A 37-year-old Menkes disease patient-Residual ATP7A activity and early copper administration as key factors in beneficial treatment

Menkes disease (MD) is a lethal disorder characterized by severe neurological symptoms and connective tissue abnormalities; and results from malfunctioning of cuproenzymes, which cannot receive copper due to a defective intracellular copper transporting protein, ATP7A. Early parenteral copper-histidine supplementation may modify disease progression substantially but beneficial effects of long-term treatment have been recorded in only a few patients. Here we report on the eldest surviving MD patient (37 years) receiving early-onset and long-term copper treatment. He has few neurological symptoms without connective tissue disturbances; and a missense ATP7A variant, p.(Pro852Leu), which results in impaired protein trafficking while the copper transport function is spared. These findings suggest that some cuproenzymes maintain their function when sufficient copper is provided to the cells; and underline the importance of early initiated copper treatment, efficiency of which is likely to be dependent on the mutant ATP7A function.

Novel ΔJ=1 Sequence in ^{78}Ge: Possible Evidence for Triaxiality

A sequence of low-energy levels in _{32}^{78}Ge_{46} has been identified with spins and parity of 2^{+}, 3^{+}, 4^{+}, 5^{+}, and 6^{+}. Decays within this band proceed strictly through ΔJ=1 transitions, unlike similar sequences in neighboring Ge and Se nuclei. Above the 2^{+} level, members of this sequence do not decay into the ground-state band. Moreover, the energy staggering of this sequence has the phase that would be expected for a γ-rigid structure. The energies and branching ratios of many of the levels are described well by shell-model calculations. However, the calculated reduced transition probabilities for the ΔJ=2 in-band transitions imply that they should have been observed, in contradiction with the experiment. Within the calculations of Davydov, Filippov, and Rostovsky for rigid-triaxial rotors with γ=30°, there are sequences of higher-spin levels connected by strong ΔJ=1 transitions which decay in the same manner as those observed experimentally, yet are calculated at too high an excitation energy.

Molecular mechanism for the influence of gender dimorphism on alcoholic liver injury in mice

It is known that women develop alcoholic liver injury more rapidly and have a lower alcohol toxic threshold than men. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The precise mechanism responsible for the sex difference needs to be determined. Female and male mice were given ethanol by intragastric infusion every day for 4 weeks. The pathological changes were detected by hematoxylin-eosin, Sirius red, oil red O, periodic acid-Schiff, and Hochest33258 staining in the liver of female and male mice. The related gene and protein expression of hepatocytes stress, proliferation and apoptosis, glycogen synthesis, lipid metabolism, and hepatic fibrosis were also systematically analyzed in the female and male mice. Livers from ethanol-treated female mice had more serious hepatocyte necrosis, liver fibrosis ( P < 0.01), substantial micro/macrovesicular steatosis ( p < 0.01), glycogen consumption ( p < 0.05), and hepatocytes apoptosis ( p < 0.05) than ethanol-treated male mice. The expression of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), HSP70, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2), and phosphorylated signal transducer and activators of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) was higher in ethanol-treated male mice than ethanol-treated female mice ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). But, the expression of Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein), Caspase 3, CYP2E1 (cytochrome P4502E1), and transforming growth factor βl had the contrary results. Our study suggested that ethanol treatment induced more expression of HSP27 and HSP70, faster hepatocyte proliferation, higher level of glycogen, and interleukin-6 signaling pathway activation, but less hepatocyte apoptosis and CYP2E1 expression in male mice than female mice, which could be helpful to understand the molecular mechanism for the influence of sex difference on alcoholic liver injury.

Nuclear shapes: Quest for triaxiality in 86Ge and the shape of 98Zr

The region of neutron-rich nuclei above the N = 50 magic neutron shell closure encompasses a rich variety of nuclear structure, especially shapeevolutionary phenomena. This can be attributed to the complexity of sub-shell closures, their appearance and disappearance in the region, such as the N = 56 sub shell or Z = 40 for protons. Structural effects reach from a shape phase transition in the Zr isotopes, over shape coexistence between spherical, prolate, and oblate shapes, to possibly rigid triaxial deformation. Recent experiments in this region and their main physics viewpoints are summarized.

Masses and β-Decay Spectroscopy of Neutron-Rich Odd-Odd ^{160,162}Eu Nuclei: Evidence for a Subshell Gap with Large Deformation at N=98

The structure of deformed neutron-rich nuclei in the rare-earth region is of significant interest for both the astrophysics and nuclear structure fields. At present, a complete explanation for the observed peak in the elemental abundances at A∼160 eludes astrophysicists, and models depend on accurate quantities, such as masses, lifetimes, and branching ratios of deformed neutron-rich nuclei in this region. Unusual nuclear structure effects are also observed, such as the unexpectedly low energies of the first 2^{+} levels in some even-even nuclei at N=98. In order to address these issues, mass and β-decay spectroscopy measurements of the ^{160}Eu_{97} and ^{162}Eu_{99} nuclei were performed at the Californium Rare Isotope Breeder Upgrade radioactive beam facility at Argonne National Laboratory. Evidence for a gap in the single-particle neutron energies at N=98 and for large deformation (β_{2}∼0.3) is discussed in relation to the unusual phenomena observed at this neutron number.

Anti-tumor mechanism of IL-21 used alone and in combination with 5-fluorouracil in vitro on human gastric cancer cells

To study the effect and related mechanism of IL-21 alone and in combination with 5-Fluorouracil on the proliferation and growth, transferability, and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells, we cultivated gastric cancer cell SGC-7901 and created four experimental groups with varying concentrations of IL-21 and 5-Fluorouracil: IL-21 group (IL-21 100ng/ml), semi-combination group (5-Fluorouracil 25μg/ml+IL-21 100ng/ml), 5-Fluorouracil group (5-Fluorouracil 50μg/ml), and combination group (5-Fluorouracil 50μg/ml+IL-21 100ng/ml). The MTT (3-(4, 5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3, 5-di- phenytetrazoliumromide) assay was used to detect the inhibitory effect of each group on the proliferation and growth of gastric cancer cells. A scratch-wound assay was carried out to detect the inhibitory effect of each group on transferability. TUNEL assay was used to detect the effect of each group on the apoptosis of the gastric cancer cells, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of caspase-3, caspase-8, bcl-2, and c-myc, which are the proteins related to apoptosis, after the drug effect in each group. The results show that, compared to the 5-Fluorouracil group, the inhibitory effects after 24 h of the IL-21 group and the semi-combination group on SGC-7901 were weaker (P less than 0.001). However, if the effect lasted 48 h, then the inhibition in the semi-combination group had no significant difference compared to the 5-Fluorouracil group (P>0.05). The scarification test showed that all groups could inhibit the transferability of SGC-7901 and that the effect increased successively from the IL-21 group, the semicombination group, the 5-Fluorouracil group, to the combination group. The TUNEL assay indicated that all groups could promote the apoptosis of SGC-7901. The percentage of cell apoptosis increased, and the Western blot showed that the expression of caspase-3, caspase-8, and c-myc, respectively, in the semi-combination group, the 5-Fluorouracil group, and the combination group increased successively and that the successive increasing of c-myc was the most significant. The expression of bc1-2 tended to decrease. In conclusion, IL-21 used alone and in combination with 5-Fluorouracil are anti-tumor mechanisms in SGC-7901.

Comparison between the prechopping method with a reverse chopper and the routine stop-and-chop method in treating cataract with grade IV hard nucleus

The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy between the prechopping method using a Reverse Chopper (iHPC) and the routine stop-and-chop (RSC) method in phacoemulsification of cataracts with grade IV hard nuclei (HNC (≥IV)). A total of 32 patients (32 eyes) scheduled for Phaco combined with intraocular lens (Phaco-IOL) for HNC (≥IV) from March 2015 to January 2016 were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups (the iHPC group, n=16 and the RSC group, n=16) so as to compare the effective intraoperative Phaco time, corneal edema 1-3 days after surgery, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and rate of loss of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) 1 month after surgery. The effective intraoperative Phaco time in the iHPC group was shorter (42.56s vs. 78.63s, P=0.000), the degree of corneal edema 1-3 days after surgery was less (P<0.01), the ratio of cases with BCVA>0.6 was higher, and the CEC loss rate was lower (13.36±2.85% vs. 25.77±3.81%, P=0.000). Compared with RSC, iHPC can reduce CEC injury in Phaco surgery, and the patients can recover their vision faster.

Precision Measurement of the e^{+}e^{-}→Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} Cross Section Near Threshold

The cross section of the e^{+}e^{-}→Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} process is measured with unprecedented precision using data collected with the BESIII detector at sqrt[s]=4574.5, 4580.0, 4590.0 and 4599.5 MeV. The nonzero cross section near the Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} production threshold is cleared. At center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=4574.5 and 4599.5 MeV, the higher statistics data enable us to measure the Λ_{c} polar angle distributions. From these, the Λ_{c} electric over magnetic form-factor ratios (|G_{E}/G_{M}|) are measured for the first time. They are found to be 1.14±0.14±0.07 and 1.23±0.05±0.03, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.

Probing the Single-Particle Character of Rotational States in ^{19}F Using a Short-Lived Isomeric Beam

A beam containing a substantial component of both the J^{π}=5^{+}, T_{1/2}=162  ns isomeric state of ^{18}F and its 1^{+}, 109.77-min ground state is utilized to study members of the ground-state rotational band in ^{19}F through the neutron transfer reaction (d,p) in inverse kinematics. The resulting spectroscopic strengths confirm the single-particle nature of the 13/2^{+} band-terminating state. The agreement between shell-model calculations using an interaction constructed within the sd shell, and our experimental results reinforces the idea of a single-particle-collective duality in the descriptions of the structure of atomic nuclei.

Abstract P3-08-12: Prognostic relevance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in young women with breast cancer (BC)

Background: Many studies suggest that a high NLR prior to systemic treatment is an adverse prognostic marker for BC but its role in women ≤ age 40 in general, and in those with pregnancy associated BC (PABC) in particular is unknown. We investigated whether the NLR is independently prognostic for recurrence-free survival (RFS) in a prospective database of young BC patients.

Methods: A prospective database of women ≤40 years of age diagnosed with BC from 02-2008 to 01-2015 was analyzed. Data regarding age, stage at diagnosis, pathology, treatment and clinical outcomes were available; the NLR was abstracted from the patients' medical record retrospectively with all values obtained post-diagnosis and prior to systemic therapy. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate time-to-event outcomes, with a primary outcome of RFS. Insufficient events had occurred to analyze overall survival. Univariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate factors that were potentially prognostic for RFS; a subsequent multivariable Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for nodal involvement, PABC status and tumor size. All tests were two-sided and statistical significance was defined as a p-value ≤0.05.

Results: Of 233 women in the database, 208 had a NLR and outcomes available for analysis. The mean age of patients was 35.1 and 24% (n=66/233) had PABC (BC diagnosed during pregnancy or ≤ 24 months postpartum); the median size of their tumors was 2.8 cm (range 0.1 cm – 19.0 cm) and 48% (n=102/211) were node positive. The majority of women had hormone receptor positive (92%; n=206/223) and HER2 negative 75% (n=160/212) disease, 50% (n=112/223) were treated with breast conserving surgery, 61% (n=142/233) received adjuvant radiotherapy and 83% (n=184/223) received adjuvant chemotherapy. With a median follow-up of 41 months, 16 patients (7%) experienced a local recurrence and 25 (11%) had distant recurrent disease. A higher NLR was prognostic for an adverse RFS in both uni- and multi-variable models (Table). The neutrophil count, individually, was also prognostic for adverse RFS but the lymphocyte count was not. The findings for patients with PABC and non-PABC were similar (interaction tests &gt;0.05).

Prognostic association between NLR and RFSVariableNumber of patients (total N=223)Univariable HR (95% CI)P valueMultivariable HR (95% CI)P valueSize ( /cm)1981.1 (0.9 - 1.2)0.261.0 (0.5 - 1.9)0.99Node positive (yes vs no)2042.1 (0.9 - 4.8)0.0912.6 (1.0 - 6.7)0.050PABC (yes vs no)2232.2 (1.0 - 4.8)0.0481.8 (0.8 - 4.3)0.17Log[NLR] ( /unit)2082.6 (1.3 - 5.0)0.0062.5 (1.2 - 5.0)0.006Log[neutrophils] ( /unit)2082.9 (1.2 - 7.3)0.023--Log[lymphocytes] ( /unit)2080.54 (0.16 - 1.8)0.31--

Conclusions: A higher NLR is prognostic for adverse RFS in our cohort of women ≤40 years of age with BC, including those with PABC. In our study, a higher neutrophil count drives the prognostic effects of NLR, suggesting an inflammatory state. If our results are confirmed in larger data sets, these findings may warrant the investigation of anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of young women with BC. As BC in this age group has a worse prognosis than BC in older women, the potential benefit of anti-inflammatory agents may be easier to observe in this population.

Citation Format: Jerzak KJ, Zhu S, Nofech-Mozes S, Pond G, Warner E. Prognostic relevance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in young women with breast cancer (BC) [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 P3-08-12.

Fast-timing measurements in neutron-rich odd-mass zirconium isotopes using LaBr3:Ce detectors coupled with Gammasphere

A fast-timing experiment was performed at the Argonne National Laboratory to measure the lifetimes of the lowest lying states of nuclei belonging to the deformed regions around mass number A≃110 and A≃150. These regions were populated via spontaneous fission of 252Cf and the gamma radiation following the decay of excited states in the fission fragments was measured using 51 Gammasphere detectors coupled with 25 LaBr3:Ce detectors. A brief description of the acquisition system and some preliminary results from the fast-timing analysis of the fission fragment 100Zr are presented. The lifetime value of τ = 840(65) ps was found for the 2+ state in 100Zr consistent within one standard deviation of the adopted value with 791 +26 -35ps. This is associated with a quadrupole deformation parameter of 0.36(2) which is within one standard deviation of the literature value of 0.3556+82 -57.

Prolonged duration of nonequilibrated Dirac fermions in neutral topological insulators

Topological insulators (TIs) possess spin-polarized Dirac fermions on their surface but their unique properties are often masked by residual carriers in the bulk. Recently, (Sb_1−xBi_x)₂Te₃ was introduced as a non-metallic TI whose carrier type can be tuned from n to p across the charge neutrality point. By using time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we investigate the ultrafast carrier dynamics in the series of (Sb_1−xBi_x)₂Te₃. The Dirac electronic recovery of ∼10 ps at most in the bulk-metallic regime elongated to >400 ps when the charge neutrality point was approached. The prolonged nonequilibration is attributed to the closeness of the Fermi level to the Dirac point and to the high insulation of the bulk. We also discuss the feasibility of observing excitonic instability of (Sb_1−xBi_x)₂Te₃.

Determination of the Spin and Parity of the Z_{c}(3900)

The spin and parity of the Z_{c}(3900)^{±} state are determined to be J^{P}=1^{+} with a statistical significance larger than 7σ over other quantum numbers in a partial wave analysis of the process e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ. We use a data sample of 1.92  fb^{-1} accumulated at sqrt[s]=4.23 and 4.26 GeV with the BESIII experiment. When parametrizing the Z_{c}(3900)^{±} with a Flatté-like formula, we determine its pole mass M_{pole}=(3881.2±4.2_{stat}±52.7_{syst})  MeV/c^{2} and pole width Γ_{pole}=(51.8±4.6_{stat}±36.0_{syst})  MeV. We also measure cross sections for the process e^{+}e^{-}→Z_{c}(3900)^{+}π^{-}+c.c.→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-} and determine an upper limit at the 90% confidence level for the process e^{+}e^{-}→Z_{c}(4020)^{+}π^{-}+c.c.→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-}.

Hierarchical architecture for flexible energy storage

The introduction of hierarchy and chirality into structure is of great interest, and can result in new optical and electronic properties due to the synergistic effect of helical and anisotropic structures. Herein, we demonstrate a simple and straightforward route toward the fabrication of hierarchical chiral materials based on the assembly of two-dimensional graphene oxide nanosheets (GO) and one-dimensional cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The unique layered structure of CNC/GO could be preserved in the solid state, allowing electrode active SnO₂ to be loaded for potential applications in energy storage. The resultant SnO₂/CNC/reduced GO (SnO₂/CNC/rGO) composite could be processed into film, fiber, and textile with an extremely high tensile strength of 100 MPa. The free-standing SnO₂/CNC/rGO electrodes exhibit highly improved energy storage performance, with a reversible capacity of ∼500 mA h g^-1 maintained for 1500 cycles in the film and ∼800 mA h g^-1 maintained for 150 cycles in the textile at a current density of 500 mA g^-1. This is attributed to the prepared hierarchical chiral structures. The presented technique provides an effective approach to producing hierarchical functional materials from nanoparticles as building blocks, which might open an avenue for the creation of new flexible energy storage devices.

Direct Evidence for Octupole Deformation in ^{146}Ba and the Origin of Large E1 Moment Variations in Reflection-Asymmetric Nuclei

Despite the more than 1 order of magnitude difference between the measured dipole moments in ^{144}Ba and ^{146}Ba, the octupole correlations in ^{146}Ba are found to be as strong as those in ^{144}Ba with a similarly large value of B(E3;3^{-}→0^{+}) determined as 48(+21-29)  W.u. The new results not only establish unambiguously the presence of a region of octupole deformation centered on these neutron-rich Ba isotopes, but also manifest the dependence of the electric dipole moments on the occupancy of different neutron orbitals in nuclei with enhanced octupole strength, as revealed by fully microscopic calculations.

Observation of Λ_{c}^{+}→nK_{S}^{0}π^{+}

We report the first direct measurement of decays of the Λ_{c}^{+} baryon involving the neutron. The analysis is performed using 567  pb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data collected at sqrt[s]=4.599  GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. We observe the decay Λ_{c}^{+}→nK_{S}^{0}π^{+} and measure the absolute branching fraction to be B(Λ_{c}^{+}→nK_{S}^{0}π^{+})=[1.82±0.23(stat)±0.11(syst)]%. A comparison to B[Λ_{c}^{+}→p(K[over ¯]π)^{0}] provides an important test of isospin symmetry and final state interactions.

The pre-rRNA processing factor DEF is rate limiting for the pathogenesis of MYCN-driven neuroblastoma

The nucleolar factor, digestive organ expansion factor (DEF), has a key role in ribosome biogenesis, functioning in pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) processing as a component of the small ribosomal subunit (SSU) processome. Here we show that the peripheral sympathetic nervous system (PSNS) is very underdeveloped in def-deficient zebrafish, and that def haploinsufficiency significantly decreases disease penetrance and tumor growth rate in a MYCN-driven transgenic zebrafish model of neuroblastoma that arises in the PSNS. Consistent with these findings, DEF is highly expressed in human neuroblastoma, and its depletion in human neuroblastoma cell lines induces apoptosis. Interestingly, overexpression of MYCN in zebrafish and in human neuroblastoma cells results in the appearance of intermediate pre-rRNAs species that reflect the processing of pre-rRNAs through Pathway 2, a pathway that processes pre-rRNAs in a different temporal order than the more often used Pathway 1. Our results indicate that DEF and possibly other components of the SSU processome provide a novel site of vulnerability in neuroblastoma cells that could be exploited for targeted therapy.

Precise Measurement of the e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ Cross Section at Center-of-Mass Energies from 3.77 to 4.60 GeV

The cross section for the process e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ is measured precisely at center-of-mass energies from 3.77 to 4.60 GeV using 9  fb^{-1} of data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Two resonant structures are observed in a fit to the cross section. The first resonance has a mass of (4222.0±3.1±1.4)  MeV/c^{2} and a width of (44.1±4.3±2.0)  MeV, while the second one has a mass of (4320.0±10.4±7.0)  MeV/c^{2} and a width of (101.4_{-19.7}^{+25.3}±10.2)  MeV, where the first errors are statistical and second ones are systematic. The first resonance agrees with the Y(4260) resonance reported by previous experiments. The precision of its resonant parameters is improved significantly. The second resonance is observed in e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ for the first time. The statistical significance of this resonance is estimated to be larger than 7.6σ. The mass and width of the second resonance agree with the Y(4360) resonance reported by the BABAR and Belle experiments within errors. Finally, the Y(4008) resonance previously observed by the Belle experiment is not confirmed in the description of the BESIII data.

Evidence of Two Resonant Structures in e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}h_{c}

The cross sections of e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}h_{c} at center-of-mass energies from 3.896 to 4.600 GeV are measured using data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The cross sections are found to be of the same order of magnitude as those of e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ and e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}ψ(2S), but the line shape is inconsistent with the Y states observed in the latter two modes. Two structures are observed in the e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}h_{c} cross sections around 4.22 and 4.39  GeV/c^{2}, which we call Y(4220) and Y(4390), respectively. A fit with a coherent sum of two Breit-Wigner functions results in a mass of (4218.4_{-4.5}^{+5.5}±0.9)  MeV/c^{2} and a width of (66.0_{-8.3}^{+12.3}±0.4)  MeV for the Y(4220), and a mass of (4391.5_{-6.8}^{+6.3}±1.0)  MeV/c^{2} and a width of (139.5_{-20.6}^{+16.2}±0.6)  MeV for the Y(4390), where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones systematic. The statistical significance of Y(4220) and Y(4390) is 10σ over one structure assumption.

Degradation of methomyl by the combination of Aminobacter sp. MDW-2 and Afipia sp. MDW-3

Methomyl (S-methyl N-(methylcarbamoyloxy) thioacetimidate) is a kind of oxime carbamate insecticide. It is considered to be extremely toxic to nontarget organism. To date, no pure culture or consortium has been reported to have the ability to degrade methomyl completely. In this study, a methomyl-degrading enrichment E1 was obtained by using the sludge from the wastewater-treating system of a pesticide manufacturer as the original inoculant. Two bacterial strains named MDW-2 and MDW-3 were isolated from this enrichment, and they were preliminarily identified as Aminobacter sp. and Afipia sp. respectively. Strains MDW-2 and MDW-3 could coexist and degrade 50 mg l^-1 methomyl completely within 3 days by the cooperative metabolism. Methomyl was first converted to methomyl oxime and methylcarbamic acid by strain MDW-2, and the latter could be used as the carbon source for the growth of strain MDW-2. But methomyl oxime could not be sequentially degraded by strain MDW-2. However, it could be degraded and used as the carbon source by strain MDW-3.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study presents a bacterial combination of Aminobacter sp. MDW-2 and Afipia sp. MDW-3, which could degrade methomyl completely by biochemical cooperation. This study also proposes the biodegradation pathway of methomyl for the first time and highlights the application potential of a bacterial combination in the remediation of methomyl-contaminated environments.

Abstract PD6-05: A prospective evaluation of clinical outcomes in women with pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC)

Background:

Many studies suggest that women with PABC- breast cancer (BC) diagnosed during pregnancy or within 12 months post partum- have adverse outcomes compared to age matched women whose BC is not associated with pregnancy (non-PABC). However, it is unclear whether this is due to diagnostic delay alone or biological differences. Hence, we investigated whether PABC is independently prognostic for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in a prospective database of young BC patients.

Methods:

A prospective database of women ≤40 years of age diagnosed with BC between February 2008 and January 2015 was analyzed. Data regarding, stage at diagnosis, pathology, treatment, and clinical outcomes were available. Statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics and administered therapies in women with and without PABC were evaluated using the chi-square or Fisher's Exact tests. Kaplan-Meier curves for DFS and OS in the PABC and non-PABC cohorts were compared using the log-rank test. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for age, nodal involvement and tumor size.

Results:

Of 224 women in the database who provided consent for research, 32 (12%) had PABC. Mean age of the PABC and non-PABC patients respectively was 34 (range 27 to 39) and 37 (range 21 to 40) and the median follow-up was 40 months in both groups. PABC was more likely to be locally advanced at diagnosis (44% vs. 22%, p&lt;0.01) and less likely to be hormone receptor positive (75% versus 85%; p &lt;0.01). There was no significant difference in age at diagnosis, tumor grade, lymphovascular invasion, HER2 expression or administered treatments between the two groups. Among the 166 women with early stage BC (not locally advanced), PABC was associated with positive lymph node status in a univariate model [OR 3.2 (95%CI 1.2-8.4), p=0.02] but just missed significance in a multivariate analysis that adjusted for age and tumor size (p=0.06).

Eight patients (22%) in the PABC group and 19 (10%) in the non-PABC group experienced local or distant disease recurrence; 3 patients (8%) in the PABC group and 11 (6%) in the non-PABC group died. The 3-year DFS in the PABC and non-PABC cohorts was 79% vs. 90% (p=0.22) and the 3-year OS was 97% in both groups.

Conclusion:

Diagnostic delay could account for the higher rate of locally advanced disease in the PABC group. However, the lower hormone receptor expression and strong trend toward greater lymph node involvement independent of size suggest that women with PABC may have intrinsically worse disease biology. Event rates may still be too low to detect a statistically significant difference in recurrence risk. Further research is necessary to identify unique molecular features of PABC that may be amenable to targeting.

Citation Format: Jerzak KJ, Zhu S, Li N, Mandel R, Warner E. A prospective evaluation of clinical outcomes in women with pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) [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 PD6-05.

Abstract P1-01-20: Inertial focusing circulating breast cancer cells based on the novel 3D-printed serpentine microfluidic chips

This abstract was not presented at the symposium.

[Prenatal diagnosis of chromosome abnormalities and nine microdeletion syndromes using both traditional karyotyping and BoBs]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a new prenatal diagnosis model of chromosomal abnormalities and nine microdeletion syndromes by using both traditional karyotyping and a newly-developed rapid prenatal diagnosis technology, BACs-on-Beads (BoBs) technique.

METHODS

From June 2012 to December 2014, 807 pregnant women with high risk after screening or with other indicators, were performed amniocentesis. Traditional karyotyping and BoBs were employed simultaneously for prenatal diagnosis.

RESULTS

Thirty-two cases with chromosome aneupoidies were successfully detected both by BoBs and karyotyping, including 18 cases of trisomy 21, 6 cases of trisomy 18, 1 case of trisomy 13, and 7 cases with sex chromosome abnormality. All 8 fetuses with chromosome structural abnormalities detected by karyotyping were missed by BoBs; while BoBs contributed more in detection of five microdeletion syndrome cases, including 3 cases of DiGeorge syndromes (two with microduplication and one with microdeletion), one case of Miller-Dieker syndrome, and one case of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Combined use of traditional karyotyping and BoBs, is a rapid and effective prenatal diagnosis model that may enlarge our horizon on chromosomal diseases and should be widely used in future clinical service.

Amplitude Analysis of the Decays η^{'}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} and η^{'}→π^{0}π^{0}π^{0}

Based on a sample of 1.31×10^{9}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, an amplitude analysis of the isospin-violating decays η^{'}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} and η^{'}→π^{0}π^{0}π^{0} is performed. A significant P-wave contribution from η^{'}→ρ^{±}π^{∓} is observed for the first time in η^{'}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0}. The branching fraction is determined to be B(η^{'}→ρ^{±}π^{∓})=(7.44±0.60±1.26±1.84)×10^{-4}, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic, and the third model dependent. In addition to the nonresonant S-wave component, there is a significant σ meson component. The branching fractions of the combined S-wave components are determined to be B(η^{'}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0})_{S}=(37.63±0.77±2.22±4.48)×10^{-4} and B(η^{'}→π^{0}π^{0}π^{0})=(35.22±0.82±2.54)×10^{-4}, respectively. The latter one is consistent with previous BESIII measurements.

A chiral smectic structure assembled from nanosheets and nanorods

A chiral smectic structure assembled from nanosheets and nanorods should open a new route to create a variety of chiral structures.

Supplementation of Mussel Peptides Reduces aging Phenotype, Lipid Deposition and Oxidative Stress in D-Galactose-Induce Aging Mice

OBJECTIVES

Aging is associated with glucose and lipid metabolism disorder. We aimed to examine the effects of mussel peptides on protecting against aging by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism.

METHODS

For the aging model, d-galactose (200 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously to 8-month-old mice for 8 weeks. Mussel peptides (1,000 mg/kg) were simultaneously administered by intragastric gavage. The glucose and lipid metabolism profiles, aging phenotype and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) expression in the liver and adipose tissue of ICR mice were measured.

RESULTS

D-galactose-treated mice showed pronounced fat deposition and impaired glucose and lipid homeostasis, along with increased oxidative damage and aging. Mussel peptides improved metabolic status by reducing serum glucose and triglyceride levels, insulin resistance and hepatic free fatty acid, as well as enhancing serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level and hepatic glycogen content, accompanied with amelioration of aging phenotype and fat deposition. Moreover, mussel peptides ameliorated oxidative stress in aged liver tissues and promoted expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors alpha (PPARα) and gamma (PPARγ) in liver and adipose tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that mussel peptides protect against lipid metabolic disorders associated with aging via maintaining oxidative stress homeostasis and elevated expression levels of PPARs.

Measurement of Singly Cabibbo Suppressed Decays Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{+}π^{-} and Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}K^{-}

Using 567  pb^{-1} of data collected with the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=4.599  GeV, near the Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} threshold, we study the singly Cabibbo-suppressed decays Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{+}π^{-} and Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}K^{-}. By normalizing with respect to the Cabibbo-favored decay Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+}, we obtain ratios of branching fractions: [B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{+}π^{-})/B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+})]=(6.70±0.48±0.25)%, [B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pϕ)/B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+})]=(1.81±0.33±0.13)%, and [B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}K_{non-ϕ}^{-})/B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+})]=(9.36±2.22±0.71)×10^{-3}, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The absolute branching fractions are also presented. Among these measurements, the decay Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{+}π^{-} is observed for the first time, and the precision of the branching fraction for Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}K_{non-ϕ}^{-} and Λ_{c}^{+}→pϕ is significantly improved.

Synthesis and characterization of new silicon-containing poly(arylene-1,3,4-oxadiazole)s

New silicon-containing aromatic polyhydrazides were synthesized by low-temperature solution polycondensation reaction of bis(p-chlorocarbonylphenyl)diphenylsilane with various aromatic dihydrazides, or of bis(p-carbohydrazidophenyl)diphenylsilane with diacid chlorides. The corresponding poly(arylene-1,3,4-oxadiazole)s wvere prepared by thermal cyclodehydration in the solid state. The cyclization process takes place at temperatures in the range of 250-300 IC. The resulting silicon-containing poly(arylene-1,3,4-oxadiazole)s are soluble in common organic solvents and have good film-forming abilities. They are stable up to 420-480 'C and their glass transition temperature is in the range of 262-278C.

Time–Temperature Superposition of Phase Separating Polymer Blend Films

We have examined the structure formations in symmetric blend films of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) during phase separation and coalescence in the melt. We qualitatively verify the principle of time–temperature superposition by observing morphology development in which characteristic structures develop independently of annealing temperature and initial morphology. Domain structures proceed to qualitatively similar morphologies regardless of the initial morphology due to the intrinsic viscosity of the blend films.

[Analysis of clinical characteristics and prognosis of non-severe aplastic anemia children with chromosomal abnormalities]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of non-severe aplastic anemia (NSAA) with chromosomal abnormalities in children. Method: A retrospective analysis of 304 cases with NSAA with successful karyotyping from 2001 to 2014 in the Institute of Hematology & Blood Disease Hospital was carried out. The treatment response, condition of blood transfusion were analyzed using χ² test, the cumulative survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Result: Out of 304 patients, 28 patients had chromosomal abnormalities with trisomy 8 (7 cases, 25.0%), abnormalities in chromosome 7 (5 cases, 17.9%), and other types (16 cases, 57.1%). There were no significant differences in the treatment response(40.9% (9/22)vs. 58.6%(119/203), χ²=2.539, P=0.111), the rate of getting rid of blood transfusion(54.5%(6/11) vs. 65.0%(39/60), χ²=6.455, P=0.086), five-year progression-free survival (49.2% vs.70.8%, χ²=0.849, P=0.357), and five-year cumulative survival (79.1% vs. 92.8%, χ²=0.330, P=0.556) between the patients with or without chromosomal abnormalities. There were significant differences in the rate of disease progression(41.7%(10/24) vs. 22.3%(48/215), χ²=4.394, P=0.045), the incidence of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (20.8%(5/24)vs. 0.9%(2/215), χ²=30.082, P=0.000)and the five-year cumulative incidence of MDS or AML(33.4% vs. 0.8%, χ²=17.798, P=0.000)between children with and without chromosomal abnormalities. Conclusion: The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in children with NSAA is 9.2%. The clinical features and treatment response are similar, but children with chromosomal abnormalities have a poorer prognosis, and have higher risk of progressing to MDS or AML.

Health-related behaviours and mental health in Hong Kong employees

BACKGROUND

Poor physical and mental health in employees can result in a serious loss of productivity. Early detection and management of unhealthy behaviours and mental health symptoms can prevent productivity loss and foster healthy workplaces.

AIMS

To examine health-related behaviours, mental health status and help-seeking patterns in employees, across different industries in Hong Kong.

METHODS

Participants were telephone-interviewed and assessed using the Case-finding and Help Assessment Tool (CHAT) with employee lifestyle risk factors, mental health issues and help-seeking intentions screened across eight industries. Subsequent data analysis involved descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

RESULTS

There were 1031 participants. Key stressors were work (30%), family (19%), money (14%) and interpersonal issues (5%). Approximately 18, 9 and 9% of participants were smokers, drinkers and gamblers, respectively, and only 51% exercised regularly. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were reported by 24 and 31% of employees, respectively. Issues for which they wanted immediate help were interpersonal abuse (16%), anxiety (15%), anger control (14%) and depression (14%). Employees with higher educational attainment were less likely to smoke, drink and gamble than those with lower attainment. Lifestyle and mental health status were not associated with income. Employees in construction and hotel industries smoked more and those in manufacturing drank more than those in other industries.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical and mental health of Hong Kong employees are concerning. Although employee assistance programmes are common among large companies, initiation of proactive engagement approaches, reaching out to those employees in need and unlikely to seek help for mental health issues, may be useful.