Group 2C Research Articles

LIF endometrial expression is impaired in women with unexplained infertility while LIF-R expression in all infertility sub-groups

The main objective of our study was to study LIF and LIF-R endometrial expression during the implantation window in the various sub-groups of infertile women according to infertility cause. A prospective observational case-control study was performed from March 2013 to February 2016. Infertile women consisted of the patients’ group (group 2) while fertile women were the control group (group 1). Infertile women were divided according to infertility cause in women with tubal factor (group 2a), poor ovarian reserve (group 2b), endometriosis (group 2c) and unexplained infertility (group 2d). Endometrial biopsy was performed on 7th–8th postovulatory menstrual day. Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) and LIF-Receptor (LIF-R) expression in epithelial and stromal cells were assessed with Immunohistochemistry (IHC). There were 20 infertile with poor ovarian reserve, 15 with tubal factor, 10 with endometriosis and 15 with unexplained infertility included in the analysis. LIF expression in patients with unexplained infertility was significantly compared with controls (P=0.006). No significant difference was observed between patients with tubal factor, poor ovarian reserve and endometriosis compared with control group (P=0.78, P=0.44 and P=0.56 respectively). Analysis of LIF-R expression in sub-categories of infertility indicated that expression was significantly decreased in all sub-groups of infertility. Our study indicated impaired LIF expression levels only in women with unexplained infertility, while LIF-R expression was impaired in all sub-groups of infertile women. Further multicenter prospective studies should be performed in order to assess the exact etiopathogenetic role of these cytokines in the molecular background of infertility.

Modified hydrazone derivatives for ratiometric and colorimetric F− recognition: Relationship between architectures and performances

To investigate the influence of molecular structures on sensing performances, three hydrazone derivatives bearing different electron-withdrawing groups (3a, 3b and 3c) were designed and synthesized. Their spectra responses to the common anions such as F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, CH3COO−, H2PO4−, HSO4−, NO3− and ClO4− were investigated in detail. The results showed that the response for anions was significantly affected by the molecular structures. In CH3CN, 3a did not react with any anion, 3b bearing an electron-withdrawing −NO2 exhibited a highly selective colorimetric response toward F−, while 3c which bears two −NO2 could react with F−, H2PO4−, and CH3COO−. In the presence of 1.5% H2O, however, 3c could selectively recognize F− with an improved sensitivity and a wide dynamic linear range. The response mechanism following a 1:1 binding stoichiometry was investigated in detail by means of UV–vis spectra and 1H NMR titrations, Job plot, binding constant and theoretical calculation.

Analysis of Results of the Surgical Treatment of the Spinal Cord Injury (Step by Step)

Purpose. Substantiation of the reasonable period of the surgical intervention with due account for the analysis of the surgical treatment. Methods. The research is based on the follow-up of 200 patients with spinal cord injury. In accordance with the goal of this research, all patients with spinal cord injury were allocated to four clinical groups according to the period of surgical intervention: within the first 24 hours after the injury (Group 2а), during the first 2 – 3 days (Group 2b), after 4 – 6 days (Group 2c) and over 6 days (Group 1). Results. Temporal factor is substantiated by the morphological examinations, which revealed inconvertibility of the secondary injury of spinal cord in case of its long-term compression between 7 – 8 days. Group 2а demonstrated (surgical intervention was performed within the first 24 hours after the injury) the best results in respect of neurological recovery, namely 66,7%. In Group 2b the treatment efficiency was 58,4% and in group 2с – 51,4%. The control group demonstrated the lowest percent of neurological recovery, namely 11%. All patients had the spinal cord compression due to fractures and fractures - dislocations vertebrae. In the course of the treatment we used modern methods decompression and stabilization of spinal column, as well as pharmacological treatment. Conclusions. Spinal cord injury under the action of the long-term compression of vessels of spinal cord and matter of spinal cord is followed by the progressive secondary injuries and consequently by irreversible changes in the structure of the spinal cord, which can be revealed on the 7 – 8 day after the injury. The first six days is the most effective period for the performance of the decompression and stabilization operations in the presence of the spinal cord injury.

Dexmedetomidine to Help Nerve Regeneration in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Injury Model.

Background Several studies have shown that dexmedetomidine (DXM), a selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist, also has neuroprotective effects. However, its effect on impaired peripheral nerve regeneration has not been studied. Materials and Methods Forty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups: group 1 (control SHAM), group 2 (sciatic nerve injury + normal saline), and group 3 (sciatic nerve injury + DXM). The rats of group 3 were subdivided into the following three groups: DXM 0.5, 6, and 20 μg·kg−1 (groups 3A, 3B, and 3C, resp.). The sciatic nerve injury was assessed for nerve regeneration at 2 and 6 weeks. Results There were no differences between groups 2 and 3 in their sciatic functional index (SFI) values or histological findings at 2 weeks postinjury. However, SFI differences were statistically significant at 6 weeks postinjury in group 3. The gross findings with H&E staining showed that the number of axons was higher in group 3 than in group 2. There was no histological difference according to the DXM concentration. Conclusion The coincidental functional and histological assessment results of this study suggest that DXM for 6 weeks positively affects damaged peripheral nerves.

Effect of 1- and 6-Hour-Delayed Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking on Corneal Healing in a Rabbit Alkali-Burn Model: Clinical and Histological Observations.

To study the effect of 1- and 6-hour-delayed corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) on wound-healing of experimental alkali burns of the cornea. Twenty-four albino rabbits were used. Alkali burns were created using 1 M NaOH. The animals were divided randomly into 2 groups: group 1 (control group, n = 6) and group 2 (experimental group, n = 18). The experimental group was further divided into 3 subgroups as follows: group 2A, untreated (non-CXL) subgroup; group 2B, 1-hour-delayed CXL treatment subgroup; and group 2C, 6-hour-delayed CXL treatment subgroup. All rabbits were examined periodically for 21 days after treatment and then killed. The corneas were excised and histologically examined. Corneal ulceration, edema, and opacity scores were 4.0 ± 1.64, 1.6 ± 0.65, and 3.5 ± 1.21 in group 2A, 1.5 ± 1.76, 1.3 ± 0.87, and 3.1 ± 1.12 in group 2B, and 2.0 ± 1.90, 1.5 ± 0.79, and 3.3 ± 1.09 in group 2C, respectively. These scores were significantly less in groups 2B and 2C than in group 2A (P = 0.023, P = 0.043, and P = 0.034, respectively). Corneal epithelialization, evident upon staining, was best in group 2B and worst in group 2A (P = 0.012). Histopathology revealed that destruction of corneal collagen fibers and infiltration of inflammatory cells into corneal tissue were reduced in groups 2B and 2C compared with group 2A. We found that CXL treatment exerted positive effects on severe alkali-induced corneal burns. However, the effects were more pronounced in the 1-hour treatment group. We believe that CXL treatment may be a possible treatment for corneal alkali burn.

Effect of rocuronium on the bispectral index under anesthesia and tracheal intubation.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of various doses of rocuronium on bispectral index (BIS) responses to propofol induction and tracheal intubation, as well as the role of the non-depolarization muscle relaxant rocuronium on the depth of sedation. A total of 72 patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II) were anaesthetized with propofol using a target-controlled infusion, and randomly divided into two sedation level groups (n=36). The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the BIS value: A normal sedation group (group 1), with a stable BIS value at 40-60, and a deep sedation group (group 2), with a BIS value <20 or with burst suppression. Each group was randomly divided into 4 subgroups A-D (n=9) according to the various doses of rocuronium (0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2 mg/kg). Tracheal intubation was performed after 2 min of rocuronium administration. BIS, electromyography (EMG), heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded continuously and averaged over 1 min during baseline (T1), steady state (T2), 2 min after rocuronium infusion (T3), and 0, 2 and 5 min after tracheal intubation. The results demonstrated that HR and MAP decreased significantly at T2 and T3 compared with T1. Following tracheal intubation (L0), HR and MAP significantly increased compared with T2 and T3, and returned to levels similar to those prior to intubation after 5 min. In group 1C and 1D, BIS was significantly decreased at T3 compared with T2; BIS was significantly increased at L0 compared with T3 in group 1A and 1B. EMG at earlier stages of anesthesia was significantly higher compared with other points, and was significantly increased at L0 compared with T3 in group 1A and 1B. These results demonstrated that BIS response may be associated with the dosage of rocuronium in the normal sedation group, although no association was observed with the deep sedation group. Tracheal intubation resulted in marked hemodynamic changes under both normal and deep sedation.

Refractive results of phacoemulsification in vitrectomized patients.

The aim of this study was to compare the refractive errors after uneventful phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in the cases of vitrectomized eyes and non-vitrectomized eyes. Vitrectomized eyes were divided into 2 groups: vitrectomy alone as Group 1, vitrectomy with gas tamponade as Group 2. Normal-controlled eyes were categorized as Group 3. Intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation and the measurements of axial length (AL) and keratometric value (K) were performed using the IOLMaster and the Haigis and SRK/T formula as subgroup A and B. The measurements of AL, K, and IOL power calculation were also performed by the applanation ultrasound and the SRK/T formula as comparison subgroup C. The mean numeric error (MNE) and median absolute error (MedAE) were compared between Groups and subgroups. The MedAE was not significantly different in Group 1A, 2A, and 3A, respectively (p>0.05). The MNE was significantly different in Group 1A, 2A, and 3A (p=0.04). Post hoc test showed an insignificant difference between Group 1A and 3A (p=0.36), but significantly a higher MNE in Group 2A than that in Group 3A (p=0.03). A significantly longer AL was noted in Group 1B and 2B, comparing with Group 1C and 2C (p<0.01). Refractive outcomes after phacoemulsification sequential to vitrectomy alone were comparable to those in normal control. Hyperopic shift was found following phacoemulsification sequential to vitrectomy with gas tamponade comparing to normal eyes. A significantly longer AL was found using optical biometry compared to applanation ultrasound in vitrectomized eyes, but not in normal eyes.

Endoreduplication level affects flower size and development by increasing cell size in Phalaenopsis and Doritaenopsis

Endoreduplication is an alternative form of the cell cycle that is common in approximately 90 % of angiosperm species. Endoreduplication, determined using flow cytometry, occurs in various tissues of Phalaenopsis and Doritaenopsis species belonging to the Phalaenopsis (Phal.) alliance. In this study, flowers and leaves of nine cultivars from the small, middle, and large flower groups of the Phal. alliance were used to investigate the relationship between endoreduplication level and flower size. Some degree of endoreduplication was detected in all cultivars. A higher level of endoreduplication (2C–16C) was observed in cultivars from the large flower group than in those from the middle and small flower groups (2C–8C). In the leaves, endoreduplication tended to be found in middle and large flower group cultivars, but it varied with the cultivar rather than the flower group. Different patterns of endoreduplication were recorded at various stages of flower development in the Phal. hybrids ‘Queen Beer’ (small flower group) and ‘KV01’ (large flower group). Endoreduplication during flower development caused an increase in ploidy levels from 2C–4C to 2C–8C in ‘Queen Beer’, and from 2C–8C to 2C–16C in ‘KV01’; thus higher ploidy levels were detected in cultivars from the large flower group. Endoreduplication levels affected flower size and development by increasing cell size, indicating a positive relationship between endoreduplication and petal size in the Phal. alliance. Controlling flower size via the adjustment of the level of endoreduplication should be considered in breeding programs aimed at developing new cultivars.

Enhanced Genetic Characterization of Influenza A(H3N2) Viruses and Vaccine Effectiveness by Genetic Group, 2014-2015.

During the 2014-2015 US influenza season, expanded genetic characterization of circulating influenza A(H3N2) viruses was used to assess the impact of the genetic variability of influenza A(H3N2) viruses on influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE). A novel pyrosequencing assay was used to determine genetic group, based on hemagglutinin (HA) gene sequences, of influenza A(H3N2) viruses from patients enrolled at US Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network sites. VE was estimated using a test-negative design comparing vaccination among patients infected with influenza A(H3N2) viruses and uninfected patients. Among 9710 enrollees, 1868 (19%) tested positive for influenza A(H3N2) virus; genetic characterization of 1397 viruses showed that 1134 (81%) belonged to 1 HA genetic group (3C.2a) of antigenically drifted influenza A(H3N2) viruses. Effectiveness of 2014-2015 influenza vaccination varied by influenza A(H3N2) virus genetic group from 1% (95% confidence interval [CI], -14% to 14%) against illness caused by antigenically drifted influenza A(H3N2) virus group 3C.2a viruses versus 44% (95% CI, 16%-63%) against illness caused by vaccine-like influenza A(H3N2) virus group 3C.3b viruses. Effectiveness of 2014-2015 influenza vaccination varied by genetic group of influenza A(H3N2) virus. Changes in HA genes related to antigenic drift were associated with reduced VE.

Hydrogeological Model of an Urban City in a Coastal Area, Case study: Semarang, Indonesia

DOI:10.17014/ijog.3.1.17-27In Semarang City, groundwater has been exploited as a natural resource since 1841. The groundwater exploited in deep wells is concentrated in confined aquifers. The previous hydrogeological model was developed in one unit of aquifer and refined then by using several hydrostratigraphical units following a regional hydrogeological map without any further analysis. At present, there is a lack of precise hydrogeological model which integrates geological and hydrogeological data, in particular for multiple aquifers in Semarang. Thus, the aim of this paper is to develop a hydrogeological model for the multiple aquifers in Semarang using an integrated data approach. Groundwater samples in the confined aquifers have been analyzed to define the water type and its lateral distribution. Two hydrogeological cross sections were then created based on several borelog data to define a hydrostratigraphical unit (HSU). The HSU result indicates the hydrogeological model of Semarang consists of two aquifers, three aquitards, and one aquiclude. Aquifer 1 is unconfined, while Aquifer 2 is confined. Aquifer 2 is classified into three groups (2a, 2b, and 2c) based on analyses of major ion content and hydrostratigraphical cross sections.

Effect of newer antioxidants on the bond strength of composite on bleached enamel.

The study aims to evaluate the effect of the application of two antioxidants on the bond strength of composite resin to bleached enamel. Eighty enamel surfaces were obtained from forty human extracted premolars. Specimens were randomly divided into four groups (n = 20). Group 1: No bleaching (control); Group 2a: Bleaching with 15% carbamide peroxide gel; Group 2b: Bleaching, followed by application of 10% sodium ascorbate gel; Group 2c: Bleaching, followed by application of 5% proanthocyanidin agent. Surfaces were etched followed by application of total etch bonding system, and composite resin cylinders were bonded. Specimens were tested for shear bond strength. One-way analysis of variance was used for multiple group comparison and post hoc Tukey's test for individual group-wise comparison. Significantly higher shear bond strength values were observed in Group 2c and 2b as compared with Group 1 and 2a (P < 0.05). Among the antioxidants, Group 2c showed significantly higher shear bond strength values than Group 2b (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that the use of antioxidant before bonding procedures on bleached enamel completely neutralizes the deleterious effects of bleaching and increases the bond strength significantly.

The effect of pre-etching with 37% orthophosphoric acid on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets bonded using self-etching primer-adhesive system.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of pre-etching with 37% orthophosphoric acid on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets bonded using self-etching primer (SEP). Two hundred freshly extracted human premolars were divided randomly into two groups based on pre-etching with 37% orthophosphoric acid: Group 1 (control, n = 50) without pre-etching and Group 2 (experimental, n = 150) with pre-etching. Group 2 was further divided into three sub groups 2a, 2b, and 2c with 50 teeth each and was first pre-etched with 37% orthophosphoric acid for 10, 30, and 60 s, respectively. Brackets were bonded on the teeth in both the groups using SEP and light cure adhesive. The SBS were determined using universal testing machine. The comparison of SBS was done using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's honest significant difference test. The SBS of experimental Group 2 was significantly higher than the control Group 1 (p < 0.0001). Further, the SBS of Group 2a was highest, followed by Group 2b and 2c (p < 0.0001). It was found that pre-etching for 10 s prior to application of SEP-adhesive system increases the SBS of orthodontic brackets.

Outcome of Transformed FL(t-FL) Worsens According to the Timing of Transformation and to the Number of Previous Therapies. A Survey of the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL)

Background: Histologic transformation (HT) refers to a biologic event leading to the development of a high grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma, mostly diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), in patients (pts) with an underlying follicular lymphoma (FL), whose recently reported risk is 2% to 3% per year. The prognosis of t-FL has been considered historically very poor, but several studies in the Rituximab (RTX) era suggest that survival may be more favorable than previously recognized.The treatment approach for t-FL is often individualized and pts are generally excluded from clinical trials, so there is a paucity of objective data on the optimal management of t-FL, which still represents an unmet need.The aim of our survey conducted in a large number of pts with histologically confirmed t-FL observed in 9 FIL Centers was to analyze the clinical factors and the different treatment strategies which can predict post-transformation outcome.Methods: One hundred seventy-seven t-FL were retrospectively selected from Institutional datasets; the inclusion time frame was from 2002 to 2014. All Histologic Transformations (HT) were biopsy confirmed. Response assessment was made as recommended by International Workshop criteria. Survival analysis were performed with Kaplan-Meier method and compared by Log-Rank test.Results: T-FL occurred at initial diagnosis (Group 1) in 93 cases (53%): 52 were DLBCL (29%) evolving from a prior FL, 31 (17%) composite lymphoma and 10 (6%) discordant lymphoma.HT occurred after a previous FL diagnosis (Group 2) in 84 pts (47%): 15 pts (8%) were treatment-naïve at HT (Group 2A), 38 pts (21%) transformed at first relapse or progression (Group 2B) and 31 (18%) experienced late HT (Group 2C). Median age at HT was 60 years (range: 20-83).No differences were found between Group 1 and 2 and between Group 2A, 2B and 2C in term of clinical features (age, disease stage, B-symptoms).Group 1 received CHOP/CHOP-like regimens in 75% of pts. RTX was used with chemotherapy (CT) in 92% of pts and in 22% as maintenance. Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) was delivered as consolidation in 14%. Group 2 received CHOP/CHOP-like regimens in 39% of pts, platinum-containing regimens in 14%, high dose sequential therapy in 32%. RTX was added to CT in 71% of cases; 12% received RTX maintenance and 23% ASCT consolidation. CHOP as CT and RTX maintenance were used more often in Group 1 pts.Overall Response Rate (ORR) for Group 1 was 94%, with 77 pts (83%) achieving Complete Response (CR) and 10 (11%) Partial Response (PR).With a median follow-up of 43 months, 5-yr Progression-Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) were 60% and 83%, respectively.ORR for Group 2 was 57%, with 43 pts (51%) obtaining CR and 5 (6%) PR; focusing on the subgroups 2A, 2B, 2C ORR was 80%, 63% and 39%, respectively (p 0.017). The 5-yr OS was 52%, statistically inferior to Group 1 (p <0.001) (Figure 1). The use of RTX with CT and of consolidation ASCT favourably influenced survival only in group 2 but not in group 1 pts in univariate analysis.Survival showed a significant trend (p<0.001) to progressively worsen from Group 1 to Group2c pts (Figure 2). Moreover, considering the number of previous FL treatment lines received by group 2, 5-yr OS was 58% for pts who received 1-2 lines compared to 20% for pts who received > 2 lines (p=0.004) (Figure 3).Conclusion: Outcome of t-FL in the RTX era confirms to be better than reported in historical series and strongly differs among subgroups of pts according to the time of transformation and to the number of pre-HT treatment lines. Pts with FL transformation at lymphoma diagnosis, including composite and discordant cases, or with FL transforming after an initial watch and wait policy, i.e. treatment-naïve, show an excellent outcome with standard immuno-chemotherapy, comparable to that of FL (Federico JCO 2013) and of de novo DLBCL (Cunningham, Lancet Onc 2013). They probably do not benefit from front-line ASCT consolidation. Both ORR and survival are significantly worse in pts with t-FL diagnosed after being treated for FL. However t-FL diagnosed at first relapse/progression in this study obtained a 5-ys OS of 51%, which compares favorably with historical cohorts. On the other hand late transformation has an inferior outcome, which becomes really dismal in the sub-group of pts who transformed after two previous lines for FL, whose median survival is less than one year and clearly represent an unmet clinical need. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresRusconi:Roche: Honoraria.

Effectiveness of Personalized Therapy in Elderly Patients with Isolated Systolic Hypertension

The purpose of this study was the development of personalized modes of therapy in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH). The study included 306 persons divided into two groups: Group 1 (Control) included 150 elderly persons without arterial hypertension (AH), and Group 2 included 256 elderly patients (early old-age pension, between 65 and 74 years) with ISH (ESH/ ESC,2013) according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. All patients of Group 2 were divided into three subgroups depending on the combination of drugs at the beginning of the study. Group 2a (n=53) received amlodipine (5 mg/day) and indapamide-retard (1.5 mg/day), Group 2b (n=53) received valsartan (80 mg/day) and indapamide-retard (1.5 mg/day), and Group 2c (n=50) received amlodipine (5 mg/day) and valsartan (80 mg/day). The duration of therapy was 5.2 years. At the stage of data collection and screening, we applied standard methods for identification of ISH and secondary hypertension. Molecular phenotyping of blood serum was performed with methods of proteomics. We obtained the data of the molecular interactions and functional features of proteins from the STRING 10.0 database. Proteomic analysis contributes to the development of a personalized mode treatment in ISH patients, which is the safest and most efficient: 135 ISH patients switched to the administration of the amlodipine+valsartan combination. (Int J Biomed. 2015;5(4):203-206.)

Interim estimates of divergence date and vaccine strain match of human influenza A(H3N2) virus from systematic influenza surveillance (2010-2015) in Hangzhou, southeast of China.

In the post-pandemic period 2010-2015, seasonal influenza A(H3N2) virus predominated in Hangzhou, southeast of China, with an increased activity and semi-annual seasons. This study utilized HA virus gene segment sequences to analyze the divergence date and vaccine strain match of human influenza A(H3N2) virus from systematic influenza surveillance in Hangzhou. Virological and serological analyses of 124 representative A(H3N2) viruses from prospective studies of systematic surveillance samples were conducted to quantify the genetic and antigenic characteristics and their vaccine strain match. Bayesian phylogenetic inference showed that two separate subgroups 3C.3 and 3C.2 probably diverged from group 3C in early 2012 and then evolved into groups 3C.3a and 3C.2a, respectively, in the 2014/15 influenza season. Furthermore, high amino acid substitution rates of the HA1 subunit were found in A(H3N2) group 3C.2a variants, indicating that increased antigenic drift of A(H3N2) group 3C.2a virus is associated with a vaccine mismatch to the 2015/16 vaccine reference strain Switzerland/9715293/2013 (group 3C.3a). A portion of the group 3C.2a isolates are not covered by the current A(H3N2) vaccine strain. These findings offer insights into the emergence of group 3C.2a variants with epidemic potential in the imminent influenza seasons.

Fluorine substituent effect on the adsorption of acetic acid derivatives (CH3−n FnCO2H) on anatase TiO2 (1 0 0) and (1 0 1) surfaces

A density functional theory method was used to investigate the adsorption of acetic acid and its fluorinated derivatives on (100) and (101) surfaces of anatase TiO2. It was found that while the adsorption of acetic acid and its fluorinated derivatives on the (100) surface of TiO2 does not proceeds via a proton transfer process but surprisingly adsorption on (101) surface occurred via a complete proton transfer reaction. The calculated interaction energies for adsorption on (100) surface are −19.22, −18.36, −15.73, and −60.68kcal/mol for acetic, fluoroacetic, difluoroacetic, and trifluoroacetic acid, respectively. Similar trend observed for absorption on (101) surface and calculated interaction energies are −25.35, −23.16, −23.02, and −69.47kcal/mol, respectively. Structurally, calculations show that when the number of fluorine substituent increases, the length of hydrogen bonding between OH group and neighboring oxygen positioned 2c (O2c) atom is diminished. The HOMO, LUMO and HOMO–LUMO energy gap varies for the adsorption of acetic acid derivatives on both (100) and (101) surfaces changed in comparison with clean TiO2 surface. The Fermi levels were also changed after adsorption of acetic acid derivatives.

Influenza virus surveillance in Argentina during the 2012 season: antigenic characterization, genetic analysis and antiviral susceptibility.

The activity and circulation of influenza viruses in Argentina was studied during 2012 as part of the Argentinean Surveillance for Influenza and other Respiratory Viruses, in the context of Global Influenza Surveillance. The antigenicity and molecular characteristics of haemagglutinins (HA) of circulating influenza A and B viruses were analysed to assess the emergence of virus variants. Susceptibility to oseltamivir and zanamivir was evaluated by enzymatic assay and results were backed-up by sequencing of the neuraminidase (NA) genes. During the 2012 season, influenza virus circulation in Argentina was detected from weeks 24 to 51. The HA sequences of the studied A(H1N1)pdm09 subtype viruses segregated in a different genetic group compared to those identified during the 2009 pandemic, although they were still closely related antigenically to the vaccine virus A/California/07/2009. The HA sequences of the A(H3N2) viruses analysed fell into the A/Victoria/208/2009 clade, genetic group 3C. A mixed circulation of virus variants belonging to B/Victoria and B/Yamagata lineages was detected, with B/Victoria being dominant. All viruses tested were sensitive to oseltamivir and zanamivir except one. This isolate, an A(H1N1)pdm09 virus possessing the substitution NA-N295S, showed highly reduced inhibition by oseltamivir and reduced inhibition by zanamivir. Virological and epidemiological surveillance remains critical for detection of evolving influenza viruses.

Abstract 3194: Inhibition of breast cancer - fibroblast interaction by specific micronutrient combinations

Abstract Several previous studies have indicated that the stromal tissue in tumors plays an indispensable role in promoting tumor growth and invasion. This is due to a reciprocal interaction and communication between the stromal and neoplastic components of tissues. Even in breast cancer cell invasion and metastases a key event has been shown to be the stimulation of fibroblasts by cancer cells to secrete enzymes such as MMPs to help degrade and modify the extracellular matrix. In this study, we investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of two micronutrient combinations - NM1 and NM2 on the inhibition of growth and invasion of human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 alone or in combination with human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). NM1 contains ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, green tea extract and quercetin while NM2 is a combination of plant extracts such as curcumin, cruciferex, green tea extract and resveratrol. In the in vitro studies we evaluated the effect of NM1 and NM2 on several parameters such as breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and expression of matrix degrading proteases (MMPs). Treatment of NHDF with conditioned media (CM) from MDA-MB-231 cells resulted in an enhanced MMP2 enzyme expression. However, treatment with both combinations of nutrients resulted in a dose dependent reduction in the MMP2 expression to basal or lower levels. The invasion assay also showed that the invasive ability of normal fibroblasts was significantly enhanced by co-incubation with breast cancer cells in the Boyden chamber. The invasiveness was however reduced considerably upon treatment with both NM1 and NM2. A similar dose dependent inhibition in growth, invasion and migration was observed in MDA-MB-231 alone and in co-cultures. In the in vivo study, 5-6 week old mice were orthotopically inoculated with 4×106 MDA-MB-231 cells alone (Group 1) or in combination with fibroblasts (Group 2) into the mammary pad of female nude mice. Each group (n = 18) was further divided into 3 sets based on the diet: Set A was fed a regular diet; Set B was fed a diet supplemented with NM1 and Set C was fed a diet supplemented with NM2. After 6 weeks the mice were sacrificed and the tumors were excised and processed for histology. The tumor weight was recorded and it was found that NM1 and NM2 inhibited tumor weight by 42% each in group 1 and by 41% and 55% respectively in group 2. The tumor weight decreased from 1.78±0.28g in group 1A to 1.03±0.25g in group 1B and 1.03±0.12g in group 1C. Similarly, tumor weight showed a reduction from 1.64±0.19g in group 2A to 0.97±0.17g in group 2B and 0.74±0.26g in group 2C. The results suggest that both NM1 and NM2 have significant therapeutic potential in treatment of breast cancer, both through a direct suppressive effect on cancer cells and through an indirect effect of limiting cancer-stromal interactions by inhibiting communication between cancer cells and fibroblasts. Citation Format: Neha Shanker, M. Waheed Roomi, Aleksandra Niedzwiecki, Matthias Rath. Inhibition of breast cancer - fibroblast interaction by specific micronutrient combinations. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3194. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3194

The nuclear receptors of Biomphalaria glabrata and Lottia gigantea: implications for developing new model organisms.

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are transcription regulators involved in an array of diverse physiological functions including key roles in endocrine and metabolic function. The aim of this study was to identify nuclear receptors in the fully sequenced genome of the gastropod snail, Biomphalaria glabrata, intermediate host for Schistosoma mansoni and compare these to known vertebrate NRs, with a view to assessing the snail's potential as a invertebrate model organism for endocrine function, both as a prospective new test organism and to elucidate the fundamental genetic and mechanistic causes of disease. For comparative purposes, the genome of a second gastropod, the owl limpet, Lottia gigantea was also investigated for nuclear receptors. Thirty-nine and thirty-three putative NRs were identified from the B. glabrata and L. gigantea genomes respectively, based on the presence of a conserved DNA-binding domain and/or ligand-binding domain. Nuclear receptor transcript expression was confirmed and sequences were subjected to a comparative phylogenetic analysis, which demonstrated that these molluscs have representatives of all the major NR subfamilies (1-6). Many of the identified NRs are conserved between vertebrates and invertebrates, however differences exist, most notably, the absence of receptors of Group 3C, which includes some of the vertebrate endocrine hormone targets. The mollusc genomes also contain NR homologues that are present in insects and nematodes but not in vertebrates, such as Group 1J (HR48/DAF12/HR96). The identification of many shared receptors between humans and molluscs indicates the potential for molluscs as model organisms; however the absence of several steroid hormone receptors indicates snail endocrine systems are fundamentally different.

Analgesic effect of preoperative topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs on postoperative pain after laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy

To assess the effect of preoperative topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on postoperative pain after laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) and to investigate their mechanism. Severance Eye Hospital and Saeyan Eye Clinic, Seoul, South Korea. Prospective randomized clinical trial. Participants in 2 related studies were assessed. Study 1 comprised patients scheduled for bilateral LASEK (Group 1) who were randomized to receive an NSAID in 1 eye and a placebo in the fellow eye 30, 20, and 10 minutes before LASEK. Postoperative pain, glare, tearing, and irritation were assessed using a visual analog scale. Study 2 comprised healthy subjects (Group 2) who were randomly divided into subgroups. The participants in these subgroups were randomized to receive ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% in 1 eye and placebo (ofloxacin 0.3%) in the fellow eye (Group 2A), proparacaine hydrochloride 0.5% in 1 eye and placebo in the fellow eye (Group 2B), or ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% in 1 eye and placebo in the fellow eye, followed 10 minutes later by 1 drop of proparacaine hydrochloride 0.5% in both eyes (Group 2C). In all 3 groups, corneal sensitivity was measured after 1, 2, and 6 hours. The mean postoperative pain score in the NSAID-pretreated eye was statistically significantly lower than in the placebo-pretreated eye 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively (P<.05). The mean corneal sensitivity was statistically significantly lower in the NSAID-treated eye than in the placebo-treated eye at 1 and 2 hours in Groups 2A and 2C (P < .05). Preoperative administration of topical NSAIDs before LASEK effectively reduces postoperative pain. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.