Abstract P1-15-02: Withdrawn

This abstract was withdrawn by the authors.

Citation Format: Schwab R, Clark A, Yau C, Wolf D, Chien AJ, Majure M, Ewing C, Wallace A, Roesch E, Helsten T, Forero A, Stringer-Reasor E, Vaklavas C, Nanda R, Jaskowiak N, Boughey J, Haddad T, Han H, Lee C, Albain K, Isaacs C, Elias A, Ellis E, Shah P, Lang J, Lu J, Tripathy D, Kemmer K, Yee D, Haley B, Korde L, Edmiston K, Northfelt D, Viscusi R, Khan Q, I-SPY 2 Consortium, Symmans WF, Perlmutter J, Hylton N, Rugo H, Melisko M, Wilson A, Singhrao R, Asare S, van't Veer L, DeMichele A, Berry D, Esserman L. Withdrawn [abstract].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 P1-15-02.

Evaluation of coagulation disorders by thromboelastography in children with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background

The coagulation status of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is quite complicated, and there are currently no simple efficient methods for its evaluation. We explored the feasibility of thromboelastography (TEG) for this purpose.

Methods

Paediatric SLE patients were divided into different groups based on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores. TEG parameters were compared between patients and healthy controls (HCs) and in patients by level of disease activity. Six patients treated with pulse methylprednisolone were also analysed before and after treatment.

Results

Thirty-nine children with SLE were enrolled, one of whom had bleeding and three of whom had thrombosis. The four TEG tracings of these four children were different. The TEG parameters of the patients (except the four children mentioned above) showed hypercoagulability, shortened R and K times, increased α-angle and maximum amplitude (MA), decreased LY30 and increased clot index (CI) compared with the parameters of the HCs ( P < 0.05). With respect to disease activity, patients with higher SLEDAI scores showed more obvious hypercoagulability with shortened R and K times and increased α-angle and CI ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between both the R time and K time and SLEDAI scores ( r = –0.435, P < 0.01 and r  =  –0.572, P  < 0.001, respectively) and a positive correlation between both α-angle and CI and SLEDAI scores ( r = 0.581, P  < 0.001 and r  =  0.544, P  < 0.01, respectively). No significant difference in coagulation status was found between pre- and post-pulse therapy.

Conclusions

Compared with the HCs, paediatric SLE patients showed hypercoagulability caused by increased coagulation and decreased fibrinolysis. These coagulation changes were associated with disease activity. TEG could be a potential tool for evaluating the coagulation status of children with SLE.

New mesh-type phantoms and their dosimetric applications, including emergencies

Committee 2 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has constructed mesh-type adult reference computational phantoms by converting the voxel-type ICRP Publication 110 adult reference computational phantoms to a high-quality mesh format, and adding those tissues that were below the image resolution of the voxel phantoms and therefore not included in the Publication 110 phantoms. The new mesh phantoms include all the necessary source and target tissues for effective dose calculations, including the 8-40-µm-thick target layers of the alimentary and respiratory tract organs, thereby obviating the need for supplemental organ-specific stylised models (e.g. respiratory airways, alimentary tract organ walls and stem cell layers, lens of the eye, and skin basal layer). To see the impact of the new mesh-type reference phantoms, dose coefficients for some selected external and internal exposures were calculated and compared with the current reference values in ICRP Publications 116 and 133, which were calculated by employing the Publication 110 phantoms and the supplemental stylised models. The new mesh phantoms were also used to calculate dose coefficients for industrial radiography sources near the body, which can be used to estimate the organ doses of the worker who is accidentally exposed by an industrial radiography source; in these calculations, the mesh phantoms were deformed to reflect the size of the worker, and also to evaluate the effect of posture on dose coefficients.

Simultaneous Speciation Analysis of Trace Heavy Metals (Cu, Pb, Cd and Zn) in Seawater from Sishili Bay, North Yellow Sea, China

Different species of trace heavy metals (HMs) in seawater samples were simultaneously analyzed by anodic stripping voltammetric method, an analytical technique that does not require sample pre-concentration or the addition of reagents. The effects of the crucial parameters, deposition potential and time, on the determination of HMs were investigated. Concentrations of the total dissolved, dissolved active, and dissolved inert HMs were obtained through different analysis processes. The three species of Cu, Pb, Cd and Zn in seawater samples collected in different locations across Sishili Bay, North Yellow Sea, China were studied. The relative concentration of the dissolved active Cu, Pb, Cd and Zn in the total dissolved concentrations is 59.0%, 69.6%, 87.3% and 84.1%, respectively. The concentrations of different HMs species in Sishili Bay could be affected by the discharged effluent, sea current, and uptake of marine organism.

Vertical profile, contamination assessment of mercury and arsenic in sediment cores from typical intertidal zones of China

The vertical profiles, contamination levels, and potential ecological risks of mercury and arsenic were studied from the sediment cores of seven typical intertidal zones, including the Liaohe River Estuary, the Jianhe River Estuary, the Dagu River Estuary, Yancheng Shoal, the Dongtan Yangtze River Estuary, Hangzhou Bay, and the Pearl River Estuary. Marine sediment quality standards, the threshold effect level (TEL), and the probable effect level (PEL) were used as guidelines to evaluate sediment quality. In addition, the geo-accumulation index (I_geo) and potential ecological risk index ([Formula: see text]) were used to assess contamination and potential ecological risks from mercury and arsenic. The results showed that the Pearl River Estuary was moderately polluted by mercury and represented a high potential ecological risk, while other areas were uncontaminated or mildly contaminated with low or moderate potential ecological risks. The Pearl River Estuary was mildly polluted by arsenic and represented a mild potential ecological risk, while other areas were unpolluted and also posed a mild potential ecological risk.

Determination of iron in seawater: From the laboratory to in situ measurements

The marine biogeochemistry of iron plays a significant role in regulating climate change. Trace dissolved iron in oceanic surface water can limit phytoplankton growth which in turn limits the carbon dioxide flux at the air/sea interface. To better understand the relationship between iron and its different species with phytoplankton, as well as the biogeochemical cycle of iron in seawater, accurate, sensitive, and in situ methods are needed for iron determination. This paper reviews the methods for determining iron in seawater from the laboratory, shipboard to in situ measurements, including such strategies as atomic spectrometry, spectrophotometry, chemiluminescence, and voltammetry, which will provide the foundation for developing reliable long-term iron monitoring and sensing platforms in the future.

Rapid specific and visible detection of porcine circovirus type 3 using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)

In this study, a rapid and specific assay for the detection of porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) was established using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Four primers were specifically designed to amplify PCV3. The LAMP assay was effectively optimized to amplify PCV3 by water bath at 60°C for 60 min. The detection limit was approximately 1 × 10¹ copy in this LAMP assay. Compared to porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), both gE and gD genes of pseudorabies virus (PRV) and porcine parvovirus (PPV), the LAMP assay showed a high specific detection of PCV3. A visible detection method was developed using SYBR Green I to recognize the results rapidly. Based on the detection of 20 clinical tissue samples, the LAMP assay was more practical and convenient than classical PCR due to its simplicity, high sensitivity, rapidity, specificity, visibility and cost efficiency.

Effects of oral contraceptives on ovulation induction in in vitro fertilization patients with premature ovarian insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

To report a case series of in vitro fertilization patients with premature ovarian insufficiency, who were treated with oral contraceptives to reduce follicle stimulating hormone levels.

METHOD

This was a consecutive case series in a tertiary teaching hospital in China. Twenty-two women with refractory and idiopathic premature ovarian insufficiency were administered a drospirenone/ethinylestradiol oral contraceptive orally. The main outcome measures were the number of oocytes retrieved and the number of embryos frozen.

RESULTS

There were total 106 oral contraceptive treatment cycles and 53 oocyte retrieval cycles in 20 patients (91%, 20/22; 2.4 cycles per woman, 53/22). The total number of oocytes retrieved was 48 in 17 patients (77%, 17/22; 2.2 oocytes per woman, 48/22), and the total number of embryos frozen was 33 in 16 patients (73%, 16/22; 1.5 embryos per woman, 33/22).

CONCLUSION

Oral contraception may be an effective method to induce ovulation for some patients with premature ovarian insufficiency.

Significant alterations of 6-keto prostaglandin F1a and NO levels in spermatic vein plexus patients with varicocele

To investigate the level variation of correlative factors between the spermatic vein plexus and peripheral blood in patients with varicocele, a total of 22 patients diagnosed with varicocele were enrolled in the study. All patients were performed a testicular artery-sparing microsurgical varicocelectomy. During the operation, a blood sample from the left spermatic vein plexus and a peripheral blood sample were collected. A radioimmunoassay was used to determine the 6-keto prostaglandin F1a (6-keto-PGF1a ). A colorimetric method was performed to determine the NO. The enzyme immunoassay method was used to determine the creatinine, urea nitrogen, adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine and 5-HT. The mean age of all patients was 29.3 ± 7.8 years. Compared with the level of 6-keto-PGF1a and NO in the peripheral blood, 6-keto-PGF1a and NO were significantly increased in left spermatic vein plexus (347.3 (230.8-415.1) versus 99.7 (80.4-119.9) pg/ml and 192.3 ± 178.5 versus 107.1 ± 73.6 μmol/L, p < .05). There were no differences in the level of creatinine, urea nitrogen, adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine and 5-HT between the peripheral blood and left spermatic vein plexus (p > .05). The 6-keto-PGF1a and NO concentrations in left spermatic vein plexus were significantly higher than that in peripheral blood patients with varicocele.

Abstract OT2-07-01: Phase 1/2 trial of the oncolytic virus, talimogene laherparpvec, in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in stage II/III triple negative breast cancer

Background: The host anti-tumor immune response plays an important role in determining natural history and therapy response for early stage breast cancer. Tumors with high levels of lymphocytic infiltration appear to have a superior prognosis and response rate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, these tumors are in the minority so methods to enhance tumor lymphocyte infiltration should be identified. The oncolytic virus, talimogene laherparpvec (TVEC) is a genetically modified HSV1 virus which selectively replicates in transformed cells while sparing normal tissue. This leads to lysis of infected tumor cells along with co-expression of GM-CSF to elicit an enhanced anti-tumor immune response. Prior data has shown TVEC can be safely combined with chemotherapy in other indications, so we launched an investigator initiated study to determine the safety and efficacy of combining TVEC with neoadjuvant dose dense chemotherapy in stage II-III TNBC.

Study design: The study is a phase 1 (2 dose levels of TVEC, 3+3 design) and phase 2 single arm Simon two stage combination trial. Primary endpoints of phase 1 is safety of intratumoral TVEC (DL1=106 PFU x 5 injections, DL2=106 PFU x 1 then 108 PFU x 4 injections) administered q2-3 weeks concurrently with weekly paclitaxel followed by standard dose dense AC x 4 and local therapy as indicated. Phase 2 primary endpoint is pCR rate of the study treatment, secondary endpoints include DFS, OS, immune correlates in resected tumor specimens. Eligibility criteria includes females &gt;17 years old, newly diagnosed T2-3N0-3 TNBC, adequate organ function, primary tumor amenable to injection with TVEC, no immunosuppressive or autoimmune conditions, no inflammatory or bilateral/multifocal disease. Sample size is up to 49 patients (12 phase 1, 37 phase 2) with 80% power to detect increase in pCR rate from 30% to 50% with one sided p=.1 in phase 2.

Study status: This novel Amgen supported investigator initiated study activated to accrual 3/2017 and first patient on study was on 5/2017. The study is currently open only at the Moffitt Cancer Center. Target study completion date 8/2021. (NCT02779855)

Citation Format: Soliman HH, Hogue D, Han H, Lee C, Ismail-Khan R, Khong H, Niell B, Czerniecki B. Phase 1/2 trial of the oncolytic virus, talimogene laherparpvec, in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in stage II/III triple negative breast cancer [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 OT2-07-01.

Speciation determination of iron and its spatial and seasonal distribution in coastal river

In this study, the speciation of iron (Fe), including total Fe (TFe) and acidified dissolved Fe (ADFe), was assessed by fast cathodic absorption stripping voltammetry, using a gold electrode and 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-diethylaminophenol (5-Br-PADAP) as a novel complexing agent for Fe. The validity and accuracy of this method were compared with the standard spectrophotometry and tested by the standard samples. Under optimized conditions, the Fe response was linear within the range of 0.01 to 1 μM with a detection limit of 1.2 nM. To further validate this method, the variation in concentrations of TFe and ADFe were investigated at twelve sampling stations in a local coastal river, in both the dry and wet season. Additionally, to further understand the interaction between Fe and environmental factors, the relationships between the concentration of Fe species and dissolved oxygen (DO) and salinity were also discussed.

Organoamine-induced isomerism of calixarene-based complexes: from 1D to 2D

Two isomers of the calixarene-based cobalt complex [Co₄Cl(TC4A)(BCPT)₂]⁻ (H₄TC4A = p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene; H₂BCPT = 3,5-bis (4′-carboxy-phenyl)-1,2,4-triazole) were obtained under the solvothermal conditions with tetramethylammonium/tetraethylammonium hydroxide (CIAC-236) and triethylamine (CIAC-237). Single crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that CIAC-236 has a 1D zigzag aggregate constructed by bridging the shuttlecock-like Co₄–TC4A secondary building units (SBUs) with two pairs of opposite V-shaped BCPT ligands while CIAC-237 possesses a 2D layer assembly with each Co₄–TC4A SBU bonded by four BCPT ligands in a same direction (clockwise or counterclockwise), which indicates that different shapes of the organoamines lead to different assembly of the BCPT ligands and the formation of different extended aggregates. For comparison, only the 1D structure ([Fe₄Cl(TC4A)](BCPT)₂]⁻, CIAC-238) was obtained for the iron complexes with all these three organoamines, which would be attributed to different property and coordination of iron element. Magnetic properties of all these three compounds were studied.

Two isomers of the calixarene-based cobalt complex, 1D aggregate and 2D network, were obtained with different organoamine templates.

Presence of Torque teno sus virus 1 and 2 in porcine circovirus 3-positive pigs

In this study, the co-infection of Torque teno sus virus (TTSuV) and porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) was reported. One hundred and ten of 132 (83.3%) PCV3-positive samples were co-infected with Torque teno sus virus 1 (TTSuV1). Ninety-four of 132 (71.2%) PCV3-positive samples were co-infected with Torque teno sus virus 2 (TTSuV2). Sixty-six of 132 (50.0%) of PCV3-positive samples were co-infected with both TTSuV1 and TTSuV2. There were no clinical signs of infection in pigs that were both PCV3-positive and PCV2-negative, in either multiparous sows or live-born infants. The high co-infection rate provides valuable information for the further study of the pathological correlation between PCV3 and TTSuVs.

Genetic variants in IL15 promoter affect transcription activity and intramuscular fat deposition in longissimus dorsi muscle of pigs

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is a key aspect of pork quality. Elucidation of intramuscular adipocyte regulation mechanisms is important for improving IMF content. Intramuscular adipocytes are dispersed among muscle fibers, so they are inclined to be affected by muscle-derived factors. Interleukin-15 is a major muscle-secreted factor. In this study, the genetic and physiological impacts of IL15 on adipogenesis is investigated. The promoter region of IL15 was scanned by comparative sequencing using two DNA pools of high- and low-IMF individuals. Two SNPs, c.-342C>T (ss2137497757) and c.-334G>A (ss2137497756) (the translation start site is designated as +1), were identified with reverse allele distribution in these two groups. Genotyping by allele-specific PCR revealed that the two SNPs were completely linked. The IMF content of TA/TA individuals was lower than that for CG/CG ones, whereas the IL15 expression level was higher in T-A/T-A individuals. Luciferase assaying also revealed that the T-A haplotype promoter had higher transcription activity. Meanwhile, the effect of interleukin-15 on adipocyte differentiation was further assessed in vitro. Results showed that interleukin-15 suppressed preadipocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The cell cycle of preadipocytes was arrested, and apoptosis was induced. Oil Red O staining and triglyceride quantification indicated that adipocyte differentiation was also inhibited by interleukin-15. The mRNA levels of PPARG and FABP4 decreased markably upon interleukin-15 treatment. Taken together, we identified two completely linked SNPs in the porcine IL15 promoter region that could alter IL15 transcription activity. As interleukin-15 can inhibit porcine adipocyte differentiation, these promoter mutations could affect IMF deposition by producing differential levels of muscle-derived interleukin-15.

In-situ synthesis of reduced graphene oxide/gold nanoparticles modified electrode for speciation analysis of copper in seawater

In this paper, reduced graphene oxide/gold nanoparticle/Nafion (rGO/AuNP/Nafion) modified electrode was fabricated through in-situ synthesis and used for determination of copper ions in strong salt electrolyte (0.5M NaCl) by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). This in-situ synthesis procedure was based on the ion-exchange and electrochemical reduction. The use of rGO provided a larger electrode surface and the presence of more active sites, while electron transfer was accelerated by incorporating AuNPs. Nafion was utilized as a cation exchange polymer in which rGO and AuNPs could be tightly attached to the electrode surface. The physical and electrochemical characterizations of the as-prepared modified electrode were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and cyclic voltammetry. AuNPs with diameter of 5-10nm on rGO decorated in the gold electrode surface were observed. Under the optimal conditions, the rGO/AuNP/Nafion electrode had a linear response to copper ions in the concentrations range from 20nM to 1μM (R² = 0.998), with the lowest detectable concentration of 8nM and the detection limit of 4nM (S/N = 3). Additionally, this electrode was successfully applied to the speciation analysis of copper (free, dissolved and total) in seawater.

Genetic diversity and paternal origin of domestic donkeys

Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate genetic diversity, origins and domestication of donkey using autosomal microsatellites and the mitochondrial genome, whereas the male-specific region of the Y chromosome of modern donkeys is largely uncharacterized. In the current study, 14 published equine Y chromosome-specific microsatellites (Y-STR) were investigated in 395 male donkey samples from China, Egypt, Spain and Peru using fluorescent labeled microsatellite markers. The results showed that seven Y-STRs-EcaYP9, EcaYM2, EcaYE2, EcaYE3, EcaYNO1, EcaYNO2 and EcaYNO4-were male specific and polymorphic, showing two to eight alleles in the donkeys studied. A total of 21 haplotypes corresponding to three haplogroups were identified, indicating three independent patrilines in domestic donkey. These markers are useful for the study the Y-chromosome diversity and population genetics of donkeys in Africa, Europe, South America and China.

Antiviral activity of shikonin ester derivative PMM-034 against enterovirus 71 in vitro

Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) is the major causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), particularly in infants and children below 4 years of age. Shikonin is a bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial activities derived from the roots of the Chinese medicinal herb Lithospermum erythrorhizon. This study aimed to examine the antiviral activity of PMM-034, a shikonin ester derivative, against EV71 in rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells. Cytotoxicity of PMM-034 on RD cells was determined using WST-1 assay. Dose- and time-dependent effects of PMM-034 on EV71 replication in RD cells were determined using plaque reduction assay. mRNA expression levels of EV71/VP1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) were determined by real-time RT-PCR, and EV71/VP1 and phospho-p65 protein expressions were determined by western blot analysis. PMM-034 exhibited only weak cytotoxicity against RD cells. However, PMM-034 exhibited significant antiviral activity against EV71 in RD cells with 50% inhibitory concentration of 2.31 μg/mL. The VP1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced in cells treated with PMM-034. Furthermore, relative mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α significantly decreased in the cells treated with PMM-034, while the phospho-p65 protein expression was also significantly lower in the treated cells. These results indicated that PMM-034 suppressed the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines in RD cells, exhibiting antiviral activity against EV71, as evidenced by the reduced VP1 mRNA and protein levels in PMM-034-treated cells. Thus, PMM-034 is a promising candidate for further development as an EV71 inhibitor.

Controlled synthesis of dendritic gold nanostructures by graphene oxide and their morphology-dependent performance for iron detection in coastal waters

Dendritic gold nanostructures were controllably synthesized by graphene oxide for voltammetric determination of Fe(iii) in coastal waters.