from the preformed amorphous ‘TiO_x’ layer into the LNMO surface during annealing at 500 °C. This results in a 2–4 nm thick Ti-rich spinel surface having lower Mn and Ni content compared to the core of the LNMO particles, which was observed with scanning transmission electron microscopy coupled with compositional EDX mapping. An increase in the annealing temperature promotes the formation of a Ti bulk doped LiNi_(0.5−w)Mn_(1.5+w)−tTi_tO₄ phase and Ti-rich LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5−yTi_yO₄ segregates above 750 °C. Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry indicates increasing Ni–Mn ordering with annealing temperature, for both bare and surface modified LNMO. Ti surface modified LNMO annealed at 500 °C shows a superior cyclic stability, coulombic efficiency and rate performance compared to bare LNMO annealed at 500 °C when cycled at 3.4–4.9 V vs. Li/Li⁺. The improvements are probably due to suppressed Ni and Mn dissolution with Ti surface doping.

LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O_4−δ surface is doped with Ti ion maintaining the spinel structure at 500 °C, higher annealing temperatures cause Ti diffusion from surface towards the core.

Early strength recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the fascia lata

INTRODUCTION

After undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, patients must recover at least 80% of their hamstring and quadriceps strength to be able to return to sports without risk to the graft. Harvesting of the patellar tendon leads to large deficits in quadriceps strength, while harvesting the hamstring tendons leads to large deficits in hamstring strength. However, there are no published studies on the strength deficit after ACL reconstruction with the fascia lata. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of isokinetic testing in patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with a fascia lata graft and to analyze the individual factors affecting these results. The hypothesis was that preserving the quadriceps and hamstrings would lead to satisfactory isokinetic testing results by preserving the physiological balance between the flexor and extensor mechanisms in the leg.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective, single-center study, 53 patients had their quadriceps and hamstring strength recovery evaluated 6 months and 1 year post-ACL reconstruction by concentric isometric testing at a slow (90°/s) and fast velocity (240°/s). These results were analyzed as a function of individual characteristics such as age, sex, preinjury level and type of sports activity, and IKDC and Lysholm scores.

RESULTS

The quadriceps strength deficit at the slow and fast velocities was 27.5% and 22.5% at 6 months and 15.5% and 11% at 1 year, respectively. The hamstring strength deficit at the slow and fast velocities was 12.1% and 7% at 6 months and 8% and 6.4% at 1 year, respectively. The quadriceps to hamstring ratio at the slow and fast velocities was 66.7±16.5 and 71.3±15.5 at 6 months, and 61.1±14.9 and 67.6±12.5 at 1 year. Being less than 25 years of age, having a subjective IKDC grade or Lysholm score above 90, and being a professional athlete were significant predictors of better muscle strength recovery.

DISCUSSION

Isokinetic testing at 6 months and 1 year after ACL reconstruction surgery using the fascia lata showed that the quadriceps to hamstring ratio is close to physiological standards.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV retrospective study.

Toward High-Throughput Computational Screening of Carbon Nanotube Solvents

We use the corresponding distances method (CDM) to computationally assess the quality of 10 experimentally tested carbon nanotube (CNT) solvents. The CDM produces accurate and high-resolution potential of mean force curves from a single simulation per solvent. The method's very high efficiency allows us to investigate an unprecedented number of solvents in one study. The simulation results indicate that none of the tested molecules are solvents in the thermodynamic sense; instead, they are dispersants preventing reaggregation of already dispersed CNTs. We find that the dispersion free energy barrier correlates very well with the experimentally measured performance of the dispersants; i.e., the simulations place the solvents in the correct performance order. Our analysis of the structure-function relationship rationalizes this order.

A novel explanation for the increased conductivity in annealed Al-doped ZnO: an insight into migration of aluminum and displacement of zinc

A combined experimental and first-principles study is performed to study the origin of conductivity in ZnO:Al nanoparticles synthesized under controlled conditions via a reflux route using benzylamine as a solvent. The experimental characterization of the samples by Raman, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and conductivity measurements indicates that upon annealing in nitrogen, the Al atoms at interstitial positions migrate to the substitutional positions, creating at the same time Zn interstitials. We provide evidence for the fact that the formed complex of Al_Zn and Zn_i corresponds to the origin of the Knight shifted peak (KS) we observe in ²⁷Al NMR. As far as we know, the role of this complex has not been discussed in the literature to date. However, our first-principles calculations show that such a complex is indeed energetically favoured over the isolated Al interstitial positions. In our calculations we also address the charge state of the Al interstitials. Further, Zn interstitials can migrate from Al_Zn and possibly also form Zn clusters, leading to the observed increased conductivity.

Alcoholic versus aqueous chlorhexidine for skin antisepsis: the AVALANCHE trial

BACKGROUND

Preoperative skin antisepsis is routine practice. We compared alcoholic chlorhexidine with aqueous chlorhexidine for skin antisepsis to prevent surgical site infection after minor skin excisions in general practice.

METHODS

We conducted this prospective, multicentre, randomized controlled trial in 4 private general practices in North Queensland, Australia, from October 2015 to August 2016. Consecutive adult patients presenting for minor skin excisions were randomly assigned to undergo preoperative skin antisepsis with 0.5% chlorhexidine in 70% ethanol (intervention) or 0.5% chlorhexidine aqueous solution (control). Our primary outcome was surgical site infection within 30 days of excision. We also measured the incidence of adverse reactions.

RESULTS

A total of 916 patients were included in the study: 454 underwent antisepsis with alcoholic chlorhexidine and 462 with aqueous chlorhexidine. Of these, 909 completed follow-up. In the intention-to-treat analysis of cases available at follow-up, there was no significant difference in the incidence of surgical site infection between the alcoholic chlorhexidine arm (5.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.6% to 7.9%) and the aqueous chlorhexidine arm (6.8%, 95% CI 4.5% to 9.1%). The attributable risk reduction was 0.010 (95% CI -0.021 to 0.042), the relative risk was 0.85 (95% CI 0.51 to 1.41), and the number needed to treat to benefit was 100. Per protocol and sensitivity analyses produced similar results. The incidence of adverse reactions was low, with no difference between groups (p = 0.6).

INTERPRETATION

There was no significant difference in efficacy between alcoholic and aqueous chlorhexidine for the prevention of surgical site infection after minor skin excisions in general practice. Trial registration: https://www.anzctr.org.au, no. ACTRN12615001045505.

Ultrasonically spray coated silver layers from designed precursor inks for flexible electronics

Integration of electronic circuit components onto flexible materials such as plastic foils, paper and textiles is a key challenge for the development of future smart applications. Therefore, conductive metal features need to be deposited on temperature sensitive substrates in a fast and straightforward way. The feasibility of these emerging (nano-) electronic technologies depends on the availability of well-designed deposition techniques and on novel functional metal inks. As ultrasonic spray coating (USSC) is one of the most promising techniques to meet the above requirements, innovative metal organic decomposition (MOD) inks are designed to deposit silver features on plastic foils. Various amine ligands were screened and their influence on the ink stability and the characteristics of the resulting metal depositions were evaluated to determine the optimal formulation. Eventually, silver layers with excellent performance in terms of conductivity (15% bulk silver conductivity), stability, morphology and adhesion could be obtained, while operating in a very low temperature window of 70 °C-120 °C. Moreover, the optimal deposition conditions were determined via an in-depth analysis of the ultrasonically sprayed silver layers. Applying these tailored MOD inks, the USSC technique enabled smooth, semi-transparent silver layers with a tunable thickness on large areas without time-consuming additional sintering steps after deposition. Therefore, this novel combination of nanoparticle-free Ag-inks and the USSC process holds promise for high throughput deposition of highly conductive silver features on heat sensitive substrates and even 3D objects.

Speed-Bridge arthroscopic reinsertion of tibial eminence fracture (complementary to the adjustable button fixation technique)

In comminuted fractures of the intercondyloid eminence of the tibial spine, the quality of the reduction and the arthroscopic fixation, notably adjustable suture button fixation, is sometimes disappointing with reduction defects of the anterior bone block. In the Speed-Bridge technique, the two traction sutures of the adjustable button fixation are replaced with two braided sutures of different colors. After the button is placed above the eminence, reduction is obtained by tightening the loop of the button. The accessory communitive fragments are then packed in the depression around the main fragment. A second row provides bone suturing for these accessory fragments; traction sutures of the button are attached anteromedially and laterally with knotless anchors to obtain a Speed-Bridge-type inverted-V bone suture. The Speed-Bridge arthroscopic reinsertion technique of the tibial eminence effectively completes the adjustable button bone suture technique for communitive fractures to obtain better reduction and good stability.

Cognitive-behaviour therapy for post-traumatic stress in schizophrenia. A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence for effective interventions in the treatment of post-traumatic stress symptoms within individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Clinicians have concerns about using exposure treatments with this patient group. The current trial was designed to evaluate a 16-session cognitive restructuring programme, without direct exposure, for the treatment of post-traumatic stress symptoms specifically within individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia.

METHOD

A multicentre randomized controlled single-blinded trial with assessments at 0 months, 6 months (post-treatment) and 12 months (follow-up) was conducted. A total of 61 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia and exhibiting post-traumatic stress symptoms were recruited. Those randomized to treatment were offered up to 16 sessions of cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT, including psychoeducation, breathing training and cognitive restructuring) over a 6-month period, with the control group offered routine clinical services. The main outcome was blind rating of post-traumatic stress symptoms using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for Schizophrenia. Secondary outcomes were psychotic symptoms as measured by the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale and the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scale.

RESULTS

Both the treatment and control groups experienced a significant decrease in post-traumatic stress symptoms over time but there was no effect of the addition of CBT on either the primary or secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The current trial did not demonstrate any effect in favour of CBT. Cognitive restructuring programmes may require further adaptation to promote emotional processing of traumatic memories within people diagnosed with a psychotic disorder.

Remarkable lowering in the synthesis temperature of LiMn2O4via citrate solution–gel synthesis facilitated by ethanol

Low temperature synthesis routes for cathode materials, such as LMO, are currently very important. Here, through an elaborate study on the chemistry behind the precursor and EtOH interaction, the thermal budget was drastically reduced at 250 °C.

Hippocampal Aβ expression, but not phosphorylated tau, predicts cognitive deficits following repeated peripheral poly I:C administration

Alzheimer's disease is marked by the accumulation of the amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide, and increases in phosphorylation of the microtubule associated protein, tau. Changes in these proteins are considered responsible, in part, for the progressive neuronal degeneration and cognitive deficits seen in AD. We examined the effect of repeated consecutive peripheral poly I:C injections on cognitive deficits, central Aβ, and phosphorylated tau accumulation, following three treatment durations: 7, 14, and 21 days. Forty-eight hours after the final injection, animals were trained in a contextual fear-conditioning paradigm, and tested 24h later. Immediately after testing, the hippocampus was collected to quantify Aβ and phosphorylated tau accumulation. Results showed that, although poly I:C-induced Aβ was significantly elevated at all time points examined, poly I:C only disrupted cognition after 14 and 21 days of administration. Moreover, elevations in phosphorylated tau were not seen until the 14-day time point. Interestingly, phosphorylated tau expression then declined at the 21-day time point. Finally, we demonstrated that Aβ levels are a stronger predictor of cognitive dysfunction, explaining 37% of the variance, whereas phosphorylated tau levels only accounted for 0.2%. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that inflammation-induced elevation in Aβ disrupts cognition, independently of phosphorylated tau, and suggest that long-term administration of poly I:C may provide a model to investigate the contribution of long-term inflammation toward the development of Alzheimer's-like pathology.

Protocol for a randomised controlled trial comparing aqueous with alcoholic chlorhexidine antisepsis for the prevention of superficial surgical site infection after minor surgery in general practice: the AVALANCHE trial

INTRODUCTION

Surgical site infection (SSI) after minor skin excisions has a significant impact on patient morbidity and healthcare resources. Skin antisepsis prior to surgical incision is used to prevent SSI, and is performed routinely worldwide. However, in spite of the routine use of skin antisepsis, there is no consensus regarding which antiseptic agents are most effective. The AVALANCHE trial will compare Aqueous Versus Alcoholic Antisepsis with Chlorhexidine for Skin Excisions.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The study design is a prospective, randomised controlled trial (RCT) with the aim of investigating the impact of two different antiseptic preparations on the incidence of superficial SSI in patients undergoing minor skin excisions. The intervention of 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) in 70% alcohol will be compared with that of 0.5% CHG in aqueous solution. The trial will be conducted in four Australian general practices over a 9-month period, with 920 participants to be recruited. Consecutive patients presenting for minor skin excisions will be eligible to participate. Randomisation will be on the level of the patient. The primary outcome is superficial SSI in the first 30 days following the excision. Secondary outcomes will be adverse effects, including anaphylaxis, skin irritation, contact dermatitis and rash and patterns of antibiotic resistance.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by the James Cook University Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). Findings will be disseminated in conference presentations and journals and through online electronic media.

DISCUSSION

RCTs conducted in general practice differ from hospital-based projects in terms of feasibility, pragmatism and funding. The success of this trial will be cemented in the fact that the research question was established by a group of general practitioners who identified an interesting question which is relevant to their clinical practice and not answered by current evidence.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12615001045505; Pre-results.

From liquid to thin film: colloidal suspensions for tungsten oxide as an electrode material for Li-ion batteries

Using a colloidal suspension, electrochemically active tungsten oxide thin films (150 nm) have been prepared via ultrasonic spray deposition using two different current collectors, namely TiN and Pt.

Characterization of a second open reading frame in genome segment 10 of bluetongue virus

Viruses have often evolved overlapping reading frames in order to maximize their coding capacity. Until recently, the segmented dsRNA genome of viruses of the Orbivirus genus was thought to be monocistronic, but the identification of the bluetongue virus (BTV) NS4 protein changed this assumption. A small ORF in segment 10, overlapping the NS3 ORF in the +1 position, is maintained in more than 300 strains of the 27 different BTV serotypes and in more than 200 strains of the phylogenetically related African horse sickness virus (AHSV). In BTV, this ORF (named S10-ORF2 in this study) encodes a putative protein 50–59 residues in length and appears to be under strong positive selection. HA- or GFP-tagged versions of S10-ORF2 expressed from transfected plasmids localized within the nucleoli of transfected cells, unless a putative nucleolar localization signal was mutated. S10-ORF2 inhibited gene expression, but not RNA translation, in transient transfection reporter assays. In both mammalian and insect cells, BTV S10-ORF2 deletion mutants (BTV8ΔS10-ORF2) displayed similar replication kinetics to wt virus. In vivo, S10-ORF2 deletion mutants were pathogenic in mouse models of disease. Although further evidence is required for S10-ORF2 expression during infection, the data presented provide an initial characterization of this ORF.

Use of gait parameters to predict the effectiveness of botulinum toxin injection in the spastic rectus femoris muscle of stroke patients with stiff knee gait

BACKGROUND

Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection in the rectus femoris (RF) is commonly used to treat decreased peak knee flexion in swing phase of the gait in hemiplegic patients. However, the effect of BTX-A varies between 5° to 10° depending on the studies. Peak knee flexion also increases during fast gait and could constitute a way to predict the effect of BTX-A injection in the RF.

AIM

To determine if changes in gait parameters during fast gait before injection could predict the effect of RF BTX-A injection on peak knee flexion in hemiplegic patients.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

A neurological rehabilitation department in a university hospital

POPULATION

Twenty two hemiplegic patients with stiff knee gait mainly due to spasticity of the RF and treated by RF-BTX-A-injection.

METHODS

Patients' gait was analyzed using a 3D motion analysis system and force plates. The gait recordings were performed before (PRE-RF-BTX-A:spontaneous and fast gait speed) and one month after RF-BTX-A-injection (POST-RF-BTX-A:spontaneous gait speed). Correlations between the percentage change in gait parameters during fast gait before RF-BTX-A-injection and the percentage increase in peak knee flexion POST-RF-BTX-A injection at spontaneous speed were analyzed.

RESULTS

The percentage improvement in peak knee flexion in the fast gait condition before injection was the only parameter correlated with the percentage increase in peak knee flexion POST-RF-BTX-A injection. This was confirmed by a stepwise linear regression. The percentage increase in peak knee flexion POST-RF-BTX-A injection was also correlated with the percentage increase in knee flexion angular velocity at toe-off in the fast gait condition.

CONCLUSION

The percentage increase in peak knee flexion in swing during fast gait before injection is a useful predictor of the increase in peak knee flexion following RF BTX-A injection in chronic stroke patients with RF spasticity.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

In stroke patients with SKG which is mainly caused by spasticity of the RF muscle, evaluating changes which occur during fast gait might help the therapist to identify patients who would benefit the most from BTX-A injection in the RF muscle.

Cleidocranial dysplasia with bilateral posterior glenohumeral dislocation: a case-report

A 31-year-old man experienced bilateral posterior glenohumeral dislocation during seizures. He had cleidocranial dysplasia with complete absence of both clavicles. Cleidocranial dysplasia is a rare inherited disease also known as Marie-Sainton syndrome and responsible for dental abnormalities well-known to stomatologists and dentists. Other manifestations include defective development of the skull bones and hypoplastic or aplastic clavicles. We found no previous reports of bilateral posterior glenohumeral dislocation in patients with cleidocranial dysplasia. The objective of this work was to look for an association between clavicular aplasia and posterior glenohumeral dislocation.

The acute management of haemorrhoids

INTRODUCTION

Although the acute thrombosis and strangulation of haemorrhoids is a common condition, there is no consensus as to its most effective treatment.

METHODS

A PubMed search was undertaken for papers describing the aetiology and treatment of the acute complications of haemorrhoids.

RESULTS

The anatomy and treatments for strangulated internal haemorrhoids and thrombosed perianal varices are discussed. Studies of the effectiveness and complications of conservative and operative treatments are reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

Ambiguities exist in the terminology used to describe the two separate pathologies that make up the acute complications of haemorrhoids. These complications have traditionally been treated conservatively. There is evidence that early operative intervention for strangulated internal haemorrhoids is safe and effective. A suggested algorithm for treatment is given, based on the published literature.

P2-02-06: Inhibition of CDK4 Phosphorylation of Smad3 Decreases Cyclin D Overexpressing Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation and Migration

Introduction: Several aspects of breast cancer onset and disease progression have been linked to members of the TGFβ superfamily and their associated downstream signaling components, the Smads. Alterations in Smad signaling have been directly implicated in the dichotomous role of TGFβ in malignancy, enacting both tumor suppressant and tumor promoting behaviors in breast carcinogenesis. Our previous work characterized Smad3 as a tumor suppressor and found that Smad3 action is inhibited upon phosphorylation by cyclin D/CDK4 in breast cancer cells. Others have shown that CDK phosphorylation of Smad3 can affect cell motility. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that activation of CDK4 leads to phosphorylation and inhibition of Smad3, thus releasing cell cycle arrest and promoting cell proliferation and metastasis.

Methods: MCF7 parental and cyclin D overexpressing cells (MCF7 CD1) were treated with a CDK4 inhibitor alone or in combination with doxorubicin or paclitaxel and cell proliferation was determined using the MTS assay. MCF7 study cells were also transduced with lentiviral empty vector, wild-type (WT) Smad3, or Smad3 containing mutant CDK sites (T179V and 5M) resistant to inhibitory cyclin D/CDK phosphorylation. Stably transduced cells were plated in Matrigel 3-dimensional (3D) culture and treated with CDK4 inhibitor alone or with doxorubicin over a 12 day time course. Colony area was measured using MetaMorph software. Transwell migration and Matrigel invasion assays were used to determine the effect that transfection with Smad3 CDK phosphorylation site mutants or treatment with a CDK4 inhibitor had on highly metastatic cyclin D expressing MDA-MB-231 cells. Study wells were fixed/stained and the number of migrated or invaded cells was counted. Results: Treatment with the CDK4 inhibitor alone resulted in a growth inhibitory effect on proliferation of MCF7 parental and CD1 cells. Treatment with the CDK4 inhibitor in combination with chemotherapy resulted in the greatest inhibition of cell proliferation. In 3D culture, colonies formed by MCF7 study cells transduced with T179V or 5M Smad3 mutant constructs had smaller acinar size when compared with vector-transduced control cells. When compared to untreated cells, the MCF7 CD1 cells treated with CDK4 inhibitor or chemotherapy alone had smaller acinar size, with greatest decrease in size observed when the treatments were combined. Lastly, MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with the 5M Smad3 mutant construct, containing mutations in all 5 CDK phosphorylation sites, resulted in the greatest decrease in cell migration and invasion, when compared with cells transfected with both vector control or WT Smad3. Treatment of the MDA-MB-231 cells with the CDK4 inhibitor also resulted in a significant decrease in cell migration and invasion.

Conclusions: Mutation of CDK phosphorylation sites in the Smad3 construct or direct inhibition of CDK4 resulted in a decrease in breast cancer cell proliferation, 3D colony formation and cell migration and invasion. Treatment with the CDK4 inhibitor in combination with chemotherapy further augmented these results. Inhibition of CDK4 and restoration of Smad3 activity may have a role in the treatment of breast cancers overexpressing cyclin D.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-02-06.