Azimuthal Anisotropy of Heavy-Flavor Decay Electrons in p-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

Angular correlations between heavy-flavor decay electrons and charged particles at midrapidity (|η|<0.8) are measured in p-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. The analysis is carried out for the 0%-20% (high) and 60%-100% (low) multiplicity ranges. The jet contribution in the correlation distribution from high-multiplicity events is removed by subtracting the distribution from low-multiplicity events. An azimuthal modulation remains after removing the jet contribution, similar to previous observations in two-particle angular correlation measurements for light-flavor hadrons. A Fourier decomposition of the modulation results in a positive second-order coefficient (v_{2}) for heavy-flavor decay electrons in the transverse momentum interval 1.5<p_{T}<4  GeV/c in high-multiplicity events, with a significance larger than 5σ. The results are compared with those of charged particles at midrapidity and those of inclusive muons at forward rapidity. The v_{2} measurement of open heavy-flavor particles at midrapidity in small collision systems could provide crucial information to help interpret the anisotropies observed in such systems.

Abstract P4-03-07: Analysis of hereditary cancer syndromes by using a panel of genes: Novel and multiple pathogenic mutations

BACKGOUND: Hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes are believed to be responsible for approximately 5-10% of all diagnosed cancer cases. In the past, single genes analysis of certain high risk genes was used for the determination of the genetic cause of cancer heritability in certain families. The selection of genes was mainly based on the family history of the individuals analyzed and included only highly associated genes (e.g. the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes for families with breast cancer history. Nowadays though, the application of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology has facilitated multigene panel analysis and is widely used in clinical practice, for the identification of individuals with cancer predisposition gene mutations.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the extent and nature of mutations in 36 genes implicated in hereditary cancer predisposition in individuals referred for testing in our lab.

MATERIALS & METHODS: In total, 1197 individuals were referred for testing in our lab in the past four years from Greece, Romania and Turkey. The analysis of genes involved in hereditary cancer predisposition was performed using two NGS approaches. The first 451 individuals were analyzed using an amplicon based sequencing method (26 gene panel), while the following 746 individuals were analyzed using a capture based method (33 gene panel). Genomic DNA was enriched for targeted regions of 36 genes involved in hereditary predisposition to cancer included in both versions of the panel (APC, BMPR1A, BRCA1, BRCA2, CDH1, CDK4, CDKN2A, EPCAM, MEN1, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, PALB2, PMS2, PTEN, RET, SMAD4, STK11, TP53, VHL, ATM, BRIP1, CHEK2, NBN, RAD51C, RAD51D, BARD1, BLM, CHEK1, ABRAXAS1 (FAM175A), MRE11 (MRE11A), NF1, RAD50, RAD51B, XRCC2). Sequencing was carried out using the Illumina NGS technology. Reads were aligned to the reference sequence (GRCh37), and sequence changes were identified and interpreted in the context of a single clinically relevant transcript. The presence of large genomic rearrangements was investigated by computational analysis of NGS results and the use of MLPA for 13 genes. All clinically significant observations were confirmed by orthogonal technologies.

RESULTS: In total, a pathogenic mutation was identified in 259 of the 1197 individuals (21.6%) analyzed while a VUS was identified in 35.7% of the cases. Clinically significant mutations were identified in 29 of the genes analyzed. Concerning the mutation distribution among individuals with positive findings, 44.7% of them were located in BRCA1/2 genes whereas 20.9%, 19.9%, and 14.5% in high, moderate and low risk genes respectively. In addition to BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes other highly mutated genes were CHEK2 (10.6%), PALB2 (7.1%), MUTYH (7.1%) and ATM (4.3%). Of note is that 25 of the 259 positive individuals (9.7%) carried clinically significant mutations in two different genes and 5.8% had a large genomic rearrangement (LGR).

CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the clinical significance of analysis of a panel of genes involved in hereditary cancer predisposition. In our cohort, analysis of this panel allowed for the identification of 8.3% additional pathogenic variants in moderate/low risk genes, enabling personalized management of these individuals.

Citation Format: Tsoulos N, Tsaousis GN, Papadopoulou E, Agiannitopoulos K, Pepe G, Kambouri S, Apessos A, Diamantopoulos N, Floros T, Iosifidou R, Katopodi O, Koumarianou A, Markopoulos C, Papazisis K, Venizelos V, Xanthakis I, Xepapadakis G, Banu E, Eniu DT, Negru S, Stanculeanu DL, Ungureanu A, Ozmen V, Tansan S, Tekinel M, Yalcin S, Nasioulas G. Analysis of hereditary cancer syndromes by using a panel of genes: Novel and multiple pathogenic mutations [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 P4-03-07.

Pseudorapidity Dependence of Particle Production and Elliptic Flow in Asymmetric Nuclear Collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

Asymmetric nuclear collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV provide an excellent laboratory for understanding particle production, as well as exploring interactions among these particles after their initial creation in the collision. We present measurements of charged hadron production dN_{ch}/dη in all such collision systems over a broad pseudorapidity range and as a function of collision multiplicity. A simple wounded quark model is remarkably successful at describing the full data set. We also measure the elliptic flow v_{2} over a similarly broad pseudorapidity range. These measurements provide key constraints on models of particle emission and their translation into flow.

Gemcitabine combined with the monoclonal antibody nimotuzumab is an active first-line regimen in KRAS wildtype patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer: a multicenter, randomized phase IIb study

Background

This randomized study was designed to investigate the superiority of gemcitabine (gem) plus nimotuzumab (nimo), an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody, compared with gem plus placebo as first-line therapy in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Patients and methods

Patients with previously untreated, unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer were randomly assigned to receive gem: 1000 mg/m2, 30-min i.v. once weekly (d1, 8, 15; q29) and nimo: fixed dose of 400 mg once weekly as a 30-min infusion, or gem plus placebo, until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was overall survival (OS), secondary end points included time to progression, overall response rate, safety and quality of life.

Results

A total of 192 patients were randomized, with 186 of them being assessable for efficacy and safety (average age 63.6 years). One-year OS/progression-free survival (PFS) was 34%/22% for gem plus nimo compared with 19%/10% for gem plus placebo (HR = 0.69; P = 0.03/HR = 0.68; P = 0.02). Median OS/PFS was 8.6/5.1 months for gem plus nimo versus 6.0/3.4 mo in the gem plus placebo group (HR = 0.69; P = 0.0341/HR = 0.68; P = 0.0163), with very few grade 3/4 toxicities. KRAS wildtype patients experienced a significantly better OS than those with KRAS mutations (11.6 versus 5.6 months, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

This randomized study showed that nimo in combination with gem is safe and well tolerated. The 1-year OS and PFS rates for the entire population were significantly improved. Especially, those patients with KRAS wildtype seem to benefit. The study was registered as protocol ID OSAG101-PCS07, NCT00561990 and EudraCT 2007-000338-38.

D-Meson Azimuthal Anisotropy in Midcentral Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s]_{NN}=5.02 TeV

The azimuthal anisotropy coefficient v_{2} of prompt D^{0}, D^{+}, D^{*+}, and D_{s}^{+} mesons was measured in midcentral (30%-50% centrality class) Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The D mesons were reconstructed via their hadronic decays at midrapidity, |y|<0.8, in the transverse momentum interval 1<p_{T}<24  GeV/c. The measured D-meson v_{2} has similar values as that of charged pions. The D_{s}^{+} v_{2}, measured for the first time, is found to be compatible with that of nonstrange D mesons. The measurements are compared with theoretical calculations of charm-quark transport in a hydrodynamically expanding medium and have the potential to constrain medium parameters.

Muscle structure and gene expression in pectoralis major muscle in response to deep pectoral myopathy induction in fast- and slow-growing commercial broilers

1. The objective of this study was to determine muscle structure and gene expression in pectoralis major (p. major) muscle of broilers in response to deep pectoral myopathy (DPM) induction. 2. A total of 160 chickens from slow- and fast-growing broilers were raised under same conditions. Half of the broilers from each strain were encouraged to wing flap when they reached 2800 g body weight. Pectoralis minor (p. minor) muscle of the broilers was inspected for the occurrence of DPM and p. major samples were collected from broilers with or without DPM. The muscle fibre area and number, capillary number and the signalling pathways of vascular development (vascular endothelial growth factor A, VEGFA) and muscle contraction regulation (actin alpha 1, ACTA1; myosin light chain kinase 2, MYLK2 and ATPase Ca⁺² transporting gene 1, ATP2A1) were studied in p. major muscle. 3. DPM induction increased fibre area of p. major muscle with a greater rate in the slow-growing strain compared with fast-growing line. Although the capillary number was higher in slow-growing compared with fast-growing broilers, in the case of DPM induction, the number of capillaries was similar between strains. 4. Expression of VEGFA, MYLK2 and ATP2A1 was greater in slow- than in fast-growing broilers. DPM induction increased expression of ACTA1, VEGFA and ATP2A1 in p. major muscle of broilers from both strains; however, MYLK2 expression was downregulated. 5. Changes in capillary density and expression of VEGFA found in the p. major muscle of broilers with DPM suggest increased blood flow to increase oxygen availability. The upregulation of ATP2A1 by DPM induction could be attributable to alterations in calcium ion transportation from the cytoplasm into the sarcoplasmic reticulum. 6. The results are evidence of changes in muscle structure and gene expression pathways in p. major muscle of broilers with DPM.

Measurements of Multiparticle Correlations in d+Au Collisions at 200, 62.4, 39, and 19.6 GeV and p+Au Collisions at 200 GeV and Implications for Collective Behavior

Recently, multiparticle-correlation measurements of relativistic p/d/^{3}He+Au, p+Pb, and even p+p collisions show surprising collective signatures. Here, we present beam-energy-scan measurements of two-, four-, and six-particle angular correlations in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200, 62.4, 39, and 19.6 GeV. We also present measurements of two- and four-particle angular correlations in p+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. We find the four-particle cumulant to be real valued for d+Au collisions at all four energies. We also find that the four-particle cumulant in p+Au has the opposite sign as that in d+Au. Further, we find that the six-particle cumulant agrees with the four-particle cumulant in d+Au collisions at 200 GeV, indicating that nonflow effects are subdominant. These observations provide strong evidence that the correlations originate from the initial geometric configuration, which is then translated into the momentum distribution for all particles, commonly referred to as collectivity.

Nuclear Dependence of the Transverse-Single-Spin Asymmetry for Forward Neutron Production in Polarized p+A Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

During 2015, the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) provided collisions of transversely polarized protons with Au and Al nuclei for the first time, enabling the exploration of transverse-single-spin asymmetries with heavy nuclei. Large single-spin asymmetries in very forward neutron production have been previously observed in transversely polarized p+p collisions at RHIC, and the existing theoretical framework that was successful in describing the single-spin asymmetry in p+p collisions predicts only a moderate atomic-mass-number (A) dependence. In contrast, the asymmetries observed at RHIC in p+A collisions showed a surprisingly strong A dependence in inclusive forward neutron production. The observed asymmetry in p+Al collisions is much smaller, while the asymmetry in p+Au collisions is a factor of 3 larger in absolute value and of opposite sign. The interplay of different neutron production mechanisms is discussed as a possible explanation of the observed A dependence.

J/ψ Elliptic Flow in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

We report a precise measurement of the J/ψ elliptic flow in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The J/ψ mesons are reconstructed at midrapidity (|y|<0.9) in the dielectron decay channel and at forward rapidity (2.5<y<4.0) in the dimuon channel, both down to zero transverse momentum. At forward rapidity, the elliptic flow v_{2} of the J/ψ is studied as a function of the transverse momentum and centrality. A positive v_{2} is observed in the transverse momentum range 2<p_{T}<8  GeV/c in the three centrality classes studied and confirms with higher statistics our earlier results at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76  TeV in semicentral collisions. At midrapidity, the J/ψ  v_{2} is investigated as a function of the transverse momentum in semicentral collisions and found to be in agreement with the measurements at forward rapidity. These results are compared to transport model calculations. The comparison supports the idea that at low p_{T} the elliptic flow of the J/ψ originates from the thermalization of charm quarks in the deconfined medium but suggests that additional mechanisms might be missing in the models.

Opipramol Overdose Presented with Wide-Complex Tachycardia to the Emergency Department

Opipramol is an antidepressant and anxiolytic drug similar in structure to tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) but it is primarily used for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorders. Unlike many TCAs, opipramol has no reuptake-inhibiting properties. Opipramol acts as a high affinity sigma receptor agonist. Opipramol acts as a low to moderate affinity antagonist for the dopamine-2 (D2), 5-hydroxtryptamine (5-HT2), histamine 1 (H1), histamine 2 (H2), and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors accounting for its antihistamine effects, and muscarinic anticholinergic properties. Here, we report a rare case of opipramol overdose case involving a 18-year-old woman, presenting to our emergency department (ED) with loss of consciousness and wide-complex tachycardia. A firm diagnosis of opipramol overdose was made on the basis of clinical, laboratory and electrocardiogram findings.

Anomalous Evolution of the Near-Side Jet Peak Shape in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76 TeV

The measurement of two-particle angular correlations is a powerful tool to study jet quenching in a p_{T} region inaccessible by direct jet identification. In these measurements pseudorapidity (Δη) and azimuthal (Δφ) differences are used to extract the shape of the near-side peak formed by particles associated with a higher p_{T} trigger particle (1<p_{T,trig}<8  GeV/c). A combined fit of the near-side peak and long-range correlations is applied to the data allowing the extraction of the centrality evolution of the peak shape in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76  TeV. A significant broadening of the peak in the Δη direction at low p_{T} is found from peripheral to central collisions, which vanishes above 4  GeV/c, while in the Δφ direction the peak is almost independent of centrality. For the 10% most central collisions and 1<p_{T,assoc}<2  GeV/c, 1<p_{T,trig}<3  GeV/c a novel feature is observed: a depletion develops around the center of the peak. The results are compared to pp collisions at the same center of mass energy and ampt model simulations. The comparison to the investigated models suggests that the broadening and the development of the depletion is connected to the strength of radial and longitudinal flow.

Energy dependence of forward-rapidity [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] production in pp collisions at the LHC

We present results on transverse momentum ([Formula: see text]) and rapidity ([Formula: see text]) differential production cross sections, mean transverse momentum and mean transverse momentum square of inclusive [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at forward rapidity ([Formula: see text]) as well as [Formula: see text]-to-[Formula: see text] cross section ratios. These quantities are measured in pp collisions at center of mass energies [Formula: see text] and 13 TeV with the ALICE detector. Both charmonium states are reconstructed in the dimuon decay channel, using the muon spectrometer. A comprehensive comparison to inclusive charmonium cross sections measured at [Formula: see text], 7 and 8 TeV is performed. A comparison to non-relativistic quantum chromodynamics and fixed-order next-to-leading logarithm calculations, which describe prompt and non-prompt charmonium production respectively, is also presented. A good description of the data is obtained over the full [Formula: see text] range, provided that both contributions are summed. In particular, it is found that for [Formula: see text] GeV/c the non-prompt contribution reaches up to 50% of the total charmonium yield.

Production of Σ(1385)± and Ξ(1530)0 in p-Pb collisions at sNN=5.02 TeV

The transverse momentum distributions of the strange and double-strange hyperon resonances (Σ ( 1385 ) ± , Ξ ( 1530 ) 0 ) produced in p-Pb collisions at s NN = 5.02 TeV were measured in the rapidity range - 0.5 < y CMS < 0 for event classes corresponding to different charged-particle multiplicity densities, ⟨ dN ch /dη lab ⟩ . The mean transverse momentum values are presented as a function of ⟨ dN ch /dη lab ⟩ , as well as a function of the particle masses and compared with previous results on hyperon production. The integrated yield ratios of excited to ground-state hyperons are constant as a function of ⟨ dN ch /dη lab ⟩ . The equivalent ratios to pions exhibit an increase with ⟨ dN ch /dη lab ⟩ , depending on their strangeness content.

Production of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] mesons up to high transverse momentum in pp collisions at 2.76 TeV

The invariant differential cross sections for inclusive [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] mesons at midrapidity were measured in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] TeV for transverse momenta [Formula: see text] GeV/c and [Formula: see text] GeV/c, respectively, using the ALICE detector. This large range in [Formula: see text] was achieved by combining various analysis techniques and different triggers involving the electromagnetic calorimeter (EMCal). In particular, a new single-cluster, shower-shape based method was developed for the identification of high-[Formula: see text] neutral pions, which exploits that the showers originating from their decay photons overlap in the EMCal. Above 4 GeV/[Formula: see text], the measured cross sections are found to exhibit a similar power-law behavior with an exponent of about 6.3. Next-to-leading-order perturbative QCD calculations differ from the measured cross sections by about 30% for the [Formula: see text], and between 30-50% for the [Formula: see text] meson, while generator-level simulations with PYTHIA 8.2 describe the data to better than 10-30%, except at [Formula: see text] GeV/[Formula: see text]. The new data can therefore be used to further improve the theoretical description of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] meson production.

Flow Dominance and Factorization of Transverse Momentum Correlations in Pb-Pb Collisions at the LHC

We present the first measurement of the two-particle transverse momentum differential correlation function, P_{2}≡⟨Δp_{T}Δp_{T}⟩/⟨p_{T}⟩^{2}, in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76  TeV. Results for P_{2} are reported as a function of the relative pseudorapidity (Δη) and azimuthal angle (Δφ) between two particles for different collision centralities. The Δϕ dependence is found to be largely independent of Δη for |Δη|≥0.9. In the 5% most central Pb-Pb collisions, the two-particle transverse momentum correlation function exhibits a clear double-hump structure around Δφ=π (i.e., on the away side), which is not observed in number correlations in the same centrality range, and thus provides an indication of the dominance of triangular flow in this collision centrality. Fourier decompositions of P_{2}, studied as a function of the collision centrality, show that correlations at |Δη|≥0.9 can be well reproduced by a flow ansatz based on the notion that measured transverse momentum correlations are strictly determined by the collective motion of the system.

Measurement of azimuthal correlations of D mesons with charged particles in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] TeV and p-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text] TeV

The azimuthal correlations of D mesons with charged particles were measured with the ALICE apparatus in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] and p-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text] at the Large Hadron Collider. [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] mesons and their charge conjugates with transverse momentum [Formula: see text] and rapidity in the nucleon-nucleon centre-of-mass system [Formula: see text] (pp collisions) and [Formula: see text] (p-Pb collisions) were correlated to charged particles with [Formula: see text]. The yield of charged particles in the correlation peak induced by the jet containing the D meson and the peak width are compatible within uncertainties in the two collision systems. The data are described within uncertainties by Monte-Carlo simulations based on PYTHIA, POWHEG, and EPOS 3 event generators.

Folic acid-conjugated polyethylene glycol-coated magnetic nanoparticles for doxorubicin delivery in cancer chemotherapy: Preparation, characterization and cytotoxicity on HeLa cell line

Conventional chemotherapy is the most valid method to cope with cancer; however, it has serious drawbacks such as decrease in production of blood cells or inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. These side effects occur since generally the drugs used in chemotherapy are distributed evenly within the body of the patient and cannot distinguish the cancer cells from the healthy ones. In this study, folic acid (FA)-conjugated, polyethylene-coated magnetic nanoparticles (FA-MNPs), and doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded formulation (Dox-FA-MNPs) were prepared. The cytotoxicity of these nanoparticles on HeLa and Dox-resistant HeLa cells was investigated. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated MNPs (PEG-MNPs), and FA-MNPs were successfully synthesized and characterized by several methods. Dox loading of FA-MNPs and release profile of Dox from the nanoparticles were studied. Cytotoxic effects of FA-MNPs and Dox-FA-MNPs on HeLa cells were analyzed. MNPs, PEG-MNPs, and FA-MNPs all had small sizes and supermagnetic behavior. High amounts of Dox could be loded onto the nanoparticles (290 μgmL^-1). In 24 h, 15.7% of Dox was released from the Dox-FA-MNPs. The release was increased in acidic conditions (pH 4.1). Internalization studies showed that FA-MNPs and Dox-FA-MNPs were taken up efficiently by HeLa cells. The investigation of cytotoxicity of the particles indicated that 38-500 μgmL^-1 Dox-FA-MNPs significantly decreased the proliferation of HeLa cells compared to FA-MNPs. Due to their size, magnetic properties, internalization, drug release, and cytotoxicity characteristics, the MNPs prepared in this study may have potential application as a drug delivery system in cancer chemotherapy.

Ultrastructural evaluation of intramuscular applied botulinum toxin type A in striated muscles of rats

BACKGROUND

Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is clinically utilized for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes in maxillofacial surgery as well as many other medical specialties. There is no sufficient ultrastructural research about BTX and it is controversial whether BTX-A causes muscle degeneration to some extent, in the course of therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histological effects of BTX-A when injected into masseter and gluteal muscles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used and randomly divided into experimental (n =15) and control groups (n =15). Masseter and gluteal muscles were injected with a single dose of BTX-A in normal saline (0.5 U/0.1 ml), or 0.1 ml of normal saline, in the experimental and control groups, respectively. After 12 weeks all the rats were sacrificed. Gluteal, masseter muscles, and the sciatic nerves of the rats were prepared and electron microscopic, and light microscopic evaluation was performed on semi-thin sections cut from Epon embedded tissues and stained with toluidine blue. Quantitative parameters such as muscle fiber thickness and qualitative assessments including sarcosomal (striated muscle mitochondria) deformation, glycogen content, features of the triad structures and the intensity of connective tissue around the muscle fibers, and endoneurial and perineural tissue around nerve fibers were evaluated microscopically. We paired BTX- A (+) and BTX-A (-) samples statistically. Independent Samples t-test was used for the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Muscle fiber's diameter was significantly decreased in BTX-A (+) group (p <0,001). Atrophic changes in the myofibrils were characterized by a decrease in the myofibrillar diameter and changes in the sarcomere structure, and were prominent in the BTX-A (+) group. Also, some other changes like dilatation in the sarcoplasmic reticulum cisternae, mitochondrial swelling, and clearing of mitochondrial cristae associated with degeneration, were detected. No morphologic difference in the sciatic nerve fibers was detected, and myelin sheaths of axon structures were intact in both groups.

CONCLUSION

BTX-A-induced muscular changes that are predominantly related to atrophy instead of degeneration. Although predominantly related to atrophy, our degeneration related findings suggest that further studies are needed focusing on detecting BTX-A effects on a cellular level. Hippokratia 2016, 20(4): 292-298.

Second Trimester Fetal and Maternal Epicardial Fat Thickness in Gestational Diabetic Pregnancies

Our aim was to evaluate the association between gestational diabetes mellitus and sonographically measured fetal epicardial fat thickness between 24-28 weeks' gestation. This was a cross-sectional study that included 40 pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus, matched with 40 normal pregnancies with similar maternal age, body-mass index, gestational age, fetal gender, and fetal abdominal circumference on ultrasound. Fetal epicardial fat thickness was measured and recorded during ultrasonography at 24-28 weeks of gestation. Maternal evaluation included measurement of maternal epicardial fat thickness, using echocardiography. Fetal and maternal epicardial fat thickness values were compared across the groups. Ultrasound views of fetal epicardial fat thickness were evaluated independently by 3 perinatology fellows to determine inter- and intra-observer variability. Partial and intraclass correlation analyses were used. Fetal and maternal epicardial fat thickness measurements were moderately correlated (r=0.63). Mean fetal and maternal epicardial fat thickness values were higher in gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancies (p=0.004 and p<0.0001, respectively) compared to controls. Fetal epicardial fat thickness was positively correlated (r=0.43) with postchallenge 2-h glucose values. Inter- and intra-observer agreement was high, demonstrated by strong correlations (r=0.99 and r=0.99, respectively) across fetal epicardial fat thickness measurements of the examiners. Fetuses from gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancies have significantly higher fetal and maternal epicardial fat thickness values compared to nongestational diabetes mellitus pregnancies. Fetal epicardial fat thickness obtained during second trimester fetal anatomy ultrasound may potentially be a reliable indicator for gestational diabetes mellitus. However, clinical validation studies are needed.

Centrality-Dependent Modification of Jet-Production Rates in Deuteron-Gold Collisions at √[s(NN)]=200 GeV

Jet production rates are measured in p+p and d+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV recorded in 2008 with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Jets are reconstructed using the R=0.3 anti-k_{t} algorithm from energy deposits in the electromagnetic calorimeter and charged tracks in multiwire proportional chambers, and the jet transverse momentum (p_{T}) spectra are corrected for the detector response. Spectra are reported for jets with 12<p_{T}<50  GeV/c, within a pseudorapidity acceptance of |η|<0.3. The nuclear-modification factor (R_{dAu}) values for 0%-100% d+Au events are found to be consistent with unity, constraining the role of initial state effects on jet production. However, the centrality-selected R_{dAu} values and central-to-peripheral ratios (R_{CP}) show large, p_{T}-dependent deviations from unity, challenging the conventional models that relate hard-process rates and soft-particle production in collisions involving nuclei.

Curcumin and dexmedetomidine prevents oxidative stress and renal injury in hind limb ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model

Curcumin and dexmedetomidine have been shown to have protective effects in ischemia-reperfusion injury on various organs. However, their protective effects on kidney tissue against ischemia-reperfusion injury remain unclear. We aimed to determine whether curcumin or dexmedetomidine prevents renal tissue from injury that was induced by hind limb ischemia-reperfusion in rats. Fifty rats were divided into five groups: sham, control, curcumin (CUR) group (200 mg/kg curcumin, n = 10), dexmedetomidine (DEX) group (25 μg/kg dexmedetomidine, n = 10), and curcumin-dexmedetomidine (CUR-DEX) group (200 mg/kg curcumin and 25 μg/kg dexmedetomidine). Curcumin and dexmedetomidine were administered intraperitoneally immediately after the end of 4 h ischemia, just 5 min before reperfusion. The extremity re-perfused for 2 h and then blood samples were taken and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative status (TOS) levels, and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured, and renal tissue samples were histopathologically examined. The TAC activity levels in blood samples were significantly lower in the control than the other groups (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). The TOS activity levels in blood samples were significantly higher in Control group and than the other groups (p <  0.01 for all comparison). The OSI were found to be significantly increased in the control group compared to others groups (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Histopathological examination revealed less severe lesions in the sham, CUR, DEX, and CUR-DEX groups, compared with the control group (p < 0.01). Rat hind limb ischemia-reperfusion causes histopathological changes in the kidneys. Curcumin and dexmedetomidine administered intraperitoneally was effective in reducing oxidative stress and renal histopathologic injury in an acute hind limb I/R rat model.

Measurements of Elliptic and Triangular Flow in High-Multiplicity 3He+Au Collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV

We present the first measurement of elliptic (v(2)) and triangular (v(3)) flow in high-multiplicity (3)He+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200  GeV. Two-particle correlations, where the particles have a large separation in pseudorapidity, are compared in (3)He+Au and in p+p collisions and indicate that collective effects dominate the second and third Fourier components for the correlations observed in the (3)He+Au system. The collective behavior is quantified in terms of elliptic v(2) and triangular v(3) anisotropy coefficients measured with respect to their corresponding event planes. The v(2) values are comparable to those previously measured in d+Au collisions at the same nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy. Comparisons with various theoretical predictions are made, including to models where the hot spots created by the impact of the three (3)He nucleons on the Au nucleus expand hydrodynamically to generate the triangular flow. The agreement of these models with data may indicate the formation of low-viscosity quark-gluon plasma even in these small collision systems.

Depression and socio-economical burden are more common in primary caregivers of patients who are not aware of their cancer: TURQUOISE Study by the Palliative Care Working Committee of the Turkish Oncology Group (TOG)

In this study, we aimed to determine the personal, social and economic burden and the frequency of depression, as well as in caregivers of cancer patients who are being treated with chemotherapy in Turkey. The study is designed as a cross-sectional survey study using a 5-point Likert-type response scale, and the last part of the questionnaire includes the Beck Depression Inventory. The depression rate was found to be 64% (n = 476) among all subjects (n = 968), with 91% of those with depression demonstrating signs of mild depression. In this study, a significant difference was found between the presence of depression and age (young), sex (female), educational level (high), economic status (low), financial loss during treatment, patient's lack of knowledge about his/her diagnosis, metastatic disease and short survival time. In addition, 64% of all subjects had concerns of getting cancer, and 44% of all subjects had feelings of anger/rage against other people. In a multivariate regression analysis, the patient's lack of knowledge of the diagnosis was the independent risk factor. In conclusion, depression incidence and burden rate increased among cancer caregivers, and care burden was highly associated with depression. Accordingly, approaches to reducing the psycho-social effects of cancer should focus intensively on both the patients and their caregivers in Turkey.

A retrospective analysis of prognostic factors predictive of lymph-node metastasis and recurrence in thyroid papillary microcarcinoma

AIM

The literature is inconclusive concerning the prognostic factors and therapeutic management of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Herein we report on our extensive experience with PTMC in relation to clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors.

METHODS

In all, 248 patients that were diagnosed and treated for PTMC between 2007 and 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and tumor characteristics at presentation, and recurrence during follow-up were noted.

RESULTS

Total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation treatment were performed in all patients. Bilateral involvement, vascular and capsular invasion, extra-thyroidal extension, and lymph node metastasis occurred significantly more frequently in patients with tumor size>5 mm (P<0.05). Multivariate statistical analysis showed that a clinically suspected diagnosis (OR:0.095; P=0.043) and elevated thyroglobulin (TG) level (OR: 1.083; P=0.011; cut-off value≥7.98 ngmL(-1)) were significant and independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis, with a sensitivity of 57% and specificity of 83%. After a median follow-up of 2 years (range:0.3-11 years), 10 (4%) of the 248 patients had recurrent disease. According to multivariate analysis, lymph node metastasis (OR: 51.4; P=0.003) was the only independent predictor of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed that serum TG level and a clinically suspected diagnosis were risk factors for lymph node metastasis, while nodal metastasis was a predictor of recurrence.

Serum ceruloplasmin levels in acute decompensated heart failure

BACKGROUND

Ceruloplasmin (Cp) is a serum protein that belongs to the family of α2-globulins and it is increased in patients with after acute myocardial infarction complicated with heart failure. Aim of the study was to investigate levels of serum Cp in patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present cross-sectional observational study consists of three groups: Fifty patients with decompensated heart failure (Group 1) and same 50 patients after compensation (Group 2); 50 control patients group with comparable age and sex without heart failure (Group 3). Demographic, echocardiographic and biochemical data of patients were collected. Serum Cp level was determined spectrophotometrically.

RESULTS

Serum ceruloplasmin was significantly increased in Groups 1 (820.8 ± 78.5 IU/dL) and 2 (873.5 ± 121.0 IU/dL) compared, to Group 3 (640.6 ± 132.4 IU/dL) (p<0.001). In the sub-group analysis, this difference was due to the difference between Groups 3, Group 1 and 2 (both p=0.0001) whereas no significant difference was present between Group I and Group 2 (p>0.063). A positive correlation was found between Cp and female sex, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, acetylsalisilic acid and diuretic use, left ventricular systolic and diastolic diameter, mitral regurgitation, and negative correlation was found between Cp and ejection fraction (p<0.05 for all) whereas none of the parameters were independently associated with serum Cp level (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of the present study suggest that serum Cp level is increased in both decompensated and compensated HF compared to controls. Further large scale studies are needed to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of increased Cp in HF.

Increasing performance of a hospital-based cancer registry: Hacettepe University hospitals experience

PURPOSE

High-quality hospital-based cancer registry systems are the key elements of a healthy population-based cancer data. The purpose of this study was to present a recent history of establishing a valuable and reliable hospital- based cancer registry in a university hospital in Turkey, and the data gathered by this system in the last 9 years.

METHODS

This study included the cancer registry records of Hacettepe University Hospitals between 1-Jan-2003, and 31-Dec-2011. The study cohort included data of 39351 cancer patients and the cancer registry system was based on active data acquisition method.

RESULTS

Most frequent departments of reference were Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, General Surgery, Urology, and Pediatrics. The annual number of records gradually increased from 2675 in 2003 to 5152 in 2011. The 5 cancer types most frequency seen in adults were lung (15.5%), prostate (13.5%), stomach (6.6%), bladder (6.2%), and colon (5.8%) in men; and breast (32.7%), ovary (6.4%), uterine corpus (6.2%), uterine cervix (5.6%), and thyroid (5.0%) in women. Childhood cancers were classified according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancers, 3rd Edition (ICCC-3), and the most frequent 5 cancer types in children were tumors of the central nervous system (20.1%), lymphomas (14.6%), leukemia (14.1%), retinoblastoma (9.4%), and tumors of the sympathetic nervous system (7.7%).

CONCLUSION

Active data acquisition from departments that deal with oncologic patients in a hospital is the precise method for establishing a high-quality cancer registry system that is able to resemble the general population. Hospital- based cancer registry systems also provide highly critical information for planning, monitoring, and measuring the cancer-related services, research, and education.

Optimal wrist position for long and short axis ultrasound guided radial artery cannulation

BACKGROUND

The radial artery is the most common site for arterial cannulation. Procedures for improving radial artery cannulation have involved direct visualization of the vessel with ultrasonography (US). The aim of this study evaluate the short axis and long axis radial artery measurements at 0º, 45º, 60º wrist joint angle and find out the optimal wrist joint angle for long and short axis US guided radial artery cannulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee and the study was performed in accordance with the ethical principles for human investigations, as outlined by the Second Declaration of Helsinki. One hundred fifty-two (90 men and 62 women, 18-48 years of age, mean age: 32.9 ± 6.1) healthy volunteers were recruited. The radial artery distance between skin and height, width, area in short axis and radial artery distance between skin and height was measured in long axis at 0º, 45º, 60º wrist joint angle were measured. Results. Short axis radial artery distance between skin, width, height, area and long axis radial artery distance between skin, height were statistically significantly different among 0º, 45º, 60º (p< 0.05; for all comparisons). Short axis width was statistically significantly increased at 45º compared to at 0º (p< 0.001;). Short axis radial artery distance between skin and height at 45º were statistically significantly decreased than at 0º (p< 0.001; for all comparisons) and long axis skin distance and height at 45º were also statistically significantly decreased than at 0º (p< 0.001; for both comparisons). Short axis radial artery skin distance and area at 60º is statistically significantly decreased than at 45º (p< 0.001; for both comparisons) and also long axis height of radial artery at 60º is statistically significantly decreased than at 45º (p< 0.001;).

CONCLUSIONS

Angle increment up to 45º might help clinicians for radial artery cannulation in short axis plane whereas this angle increment maneuver decreased the arterial height in long axis which might be a potential disadvantage for cannulation.

Oxidative stress parameters and ceruloplasmin levels in patients with severe preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is believed to have a role in the development of preeclampsia (PE). It is known that an increased ceruloplasmin (CP) level is also associated with PE. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress parameters and CP levels in patients with severe PE.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty patients with severe PE and 60 healthy pregnant women were recruited to the study. All study subjects were divided into 2 groups; group 1(n=60) consisted of patients with severe PE, and group 2 (n=60) consisted of healthy pregnant subjects. Blood samples were obtained to measure CP, total antioxidant status and total oxidant status from all subjects. Oxidative stress index was calculated.

RESULTS

Compared to group 2; group 1 had significantly higher CP, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index and lower total antioxidant status levels (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.001, p=0.008, respectively). Serum CP levels were significantly correlated with oxidative stress index levels (r=0.385, p=0.002).

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that both oxidative stress and CP levels increased in patients with PE, and increased CP levels seem to be a consequence of oxidative stress.

Breast cancer in octogenarian women: clinical characteristics and outcome

PURPOSE

Breast cancer incidence increases in the elderly but data on treatment and outcomes of elderly patients is limited. We assessed the clinicopathological features and outcomes of our patients with breast cancer aged ≥80 years in comparison with their younger postmenopausal counterparts.

METHODS

The records of 83 patients diagnosed with breast cancer after the age of 80 (group 1) between 2003 and 2011 in 4 different centers were retrospectively evaluated and the clinicopathological features and outcomes were assessed in comparison with a control group (group 2) of 249 patients aged between 60-70 years.

RESULTS

Median ages at diagnosis were 82 years (range 80-95) and 64 years (range 60-70) for group 1 and group 2, respectively. The incidence of invasive cancers other than ductal or lobular type was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (20 vs 8%; p=0.0177rpar;. More patients in group 1 had Charlson Comorbidty scores ≥1 than those in group 2 (49 vs 36%; p=0.011). Patients in group 1 had more conservative operations and less axillary node dissections (ALND) and they received chemotherapy, trastuzumab or radiotherapy less frequently compared to their younger counterparts in group 2. Median follow up period was 36 months (range 1-178) in group 1 and 24 months (range 12-217) in group 2. Five-year disease free survival (DFS) was 53.7 and 75.9) (p=0.005), 5-year overall survival (OS) was 61.9% and 80.47percnt; in group 1 and group 2 (p=0.001), respectively. Advanced stage (stage IV vs stage I, II, III, p=0.051) and cerbB2 positivity (p<0.001) were found to be associated with shorter DFS in patients ≥80 years of age.

CONCLUSION

Although the majority of patients were undertreated in our study according to the current guidelines, mortality rates were quite low. Different biology of the disease in the elderly might explain this difference.

Evaluation of radon concentration in well and tap waters in Bursa, Turkey

(222)Rn measurements in water samples collected from 27 wells and 19 taps that were supplied from the investigated wells were conducted using the AlphaGUARD PQ 2000PRO radon gas analyser at sites across several geologic formations within the city of Bursa, Turkey. The measured radon concentrations ranged from 1.46 to 53.64 Bq l(-1) for well water and from 0.91 to 12.58 Bq l(-1) for tap water. Of the 27 sites sampled, only 7 had radon levels above the safe limit of 11.1 Bq l(-1) recommended by the USEPA. In general, all determined concentrations were well below the 100 Bq l(-1) revised reference level proposed by the European Union. These values of radon concentrations in water samples are compared with those reported from other countries. Doses resulting from the consumption of these waters were calculated. The minimum and the maximum annual mean effective doses due to (222)Rn intake through water consumption were 0.02 µSv a(-1) and 1.11 µSv a(-1), respectively.