Mechanical stress through growth on stiffer substrates impacts animal health and longevity in C. elegans

Mechanical stress is a measure of internal resistance exhibited by a body or material when external forces, such as compression, tension, bending, etc. are applied. The study of mechanical stress on health and aging is a continuously growing field, as major changes to the extracellular matrix and cell-to-cell adhesions can result in dramatic changes to tissue stiffness during aging and diseased conditions. For example, during normal aging, many tissues including the ovaries, skin, blood vessels, and heart exhibit increased stiffness, which can result in a significant reduction in function of that organ. As such, numerous model systems have recently emerged to study the impact of mechanical and physical stress on cell and tissue health, including cell-culture conditions with matrigels and other surfaces that alter substrate stiffness and ex vivo tissue models that can apply stress directly to organs like muscle or tendons. Here, we sought to develop a novel method in an in vivo, model organism setting to study the impact of mechanical stress on aging, by increasing substrate stiffness in solid agar medium of C. elegans . To our surprise, we found shockingly limited impact of growth of C. elegans on stiffer substrates, including limited effects on cellular health, gene expression, organismal health, stress resilience, and longevity. Overall, our studies reveal that altering substrate stiffness of growth medium for C. elegans have only mild impact on animal health and longevity; however, these impacts were not nominal and open up important considerations for C. elegans biologists in standardizing agar medium choice for experimental assays.

Fatal West Nile Virus Infection in Horse Returning to United Kingdom from Spain, 2022

We report fatal West Nile virus (WNV) infection in a 7-year-old mare returning to the United Kingdom from Spain. Case timeline and clustering of virus sequence with recent WNV isolates suggest that transmission occurred in Andalusía, Spain. Our findings highlight the importance of vaccination for horses traveling to WNV-endemic regions.

Syndromic Surveillance 2.0: Emerging Global Surveillance Strategies for Infectious Disease Epidemics

The U.S. Army has a long history of preventing, detecting, and treating infectious diseases. Like other organizations and agencies involved in public health, the Army is increasingly interested in syndromic surveillance strategies-those designed to identify outbreaks before clinical data are available. Researchers use various methods to identify surveillance strategies across the globe, investigate these strategies' benefits and limitations, and recommend actions to aid the Army in their efforts to detect emerging epidemics and pandemics.

Abstract P3-08-03: HOXB13 is coamplified with HER2 in a subset of breast cancers

Background: The Breast Cancer Index (BCI) is an algorithmic gene expression-based signature comprised of two functional biomarker panels, the Molecular Grade Index (MGI) and the two-gene ratio, HOXB13/IL17BR. The HOXB13/IL17BR ratio has been shown to predict endocrine response across several different treatment scenarios, and the homeobox factor, HOXB13, is the primary determinant of endocrine benefit and response. Previously, we found that HOXB13 gene expression was positively correlated with HER2 in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) but not ER-negative (ER-) tumors. To validate these findings, we examined HOXB13 gene expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) breast cancer cohort. In addition, considering that the HOXB13 gene locus resides 9 megabases from the HER2 locus at chromosome 17q21-22, we examined whether HOXB13 was coamplified with HER2 in HER2-positive breast cancers. Methods: Messenger RNA (mRNA) sequencing (mRNAseq) data from the TCGA breast cancer dataset were used to correlate HOXB13 gene expression with immunohistochemical (IHC)-based HER2 expression in ER+ (ER+PR+, ER+PR-) and ER- (ER-PR+ and ER-PR-) breast cancers. Thresholded copy number data from GISTIC output and mRNAseq data from the TCGA datasets were used to correlate HER2 and HOXB13 gene amplification (at least 4 inferred copies) with HOXB13 gene expression in IHC-based ER+ (n= 562) and ER- (n=163) breast cancer subsets. Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples from 80 consecutive HER2-amplified invasive breast carcinomas (64 ER+, 16 ER-) diagnosed between 2010 and 2013 were retrospectively collected from the MGH clinical archives and processed for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for HER2 (spectrum orange) HOXB13 (spectrum green) and CEP17 (spectrum blue). A ratio of > 2.0 HER2 and HOXB13 to CEP17 signals in at least 60 interphase tumor cell nuclei was considered as amplification of HER2 and HOXB13.Results: In the TCGA breast tumors, HOXB13 gene expression was significantly higher in HER2 positive (by IHC status) tumors in both ER+ (p= 3.7 x10-5) and ER- (p= 4.7 x10-4) tumors compared to HER2-negative samples. In HER2+ TCGA breast tumors, genomic analysis revealed co-amplification of HOXB13 with HER2 in 27% of all tumors, and 25.3% and 31.7% in the ER+ and ER- subsets, respectively. Amplification of the HOXB13 locus alone was observed in 2.4% of HER2-non amplified ER+ and ER- TCGA tumors. In the TCGA cohort, median HOXB13 gene expression was not significantly different when comparing HER2-amplified and HER2/HOXB13 coamplified ER+ (p= 0.33) and ER- (p=0.052) tumors, HER2-amplified and HER2-nonamplified ER+ (p=0.42) and ER- (p=0.67) tumors, and HER2/HOXB13 coamplified and HER2-nonamplified ER+ (p=0.50) and ER- (p=0.11) tumors. Lastly, in the consecutive case series of 80 HER2-amplified breast cancers from MGH, HOXB13 was coamplified in 23% of all tumors, and 23.4% and 18.75% in the ER+ and ER- subsets, respectively. Conclusion: HOXB13 was coamplified with HER2 in a substantial subset of TCGA and MGH primary breast cancers irrespective of ER status.

Citation Format: Dennis Sgroi, Maristela Onozato, Irene Mitsiades, Ryan McMullin, Daniel Hicks, Angela Volorio, Esther Rheinbay. HOXB13 is coamplified with HER2 in a subset of breast cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-08-03.

Temperate conditions restrict Japanese encephalitis virus infection to the mid-gut and prevents systemic dissemination in Culex pipiens mosquitoes

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, is the main cause of viral encephalitis in Asia. However, with changing climate JEV has the potential to emerge in novel temperate regions. Here, we have assessed the vector competence of the temperate mosquito Culex pipiens f. pipiens to vector JEV genotype III at temperatures representative of those experienced, or predicted in the future during the summer months, in the United Kingdom. Our results show that Cx. pipiens is susceptible to JEV infection at both temperatures. In addition, at 25 °C, JEV disseminated from the midgut and was recovered in saliva samples, indicating the potential for transmission. At a lower temperature, 20 °C, following an incubation period of fourteen days, there were reduced levels of JEV dissemination and virus was not detected in saliva samples. The virus present in the bodies of these mosquitoes was restricted to the posterior midgut as determined by microscopy and viable virus was successfully recovered. Apart from the influence on virus dissemination, mosquito mortality was significantly increased at the higher temperature. Overall, our results suggest that temperature is a critical factor for JEV vector competence and infected-mosquito survival. This may in turn influence the vectorial capacity of Cx. pipiens to vector JEV genotype III in temperate areas.

3D Echocardiography Provides Highly Accurate 3D Printed Models in Congenital Heart Disease

Cardiac 3D printing is mainly performed from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) 3D datasets, though anatomic detail of atrioventricular (AV) valves may be limited. 3D echo provides excellent visualization of AV valves. Thus, we tested the feasibility and accuracy of 3D printing from 3D echo in this pilot series of subjects with congenital heart disease (CHD), with a focus on valve anatomy. Five subjects with CHD were identified. 3D echo data were converted to 3D printable files and printed in collaboration with 3D Systems Healthcare (Golden, Colorado). A novel technique for valve modeling was utilized using commercially available software. Two readers (KM, SA) independently measured valve structures from 3D models and compared to source echo images. 3D printing was feasible for all cases. Table 1 shows measurements comparing 2D echo to 3D models. Bland Altman analysis showed close agreement and no significant bias between 2D and digital 3D models (mean difference 0.0, 95% CI 1.1 to - 1.1) or 2D vs printed 3D models, though with wider limits of agreement (mean difference - 0.3, 95% CI 1.9 to - 2.6). Accuracy of 3D models compared to 2D was within < 0.5 mm. This pilot study shows 3D echo datasets can be used to reliably print AV and semilunar valve structures in CHD. The 3D models are highly accurate compared to the source echo images. This is a novel and value-added technique that adds incremental information on cardiac anatomy over current methods.

The molecular landscape and associated clinical experience in infant medulloblastoma: prognostic significance of second-generation subtypes

AIMS

Biomarker-driven therapies have not been developed for infant medulloblastoma (iMB). We sought to robustly sub-classify iMB, and proffer strategies for personalized, risk-adapted therapies.

METHODS

We characterized the iMB molecular landscape, including second-generation subtyping, and the associated retrospective clinical experience, using large independent discovery/validation cohorts (n = 387).

RESULTS

iMB_Grp3 (42%) and iMB_SHH (40%) subgroups predominated. iMB_Grp3 harboured second-generation subtypes II/III/IV. Subtype II strongly associated with large-cell/anaplastic pathology (LCA; 23%) and MYC amplification (19%), defining a very-high-risk group (0% 10yr overall survival (OS)), which progressed rapidly on all therapies; novel approaches are urgently required. Subtype VII (predominant within iMB_Grp4 ) and subtype IV tumours were standard risk (80% OS) using upfront CSI-based therapies; randomized-controlled trials of upfront radiation-sparing and/or second-line radiotherapy should be considered. Seventy-five per cent of iMB_SHH showed DN/MBEN histopathology in discovery and validation cohorts (P < 0.0001); central pathology review determined diagnosis of histological variants to WHO standards. In multivariable models, non-DN/MBEN pathology was associated significantly with worse outcomes within iMB_SHH . iMB_SHH harboured two distinct subtypes (iMB_SHH-I/II ). Within the discriminated favourable-risk iMB_SHH DN/MBEN patient group, iMB_SHH-II had significantly better progression-free survival than iMB_SHH-I , offering opportunities for risk-adapted stratification of upfront therapies. Both iMB_SHH-I and iMB_SHH-II showed notable rescue rates (56% combined post-relapse survival), further supporting delay of irradiation. Survival models and risk factors described were reproducible in independent cohorts, strongly supporting their further investigation and development.

CONCLUSIONS

Investigations of large, retrospective cohorts have enabled the comprehensive and robust characterization of molecular heterogeneity within iMB. Novel subtypes are clinically significant and subgroup-dependent survival models highlight opportunities for biomarker-directed therapies.

The Emergence of H7N7 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus from Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus Using an in ovo Embryo Culture Model

Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) often result in the infection of millions of poultry, causing up to 100% mortality. HPAIV has been shown to emerge from low pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV) in field outbreaks. Direct evidence for the emergence of H7N7 HPAIV from a LPAIV precursor with a rare di-basic cleavage site (DBCS) was identified in the UK in 2008. The DBCS contained an additional basic amino acid compared to commonly circulating LPAIVs that harbor a single-basic amino acid at the cleavage site (SBCS). Using reverse genetics, outbreak HPAIVs were rescued with a DBCS (H7N7_DB), as seen in the LPAIV precursor or an SBCS representative of common H7 LPAIVs (H7N7_SB). Passage of H7N7_DB in chicken embryo tissues showed spontaneous evolution to a HPAIV. In contrast, deep sequencing of extracts from embryo tissues in which H7N7_SB was serially passaged showed retention of the LPAIV genotype. Thus, in chicken embryos, an H7N7 virus containing a DBCS appears naturally unstable, enabling rapid evolution to HPAIV. Evaluation in embryo tissue presents a useful approach to study AIV evolution and allows a laboratory-based dissection of molecular mechanisms behind the emergence of HPAIV.

Imaging Characteristics of Wingless Pathway Subgroup Medulloblastomas: Results from the German HIT/SIOP-Trial Cohort

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In addition to the 4 histopathologically defined entities of medulloblastoma, 4 distinct genetically defined subgroups have been included in the World Health Organization classification of 2016. The smallest subgroup is the medulloblastoma with activated wingless pathway. The goal of this study was to identify a typical MR imaging morphology in a larger number of pediatric patients with wingless pathway medulloblastoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2001 to October 2017, of 75 patients with histologically confirmed and molecularly subgrouped wingless pathway medulloblastomas recruited to the German Pediatric Brain Tumor (HIT) trials, 38 patients (median age, 12.8 ± 4.6 years at diagnosis; 24 [63.2%] female) had preoperative imaging that passed the entry criteria for this study. Images were rated by the local standardized imaging criteria of the National Reference Center of Neuroradiology. Additionally, a modified laterality score was used to determine tumor localization and extension.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight of 38 (73.7%) were primary midline tumors but with a lateral tendency in 39.3%. One extensively eccentric midline tumor was rated by the laterality score as in an off-midline position. Five tumors were found in the cerebellopontine angle; 3, in the deep white matter; and 2, in a cerebellar hemisphere. Leptomeningeal dissemination was rare (11.5%). In 60.5%, intratumoral blood-degradation products were found, and 26.3% showed cysts with blood contents.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our observations, wingless pathway medulloblastomas are not preferentially off-midline tumors as postulated in previous studies with smaller wingless pathway medulloblastoma cohorts. Dense intratumoral blood-degradation products and cysts with blood contents are frequently found and might help to differentiate wingless pathway medulloblastoma from other medulloblastoma subtypes.

Abstract P1-03-02: ASCO/CAP human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) in situ hybridization (ISH) categories evaluated by quantitative HER2 protein diagnostic methodologies: A comparative analysis

Background: In 2013, the ASCO/CAP consensus panel published updated guidelines for HER2 testing in breast cancer that modified the definition of HER2 amplification by in situ hybridization (ISH), creating five new prognostic categories (group 1: classic amplified, group 2: monosomy, group 3: co-amplified (polysomy), group 4: equivocal, and group 5: classic non-amplified). Patients determined to be ISH amplified, were considered eligible for HER2-directed therapy. Concern over whether patients from non-classic groups 2-4 would benefit from treatment has led to the recent publication of the 2018 HER2 focused update. This update has modified the criteria for interpreting these ISH categories, recommending that the final diagnosis take into consideration a combination of HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and ISH results. With increased emphasis on the HER2 protein assessment, it has prompted us to quantitatively examine HER2 protein expression in the ISH categories, using two different novel technologies. Materials & Methods: A cohort of 170 cases (URMC) and 102 cases (PSHMC) of invasive breast cancers, which had previously undergone HER2 IHC and ISH testing, were selected for this study. Cases were sorted and categorized into the HER2 ISH categories defined by ASCO/CAP. HER2 protein expression was quantitatively measured in the URMC and PSHMC cohorts using a novel immunodetection methodology (streptavidin-coated Phosphor-Integrated Dot (PID) fluorescent nanoparticles), and a novel dual-antibody, proximity-binding immunoassay (HERmark® Breast Cancer Assay, Monogram Biosciences, South San Francisco, California), respectively. HER2 protein expression was compared to the HER2 FISH and IHC results by ASCO/CAP category. Results: Cases in group 1 had a significantly (p &lt; 0.01) higher average PID/cell and HERmark compared to cases in groups 2-5 (Table 1). Cases in groups 2-4 showed lower quantitative levels of HER2 protein expression, similar to the classic non-amplified cases (group 5). Group 1 was further divided into three subgroups (Table 2): Group A - ISH high-level amplified (ratio &gt; 2, HER2 &gt; 6, CEP17 &lt; 2.7), Group B - amplified with elevated CEP17 (ratio &gt; 2, CEP17 &gt; 2.7), and Group C - low-level amplified (ratio &gt; 2, HER2 &gt; 4 and &lt; 6). Group A and B had a significantly (p &lt; 0.01) higher average PID/cell and HERmark compared to Group C. Group C was more comparable to cases in groups 2-5 (Table 1). Conclusion: Our results suggest that quantitative assessment of HER2 protein expression may help to further classify cases for HER2 status for targeted therapy, supporting the 2018 ASCO/CAP recommendation that non-classic ISH results might be resolved by evaluating protein expression. Follow up studies with a larger patient cohort and dual quantitative assessment are warranted.

Average PID/cell and HERmark in ASCO category groupsASCO category groupN (URMC)PID/cell (URMC)*N (PSHMC)HERmark (PSHMC)*18888.07761.521011.20N/A32016.0213.84238.5315.95296.3208.3*averageTable 2:Average PID/cell and HERmark in subgroups of Group 1SubgroupN (URMC)PID/cell (URMC)*N (PSHMC)HERmark (PSHMC)*A24157.66465.7B34101.61044.1C3016.9329.8*average

Citation Format: Buscaglia B, Turner B, Goda H, Huang W, Leitzel K, Natori T, Nakano Y, Okada H, Sperinde J, Ali S, Vasekar M, D'Aguiar M, McMahon L, Henry J, Lipton A, Hicks D. ASCO/CAP human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) in situ hybridization (ISH) categories evaluated by quantitative HER2 protein diagnostic methodologies: A comparative analysis [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 P1-03-02.

Unexpected infection outcomes of China-origin H7N9 low pathogenicity avian influenza virus in turkeys

The China-origin H7N9 low pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV) emerged as a zoonotic threat in 2013 where it continues to circulate in live poultry markets. Absence of overt clinical signs in poultry is a typical LPAIV infection outcome, and has contributed to its insidious maintenance in China. This study is the first description of H7N9 LPAIV (A/Anhui/1/13) infection in turkeys, with efficient transmission to two additional rounds of introduced contact turkeys which all became infected during cohousing. Surprisingly, mortality was observed in six of eight (75%) second-round contact turkeys which is unusual for LPAIV infection, with unexpected systemic dissemination to many organs beyond the respiratory and enteric tracts, but interestingly no accompanying mutation to highly pathogenic AIV. The intravenous pathogenicity index score for a turkey-derived isolate (0.39) affirmed the LPAIV phenotype. However, the amino acid change L235Q in the haemagglutinin gene occurred in directly-infected turkeys and transmitted to the contacts, including those that died and the two which resolved infection to survive to the end of the study. This polymorphism was indicative of a reversion from mammalian to avian adaptation for the H7N9 virus. This study underlined a new risk to poultry in the event of H7N9 spread beyond China.

The mica of certain coal-measure shales in South Wales

During a study of the sources of the dusts in South Wales coal mines, carried out on behalf of the Industrial Pulmonary Disease Committee of the Medical Research Council, a mineral of the mica group was found as the main constituent of the shales overlying the coal in several mines. Of six shales investigated four were associated with anthracite, one with semi-bituminous, and one with bituminous coal. Between the coal seam itself and the shale which forms its roof there usually occurs a more coaly shale referred to locally as ‘clod’. Five of the samples investigated were isolated from ‘clods’ and one from a roof.

Abstract P2-02-10: Circulating level of GP88/Progranulin is associated with clinical outcome and overall survival in stage 4 breast cancer patients

Monitoring of disease status in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients is a necessary step for an optimal management of patients during and post-therapy. Imaging technologies are the methods of choice in the standard of care to monitor therapy response and disease status in MBC patients. These methods are expensive, time-consuming and have limited sensitivity for real time monitoring. Measurements of circulating tumor markers CA15-3, CA125 and CEA have contributed, albeit with limitation, minimally invasive methods for MBC disease management. It is our hypothesis that measuring biomarkers involved in tumor biological processes may provide better evaluation of the disease state and thus aid real-time clinical management of MBC patients. Thus, addition of such new circulating disease biomarkers may improve the management of MBC patients. The 88kDa glycoprotein Progranulin (GP88/PGRN) fit these criteria. GP88/PGRN is expressed in tumor tissue and not in normal mammary tissue counterpart and secreted in the circulation of BC patients. Biological studies have established GP88/PGRN as a critical driver of BC cell proliferation, survival, invasiveness and drug resistance. Clinical studies have demonstrated that high tumor GP88/PGRN expression was prognostic for recurrence and that breast cancer patients had a statistically elevated GP88/PGRN serum level compared to healthy individuals. In the present study, we examined whether GP88/PGRN serum levels were elevated in MBC patients and whether GP88/PGRN circulating levels were correlated with patient clinical outcome and overall survival.

Under an IRB approved protocol at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, 101 stage 4 BC patients undergoing standard of care therapy and meeting the inclusion criteria were consented and enrolled. MBC patients' demographics, clinical and disease characteristics and therapies were collected as part of the study. Blood samples were collected from each patient at specific times at follow-up visits during and post-therapy. The prepared serum was stored at -80C until tested for GP88 using a GP88 enzyme linked immunoassay developed in our laboratory.

Statistical analysis using Kaplan-Meier functions established whether there was a correlation between GP88/PGRN serum level and overall survival in MBC patients. MBC patients with distinct survival characteristics (P=0.0002) could be stratified based on their circulating GP88/PGRN levels. Analysis of this association was carried out in MBC patients based on their age, race, tumor characteristics, receptor status and metastatic burden (number and sites of metastasis) and will be reported. We conclude that circulating levels of GP88/PGRN in MBC patients are correlated with overall survival and that monitoring circulating GP88/PGRN levels would provide additional information and valuable insight into real-time MBC disease status.

This work was supported by grant R43 CA 210817-01A1 to GS.

Citation Format: Serrero G, Hawkins D, Hicks D, Rosenblatt P, Tait N, Yue B, Tkaczuk K. Circulating level of GP88/Progranulin is associated with clinical outcome and overall survival in stage 4 breast cancer patients [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 P2-02-10.

Minimal methylation classifier (MIMIC): A novel method for derivation and rapid diagnostic detection of disease-associated DNA methylation signatures

Rapid and reliable detection of disease-associated DNA methylation patterns has major potential to advance molecular diagnostics and underpin research investigations. We describe the development and validation of minimal methylation classifier (MIMIC), combining CpG signature design from genome-wide datasets, multiplex-PCR and detection by single-base extension and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, in a novel method to assess multi-locus DNA methylation profiles within routine clinically-applicable assays. We illustrate the application of MIMIC to successfully identify the methylation-dependent diagnostic molecular subgroups of medulloblastoma (the most common malignant childhood brain tumour), using scant/low-quality samples remaining from the most recently completed pan-European medulloblastoma clinical trial, refractory to analysis by conventional genome-wide DNA methylation analysis. Using this approach, we identify critical DNA methylation patterns from previously inaccessible cohorts, and reveal novel survival differences between the medulloblastoma disease subgroups with significant potential for clinical exploitation.

Abstract P1-03-06: Improvement in risk predictive value of Nottingham prognostic index by determining GP88 tumor tissue expression for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients

Background: The Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI), which includes nodal status, tumor size and histological grade was established to provide predictive value information on post-surgery survival for primary breast cancer patients. Attempts to improve NPI's performance have included addition of other biomarker expression and morphological features such as vascular invasion. In the present study, we investigated whether expression of the autocrine growth and survival factor GP88 (progranulin), known to be overexpressed in breast cancer, whereas it is negative in normal mammary tissue, would improve NPI's predictive value.

Methods: We examined the tumor tissue GP88 expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue sections from 508 cases of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) with known clinical outcomes (disease-free and overall survivals) and with known NPI. GP88 IHC tumor tissue expression was determined using an anti-GP88 antibody (clone 6B3) developed in our laboratory. GP88 expression was scored (0, 1+, 2+, 3+) by two board certified pathologists and classified into two IHC score groups of GP88 &lt; 3+ (0, 1+, 2+) and GP88 = 3+. The correlation between GP88 scoring, NPI and disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes was then examined by Kaplan Meier analysis, Cox proportional Hazard (CPH) ratio and Pearson's C2 test.

Results: Kaplan-Meier survival graphs categorized by NPI scores (&lt; 3.4, 3.4-5.4, and &gt;5.4) and by GP88 expression (&lt; 3+ and 3+) showed that for each NPI subgroup, patients with GP88 IHC score of 3+ had a worse disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) than patients within the same NPI subgroup with tumors that had GP88 IHC score &lt; 3+. When adjusted for NPI, high GP88 score was highly significantly associated with recurrence with a hazard ratio of 3.30 (95% CI 2.12 to 5.14).

Conclusions: The data suggest that measuring GP88 tumor tissue expression by IHC at time of diagnosis for breast cancer patients with primary ER+ IDC could provide recurrence prediction and survival information complementary to that provided by the determination of NPI alone and thus may be useful for risk management of patients diagnosed with breast cancer.

Citation Format: Serrero G, Hawkins DM, Bejarano PA, Ioffe O, Tkaczuk KR, Elliott RE, Head JF, Phillips J, Godwin AK, Weaver J, Hicks D, Yue B. Improvement in risk predictive value of Nottingham prognostic index by determining GP88 tumor tissue expression for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients [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 P1-03-06.

Abstract P1-02-12: Determination of a serum progranulin (GP88/PGRN) level associated with overall survival in metastatic breast cancer patients

Imaging technologies are the methods of choice in the standard of care (SOC) to monitor therapy response in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. However, such methods are expensive and have limited sensitivity to detect disease response in a timely manner. Measurement of the circulating tumor markers such as CA15-3, CA27.29 and CEA has provided additional minimally invasive methods in disease management of MBC patients. While useful, they have limitations in providing clinicians with a reliable insight into real-time disease monitoring. Understanding of real-time biological processes may provide better biomarkers of the disease state and thus aid real-time clinical management of MBC patients by identifying circulating disease associated biomarkers. Thus, addition of such new circulating biomarkers may improve the management of MBC patients. We have characterized a target biomarker that would fit these criteria, the 88kDa glycoprotein Progranulin (GP88). GP88 is expressed in tumor tissue and not in normal mammary tissue counterpart and is secreted in the circulation of BC patients. Biological studies have established GP88 as one of the critical drivers for breast cancer cell proliferation, survival, invasiveness and drug resistance. Clinical studies have demonstrated that elevated GP88 tumor levels were prognostic for recurrence and that breast cancer patients had a statistically elevated GP88 serum level than healthy individuals. Using tissue and serum tests to detect and quantify GP88 could provide an new strategies for identifying patients at high risk of recurrence and monitoring disease progression in BC patients undergoing therapy. In the present study, we examined whether GP88 serum levels were elevated in MBC patients and whether GP88 serum levels were correlated to patient overall survival.

Under an IRB approved protocol, 92 MBC patients that met the inclusion criteria and were undergoing therapy at the UMGCCC Breast Clinic were consented and enrolled. Clinical and disease characteristics along with serum CA15-3 values were collected as part of the study. Serum samples were collected from each patient during therapy and subsequently the patients were monitored. The serum was stored at -80C until tested for GP88 using a GP88 enzyme linked immunoassay developed in our laboratory.

Statistical analysis using Kaplan-Meier functions established whether there was a correlation between GP88 serum level and overall survival in MBC patients. By analyzing the KM plots at different GP88 cut points, we identified two populations with distinct survival characteristics. When examined more thoroughly the difference in overall survival of patients with &lt;60ng/ml and &gt;60ng/ml was statistically significant (P=0.0002). Correlation analysis of serum GP88 and CA15-3 were performed and will be presented.

We conclude that circulating levels of GP88 in MBC patients are correlated with overall survival. It would appear that patients that can be managed to have a GP88 below 60ng/ml will survive longer. Thus measuring circulating GP88 levels would provide additional information to that available in today's SOC for monitoring. This valuable insight into real-time disease status will assist clinicians in patient management.

Citation Format: Serrero G, Hawkins DM, Yue B, Hicks D, Tait N, Tkaczuk KR. Determination of a serum progranulin (GP88/PGRN) level associated with overall survival in metastatic breast cancer patients [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 P1-02-12.

Australian Cattle Dogs with Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis are Homozygous for a CLN5 Nonsense Mutation Previously Identified in Border Collies

Background

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), a fatal neurodegenerative disease, has been diagnosed in young adult Australian Cattle Dogs.

Objective

Characterize the Australian Cattle Dog form of NCL and determine its molecular genetic cause.

Animals

Tissues from 4 Australian Cattle Dogs with NCL‐like signs and buccal swabs from both parents of a fifth affected breed member. Archived DNA samples from 712 individual dogs were genotyped.

Methods

Tissues were examined by fluorescence, electron, and immunohistochemical microscopy. A whole‐genome sequence was generated for 1 affected dog. A TaqMan allelic discrimination assay was used for genotyping.

Results

The accumulation of autofluorescent cytoplasmic storage material with characteristic ultrastructure in tissues from the 4 affected dogs supported a diagnosis of NCL. The whole‐genome sequence contained a homozygous nonsense mutation: CLN5:c.619C>T. All 4 DNA samples from clinically affected dogs tested homozygous for the variant allele. Both parents of the fifth affected dog were heterozygotes. Archived DNA samples from 346 Australian Cattle Dogs, 188 Border Collies, and 177 dogs of other breeds were homozygous for the reference allele. One archived Australian Cattle Dog sample was from a heterozygote.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The homozygous CLN5 nonsense is almost certainly causal because the same mutation previously had been reported to cause a similar form of NCL in Border Collies. Identification of the molecular genetic cause of Australian Cattle Dog NCL will allow the use of DNA tests to confirm the diagnosis of NCL in this breed.

Abstract OT3-03-03: A prospective study of glycoprotein 88 (GP-88) blood test in healthy women undergoing screening for breast cancer (BC) with mammography (MM)

Background: Population based BC screening with XRAY mammography (MM) has been widely accepted as standard of care for women aged 40+ with average risk of developing BC. Sensitivity and specificity of MM is dependent on breast tissue density and up to ∼20% of BC are undetected by MM. The development of a dependable, low cost blood-based BC screening test to increase the sensitivity and specificity of currently existing BC screening methods is needed.

Rationale: GP88 is expressed & secreted by BC cells & is not expressed by normal mammary epithelial cells, 2 retrospective randomized multi-site trials (a training study & a validation study of 300 cases each) demonstrated that elevated GP88 expression in estrogen positive (ER+) invasive BC was statistically correlated with a 4-fold increase in the risk of 5-yr BC recurrence. GP88 was an independent predictor of BC recurrence in multivariate analysis of other factors such as PR expression, tumor size, grade, lymph node status & stage. The quantitative GP88 EIA was developed to determine the amount of GP88 in biological fluids. The blood based EIA assay is highly specific for GP88 & both sensitive & linear over a wide dynamic range, i.e. detection of GP88 concentrations from 0.1 to 20ng/ml. A baseline GP-88 level of28.4 ± 5 ng/ml was established by us for healthy volunteers (HV). In BC pts a statistically significant increase of serum GP88 was observed in early stage pts (40.7 ± 16 ng/ml; p=0.007). Stratification of BC pts according to their clinical outcomes shows that pts having no evidence of disease (NED) have serum GP88 levels within the range of HV. These data suggest that pts with breast tumors express & secrete high levels of GP88.

Objectives: 1. To determine prospectively GP-88 blood levels in HV at average risk of developing BC screened by MM & in women with recently biopsy-confirmed BC. 2. To establish the statistical distribution of GP88 serum levels in subjects by baseline BIRAD classification (1-6). 3. To determine if the initial GP88 level is predictive of change in BIRADS classification from baseline to 12-mos follow-up. 4. To determine if baseline GP88 level is predictive of the appearance of BC at 12 mos follow-up in HV who were cancer-free at study entry.

Inclusion Criteria: Female, aged &gt;=40 yrs old, presenting for screening or diagnostic MM or diagnostic workup and/or biopsy due to abnormal MM &lt;= to 12 wks before study entry.

Study procedures: Serum levels of GP88 in subjects with average BC risk factors will be measured prospectively at baseline; 3-6 mos & 6-12 mos & correlated with BIRADS reading of the screening MM, BIRADS 1-6; GP88 serum level will be correlated with pathologic results of breast biopsies performed on subjects with suspicious BIRADS (4 & 5) MM & final pathologically confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer as BIRADS 6.

Study Progress: The study is ongoing; currently we have 308 subjects enrolled, the total number of subjects will be up to 725 & screened up to 1400. Study is UM IRB approved & is conducted at the University od Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) and UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center (BWMC). Funding is provided by Maryland Industry Partnership Grant (MIPS)& Avon Grant No. 02-2013-018.

Citation Format: Tkaczuk KHR, Campassi C, Kesmodel S, Bellavance E, Rosenblatt P, Nichols E, Feigenberg SJ, Coughlin P, Drogula C, Urban B, Galandak J, Dromi S, Kuo L, Yue B, Hicks D, Serrero G. A prospective study of glycoprotein 88 (GP-88) blood test in healthy women undergoing screening for breast cancer (BC) with mammography (MM). [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 OT3-03-03.

Abstract P3-05-12: Combination of anti-progranulin (GP88/PGRN) antibody and letrozole inhibits tumor formation of letrozole resistant breast cancer cell lines

The 88 kDa glycoprotein GP88 (Progranulin, PCDGF, acrogranin) is the largest member of the granulin/epithelin family of growth modulators identified as a driver of tumorigenesis. GP88 (PGRN) was also shown to be overexpressed in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)whereas it was negative in benign tumors and normal mammry epithelial tissue, thereby establishing GP88 as a therapeutic and diagnostic target in breast cancer (BC). Our laboratory has developed validated tools to measure GP88 in tumor biopsies and biological fluids as well as blocking its action. WE showed that GP88 was secreted and detected in the serum of BC patients at an increased level when compared to healthy subjects. Pathological studies with 530 cases of ER+ IDC with clinical outcomes showed that GP88 tumor expression was an independent prognostic indicator of recurrence in early stage BC patients. Training study followed by an independent validation study demonstrated that high GP88 tissue expression (GP88 3+) was associated with a 4-fold increase in risk of recurrence at 5 years. A neutralizing anti-GP88 antibody AG1 was expressed in a high yield CHO cell line was developed. The present study examined the effect of AG1 in letrozole resistant cell line AGLetR developed by long term selection in letrozole supplemented medium. This cell line showed decreased letrozole responsiveness in vivo and therefore constituted an excellent model for investigating letrozole resistance in vitro as well as in vivo. Here we report the results of studies investigating the effect of various doses of AG1 on LetR tumor development in combination with letrozole for AGLetR. We show that treatment with AG1 (10 mg/kg i.p.) in combination with letrozole was efficient to maintain long term responsiveness and inhibit tumor growth. Letrozole alone (5mg/kg) was unable to inhibit tumor growth and showed a doubling of tumor volume. Interestingly, long term combination treatment lead to tumor regression and inhibited tumor growth.

These data suggest that inhibiting GP88 could provide a novel and alternative therapeutic strategy for patients with resistance to anti-estrogen therapy, being tamoxifen or letrozole.

This works is supported by 2R44CA124179, HHSN 261201200060C, and HHSN2612014400C from NCI.

Citation Format: Serrero G, Dong J, Yue B, Hicks D, Hayashi J. Combination of anti-progranulin (GP88/PGRN) antibody and letrozole inhibits tumor formation of letrozole resistant breast cancer cell lines. [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 P3-05-12.

Abstract P1-01-16: Performance evaluation of two ready-to-use antibodies under development for the Dako Omnis automated staining platform on breast carcinoma specimens: Anti-estrogen receptor α clone EP1 and anti-progesterone receptor clone PgR 1294

Background: The expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) in breast carcinomas is a strong predictor of the efficacy of hormonal therapy for breast cancer patients as well as providing a degree of prognostic information. Anti-ERα (clone EP1) and anti-PR (clone PgR 1294) configured as FLEX ready-to-use antibodies have been tested on the Dako Omnis automated staining platform. These products are in performance evaluation and are not commercially available. A series of concordance studies were performed to evaluate the performance characteristics of these monoclonal antibodies on breast cancer tissue specimens: anti-ERα clone EP1/Dako Omnis was compared to (a) anti-ERα clone EP1/Autostainer Link 48 (238 specimens) and to (b) anti-ERα clone SP1/Autostainer (116 specimens), and anti-PR clone PgR 1294/Dako Omnis was compared to (a) anti-PR clone PgR 636/Autostainer Link 48 (289 specimens) and to (b) anti-PR clone 16 (Leica Biosystems, Newcastle, UK) (144 specimens). In addition, the specificity of the ER and PR antibodies for Dako Omnis was evaluated on a set of normal tissue specimens.

Methods: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human breast carcinoma specimens and normal tissues were obtained from commercial providers or local hospitals. The specimens had no associated personal information and were not traceable back to the tissue donors. Tissue pretreatment and immunohistochemical staining were performed using the recommended protocol for each antibody and staining platform. The stained slides were evaluated for nuclear ER or PR expression according to ASCO/CAP guidelines (≥1% cut-off for positive) by pathologists who were blinded from the staining method and specimen ID. The concordance studies included breast cancer specimens covering the clinical range of ER or PR expression with approximately half the specimens in the negative (&lt;1%) category, and at least 10% of the specimens in the weakly positive (≥1 ≤10%) category in each study. Two-sided Wilson Score 95% Confidence Intervals were calculated using JMP software (SAS Institute, USA). For the analytical specificity studies the presence or absence of specific staining in the various normal tissue types was recorded.

Results: High concordance rates were observed with both anti-ERα clone EP1/Dako Omnis and anti-PR clone PgR 1294/Dako Omnis compared to the other ER/PR antibodies, with overall agreement rates exceeding 95% in all of the comparative studies. On a set of normal tissues, specific positive nuclear staining was observed only in tissue types known to express ERα or PR.

Conclusions: Monoclonal antibodies anti-ERα clone EP1 and anti-PR clone PgR 1294 configured as FLEX ready-to-use on Dako Omnis are sensitive and specific assays for detecting estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor in FFPE tissues. In comparison testing for assessment of hormonal receptor status on breast carcinoma specimens, anti-ERα clone EP1/Dako Omnis and anti-PR clone PgR 1294/Dako Omnis were highly concordant with commercially-available ER or PR antibodies.

Citation Format: Viale G, Dell'Orto P, Falzon M, Fält A, Hicks D, Hoff K, Jakobsen K, Jensen LB, Levy YY, McMahon L, Miller K, Russo L. Performance evaluation of two ready-to-use antibodies under development for the Dako Omnis automated staining platform on breast carcinoma specimens: Anti-estrogen receptor α clone EP1 and anti-progesterone receptor clone PgR 1294. [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 P1-01-16.

Mortality associated with avian reovirus infection in a free-living magpie (Pica pica) in Great Britain

BACKGROUND

Avian reoviruses (ARVs) cause a range of disease presentations in domestic, captive and free-living bird species. ARVs have been reported as a cause of significant disease and mortality in free-living corvid species in North America and continental Europe. Until this report, there have been no confirmed cases of ARV-associated disease in British wild birds.

CASE PRESENTATION

Sporadic individual magpie (Pica pica) mortality was detected at a single site in Buckinghamshire, England, April-September 2013. An adult female magpie was found moribund and subsequently died. Post-mortem examination identified hepatomegaly and splenomegaly as the most severe macroscopic abnormalities. Histopathological examination revealed extensive hepatic and splenic necrosis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) identified virions of a size (circa 78 nm diameter) and morphology consistent with ARV in both the liver and the small intestinal (SI) contents. Nucleic acid extracted from pooled liver and spleen was positive on both a pan-reovirus nested PCR targeting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene and a PCR using primers specific to the ARV sigma C protein gene. Virus isolated from the liver and the SI contents was characterised by a syncytial-type cytopathic effect, a reovirus-like appearance on TEM and sequence identical to that from PCR of tissues. In situ hybridisation confirmed co-localisation of ARV with lesions in the liver and spleen, implicating ARV as the causative agent. Splenic lymphoid atrophy and necrotic stomatitis associated with Aspergillus fumigatus infection were consistent with generalised immunosuppression and resultant opportunistic infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The pathology and comprehensive virus investigations in this case indicate ARV as the primary pathogen in this magpie, with concurrent secondary infection subsequent to immunosuppression, as has been observed with reoviral infections in other bird species. ARV should be considered as a differential diagnosis for magpie, and potentially other corvid, disease and mortality incidents. This is the first demonstration of ARV-associated mortality in a wild bird in Britain. The prevalence and significance of ARV infection in British wild birds, and its implications for poultry and captive bird health, are currently unknown.

A BRCA1 deficient-like signature is enriched in breast cancer brain metastases and predicts DNA damage-induced poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor sensitivity

INTRODUCTION

There is an unmet clinical need for biomarkers to identify breast cancer patients at an increased risk of developing brain metastases. The objective is to identify gene signatures and biological pathways associated with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) brain metastasis.

METHODS

We combined laser capture microdissection and gene expression microarrays to analyze malignant epithelium from HER2+ breast cancer brain metastases with that from HER2+ nonmetastatic primary tumors. Differential gene expression was performed including gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) using publicly available breast cancer gene expression data sets.

RESULTS

In a cohort of HER2+ breast cancer brain metastases, we identified a gene expression signature that anti-correlates with overexpression of BRCA1. Sequence analysis of the HER2+ brain metastases revealed no pathogenic mutations of BRCA1, and therefore the aforementioned signature was designated BRCA1 Deficient-Like (BD-L). Evaluation of an independent cohort of breast cancer metastases demonstrated that BD-L values are significantly higher in brain metastases as compared to other metastatic sites. Although the BD-L signature is present in all subtypes of breast cancer, it is significantly higher in BRCA1 mutant primary tumors as compared with sporadic breast tumors. Additionally, BD-L signature values are significantly higher in HER2-/ER- primary tumors as compared with HER2+/ER + and HER2-/ER + tumors. The BD-L signature correlates with breast cancer cell line pharmacologic response to a combination of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor and temozolomide, and the signature outperformed four published gene signatures of BRCA1/2 deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

A BD-L signature is enriched in HER2+ breast cancer brain metastases without pathogenic BRCA1 mutations. Unexpectedly, elevated BD-L values are found in a subset of primary tumors across all breast cancer subtypes. Evaluation of pharmacological sensitivity in breast cancer cell lines representing all breast cancer subtypes suggests the BD-L signature may serve as a biomarker to identify sporadic breast cancer patients who might benefit from a therapeutic combination of PARP inhibitor and temozolomide and may be indicative of a dysfunctional BRCA1-associated pathway.

Antigenic and genetic characterization of a divergent African virus, Ikoma lyssavirus

In 2009, a novel lyssavirus (subsequently named Ikoma lyssavirus, IKOV) was detected in the brain of an African civet (Civettictis civetta) with clinical rabies in the Serengeti National Park of Tanzania. The degree of nucleotide divergence between the genome of IKOV and those of other lyssaviruses predicted antigenic distinction from, and lack of protection provided by, available rabies vaccines. In addition, the index case was considered likely to be an incidental spillover event, and therefore the true reservoir of IKOV remained to be identified. The advent of sensitive molecular techniques has led to a rapid increase in the discovery of novel viruses. Detecting viral sequence alone, however, only allows for prediction of phenotypic characteristics and not their measurement. In the present study we describe the in vitro and in vivo characterization of IKOV, demonstrating that it is (1) pathogenic by peripheral inoculation in an animal model, (2) antigenically distinct from current rabies vaccine strains and (3) poorly neutralized by sera from humans and animals immunized against rabies. In a laboratory mouse model, no protection was elicited by a licensed rabies vaccine. We also investigated the role of bats as reservoirs of IKOV. We found no evidence for infection among 483 individuals of at least 13 bat species sampled across sites in the Serengeti and Southern Kenya.

Onset of hydrodynamic mix in high-velocity, highly compressed inertial confinement fusion implosions

Deuterium-tritium inertial confinement fusion implosion experiments on the National Ignition Facility have demonstrated yields ranging from 0.8 to 7×10(14), and record fuel areal densities of 0.7 to 1.3 g/cm2. These implosions use hohlraums irradiated with shaped laser pulses of 1.5-1.9 MJ energy. The laser peak power and duration at peak power were varied, as were the capsule ablator dopant concentrations and shell thicknesses. We quantify the level of hydrodynamic instability mix of the ablator into the hot spot from the measured elevated absolute x-ray emission of the hot spot. We observe that DT neutron yield and ion temperature decrease abruptly as the hot spot mix mass increases above several hundred ng. The comparison with radiation-hydrodynamic modeling indicates that low mode asymmetries and increased ablator surface perturbations may be responsible for the current performance.

Molecular properties of lysine dendrimers and their interactions with Aβ-peptides and neuronal cells

Prevention of amyloidosis by chemical compounds is a potential therapeutic strategy in Alzheimer's, prion and other neurodegenerative diseases. Regularly branched dendrimers and less regular hyperbranched polymers have been suggested as promising inhibitors of amyloid aggregation. As demonstrated in our previous studies, some widely used dendrimers (PAMAM, PPI) could not only inhibit amyloid aggregation in solution but also dissolve mature fibrils. In this study we have performed computer simulation of polylysine dendrimers of 3rd and 5th generations (D3 and D5) and analysed the effect of these dendrimers and some hyperbranched polymers on a lysine base (HpbK) on aggregation of amyloid peptide in solution. The effects of dendrimers on cell viability and their protective action against Aβ-induced cytotoxicity and alteration of K+channels was also analysed using human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, using fluorescence microscopy, we analysed uptake of FITC-conjugated D3 by SH-SY5Y cells and its distribution in the brain after intraventricular injections to rats. Our results demonstrated that dendrimers D3 and D5 inhibited amyloid aggregation in solution while HpbK enhanced amyloid aggregation. Cell viability and patch-clamp studies have shown that D3 can protect cells against Aβ-induced cytotoxicity and K+channel modulation. In contrast, HpbK had no protective effect against Aβ. Fluorescence microscopy studies demonstrated that FITC-D3 accumulates in the vacuolar compartments of the cells and can be detected in various brain structures and populations of cells after injections to the brain. As such, polylysine dendrimers D3 and D5 can be proposed as compounds for developing antiamyloidogenic drugs.

A novel particle time of flight diagnostic for measurements of shock- and compression-bang times in D3He and DT implosions at the NIF

The particle-time-of-flight (pTOF) diagnostic, fielded alongside a wedge range-filter (WRF) proton spectrometer, will provide an absolute timing for the shock-burn weighted ρR measurements that will validate the modeling of implosion dynamics at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). In the first phase of the project, pTOF has recorded accurate bang times in cryogenic DT, DT exploding pusher, and D(3)He implosions using DD or DT neutrons with an accuracy better than ±70 ps. In the second phase of the project, a deflecting magnet will be incorporated into the pTOF design for simultaneous measurements of shock- and compression-bang times in D(3)He-filled surrogate implosions using D(3)He protons and DD-neutrons, respectively.