High pressure induced spin state crossover in Sr2CaYCo4O10.5

The layered cobaltite Sr(2)CaYCo(4)O(10.5) with formal average cobalt oxidation state close to 3+ has been studied as functions of both temperature and pressure up to 4 GPa by neutron powder diffraction (NPD). The crystal structure is shown to have tetragonal symmetry (space group I4/mmm; 2a(p) × 2a(p) × 4a(p) superstructure), and the magnetic structure at ambient pressure is found to be G-type antiferromagnetic with TN close to 310 K. The magnetic moments within the CoO(6) octahedral layers and anion-deficient CoO(4.5) layers are 1.2μ(B) and 2.8μ(B), respectively. At 25 K, and applied pressure of 3.5 GPa is sufficient to completely suppress a long-range magnetic order. This result is interpreted in terms of a pressure-induced high-to-low spin state crossover of the Co(3+) ions.

DC magnetic susceptibility and neutron powder diffraction analysis of the perovskite-type compounds LaYbO₃ and LaHoO₃

Magnetization measurements and neutron powder diffraction analyses followed by Rietveld refinement have been carried out in order to investigate the magnetic structures of LaYbO3 and LaHoO3. Both compounds exhibit a negative thermal expansion along the a and b axes. In LaYbO3 Yb(3+) spins order at 2.4 K according to a FyGz-type structure, belonging to the Pn'ma' magnetic space group. Conversely, LaHoO3 is paramagnetic down to 1.5 K.

Pauling Entropy, Metastability, and Equilibrium in Dy_{2}Ti_{2}O_{7} Spin Ice

Determining the fate of the Pauling entropy in the classical spin ice material Dy_{2}Ti_{2}O_{7} with respect to the third law of thermodynamics has become an important test case for understanding the existence and stability of ice-rule states in general. The standard model of spin ice-the dipolar spin ice model-predicts an ordering transition at T≈0.15  K, but recent experiments by Pomaranski et al. suggest an entropy recovery over long timescales at temperatures as high as 0.5 K, much too high to be compatible with the theory. Using neutron scattering and specific heat measurements at low temperatures and with long timescales (0.35  K/10^{6}  s and 0.5  K/10^{5}  s, respectively) on several isotopically enriched samples, we find no evidence of a reduction of ice-rule correlations or spin entropy. High-resolution simulations of the neutron structure factor show that the spin correlations remain well described by the dipolar spin ice model at all temperatures. Furthermore, by careful consideration of hyperfine contributions, we conclude that the original entropy measurements of Ramirez et al. are, after all, essentially correct: The short-time relaxation method used in that study gives a reasonably accurate estimate of the equilibrium spin ice entropy due to a cancellation of contributions.

[Gut microbiome and anorexia nervosa : The relationship between microbiome and gut-brain interaction in the context of anorexia nervosa]

In recent years the intestinal microbiome and its interaction with the brain has aroused a growing interest. The findings gained in the course of this research are of great relevance not only to basic scientists but also to clinicians, as studies suggest an association between an altered microbiome and various somatic (e.g. chronic inflammatory intestinal diseases, obesity and diabetes) as well as psychiatric diseases (e.g. anxiety disorders, depression). In addition to a direct influence of the microbiome on the brain and behavior, various mechanisms seem to be relevant, including altered energy intake from food, hormonal changes, probably increased intestinal permeability as well as inflammatory and immunological processes. Anorexia nervosa (AN) is the third most common chronic disease in adolescence and has the highest mortality rate among all mental disorders. In addition to extremely restrictive eating habits, weight loss and comorbid anxiety and depression symptoms, endocrine changes and an increased autoimmune and inflammatory response are characteristic. Since AN is particularly strongly linked to eating behavior and nutrition, research into the microbiome seems very promising, especially with respect to this disease. This article gives a first insight into the underlying processes that play a role in gut-brain interaction in the context of AN and summarizes the previous empirical findings on this topic. Finally, an outlook on future research and possible implications for the therapeutic practice and treatment of AN is given.

Diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis. A case with heart failure and thrombocytopenia

An examination of the skin in a nine day old infant revealed multiple cherry-red superficial hemangiomas, which progressively increased in size and number. At the age of three weeks these skin lesions involved the scalp, trunk, extremities, palms, soles, and buccal mucous membranes. In addition, similar lesions of the liver and gastrointestinal tract were found. Steroids and irradiation were tried with limited success. Finally, hepatic artery ligation was successful in eliminating the heart failure.

[Relation of angiographic changes to clinical data and risk factors in patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans]

The arteriographical changes of 66 patients with peripheral arterial obliterative disease and the relationship between the observed alterations and certain clinical and laboratory data as well as some risk factors were analysed. A score system was used to quantify the arteriosclerotic lesions. The arterial alterations of the examined 90 extremities were studied in the pelvic (common and external iliac arteries), femoral (common, superficial, deep femoral and popliteal arteries) and crural (anterior and posterior tibial arteries) regions. Pathomorphological changes in 433 of the investigated 720 arteries were shown, from among them plaque in 11.8%, stenosis in 22.3%, total occlusion in 26% were proved. Most frequently (89%) the superficial femoral artery was affected. As to the single vessels, the superficial femoral and posterior tibial arteries, while among the zones the femoral region proved to be most serious radiologically. The degree and extent of vessel lesions were related to age. The morphological severity was basically concordant with the results of clinical investigations (walking distance, ergometry, Doppler index). The separately examined risk factors (smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia) were not related consequently to the radiological changes, but in certain combinations, as heavy smoking with hypertension and heavy smoking with diabetes, the relationship proved to be statistically significant.

Abstract P5-09-06: Ovarian reserve and response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in breast cancer women with and without BRCA mutation

Background: 6300 new cases of breast cancer arise in young women under 40 each year in France. Some of them are BRCA 1 or 2 mutation carriers. Most of them receive a potentially gonadotoxic chemotherapy while they have not yet completed their family. Since 2011, a systematic proposal of ovarian reserve follow-up and fertility preservation by oocyte freezing is provided to each young early breast cancer (BC) patients (pts) of our program (NCT 01614704). Preliminary results were presented at the SABCS in 2013. We now investigate the impact of BRCA mutation on the ovarian reserve and the ovarian response to simulation.

Methods: 115 young BC pts were systematically referred to a reproductive medicine centre before starting chemotherapy. Inclusion criteria were age 18 to 38, histologically confirmed invasive breast carcinoma, absence of metastases. According to their personal and familial history, genetic counselling was performed and if the patient met the criteria and agreed, BRCA genes were analysed. Pts in an adjuvant setting and who were asking for fertility preservation underwent COH during the interval between complete surgery and start of adjuvant chemotherapy. Ovarian stimulation protocol consisted in a conventional antagonist protocol with recombinant FSH starting on day 2 of the menstrual cycles. The GnRh antagonist was started on day of the COH and the final oocyte maturation was achieved by an injection of triptorelin 0.2 mg when at least 3 follicles reached 18 mm of diameter. All pts gave their informed consent for COH, egg/embryo freezing and follow-up.

Results: 115 pts achieved pre-treatment AMH and AFC assessment. 60 (52,1%) were eligible for COH in order to cryopreserve egg or embryos. BRCA analysis was performed in 83 pts. 23 did not meet the criteria or refused. 9 analyses are still in process. 17 (20.4%) pts were positive for BRCA mutation (BRCA1: 13; BRCA2: 4) and 66 were not. In the mutation carriers group (n=17), median age was 32 years (Range 25-37). Median initial AMH levels and AFC were 23 pmol/l (5.1–223) and 20 (6-100), respectively. Eight pts underwent COH. Median duration of stimulation was 9,5 days (8-13) with a median cumulative dose of gonadotropins of 2875 UI (1200-5450). The median number of vitrified oocytes was 5,5 (0-15). Two patients chose frozen embryo preservation (1 and 2 eggs respectively). In the non-carriers group (n=66), median age was 31 years (24-37). Median initial AMH levels and AFC were 23.4 pmol/l (0.8-136) and 24 (1-68). 27 pts underwent COH. Median duration of stimulation was 10 days (7-14). Dose of gonadotropins was 2700 UI (1365-5600). The median number of vitrified oocytes was 6 (0-18). The 3 patients chose eggs preservation (0.0 and 3 eggs respectively). There was no significant difference in the two groups.

Discussion/ Conclusion: Few studies stated that BRCA1 mutation may be associated with reduced ovarian reserve in healthy BRCA mutation carriers. Meirow and al concluded that both healthy and BC BRCA mutation carriers demonstrated normal ovarian response in vitro fertilization cycles. Our results show that ovarian reserve of BRCA 1/2 mutations BC carriers do not differ from that of non-carriers. Response to COH seems similar in both groups too.

Citation Format: Mailliez A, Keller L, Menu-Hespel S, Plouvier P, D'Orazio E, Basson L, Pigny P, Bonneterre J, Decanter C. Ovarian reserve and response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in breast cancer women with and without BRCA mutation [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 P5-09-06.

Is there a relationship between tumour aggressiveness and ovarian stimulation outcomes in adolescent and young adult patients with lymphoma?

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does the aggressiveness of Hodgkin lymphoma impact the oocyte cohort after ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation?

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was undertaken. Seventy-seven chemo-naive women with newly diagnosed Hodgkin lymphoma were enrolled prospectively at the Observatory and Fertility Preservation Centre, Lille University Hospital, France between 2012 and 2021. Seventy-eight ovarian stimulation cycles were performed. Oocyte cohort characteristics were compared between patients with early and intermediate stage disease [German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG) I + II] and patients with advanced stage disease (GHSG III). Among the GHSG III patients, the influence of the Hasenclever score on fertility preservation outcomes was analysed. The primary endpoint was the number of metaphase II oocytes (MII) retrieved.

RESULTS

The groups were comparable except for body mass index (BMI). Overall, a median of seven (interquartile range 4-11) MII oocytes were retrieved. Before and after adjustment for BMI, age, pre-treatment anti-Müllerian hormone concentration, and total dose of gonadotrophin, GHSG status did not have a significant impact on the number of MII oocytes retrieved [relative risk 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.68-1.34; P = 0.79] or the other ovarian stimulation outcomes. The Hasenclever score was not significantly associated with the number of MII oocytes retrieved.

CONCLUSION

Tumour aggressiveness was not found to have a significant influence on the number of MII oocytes retrieved in young women with Hodgkin lymphoma. These results suggest that fertility preservation should be proposed systematically, regardless of the stage of Hodgkin disease, in young women.

High-molecular IRI (big, big insulin) in islet cell adenoma

In agreement with data previously reported (Yalow and Berson 1973), after gel filtration of acid-ethanol extracts of islet cell adenomas (performed in 3 M acetic acid) 1.4% to 1.8% of total immunoreactive insulin (IRI) eluted ahead of proinsulin. The high-molecular IRI (HM-IRI) was, however, found to be heterogenous in size and consisted of at least three components, the major one having an estimated molecular weight of about 50,000. Under certain conditions, HM-IRI was partially dissociated into proinsulin- and insulin-like components. We conclude that HM-IRI does not represent a precursor of proinsulin and insulin, but probably a self-association product of the peptides or an association of insulin and proinsulin to other proteins extracted from tumor tissue.

Immune mediated destruction of platelets in dogs with heat stroke: A prospective study

Objective: Severe thrombocytopenia is a common sequelae to heat stroke in dogs. So far it has been hypothezised that it is due to disseminated intravascular coagulation. We hypothezised that it is due to immune mediated destruction via antiplatelet antibodies. Material and methods: Prospective evaluation of dogs with heat stroke from May 2005 to August 2008. Dogs that developed severe thrombocytopenia within 5 days of admission were included in the study. All dogs were treated with a standardized treatment protocol. In addition, they received either immunoglobulins or prednisolone. Results: Six dogs were presented with heat stroke during that time period. Four developed a severe thrombocytopenia. All four dogs tested positive for antiplatelet antibodies and did not have elevated D-Dimers at that time. Platelet count in three dogs recovered fully, one dog was euthanized due to liver and renal failure. Conclusion: In those cases thrombocytopenia was due to immune mediated destruction not due to DIC. Clinical rele-vance: Due to the severity of the thrombocytopenia and the high risk for bleeding in those patients, immunosuppressive therapy in addition to DIC prophylaxis should be discussed.