THE CORRELATION BETWEEN NECK CIRCUMFERENCE AND UMBILICAL ARTERY BLOOD FLOW IN PHYSIOLOGIC PREGNANCIES

Objective

To study the correlation between neck circumference(NC) and umbilical artery blood flow in physiologic pregnancies.

Methods

One hundred and one healthy pregnant woman in the third trimester were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements and ultrasonic testing were done.

Results

The women with NC ≥34.7cm had a more elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index(PI) and systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) than the women with NC <34.7cm (P<0.01). NC were positively correlated with PI(r=0.224,P=0.024) and S/D ratio(r=0.415,P=0.0001). In multivariate analysis, NC was independently associated with PI (β=0.026, P=0.016) and S/D ratio (β=0.132, P=0.0001).

Conclusions

Obesity has an adverse impact on feto-placetal vessels, and NC was superior to body mass index.

Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 has prognostic relevance and is a druggable target in multiple myeloma

Arginine methyltransferases critically regulate cellular homeostasis by modulating the functional outcome of their substrates. The protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is an enzyme involved in growth and survival pathways promoting tumorigenesis. However, little is known about the biologic function of PRMT5 and its therapeutic potential in multiple myeloma (MM). In the present study, we identified and validated PRMT5 as a new therapeutic target in MM. PRMT5 is overexpressed in patient MM cells and associated with decreased progression-free survival and overall survival. Either genetic knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of PRMT5 with the inhibitor EPZ015666 significantly inhibited growth of both cell lines and patient MM cells. Furthermore, PRMT5 inhibition abrogated NF-κB signaling. Interestingly, mass spectrometry identified a tripartite motif-containing protein 21 TRIM21 as a new PRMT5-partner, and we delineated a TRIM21-dependent mechanism of NF-κB inhibition. Importantly, oral administration of EPZ015666 significantly decreased MM growth in a humanized murine model of MM. These data both demonstrate the oncogenic role and prognostic relevance of PRMT5 in MM pathogenesis, and provide the rationale for novel therapies targeting PRMT5 to improve patient outcome.

[Association between the internal exposure levels of phthalates and executive function of preschool children]

Objective: To investigate the association between the internal exposure levels of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and executive function (EF) of preschool children. Methods: Between October 2008 and October 2010, pregnant women who accepted pregnancy health care services in four municipal medical and health institutions in Ma'anshan city, Anhui Province, were recruited as study objects. A total of 5 084 pregnant women and 4 669 singleton live births were enrolled in this cohort. The follow-up study was conducted from April 2014 to April 2015. A total of 3 725 data-completed preschool children aged 3 to 6 years older entered in this study. The method of analysis seven metabolites of phthalates in urine was high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) and divided objects into low (P(0)-P(24)), medium (P(25)-P(74)) and high (P(75)-P(100)) groups according to their exposure concentrations. To investigate the executive function of preschool children, we used the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool Version (BRIEF-P). Univariate and multivariate statistical method was used to analyze the etiology association between the phthalate metabolites levels and preschool children's executive function. Results: In this study, 53.6% (1 997/3 725) of preschoolers were boys, children's age was (51.5±5.6) months. The detection rates of seven phthalate esters were: mono-n-methyl phthalate (MMP) was 99.89% (3 721/3 725); mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) was 99.97% (3 724/3 725); mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) was 69.10% (2 574/3 725); mono-butyl phthalate (MBP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) and mono- (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) were 100.00% and mono-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) was 99.95% (3 723/3 725). The median concentrations of the seven phthalate metabolites were: 17.71, 15.36, 0.07, 155.24, 10.73, 14.67, 3.59 µg/L, respectively. The median concentrations corrected by urinary creatinine were 29.65, 26.65, 0.12, 257.73, 17.94, 24.80, 6.27 µg/g Cr, respectively. The P(25) and P(7)5 concentration of the total PAEs metabolites corrected by urinary creatinine were 1.20 µmol/g Cr and 3.04 µmol/g Cr. After adjusted the relevant demographic information: children sex, children age in month, maternal age, parental education levels, household exposure to secondhand smoke and whether the child is the only child as confounds, multivariate logistic regression model showed that the risk of inhibitory self-control index (ISCI) dysplasia in MEHHP high concentration group and MEOHP high concentration group were 1.71 and 1.54 times (OR=1.71, 95% CI: 1.11-2.62; OR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.01-2.34) than in low concentration group. The risk of ISCI dysplasia in total PAEs metabolites high concentration group was 1.55 times (OR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.00-2.38) than in low concentration group. Conclusion: Phthalates exposure may damage the executive function of preschool children.

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.

Valsartan reduces AT1-AA-induced apoptosis through suppression oxidative stress mediated ER stress in endothelial progenitor cells

OBJECTIVE

Valsartan has been reported to have the function of treating hypertension and improving the prognosis of patients. Many studies indicated that valsartan can also increase angiotensin II, andosterone and plasma renin activity (PRA). Autoantibodies against the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1-AA) have been showed to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium (Ca2+) and result in apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells. In this study, we attempted to explore the effect of valsartan on AT1-AA-induced apoptosis in endothelial progenitor cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were cultured. The cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay. EPCs apoptosis was determined by DAPI staining and flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species, intracellular calcium concentration and calpain activity were measured using Fluostar Omega Spectrofluorimeter. The expression of p-ERK, p-eIF-2a, CHOP, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

MTT assays showed valsartan significantly inhibited AT1-AA- induced decline of the viability of EPCs. DAPI staining and flow cytometry results indicated valsartan inhibited AT1-AA-induced decline of the viability of EPCs via inhibiting AT1-AA-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the increasing of reactive oxygen species, intracellular calcium and calpain activity induced by AT1-AA in EPCs were also recovered after pre-treated with valsartan. Meanwhile, the upregulation of p-ERK, p-eIF-2a and CHOP, downregulation of Bcl-2, and activation of Caspase-3 caused by AT1-AA were reversed after pre-incubated with valsartan.

CONCLUSIONS

Valsartan could inhibit AT1-AA-induced apoptosis through inhibiting oxidative stress mediated ER stress in EPCs.

Abstract S3-07: Impact of radiotherapy on complications and patient-reported satisfaction with breast reconstruction: Findings from the prospective multicenter MROC study

Background: Patients considering both post-mastectomy radiation (RT) and reconstruction require robust information regarding the expected outcomes of different combinations of approaches in order to make preference-concordant decisions.

Methods: In a prospective multicenter cohort study (the Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium, MROC, funded by NCI 1RO1CA152192) of women diagnosed with breast cancer at 11 institutions between 2012-15, we compared responses of 553 radiated and 1461 non-radiated pts who received different approaches to reconstruction. The primary dependent variables of interest were development of any breast complications (e.g. hematoma, wound infection) by one year post-reconstruction, along with satisfaction measured with the validated BREAST-Q instrument. Mixed-effects regression models assessed impact of reconstruction type and RT on the outcomes of interest. Covariate adjustment included reconstruction timing, age, extent of disease, bilateral vs unilateral treatment, chemotherapy receipt, nodal management, BMI, smoking, diabetes, race, ethnicity, education, employment, income, marital status, and hospital site.

Results: Median age was 49. Bilateral mastectomy was received by 45.6% of radiated and 53.3% of non-radiated pts (p=0.002). Autologous reconstruction was more commonly received by radiated pts (38.3% vs 25.1%, p&lt;0.001). Immediate reconstruction was less common in radiated pts (82.6% vs 95.6%, p&lt;0.001). By one year, at least one complication occurred in 28.8% of radiated pts (30.8% of implant pts and 25.5% of autologous pts) and 22.3% of non-radiated pts (20.4% of implant pts and 28.1% of autologous pts). Among pts with ≥2 years of follow up, a complication had occurred by 2 years in 34.1% of 331 radiated pts vs 22.5% of 946 non-radiated pts. Multivariable analysis showed immediate reconstruction, bilateral treatment, & higher BMI to be predictive of developing a complication by one year. RT effect differed by reconstruction type; RT was associated with 2.1 (95% CI = 1.45, 3.10) times higher odds of complication in implant pts, while showing no difference in autologous pts (OR=1.3, 95% CI = 0.76, 2.09). RT effect on patient outcomes also differed by reconstruction types. In implant pts, adjusted mean BREAST-Q satisfaction with breast scores were significantly lower in radiated pts than in non-radiated pts (51.5 vs. 58.0 at 1 year, p&lt;.001; 48.9 vs. 59.8 at 2 years, p&lt;.001), while satisfaction in autologous pts did not differ by radiation (61.3 in radiated vs. 63.5 in non-radiated at 1 year; 62.8 vs. 65.8 at 2 years). Similarly, in implant pts, satisfaction with outcomes was significantly lower in radiated versus non-radiated pts (66.5 vs. 70.8 at 1 year; p=0.03; 64.4 vs. 70.6 at 2 years, p =0.03), while there were no significant differences in autologous pts (72.7 vs. 75.2 in radiated vs. non-radiated at 1 year; 71.3 and 75.3 at year 2).

Conclusions: In the largest prospective multicenter study of outcomes of breast reconstruction to date, autologous reconstruction appears to yield superior patient-reported outcomes and lower risk of complications than implant-based approaches among patients receiving PMRT.

Citation Format: Jagsi R, Momoh AO, Qi J, Hamill JB, Billig J, Kim HM, Pusic AL, Wilkins EG. Impact of radiotherapy on complications and patient-reported satisfaction with breast reconstruction: Findings from the prospective multicenter MROC study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr S3-07.

Misinformation is prevalent in psoriasis-related YouTube videos

Background Psoriasis patients seek information online, but little is known about their interaction with YouTube. We examined the quality of content in psoriasis-related YouTube videos and investigated their interactions with viewers.Methods YouTube was searched using the term "psoriasis." Relevant videos in English were independently categorized by two reviewers as useful, misleading, or patient view (regarding experience with psoriasis). Disagreements were settled by a third reviewer. Videos were rated on a Global Quality Scale (GQS) (1=poor, 5=excellent).Results According to our reviewers, 17% of the 47 videos were useful, 21% were misleading, and 62% represented patient views. Mean GQS scores were 4.2 ± 1.3 for useful videos, 1.7 ± 0.7 for misleading videos, and 2.2 ± 1.1 for patient view videos (p&lt;0.001). Video views per day did not differ among the categories (p=0.65), whereas useful videos had fewest "Likes" (useful: 31 ± 55, 33 misleading: 151 ± 218, patient views: 165 ± 325, p=0.06) and comments (useful: 9.8 ± 18.3, misleading: 64.1 ± 89.7, 124.9 ± 34 199.4, p=0.009).Conclusions Useful videos were highest in quality but had similar viewership as misleading and patient view videos, with lower popularity and  engagement of users compared to other categories. Physicians and psoriasis patients should be aware of this pattern when pproaching YouTube as a resource.