Liquid nitrogen improves the decellularization effectiveness of whole-ovary

BACKGROUND

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation carries a risk of malignant cell re-seeding. Artificial ovary is a promising method to solve such a problem. However, ovary decellularization protocols are limited. Hence, further studies are necessary to get better ovarian decellularization techniques for the construction of artificial ovary scaffolds.

OBJECTIVE

To establish an innovative decellularization technique for whole porcine ovaries by integrating liquid nitrogen with chemical agents to reduce the contact time between the scaffolds and chemical reagents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Porcine ovaries were randomly assigned to three groups: novel decellularized group, conventional decellularized group and fresh group. The ovaries in the novel decellularized group underwent three cycles of freezing by liquid nitrogen and thawing at temperatures around 37 degree C before decellularization. The efficiency of the decellularization procedure was assessed through histological staining and DNA content analysis. The maintenance of ovarian decellularized extracellular matrix(ODECM) constituents was determined by analyzing the content of matrix proteins. Additionally, we evaluated the biocompatibility of the decellularized extracellular matrix(dECM) by observing the growth of granulosa cells on the ODECM scaffold in vitro.

RESULTS

Hematoxylin and eosin staining, DAPI staining and DNA quantification techniques collectively confirm the success of the novel decellularization methods in removing cellular and nuclear components from ovarian tissue. Moreover, quantitative assessments of ODECM contents revealed that the novel decellularization technique preserved more collagen and glycosaminoglycan compared to the conventional decellularized group (P<0.05). Additionally, the novel decellularized scaffold exhibited a significantly higher number of granulosa cells than the conventional scaffold during in vitro co-culture (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The novel decellularized method demonstrated high efficacy in eliminating DNA and cellular structures while effectively preserving the extracellular matrix. As a result, the novel decellularized method holds significant promise as a viable technique for ovarian decellularization in forthcoming studies. Doi.org/10.54680/fr24310110212.

The multi-CDK inhibitor dinaciclib reverses bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitor resistance in acute myeloid leukemia via inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly aggressive hematologic cancer with poor survival across a broad range of molecular subtypes. Development of efficacious and well-tolerable therapies encompassing the range of mutations that can arise in AML remains an unmet need. The bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins represents an attractive therapeutic target in AML due to their crucial roles in many cellular functions, regardless of any specific mutation. Many BET inhibitors (BETi) are currently in pre-clinical and early clinical development, but acquisition of resistance continues to remain an obstacle for the drug class. Novel methods to circumvent this development of resistance could be instrumental for the future use of BET inhibitors in AML, both as monotherapy and in combination. To date, many investigations into possible drug combinations of BETi with CDK inhibitors have focused on CDK9, which has a known physical and functional interaction with the BET protein BRD4. Therefore, we wished to investigate possible synergy and additive effects between inhibitors of these targets in AML. Here, we describe combination therapy with the multi-CDK inhibitor dinaciclib and the BETi PLX51107 in pre-clinical models of AML. Dinaciclib and PLX51107 demonstrate additive effects in AML cell lines, primary AML samples, and in vivo. Further, we demonstrate novel activity of dinaciclib through inhibition of the canonical/β-catenin dependent Wnt signaling pathway, a known resistance mechanism to BETi in AML. We show dinaciclib inhibits Wnt signaling at multiple levels, including downregulation of β-catenin, the Wnt co-receptor LRP6, as well as many Wnt pathway components and targets. Moreover, dinaciclib sensitivity remains unaffected in a setting of BET resistance, demonstrating similar inhibitory effects on Wnt signaling when compared to BET-sensitive cells. Ultimately, our results demonstrate rationale for combination CDKi and BETi in AML. In addition, our novel finding of Wnt signaling inhibition could have potential implications in other cancers where Wnt signaling is dysregulated and demonstrates one possible approach to circumvent development of BET resistance in AML.

A comparison of perceived image quality between computer display monitors and augmented reality smart glasses

INTRODUCTION

Augmented-reality (AR) smart glasses provide an alternative to standard computer display monitors (CDM). AR smart glasses may provide an opportunity to improve visualisation during fluoroscopy and interventional radiology (IR) procedures when there can be difficulty in viewing intra-procedural images on a CDM. The aim of this study was to evaluate radiographer perception of image quality (IQ) when comparing CDM and AR smart glasses.

METHODS

38 radiographers attending an international congress evaluated ten fluoroscopic-guided surgery and IR images on both a CDM (1920 × 1200 pixels) and a set of Epson Moverio BT-40 AR smart glasses (1920 × 1080 pixels). Participants provided oral responses to pre-defined IQ questions generated by study researchers. Summative IQ scores for each participant/image were compared between CDM and AR smart glasses.

RESULTS

Of the 38 participants, the mean age was 39 ± 1 years. 23 (60.5%) participants required corrective glasses. In terms of generalisability, participants were from 12 different countries, the majority (n = 9, 23.7%) from the United Kingdom. For eight out of ten images, the AR smart glasses demonstrated a statistically significant increase in perceived IQ (median [IQR] 2.0 [-1.0 to 7.0] points) when compared to the CDM.

CONCLUSION

AR smart glasses appear to show improvements in perceived IQ when compared to a CDM. AR smart glasses could provide an option for improving the experiences of radiographers involved in image-guided procedures and should be subject to further clinical evaluations.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Opportunities exist to improve perceived IQ for radiographers when reviewing fluoroscopy and IR images. AR smart glasses should be further evaluated as a potential opportunity to improve practice when visual attention is split between positioning equipment and image review.

A185 SUSTAINED SYMPTOM CONTROL WITH MIRIKIZUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH MODERATELY TO SEVERELY ACTIVE ULCERATIVE COLITIS IN THE LUCENT-2 MAINTENANCE TRIAL

Background

Mirikizumab (miri) improved symptom control in a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled induction study at Week (W)12, in patients (pts) with moderately-to-severely active ulcerative colitis (UC; LUCENT-1).

Purpose

This analysis assessed sustained symptom control during the maintenance phase through W40 (W52 of continuous therapy), among pts who were induced into clinical response with miri.

Method

During the 40W maintenance study (LUCENT-2), pts (N=544) who achieved clinical response to miri 300mg Q4W by W12 of induction, were re-randomized 2:1 to subcutaneous (SC) miri 200mg (n=365) or PBO Q4W (n=179). We evaluated sustained control of stool frequency (SF), rectal bleeding (RB), bowel movement urgency (BU) and abdominal pain (AP). The proportion of pts achieving SF Remission (defined as SF=0, or SF=1 with a ≥1-point decrease from induction baseline [BL]), RB Remission (RB=0), Symptomatic Remission (both SF and RB Remission), Stable Maintenance of Symptomatic Remission (defined as pts in Symptomatic Remission for at least 7 out of 9 visits from W4 to W36 and also at Week 40 among pts in Symptomatic Remission and Clinical Response at the end of LUCENT-1), and AP Improvement (Numeric Rating Scale [NRS] pain score ≥30% improvement from BL in pts with baseline AP NRS ≥3) were assessed. BU NRS change from baseline, and the proportion of pts achieving BU Remission (NRS 0 or 1 in pts with BU NRS ≥3 at baseline) were evaluated.

Result(s)

A greater proportion of miri-treated pts achieved SF Remission, RB Remission and Symptomatic Remission compared to PBO at W40 (Table), with significant differences observed from W8 of LUCENT-2 (p=0.042; p=0.004; p=0.036, respectively) and maintained through W40. Miri-treated pts had a significantly higher percentage of Stable Maintenance of Symptomatic Remission (p<0.001). Pts in the miri-treatment group had a significantly greater mean reduction in BU NRS change from induction BL starting at W12 (p=0.034) onwards compared to PBO (Table). Pts assigned to miri accrued an additional 13.6 percentage-point benefit in BU Remission during the first 8W of maintenance therapy and achieved a significant greater improvement at W40 compared to PBO (p<0.001, Table). Similarly, AP was significantly improved for the miri-treated group starting at W16 (p=0.034) onwards compared to PBO.

Image

Conclusion(s)

Miri provides sustained control of UC symptoms including BU, RB, and SF compared to PBO in pts with moderately to severely active UC.

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Other

Please indicate your source of funding;

Eli Lilly and Company

Disclosure of Interest

A. Dignass Consultant of: AbbVie, Abivax, Amgen, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers Squibb (Celgene), Celltrion, Dr. Falk Pharma, Eli Lilly and Company, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Fresenius Kabi, Galapagos, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Pharmacosmos, Roche, Sandoz/Hexal, Takeda, Tillotts Pharma AG, and Vifor Pharma; has received lecture fees or honoraria from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Dr. Falk Pharma, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Galapagos, High5Md, Janssen, Materia, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Pfizer, Sandoz, Takeda, Tillotts Pharma AG, and Vifor Pharma, S. Danese Consultant of: AbbVie, Alimentiv, Allergan, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Athos Therapeutics, Biogen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Celltrion, Dr. Falk Pharma, Eli Lilly and Company, Enthera, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gilead Sciences, Hospira, Inotrem, Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mundipharma, Mylan, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz Sublimity, Takeda, TiGenix, UCB Pharma, and Vifor Pharma, Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, Amgen, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, Mylan, Pfizer, and Takeda, K. Matsuoka Grant / Research support from: AbbVie, EA Pharma, JIMRO, Kissei Pharmaceutical, Kyowa Kyorin, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Mochida Pharmaceutical, and Zeria Pharmaceutical Nippon; lecture fees from: AbbVie, EA Pharma, JIMRO, Kissei Pharmaceutical, Kyowa Kyorin, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Mochida Pharmaceutical, Takeda, and Zeria Pharmaceutical Nippon, M. Ferrante Grant / Research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Janssen Cilag, Pfizer, Takeda, and Viatris, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celltrion, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen Cilag, Medtronic, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sandoz, Takeda, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celltrion, Dr. Falk Pharma, Eli Lilly and Company, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, Lamepro, Medtronic, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mylan, Pfizer, Samsung Bioepis, Sandoz, Takeda, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, M. Long Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Calibr, Eli Lilly and Company, Genentech, Janssen, Pfizer, Prometheus Biosciences, Roche, Takeda, TARGET PharmaSolutions, and Theravance Biopharma, I. Redondo Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, T. Gibble Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, R. Moses Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, X. Li Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, N. Morris Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, C. Milch Employee of: Former employee, was employed at Eli Lilly and Company at the time of study, M. Abreu Grant / Research support from: Pfizer, Prometheus Biosciences, and Takeda, Consultant of: AbbVie, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, Microba Life Sciences, Prometheus Biosciences, UCB Pharma, and WebMD, Speakers bureau of: Alimentiv, Intellisphere LLC (HCP Live Institutional Perspectives in GI), Janssen, Prime CME, and Takeda, J. Jones: None Declared

A184 EARLY SYMPTOM CONTROL WITH MIRIKIZUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH MODERATELY TO SEVERELY ACTIVE ULCERATIVE COLITIS IN THE LUCENT-1 INDUCTION TRIAL

Background

Mirikizumab (miri), an anti-IL23/p19 monoclonal antibody, demonstrated efficacy compared with placebo (PBO) in the Phase 3, multicentre, randomized, double-blind LUCENT-1 induction study in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC, NCT03518086).

Purpose

This analysis assessed early onset of symptomatic improvement and symptomatic control during induction.

Method

During the 12-week (W) induction study, 1162 adult patients (pts) with inadequate response, loss of response, or were intolerant to conventional therapy or biologic or tofacitinib therapy for UC, received miri IV Q4W (N=868) or PBO (N=294). We evaluated improvement for symptoms of stool frequency (SF), rectal bleeding (RB) and bowel movement urgency (BU), abdominal pain and fatigue. BU Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) change from baseline (BL), BU Clinical Meaningful Improvement (CMI), BU Remission, Fatigue NRS change from BL, Abdominal Pain Improvement, as well as SF Remission, RB Remission, Symptomatic Response and Symptomatic Remission were assessed.

Result(s)

As early as W2, miri-treated pts achieved a significantly greater reduction in RB subscores (p=0.001) and in SF subscores (p=0.035). From W2 and W4, a significantly greater percentage achieved SF Remission and RB Remission, respectively compared to PBO. A significantly greater percentage of miri-treated pts achieved Symptomatic Response compared to PBO from W2 (p=0.003) and of Symptomatic Remission compared with PBO from W4 (p<0.001). Miri-treated pts showed a significantly greater mean reduction in BU NRS scores as early as W2 compared to PBO (p=0.004). From W4, a significantly greater percentage of miri-treated pts achieved BU CMI versus PBO (p=0.044). From W7 onwards, a significantly greater percentage achieved BU Remission (p=0.002). The pts showed a significantly greater mean reduction in Fatigue NRS scores from W2 compared to PBO (p=0.014). As early as W4, a significant reduction of at least 30% in Abdominal Pain NRS score from BL was observed in the miri-treated pts compared with PBO (p=0.007). At W12, a significantly greater proportion of miri-treated pts achieved Symptomatic Response, Symptomatic Remission, RB Remission, SF Remission, BU change from BL, BU CMI and Remission, as well as Fatigue and Abdominal Pain Improvement, compared to PBO (Table).

Image

Conclusion(s)

Miri provides rapid control of UC symptoms, including BU and fatigue, as early as W2 compared with PBO in pts with moderately to severely active UC.

Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below

Other

Please indicate your source of funding;

Eli Lilly and Company

Disclosure of Interest

S. Danese Consultant of: AbbVie, Alimentiv, Allergan, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Athos Therapeutics, Biogen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Celltrion, Dr. Falk Pharma, Eli Lilly and Company, Enthera, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gilead Sciences, Hospira, Inotrem, Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mundipharma, Mylan, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz Sublimity, Takeda, TiGenix, UCB Pharma, and Vifor Pharma, Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, Amgen, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, Mylan, Pfizer, and Takeda, A. Dignass Consultant of: AbbVie, Abivax, Amgen, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers Squibb (Celgene), Celltrion, Dr. Falk Pharma, Eli Lilly and Company, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Fresenius Kabi, Galapagos, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, Pharmacosmos, Roche, Sandoz/Hexal, Takeda, Tillotts Pharma AG, and Vifor Pharma, Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Dr. Falk Pharma, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Galapagos, High5Md, Janssen, Materia, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Pfizer, Sandoz, Takeda, Tillotts Pharma AG, and Vifor Pharma, K. Matsuoka Grant / Research support from: AbbVie, EA Pharma, JIMRO, Kissei Pharmaceutical, Kyowa Kyorin, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Mochida Pharmaceutical, and Zeria Pharmaceutical Nippon, Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, EA Pharma, JIMRO, Kissei Pharmaceutical, Kyowa Kyorin, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Mochida Pharmaceutical, Takeda, and Zeria Pharmaceutical Nippon, M. Ferrante Grant / Research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Janssen Cilag, Pfizer, Takeda, and Viatris, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celltrion, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen Cilag, Medtronic, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sandoz, Takeda, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celltrion, Dr. Falk Pharma, Eli Lilly and Company, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, Lamepro, Medtronic, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mylan, Pfizer, Samsung Bioepis, Sandoz, Takeda, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, M. Long Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Calibr, Eli Lilly and Company, Genentech, Janssen, Pfizer, Prometheus Biosciences, Roche, Takeda, TARGET PharmaSolutions, and Theravance Biopharma, I. Redondo Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, T. Gibble Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, R. Moses Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, N. Morris Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, X. Li Employee of: Eli Lilly and Company, C. Milch Employee of: former employee, was employed at Eli Lilly and Company at the time of study, M. Abreu Grant / Research support from: Pfizer, Prometheus Biosciences, and Takeda, Consultant of: AbbVie, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Company, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, Microba Life Sciences, Prometheus Biosciences, UCB Pharma, and WebMD, Speakers bureau of: Alimentiv, Intellisphere LLC (HCP Live Institutional Perspectives in GI), Janssen, Prime CME, and Takeda, J. Jones: None Declared

Hypothalamus volume in men: Investigating associations with paternal status, self-reported caregiving beliefs, and adult attachment style

Most studies on mammalian caregiving and attachment focused on the mother-child relationship, particularly in humans. Yet, changing societal roles of male caregivers have highlighted the necessity for research with fathers.We examined the volume of the hypothalamus, an important subcortical brain area for caregiving and attachment, in N = 50 fathering (child age 5-6 years) and N = 45 non-fathering men using a novel technique to identify the hypothalamus in 3T MRI. We furthermore employed three self-report measures to assess interindividual differences in adult attachment style across all men and caregiving beliefs in fathers.While we did not observe any significant difference in hypothalamus volume between fathers and non-fathers or associations between hypothalamus volume and self-reported adult attachment style across all men, self-reported caregiving beliefs were positively related to total hypothalamus volume in fathers. A follow-up analysis showed that fathers' self-reported belief that a father's role is important to child development was specifically related to tuberal hypothalamus volume, while self-reported enjoyment of spending time with the child was not associated with sub-regional hypothalamus volume.Together, these findings suggest that interindividual variability in self-reported caregiving beliefs in fathers is related to brain structure, warranting further research.

An artificial intelligence deep learning model for identification of small bowel obstruction on plain abdominal radiographs

Objectives:

Small bowel obstruction is a common surgical emergency which can lead to bowel necrosis, perforation and death. Plain abdominal X-rays are frequently used as a first-line test but the availability of immediate expert radiological review is variable. The aim was to investigate the feasibility of using a deep learning model for automated identification of small bowel obstruction.

Methods:

A total of 990 plain abdominal radiographs were collected, 445 with normal findings and 445 demonstrating small bowel obstruction. The images were labelled using the radiology reports, subsequent CT scans, surgical operation notes and enhanced radiological review. The data were used to develop a predictive model comprising an ensemble of five convolutional neural networks trained using transfer learning.

Results:

The performance of the model was excellent with an area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) of 0.961, corresponding to sensitivity and specificity of 91 and 93% respectively.

Conclusion:

Deep learning can be used to identify small bowel obstruction on plain radiographs with a high degree of accuracy. A system such as this could be used to alert clinicians to the presence of urgent findings with the potential for expedited clinical review and improved patient outcomes.

Advances in knowledge:

This paper describes a novel labelling method using composite clinical follow-up and demonstrates that ensemble models can be used effectively in medical imaging tasks. It also provides evidence that deep learning methods can be used to identify small bowel obstruction with high accuracy.

Perioperative intravenous contrast administration and the incidence of acute kidney injury after major gastrointestinal surgery: prospective, multicentre cohort study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the impact of preoperative exposure to intravenous contrast for CT and the risk of developing postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery.

METHODS

This prospective, multicentre cohort study included adults undergoing gastrointestinal resection, stoma reversal or liver resection. Both elective and emergency procedures were included. Preoperative exposure to intravenous contrast was defined as exposure to contrast administered for the purposes of CT up to 7 days before surgery. The primary endpoint was the rate of AKI within 7 days. Propensity score-matched models were adjusted for patient, disease and operative variables. In a sensitivity analysis, a propensity score-matched model explored the association between preoperative exposure to contrast and AKI in the first 48 h after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 5378 patients were included across 173 centres. Overall, 1249 patients (23·2 per cent) received intravenous contrast. The overall rate of AKI within 7 days of surgery was 13·4 per cent (718 of 5378). In the propensity score-matched model, preoperative exposure to contrast was not associated with AKI within 7 days (odds ratio (OR) 0·95, 95 per cent c.i. 0·73 to 1·21; P = 0·669). The sensitivity analysis showed no association between preoperative contrast administration and AKI within 48 h after operation (OR 1·09, 0·84 to 1·41; P = 0·498).

CONCLUSION

There was no association between preoperative intravenous contrast administered for CT up to 7 days before surgery and postoperative AKI. Risk of contrast-induced nephropathy should not be used as a reason to avoid contrast-enhanced CT.

Cells´ Flow and Immune Cell Priming under alternating g-forces in Parabolic Flight

Gravitational stress in general and microgravity (µg) in particular are regarded as major stress factors responsible for immune system dysfunction in space. To assess the effects of alternating µg and hypergravity (hyper-g) on immune cells, the attachment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to adhesion molecules under flow conditions and the antigen-induced immune activation in whole blood were investigated in parabolic flight (PF). In contrast to hyper-g (1.8 g) and control conditions (1 g), flow and rolling speed of PBMCs were moderately accelerated during µg-periods which were accompanied by a clear reduction in rolling rate. Whole blood analyses revealed a "primed" state of monocytes after PF with potentiated antigen-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine responses. At the same time, concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines were increased and monocytes displayed a surface molecule pattern that indicated immunosuppression. The results suggest an immunologic counterbalance to avoid disproportionate immune responses. Understanding the interrelation of immune system impairing and enhancing effects under different gravitational conditions may support the design of countermeasures to mitigate immune deficiencies in space.

Abstract P5-07-11: Transcriptome alteration of breast cancer cells in the process of tumor-associated macrophages-promoted metastasis

Introduction: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in the process of tumor metastasis. Previous studies have shown that TAMs induce breast cancer cells undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by secreting CCL18. Reciprocally, the induced mesenchymal-like breast cancer cells activate macrophages into a TAM-like phenotype via secreting the cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), forming a positive feedback loop that is essential to breast cancer metastasis.

Methods: To better understand the underlying mechanism that links this positive feedback loop to breast cancer metastasis, a TAMs-induced EMT cell model (MCF-7) was used. RNA-seq was used to compare the transcriptome of MCF-7 cells which were cocultured with TAMs and those with or without monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Results were further verified by qRT-PCR.

Results: Among 811 known protein-coding genes with reliable readouts, 42 were significantly changed between groups (P&lt;0.001). Further analysis using KEGG, Reactome and Wikipathways databases found that these 42 genes were enriched in 15 signal pathways (P&lt;0.01). According to their biological function, these pathways can be divided into 5 functional groups: SUMOylation related, virus related, immune related, interferon related and cytokine related. The last 3 groups demonstrated that our model were representative and able to provide some real and useful information, while SUMOylation and virus related signal pathways have never been reported to be involved in TAMs induced breast cancer metastasis.

Conclusion: We investigated the transcriptome alteration of MCF-7 cells in the process of TAMs-promoted metastasis. Results from bioinformatic analysis indicated SUMOylation and virus related signal pathways in the process of TAMs induced breast cancer metastasis, which are yet to be confirmed.

Citation Format: Long M, Yang M, An J, Su H, Liu R. Transcriptome alteration of breast cancer cells in the process of tumor-associated macrophages-promoted metastasis [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 P5-07-11.

The preferences of young adults with Type 1 diabetes at clinics using a discrete choice experiment approach: the D1 Now Study

AIM

Attending routine outpatient clinic appointments is a central self-management behaviour of individuals living with Type 1 diabetes. A large number of young adults with Type 1 diabetes disengage from diabetes services, which may contribute to poor psychosocial and diabetes outcomes. The aim of this study is to elicit preferences from young adults with Type 1 diabetes regarding clinic-related services to inform service delivery.

METHODS

A discrete choice experiment was developed to understand the preferences of young adults with Type 1 diabetes for clinic-related services.

RESULTS

Young adults recruited from young adult Type 1 diabetes clinics in 2016 completed the experiment (n = 105). Young adults with Type 1 diabetes showed a preference for shorter waiting times, seeing a nurse and a consultant, relative to a nurse alone, and a flexible booking system compared with fixed appointment times. Results suggest no preference for a nurse and a doctor, relative to a nurse alone, or other optional services (e.g. seeing dietitians or psychologists), type of HbA_1c test and digital blood glucose diaries over paper-based diaries.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights aspects of routine clinic appointments that are valued by young adults living with Type 1 diabetes, namely shorter waiting times at clinic, the option to see both a nurse and consultant at each visit and a flexible clinic appointment booking system. These findings suggest young adults with Type 1 diabetes value convenience and should help services to restructure their clinics to be more responsive to the needs of young adults.

Strength in Numbers: an international consensus conference to develop a novel approach to care delivery for young adults with type 1 diabetes, the D1 Now Study

PLAIN ENGLISH SUMMARY

Many young adults with type 1 diabetes struggle with the day-to-day management of their condition. They often find it difficult to find the time to attend their clinic appointments and to meet with their diabetes healthcare team. Young adults living with type 1 diabetes are not routinely involved in research that may help improve health services other than being invited to take part in studies as research participants. A 3-day international conference was held in Galway in June 2016 called "Strength In Numbers: Teaming up to improve the health of young adults with type 1 diabetes". It aimed to bring together people from a broad variety of backgrounds with an interest in young adults with type 1 diabetes. Young people with type 1 diabetes came together with healthcare professionals, researchers, software developers and policy makers to come up with and agree on a new approach for engaging young adults with type 1 diabetes with their health services and to improve how they manage their diabetes.The people involved in the conference aimed to reach agreement (consensus) on a fixed set of outcome measures called a core outcome set (COS) that the group would recommend future studies involving young adults with type 1 diabetes to use, to suggest a new approach (intervention) for providing health services to young adults with type 1 diabetes, and to come up with health technology ideas that could help deliver the new intervention. Over the 3 days, this diverse international group of people that included young adults living with type 1 diabetes, agreed on a COS, 3 key parts of a new intervention and 1 possible health technology idea that could help with how the overall intervention could be delivered.Involving young adults living with type 1 diabetes in a 3-day conference along with other key groups is an effective method for coming up with a new approach to improve health services for young adults with type 1 diabetes and better support their self-management.

ABSTRACT

Background A 3-day international consensus meeting was hosted by the D1 Now study team in Galway on June 22-24, 2016 called "Strength In Numbers: Teaming up to improve the health of young adults with type 1 diabetes". The aim of the meeting was to bring together young adults with type 1 diabetes, healthcare providers, policy makers and researchers to reach a consensus on strategies to improve engagement, self-management and ultimately outcomes for young adults living with type 1 diabetes. Methods This diverse stakeholder group participated in the meeting to reach consensus on (i) a core outcome set (COS) to be used in future intervention studies involving young adults with type 1 diabetes, (ii) new strategies for delivering health services to young adults and (iii) potential digital health solutions that could be incorporated into a future intervention. Results A COS of 8 outcomes and 3 key intervention components that aim to improve engagement between young adults with type 1 diabetes and service providers were identified. A digital health solution that could potentially compliment the intervention components was proposed. Conclusion The outputs from the 3-day consensus conference, that held patient and public involvement at its core, will help the research team further develop and test the D1 Now intervention for young adults with type 1 diabetes in a pilot and feasibility study and ultimately in a definitive trial. The conference represents a good example of knowledge exchange among different stakeholders for health research and service improvement.

Final kissing balloon inflation for coronary bifurcation lesions treated with single-stent technique : A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of final kissing balloon (FKB) inflation in one-stent techniques for bifurcation lesions is controversial. The goal of the present study was to investigate the impact of FKB on long-term clinical outcomes in one-stent strategies.

METHODS

A literature search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was undertaken through August 2017. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization. Overall hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random-effects model.

RESULTS

Ten studies comprising 7364 patients treated with a one-stent technique were included in the analysis. Overall, FKB did not demonstrate a significant reduction in MACE compared with non-FKB in both randomized trials (HR: 1.13; 95% CI: 0.65-1.98) and observational studies (HR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.61-1.20). The risk of cardiac death (HR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.53-1.49), myocardial infarction (HR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.53-1.09), and target lesion revascularization (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.74-1.23) was also similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

FKB may not be mandatory and a selective FKB strategy might be more justified in one-stent techniques for bifurcation lesions.

[Prevalence of hearing disorders in China: a population-based survey in four provinces of China]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, severity of hearing disorders and demographics of people with hearing disorders based on the whole population in Jilin, Guangdong, Shannxi and Gansu provinces in China. Methods: According to " WHO Ear and Hearing Disorders Survey Protocol" , 144 clusters were chosen with probability proportional sampling(PPS) method from the four provinces covering 194, 688, 061 residents. Audiological test, otological examination and questionnaire surveying were conducted for all samples from August, 2014 to September, 2015. The hearing disorders were classified according to WHO criteria and classification. Results: Among 47 511 targeted residents, 45, 052 individuals (94.82% response rate) participated in the survey. The standardized prevalence rates of hearing disorders and disabling hearing disorders were 15.84 % and 5.17 % respectively. Almost 50% of people with hearing disorders had no awareness of it or its starting time. There was significant difference in the prevalence among people of different ages, genders, occupations, provinces, marital status and education levels. The prevalence of hearing disorders increased significantly as age grew. People above 60 years old occupied 55.31% of the total hearing disorders. The prevalence of hearing disorders among male, people of low education and those who lost husband or wife, as well as workers and farmers was relatively higher. Conclusions: The prevalence of hearing disorders is high, and hearing disorders are " invisible" . Demographics and socioeconomic factors significantly influence the prevalence of hearing disorders.

Abstract P2-11-09: A p53-based strategy for protecting normal breast tissue from chemotherapy-induced damage in breast conserving therapy

Introduction: Currently, the global rate of breast conserving therapy (BCT) increased steadily. Most patients with BCT are treated with chemotherapy. However, most chemotherapeutical drugs that kill cancer cells also cause undesirable injuries to normal breast tissues. Normal breast tissue damage will further cause destruction of female secondary sex characteristics, and ultimately affect the quality of patients' lives. Therefore, it is urgent to protect the normal breast tissues for BCT patients during chemotherapy. More and more evidence shows that chemotherapy-induced normal tissue damage is mainly caused by the activation of p53 pathway, which is separate from the tumor suppressor pathway of p53. Previous studies found that use of low-dose arsenic (LDA) could temporarily and reversibly suppresses p53 activation. There are recent studies showing LDA selectively protect bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract during cancer treatment. Therefore, we hypothesize that use of LDA to temporary inhibit p53 activity will be a new strategy to protect the breast normal tissues for breast conserving patients.

Methods: Human breast epithelial cell line, MCF-10A, and three breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 (estrogen receptor and E6 expressed), MDA-MB-231 (triple negative and p53 mutated) and BT-474 (HER2 overexpressed and p53 mutated), were tested in this study. All cells were pretreated with either PBS or 100nM sodium arsenite for 12 hours, followed by 375 μM 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or DMSO for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Cellular viability was determined by MTT assay and cell morphology was recorded under a light microscope.

Results: Morphology changes after 5-FU treatment include: the cell density decreased, the cells became rounded in shape, the cell membrane atrophied, the cell nuclei underwent pyknosis, and the cells formed a globule with nuclear and cytoplasmic fragments surrounded by the cell membrane. LDA pretreated-MCF10A cells showed significant reduced growth inhibition by 5-FU at all detected time pointes as demonstrated by MTT assay and morphology observation. Interestingly, LDA treatment had negligible effect on survival in breast cancer cells.

Table 1. Cell growth evaluated by MTT assay.Time after 5-FU treatment(h)Cell lineControl (%)LDA (%)5-FU (%)LDA+5-FU (%)24MCF-10A10099.3051.3878.28 MCF-710097.3268.5165.64 MDA-MB-23110094.9669.5669.13 BT-47410098.7971.5071.5948MCF-10A10097.3729.1347.74 MCF-710091.7649.9148.95 MDA-MB-23110093.769.048.81 BT-47410092.0460.4361.0072MCF-10A10096.3418.3443.64 MCF-710091.0142.0039.40 MDA-MB-23110093.596.445.39 BT-47410091.4635.7636.95

Conclusion: Temporary LDA pretreatment selectively protected normal tissue cells, but not tumor cells from toxicity of 5-FU chemotherapy. Our findings indicated that LDA pretreatment is a potential strategy to protect normal breast tissue during chemotherapy for BCT patients.

RL and HS contributed equally to this work.

Citation Format: Long M, Huang Y, Liu R, Liu R, Su H. A p53-based strategy for protecting normal breast tissue from chemotherapy-induced damage in breast conserving therapy [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 P2-11-09.

Abstract P5-03-12: Selenocystine inhibits triple-negative breast cancer cell proliferation by inducing cell apoptosis and S-phase arrest

Introduction: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with limited effective treatment options. New therapeutic approaches are urgently needed to improve the prognosis of TNBC. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are inherent byproducts of oxidative metabolism, and forced stimulation of glucose oxidation in cancer cells raises oxidative stress and sensitizes cells to different stresses. Therefore, targeting the antioxidant capacity of cancer cells has become a promising anticancer strategy. As a redox modulator, selenocystine (SeC) has received a great deal of attention and has been shown effective against human melanoma, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, and cancers of liver, lung and cervical in vitro. However, whether SeC exerts an anticancer effect on TNBC cells has never been explored.

Methods: The dose-response effects and time course of effects of SeC on three different TNBC cell lines, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436 and MDA-MB-468, were investigated in this study. Cellular viability was determined by the CCK-8 assay and cell morphology were recorded under a light microscope. Cellular apoptosis was detected using Annexin V/PI staining assay and cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results: SeC induced cell growth inhibition in all three TNBC cell lines. For 24, 48 and 72 hours of SeC treatments, the IC50 values were 40.8, 12.8 and 9.2 μM for MDA-MB-231 cells; 14.6, 5.4 and 3.0 μM for MDA-MB-436 cells; and 69.6, 29.3 and 19.9 μM for MDA-MB-468 cells. The changes of cellular morphology of TNBC cells in response to SeC treatment were similar to those cells undergoing apoptotic pathway. This result was confirmed by Annexin V/PI staining assays (Table 1). Cell cycle analysis further revealed that SeC also induced S-phase arrest in a dose-dependent manner (Table 2).

Conclusion: In summary, SeC inhibited TNBC cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner which was attributed to the induction of apoptosis and S-phase arrest. Our finding indicates that SeC is a potential therapeutic agent for TNBC.

Table 1. Apoptotic rate of TNBC cells after SeC treatment.Conc.(μM)MDA-MB-231MDA-MB-436MDA-MB-46805.8 %18.1 %26.7 %1025.5 %45.8 %60.7 %2040.1 %67.1 %70.9 %4054.7 %70.7 %74.5 %

Table 2. SeC induces S-phase arrest in TNBC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Conc.(μM)G0/G1 (%)S (%)G2/M (%)MDA-MB-231016.655.927.5 1050.139.310.6 2045.548.16.4 4041.753.05.3MDA-MB-436042.127.630.3 1036.335.028.7 2034.340.725.0 4032.445.422.2MDA-MB-468059.123.717.2 1054.929.315.8 2050.135.714.2 4043.843.113.1

Citation Format: Long M, Qiu W, Wu J, Liu R, Su H. Selenocystine inhibits triple-negative breast cancer cell proliferation by inducing cell apoptosis and S-phase arrest. [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 P5-03-12.

Subclinical hypothyroidism and the associations with macrovascular complications and chronic kidney disease in patients with Type 2 diabetes

AIMS

The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is high among patients with diabetes, although the relationship between SCH and diabetic vascular complications is unknown. This study aimed to determine the relationship between SCH and vascular complications in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

In this cross sectional study, 991 patients with Type 2 diabetes were screened for thyroid function at their admission to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. We compared the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD), ischaemic stroke and chronic kidney disease (CKD) with the prevalence of euthyroidism and SCH.

RESULTS

Among the 991 patients, 126 (12.7%) patients had SCH. The prevalence of CHD was significantly higher in the SCH group than in the euthyroid group (22.2% and 15.0%, respectively; P = 0.039). In the logistic regression analyses, SCH was associated with CHD [odds ratio (OR): 1.993; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.135-3.497; P = 0.016]. This association was stronger in patients aged ≥ 65 years than in younger patients [2.474 (1.173-5.220); P = 0.017]. No significant association was found between SCH and ischaemic stroke. Patients with severe SCH had a high risk of CKD [1.842 (1.120-3.029); P = 0.016].

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that SCH in patients with Type 2 diabetes is associated with a high prevalence of CHD (and CKD in severe SCH), although not with ischaemic stroke.

Validity and reliability of eye healthcare professionals in the assessment of glaucoma - a systematic review

OBJECTIVE(S)

To explore the validity and reliability of eye healthcare professionals with different levels of training in diagnosing and/or identifying glaucomatous progression.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Substantial pressure is being placed on our current eye healthcare workforce by chronic diseases such as glaucoma. Shared care schemes and role expansion of professionals other than ophthalmologists are being proposed to alleviate this pressure. A sound evidence base is imperative to determine whether other allied health professionals are skilled and clinically competent, when it comes to taking on these new roles in glaucoma management.

METHODS

A systematic review of research articles identified in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library was performed. Studies which investigated rater reliability of various health professionals in diagnosing and/or identifying glaucoma progression against a reference standard were included.

RESULTS

Of the 4088 publications identified by the initial database search, 32 met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies demonstrated positive results, with most finding moderate to substantial agreement for inter- and intra-rater reliability across all testing modalities. The eye health professionals with ophthalmology training consistently attained the greatest agreement. When allied health professionals with different levels of training were compared, those who had completed residency training were significantly better than those who had not.

CONCLUSION

The studies included in this review show promising results, including those raters without ophthalmology training. A lack of power calculations, unequal sample sizes in some studies and the diversity of the testing procedures used make it difficult to make sound inferences.

Antimicrobial and disinfectant resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from giant pandas

AIMS

The study aims to demonstrate the antimicrobial and disinfectant resistance phenotypes and genotypes of Escherichia coli isolates obtained from giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Antimicrobial testing was performed according to the standard disk diffusion method. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of disinfectants were determined using the agar dilution method. All isolates were screened for the presence of antimicrobial and disinfectant resistance genes and further analysed for genetic relatedness by pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Results showed that 46·6% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial. Escherichia coli isolates showed resistance to fewer antimicrobials as panda age increased. Among antimicrobial-resistant E. coli isolates, the antimicrobial resistance genes blaCTX-M (88·2%) and sul1 (92·3%) were most prevalent. The disinfectant resistance genes emrE, ydgE/ydgF, mdfA and sugE(c) were commonly present (68·2-98·9%), whereas qac and sugE(p) were relatively less prevalent (0-21·3%). The frequencies of resistance genes tended to be higher in E. coli isolated in December than in July, and PFGE profiles were also more diverse in isolates in December. The qacEΔ1 and sugE(p) genes were higher in adolescent pandas than in any other age groups. PFGE revealed that antimicrobial resistance correlated well with sampling time and habitat.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that antimicrobial and disinfectant resistance was common in giant panda-derived E. coli, and the antimicrobial resistance was associated with sampling time and habitat. Escherichia coli could serve as a critical vector in spreading disinfectant and antimicrobial resistance.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first study that demonstrated the phenotypic and genetic characterizations of antimicrobial and disinfectant resistance in E. coli isolates from more than 60 giant pandas. Frequent transfer of pandas to other cages may lead to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. The study highlights the need for regularly monitoring the antimicrobial and disinfectant resistance in bacteria from giant pandas.

Morphologic control of Sb-rich Sb2Se3 to adjust its catalytic hydrogenation properties for p-nitrophenol

Sb-rich Sb₂Se₃ with hollow sphere morphology is an efficient catalyst for the hydrogenation of p-nitrophenol.

Five days of head-down-tilt bed rest induces noninflammatory shedding of L-selectin

Head-down-tilt bed rest (HDTBR) is a popular model, simulating alterations of gravitation during space missions. The aim of this study was to obtain a better insight into the complexly orchestrated regulations of HDTBR-induced immunological responses, hypothesizing that artificial gravity can mitigate these HDTBR-related physiological effects. This crossover-designed 5 days of HDTBR study included three protocols with no, or daily 30 min of centrifugation or 6 × 5 min of centrifugation. Twelve healthy, male participants donated blood pre-HDTBR, post-HDTBR, and twice during HDTBR. Cellular immune changes were assessed either by enumerative and immune cell phenotyping assays or by functional testing of responses to either recall antigens or receptor-dependent activation by chemotactic agents N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and with TNF-α. The expression of the adhesion molecule L-selectin (CD62L) on the surface of granulocytes and its shedding into plasma samples were measured. In parallel, other humoral factor, such as interleukin-6 and interleukin-8, parameters of endothelial damage (glycocalyx) were determined. Hematocrit and hemoglobin were significantly increased during HDTBR. Although immune functional tests did not indicate a change in the immune performance, the expression of CD62L on resting granulocytes was significantly shed by 50% during HDTBR. Although the latter is normally associated to an activation of inflammatory innate immune responses and during interaction of granulocytes with the endothelium, CD62L shedding was, however, not related either to a systemic inflammatory alteration or to shedding of the endothelial glycocalyx during bed rest. This suggests a noninflammatory or “mechanical” shedding related to fluid shifts during head-down intervention and not to an acute inflammatory process.

Elevated snoRNA biogenesis is essential in breast cancer

Hyperactive ribosomal biogenesis is widely observed in cancer, which has been partly attributed to the increased rDNA transcription by Pol I in cancer. However, whether small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs crucial in ribosomal RNA (rRNA) maturation and functionality, are involved in cancer remains elusive. We report that snoRNAs and fibrillarin (FBL, an enzymatic small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein, snoRNP) are frequently overexpressed in both murine and human breast cancer as well as in prostate cancers, and significantly, that this overexpression is essential for tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate that when the elevated snoRNA pathway is suppressed, the tumor suppressor p53 can act as a sentinel of snoRNP perturbation, the activation of which mediates the growth inhibitory effect. On the other hand, high level of FBL interferes with the activation of p53 by stress. We further show that p53 activation by FBL knockdown is not only regulated by the ribosomal protein-MDM2-mediated protein stabilization pathway, but also by enhanced PTB-dependent, cap-independent translation. Together, our data uncover an essential role of deregulated snoRNA biogenesis in tumors and a new mechanism of nucleolar modulation of p53.

We are all in this together: working towards a holistic understanding of self-harm

Self-harm is a widespread and controversial issue in contemporary society. Statistics are based on reported incidents and therefore do not accurately reveal prevalence, as self-harm is often a hidden behaviour. This highlights the essential need for practitioners and society to work towards reducing the stigma surrounding self-harm. This paper goes some way towards understanding the impact of self-harm on individuals and communities. It begins by exploring terminologies and definitions of self-harm and discusses the importance of sensitivity in language use relating to self-harm. It continues by examining types of self-harm and subsequently presents life experiences that may contribute to the onset of self-harm. The paper elucidates the cultural, historical and religious origins of self-harm, indicating the ways in which self-harm has evolved with us as part of our humanity. Moreover, literature relating to the significance of stigma and attitudes is examined, followed by issues around psychiatric diagnoses pertaining to self-harm. The paper concludes by synthesizing literature relevant to the relationship between self-harm and suicide.