Retroelement decay by the exonuclease XRN1 is a viral mimicry dependency in cancer

Viral mimicry describes the immune response induced by endogenous stimuli such as double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) from endogenous retroelements. Activation of viral mimicry has the potential to kill cancer cells or augment anti-tumor immune responses. Here, we systematically identify mechanisms of viral mimicry adaptation associated with cancer cell dependencies. Among the top hits is the RNA decay protein XRN1 as an essential gene for the survival of a subset of cancer cell lines. XRN1 dependency is mediated by mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein and protein kinase R activation and is associated with higher levels of cytosolic dsRNA, higher levels of a subset of Alus capable of forming dsRNA, and higher interferon-stimulated gene expression, indicating that cells die due to induction of viral mimicry. Furthermore, dsRNA-inducing drugs such as 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and palbociclib can generate a synthetic dependency on XRN1 in cells initially resistant to XRN1 knockout. These results indicate that XRN1 is a promising target for future cancer therapeutics.

Multiorgan MRI findings after hospitalisation with COVID-19 in the UK (C-MORE): a prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The multiorgan impact of moderate to severe coronavirus infections in the post-acute phase is still poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the excess burden of multiorgan abnormalities after hospitalisation with COVID-19, evaluate their determinants, and explore associations with patient-related outcome measures.

METHODS

In a prospective, UK-wide, multicentre MRI follow-up study (C-MORE), adults (aged ≥18 years) discharged from hospital following COVID-19 who were included in Tier 2 of the Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 study (PHOSP-COVID) and contemporary controls with no evidence of previous COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibody negative) underwent multiorgan MRI (lungs, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys) with quantitative and qualitative assessment of images and clinical adjudication when relevant. Individuals with end-stage renal failure or contraindications to MRI were excluded. Participants also underwent detailed recording of symptoms, and physiological and biochemical tests. The primary outcome was the excess burden of multiorgan abnormalities (two or more organs) relative to controls, with further adjustments for potential confounders. The C-MORE study is ongoing and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04510025.

FINDINGS

Of 2710 participants in Tier 2 of PHOSP-COVID, 531 were recruited across 13 UK-wide C-MORE sites. After exclusions, 259 C-MORE patients (mean age 57 years [SD 12]; 158 [61%] male and 101 [39%] female) who were discharged from hospital with PCR-confirmed or clinically diagnosed COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and Nov 1, 2021, and 52 non-COVID-19 controls from the community (mean age 49 years [SD 14]; 30 [58%] male and 22 [42%] female) were included in the analysis. Patients were assessed at a median of 5·0 months (IQR 4·2-6·3) after hospital discharge. Compared with non-COVID-19 controls, patients were older, living with more obesity, and had more comorbidities. Multiorgan abnormalities on MRI were more frequent in patients than in controls (157 [61%] of 259 vs 14 [27%] of 52; p<0·0001) and independently associated with COVID-19 status (odds ratio [OR] 2·9 [95% CI 1·5-5·8]; padjusted=0·0023) after adjusting for relevant confounders. Compared with controls, patients were more likely to have MRI evidence of lung abnormalities (p=0·0001; parenchymal abnormalities), brain abnormalities (p<0·0001; more white matter hyperintensities and regional brain volume reduction), and kidney abnormalities (p=0·014; lower medullary T1 and loss of corticomedullary differentiation), whereas cardiac and liver MRI abnormalities were similar between patients and controls. Patients with multiorgan abnormalities were older (difference in mean age 7 years [95% CI 4-10]; mean age of 59·8 years [SD 11·7] with multiorgan abnormalities vs mean age of 52·8 years [11·9] without multiorgan abnormalities; p<0·0001), more likely to have three or more comorbidities (OR 2·47 [1·32-4·82]; padjusted=0·0059), and more likely to have a more severe acute infection (acute CRP >5mg/L, OR 3·55 [1·23-11·88]; padjusted=0·025) than those without multiorgan abnormalities. Presence of lung MRI abnormalities was associated with a two-fold higher risk of chest tightness, and multiorgan MRI abnormalities were associated with severe and very severe persistent physical and mental health impairment (PHOSP-COVID symptom clusters) after hospitalisation.

INTERPRETATION

After hospitalisation for COVID-19, people are at risk of multiorgan abnormalities in the medium term. Our findings emphasise the need for proactive multidisciplinary care pathways, with the potential for imaging to guide surveillance frequency and therapeutic stratification.

FUNDING

UK Research and Innovation and National Institute for Health Research.

Lipid droplets and peroxisomes are co-regulated to drive lifespan extension in response to mono-unsaturated fatty acids

Dietary mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) are linked to longevity in several species. But the mechanisms by which MUFAs extend lifespan remain unclear. Here we show that an organelle network involving lipid droplets and peroxisomes is critical for MUFA-induced longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans. MUFAs upregulate the number of lipid droplets in fat storage tissues. Increased lipid droplet number is necessary for MUFA-induced longevity and predicts remaining lifespan. Lipidomics datasets reveal that MUFAs also modify the ratio of membrane lipids and ether lipids-a signature associated with decreased lipid oxidation. In agreement with this, MUFAs decrease lipid oxidation in middle-aged individuals. Intriguingly, MUFAs upregulate not only lipid droplet number but also peroxisome number. A targeted screen identifies genes involved in the co-regulation of lipid droplets and peroxisomes, and reveals that induction of both organelles is optimal for longevity. Our study uncovers an organelle network involved in lipid homeostasis and lifespan regulation, opening new avenues for interventions to delay aging.

Clinical characteristics with inflammation profiling of long COVID and association with 1-year recovery following hospitalisation in the UK: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

No effective pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions exist for patients with long COVID. We aimed to describe recovery 1 year after hospital discharge for COVID-19, identify factors associated with patient-perceived recovery, and identify potential therapeutic targets by describing the underlying inflammatory profiles of the previously described recovery clusters at 5 months after hospital discharge.

METHODS

The Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 study (PHOSP-COVID) is a prospective, longitudinal cohort study recruiting adults (aged ≥18 years) discharged from hospital with COVID-19 across the UK. Recovery was assessed using patient-reported outcome measures, physical performance, and organ function at 5 months and 1 year after hospital discharge, and stratified by both patient-perceived recovery and recovery cluster. Hierarchical logistic regression modelling was performed for patient-perceived recovery at 1 year. Cluster analysis was done using the clustering large applications k-medoids approach using clinical outcomes at 5 months. Inflammatory protein profiling was analysed from plasma at the 5-month visit. This study is registered on the ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN10980107, and recruitment is ongoing.

FINDINGS

2320 participants discharged from hospital between March 7, 2020, and April 18, 2021, were assessed at 5 months after discharge and 807 (32·7%) participants completed both the 5-month and 1-year visits. 279 (35·6%) of these 807 patients were women and 505 (64·4%) were men, with a mean age of 58·7 (SD 12·5) years, and 224 (27·8%) had received invasive mechanical ventilation (WHO class 7-9). The proportion of patients reporting full recovery was unchanged between 5 months (501 [25·5%] of 1965) and 1 year (232 [28·9%] of 804). Factors associated with being less likely to report full recovery at 1 year were female sex (odds ratio 0·68 [95% CI 0·46-0·99]), obesity (0·50 [0·34-0·74]) and invasive mechanical ventilation (0·42 [0·23-0·76]). Cluster analysis (n=1636) corroborated the previously reported four clusters: very severe, severe, moderate with cognitive impairment, and mild, relating to the severity of physical health, mental health, and cognitive impairment at 5 months. We found increased inflammatory mediators of tissue damage and repair in both the very severe and the moderate with cognitive impairment clusters compared with the mild cluster, including IL-6 concentration, which was increased in both comparisons (n=626 participants). We found a substantial deficit in median EQ-5D-5L utility index from before COVID-19 (retrospective assessment; 0·88 [IQR 0·74-1·00]), at 5 months (0·74 [0·64-0·88]) to 1 year (0·75 [0·62-0·88]), with minimal improvements across all outcome measures at 1 year after discharge in the whole cohort and within each of the four clusters.

INTERPRETATION

The sequelae of a hospital admission with COVID-19 were substantial 1 year after discharge across a range of health domains, with the minority in our cohort feeling fully recovered. Patient-perceived health-related quality of life was reduced at 1 year compared with before hospital admission. Systematic inflammation and obesity are potential treatable traits that warrant further investigation in clinical trials.

FUNDING

UK Research and Innovation and National Institute for Health Research.

Consequences for Norway from a hypothetical accident at the Sellafield reprocessing plant: Atmospheric transport of radionuclides

The potential consequences for Norway should a nuclear accident at the Sellafield nuclear site occur, have been of concern for Norwegian authorities for several decades. Meteorological data from a 33-year period and the dispersion model 'SNAP' were used to evaluate meteorological conditions for which atmospheric transport of radionuclides from Sellafield to Norway would lead to the most severe impacts. The worst-case meteorological scenario for Norway, was found on 25^th June 1989 for a low elevation (0-800 m) release and on 29^th June 2001 for a higher elevation (800-1600 m) release. In both cases the western part of Norway was most affected. In general, the probability for depositions (>10 Bq/m² of ¹³⁷Cs) increased about 40% during the autumn and winter compared to the spring and summer months. An influence of climate change on the depositions was analysed, but not verified. Results from a number of simulations were also compared to identify how factors such as radioactive particle characteristics and initial release conditions could affect the predicted radionuclide deposition. The impact on predicted total depositions as well as hot-spot depositions by varying particle density and size as well as release elevation in worst-case scenario simulations amounted to about 40%-50%.

Immunization with recombinant PlpE of ovine Mannheimia haemolytica isolate provides protection against lethal challenge in mice

BACKGROUND

Mannheimia haemolytica primarily causes pneumonia leading to heavy morbidity and mortality in domestic livestock world-wide. Recently, outer membrane lipoproteins have emerged as targets for inducing protective immunity against the Pasteurella infection.

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate recombinant outer membrane lipoprotein E (PlpE) from the ovine M. haemolytica isolate, as a potential vaccine candidate.

METHODS

Recombinant PlpE was constructed using pET26 (b) expression vector in Escherichia coli. Expressed recombinant PlpE was purified and injected subcutaneously to mice. The protection index of the vaccine was evaluated by challenge of mice intraperitoneally.

RESULTS

Anti-PlpE antibody responses in the immunized mice was significantly increased in comparison with the control group which in turn, provided effective protection when challenged with strain of virulent M. haemolytica.

CONCLUSION

Recombinant PlpE from ovine M. haemolytica isolate had the potential to be used as a vaccine candidate against M. haemolytica infection in sheep flocks.

Oncologic outcomes of patients with incidental prostate cancer who underwent RARC: a comparison between nerve sparing and non-nerve sparing approach

BACKGROUND

Incidental Prostate cancer (iPCa) is a relatively common finding during histopathological evaluation of radical cystectomy (RC) specimens. To reduce the high impact of RC on erectile function, several sexual-preserving techniques have been proposed. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the oncologic outcomes of patients with iPCa who underwent nerve spring and no-nerve sparing robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC).

METHODS

The clinicopathologic data of male patients who underwent RARC at our institution between 2006 and 2016 were retrospectively analysed. Patients with iPCa at definitive pathological examinations were stratified in two groups, according to the preservation of the neurovascular bundles (nerve sparing vs no nerve sparing). Significant PCa was defined as any Gleason score ≥ 3 + 4. Biochemical recurrence (BR) was defined as a sustained PSA level > 0.2 ng/mL on two or more consecutive appraisals. BR rate was assessed only in patients with incidental prostate cancer and at least 2 years of follow-up. Differences in categorical and continuous variables were analysed using the chi-squared test and the Mann-Withney U test, respectively. Biochemical recurrence curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the Log-rank test.

RESULTS

Overall, 343 male patients underwent RARC for bladder cancer within the study period. Nerve-sparing surgery was performed in 143 patients (41%), of these 110 had at least 2 years of follow up after surgery. Patients who underwent nerve-sparing surgery were significantly younger (p < 0.001). Clinically significant PCa was found in 24% of patients. No significant differences regarding preoperative PSA value (p = 0.3), PCa pathological stage (p = 0.5), Gleason score (p = 0.3) and positive surgical margin rates (p = 0.3) were found between the two groups. After a median follow-up of 51 months only one patient, in the no-nerve-sparing group had developed a biochemical recurrence (p = 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

In our series most of the iPca detected in RC specimens can be considered as insignificant with a low rate of BR (0.9%). Nerve-sparing RARC is a safe procedure which did not affect oncological outcomes of patients with iPCa.

Targeting the scaffolding role of LSD1 (KDM1A) poises acute myeloid leukemia cells for retinoic acid-induced differentiation

The histone demethylase LSD1 is deregulated in several tumors, including leukemias, providing the rationale for the clinical use of LSD1 inhibitors. In acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), pharmacological doses of retinoic acid (RA) induce differentiation of APL cells, triggering degradation of the PML-RAR oncogene. APL cells are resistant to LSD1 inhibition or knockout, but targeting LSD1 sensitizes them to physiological doses of RA without altering of PML-RAR levels, and extends survival of leukemic mice upon RA treatment. The combination of RA with LSD1 inhibition (or knockout) is also effective in other non-APL, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Nonenzymatic activities of LSD1 are essential to block differentiation, while RA with targeting of LSD1 releases a differentiation gene expression program, not strictly dependent on changes in histone H3K4 methylation. Integration of proteomic/epigenomic/mutational studies showed that LSD1 inhibitors alter the recruitment of LSD1-containing complexes to chromatin, inhibiting the interaction between LSD1 and the transcription factor GFI1.

EVALUATING SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE TO WI-FI SIGNALS ON STUDENTS' REACTION TIME, SHORT-TERM MEMORY AND REASONING ABILITY

This study investigated the effect of short-term exposure to Wi-Fi signals on the cognitive functions of the mind. After obtaining permission from the local Ethics Committee of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and approval by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT2017041233398N1), 45 male and female students from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences volunteered to participate in this study. They were exposed to Wi-Fi signals in two sham and exposure sessions, each for 2 hours. After completion, they took part in reaction time, short-term memory, and reasoning ability tests. After scoring, the data were analysed by SPSS software. In addition, the electric field strength and power density were calculated. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the mean scores of reaction time, short-term memory, and reasoning ability in sham and exposure. Also, the obtained values from the electric field strength and power density (E = 4.1 Vm-1, P = 0.446 Wm-2) were lower than that of threshold values by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Our results can greatly reduce concerns regarding the effects of short-term exposure to Wi-Fi waves on cognitive functions.

Cloning and Expression of Mannheimia haemolytica PlpE Gene in Escherichia coli and its Immunogenicity Assessment

Mannheimia haemolytica is responsible for considerable economic losses to cattle, sheep, and goat industries in many parts of the world. This bacterium isone of the causative agents of shipping fever in cattle. Current vaccines against M. haemolytica are moderately efficacious since they do not provide complete protection against the disease. Production of an economic vaccine for protecting farm animals against M. haemolytica has attracted the attention of many scientists. The outer membrane proteins (OMPs) play a major role in the pathogenesis and immunogenicity of M. haemolytica. Research on M. haemolytica OMPs has shown that antibodies to a particular OMP may be important in immune protection. In the current study, the gene for M. haemolytica OMP PlpE was cloned into the expression vector pET26-b, and then expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. The expression of the protein was carried out by the induction of cultured Escherichiacoli Bl21 cells with 1mM isopropyl-&amp;beta;-D-thiogalactopyranoside. The recombinant PlpE was purified using Ni-NTA agarose resin, and then subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The identity of the expressed protein was analyzed by western blotting. It was revealed that rPlpE was expressed and produced properly. To assess the immunogenicity of the recombinant protein, the purified rPlpE was used as an antigen for antibody production in goats. The observations suggested that the produced recombinant protein can be used as a antigen for developing diagnostic tests and or as a vaccine candidate.

Combination of Hypoglycemia and Metformin Impairs Tumor Metabolic Plasticity and Growth by Modulating the PP2A-GSK3β-MCL-1 Axis

Tumor cells may adapt to metabolic challenges by alternating between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). To target this metabolic plasticity, we combined intermittent fasting, a clinically feasible approach to reduce glucose availability, with the OXPHOS inhibitor metformin. In mice exposed to 24-h feeding/fasting cycles, metformin impaired tumor growth only when administered during fasting-induced hypoglycemia. Synergistic anti-neoplastic effects of the metformin/hypoglycemia combination were mediated by glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) activation downstream of PP2A, leading to a decline in the pro-survival protein MCL-1, and cell death. Mechanistically, specific activation of the PP2A-GSK3β axis was the sum of metformin-induced inhibition of CIP2A, a PP2A suppressor, and of upregulation of the PP2A regulatory subunit B56δ by low glucose, leading to an active PP2A-B56δ complex with high affinity toward GSK3β.

Variations in the Anatomy of Sphenoid Sinus: A Computed Tomography Investigation

Aims: The sphenoid sinus is surrounded by many neurovascular structures which are very vulnerable to intrasphenoid sinus surgeries. The purpose of this study is to investigate the variation of sphenoid sinus structure by CT scan imaging. Methodology: This is a retrospective study of 3D images of a paranasal sinus in 129 cases. In this study, three-way metering of the sphenoid sinus, additional septum, pneumatization of the period process (PP), anterior clinoid process (ACP) and greater wing of sphenoid and protrusion and dehiscence of adjacent structures will be assessed. Results: Protrusion of internal carotid artery (ICA), a vidian nerve, maxillary nerve (V2) and optical canal were seen respectively 50.4%, 57.36%, 62.5% and 54.3% but dehiscence of this structure was seen 8.5%, 7%, 3.9% and 6.2%. penumtazition of PP, ACP and greater wing of sphenoid were seen 96.87%, 43.9% and 41.1%. Additional septum also is seen in 76% of the population. Conclusion: This study demonstrates numerous variations in sphenoid sinus structure. Some of the variations cause many problems during intrasphenoidal surgery. Therefore, physicians should evaluate patients completely before surgery.

Fumarate hydratase expression in localized, radically-resected clear cell renal cell carcinoma and its association with clinical outcomes

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Background: Prognostic stratification of localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma (lccRCC) mainly relies on clinical characteristics and TNM staging system, while biological biomarkers are currently lacking. We previously showed that reduced expression of the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme fumarate hydratase (FH) was associated with better clinical outcomes in patients (pts) with metastatic ccRCC. In the present study we aimed at assessing the association between intratumor FH expression and clinical outcomes in pts with radically-resected lccRCC. Methods: Pts with radically-resected lccRCC and available formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) primary (renal) tumor tissue were included. FH protein expression was assessed by means of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and defined as normal (comparably to non-neoplastic tubular cells) or low (lower than in non-neoplastic tubular cells). Results: Out of 50 pts included, we found a normal FH expression in 20 cases (40%) and a low FH expression in 30 cases (60%). Median age was 57 years (interquartile range 49-68) and 48 pts (96%) had pN0 disease, while 2 pts (4%) had pN1 disease. Low FH expression was associated with pT ( P= .003) but not with sex, age, Fuhrman grade or pN. After a median follow-up of 76.9 months, low FH expression was associated with a lower relapse rate (13% vs 50%; odds ratio for relapse 0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-0.62; P= .005), longer relapse-free survival (RFS) (5-years RFS rate 90% vs 50%; HR 0.20; 95% CI 0.06-0.63; P= .006) and a trend toward a better overall survival (OS) (5-years OS rate 100% vs 77.3%; HR 0.14; 95% CI 0.02-1.23; P= .07) when compared with normal FH expression. In the multivariable model including other characteristics associated with RFS, low FH expression confirmed an independent association with RFS (adjusted HR 0.25; 95% CI 0.06-0.91; P= .03). Conclusions: In our study, low intratumor FH, as detected by IHC, was associated with lower relapse rate, better RFS and a trend toward a better OS in patients with lccRCC when compared with normal FH levels. The role of FH expression as a prognostic biomarker in this setting warrants further investigation.

Abstract P4-11-01: A simple intervention for long-term relief of chronic post mastectomy pain

Background: Post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is a common and often debilitating condition. One common cause likely results from injury to the T4 and T5 sensory nerves during breast surgery, with resulting neuroma formation. It manifests as a pain syndrome diagnosed by “trigger points” that reproduce exquisite pain upon palpation. Pain specialists have found a combination of corticosteroids and local anaesthetic given through perineural infiltration, at other sites, effective in alleviating these neuromas or trigger points. Utilizing this principle, we initiated a quality improvement project to treat PMPS. This perineural injection led to remarkable, long-lasting relief of the first few patients, we therefore continued treating patients with clinical symptoms suggestive of a neuroma. We report on long-term pain relief after trigger point injections (TPI) for women with PMPS.

Methods: An observational cohort study of women with PMPS and clinical evidence of neuroma was undertaken. Patients were examined by breast surgeons at a single institution. We injected a 2mL mixture of equal parts 0.5% bupivacaine and 4 mg/mL dexamethasone into each trigger point. Demographics, type of breast and axillary surgery, duration of pain, history of surgical complications, adjuvant radiotherapy, number of injections required, location of trigger points and dates of injection were obtained from the electronic medical record. Patients were surveyed via telephone interview for long-term resolution of pain. Descriptive statistics are reported, univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted using Stata 12 (College Station, TX).

Results: We identified 89 trigger points on 61 breasts in 53 patients with PMPS. Patient age ranged from 30-92 years. Mean number of surgeries prior to injection was 2.2 (range 1-8). In this cohort, we found mastectomy was the most frequent surgical procedure preceding the development of a neuroma (41 breasts), followed by reduction mammoplasty with or without concurrent partial mastectomy (16 breasts), and least frequently lumpectomy alone (4 breasts). The time from the onset of neuropathic pain to the first trigger point injection varied from as early as 1 week post-operatively to 132 months (mean 22.2 months). Effectiveness of the TPI was assessed by physical examination immediately (1-3 minutes) after the injection, then with telephone interview (at &gt;/=3 months post TPI). All 53 patients had long-term follow-up data (≥3 months). Long-term relief was achieved in 84 of 89 trigger points (94.4%) or 54 of 61 breasts (88.5%). Trigger point injections were well tolerated by all patients and no complications were reported.

Discussion: Perineural infiltration with bupivacaine and dexamethasone is a safe, simple, and effective treatment option for PMPS with an associated trigger point. Our data suggest this significant problem can easily be resolved in an outpatient setting. All breast specialists should inquire about the presence of symptoms consistent with PMPS and understand the value of intervention to eliminate neuropathic pain. This technique should be added to the armamentarium of all surgeons who perform breast surgery.

Citation Format: Keane HJ, Khoury AL, Hosseini A, Varghese FP, Mukhtar R, Eder SE, Wong J, Esserman LJ. A simple intervention for long-term relief of chronic post mastectomy pain [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-11-01.

Logarithmic Upturn in Low-Temperature Electronic Transport as a Signature of d-Wave Order in Cuprate Superconductors

In cuprate superconductors, high magnetic fields have been used extensively to suppress superconductivity and expose the underlying normal state. Early measurements revealed insulatinglike behavior in underdoped material versus temperature T, in which resistivity increases on cooling with a puzzling log(1/T) form. We instead use microwave measurements of flux-flow resistivity in YBa_{2}Cu_{3}O_{6+y} and Tl_{2}Ba_{2}CuO_{6+δ} to study charge transport deep inside the superconducting phase, in the low-temperature and low-field regime. Here, the transition from metallic low-temperature resistivity (dρ/dT>0) to a log(1/T) upturn persists throughout the superconducting doping range, including a regime at high carrier dopings in which the field-revealed normal-state resistivity is Fermi-liquid-like. The log(1/T) form is thus likely a signature of d-wave superconducting order, and the field-revealed normal state's log(1/T) resistivity may indicate the free-flux-flow regime of a phase-disordered d-wave superconductor.

Dietary energy level affects adipose depot mass but does not impair in vitro subcutaneous adipose tissue response to short-term insulin and tumor necrosis factor-α challenge in nonlactating, nonpregnant Holstein cows

We assessed effects of overfeeding energy to nonlactating and nonpregnant Holstein cows during a length of time similar to a typical dry period on body lipid storage and the abundance of genes related to insulin signaling, inflammation, and ubiquitination in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in vitro challenged with insulin and recombinant bovine tumor necrosis factor-α. Fourteen cows were randomly assigned to either a high-energy (OVE; net energy for lactation = 1.60 Mcal/kg of dry matter; n = 7) or control (CON; net energy for lactation = 1.30 Mcal/kg of dry matter; n = 7) diet for 6 wk. Immediately after slaughter, liver, kidneys, and mammary gland were separated and weighed. The adipose tissue mass in the omental, mesenteric, and perirenal depots was dissected and weighed. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected from the tail-head region and was used as follows: control, bovine insulin (INS) at 1 µmol/L, tumor necrosis factor-α at 5 ng/mL (TNF), and their combination. Despite a lack of difference in final body condition score, OVE cows had greater energy intake and were heavier than CON cows. Furthermore, overfeeding led to greater mass of mesenteric and perirenal adipose, liver, and mammary gland. Overall, SAT incubated with INS had an upregulation of insulin receptor (INSR), interleukin-10 (IL10), small ubiquitin-like modifier 3 (SUMO3), and ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2I (UBC9), whereas TNF upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2), interleukin-6 (IL6), nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1 (NFKB1), small ubiquitin-like modifier 2 (SUMO2), and UBC9. Regardless of in vitro treatment, feeding OVE upregulated PPARG, fatty acid synthase (FASN), and insulin induced gene 1 (INSIG1). Abundance of PPARG was greater in SAT of OVE cows cultured individually with INS and TNF. The interaction between diet and in vitro treatment revealed that sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBF1) had greater abundance in SAT from the CON group in response to culture with INS, whereas SAT from OVE cows had greater SREBF1 abundance in response to culture with TNF. The mRNA abundance of IL6 and NFKB1 was greater in response to TNF treatment and overall in CON cows. Furthermore, SAT from these cows had greater IL10 abundance when cultured with INS and TNF. Overall, data highlighted that overfeeding energy increases adipose tissue mass in part by stimulating transcription of key genes associated with insulin signaling, adipogenesis, and lipogenesis. Because SAT thickness or mass was not measured, the lack of effect of overfeeding on body condition score limits its use to predict overall body lipid storage. An overt inflammatory response in SAT after a 6-wk period of over-consumption of energy could not be discerned.

Combined effects of rat Schwann cells and 17β-estradiol in a spinal cord injury model

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating traumatic event which burdens the affected individuals and the health system. Schwann cell (SC) transplantation is a promising repair strategy after SCI. However, a large number of SCs do not survive following transplantation. Previous studies demonstrated that 17β-estradiol (E2) protects different cell types and reduces tissue damage in SCI experimental animal model. In the current study, we evaluated the protective potential of E2 on SCs in vitro and investigated whether the combination of hormonal and SC therapeutic strategy has a better effect on the outcome after SCI. Primary SC cultures were incubated with E2 for 72 h. In a subsequent experiment, thoracic contusion SCI was induced in male rats followed by sustained administration of E2 or vehicle. Eight days after SCI, DiI-labeled SCs were transplanted into the injury epicenter in vehicle and E2-treated animals. The combinatory regimen decreased neurological and behavioral deficits and protected neurons and oligodendrocytes in comparison to vehicle rats. Moreover, E2 and SC significantly decreased the number of Iba-1+ (microglia) and GFAP⁺ cells (astrocyte) in the SCI group. In addition, we found a significant reduction of mitochondrial fission-markers (Fis1) and an increase of fusion-markers (Mfn1 and Mfn2) in the injured spinal cord after E2 and SC treatment. These data demonstrated that E2 protects SCs against hypoxia-induced SCI and improves the survival of transplanted SCs.

Lactation-related changes in tissue expression of PEDF in dairy cows

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is evolving as metabolic regulatory protein. Albeit mostly considered in only pathological conditions related to excess energy intake resulting in obesity and insulin resistance, PEDF is likely to be involved in other physiological processes such as the homeorhetic adaptation of metabolism to lactation. We aimed to characterize the expression of PEDF and its association to the concomitant mobilization of body reserves during lactation in nonobese subjects. This mobilization is particularly distinct in dairy cows, and we therefore assessed the mRNA expression of PEDF and its putative receptors in different tissues in 2 trials with dairy cows fed with or without conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs). Conjugated linoleic acids depress milk fat synthesis and may thus reduce the drain of energy via milk. In pluriparous cows, the serum PEDF concentrations and the mRNA abundance in subcutaneous adipose tissue (scAT), as well as the hepatic and scAT mRNA abundance of the putative receptors, adipose triglyceride lipase, and laminin receptor 1, changed over time of sampling (day -21 until day 252 relative to calving). Conjugated linoleic acid treatment was associated with reduced PEDF concentrations in serum and lower PEDF mRNA abundance in scAT on day 21 postpartum. Comparing different tissues from primiparous cows, PEDF mRNA was highest in the liver, followed by scAT, visceral adipose tissue (AT), and mammary gland, and lowest in the muscle. Significant changes in PEDF expression with time of sampling were limited to AT in primiparous and pluriparous cows. Our data support a regulatory role for PEDF. The similarities between the time course of the serum concentrations of PEDF and its mRNA abundance in scAT may point to a regulatory role for AT rather than the liver for PEDF in dairy cows.

Treatment of third-degree burn wounds in animal specimens: acellular dermis or partial-thickness skin graft

Several dermal products have been introduced to substitute dermal tissues. In this study we review the effects of these products on repairing third-degree burn wounds and managing complications in animal specimens. Using an interventional approach, rats were randomly assigned to four groups (G1 to G4). Two wounds were created on the back of each rat. An open wound was left on the back of rats in G1; in G2, wounds were covered with a thick rat derived-ADM product and overlying thin skin graft; on G3 rats, similar third degree ulcers were made with one ulcer covered with harvested thin skin graft. In G4, ulcers were covered with a thin rat derived-ADM product and thin graft. Factors such as take rate, histopathological score, wound contracture and graft contracture were compared on the 7th, 15th, 21st and 30th day. Mean graft take rate on the 30th day in the thick ADM, thin ADM and graft group showed a significant difference (p=0.015). Histopathological score on the 30th day in the thin ADM, thick ADM and graft group showed no considerable difference. Mean graft take rate was significantly better in the thin ADM and graft group than in the thick ADM group. Wound contracture was significantly more severe in the thick ADM and control group than in the thin ADM and graft group.

Abstract P5-22-22: Breast tumor location in BRCA mutation carriers and implications for prevention

Introduction:

Close to 65% of BRCA mutation carriers do not choose prophylactic mastectomy, despite their high breast cancer risk. Breast reduction mammoplasty is a surgical technique shown to reduce breast cancer risk and can be modified to target specific areas of the breast. We wondered if a majority of tumors in BRCA mutation carriers would be confined to one quadrant, allowing for the use of targeted cosmetic mammoplasty as a novel method of risk reduction.

Methods:

We reviewed imaging reports on 103 consecutive patients with BRCA mutations and invasive breast cancer, and categorized tumor location by quadrant. Tumors spanning &gt;1 quadrant were classified as being in both. Bilateral cancers were counted separately. Categorical variables were compared with the chi-squaredtest.

Results:

Mean age at breast cancer diagnosis was 44 years with mean tumor size of 2.2 cm (0.1-7cm). 92% of tumors were invasive ductal carcinoma, 46% were hormone receptor positive, 10% Her2 positive, and 44% triple negative. 70% of the tumors were unicentric. Tumors were significantly more likely to be in the upper outer quadrant whether or not multicentric tumors were included in the analysis (p&lt;0.00001). Her2 positive tumors were more likely to be multicentric than other subtypes (p=0.021).

Conclusions:

More than half of breast cancers in BRCA mutation carriers form in the upper outer quadrant, suggesting that removing this quadrant through breast reduction mammoplasty could significantly reduce breast cancer risk. For women who are not ready for prophylactic mastectomy, this data supports an intermediate risk reduction step instead of only offering surveillance.

Citation Format: Hosseini A, Esserman LJ, Wallace AM, Au A, Mukhtar RA. Breast tumor location in BRCA mutation carriers and implications for prevention [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-22-22.

Abstract P5-12-04: The impact of bariatric surgery on mammographic breast density

Background:

Bariatric surgery decreases breast cancer risk, but its impact on mammographic findings is not well understood. Obesity and breast density both increase breast cancer risk, but paradoxically are inversely related. We investigated how mammographic density changes after bariatric surgery, and whether or not that change is related to amount of weight loss.

Methods:

We reviewed records for 349 prospectively collected patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2013-2015, and identified 45 women with pre- and post-operative screening mammograms within 1.5 years of surgery. We recorded body mass index (BMI), Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System density, and calculated excess BMI loss. Data were analyzed in Stata 14.2.

Results:

Average age was 54 years, mean pre-operative BMI was 44 (range 36-72), and mean percentage excess BMI lost was 73% at 1.3 years. One third had a change in mammographic breast density, which increased 93% of the time (p&lt;0.001). Amount of weight loss was not associated with density change; in fact, weight loss was lower in those with a density change than in those without a density change (68% versus 75% excess BMI lost).

Conclusions:

The majority of women with a mammographic change had an increase in breast density, despite bariatric surgery being associated with reduced breast cancer risk. Interestingly, the amount of weight loss was not associated with change in breast density. These findings suggest the metabolic effects of bariatric surgery have an effect on breast cancer risk independent of BMI reduction. Future work will include studying mammographic changes associated with non-surgical weight loss.

Citation Format: Hosseini A, Khoury AL, Carter J, Wong JM, Alvarado MD, Ewing C, Esserman LJ, Mukhtar RA. The impact of bariatric surgery on mammographic breast density [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-12-04.

Effect of time of eCG administration on the fate of ovarian follicle in Holstein heifers

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) on ovarian follicles at three stages of development (emergence, dominance and early static phases) during the first follicular wave (FFW) in Holstein heifers. Heifers (n=20) were randomly assigned into four experimental groups (n=5 in each group). Heifers received eCG (500 IU; Folligon^®; Intervet, Holland; i.m) a) on the day of follicle emergence (day of ovulation; group 1), b) on the dominant phase (dominant follicle (DF): the first day in which follicle was observed at ≥10 mm; group 2, and c) on the early static phase (group 3) of the FFW. Control group heifers did not receive any treatment. Daily ultrasonography was conducted to monitor ovarian structure throughout estrous cycle. All treatment group heifers, regardless of the stage of follicle development, displayed follicle growth after eCG injection. Administration of eCG, in group 1, hastened DF detection and induced co-dominant follicles; whereas, in groups 2 and 3, it delayed DF regression, and increased cycle length compared to control. In all treatment group heifers, DF was present 84 h after eCG injection. Maximum diameter of corpus luteum was larger in eCG treated groups compared to control (P<0.05). In conclusion, depending on the time of eCG administration throughout the FFW (emergence, dominant and early static phases), co-dominancy, maintenance of DF, enhancement of follicle and corpus luteum growth and increase in estrous cycle length could be observed in Holstein heifers.

Enrichment of magnetic particles using temperature and magnetic field gradients induced by benchtop fabricated micro-electromagnets

The active transport of analytes inside biosensing systems is important for reducing the response time and enhancing the limit-of-detection of these systems. Due to the ease of functionalization with bio-recognition agents and manipulation with magnetic fields, magnetic particles are widely used for active and directed transport of biological analytes. On-chip active electromagnets are ideally suited for manipulating magnetic particles in an automated and miniaturized fashion inside biosensing systems. Unfortunately, the magnetic force exerted by these devices decays rapidly as we move away from the device edges, and increasing the generated force to the levels necessary for particle manipulation requires a parallel increase in the applied current and the resultant Joule heating. In this paper, we designed a study to understand the combined role of thermal and magnetic forces on the movement of magnetic particles in order to extend the interaction distance of on-chip magnetic devices beyond the device edges. For this purpose, we used a rapid prototyping method to create an active/passive on-chip electromagnet with a micro/nano-structured active layer and a patterned ferromagnetic passive layer. We demonstrated that the measured terminal velocities of particles positioned near the electromagnet edge (∼5.5 μm) closely reflect the values obtained by multi-physics modelling. Interestingly, we observed a two orders of magnitude deviation between the experimental and modelling results for the terminal velocities of particles far from the electromagnet edge (∼55.5 μm). Heat modelling of the system using experimentally-measured thermal gradients indicates that this discrepancy is related to the enhanced fluid movement caused by thermal forces. This study enables the rational design of thermo-magnetic systems for thermally driving and magnetically capturing particles that are positioned at distances tens to hundreds of microns away from the edges of on-chip magnetic devices.

Effects of Chlamydia trachomatis infection on sperm chromatin condensation and DNA integrity

The present study was performed to investigate the relation of Chlamydia trachomatis infection to sperm chromatin/DNA integrity in a population of infertile men (male partner of infertile couples) from Iran. Blood, semen and first-void urine samples were obtained from 250 infertile men. Data were analysed with regard to the results of (i) serological analysis for specific antibodies to C. trachomatis in serum; (ii) the presence of C. trachomatis and DNA in first-void urine; and (iii) in the semen sample of the male partner, in addition to sperm analysis, four different tests (aniline blue, chromomycin A3, acridine orange and TUNEL) were used to detect sperm chromatin and DNA abnormalities. The main conclusions of the results were: (i) no evidence of C. trachomatis infection in semen samples was found; (ii) sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin studies were not correlated with C. trachomatis diagnosis; (iii) the percentage of DNA fragmentation is positively correlated with the percentage of immotile sperm but negatively with semen volume, normal morphology; and (iv) in sperm chromatin evaluations, only the percentage of chromatin protamination was related to male age.

Extended C-band tunable multi-channel InP-based coherent receiver PICs

Fully integrated monolithic, multi-channel InP-based coherent receiver PICs and transceiver modules with extended C-band tunability are described. These PICs operate at 33 and 44 Gbaud per channel under dual polarization (DP) 16-QAM modulation. Fourteen-channel monolithic InP receiver PICs show integration and data rate scaling capability to operate at 44 Gbaud under DP 16-QAM modulation for combined 4.9 Tb/s total capacity. Six channel simultaneous operation of a commercial transceiver module at 33 Gbaud is demonstrated for a variety of modulation formats including DP 16-QAM for >1.2Tbit/s aggregate data capacity.

A comprehensive review of lysine-specific demethylase 1 and its roles in cancer

Histone methylation plays a key role in the regulation of chromatin structure, and its dynamics regulates important cellular processes. The investigation of the role of alterations in histone methylation in cancer has led to the identification of histone methyltransferases and demethylases as promising novel targets for therapy. Lysine-specific demethylase 1(LSD1, also known as KDM1A) is the first discovered histone lysine demethylase, with the ability to demethylase H3K4me1/2 and H3K9me1/2 at target loci in a context-dependent manner. LSD1 regulates the balance between self-renewal and differentiation of stem cells, and is highly expressed in various cancers, playing an important role in differentiation and self-renewal of tumor cells. In this review, we summarize recent studies about the LSD1, its role in normal and tumor cells, and the potential use of small molecule LSD1 inhibitors in therapy.

Optimal ratios of essential amino acids stimulate β-casein synthesis via activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway in MAC-T cells and bovine mammary tissue explants

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and serve as key molecular components upstream of the signaling pathways that regulate protein synthesis. The objective of this study was to systematically investigate the effect of essential AA ratios on milk protein synthesis in vitro and to elucidate some of the underlying mechanisms. Triplicate cultures of MAC-T cells and bovine mammary tissue explants (MTE) were incubated with the optimal AA ratio (OPAA; Lys:Met, 2.9:1; Thr:Phe, 1.05:1; Lys:Thr, 1.8:1; Lys:His, 2.38:1; and Lys:Val, 1.23:1) in the presence of rapamycin (control), OPAA, a Lys:Thr ratio of 2.1:1, a Lys:Thr ratio of 1.3:1, a Lys:His ratio of 3.05:1, or a Lys:Val ratio of 1.62:1 for 12 h; the other AA concentrations were equal to OPAA. In some experiments, the cells were cultured with OPAA with or without rapamycin (100 ng/mL) or with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) small interference RNA, and the MTE were exposed to OPAA with rapamycin for β-casein expression. Among the treatments, the expression of β-casein was greatest in the MTE cultured with OPAA. In MAC-T cells, the OPAA upregulated the mRNA expression of SLC1A5 and SLC7A5 but downregulated the expression of IRS1, AKT3, EEF1A1, and EEF2 compared with the control. The OPAA had no effect on the mTOR phosphorylation status but increased the phosphorylation of S6K1 and RPS6. When the MTE were treated with rapamycin in the presence of OPAA, the expression of β-casein was markedly decreased. The phosphorylation of RPS6 and 4EBP1 also was reduced in MAC-T cells. A similar negative effect on the expression of RPS6KB1 and EIF4EBP1 was detected when the cells were cultured with either rapamycin or mTOR small interference RNA. The optimal AA ratio stimulated β-casein expression partly by enhancing the transport of AA into the cells, cross-talk with insulin signaling and a subsequent enhancement of mTOR signaling, or translation elongation in both MAC-T cells and bovine MTE.

Modelling dispersal of radioactive contaminants in Arctic waters as a result of potential recovery operations on the dumped submarine K-27

Of the wide variety of dumped objects containing radioactive materials in the Arctic seas, the submarine K-27 constitutes a major risk due to the large amount of highly enriched uranium onboard and its location in shallow waters. As the matter of potential operations involving raising of the submarine have entered the public arena, a priori assessment of the contamination in the Arctic marine environment that could result after a possible accident during such operations is a matter of some interest. The dispersion of contaminants within the Arctic has been assessed using a large scale hydrodynamic model for a series of plausible accident scenarios and locations under different oceanographic regimes. Results indicate that, depending primarily on the nature of a release (i.e. instantaneous or continuous), large areas of the Arctic marine environment will exhibit contamination to varying degrees.

Precision surgery and avoiding over-treatment

Over-diagnosis and over-treatment are consequences of greater awareness about breast cancer, more intensive screening, and the resultant identification of more cases of breast cancer that are low or ultralow risk. This area represents an important opportunity to optimize the delivery of appropriate targeted therapy for breast cancer patients. Despite the evolution of breast cancer care over the last few decades and our ability to tailor treatment to biology, a one-size fits all approach is still prevalent in the local and regional management of and screening for breast cancer, failing to reflect the unique biology and tumor characteristics of each patient. In this review, we explore how we can use new tools to better define tumor biology and also how we can change current clinical practices based on already available data. Every surgeon should be knowledgeable about how to craft personalized breast cancer care in the areas of systemic therapy, adjuvant radiation therapy, management of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), precision surgery, and breast cancer screening.

Impacts on the marine environment in the case of a hypothetical accident involving the recovery of the dumped Russian submarine K-27, based on dispersion of 137Cs

There is increasing concern regarding the issue of dumped nuclear waste in the Arctic Seas and in particular dumped objects with Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF). Amongst dumped objects in the Arctic, the dumped Russian submarine K-27 has received great attention as it contains two reactors with highly enriched fuel and lies at a depth of about 30 m under water. To address these concerns a health and environmental impact assessment has been undertaken. Marine dispersion of potentially released radionuclides as a consequence of different hypothetical accident scenarios was modelled using the model NAOSIM. The outputs from the dispersion modelling have been used as inputs to food-chain transfer and environmental dosimetry models. The annual effective doses for subsistence fishing communities of the Barents-Kara seas region do not exceed 0.6 mSv for hypothetical accidents located at Stepovogo fjord or the Barents Sea. For high rate consumers of fish in Norway, following a potential accident at the Gremikha Bay, annual effects doses would be at around 0.15 mSv. Accumulated doses (over 90 days) for various organisms and for all release scenarios considered were never in excess of 150 μGy. The levels of ¹³⁷Cs derived for marine organism in areas close to Norway were not values that would likely cause concern from a regulatory perspective although for subsistence fishing communities close to the considered accident locations, it is not inconceivable that some restrictions on fishing etc. would need to be introduced.

Impacts on the terrestrial environment in case of a hypothetical accident involving the recovery of the dumped Russian submarine K-27

Objects containing radioactivity have been routinely dumped in Arctic waters near NW Russia up until the 1990s. One of the most radioactive objects in this region, the nuclear submarine K-27, was dumped in Stepogovo Fjord and contained spent nuclear fuel (SNF). Although the two K-27 submarine reactors were mothballed before dumping, concerns about the potential long term risks of contamination remain and plans to retrieve and decommission K-27 exist. In this article, human dose and environmental impact aseessments are presented for two possible future scenarios involving: (1) an ingress of water into a reactor in situ leading to a spontaneous chain reaction (SCR) and (2) an on-board fire when SNF is being removed at the mainland decommissiong site at Gremhika Bay on the Kola Peninsula. Assessments have been completed using conservative assumptions, focusing on possible effects to Norwegian territory. Atmospheric transport and deposition of radioactivity was modelled near field and regionally, using appropriate models, whilst human doses and environmental exposures were modelled using a standard IAEA approach and the ERICA tool, respectively. Results indicate that large areas of Norwegian territory could be affected by fallout from the Gremhika scenario, especially in the north, though at levels two orders of magnitude lower than those observed after the Chernobyl accident. Potential doses, primarily due to ground shine, to a critical group of personnel on-site at Stepogovo resulting from a SCR could require preventative measures based on ICRP recommendations (20-100 mSv). Doses to non-human biota in Norway for the Gremhika scenario would be negligible, typical of background dose rates for terrestrial organisms.

Integrated line-by-line optical pulse shaper for high-fidelity and rapidly reconfigurable RF-filtering

We present a 32 channel indium phosphide integrated pulse shaper with 25 GHz channel spacing, where each channel is equipped with a semiconductor optical amplifier allowing for programmable line-by-line gain control with submicrosecond reconfigurability. We critically test the integrated pulse shaper by using it in comb-based RF-photonic filtering experiments where the precise gain control is leveraged to synthesize high-fidelity RF filters which we reconfigure on a microsecond time scale. Our on-chip pulse shaping demonstration is unmatched in its combination of speed, fidelity, and flexibility, and will likely open new avenues in the field of advanced broadband signal generation and processing.

Increased B Regulatory Phenotype in Non-Metastatic Lymph Nodes of Node-Positive Breast Cancer Patients

Tumour-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) are centre in orchestrating the immune responses against cancer. The cellularity and lymphocyte subpopulations change in the process of cancer progression and lymph node involvement. B lymphocyte subsets and their function in breast cancer-draining lymph nodes have not been well elucidated. Here, we studied the influence of tumour metastasis on the frequencies of different B cell subsets including naïve and memory B cells as well as those which are known to be enriched in the regulatory pool in TDLNs of 30 patients with breast cancer. Lymphocytes were obtained from a fresh piece of each lymph node and stained for CD19 and other B cell-associated markers and subjected to flow cytometry. Our investigation revealed that metastatic TDLN showed a significant decrease in active, memory and class-switched B cells while the frequencies of B cells with regulatory phenotypes were not changed. However, CD27(hi) CD25(+) and CD1d(hi) CD5(+) B regulatory subsets significantly increased in non-metastatic lymph nodes (nMLNs) of node-positive patients compared with node-negative patients. Our data provided evidence that in breast cancer, metastasis of tumour to axillary lymph nodes altered B cell populations in favour of resting, inactive and unswitched phenotypes. We assume that the lymphatic involvement may cause an increase in a subset of regulatory B cells in non-metastatic lymph nodes.

Derivation of risk indices and analysis of variablility for the management of incidents involving the transport of nuclear materials in the Northern Seas

The transport of nuclear or radioactive materials and the presence of nuclear powered vessels pose risks to the Northern Seas in terms of potential impacts to man and environment as well socio-economic impacts. Management of incidents involving actual or potential releases to the marine environment are potentially difficult due to the complexity of the environment into which the release may occur and difficulties in quantifying risk to both man and environment. In order to address this, a state of the art oceanographic model was used to characterize the underlying variability for a specific radionuclide release scenario. The resultant probabilistic data were used as inputs to transfer and dose models providing an indication of potential impacts for man and environment This characterization was then employed to facilitate a rapid means of quantifying risk to man and the environment that included and addressed this variability. The radionuclide specific risk indices derived can be applied by simply multiplying the reported values by the magnitude of the source term and thereafter summing over all radionuclides to provide an indication of total risk.

Thenar muscles H reflex in patients with fibromyalgia: A case control study

OBJECTIVE

To delineate H-reflex parameters and specify the diagnostic accuracy measures of thenar muscle H-reflex in Fibromyalgia (FM).

METHODS

The study was a cross sectional study performed on 30 subjects with FM and 30 healthy volunteers in two major referral hospitals. We recorded the number of obtainable thenar H-reflexes and their minimum latency, threshold and amplitude in each group.

RESULTS

There was a significantly more chance to elicit the H-reflex in patients with FM. H reflex threshold and minimum latency were lower in FM group but no significant difference was shown for H wave amplitude. According to our study, thenar H-reflex has 46.7% sensitivity, 86.7% specificity and 66.7% diagnostic accuracy to detect FM. It also has moderate predictive values and positive likelihood ratio but low negative likelihood ratio.

CONCLUSION

Higher rate of thenar muscle H-reflex in fibromyalgia can be interpreted as a confirmatory finding to central sensitization theory for this disorder. Obtaining H-reflex from thenar muscles could be a helpful diagnostic tool for fibromyalgia that increases the confidence in diagnosis. Although it is a weak tool for screening because of low sensitivity, it has a relatively high specificity.