A profile of spatial abilities in people with Down syndrome

BACKGROUND

Spatial abilities are fundamental cognitive abilities, have direct applications in daily life, serve as a cognitive foundation for many other complex skills and are used in many specialty jobs. The current study aimed to systematically and comprehensively evaluate the spatial abilities of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) relative to mental ability-matched typically developing (TD) children based on Newcombe and Shipley's double-dimension theoretical framework for classifying spatial abilities.

METHODS

Forty adolescents and young adults with DS and 40 TD children completed a nonverbal intelligence test (Raven's), two measures of static-extrinsic skills (water-level task and cart task), two measures of static-intrinsic skills (figure ground and form completion), two measures of dynamic-extrinsic skills (three mountains task and dog task) and two measures of dynamic-intrinsic spatial skills (mental rotation task and block design task).

RESULTS

Participants with DS showed reduced performance on two dynamic-intrinsic tasks and one static-extrinsic task (i.e. cart task) relative to TD children. Performances were similar in two dynamic-extrinsic tasks and two static-intrinsic tasks. Analyses of composite accuracy for each spatial category further confirmed deficits in dynamic-intrinsic and static-extrinsic categories for people with DS relative to TD children.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed an uneven profile of spatial abilities in people with DS relative to ability-matched TD children with particular weaknesses in comprehending and manipulating dynamic-intrinsic and static-extrinsic spatial relations. Furthermore, our research has important clinical implications for more targeted interventions to improve spatial abilities in people with DS.

Abstract P4-08-31: Withdrawn

This abstract was withdrawn by the authors.

Citation Format: Loughman T, Wang C-JA, Dynoodt P, Fender B, Lopez-Ruiz C, Barron S, Stapleton S, O'Leary D, Fabre A, Quinn C, Nodin B, Jirström K, Bracken A, Gallagher WM. Withdrawn [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-08-31.

Abstract P5-05-07: Expression of the cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) recruits SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complexes to the estrogen receptor

Introduction

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptides are neuropeptides involved in regulating physiological processes, such as feeding and drug reward. Recent studies have associated high CART expression with worse overall survival in patients with small-bowel carcinoid tumours and estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), lymph node-negative breast cancer. CART was also shown to be associated with poor patient response to tamoxifen, suggesting CART may play a role in conferring tamoxifen resistance.

Materials and methods

We have previously demonstrated that CART can impact the transcriptional activity of ERα through the use of western blotting and qPCR for specific ERα gene targets. RNA sequencing was carried out using a stable CART-inducible cell line model to identify genes which are upregulated/downregulated in cells expressing CART. Further, using our stable CART-inducible cell line model, we preformed ERα-Immunoprecipitation followed by in-solution mass spectrometry to identify differentially recruited protein complexes +/- CART expression.

Results and discussion

RNA sequencing revealed 156 significantly downregulated, and 100 significantly upregulated, genes in cells expressing CART (p<0.05). Through mining of publicly available ERα ChIP-seq data sets, both upregulated and downregulated gene sets were found to contain genes which have previously been shown to contain ERα binding events within their promotor regions. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the majority of proteins recruited to ERα in the presence of CART were members of the SWI/SNF (BAF) chromatin remodelling complex. The identification of SMARCD1 within this complex was of particular interest to this study, as this protein has previously been reported to be a critical mediator of nuclear receptor function. Further in silico analysis demonstrated high expression of SMARCD1 correlates with poor overall survival (OS) (p<0.00001) and distant metastasis free survival (DMFS) (p=0.00708) in a cohort of ER+ breast cancer patients. Intriguingly, SMARCD1 expression did not correlate with poor OS or DMFS in a cohort of ER- breast cancer patients, suggesting that this negative impact on survival is dependent on ER status.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we suggest that CART expression results in the recruitment of chromatin remodelling complexes to ERα in order to facilitate the regulation of receptor function and this impacts on patient outcome.

Citation Format: O'Connor DP, Mooney B, Das S, Klinger R, Moran B, Ni Chonghaile T, Cagney G, Bracken A, Gallagher WM. Expression of the cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) recruits SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complexes to the estrogen receptor [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-05-07.

Abstract LB-230: Refining treatment recommendations for lymph node-negative breast cancer patients using a novel protein-based prognostic signature: The OncoMasTR assay

Introduction Traditionally, many women with lymph node-negative breast cancer (LN-BC) are unnecessarily treated with chemotherapy. This highlights the importance of accurately predicting patient prognosis. We previously identified a novel prognostic signature encompassing a set of master transcriptional regulators (MTRs), termed OncoMasTR. At the mRNA level, OncoMasTR predicted recurrence risk for LN-BC better than current prognostic signatures and accurately classifies >50% of patients as ‘low-risk', thus potentially reducing overtreatment. Here, we describe ongoing validation of the OncoMasTR biomarker signature at the protein level.

Methods Commercially available antibodies targeted against markers were validated by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) using CRISPR/Cas9 knockout cell-lines and full-face BC sections. IHC was performed on tissue microarrays (TMAs) containing multiple tumour cores from BC patients. Visiopharm's Oncotopix algorithm was used for image analysis, with stained sections verified manually by a pathologist. Image analysis data was obtained, and cut-off points optimised by maximum Chi-square values were used to differentiate low and high expression of individual markers. This was combined with clinical data to generate Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the optimal combination of biomarkers.

Results Antibodies against eight components of the OncoMasTR signature have been validated. IHC analysis demonstrated highly-specific nuclear staining for seven of the markers (UHRF1, ATAD2, HMGB2, E2F1, TCF19, MYBL2, PTTG1), whilst one showed both nuclear and cytoplasmic staining (p16). Image analysis for UHRF1, ATAD2 and HMGB2, using both manual and automated histological scores, showed that high expression of these biomarkers is linked with reduced survival. Additionally, UHRF1 was confirmed to have the same survival correlation in another independent cohort. Interestingly, high nuclear expression of p16 is linked with prolonged survival whilst high cytoplasmic expression of p16 is associated with poorer survival, aligning with previous reports.

Conclusions The OncoMasTR signature offers a more accurate stratification of low-vs-high risk, thus showing promise in improving prognosis prediction for early-stage BC. This will translate to reduced overtreatment, decreased costs, improved survival rates and enhanced quality of life for patients.

Citation Format: Arman Rahman, Seodhna Lynch, Nebras Alattar, Niamh Niamh, Charles Weige,, Romina Silva, Claudia Aura, Fiona Lanigan, Adrian Bracken, Björn Nodin, Karin Jirström, William Gallagher. Refining treatment recommendations for lymph node-negative breast cancer patients using a novel protein-based prognostic signature: The OncoMasTR assay [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-230.

Protein-truncating variants in moderate-risk breast cancer susceptibility genes: a meta-analysis of high-risk case-control screening studies

Several "moderate-risk breast cancer susceptibility genes" have been conclusively identified. Pathogenic mutations in these genes are thought to cause a two to fivefold increased risk of breast cancer. In light of the current development and use of multigene panel testing, the authors wanted to systematically obtain robust estimates of the cancer risk associated with loss-of-function mutations within these genes. An electronic search was conducted to identify studies that sequenced the full coding regions of ATM, CHEK2, BRIP1, PALB2, NBS1, and RAD50 in a general and gene-targeted approach. Inclusion was restricted to studies that sequenced the germline DNA in both high-risk cases and geographically matched controls. A meta-analysis was then performed on protein-truncating variants (PTVs) identified in the studies for an association with breast cancer risk. A total of 10,209 publications were identified, of which 64 studies comprising a total of 25,418 cases and 52,322 controls in the 6 interrogated genes were eligible under our selection criteria. The pooled odds ratios for PTVs in the susceptibility genes were at least >2.6. Additionally, mutations in these genes have shown geographic and ethnic variation. This comprehensive study emphasizes the fact that caution should be taken when identifying certain genes as moderate susceptibility with the lack of sufficient data, especially with regard to the NBS1, RAD50, and BRIP1 genes. Further data from case-control sequencing studies, and especially family studies, are warranted.

Native gel analysis of macromolecular protein complexes in cultured mammalian cells

Native gel electrophoresis enables separation of cellular proteins in their non-denatured state. In experiments aimed at analysing proteins in higher order or multimeric assemblies (i.e. protein complexes) it offers some advantages over rival approaches, particularly as an interface technology with mass spectrometry. Here we separated fractions from HEK293 cells by native electrophoresis in order to survey protein complexes in the cytoplasmic, nuclear and chromatin environments, finding 689 proteins distributed among 217 previously described complexes. As expected, different fractions contained distinct combinations of macromolecular complexes, with subunits of the same complex tending to co-migrate. Exceptions to this observation could often be explained by the presence of subunits shared among different complexes. We investigated one identified complex, the Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 (PRC2), in more detail following affinity purification of the EZH2 subunit. This approach resulted in the identification of all previously reported members of PRC2. Overall, this work demonstrates that the use of native gel electrophoresis as an upstream separating step is an effective approach for analysis of the components and cellular distribution of protein complexes.

E2F-Dependent Induction of p14ARF During Cell Cycle Re-entry in Human T Cells

The ARF protein, encoded by alternate exon usage within the CDKN2A locus, provides a link between the retinoblastoma (pRb) and p53 tumor suppressor pathways. Agents that disable pRb or otherwise impinge on the E2F family of transcription factors induce expression of ARF, resulting in stabilization of p53 and activation of p53-regulated genes. However, in some cell types ARF is not induced upon cell cycle re-entry, as expected of a conventional E2F target gene, leading to the suggestion that the ARF promoter only responds to supra-physiological or aberrant levels of E2F. These properties have recently been attributed to a variant E2F binding site but attempts to map specific response elements within the ARF promoter have generally yielded confusing answers. Here we show that in IL2-dependent T-lymphocytes, ARF expression is induced as cells progress from G(0) into S phase, in parallel with other bona fide E2F target genes. This is accompanied by increased association of E2F1 with the endogenous ARF promoter. Our findings suggest that the ability of ARF to register normal proliferative cues depends on the levels of E2F generated in different settings and argue against the idea that it reacts exclusively to oncogenic signals.

Streamlining nutritional care for the physician's office

OBJECTIVE

Nutritional care needs are overlooked in clinical practice. We review nutritional needs and describe an approach for improving nutritional care in clinical practice.

DESIGN

Data from a controlled trial and several population cohorts.

SETTING

Primary care practices and a population survey in New Hampshire and Vermont, USA.

SUBJECTS

The controlled trial involved 1651 persons aged 70+years. The cohorts include information from 1879 persons aged 12+.

INTERVENTION

All patients completed standard surveys which included information about nutritional needs. 22 practices participated in the trial.

RESULTS

The higher the BMI, the less healthy the population. 15 30% of patients report problems or concerns with eating/weight and nutrition. Patients with problems or concerns are often bothered by other health and social problems. Patients who have productive interactions with clinicians have improved nutritional care and are more likely to report help with eating problems (68% vs 86%; Odds ratio 5.0 (95% CI: 0.9-27.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Nutritional issues are common and complex. A productive provider-patient interaction can improve the nutritional care of patients. Essential elements for a productive interaction include an informed, educated patient and a provider (or clinical team) prepared to assess and manage the broad range of issues that are important to the patient. Technology facilitates necessary feedback between patient and provider.

Fluorine compounds in anaesthesia (9). Examination of six aliphatic compounds and four ethers

Six heavily fluorinated aliphatic compounds and four heavily fluorinated derivatives of diethyl ether have been examined as anaesthetics, using mice. Two compounds are felt to be worth further examination. These are 1,1,1,-trifluoro-2,2-dichloroethane (halothane with the bromine atom replaced by a second chlorine) and 1,1,2,2,4,5,5-heptafluoro-3-oxapentane (ordinary diethyl ether with seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine).

Use of entonox plus carbon dioxide in the dental surgery

The introduction of Entonox has made it possible to guarantee full oxygenation of the inspired gas of outpatients having nitrous oxide anaesthesia. The addition of 1-2% halothane enables good conditions to be obtained for minor surgery such as dental extraction. The use of an Entonox mixture containing 7% carbon dioxide to stimulate ventilation in patients receiving anaesthesia with nitrous oxide, oxygen and halothane is described.

Safety precautions to be observed with cooled premixed gases

The gas delivered from a cylinder of Entonox (50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen) may not contain adequate quantities of oxygen if the cylinder has been cooled and then allowed to warm up in a vertical position.The composition of gas delivered from cylinders cooled to not lower than -40 degrees C. remains unaltered if the cylinders are rewarmed for 24 hours in a horizontal position at a temperature of not less than 5 degrees C.Cylinders of Entonox delivered in cold weather should be stored in a horizontal position at 5 degrees C. or more for at least 24 hours before use.