[Study on the determination of pyrrole adduct content in hair samples]

Objective: To find out a method to determine the pyrrole adducts in the hairs. Methods: Collected the hair from common people and rats, defatted after completely washed, steeped the hair in different concentration of 2, 5-hexandione to build hair model containing pyrrole adducts; dissolved the hair and determined the concentration of pyrrole adducts. Results: (1) . The combination of 0.72 mol/L of sodium hydrate and 2% tyrisin could dissolve the hair, and the digestion liquid could react with the Ehrlich's reagent showing fuchsia color; (2) . The color could maintain longer after adding more ethanol; (3) . More pyrrole adducts would be produced by the increasing the concentration of 2, 5-dihexandione (P<0.01) ; (4) . Concentration of pyrrole adducts in n-hexane treated hair showed no difference compared with control (P>0.05) . Conclusion: the method could be used to determine the concentration of pyrrole adducts in hair exposed to n-hexane.

Determining the orientation of parent β grain from one α variant in titanium alloys

The relationship between the crystallographic orientation and habit plane normal of transformed α laths in titanium alloys is discussed according to the Burgers orientation relationship and the three-dimensional structure of the α lath. A new method (orientation–trace method) is developed to determine the orientation of the parent β phase using the orientation of the α lath, which was measured by electron backscatter diffraction, and the microstructural morphology of that α variant. This approach is validated in a near-α titanium alloy. Moreover, the habit plane normal direction of the transformed α lath can be obtained from the crystallographic orientations of the α lath itself and its parent β grain. The verification and the corresponding discussion show the reliability of this approach.

Morphological and molecular characterisation of Eimeria vison-like oocysts (Apicomplexa:Eimeriidae) in farmed mink (Neovison vison) in Denmark

A survey was conducted on 30 Danish mink farms from April to October 2016 to determine the prevalence and species of Eimeria in Danish farmed mink. In total, 2.6% of mink faecal samples (108/4140) were positive for Eimeria vison-like oocysts by microscopy, with 24.8% (78/315) of mink being positive at least once during the study period. Morphological analysis of sporulated oocysts (n = 20) identified Eimeria vison-like oocysts measuring 21.0 × 13.8 μm with a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.5. Phylogenetic analysis of 18S rRNA sequences (1221 bp) from three positive mink indicated that Eimeria vison-like shared the highest genetic similarity to Eimeria sp. ex Apodemus agrarius from a Striped field mouse (A. agrarius) from the Czech Republic (99.6%). Analysis of a shorter region of 18S (531 bp) revealed that the E. vison-like genotype sequences grouped in the same clade and shared 97.7% similarity with E. furonis. At the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) locus, mink-derived sequences were not available from GenBank and phylogenetic analysis placed the novel E. vison-like in a clade with E. cf. ictidea (99.4% similarity) from a black footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) from Canada.

Selective activation of parvalbumin interneurons prevents stress-induced synapse loss and perceptual defects

Stress, a prevalent experience in modern society, is a major risk factor for many psychiatric disorders. Although sensorimotor abnormalities are often present in these disorders, little is known about how stress affects the sensory cortex. Combining behavioral analyses with in vivo synaptic imaging, we show that stressful experiences lead to progressive, clustered loss of dendritic spines along the apical dendrites of layer (L) 5 pyramidal neurons (PNs) in the mouse barrel cortex, and such spine loss closely associates with deteriorated performance in a whisker-dependent texture discrimination task. Furthermore, the activity of parvalbumin-expressing inhibitory interneurons (PV+ INs) decreases in the stressed mouse due to reduced excitability of these neurons. Importantly, both behavioral defects and structural changes of L5 PNs are prevented by selective pharmacogenetic activation of PV+INs in the barrel cortex during stress. Finally, stressed mice raised under environmental enrichment (EE) maintain normal activation of PV+ INs, normal texture discrimination, and L5 PN spine dynamics similar to unstressed EE mice. Our findings suggest that the PV+ inhibitory circuit is crucial for normal synaptic dynamics in the mouse barrel cortex and sensory function. Pharmacological, pharmacogenetic and environmental approaches to prevent stress-induced maladaptive behaviors and synaptic malfunctions converge on the regulation of PV+ IN activity, pointing to a potential therapeutic target for stress-related disorders.

Partner-facilitating transmembrane penetration of nanoparticles: a biological test in silico

Transmembrane penetration of nanoparticles (NPs) promises an effective pathway for cargo delivery into cells, and offers the possibility of organelle-specific targeting for biomedical applications. However, a full understanding of the underlying NP-membrane interaction mechanism is still lacking. In this work, the membrane penetration behavior of NPs is statistically analyzed based on the simulations of over 2.2 ms, which are performed with dissipative particle dynamics (DPD). Influences from multiple factors including the NP concentration, shape and surface chemistry are taken into account. It is interesting to find that, the introduction of a partner NP would greatly facilitate the transmembrane penetration of a host spherical NP. This is probably due to the membrane-mediated cooperation between the NPs. Moreover, the proper selection of a partner NP with specific surface chemistry is of great significance. For example, the best partner for a hydrophilic NP to achieve transmembrane penetration is a Janus-like one, in comparison with the hydrophilic, hydrophobic or randomly surface-decorated NPs. Furthermore, such a partner-facilitating effect in NP translocation also works for a shaped NP although less pronounced. Our results are helpful for a better understanding of the complicated nano-bio interactions, and offer a practical guide to the NP-based drug delivery strategy with high efficiency.

[Investigation and analysis of health-related quality of life in myasthenia gravis patients with myasthenia gravis quality of life-15 Chinese version]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the level and influencing factors of health-related quality of life in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients with myasthenia gravis quality of life-15 (MGQOL-15) Chinese version and to provide corresponding measures in one tertiary hospital of Sichuan Province.

METHODS

We collected the general data (gender, age, body mass index BMI, marital status, educational level and employee status), clinical data [Osserman type, myasthenia gravis composite (MGC), other immunopathies, disease duration, frequency of outpatient visits per month, ratio of disease cost to income each month and frequency of symptoms during the past month] and the MGQOL-15 Chinese version from 168 myasthenia gravis patients in one tertiary hospital of Sichuan Province.

RESULTS

The mean score of MGQOL-15 was 17.67±12.78. The score of the item "My occupational skills and job status have been negatively affected." was the highest, followed by "I have trouble using my eyes." and "I am frustrated by my MG." Single factor analysis showed that MG patients' QOL were different with different disease severity MGC (F=19.353, P<0.001), ratio of disease cost to income each month (F=5.831, P<0.001) and the frequency of symptoms during the past month (F=9.128,P<0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that disease severity MGC (β=0.743,P<0.001), ration of disease cost to income each month (β=3.347,P<0.001) and the frequency of symptoms during the past month (β=2.216,P<0.003) were the main predictors of HRQOL in the MG patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that the MGQOL-15 is helpful for clinicians to evaluate MG patients' QOL regularly, investigate the influencing factors and implement corresponding interventions the so as to improve the patients' quality of life. Disease severity MGC, ratio of disease cost to income each month and the frequency of symptoms during the past month were the main predictors of MG patients' QOL. Clinicians should pay more attention to MG patients' disease severity MGC and the frequency of symptoms during the past month.

En bloc resection of pelvic sarcomas with sacral invasion: a classification of surgical approaches and outcomes

Aims

The sacrum is frequently invaded by a pelvic tumour. The aim of this study was to review our experience of treating this group of patients and to identify the feasibility of a new surgical classification in the management of these tumours.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed 141 patients who, between 2005 and 2014, had undergone surgical excision of a pelvic tumour with invasion of the sacrum. In a new classification, pelvisacral (Ps) I, II, and III resections refer to a sagittal osteotomy through the ipsilateral wing of the sacrum, through the sacral midline, or lateral to the contralateral sacral foramina, respectively. A Ps a resection describes a pelvic osteotomy through the ilium and a Ps b resection describes a concurrent resection of the acetabulum with osteotomies performed through the pubis and ischium or the pubic symphysis. Within each type, surgical approaches were standardized to guide resection of the tumour.

Results

The mean operating time was 5.2 hours (sd 1.7) and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 1895 ml (sd 1070). Adequate margins were achieved in 112 (79.4%) of 141 patients. Nonetheless, 30 patients (21.3%) had local recurrence. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS93) lower-limb function score was 68% (sd 19; 17 to 100). According to the proposed classification, 92 patients (65%) underwent a Ps I resection, 33 patients (23%) a Ps II resection, and 16 (11%) patients a Ps III resection. Overall, 82 (58%) patients underwent a Ps a resection and 59 (42%) patient a Ps b resections. The new classification predicted surgical outcome.

Conclusion

We propose a comprehensive classification of surgical approaches for tumours of the pelvis with sacral invasion. Analysis showed that this classification helped in the surgical management of such patients and had predictive value for surgical outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:798-805.

Search for γ-Ray Line Signals from Dark Matter Annihilations in the Inner Galactic Halo from 10 Years of Observations with H.E.S.S

Spectral lines are among the most powerful signatures for dark matter (DM) annihilation searches in very-high-energy γ rays. The central region of the Milky Way halo is one of the most promising targets given its large amount of DM and proximity to Earth. We report on a search for a monoenergetic spectral line from self-annihilations of DM particles in the energy range from 300 GeV to 70 TeV using a two-dimensional maximum likelihood method taking advantage of both the spectral and spatial features of the signal versus background. The analysis makes use of Galactic center observations accumulated over ten years (2004-2014) with the H.E.S.S. array of ground-based Cherenkov telescopes. No significant γ-ray excess above the background is found. We derive upper limits on the annihilation cross section ⟨σv⟩ for monoenergetic DM lines at the level of 4×10^{-28}  cm^{3} s^{-1} at 1 TeV, assuming an Einasto DM profile for the Milky Way halo. For a DM mass of 1 TeV, they improve over the previous ones by a factor of 6. The present constraints are the strongest obtained so far for DM particles in the mass range 300 GeV-70 TeV. Ground-based γ-ray observations have reached sufficient sensitivity to explore relevant velocity-averaged cross sections for DM annihilation into two γ-ray photons at the level expected from the thermal relic density for TeV DM particles.

[Clinicopathologic and molecular features of cribriform morular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic and molecular features of the rare cribriform morular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (CMV-PTC). Methods: The clinicopathologic data of 10 patients with CMV-PTC were retrospectively reviewed. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was done using LSAB method. DNA sequencing for APC were applied using Sanger method. BRAF V600E mutation was examined using ARMS method. The cytological, morphological, IHC and molecular features were analyzed. Results: All patients were female at an average age of 27 years old. The tumors were mostly located in the right lobe of thyroid. Fine needle aspiration cytology was performed in three patients; two were diagnosed as suspicious for PTC and one as PTC. Nine tumors presented as solitary nodule and two as multiple nodules in both lobes. Infiltration was demonstrated in three cases. The average size was 2.6 cm. The neoplastic cells were arranged in papillary, cribriform, solid and glandular patterns, with rare or without colloid inside the lumen. The number of morula varied, ranging from zero to many. The neoplastic cells were variably enlarged, showing round, oval or spindle shape. Nuclear irregularity was identified as irregular membrane, nuclear grooves or pseudoinclusion, but no typical ground glass feature. Peculiar nuclear clearing could be observed in the morular cells. IHC staining showed the neoplastic cells were negative for thyroglobulin and p63, but positive for TTF1, cytokeratin 19 and estrogen receptor. Diffuse staining with cytokeratin was seen in the neoplastic cells and the morula. Specific cytoplasmic and nuclear staining of β-catenin was seen in the neoplastic cells but not the morula. Ki-67 proliferation index was 1%-30%. No recurrence or metastasis was observed. One patient was demonstrated to harbor both somatic and germline mutations of the APC gene, who was found to have adenomatous polyposis and her mother died of colonic carcinoma. No BRAF V600E mutation was detected. Conclusions: CMV-PTC is rare and shows atypical cytological and clinicopathological features, and it is easily misdiagnosed.TG, TTF1, ER and β-catenin are specific IHC markers for CMV-PTC. The morula is negative for cytokeratin 19, in contrast to squamous metaplasia. Although CMV-PTC has indolent clinical behavior, a definite diagnosis is necessary to rule out the possibility of APC gene mutation and related extra-thyroidal neoplasm, such as FAP and Gardner syndrome.

Abstract P5-18-04: Bridging gaps in breast cancer care: A pilot forum for mental health professionals

Introduction:

Supporting the emotional needs of women diagnosed with breast cancer is a recognized priority for cancer clinicians and a core component of high quality care and survivorship programs. We hypothesized that mental health professionals would benefit from an educational program directed to enhance their practical knowledge of breast cancer.

Methods:

We designed an innovative educational forum for mental health professionals to broaden their practical knowledge regarding the physical and psychosocial effects of breast cancer. Diverse mental health professionals working in the Bay Area were invited. The day-long forum consisted of presentations and interactive discussion led by breast cancer physicians, mental health providers and patient advocates. An evaluation survey was administered at the end of the program. Descriptive statistics were performed of categorical results and open response items were aggregated.

Results:

Of 40 local pre-registrants, 18 mental health professionals (8 social workers, 6 psychologists, 3 other mental health professionals) attended. 88.2% of participants worked in a medical-based practice; 64.7% worked in an oncology-based practice. The majority of participants agreed the forum was relevant to their practice (82.3%), was well-organized (88.2%), would improve their care of patients (76.5%), and that they would recommend it to others (76.5%). The overall rating of the forum was positive (94.0%).

Conclusion:

The format and content of this forum represents a multidisciplinary educational model to enhance mental health professionals' understanding of breast cancer in order to better serve this unique patient population. Breast cancer clinicians, advocates and psychotherapists generated much enthusiasm and broad insights about meeting the psycho-emotional needs of breast cancer patients. This model can be replicated and extended to a national audience and to other cancer subpopulations.

Citation Format: Yang R, Rabinowitz B, Frank M, Schapira L, Wapnir I. Bridging gaps in breast cancer care: A pilot forum for mental health professionals [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 P5-18-04.

A novel upwind stabilized discontinuous finite element angular framework for deterministic dose calculations in magnetic fields

Angular discretization impacts nearly every aspect of a deterministic solution to the linear Boltzmann transport equation, especially in the presence of magnetic fields, as modeled by a streaming operator in angle. In this work a novel stabilization treatment of the magnetic field term is developed for an angular finite element discretization on the unit sphere, specifically involving piecewise partitioning of path integrals along curved element edges into uninterrupted segments of incoming and outgoing flux, with outgoing components updated iteratively. Correct order-of-accuracy for this angular framework is verified using the method of manufactured solutions for linear, quadratic, and cubic basis functions in angle. Higher order basis functions were found to reduce the error especially in strong magnetic fields and low density media. We combine an angular finite element mesh respecting octant boundaries on the unit sphere to spatial Cartesian voxel elements to guarantee an unambiguous transport sweep ordering in space. Accuracy for a dosimetrically challenging scenario involving bone and air in the presence of a 1.5 T parallel magnetic field is validated against the Monte Carlo package GEANT4. Accuracy and relative computational efficiency were investigated for various angular discretization parameters. 32 angular elements with quadratic basis functions yielded a reasonable compromise, with gamma passing rates of 99.96% (96.22%) for a 2%/2 mm (1%/1 mm) criterion. A rotational transformation of the spatial calculation geometry is performed to orient an arbitrary magnetic field vector to be along the z-axis, a requirement for a constant azimuthal angular sweep ordering. Working on the unit sphere, we apply the same rotational transformation to the angular domain to align its octants with the rotated Cartesian mesh. Simulating an oblique 1.5 T magnetic field against GEANT4 yielded gamma passing rates of 99.42% (95.45%) for a 2%/2 mm (1%/1 mm) criterion.