Dairy purchase behaviors: Increasing understanding of Chinese consumers using a consumer involvement segmentation approach

Understanding consumers' purchase behaviors is fundamental to the success of the dairy industry. With its economic importance, the Chinese market is critical to dairy producers in most countries around the world. However, understanding consumers in this market is particularly challenging, as these consumers often have a different relationship with dairy products than consumers elsewhere in the world, given the country's historical dairy-related scandals. This special relationship can be characterized by what consumer behavior researchers call "high involvement," indicating that Chinese dairy consumers often attempt to reduce the level of risk associated with buying dairy products. Surprisingly, although this relationship affects several important aspects of purchase behavior, examination of the concept of involvement in the dairy sector has not been widely considered. Of note, there is no understanding of how Chinese consumers vary in their involvement levels and their implications on their dairy purchase behaviors. Nor have there been involvement-based insights provided on how dairy companies can position their marketing strategy to suit the needs of these consumers better. Thus, this study proposes a new approach to understanding Chinese consumer dairy decisions by introducing "consumer involvement" as a segmentation tool through which individuals' behaviors can be predicated according to their involvement profile. Based on an online survey administered in Shanghai using 1,073 dairy consumers, principal component analysis confirmed involvement with dairy is a multidimensional construct with the following 4 factors: pleasure value, symbolic value, risk importance, and risk probability. A 2-step cluster analysis identified 4 consumer clusters based on their involvement profile: face-concerned dairy lover, carefree dairy consumer, cautious dairy lover, and confused dairy consumer. According to a one-way ANOVA test and cross-tabulation with χ2 test, these consumer segments behave differently in relation to the extensiveness of decision making, cue utilization, trust of information sources, and consumption behavior. The outcomes in this paper further explain why efforts to restore consumer trust for dairy products do not work among some consumers, as individuals may exhibit diverse attitudes toward such information due to their heterogeneous involvement levels. The study also provides suggestions for market practitioners and organizations to develop effective target market strategies and policies according to different consumer clusters.

Host-Associated Distribution of Two Novel Mammarenaviruses in Rodents from Southern Africa

Mammarenaviruses are hosted by several rodent species, a small number of which have been known to be zoonotic. Host surveillance among small mammals has identified a large diversity of previously undescribed mammarenaviruses. Intensified biosurveillance is warranted to better understand the diversity of these agents. Longitudinal host surveillance involving non-volant small mammals at a site in the Limpopo province, South Africa, was conducted. The study reports on the screening results of 563 samples for the presence of mammarenavirus RNA. PCR-positive samples were subjected to sequencing using Miseq amplicon sequencing. Sequences with close similarity to Mariental and Lunk viruses were identified from two rodent species, Micaelamys namaquensis and Mus minutoides. This represents the first description of these viruses from South Africa. The genomic sequences reported here partially satisfied the requirements put forward by the International Committee on the Taxonomy of Viruses' criteria for species delineation, suggesting that these may be new strains of existing species. The known distribution of these mammarenaviruses is thus expanded further south in Africa.

Integrative taxonomic analysis of new collections from the central Angolan highlands resolves the taxonomy of African pipistrelloid bats on a continental scale

Ten years ago, the genus-level and species-level taxonomy of African pipistrelloid bats was in a state of flux. In spite of advances in the past decade, gaps in collecting from species-rich regions like Angola have hampered efforts to revise this group. We report on new collections of pipistrelle-like bats from the poorly sampled central highlands of Angola (1000–1500 m a.s.l.) as well as comparative material from lower-lying areas of Eswatini and South Africa. Specimens identified as Neoromicia anchietae, collected 400–700 km east of the holotype locality in the western highlands of Angola, were genetically and morphologically distinctive from N. anchietae s.l. from South Africa and Eswatini. We describe herein this latter lineage as a distinct species from low-lying areas of south-eastern Africa, distinct from N. anchietae s.s., which is therefore restricted to the central and western Angolan highlands. We also identified shallow to deep genetic divergence between different African regions in other recognized pipistrelloid species, such as conspecificity between the long-eared species Laephotis angolensis from Angola and Laephotis botswanae from northern Botswana, northern Namibia and south-western Zambia. Our phylogeny supports a recently proposed generic classification of African pipistrelloid bats.

Surveillance of the rabies-related lyssavirus, Mokola in non-volant small mammals in South Africa

The reservoir host of Mokola virus (MOKV), a rabies-related lyssavirus species endemic to Africa, remains unknown. Only sporadic cases of MOKV have been reported since its first discovery in the late 1960s, which subsequently gave rise to various reservoir host hypotheses. One particular hypothesis focusing on non-volant small mammals (e.g. shrews, sengis and rodents) is buttressed by previous MOKV isolations from shrews (Crocidura sp.) and a single rodent (Lophuromys sikapusi). Although these cases were only once-off detections, it provided evidence of the first known lyssavirus species has an association with non-volant small mammals. To investigate further, retrospective surveillance was conducted in 575 small mammals collected from South Africa. Nucleic acid surveillance using a pan-lyssavirus quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay of 329 brain samples did not detect any lyssavirus ribonucleic acid (RNA). Serological surveillance using a micro-neutralisation test of 246 serum samples identified 36 serum samples that were positive for the presence of MOKV neutralising antibodies (VNAs). These serum samples were all collected from Gerbilliscus leucogaster (Bushveld gerbils) rodents from Meletse in Limpopo province (South Africa). Mokola virus infections in Limpopo province have never been reported before, and the high MOKV seropositivity of 87.80% in these gerbils may indicate a potential rodent reservoir.

Lyssaviruses in Insectivorous Bats, South Africa, 2003-2018

We detected 3 lyssaviruses in insectivorous bats sampled in South Africa during 2003–2018. We used phylogenetic analysis to identify Duvenhage lyssavirus and a potentially new lyssavirus, provisionally named Matlo bat lyssavirus, that is related to West Caucasian bat virus. These new detections highlight that much about lyssaviruses remains unknown.

Host conservation through their parasites: molecular surveillance of vector-borne microorganisms in bats using ectoparasitic bat flies

Most vertebrates host a wide variety of haematophagous parasites, which may play an important role in the transmission of vector-borne microorganisms to hosts. Surveillance is usually performed by collecting blood and/or tissue samples from vertebrate hosts. There are multiple methods to obtain samples, which can be stored for decades if properly kept. However, blood sampling is considered an invasive method and may possibly be harmful to the sampled individual. In this study, we investigated the use of ectoparasites as a tool to acquire molecular information about the presence and diversity of infectious microorganism in host populations. We tested the presence of three distinct vector-borne microorganisms in both bat blood and bat flies: Bartonella bacteria, malaria-like Polychromophilus sp. (Apicomplexa), and Trypanosoma sp. (Kinetoplastea). We detected the presence of these microorganisms both in bats and in their bat flies, with the exception of Trypanosoma sp. in South African bat flies. Additionally, we found Bartonella sp. in bat flies from one population in Spain, suggesting its presence in the host population even if not detected in bats. Bartonella and Polychromophilus infection showed the highest prevalence in both bat and bat fly populations. Single, co- and triple infections were also frequently present in both. We highlight the use of haematophagous ectoparasites to study the presence of infectious microorganism in host blood and its use as an alternative, less invasive sampling method.

Biomes, geology and past climate drive speciation of laminate-toothed rats on South African mountains (Murinae: Otomys)

Mitochondrial DNA sequences (1137 bp) of the cytochrome b gene and craniodental and craniometric data were used to investigate the evolutionary relationships of six putative rodent taxa of Otomys (family Muridae: subfamily Murinae: tribe Otomyini) co-occurring in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. Phylogenetic analysis of 20 new sequences together with craniodental and craniometric characters of 94 adult skulls reveal the existence of a unique lineage of Otomys cf. karoensis (named herein Otomys willani sp. nov.) from the Sneeuberg Centre of Floristic Endemism in the southern Drakensberg Mountain Range. Craniometric analysis distinguished O. karoensis from O. willani and identified a further four localities in the range of the latter species. We document southern range extensions of both Sloggett’s ice rat, Otomys sloggetti, and the vlei rat Otomys auratus to the Sneeuberg Mountain Range, in addition to appreciable genetic divergence between Sneeuberg and southern and central Drakensberg populations of O. sloggetti. Our results demonstrate parallel patterns of cryptic speciation in two co-occurring species complexes (Otomys irroratus s.l. and O. karoensis s.l.) associated closely with the boundaries of biomes (fynbos vs. grassland biomes) and geological formations (Cape Fold Belt vs. Great Escarpment).

P39 Sphenoid sinus mucosal thickening in pituitary apoplexy: a link to abnormal microbiota

Objectives

Sphenoid sinus mucosal thickening (SSMT) is described in small preliminary studies in the setting of pituitary apoplexy (PA). The aim of this study was to explore the possible association between PA and SSMT, and the microbial profile of SSMT.

Design

Single-centre case notes and tissue samples review (2007–2016).

Subjects

PA group: radiological/histologically confirmed PA; control group: non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs).

Methods

SSMT was measured on presenting MRI scans (pathological >1 mm). Forward stepwise logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with SSMT. Sphenoid sinus mucosal specimens were microbiologically profiled by PCR in a subset.

Results

Imaging arm: 50 NFPA and 47 PA patients included. In multivariate analysis of both the PA and NFPA groups, the presence of PA was the only factor associated with SSMT (OR=0.043, 95% CI 0.012 to 0.16; p<0.001). In multivariate analysis of the PA group alone, a shorter time from symptom onset to presenting MRI scan (OR=0.12, 95% CI 0.026 to 0.54; p=0.006) and more severe grade of apoplexy (OR=7.29, 95% CI 1.10–48.40; p=0.04), were associated with SSMT. Microbiological arm: 5 PA and 5 NFPA patients included. PA patients harboured microbiota similar to that seen in sinusitis, unlike NFPA patients.

Conclusions

SSMT is associated with PA, especially during the acute phase. SSMT is also associated with microbiota seen in sinusitis. Our results require further validation.

Synchronized shift of oral, faecal and urinary microbiotas in bats and natural infection dynamics during seasonal reproduction

Seasonal reproduction is a period of extreme physiological and behavioural changes, yet we know little about how it may affect host microbial communities (i.e. microbiota) and pathogen transmission. Here, we investigated shifts of the bacterial microbiota in saliva, urine and faeces during the seasonal reproduction of bats in South Africa, and test for an interaction in shedding patterns of both bacterial (Leptospira) and viral (adeno- and herpesviruses) agents. Based on a comparative approach in two cave-dwelling bat species and high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, we demonstrated a clear signature in microbiota changes over the reproduction season, consistent across the multiple body habitats investigated, and associated with the sex, age and reproductive condition of bats. We observed in parallel highly dynamic shedding patterns for both bacteria and viruses, but did not find a significant association between viral shedding and bacterial microbiota composition. Indeed, only Leptospira shedding was associated with alterations in both the diversity and composition of the urinary microbiota. These results illustrate how seasonal reproduction in bats substantially affects microbiota composition and infection dynamics, and have broad implications for the understanding of disease ecology in important reservoir hosts, such as bats.

Integrative taxonomy resolves three new cryptic species of small southern African horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus)

Examination of historical and recent collections of small Rhinolophus bats revealed cryptic taxonomic diversity within southern African populations previously referred to as R. swinnyi Gough, 1908 and R. landeri Martin, 1832. Specimens from Mozambique morphologically referable to R. swinnyi were phylogenetically unrelated to topotypic R. swinnyi from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa based on cytochrome b sequences and showed distinctive echolocation, baculum and noseleaf characters. Due to their genetic similarity to a previously reported molecular operational taxonomic unit (OTU) from north-eastern South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia, we recognize the available synonym (R. rhodesiae Roberts, 1946) to denote this distinct evolutionary species. This new taxon is genetically identical to R. simulator K. Andersen, 1904 based on mtDNA and nuclear DNA sequences but can easily be distinguished on morphological and acoustic grounds. We attribute this genetic similarity to historical introgression, a frequently documented phenomenon in bats. An additional genetically distinct and diminutive taxon in the swinnyi s.l. group (named herein, R. gorongosae sp. nov.) is described from Gorongosa National Park, central Mozambique. Specimens from Mozambique referable based on morphology to R. landeri were distinct from topotypic landeri from West Africa based on mtDNA sequences, and acoustic, noseleaf and baculum characters. This Mozambique population is assigned to the available synonym R. lobatus Peters, 1952.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor is a mechanistic link between visceral adiposity and cancer

Epidemiological evidence implicates excess adipose tissue in increasing cancer risk. Despite a steeply rising global prevalence of obesity, how adiposity contributes to transformation (stage a non-tumorigenic cell undergoes to become malignant) is unknown. To determine the factors in adipose tissue that stimulate transformation, we used a novel ex vivo system of visceral adipose tissue (VAT)-condition medium-stimulated epithelial cell growth in soft agar. To extend this system in vivo, we used a murine lipectomy model of ultraviolet light B-induced, VAT-promoted skin tumor formation. We found that VAT from mice and obese human donors stimulated growth in soft agar of non-tumorigenic epithelial cells. The difference in VAT activity was associated with fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) levels. Moreover, human and mouse VAT failed to stimulate growth in soft of agar in cells deficient in FGFR-1 (FGF2 receptor). We also demonstrated that circulating levels of FGF2 were associated with non-melanoma tumor formation in vivo. These data implicate FGF2 as a major factor VAT releases to transform epithelial cells—a novel, potential pathway of VAT-enhanced tumorigenesis. Strategies designed to deplete VAT stores of FGF2 or inhibit FGFR-1 in abdominally obese individuals may be important cancer prevention strategies as well as adjuvant therapies for improving outcomes.

Description of a new species of <i>Neoromicia</i> (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from southern Africa: A name for "<i>N. cf. melckorum</i>"

The taxonomy of sub-Saharan small insectivore bats of the family Vespertilionidae is unresolved and currently five named species of the genus Neoromicia are recognized from southern Africa, with N. melckorum considered a synonym of N. capensis. Since several years, the name "N. cf. melckorum" has been used in the literature to designate an apparently undescribed and moderately large bodied vespertilionid bat known from different localities in southern and southeastern Africa. Using new data from molecular genetics, bacular morphology, and cranio-dental characters, we conclude that N. melckorum sensu stricto is indeed nested within N. capensis and obtain the needed evidence to formally describe "N. cf. melckorum", named herein as N. stanleyi sp. nov. On the basis of molecular and bacular evidence, N. stanleyi is found in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, and using a combination of other characters is presumed to occur in northern South Africa and Malawi. Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses based on 12S rRNA sequences indicate that it belongs to a clade containing four species of Neoromicia (N. capensis, N. malagasyensis, N. matroka, and N. robertsi) and Laephotis. Neoromicia stanleyi shows at least 3.2% nucleotide divergence from its closest relatives. It is larger in cranial characters than other members of the capensis group occurring in the southern portion of Africa, and a number of bacular characters distinguish N. stanleyi from N. capensis.

Novel Paramyxoviruses in Bats from Sub-Saharan Africa, 2007-2012

As part of a larger survey for detection of pathogens among wildlife in sub-Saharan Africa conducted during 2007–2012, multiple diverse paramyxovirus sequences were detected in renal tissues of bats. Phylogenetic analysis supports the presence of at least 2 major viral lineages and suggests that paramyxoviruses are strongly associated with several bat genera.

Diversity of Bartonella and Rickettsia spp. in Bats and Their Blood-Feeding Ectoparasites from South Africa and Swaziland

In addition to several emerging viruses, bats have been reported to host multiple bacteria but their zoonotic threats remain poorly understood, especially in Africa where the diversity of bats is important. Here, we investigated the presence and diversity of Bartonella and Rickettsia spp. in bats and their ectoparasites (Diptera and Siphonaptera) collected across South Africa and Swaziland. We collected 384 blood samples and 14 ectoparasites across 29 different bat species and found positive samples in four insectivorous and two frugivorous bat species, as well as their Nycteribiidae flies. Phylogenetic analyses revealed diverse Bartonella genotypes and one main group of Rickettsia, distinct from those previously reported in bats and their ectoparasites, and for some closely related to human pathogens. Our results suggest a differential pattern of host specificity depending on bat species. Bartonella spp. identified in bat flies and blood were identical supporting that bat flies may serve as vectors. Our results represent the first report of bat-borne Bartonella and Rickettsia spp. in these countries and highlight the potential role of bats as reservoirs of human bacterial pathogens.

Basal subtype, as approximated by triple-negative phenotype, is associated with locoregional recurrence in a case-control study of women with 0-3 positive lymph nodes after mastectomy

PURPOSE

Basal subtype, as approximated by the triple-negative phenotype (ER-PR-Her2-), has correlated with higher LRR in recent studies. Indications for postmastectomy RT (PMRT) in women with 0-3 positive lymph nodes remain unclear. We evaluated the importance of biologic subtype in a cohort of women with LRR after mastectomy.

METHODS

We identified 22 women with 0-3 positive lymph nodes at our institution who were initially treated with mastectomy (without post-mastectomy radiation), suffered LRRs, and had paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from the primary mastectomy specimen available for staining. None of these women received PMRT. We case-control matched these to 29 women with 0-3 positive nodes who had mastectomy (no PMRT) and remained without evidence of disease at last follow-up and had available primary specimens for processing. We matched controls for age (±3 years) and follow-up duration (<5 year vs. more). Paraffin-embedded specimens were used to construct a triple-redundant tissue microarray. We used conditional logistic regressions to study the association between each predictor and LRR. Results were summarized based on odds ratio (OR).

RESULTS

On univariate analysis, ER+, PR+, or the combination was strongly associated with lower odds of LRR. Basal subtype, as approximated by ER-PR-Her2- (TN), was associated with higher LRR (OR 8.5, p = 0.048). Use of chemotherapy also was associated with lower LRR (OR 0.126, p = 0.0073).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data are concordant with reports from others demonstrating that TN phenotype is associated with higher LRR and can be considered along with other predictors of LRR when selecting women for PMRT.

Baking soda misuse as a home remedy: case experience of the California Poison Control System

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Baking soda is a common household product promoted by the manufacturer as an antacid. It contains sodium bicarbonate and has the potential for significant toxicity when ingested in excessive amounts. Characterizing the patterns and outcomes from the misuse of baking soda as a home remedy can guide the clinical assessment and preventative counselling of patients at risk for use of this product.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of all symptomatic cases involving ingestion and misuse of a baking soda powder product that were reported to the California Poison Control System between the years 2000 and 2012.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Of the 192 cases we identified, 55·8% were female, ages ranged 2 months to 79 years, and the most common reasons for misuse included antacid (60·4%), 'beat a urine drug test' (11·5%) and treat a UTI (4·7%). Most cases (55·2%) had significant symptoms warranting a medical evaluation, whereas 12 patients required hospital admission developed either electrolyte imbalances, metabolic alkalosis or respiratory depression.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Misuse of baking soda can result in serious electrolyte and acid/base imbalances. Patients at highest risk of toxicity may include those who chronically use an antacid, those who use the method to 'beat' urine drug screens, pregnant women and young children. Self-treatment with baking soda as a home remedy may also mask or delay medical care thereby complicating or exacerbating an existing medical problem. We suggest that healthcare providers counsel high-risk patients about the potential complications of misuse of baking soda as a home remedy.

Phenotypic convergence in genetically distinct lineages of a Rhinolophus species complex (Mammalia, Chiroptera)

Phenotypes of distantly related species may converge through adaptation to similar habitats and/or because they share biological constraints that limit the phenotypic variants produced. A common theme in bats is the sympatric occurrence of cryptic species that are convergent in morphology but divergent in echolocation frequency, suggesting that echolocation may facilitate niche partitioning, reducing competition. If so, allopatric populations freed from competition, could converge in both morphology and echolocation provided they occupy similar niches or share biological constraints. We investigated the evolutionary history of a widely distributed African horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus darlingi, in the context of phenotypic convergence. We used phylogenetic inference to identify and date lineage divergence together with phenotypic comparisons and ecological niche modelling to identify morphological and geographical correlates of those lineages. Our results indicate that R. darlingi is paraphyletic, the eastern and western parts of its distribution forming two distinct non-sister lineages that diverged ~9.7 Mya. We retain R. darlingi for the eastern lineage and argue that the western lineage, currently the sub-species R. d. damarensis, should be elevated to full species status. R. damarensis comprises two lineages that diverged ~5 Mya. Our findings concur with patterns of divergence of other co-distributed taxa which are associated with increased regional aridification between 7-5 Mya suggesting possible vicariant evolution. The morphology and echolocation calls of R. darlingi and R. damarensis are convergent despite occupying different biomes. This suggests that adaptation to similar habitats is not responsible for the convergence. Furthermore, R. darlingi forms part of a clade comprising species that are bigger and echolocate at lower frequencies than R. darlingi, suggesting that biological constraints are unlikely to have influenced the convergence. Instead, the striking similarity in morphology and sensory biology are probably the result of neutral evolutionary processes, resulting in the independent evolution of similar phenotypes.

Abstract P4-16-09: Dosimetric feasibility and acute toxicity in a prospective trial of ultra-short course accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using a multi-lumen balloon brachytherapy device

Background: Shorter courses of APBI with novel fractionation schedules are being investigated; a large randomized trial from Europe has recently shown the safety and efficacy of a single-fraction adjuvant approach (with limited follow-up). We designed a prospective trial to identify and address the potential radiobiological and logistical limitations of single-fraction, intraoperative APBI.

Methods: We designed a single-arm, multi-institutional, prospective phase II trial that sequentially treats three cohorts of women (each n=30) with three progressively hypofractionated schedules. Eligible women were age ≥ 50 years with unifocal invasive or in situ tumors ≤ 3.0 cm, excised with negative margins, and with negative lymph nodes and positive hormone-receptors. Using a reference schedule of 60 Gy delivered in 2 Gy fractions, and assuming tumor parameters: a/b = 4 Gy; a = 0.27 Gy-1, and repopulation parameters of: Teff = 26 days; delay time = 0 days, the reference tumor BED is ∼ 86 Gy4. We began with a schedule of 4 fractions of 7 Gy delivered twice-daily using a Contura MLB multi-lumen device. We defined very conservative dosimetric criteria for acceptability: maximum skin and rib dose to not exceed 100% of prescription dose, and V150 and V200 to not exceed 40 cc and 10 cc, respectively. Subsequent schedules are 3 fractions of 8.25 Gy and 2 fractions of 10.25 Gy, both delivered over 2 days. The primary endpoint is to exclude a local failure rate exceeding 10% with the upper limit of a 95% confidence interval.

Results: A total of 30 patients have been enrolled at the 7 Gy × 4 fractions dose-level and followed for a minimum of 6 months. The median skin dose as a percent of prescription dose (PD) was 84% (40–100) and the median rib dose was 71% (16–119). 96% of the PTV_eval received a median of 95% of PD (range 85–103). The V150 (range 14–48cc) and V200 (range 0–29cc) criteria were met in all cases. One breast infection occurred and was treated; 2 cases of symptomatic fat necrosis and 2 cases of symptomatic seromas occurred. No acute toxicities greater than CTCAE grade 2 have been observed.

Conclusion: Short-course APBI is dosimetrically feasible using the Contura MLB and appears to be tolerable in terms of acute toxicities. Our approach is based on well-defined radiobiological parameters and allows for an abbreviated course of treatment that is guided by full pathological review and the ability to objectively achieve and validate acceptable dosimetric criteria in each case. We have opened enrollment to the next schedule of 8.25 Gy for three fractions.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-16-09.

Diabetic and endocrine emergencies

Endocrine emergencies constitute only a small percentage of the emergency workload of general doctors, comprising about 1.5% of all hospital admission in England in 2004-5. Most of these are diabetes related with the remaining conditions totalling a few hundred cases at most. Hence any individual doctor might not have sufficient exposure to be confident in their management. This review discusses the management of diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state, hypoglycaemia, hypercalcaemia, thyroid storm, myxoedema coma, acute adrenal insufficiency, phaeochromocytoma hypertensive crisis and pituitary apoplexy in the adult population.

Local-regional relapse and distant metastasis in conservatively managed triple negative early stage breast cancer

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Background: Triple negative (TN) basal-like breast cancers (Negative for ER,PR,HER2/neu) represent an aggressive phenotype, with unique clinical and pathologic features. The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of this classification with respect to local-regional relapse and distant metastasis in a cohort of conservatively managed breast cancer patients. Methods: A large data base of conservatively managed breast cancer patients with long term follow-up, in which all three immunhistochemical markers, ER,PR and HER2/neu were available was reviewed. Patients were classified as TN if they tested negative for all three markers. Of 442 patients in the data base with all three markers available, 100 were classified as TN. All clinical, pathologic, outcomes and molecular marker data were entered into a computerized database. Results: As of September 2005, with a median follow-up of 7 years, of the 442 patients in the study there have been 50 in-breast relapses, 10 nodal relapses, 68 distant relapses and 62 deaths. Compared with the other subtypes, the TN cohort had a poorer overall survival (67% vs 75%, p = .096), poorer distant metastasis-free rate (61% vs 75%, p = .002), poorer cause-specific survival (67% vs 78%, p = .03), and poorer nodal relapse-free rate (93% vs 99%, p = .021). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, TN subtype was an independent predictor of distant metastasis (HR=2.6, CI 1.53–4.35, p = .004) and cause- specific survival (HR= 2.36, CI 1.28–4.38, p= .006). There was no significant difference in local (in-breast) control between the TN and other subtypes. BRCA testing was performed on 85 patients in this cohort, of whom 8 had deleterious mutations in BRCA1 and 6 had deleterious mutations in BRCA2. Of 8 BRCA1 mutant patients 7 were classified as TN, while only 1 of 6 BRCA2 patients were TN (p < .001). Conclusions: Patients classified as TN have a poor prognosis with respect to overall, disease free and cause specific survival. However there was no evidence that these patients are at higher risk for local relapse following conservative surgery and radiation. BRCA1 mutant patients develop predominantly TN tumors.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Integrating decision tools for the sustainable management of land contamination

The approach to taking decisions on the management of land contamination has changed markedly over 30 years. Change has been rapid with policy makers and regulators, practitioners and researchers having to keep pace with new technologies, assessment criteria and diagnostic methods for their measurement, techniques for risk analysis and the frameworks that support decision-makers in their efforts to regenerate historically contaminated land. Having progressed from simple hazard assessment through to 'sustainability appraisal' we might now consider piecing together the experience of decision-making for managing land contamination. Here, we critically review recent developments with a view to considering how better decisions can be made by integrating the decision tools available. We are concerned with the practicality of approach and the issues that arise for practitioners as decision criteria are broadened.

Hypopituitarsim is associated with triglyceride enrichment of very low-density lipoprotein

The dyslipidemia associated with hypopituitarism may contribute to increased vascular mortality. The atherogenic potential of lipoproteins is determined not only by concentration but also by their composition. We therefore studied very low-density lipoprotein composition and apolipoprotein B kinetics in 16 hypopituitary subjects and 16 controls. Hypopituitarism was associated with reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.98[0.82-1.18] vs. 1.35[1.15-1.41] mmol/liter, P < 0.001) and increased triglyceride concentrations (1.64[1.09-2.77] vs. 1.12[0.66-1.67] mmol/liter, P = 0.01). Total (P = 0.76) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.56) concentrations were similar. Very low-density lipoprotein- triglyceride was significantly increased (1.48[1.02-2.55] vs. 0.9[0.31-2.30] mmol/liter, P = 0.004), but very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were similar (P = 0.93). The molar ratios of very low-density lipoprotein-triglyceride:apolipoprotein B (6193[4283-9566] vs. 3599[3188-6854], P = 0.005) and very low-density lipoprotein-triglyceride:cholesterol (2.8[1.98-3.78] vs. 1.6[1.44-2.80], P < 0.003) were significantly increased; very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol:apolipoprotein B molar ratios (P = 0.93) were similar. Very low-density lipoprotein apolipoprotein B fractional synthetic rate (a measure of apolipoprotein B catabolism, P = 0.42) and pool size (P = 0.63) were similar. The very low-density lipoprotein apolipoprotein B absolute synthetic rate (a measure of apolipoprotein B synthesis) tended to be higher in hypopituitarism (17.7[2.91-19.50] vs. 26.6[19.64-28.05] mg/kg per day, P = 0.24) but failed to reach statistical significance. The absolute synthetic rate, and hence very low-density lipoprotein production, correlated with very low-density lipoprotein triglyceride:apolipoprotein B ratio (P = 0.02, Rs = 0.63), suggesting that triglyceride enrichment of very low-density lipoprotein is important in the mechanism underlying very low-density lipoprotein overproduction in hypopituitarism. Because triglyceride-enriched lipoproteins are proatherogenic, this may contribute to the vascular mortality observed in hypopituitarism. The reasons for these observations are unknown; GH deficiency or routine endocrine replacement may be important.

Fibrin sealant reduces the duration and amount of fluid drainage after axillary dissection: a randomized prospective clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Patients who have axillary dissections during lumpectomy or modified radical mastectomy for breast carcinoma accumulate serosanguinous fluid, potentially resulting in a seroma. Currently accepted practice includes insertion of one or more drains for fluid evacuation. This multicenter, randomized, controlled, phase II study was undertaken to evaluate whether a virally inactivated, investigational fibrin sealant is safe and effective when used as a sealing agent to reduce the duration and volume of serosanguinous fluid drainage and to determine the dose response of this effect.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients undergoing lumpectomy or modified radical mastectomy were randomized to treatment with 4, 8, or 16 mL of fibrin sealant or control (no agent) at the axillary dissections site. Patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy also received an additional 4 or 8 mL of fibrin sealant at the skin flap site. Efficacy was evaluated by the number of days required for wound drainage and the volume of fluid drainage compared with control. Safety was confirmed by clinical course, the absence of viral seroconversion, and no major complications attributable to the sealant.

RESULTS

The 4-mL axillary dissection dose of fibrin sealant significantly reduced the duration and quantity of fluid drainage from the axilla following lumpectomy (p < or = 0.05). In the modified radical mastectomy patients, a 16-mL axillary dissection dose combined with an 8-mL skin flap dose was significantly effective in reducing the number of days to drain removal (p < or = 0.05) and fluid drainage (p < or = 0.01). There were no fibrin sealant patient viral seroconversions and no major complications attributable to the sealant. A number of wound infections were noted, although this may represent a center-specific effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of fibrin sealant following axillary dissection at the time of lumpectomy or modified radical mastectomy can significantly decrease the duration and quantity of serosanguinous drainage. The viral safety of the product was also supported.

Therapy of estrogen receptor-positive micrometastases in the peritoneal cavity with Auger electron-emitting estrogens--theoretical and practical considerations

Previous studies have demonstrated that Auger electron-emitting estrogens, when associated with the estrogen receptor (ER), can effect breaks in DNA and ER-dependent radiotoxicity. To evaluate the potential of [123I]-iodoestrogens, ([123I]-IE) to treat ER-positive human cancer cells, we have studied the effect of incubation of [123I]-IE with ER-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells on cell survival in vitro and found that subnanomolar concentrations of [123I]-IE effectively reduce survival, with a mean lethal dose of about 800 decays per cell. MCF-7 cells incubated 30 min with 2 nM [123I]-IE (13 MBq/ml) showed a 2 log reduction in the ability to form tumors in immunodeficient mice. Evaluation of a mathematical model for [123I]-IE therapy for intraperitoneal micrometases in vivo in the mouse, based on variables related to the (a) specific activity of [123I]-IE; (b) its affinity for ER; (c) the characteristics of the uptake and retention of [123I]-IE by the target cells; (d) the concentration of ER in the tumor cells and (e) the tumor weight suggest that such therapy may be feasible.

Isolated corticotropin deficiency in chronic alcoholism

Three patients who chronically abused alcohol were found to be hyponatraemic with normal plasma potassium. The first had been admitted with confusion and weight loss, the second with hypotension and sepsis, and the third with confusion and hypoglycaemia-induced seizures. All three patients had a subnormal cortisol response in the short synacthen test; however, the plasma cortisol after three days of tetracosactrin administration was greater than 550 nmol/L. Baseline corticotropin levels were less than 10 pg/mL in all three. No structural lesions of the hypothalamo-pituitary tract were found and there was no evidence of other endocrinopathies. Glucocorticoid replacement therapy led to the resolution of hyponatraemia and hypoglycaemia, where present, and to clinical improvement. The two surviving patients remained hypocortisolaemic in the long term, without recurrence of hyponatraemia or hypoglycaemia. The features of isolated corticotropin deficiency are easily confused with other effects of chronic alcohol abuse. In alcoholic patients with unexplained hyponatraemia, hypoglycaemia or haemodynamic instability, a short tetracosactrin test is advisable.

Radiotoxicity of Auger electron-emitting estrogens in MCF-7 spheroids: a potential treatment for estrogen receptor-positive tumors

To approach treatment of micrometastases of steroid receptor-rich cancers using estrogen receptor-directed therapy with Auger electrons, multicellular spheroids of the estrogen receptor-rich human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7, were prepared and exposed to a range of concentrations of an Auger electron-emitting estrogen, E-17alpha-[123I]-iodovinyl-11beta-methoxyestradiol, [123I]IVME2, in vitro. After washing, the treated spheroids were dissociated to single cells and plated for assay of colony survival, whereby we observed a dose-dependent reduction in survival that was inhibited by inclusion of an excess of unlabeled estradiol in the initial incubation with [123I]IVME2. Spheroids of a range of sizes from 40 to 280 microm showed similar sensitivity to the Auger electron-emitting estrogen. The mean lethal dose was approximately 700 decays per cell and corresponded to an initial [123I]IVME2 concentration of less than 0.5 nM. If the control and treated spheroids were not trypsinized but rather were allowed to grow intact, there was not only a significant reduction in the growth of the treated spheroids, but in 18 days nearly half became necrotic, while few control spheroids were necrotic. Considering the low concentrations of Auger electron-emitting estrogen required for a significant reduction in survival, we believe this approach has merit to pursue in vivo, especially in cases where it may be possible to target the steroid receptor-rich micrometastases directly, such as ovarian cancer.