Complete genome sequence of the Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis BL3, preventive probiotics for acute colitis and colon cancer

We report the genome sequence of Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis BL3, which has preventive properties on acute colitis and colon cancer. The genome of BL3, which was isolated from Korean faeces, consisted of a 1 944 323 bp size single chromosome, and its G+C content was 60.5%. Genome comparison against the closest Bifidobacterium animalis strain revealed that BL3 had particularly different regions of four areas encoding flavin-nucleotide-binding protein, transposase, multidrug ABC transporter and ATP binding protein.

Kidney Donor Risk Index as the Predictor for the Short-term Clinical Outcomes After Kidney Transplant From Deceased Donor With Acute Kidney Injury

BACKGROUND

The Kidney Donor Risk Index (KDRI) scoring system for deceased donors has been widely introduced for postoperative evaluation of graft function. We analyzed the usefulness of the KDRI in deceased donors with acute kidney injury (AKI).

METHODS

Forty-nine recipients from deceased donors with AKI between January 2009 and December 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Data collected from donor medical records included age, height, weight, hypertension or diabetes history, cause of death, serum creatinine (sCr), and donation after cardiac death. Graft function data including sCr, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and acute rejection episodes were monitored for 1 year. Correlations between KDRI score and factors indicating graft function were analyzed. A cutoff value for KDRI score was calculated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for significant graft function.

RESULTS

The mean ages of donors and recipients were 46.81 ± 13.13 and 47.69 ± 11.43, respectively. The mean KDRI score was 1.24 ± 0.40. Univariable analysis of KDRI score and factors indicating graft function indicated that sCr at 6 to 12 months, eGFR at 1 year, and slow graft function (SGF) had statistical significance. The ROC curve of KDRI score for SGF showed an optimal cutoff value of 1.20, with sensitivity of 69.2% and specificity of 69.4% (area under the curve = 0.75) in deceased donors with AKI.

CONCLUSIONS

KDRI score in deceased donors with AKI was correlated with postoperative graft values including eGFR and SGF. KDRI could be used as a predictor for the short-term clinical outcome after kidney transplant from deceased donor with AKI.

Engineered ferritin nanocages as natural contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging

Here we report the development of a “natural” MRI contrast agent with tunable Fe loading and a magnetic core for magnetic resonance imaging.

Neutral plane control by using polymer/graphene flake composites for flexible displays

PMMA/graphene composites with varying graphene content can control the modulus and thus the neutral plane of flexible displays while enhancing barrier properties.

Precision Measurement of the Boron to Carbon Flux Ratio in Cosmic Rays from 1.9 GV to 2.6 TV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

Knowledge of the rigidity dependence of the boron to carbon flux ratio (B/C) is important in understanding the propagation of cosmic rays. The precise measurement of the B/C ratio from 1.9 GV to 2.6 TV, based on 2.3 million boron and 8.3 million carbon nuclei collected by AMS during the first 5 years of operation, is presented. The detailed variation with rigidity of the B/C spectral index is reported for the first time. The B/C ratio does not show any significant structures in contrast to many cosmic ray models that require such structures at high rigidities. Remarkably, above 65 GV, the B/C ratio is well described by a single power law R^{Δ} with index Δ=-0.333±0.014(fit)±0.005(syst), in good agreement with the Kolmogorov theory of turbulence which predicts Δ=-1/3 asymptotically.

Comparative Analysis of Inertial Sensor to Optical Motion Capture System Performance in Push-Pull Exertion Postures

This study examined interactions between inertial sensor (IS) performance and physical task demand on posture kinematics in a two-handed force exertion task. Fifteen male individuals participated in a laboratory experiment that involved exerting a two-handed isometric horizontal force on an instrumented height-adjustable handle. Physical task demand was operationalized by manipulating vertical handle height, target force magnitude, and force direction. These factors were hypothesized to influence average estimates of torso flexion angle measured using inertial sensors and an optical motion capture (MC) system, as well as the root mean squared errors (RMSE) between instrumentation computed over a 3s interval of the force exertion task. Results indicate that lower handle heights and higher target force levels were associated with increased torso and pelvic flexion in both, push and pull exertions. Torso flexion angle estimates obtained from IS and MC did not differ significantly. However, RMSE increased with target force intensity suggesting potential interactive effects between measurement error and physical task demand.

Antiproton Flux, Antiproton-to-Proton Flux Ratio, and Properties of Elementary Particle Fluxes in Primary Cosmic Rays Measured with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

A precision measurement by AMS of the antiproton flux and the antiproton-to-proton flux ratio in primary cosmic rays in the absolute rigidity range from 1 to 450 GV is presented based on 3.49×10^{5} antiproton events and 2.42×10^{9} proton events. The fluxes and flux ratios of charged elementary particles in cosmic rays are also presented. In the absolute rigidity range ∼60 to ∼500  GV, the antiproton p[over ¯], proton p, and positron e^{+} fluxes are found to have nearly identical rigidity dependence and the electron e^{-} flux exhibits a different rigidity dependence. Below 60 GV, the (p[over ¯]/p), (p[over ¯]/e^{+}), and (p/e^{+}) flux ratios each reaches a maximum. From ∼60 to ∼500  GV, the (p[over ¯]/p), (p[over ¯]/e^{+}), and (p/e^{+}) flux ratios show no rigidity dependence. These are new observations of the properties of elementary particles in the cosmos.

The effects of body mass index on the hereditary influences that determine peak bone mass in mother-daughter pairs (KNHANES V)

A daughter's bone mineral density (BMD) is significantly correlated with her mother's BMD, but the daughter's body mass index (BMI) could modulate this association. Maternal inheritance dominantly affects daughters with a lower BMI, but BMI could compensate for hereditary influences in daughters with a higher BMI in terms of daughter's BMD.

INTRODUCTION

Achieving optimal peak bone mass at a young age is the best way to protect against future osteoporosis and subsequent fractures. Although environmental components influence bone mass accrual, but peak bone mass is largely programmed by inheritance. The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of maternal inheritance on the daughter's bone mass and to assess whether these influences differ according to the daughter's body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

We used data obtained from the 2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V and included 187 mother-daughter pairs. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine (LS), femur neck (FN), and total hip (TH) by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The daughter group was stratified into two groups according to the mean BMI (21.4 kg/m(2)).

RESULTS

The daughters' BMD correlated significantly with both their BMI and their mothers' Z-score for each skeletal site. In the daughters with a lower BMI (≤21.4 kg/m(2)), the BMDs at the FN and TH were affected more by the mothers' Z-score than by the daughters' BMI. Meanwhile, the influence of the daughters' BMI on their BMD was higher than that of their mothers' Z-score in daughters with a higher BMI (>21.4 kg/m(2)). Moreover, the mothers' Z-scores were a significant predictor of their daughters having Z-scores < -1.0 only in daughters with a lower BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that maternal inheritance is an important determinant of the daughters' bone mass, but that this hereditary factor may vary according to the daughters' BMI.

PO-42 - A novel approach to a common problem: after-hours care of cancer patients diagnosed with VTE

INTRODUCTION

Oncologists often receive phone calls from radiologists after regular working hours or while on call, informing them that a cancer patient has been diagnosed with a blood clot. In these situations, there may not be nursing staff available to contact the patient and provide teaching for Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) injections. As a result, patients are often sent to the emergency for injection and teaching, taxing an already overburdened emergency department. This problem constitutes an important care gap.

AIM

In Alberta, Canada, pharmacists are able to prescribe medications including LMWH. We designed an after-hours program to provide care for cancer patients diagnosed with VTE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Once the oncologist is made aware of the patient with a clot, a simple one page document is filled out and faxed to a 24-hour outpatient pharmacy outlining the following: patient demographics, clot location, systemic therapy, current anticoagulant and anti-platelet agents. The oncologist has the option to specify desired LMWH. The patient goes to the pharmacy where the pharmacist weighs the patient, reviews blood work electronically and prescribes the LMWH. Also provided are injection teaching and telephone follow-up. A specific algorithm is followed with the pharmacist able to contact the on call oncologist in specific situations where the patient's condition falls outside of the algorithm guideline. The pharmacist is able to order blood work, particularly to evaluate for Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia. Patients must follow up with their oncologist within 7 days of diagnosis.

RESULTS

This program has been run as a pilot and preliminary data will be presented at the ICTHIC meeting. Specifically, we will assess usage of the program, appropriateness of therapy chosen according to Canadian practice guidelines, as well as patient, pharmacist and physician satisfaction with the program.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that this outpatient pharmacy program is innovative, will decrease burden on emergency departments, and takes advantage of our pharmacists' ability to independently assess patients and write prescriptions. This program may serve as a model for other cancer centers looking for a novel way to provide after-hours care of patients diagnosed with VTE.

Cardiovascular events prior to or early after diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus in the systemic lupus international collaborating clinics cohort

Objective

To describe the frequency of myocardial infarction (MI) prior to the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and within the first 2 years of follow-up.

Methods

The systemic lupus international collaborating clinics (SLICC) atherosclerosis inception cohort enters patients within 15 months of SLE diagnosis. MIs were reported and attributed on a specialised vascular event form. MIs were confirmed by one or more of the following: abnormal ECG, typical or atypical symptoms with ECG abnormalities and elevated enzymes (≥2 times upper limit of normal), or abnormal stress test, echocardiogram, nuclear scan or angiogram. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results

31 of 1848 patients who entered the cohort had an MI. Of those, 23 patients had an MI prior to SLE diagnosis or within the first 2 years of disease. Of the 23 patients studied, 60.9% were female, 78.3% were Caucasian, 8.7% black, 8.7% Hispanic and 4.3% other. The mean age at SLE diagnosis was 52.5±15.0 years. Of the 23 MIs that occurred, 16 MIs occurred at a mean of 6.1±7.0 years prior to diagnosis and 7 occurred within the first 2 years of follow-up. Risk factors associated with early MI in univariate analysis are male sex, Caucasian, older age at diagnosis, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, family history of MI and smoking. In multivariate analysis only age (OR=1.06 95% CI 1.03 to 1.09), hypertension (OR=5.01, 95% CI 1.38 to 18.23), hypercholesterolaemia (OR=4.43, 95% CI 1.51 to 12.99) and smoking (OR=7.50, 95% CI 2.38 to 23.57) remained significant risk factors.

Conclusions

In some patients with lupus, MI may develop even before the diagnosis of SLE or shortly thereafter, suggesting that there may be a link between autoimmune inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Age- and sex-specific association of circulating osteocalcin with dynamic measures of glucose homeostasis

SUMMARY

Our study showed that serum osteocalcin levels are closely related to glucose metabolism in men of all ages and younger women. This association disappeared in postmenopausal women in which increases bone turnover rates. The association between serum osteocalcin levels and glucose homeostasis should be interpreted according to age and sex.

INTRODUCTION

Osteocalcin, a marker of bone formation, appears to be associated with glucose homeostasis. We investigated the age- and sex-specific association of serum osteocalcin level with variables related to glucose metabolism.

METHODS

This study was based on cross-sectional analysis from 719 participants aged 20-85 years after excluding patients taking antidiabetic or antiosteoporotic drugs. The subjects were divided into four groups according to age and sex as follows: men <50 years (n = 131), men ≥50 years (n = 191), women <50 years (n = 108), and women ≥50 years (n = 279). Anthropometric and biochemical variables including insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β cell function (HOMA-β) from a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, and serum 25-OH-vitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels were measured.

RESULTS

The serum osteocalcin level was significantly higher in women aged ≥50 years compared with women <50 years (20.4 ± 7.8 vs. 17.9 ± 6.8 ng/ml, p < 0.001), but there was no difference between men aged ≥50 years and men <50 years (16.4 ± 5.9 vs. 16.8 ± 6.0 ng/ml, p = 0.905). The participants diagnosed with diabetes had lower serum osteocalcin levels than normal or prediabetic participants. Multivariable regression analyses including HOMA-IR and HOMA-β indicated that serum osteocalcin levels had a negative and independent association with HbA1c levels in men and women aged <50 years, but not in women ≥50 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Low osteocalcin levels are associated with impaired glucose metabolism in men and premenopausal women. The osteocalcin levels may be determined by factors related to bone metabolism in postmenopausal women. Our data suggest that the serum levels of osteocalcin associated with glucose homeostasis should be interpreted according to age and sex.

Needs assessment for master of nursing programmes among Bangladesh nurses

AIM

This study aimed to assess the intent to enrol in a master of nursing programme among Bangladesh nurses, identify preferred programme options and measure the association among intent to enrol in the programme, clinical competency and job satisfaction.

BACKGROUND

Personal and professional aspects of potential students pursuing graduate education are beneficial in devising educational strategies. However, considering the pressing needs for higher nursing education, there are no masters of nursing programmes in Bangladesh.

METHODS

This study used a descriptive correlational design. Nurses working in Bangladesh public sector were recruited to participate in a self-administered survey (n = 260). The questionnaire consisted of perception of job satisfaction, clinical competency and the need for educational options, including the intent to enrol in a master of nursing programme, preferred specialty area, curriculum content and career goals after graduation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and point-biserial correlation.

RESULTS

Ninety per cent of the respondents reported that they intended to enrol in a master of nursing programme. Intention was significantly correlated with clinical competency but not with job satisfaction. The most preferred specialty areas were nursing management and education. Half of the respondents responded that teaching at nursing schools was a career goal after graduation.

DISCUSSION

The results of the needs assessment for the programme reflected the unique interest and priorities of the current status of Bangladesh.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate a strong motivation to enrol in a master of nursing programme, confidence in clinical competence and high demand for programme in nursing management and education. These findings should be considered to design the programme in order to meet the interest of Bangladesh nurses.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY

Educational needs assessments should take precedence to ensure the best possible educational outcome and to produce competent nurses who will contribute in achieving the Millennium Development Goals of Bangladesh.

Abstract P6-04-02: Identification of ESR1 splice variants associated with prognosis in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer

Background: Splice variants play a major role in carcinogenesis and disease progression. It is well known that androgen receptor splice variants are associated with resistance to prostate cancer treatment. Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancers constitute about 70% of all breast cancers and have better prognosis compared to ER-negative cancers. However, there are ER-positive breast cancers that acquire resistance to anti-estrogen therapy, and 12-55% of those tumors were shown to possess ESR1 mutations. The aim of this study was to identify common splice variants in the ESR1 gene and investigate their association with disease outcome.

Methods: Whole transcriptome sequencing was performed on breast cancer specimens from 120 invasive breast cancer patients who underwent operation at Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) and data from SNUH, GEO, and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used for normal breast tissue sequencing. Exon-exon junctions were identified on aligned RNA sequencing data and was used to construct exon graphs. Splice variant candidates were selected from exon graphs and were merged according to variant subtypes of samples. Subtypes were accessed differentially in relation to how frequent the junctions appear in tumor samples and common exon skipping types with frequent junctions were identified. TCGA RNA sequencing data was then used to search for the common exon skipping subtypes detected from SNUH RNA sequencing data.

Results: Of the 120 tumor samples, 50 were clinically ER-positive by immunohistochemistry. Among exon paths logically possible, 125 paths were not observed in normal breast tissues. Exon 4-5 junction was the most commonly observed junction in the tumor samples. In a search for exon skipping type that results in missing ligand-binding domain of ER, three exon skipping types were identified. Exon skipping with exon 5-10 junction (type 1), exon 9-12 junction (type 2), and exon 10-12 (type 3) was seen in 4 (8%), 4 (8%), and 10 (20%) ER-positive samples, respectively. Retrospective medical chart review of the 18 patients showed recurrence in 4 (100%), 2 (50%), and 4 (40%) patients with type 1, 2, and 3 exon skipping, respectively. Evaluation of TCGA RNA sequencing data of 872 ER-positive samples suggested exon 4-5 junction as the most common junction. A search for exon skipping types in TCGA revealed 1 (0.1%), 9 (1.0%), and 454 (52.1%) samples with type 1, 2, and 3 exon skipping, respectively. However, none of the patients with type 1 or 2 had metastasis or had expired. Of the 454 patients with type 3 exon skipping, 54 patients had died, constituting 61.4% of 88 mortalities in the whole ER-positive population.

Conclusion: Certain splice variants of ESR1 gene yields exon skipping subtypes commonly observed in the ER-positive breast cancer. Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer with these exon skipping types resulting in a missing ligand-binding domain of ER may be associated with poorer disease outcome. Further investigation is warranted to validate the role of ESR1 exon skipping subtypes in the disease progression of breast cancer.

Citation Format: Lee H-B, Han W, Ko S, Kim M-S, Lim S, Lee K-M, Kang YJ, Han JH, Kim Y, Yoo T-K, Moon H-G, Noh D-Y, Kim S, Han W. Identification of ESR1 splice variants associated with prognosis in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-04-02.

Os odontoideum in wolcott-rallison syndrome: a case series of 4 patients

Wolcott-Rallison Syndrome is the commonest cause of neonatal diabetes in consanguineous families. It is associated with liver dysfunction, epiphyseal dysplasia, and developmental delay. It is caused by mutations in eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-α kinase 3 (EIF2AK3).

We report 4 children with WRS and Os Odontoideum resulting in significant neurological compromise. This cervical spine abnormality has not previously been described in this syndrome. This additional evidence broadens the clinical spectrum of this syndrome and confirms the role of EIF2AK3 in skeletal development. Furthermore, Os Odontoideum needs to be actively screened for in WRS patients to prevent neurological and respiratory compromise.

Photoluminescence of Vanadate Garnet Ca2NaMg(2-x)V3O12:xEu3+ Phosphors Synthesized by Solution Combustion Method

In this study, a series of nano-sized Ca2NaMg(2-x)V3O12:xEu3+ (0.06 < or = x < or = 0.18) red phosphors is synthesized by solution combustion method. The microstructure and photoluminescence properties of the Ca2NaMg(2-x)V3O12:xEu3+ phosphors are studied in accordance with the Eu3+ content. Annealed Ca2NaMg(2-x)V3O12:xEu3+ phosphors form a single phase with the cubic garnet structure and Ia3d space group. The emission from (VO4)3- in the Ca2NaMg(2-x)V3O12:xEu3+ phosphors is almost completely quenched due to the efficient energy transfer from the (VO4)3- to the Eu3+ ions. The emission intensity increases sharply with the increased Eu3+ content, reaching a maximum value at x = 0.15, and then decreases with further Eu3+ content. Ca2NaMg1.85V3O12:0.15Eu3+ shows great potential as a red phosphor for white light-emitting diodes.

Sarcopenia as a Predictor of Future Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the association between the indices of sarcopenia and future risk of cognitive impairment in older adults.

DESIGN

Community-based prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Community.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 297 participants aged ≥65 years without cognitive impairment at baseline (mean age, 71.9 ± 6.6 years; men:women, 158:139) and who underwent cognitive evaluation at the 5-year follow-up.

MEASUREMENTS

Sarcopenia parameters including appendicular lean mass (ALM), handgrip strength, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score at baseline were compared according to the later progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and/or dementia. The operational criteria suggested by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia Project were used. We performed multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the independent indicators of the progression of cognitive impairment.

RESULTS

Among the 297 participants, 242 (81.5%) remained cognitively normal (nonprogression group), whereas 55 (18.5%) showed progression of cognitive impairment (50 subjects (16.8%) to MCI and 5 subjects (1.7%) to dementia) (progression group). Compared with the nonprogression group, subjects in the progression group were older, had a lower educational level, and had lower physical function as assessed by the SPPB; a higher percentage were depressed. Other baseline markers of sarcopenia, including the ALM-to-body mass index ratio and handgrip strength did not differ significantly between the groups. The association between a low SPPB score (<9) and progression of cognitive impairment was maintained after adjustment for conventional risk factors for cognitive impairment (hazard ratio 2.222, 95% confidence interval 1.047-4.716, P = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

Decreased physical performance, as assessed by the SPPB, but not other markers of sarcopenia, was independently associated with the risk of later cognitive impairment in older adults.

Precision Measurement of the Helium Flux in Primary Cosmic Rays of Rigidities 1.9 GV to 3 TV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

Knowledge of the precise rigidity dependence of the helium flux is important in understanding the origin, acceleration, and propagation of cosmic rays. A precise measurement of the helium flux in primary cosmic rays with rigidity (momentum/charge) from 1.9 GV to 3 TV based on 50 million events is presented and compared to the proton flux. The detailed variation with rigidity of the helium flux spectral index is presented for the first time. The spectral index progressively hardens at rigidities larger than 100 GV. The rigidity dependence of the helium flux spectral index is similar to that of the proton spectral index though the magnitudes are different. Remarkably, the spectral index of the proton to helium flux ratio increases with rigidity up to 45 GV and then becomes constant; the flux ratio above 45 GV is well described by a single power law.

Effective strategies for weight loss in post-partum women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Post-partum weight loss is critical to preventing and managing obesity in women, but the results from lifestyle interventions are variable and the components associated with successful outcomes are not yet clearly identified. This study aimed to identify lifestyle intervention strategies associated with weight loss in post-partum women. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL and four other databases were searched for lifestyle intervention studies (diet or exercise or both) in post-partum women (within 12 months of delivery) published up to July 2014. The primary outcome was weight loss. Subgroup analyses were conducted for self-monitoring, individual or group setting, intervention duration, intervention types, the use of technology as a support, and home- or centre-based interventions. From 12,673 studies, 46 studies were included in systematic review and 32 randomized controlled trials were eligible for meta-analysis (1,892 women, age 24-36 years). Studies with self-monitoring had significantly greater weight lost than those without (-4.61 kg [-7.08, -2.15] vs. -1.34 kg [-1.66, -1.02], P = 0.01 for subgroup differences). Diet and physical activity when combined were significantly more effective on weight loss compared with physical activity alone (-3.24 kg [-4.59, -1.90] vs. -1.63 kg [-2.16, -1.10], P < 0.001 for subgroup differences). Lifestyle interventions that use self-monitoring and take a combined diet-and-exercise approach have significantly greater weight loss in post-partum women.