Phagraphene nanoribbons: half-metallicity and magnetic phase transition by functional groups and electric field

Magnetic nanomaterials with the desirable nature are the basis for developing future spintronic devices, and research for them is of fundamental interest. Here, we explore the realization of half-metallicity and magnetic phase transition for phagraphene nanoribbons in virtue of functional groups (OH and CN) with different coverage fractions and external electric fields. The first-principles calculations show that a single-edge CN functionalization only makes a intrinsic spin-degenerate semiconducting ribbon converted to a quasi-metal or metal, while a single-edge OH modification leads to an occurrence of the half-semiconducting nature regardless of the coverage fraction of groups. Interestingly, the half-metal behavior for the CN and OH double-edge modified ribbons can be achieved either in the zero-electric-field intrinsic state for most of functionalized systems or at a very low electric field, 0.1 V Å^-1. More importantly, the observed critical electric field for the transition from ferromagnetic to nonmagnetic phase is lowered significantly almost for all systems, this benefits to design a low electric-field-controlling magnetic switch which can reversibly work between both magnetic and nonmagnetic states. The calculated Gibbs free energy confirms that the group-modified ribbons generally hold a more favorable energy stability in most of the cases, facilitating likely experimental realization.

FIBP knockdown attenuates growth and enhances chemotherapy in colorectal cancer via regulating GSK3β-related pathways

Colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs), characterized by self-renewal ability and high expression of proliferative genes, contribute to the chemoresistance of colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying CRC chemoresistance through comprehensive bioinformatics screenings and experimental confirmation of gene functions. We found that high expression of FGF1 intracellular binding protein (FIBP) was correlated with chemoresistance and poor prognosis in CRC patients. Therefore, the chemoresistant CRC cell line HCT116-CSC with high expression of the stem cell markers CD44 and CD133 was established for further phenotypic tests. FIBP knockdown inhibited proliferation, enhanced chemotherapy effects, and attenuated the stemness markers of CRC cells in vivo and in vitro. Through RNA-seq and gene set enrichment analysis, we identified cyclin D1 as a key downstream target in FIBP-regulated cell cycle progression and proliferation. Moreover, FIBP bound to GSK3β, inhibited its phosphorylation at Tyr216, and activated β-catenin/TCF/cyclin D1 signaling in HCT116-CSCs. Additional GSK3β knockdown reversed the FIBP silencing-induced inhibition of proliferation and decreased stemness marker expression in HCT116-CSCs. Furthermore, DNA methylation profiling suggested that FIBP regulated the stemness of CRC cells via methylation activity that was dependent on GSK3β but independent of β-catenin signaling. Our data illuminate the potential of FIBP as a novel therapeutic target for treating chemoresistant CRC through inhibition of GSK3β-related signaling.

Expression pattern of androgen receptor and AR-V7 in androgen-deprivation therapy-naïve salivary duct carcinomas

Androgen-deprivation therapy has been used to treat salivary duct carcinoma (SDC). The androgen receptor splice variant-7 (AR-V7) has been detected in castration-resistant prostate cancer and implicated in resistance to androgen receptor (AR)-targeted therapies. Given the potential role of AR/AR-V7 in SDC treatment, this study focuses on AR/AR-V7 expression in SDC specimens collected before androgen-deprivation therapy. RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect total AR and AR-V7 were performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded SDC specimens from 23 patients. Full-length AR and AR-V7 transcripts were quantified in a subset of tumors by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Twenty SDCs were positive for total AR by ISH and IHC. Among AR-positive SDCs, 70% (14/20) were positive for AR-V7 messenger RNA by ISH, whereas 15% (3/20) were positive for AR-V7 protein by IHC. The 3 SDCs that expressed the highest levels of AR-V7 were all from female patients; one of them expressed a significant amount of AR-V7 and barely detectable full-length AR transcripts by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. IHC expression of Forkhead box protein A1, prostate-specific antigen, prostatic acid phosphatase, and NKX3.1 was observed in some SDCs regardless of patient sex. Five SDCs demonstrated strong human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression. We conclude that treatment-naïve SDCs may express AR-V7 at levels comparable to or even exceeding the levels detected in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Our data support the feasibility to incorporate AR-V7 assessment via ISH and/or IHC in the ongoing clinical trials evaluating the therapeutic benefit of AR-targeted therapies in SDC patients.

Enhanced Photovoltaic Properties in Sb2S3 Planar Heterojunction Solar Cell with a Fast Selenylation Approach

Poor thermostability of Sb₂S₃ in vacuum hinders the possibility of achieving high-quality crystalline films. In order to enhance the photovoltaic properties of Sb₂S₃ planar heterojunction solar cells, a selenylation-based post-treatment approach has been employed. Selenylation performed over 15 min on the Sb₂S₃ film resulted in an enhancement in the conversion efficiency from ~ 0.01 to 2.20%. Effect of the selenylation on the evolution of morphology, crystal structure, composition distributions, and photovoltaic behavior has been investigated. The variation in the energy levels of Sb₂S₃/CdS junction has been also been discussed. Results show that selenylation not only enhanced the crystallinity of Sb₂S₃ film but also provided a suitable energy level which facilitated charge transport from absorber to the buffer layer.

CD9 expression indicates a poor outcome in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

OBJECTIVE

We undertook a single-center retrospective study to determine the relationship between CD9 and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 112 newly diagnosed patients in our center were enrolled in the study. Their clinical information was collected and the patients werefollowed over the course of the study. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of CD9.

RESULTS

CD9 expression was more common in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and patients > 40 years old. CD9-positive patients exhibited a higher BCR-ABL fusion gene positive rate and higher neutrophil counts than CD9 negative patients (P= 0.004 and P= 0.004, respectively). Response to induction chemotherapy was not dependent on CD9 expression. CD9-positive patients had a lower 2-year overall survival rate than CD9-negative patients.

CONCLUSION

CD9 expression predicts some clinical characteristics and indicates an unfavorable prognosis in ALL patients.

Characteristic features of neck skin aging in Chinese women

INTRODUCTION

Neck skin aging is of particular interest to skin scientists and dermatologists because of the increasing demand for neck wrinkle improvement. This study aimed to determine the neck aging features of Chinese women and to investigate the clinical alterations and mechanical, topographical, and biophysical properties of neck skin.

METHODS

A total of 450 Chinese women (age range: 16-66 years) were clinically examined and graded by the same dermatologist using standardized photographs. The skin properties were assessed by noninvasive skin measuring devices.

RESULTS

The results showed that different neck aging signs, including the horizontal neck fold, neck sagging, hollowing of emaciated neck, platysmal bands, and neck texture, appeared in different ages, and all of them worsened age-dependently since they manifested. The skin elasticity markedly changed before the onset of most of the aging signs and showed a negative correlation with both age and the severity of these signs. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was positively correlated with age, whereas hydration and pH were not significantly correlated with age. We also found that wrinkles (SEw) and average roughness (Ra) were significantly correlated with age. SEw, smoothness, the average depth of roughness (Rz), TEWL, and erythema index were significantly and positively correlated with the severity of the horizontal neck fold, neck sagging, hollowing of emaciated neck, and platysmal bands.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to emphasize that age causes diverse changes in Chinese women's neck skin. The changes in skin elasticity may effectively predict neck aging before the onset of most of the neck aging signs.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5): The culprit for chronic lung diseases in China

Air pollution is a world public health problem. Particulate matter (PM), a mix of solid and liquid particles in the air, becomes an increasing concern in the social and economic development of China. For decades, epidemiological studies have confirmed the association between fine particle pollutants and respiratory diseases. It has been reported in different populations that increased Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) concentrations cause elevated susceptibility to respiratory diseases, including acute respiratory distress, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. This review will discuss the pathophysiology of PM_2.5 in respiratory diseases, which are helpful for the prevention of air pollution and treatment of respiratory tract inflammatory diseases.

Association of expression of ZNF606 gene from monocytes with the risk of coronary artery disease

AIM

Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). We evaluated the association of selected increase in mRNAs from monocytes with the risk of CAD.

METHODS

Chip data (GSE9820) retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was re-analyzed, and the selected candidate genes, meeting specific conditions, were up-regulated and verified for specific biomarkers of CAD within a prospective cohort study that recruited 194 individuals and subdivided into two groups: group Non-CAD (GN), n = 68 and group CAD (GC), n = 126. The patients in GC were further categorized into three sub-units according to the extent of coronary stenosis shown during coronary angiography, coded as single-vessel stenosis (GC1, n = 53), 2-vessel stenosis (GC2, n = 50), or ≥ 3-vessel stenosis (GC3, n = 23). All candidate mRNAs expressions were analyzed from patients' monocytes with quantitative PCR (q-PCR). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curves (AUCs) were used to evaluate the mRNAs' feasibility for CAD prediction. AUCs ≥0.8 were accounted as highly specific association with CAD.

RESULTS

GBA2, CSTF3, ZNF606 and MPP5 were selected as mRNAs candidates from chip data reanalysis. GBA2 (P = .002) and ZNF606 (P < .001) expressions were significantly increased in GC. ZNF606 showed significant increase after adjusting the risk factors with logistic regression analysis (OR = 3.804, 95% CI: 1.923, 7.798, P < .001), and its expression level was positively correlated with age (β = 0.04 × 10^-3, P < .001). The AUCs (and 95% CI) of ZNF606 expression in GC2 and GC3 were ≥0.8.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that it is novel and specific for the association of ZNF606 gene expression from monocytes with the risk of CAD, especially in patients with multiple coronary artery stenosis.

The Role of miR-150 in Stress-Induced Anxiety-Like Behavior in Mice

Stress plays a crucial role in several psychiatric disorders, including anxiety. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we used acute stress (AS) and chronic restraint stress (CRS) models to develop anxiety-like behavior and investigate the role of miR-150 in the hippocampi of mice. Corticosterone levels as well as glutamate receptors in the hippocampus were evaluated. We found that anxiety-like behavior was induced after either AS or CRS, as determined by the open-field test (OFT) and elevated plus-maze test (EPM). Increased corticosterone levels were observed in the blood of AS and CRS groups, while the expression of miR-150 mRNA in the hippocampus was significantly decreased. The expressions of GluN2A, GluR1, GluR2, and V-Glut2 in the hippocampus were decreased after either AS or CRS. Hippocampal GAD67 expression was increased by AS but not CRS, and GluN2B expression was decreased by CRS but not AS. Adult miR-150 knockout mice showed anxiety-like behavior, as assessed by the OFT and EPM. The expressions of GluN2A, GluN2B, GluR1, and GluR2 were also downregulated, but the expression of V-Glut2 was upregulated in the hippocampi of miR-150 knockout mice compared with wild-type mice. Interestingly, we found that the miR-150 knockout mice showed decreased dendrite lengths, dendrite branchings, and numbers of dendrite spines in the hippocampus compared with wild-type mice. These results suggest that miR-150 may influence the synaptic plasticity of the hippocampus and play a significant role in stress-induced anxiety-like behavior in adult mice.

Prescription of statins at discharge and 1-year risk of major clinical outcomes among acute coronary syndromes patients with extremely low LDL-cholesterol in clinical pathways for acute coronary syndromes studies

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate statin description on discharge and the benefit on the long-term outcomes in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) patients with very low baseline LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c).

METHODS

This is a post-hoc analysis of 3374 ACS patients who were discharged alive and had baseline LDL-c levels below 70 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L). The propensity score of using statin was estimated with a multivariable Logistic model including patient's demography, social economic status, cardiovascular risk factors, subtype of the diagnosis, and treatments received during hospitalization and current LDL-c level. The risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) was compared between patients received and not-received statin with Cox-regression models adjusting for the propensity score plus other factors. A sensitivity analysis was done in propensity score matched patients.

RESULTS

Compared with nonstatin group, the incidence of MACE at 12 months after discharge was lower in the statin group (11.1% vs 5.8%; P < 0.001). The propensity score plus other factors-adjusted hazard ratios for MACEs was significant (0.58; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.87). The effect showed a significant dose-response relationship (P for trend = 0.02). The results in analyses with propensity-score matched participants were in consistent with above findings. Analyses on total mortality in 12 months showed similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

Among ACS survivors with a very low baseline LDL-c, low to moderate intensity statin therapy was associated significantly with lower risk of MACEs and total mortality at 12 months. The results suggested that ACS survivors should take statin regardless of the baseline of LDL-c.

[The expression characteristics and clinical significance of candidate molecular markers in vocal cord leukoplakia]

Objective: To investigate the expression of marker proteins in vocal cord leukoplakia, and to find markers for the early stage of diagnosis and prognosis of precancerous lesions. Methods: The study included 119 cases, 68 cases of vocal cord leukoplakia (22 cases with epithelial simple hyperplasia, 46 cases with epithelial dysplasia), and 51 cases of vocal cords benign lesions(31 cases of vocal cord polyps, 20 cases of Reinke's edema). The expression of p53, Ki-67, p21, Survivin, p16, p27, PTEN, c-Myc and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in vocal cords leukoplakia were detected, vocal cord benign lesions (vocal cord polyps and Reinke's edema) acted as controls, comparing the expression differences of different pathological tissue. Data was analyzed by SPSS 22.0 software. Results: The expression of p53, p16, Ki-67, VEGF in vocal cord benign lesions and vocal cords leukoplakia with epithelial simple hyperplasia did not show significant differences. There was a grading increase in the positive expression of p53, Ki-67 in the vocal cord leukoplakia with epithelial dysplasia contrasting to those in vocal cord benign lesions and vocal cords leukoplakia with epithelial simple hyperplasia (p53: χ(2)=13.340, P=0.002, Ki-67: χ(2)=53.386, P=0.000). The expression of p27, PTEN, c-Myc in vocal cord benign lesions and vocal cords leukoplakia with epithelial dysplasia did not show significant differences. There was a grading increase in the positive expression of p21 Survivin in vocal cords leukoplakia with epithelial dysplasia contrasting to those in vocal cord benign lesions (P<0.05). Expression of Survivin in vocal cords leukoplakia with mild-moderate epithelial dysplasia showed a significant increase than those in vocal cord benign lesions (P<0.05). The positive expression grade of p21 showed a rising trend (P=0.073) between the different grades of dysplasia. Conclusion: The positive expression grade of p53, Ki-67, p21 Survivin showed an increase in vocal cords leukoplakia with epithelial dysplasia contrasting to those in vocal cord benign lesions, which might be an implication for evaluating the diagnosis and prognosis of precancerous lesions. Expression of p21 was correlated to the degrees of dysplasia and expression of Survivin showed a significant difference in early stage of epithelial dysplasia contrasting to benign lesions.

Metric characterizations for well-posedness of split hemivariational inequalities

In this paper, we generalize the concept of well-posedness to a class of split hemivariational inequalities. By imposing very mild assumptions on involved operators, we establish some metric characterizations of the well-posedness for the split hemivariational inequality. The obtained results generalize some related theorems on well-posedness for hemivariational inequalities and variational inequalities in the literature.

Mesenchymal stromal cells attenuate sevoflurane-induced apoptosis in human neuroglioma H4 cells

BACKGROUND

Inhalation of sevoflurane can induce neuronal apoptosis, cognitive impairment and abnormal behaviors. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can secret neurotrophic factors and cytokines to protect from oxidative stress-related neuronal apoptosis. However, whether MSCs can protect from sevoflurane-induced neuronal apoptosis and the potential mechanisms are unclear.

METHODS

A non-contact co-culture of MSCs with human neuroglioma H4 cells (H4 cells) was built. H4 cells were co-cultured with MSCs or without MSCs (control) for 24 h. The co-cultured H4 cells were exposed to 4% sevoflurane for 6 h. The levels of caspase-3, reactive oxygen species (ROS), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and the release of cytochrome C were determined by Western blot and fluorescence assay.

RESULTS

Sevoflurane exposure significantly elevated the levels of cleaved caspase 3 and Bax in H4 cells. However, these phenomena were significantly offset by the co-culture with MSCs in H4 cells. Co-culture with MSCs before, but not after, sevoflurane exposure, significantly attenuated sevoflurane-induced ROS production in H4 cells. MSCs prevented sevoflurane-mediated release of cytochrome C from the mitochondria and production of ATP in H4 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicated that soluble factors secreted by MSCs attenuated the sevoflurane-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis of neuronal cells by preserving their mitochondrial function.

Sclerosing Microcystic Adenocarcinoma: Report of a Rare Case and Review of Literature

Sclerosing microcystic adenocarcinoma is an exceedingly rare entity occurring in the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck that closely resembles cutaneous microcystic adnexal carcinoma. Here, we report a case of sclerosing microcystic adenocarcinoma that presented as a vague mass at the floor of the mouth in a 55-year-old woman. The pathology features and the diagnostic challenges, especially in the biopsy and margin evaluation are discussed here. Similar cases published in the English literatures are reviewed.

Study on baseline correction methods for the Fourier transform infrared spectra with different signal-to-noise ratios

Removing the baseline from the spectra, which are measured by a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), is an important preprocessing step for further spectra analysis such as quantitative and qualitative analysis. An automatic baseline correction method named iterative averaging, which is based on the basic knowledge of moving average, is presented. We also compared it to other methods, such as rubber band, adaptive iterative reweight penalized least squares, automatic iterative moving average, and morphological weighted penalized least squares, using simulated and experimental spectra with different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) to evaluate the performance of these methods by performance metrics and to select an appropriate method to analyze FTIR spectra. Performance metrics such as root-mean-square error, goodness-of-fit coefficient, and chi-square are calculated. The iterative averaging method achieves the best results, which are judged by performance metrics values, when it is applied to the FTIR spectra with different SNRs. It also can correct the baseline of the FTIR spectra automatically, and improve the capability and adaptability of the unsupervised online analysis of the FTIR system effectively.

Long noncoding RNA signature in predicting metastasis following tamoxifen treatment for ER-positive breast cancer

AIM

We aimed to develop a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expression signature that can predict response to tamoxifen.

MATERIALS & METHODS

LncRNA expression profiling was mined in two cohorts from Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE6532, GSE9195, n = 412).

RESULTS

A set of lncRNAs (LINC01191, RP4-639F20.1 and CTC-429P9.3) associated with distant metastasis-free survival was established. Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients in the training series could be classified into high- and low-risk groups with significantly different distant metastasis-free survival values based on this signature (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.11; p = 7.28 × 10-8). The prognostic ability of this signature was confirmed in validation sets 1 (HR: 2.58; p = 1.54 × 10-2) and 2 (HR: 10.06; p = 6.85 × 10-3).

CONCLUSION

The lncRNA signature may have possible clinical implications in the selection of high-risk patients for tamoxifen therapy.

[Embelin Reverses the Multi-drug Resistance of K562/D to Daunorubicin Independently of P-gp and MDR1 mRNA]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism of reversing drug resistance of K562/D cells to daunorubicin by Embelin and its relationship with P-gp and MDR1 mRNA.

METHODS

MTT assay was used to detect and compare the cell proliferation rate of treating with DNR alone and DNR combined with Embelin. Flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining was used to detect cell apoptosis rate, Western blot was used to detect the expression of XIAP,Caspase-3,BCL-2,BAX and P-gp of K562/D cells after using DNR alone and combining with Embelin. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect XIAP,BCL-2,BAX and MDR1 mRNA.

RESULTS

The IC₅₀ of K562 and K562/D cells treated with DNR for 24 h were 2.177 µg/ml and 69.43 µg/ml, respectively. The drug-resistance index was 31.89; The proliferation inhibition rates of K562/D cells treated with Embelin of 3, 10, 30, 100 and 300 µg/ml for 24 h were 2.70%±1.08%, 10.92%±4.89%, 28.13%±2.09%, 36.56%±3.24% and 43.59%±1.16%; The proliferation inhibition rates of K562/D cells treated with DNR of 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 µg/ml combined with 10 µg/ml Embelin for 24 h were 31.92%±3.29%, 49.57%±6.87%, 55.16%±0.78% and 71.94%±3.89%. The IC₅₀ was 2.11 µg/ml respectively. The reverse index was 32.91. The apoptosis rates of K562/D cells treated with 0.1 µg/ml DNR alone or combined with Embelin of 10 µg/ml and 30 µg/ml for 24 h were 12.06%±0.95%, 27.54%±0.59% and 39.59%±1.57%, respectively. The results of Western blot showed that after combination of DNR with Embelin, the expression of Caspase-3 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05), moreover, the prolifiration inhibition effect of drug combination on cells could be countreacted by Z-VAD-FMK, at the same time the expression of XIAP and BCL-2 protein was significantly down-regulated(P<0.05), the expression of BAX protein was significantly up-regulated(P<0.05), while there was no change of P-gp expression later (P<0.05). The results of RT-PCR showed that after combination of DNR with Embelin, expression of XIAP and BCL-2 mRNA was significantly down-regulated(P<0.05), expression of BAX mRNA was significantly up-regulated(P<0.05), while there was no obvious change of MDR1 mRNA expression(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The down-regulation of XIAP contributes to enhance the effect of DNR on K562/D cells, the mechanism of Embelin-reversing the drug-resistence of K562/D cells to DNR does not relate with P-gp and MDR1 mRNA.

Deposition Process and Properties of Electroless Ni-P-Al2O3 Composite Coatings on Magnesium Alloy

To improve the corrosion resistance and wear resistance of electroless nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) coating on magnesium (Mg) alloy. Ni-P-Al₂O₃ coatings were produced on Mg alloy from a composite plating bath. The optimum Al₂O₃ concentration was determined by the properties of plating bath and coatings. Morphology growth evolution of Ni-P-Al₂O₃ composite coatings at different times was observed by using a scanning electronic microscope (SEM). The results show that nano-Al₂O₃ particles may slow down the replacement reaction of Mg and Ni²⁺ in the early stage of the deposition process, but it has almost no effect on the rate of Ni-P auto-catalytic reduction process. The anti-corrosion and micro-hardness tests of coatings reveal that the Ni-P-Al₂O₃ composite coatings exhibit better performance compared with Ni-P coating owing to more appropriate crystal plane spacing and grain size of Ni-P-Al₂O₃ coatings. Thermal shock test indicates that the Al₂O₃ particles have no effect on the adhesion of coatings. In addition, the service life of composite plating bath is 4.2 metal turnover, suggesting it has potential application in the field of magnesium alloy.

Longitudinal Study of Visual Function in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease Using Full-Field Electroretinography

PURPOSE

To investigate the dynamic changes of full-field electroretinography (ffERG) and its relationship with structural changes in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease.

DESIGN

Interventional case series.

METHODS

A total of 42 VKH patients (84 eyes) and 45 normal controls (90 eyes) were included in this study. All of the patients showed active uveitis and were referred to us within 2 months after disease onset. Dynamic changes of retinal function were evaluated by ffERG before treatment and 2, 6, and 12 months after treatment with systemic corticosteroids and cyclosporine. The relationship between ffERG data with structural changes as disclosed by B-scan ultrasonography, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), indocyanine green angiography, and optical coherence tomography were also evaluated.

RESULTS

All investigated VKH patients showed a significantly decreased visual acuity and retinal structural changes before treatment. These changes significantly improved at 2 months and no abnormalities were apparent at 6 months following treatment. Full-field ERG showed significantly decreased amplitudes and prolonged implicit times for all dark-adapted (DA) and light-adapted ffERG responses before treatment. All these parameters, except the a-wave amplitude in the DA response, were improved at 2 months and returned to the normal level at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show that ffERG is a more sensitive method to detect improvement of visual function in VKH following treatment when compared to corrected distance visual acuity and the various imaging techniques to detect structural abnormalities in VKH.

The effects of spiritual care on quality of life and spiritual well-being among patients with terminal illness: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Terminal illness not only causes physical suffering but also spiritual distress. Spiritual care has been widely implemented by healthcare professionals to assist patients coping with spiritual distress. However, the effects of spiritual care need to be clear.

AIM

To evaluate the effects of spiritual care on quality of life and spiritual well-being among patients with terminal illness.

DESIGN

Systematic review according to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance.

DATA SOURCES

A comprehensive search was conducted in nine electronic databases from date of inception to May 2017. Hand searches of the bibliographies of relevant articles were also performed. The studies were independently reviewed by two investigators who scored them for methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

RESULTS

No statistical pooling of outcomes was performed and a narrative summary was chosen to describe the included studies. A total of 19 studies with 1548 participants were identified in the systematic review, corresponding to seven kinds of interventions. The risk of bias for these studies were all rated as moderate. A majority of studies indicated that spiritual care had a potential beneficial effect on quality of life and spiritual well-being among patients with terminal illness.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that healthcare professionals integrate spiritual care with usual care in palliative care. When providing spiritual care, healthcare professionals should take into consideration patients' spiritual needs, preference, and cultural background. More multicenter and disciplinary studies with rigorous designs are needed in the future.

Abstract 2179: Population remodeling in the acquisition of endocrine resistance in breast cancer

The cell-cell interactions that occur within the breast tumor microenvironment are critical determinants of cancer cell fate. In the face of treatment, the theory of clonal evolution dominates current thinking. Thus, individual cells acquire a mutation(s) that provides a selection advantage where Darwinian selection acts at the single-cell level. We studied the effect of antiestrogen treatment on the population remodeling of admixtures of sensitive LCC1 (S) cells and resistant LCC9 (R) human breast cancer cells. R cells were derived from S cells by selection against antiestrogens. We labeled S cells with GFP and R cells with mCherry, mixed the cells in different ratios, and treated with antiestrogen or vehicle. Unlike other resistance phenotypes (e.g., MDR1-driven cytotoxic drug models), R cells do not outcompete S cells, nor do S cells restrain R cell growth. Rather, R cells protect S cells from treatment. Full communication of the resistance phenotype occurs at a 1:1 mixture of S:R; ~75% of the R phenotype transfer is evident at 10:1. These results reflect improved fitness conferred by population interactions, not clonal evolution. SILAC analysis of S and R cells (pure populations) implicate differential regulation of estrogen (E2) response-early; E2 response-late; glycolysis; fatty acid metabolism; mTORC1 signaling; peroxisome; unfolded protein response (UPR); oxidative phosphorylation in S vs. R cells. Clustering of iTRAQ-TAT data from pure and admixed S:R populations shows that the 1:1 and 5:1 treated, and the 1:1 untreated admixtures, cluster with pure R cells. Untreated 5:1 admixed cells cluster with untreated S cells. Thus, R and S cells alter each other's molecular signatures. Studies using scratch labeling and small-molecule inhibitors show that R cells communicate with S cells via both juxtacrine and paracrine interactions mediated by gap junctional intracellular communication and secreted microvesicles, respectively. The molecular features modified reflect our unifying hypothesis of signaling and cell function control in endocrine resistance.

Citation Format: Rong Hu, Surojeet Sengupta, Catherine Sevigny, Zhen Zhang, Yue Wang, Robert Clarke. Population remodeling in the acquisition of endocrine resistance in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2179.