GPER deficiency impedes murine myocutaneous revascularization and wound healing.

Estrogens regulate numerous physiological and pathological processes, including wide-ranging effects in wound healing. The effects of estrogens are mediated through multiple estrogen receptors (ERs), including the classical nuclear ERs (ERα and ER ß ), that typically regulate gene expression, and the 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), that predominantly mediates rapid "non-genomic" signaling. Estrogen modulates the expression of various genes involved in epidermal function and regeneration, inflammation, matrix production, and protease inhibition, all critical to wound healing. Our previous work demonstrated improved myocutaneous wound healing in female mice compared to male mice. In the current study, we employed male and female GPER knockout mice to investigate the role of this estrogen receptor in wound revascularization and tissue viability. Using a murine myocutaneous flap model of graded ischemia, we measured real-time flap perfusion via laser speckle perfusion imaging. We conducted histologic and immunohistochemical analyses to assess skin and muscle viability, microvascular density and vessel morphology. Our results demonstrate that GPER is crucial in wound healing, mediating effects that are both dependent and independent of sex. Lack of GPER expression is associated with increased skin necrosis, reduced flap perfusion and altered vessel morphology. These findings contribute to understanding GPER signaling in wound healing and suggest possible therapeutic opportunities by targeting GPER.

The search for clarity regarding "clinically meaningful outcomes" in Alzheimer disease clinical trials: CLARITY-AD and Beyond.

CLARITY-AD is an 18-month, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial which examined the safety and efficacy of the anti-amyloid agent, lecanemab, in mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia due to Alzheimer disease (AD). Lecanemab effectively reduced mean brain amyloid burden and was associated with statistically significant favorable effects, reflected by moderately less decline in the primary and secondary clinical outcomes, at 18 months compared to placebo. However, there is controversy within the AD community regarding the clinical significance of these results and whether they translate into clinically meaningful and tangible benefits on cognition or daily functions.We here review the primary and secondary clinical outcomes of CLARITY-AD and present our interpretation of the potential clinical meaningfulness of the group-level differences in study outcomes in the context of the 18-month study duration. We propose that the validation of stage-appropriate group-level thresholds for clinical meaningfulness of AD trial outcomes in biologically confirmed cohorts will allow objective interpretation of trial results and guide clinical decision-making. Further, in accordance with FDA guidance which emphasizes patient-focused drug development, the contextualization of AD clinical trial outcomes can be facilitated by supplementary individual-level data analyses which measure the risk of disease progression or summarize intraindividual change, using prespecified thresholds of clinically meaningful change, in each of the study groups over the trial period. The concepts of "time-saved" and "time-based" slowing in disease progression can be used to communicate clinical outcomes associated with emerging disease-modifying AD therapies to various stakeholders. We also describe several factors that need to be considered when evaluating outcomes of emerging AD therapies, including disease stage, the neuropathologic complexity of AD, time-based effects of disease-modifying therapies, and the possible influence of individual factors on treatment response and/or risk for adverse events. The consideration of these factors in the design and reporting of future trials of emerging AD therapies will guide clinicians regarding their appropriateness for use in various patient populations.Finally, we emphasize that data from clinical cohorts with longer durations of treatment and follow-up, including extension studies and patient registries, is needed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of lecanemab in early symptomatic AD.

Outcomes of responders to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors who discontinue therapy after sustained disease control.

BACKGROUND: PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely used in the treatment of metastatic malignancies. Judiciously balancing disease control (DC) against development of immune-related adverse events (irAE) remains a crucial aspect of treatment. The effect of treatment discontinuation after sustained disease control (SDC) is unknown. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate outcomes of responders to ICI who discontinue treatment after a minimum of 12 months (SDC). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the database of the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC) between 2014 and 2021 and identified patients who had received ICI. Patients with metastatic solid tumors who had stopped ICI therapy after achieving SDC [stable disease, partial response, complete response (SD, PR, CR)] were selected and outcomes reviewed from their electronic health records. RESULTS: We identified 204 patients who were treated with ICI for various solid cancers. Forty-four patients (21.6%) met the criteria, of whom 35 with follow-up data were included in the final analysis; including 11 melanoma, 5 non-small cell lung, 4 head & neck, 8 renal, 4 urothelial, 1 anal, 1 Merkel cell carcinoma, and 1 liposarcoma. Patients were divided into two groups: those who stopped ICI due to an irAE [irAE group, n = 14, median treatment time (MTT), 16.6 mo] and those who stopped due to other reasons (eg completion of 2 years of therapy, n = 20, non-cancer related surgery, n = 1) (non-irAE group, n = 21, MTT, 23.7 mo). Among the irAE group, the most common irAE included pneumonitis, rash, transaminitis, and fatigue. As of data cutoff date, 9 of 14 (64%) patients continued to show SDC. Only 5 of 14 (36%) patients in this group experienced progression of disease (PD), with 1 of 2 patients achieving DC (median follow-up of 19.2 mo after last dose of treatment, range 3-50.2 mo). Among the non-irAE group, 13 of 21 (62%) continued to have SDC. Eight of 21 (38%) experienced PD after stopping treatment, 7 of whom received ICI rechallenge, with 2 of 7 achieving DC (median follow-up of 22.2 mo, range 3.6-54.8 mo). At a median follow-up of 21.3 mo from stopping ICI therapy (range, 3-54.8 mo), 10 patients (71%) from the irAE group and 13 (61.9%) from the non-irAE group are in DC and have not experienced PD. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that 22 (66%) patients experienced SDC, regardless of cancer type or development of irAE. After including patients who were re-challenged with ICI due to PD, 25 (71%) remain in DC. Future prospective malignancy-specific trials are warranted to evaluate optimal treatment duration.

Humanized Patient-derived Xenograft Models of Disseminated Ovarian Cancer Recapitulate Key Aspects of the Tumor Immune Environment within the Peritoneal Cavity.

The importance of the immune microenvironment in ovarian cancer progression, metastasis, and response to therapies has become increasingly clear, especially with the new emphasis on immunotherapies. To leverage the power of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models within a humanized immune microenvironment, three ovarian cancer PDXs were grown in humanized NBSGW (huNBSGW) mice engrafted with human CD34+ cord blood-derived hematopoietic stem cells. Analysis of cytokine levels in the ascites fluid and identification of infiltrating immune cells in the tumors demonstrated that these humanized PDX (huPDX) established an immune tumor microenvironment similar to what has been reported for patients with ovarian cancer. The lack of human myeloid cell differentiation has been a major setback for humanized mouse models, but our analysis shows that PDX engraftment increases the human myeloid population in the peripheral blood. Analysis of cytokines within the ascites fluid of huPDX revealed high levels of human M-CSF, a key myeloid differentiation factor as well as other elevated cytokines that have previously been identified in ovarian cancer patient ascites fluid including those involved in immune cell differentiation and recruitment. Human tumor-associated macrophages and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were detected within the tumors of humanized mice, demonstrating immune cell recruitment to tumors. Comparison of the three huPDX revealed certain differences in cytokine signatures and in the extent of immune cell recruitment. Our studies show that huNBSGW PDX models reconstitute important aspects of the ovarian cancer immune tumor microenvironment, which may recommend these models for preclinical therapeutic trials. Significance: huPDX models are ideal preclinical models for testing novel therapies. They reflect the genetic heterogeneity of the patient population, enhance human myeloid differentiation, and recruit immune cells to the tumor microenvironment.

Albuminuria, cognition, and MRI biomarkers of cerebrovascular disease in American Indians of the Zuni Pueblo.

Background: Elevated urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) is associated with cerebrovascular disease and cognitive impairment in older adults, though few studies have evaluated these relationships in midlife. This is particularly important to assess in American Indian populations, which are disproportionately impacted by diabetes and kidney disease. Additionally, evidence suggests that biomarkers may perform differently in underrepresented groups, thus, it is crucial to validate biomarkers in this unique population. Methods: Twenty-five participants from the Zuni Pueblo underwent neuropsychological assessment and an MRI that included fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and diffusion imaging to calculate recently developed MRI markers of cerebrovascular small vessel disease (Peak width of Skeletonized Mean Diffusivity (PSMD), mean free-water fraction (mFW), white matter hyperintensity (WMH)). Results: Regression analyses indicated no significant associations between UACR, MRI biomarkers and cognitive outcomes. Analyses of covariance indicated that the Zuni Indian cohort exhibited reduced white matter damage relative to an existing cohort of older adults with vascular cognitive impairment when accounting for age, sex, and education. Slower processing speed was associated with greater white matter disease across all measures examined. Conclusions: Our pilot study validated the use of MRI biomarkers of cerebrovascular disease in this unique cohort of American Indians.

Colorectal Cancer Survival Trends in the United States From 1992 to 2018 Differ Among Persons From Five Racial and Ethnic Groups According to Stage at Diagnosis: A SEER-Based Study.

INTRODUCTION: Survival following colorectal cancer (CRC) has improved in the US since 1975, but there is limited information on stage-specific survival trends among racial and ethnic subgroups. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to estimate and compare trends in 1- and 5-year CRC cause-specific survival in the United States by both stage and race/ethnicity. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of individuals diagnosed with CRC using the 1992-2018 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. We estimated and compared time trends in 1- and 5-year survival for CRC stage by race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Data from 399 220 individuals diagnosed with CRC were available. There were significant differences in stage-specific 1-year survival trends by race and ethnicity. Differences were most notable for distant stage CRC: survival probabilities increased most consistently for non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) and Black (NHB) persons, but their trend lines were lower than those of Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander (API) and White (NHW) persons, whose initially greater gains appear to be slowing. Although the data do not support significant racial/ethnic differences in 5-year CRC survival trends by stage, AIAN and NHB persons have the lowest average survival probabilities for multiple CRC stages, and no racial/ethnic group has 5-year survival probabilities above 20% for distant-stage CRC. CONCLUSION: Although there has been an overall improvement in adjusted CRC-specific survival probabilities since 1992, AIAN and NHB persons continue to experience worse prognosis than those of other races/ethnicities. This highlights the importance of reinvigorating efforts to understand the causes of mortality in CRC, including those which may differ according to an individual's race or ethnicity.

The Otago Exercise Program compared to falls prevention education in Zuni elders: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: When a Zuni elder sustains a fall-related injury, the closest tribal skilled nursing facility is 100 miles from the Pueblo and no physical therapy services are available. Thus, fall prevention strategies as a primary intervention to avert injurious falls and preserve aging in place are needed. The objective of the study is to compare the effectiveness of a community health representative (CHR)-delivered, culturally-adapted Otago Exercise Program (OEP) fall prevention program compared to the standard of care education-based fall risk management. METHODS: "Standing Strong in Tribal Communities: Assessing Elder Falls Disparity" is mixed-methods research with a randomized controlled trial. The CHRs will be trained to deliver the culturally-adapted OEP trial and offer advantages of speaking "Shiwi" (Zuni tribal language) and understanding Zuni traditions, family structures, and elders' preferences for receiving health information. Focus groups will be conducted to assure all materials are culturally appropriate, and adapted. A physical therapist will train CHRs to screen elders for falls risk and to deliver the OEP to the intervention group and education to the control group. Up to 400 Zuni elders will be screened by the CHRs for falls risk and 200 elders will be enrolled into the study (1:1 random allocation by household). The intervention is 6 months with measurements at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome is improved strength and balance (timed up and go, sit to stand and 4 stage balance test), secondary outcomes include falls incidence, self-efficacy using Attitudes to Falls-Related Interventions Scale, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 12 (SF-12v2) and Self-Efficacy for Managing Daily Activities. DISCUSSION: Fall prevention for Zuni elders was identified as a tribal priority and this trial is built upon longstanding collaborations between the investigative team, Zuni tribal leaders, and multiple tribal health programs. Delivery by the CHRs make this model more acceptable, and thus, more sustainable long term. This study has the potential to change best practice for elder care in tribal and rural areas with limited access to physical therapist-delivered fall prevention interventions and aligns with tribal goals to avert fall-related injury, reduce healthcare disparity, and preserve elder's independence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04876729.

Association between Quality of Life and Physical Functioning in a Gardening Intervention for Cancer Survivors.

Purpose: To examine potential factors associated with maintaining or improving self-reported physical function (PF) among older cancer survivors participating in a gardening intervention impacted by the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: Thirty cancer survivors completed a home-based gardening intervention to encourage a healthier diet and a more active lifestyle. Device-based measures of physical activity (PA) and surveys to evaluate quality of life (QOL; PROMIS-57 questionnaire) were administered at baseline, mid-intervention (6 months), and post-intervention (9 months). Results: Depression, fatigue, and sleeplessness at baseline were significantly associated with worse average PF scores across follow-up (2.3 to 4.9 points lower for every decrease of 5 points in the QOL score; p-values < 0.02). Worsening of these QOL domains during the intervention was also associated with an additional decrease of 2.1 to 2.9 points in PF over follow-up (p values < 0.01). Better social participation and PA at baseline were significantly associated with better average PF scores during the intervention (2.8 to 5.2 points higher for every 5-point increase in social participation or 30 min more of PA; p values < 0.05). Every 5-point increase in pain at baseline, or increases in pain during the intervention, was associated with decreases of 4.9 and 3.0 points, respectively, in PF. Conclusions: Worse QOL scores before and during the intervention were significantly associated with worse PF over follow-up. Encouraging social participation and PA through interventions such as home-based gardening may improve long-term health among older cancer survivors.

Mammographic Variation Measures, Breast Density, and Breast Cancer Risk.

OBJECTIVE. Our previous work showed that variation measures, which represent breast architecture derived from mammograms, were significantly associated with breast cancer. For replication purposes, we examined the association of three variation measures (variation [V], which is measured in the image domain, and P1 and p1 [a normalized version of P1], which are derived from restricted regions in the Fourier domain) with breast cancer risk in an independent population. We also compared these measures to volumetric density measures (volumetric percent density [VPD] and dense volume [DV]) from a commercial product. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We examined 514 patients with breast cancer and 1377 control patients from a screening practice who were matched for age, date of examination, mammography unit, facility, and state of residence. Spearman rank-order correlation was used to evaluate the monotonic association between measures. Breast cancer associations were estimated using conditional logistic regression, after adjustment for age and body mass index. Odds ratios were calculated per SD increment in mammographic measure. RESULTS. These variation measures were strongly correlated with VPD (correlation, 0.68-0.80) but not with DV (correlation, 0.31-0.48). Similar to previous findings, all variation measures were significantly associated with breast cancer (odds ratio per SD: 1.30 [95% CI, 1.16-1.46] for V, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.35-1.77] for P1, and 1.51 [95% CI, 1.33-1.72] for p1). Associations of volumetric density measures with breast cancer were similar (odds ratio per SD: 1.54 [95% CI, 1.33-1.78] for VPD and 1.34 [95% CI, 1.20-1.50] for DV). When DV was included with each variation measure in the same model, all measures retained significance. CONCLUSION. Variation measures were significantly associated with breast cancer risk (comparable to the volumetric density measures) but were independent of the DV.

Racial/ethnic differences in health-related quality of life among female breast cancer survivors: cross-sectional findings from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.

OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer survivors have reported worse health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes on some subscales when compared with members of the general population. However, the increased attention to breast cancer survivorship should have improved the HRQoL of these survivors. Our aim was to examine whether physical and mental component scores (PCS-12 and MCS-12) using the Short Form (SF-12) questionnaire were different for racial/ethnic minorities, specifically for Black and Hispanic women relative to White women. Furthermore, we stratified the data by age group to evaluate these racial/ethnic differences in HRQoL of breast cancer survivors. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Pooled cross-sectional analyses using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey between 2008 and 2016 were conducted. Pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used to examine the racial/ethnic differences in PCS-12 and MCS-12 scores of breast cancer survivors. Furthermore, stratified analyses by age group were conducted to evaluate racial/ethnic differences in HRQoL by the age of breast cancer survivors. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounders, there was no association between race/ethnicity and PCS-12 scores. However, Hispanic breast cancer survivors had statistically significantly lower MCS-12 scores (by 1.9 points [95% confidence interval {CI}: -3.53 to -0.37]) when compared with White breast cancer survivors. For PCS-12, after stratifying by age, the adjusted analyses showed no significant differences in PCS-12 scores when White female breast cancer survivors were compared with the other racial/ethnic categories. On the other hand, Black female survivors aged <50 years had 4.3 points (95% CI: 0.46-8.13) higher MCS-12 scores when compared with their White counterparts, while Hispanic breast cancer survivors aged <50 years had 3.1 points (95% CI: -0.40-6.69) higher MCS-12 scores relative to White women. Furthermore, among female breast cancer survivors aged ≥50 years, Hispanic women had 3.2 points (95% CI: -4.98 to -1.40) lower MCS-12 scores than White women. CONCLUSION: Our study generated findings showing the racial/ethnic differences in HRQoL of breast cancer survivors and presented results stratified by age group. These findings provide the much-needed rationale for targeted and racial/ethnic-specific HRQoL improvement strategies among breast cancer survivors.

Association of Daily Alcohol Intake, Volumetric Breast Density, and Breast Cancer Risk.

High alcohol intake and breast density increase breast cancer (BC) risk, but their interrelationship is unknown. We examined whether volumetric density modifies and/or mediates the alcohol-BC association. BC cases (n = 2233) diagnosed from 2006 to 2013 in the San Francisco Bay area had screening mammograms 6 or more months before diagnosis; controls (n = 4562) were matched on age, mammogram date, race or ethnicity, facility, and mammography machine. Logistic regression was used to estimate alcohol-BC associations adjusted for age, body mass index, and menopause; interaction terms assessed modification. Percent mediation was quantified as the ratio of log (odds ratios [ORs]) from models with and without density measures. Alcohol consumption was associated with increased BC risk (2-sided P trend = .004), as were volumetric percent density (OR = 1.45 per SD, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36 to 1.56) and dense volume (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.24 to 1.37). Breast density did not modify the alcohol-BC association (2-sided P > .10 for all). Dense volume mediated 25.0% (95% CI = 5.5% to 44.4%) of the alcohol-BC association (2-sided P = .01), suggesting alcohol may partially increase BC risk by increasing fibroglandular tissue.

An updated report on the incidence and epidemiological trends of keratinocyte cancers in the United Kingdom 2013-2018.

Introduction: The most common cancers in the UK are keratinocyte cancers (KCs): the combined term for basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs). Registration of KC is challenging due to high numbers and multiplicity of tumours per person. Methods: We provide an updated report on the descriptive epidemiology of trends in KC incidence for the resident populations of UK countries (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) using population-based cancer registry and pathology report data, 2013-18. Results: Substantial increases in cSCC incidence in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland can be detected for the period of 2013-18, and the incidence of cSCC also increased in Wales from 2016 to 2018. In contrast, however, the pattern of annual change in the incidence of BCC across the nations differs. In England, the incidence of BCC declined slightly from 2016 to 2018, however, the overall trend across 2013-18 is not statistically significant. In Scotland, the incidence of BCC shows some variability, declining in 2017 before increasing in 2018, and the overall trend across 2013-18 was also not statistically significant. In Northern Ireland, the incidence of BCC increased significantly over the study period, and in Wales, the incidence of BCC increased from 2016 to 2018. One in five people will develop non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) in their lifetime in England. This estimate is much higher than the lifetime risk of melanoma (1 in 36 males and 1 in 47 females born after 1960 in the UK), which further highlights the burden of the disease and importance of early prevention strategies. Conclusions: We highlight how common these tumours are by publishing the first ever lifetime incidence of NMSC. Additionally, the first time reporting of the age standardised incidence of KC in Wales further confirms the scale of the disease burden posed by these cancers in the UK. With approximately one in five people developing NMSC in their lifetime, optimisation of skin cancer prevention, management and research are essential.

Remote Assessment of Functional Mobility and Strength in Older Cancer Survivors: Protocol for a Validity and Reliability Study.

BACKGROUND: Older cancer survivors, faced with both age- and treatment-related morbidity, are at increased and premature risk for physical function limitations. Physical performance is an important predictor of disability, quality of life, and premature mortality, and thus is considered an important target of interventions designed to prevent, delay, or attenuate the physical functional decline. Currently, low-cost, valid, and reliable methods to remotely assess physical performance tests that are self-administered by older adults in the home-setting do not exist, thus limiting the reach, scalability, and dissemination of interventions. OBJECTIVE: This paper will describe the rationale and design for a study to evaluate the accuracy, reliability, safety, and acceptability of videoconferencing and self-administered tests of functional mobility and strength by older cancer survivors in their own homes. METHODS: To enable remote assessment, participants receive a toolkit and instructions for setting up their test course and communicating with the investigator. Two standard gerontologic performance tests are being evaluated: the Timed Up and Go test and the 30-second chair stand test. Phase 1 of the study evaluates proof-of-concept that older cancer survivors (age ≥60 years) can follow the testing protocol and use a tablet PC to communicate with the study investigator. Phase 2 evaluates the criterion validity of videoconference compared to direct observation of the two physical performance tests. Phase 3 evaluates reliability by enrolling 5-10 participants who agree to repeat the remote assessment (without direct observation). Phase 4 enrolls 5-10 new study participants to complete the remote assessment test protocol. Feedback from participants in each phase is used to refine the test protocol and instructions. RESULTS: Enrollment began in December 2019. Ten participants completed the Phase 1 proof-of-concept. The study was paused in mid-March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is expected to be completed by the end of 2020. CONCLUSIONS: This validity and reliability study will provide important information on the acceptability and safety of using videoconferencing to remotely assess two tests of functional mobility and strength, self-administered by older adults in their homes. Videoconferencing has the potential to expand the reach, scalability, and dissemination of interventions to older cancer survivors, and potentially other older adults, especially in rural areas. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04339959; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04339959. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/20834.

American Indian chronic Renal insufficiency cohort study (AI-CRIC study).

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasing epidemic globally that is associated with adverse health outcomes including end stage kidney disease (ESKD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and death. American Indians (AIs) have a higher prevalence of CKD than most other racial/ethnic groups, due in part to a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Other genetic and environmental factors not yet identified may also contribute to the disproportionate burden of CKD in AIs. METHOD: We will establish 3 clinical centers to recruit AIs from the Southwest United States (US) to expand the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study. We will follow the current CRIC protocol for kidney and cardiovascular measures and outcomes, which include ambulatory monitoring of kidney function and the use of mobile health technologies for CVD sub-phenotyping, and compare the outcomes in AIs with those in other racial/ethnic groups in CRIC. DISCUSSION: AI-CRIC will identify the role of various risk factors for rapid loss of kidney function among AIs of the Southwest US. In addition, to better understand the natural history of CKD and CVD in this high-risk population, we will identify unique risk factors for CKD and CVD progression in AIs. We will also compare event rates and risk factors for kidney and cardiovascular events in AIs with the other populations represented in CRIC.

Solid-state framing camera operating in interferometric mode.

A high speed solid-state framing camera has been developed which can operate in interferometric mode. This camera measures the change in the index of refraction of a semiconductor when x-rays are incident upon it. This instrument uses an x-ray transmission grating/mask in front of the semiconductor to induce a corresponding phase grating in the semiconductor which can then be measured by an infrared probe beam. The probe beam scatters off of this grating, enabling a measure of the x-ray signal incident on the semiconductor. In this particular instrument, the zero-order reflected probe beam is attenuated and interfered with the diffracted orders to produce an interferometric image on a charge coupled device camera of the phase change induced inside the semiconductor by the incident x-rays.

Analysis of shared heritability in common disorders of the brain.

Disorders of the brain can exhibit considerable epidemiological comorbidity and often share symptoms, provoking debate about their etiologic overlap. We quantified the genetic sharing of 25 brain disorders from genome-wide association studies of 265,218 patients and 784,643 control participants and assessed their relationship to 17 phenotypes from 1,191,588 individuals. Psychiatric disorders share common variant risk, whereas neurological disorders appear more distinct from one another and from the psychiatric disorders. We also identified significant sharing between disorders and a number of brain phenotypes, including cognitive measures. Further, we conducted simulations to explore how statistical power, diagnostic misclassification, and phenotypic heterogeneity affect genetic correlations. These results highlight the importance of common genetic variation as a risk factor for brain disorders and the value of heritability-based methods in understanding their etiology.

Trends in incidence of thick, thin and in situ melanoma in Europe.

BACKGROUND: We analysed trends in incidence for in situ and invasive melanoma in some European countries during the period 1995-2012, stratifying for lesion thickness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Individual anonymised data from population-based European cancer registries (CRs) were collected and combined in a common database, including information on age, sex, year of diagnosis, histological type, tumour location, behaviour (invasive, in situ) and lesion thickness. Mortality data were retrieved from the publicly available World Health Organization database. RESULTS: Our database covered a population of over 117 million inhabitants and included about 415,000 skin lesions, recorded by 18 European CRs (7 of them with national coverage). During the 1995-2012 period, we observed a statistically significant increase in incidence for both invasive (average annual percent change (AAPC) 4.0% men; 3.0% women) and in situ (AAPC 7.7% men; 6.2% women) cases. DISCUSSION: The increase in invasive lesions seemed mainly driven by thin melanomas (AAPC 10% men; 8.3% women). The incidence of thick melanomas also increased, although more slowly in recent years. Correction for lesions of unknown thickness enhanced the differences between thin and thick cases and flattened the trends. Incidence trends varied considerably across registries, but only Netherlands presented a marked increase above the boundaries of a funnel plot that weighted estimates by their precision. Mortality from invasive melanoma has continued to increase in Norway, Iceland (but only for elder people), the Netherlands and Slovenia.

Assessment of the Clinical Relevance of BRCA2 Missense Variants by Functional and Computational Approaches.

Many variants of uncertain significance (VUS) have been identified in BRCA2 through clinical genetic testing. VUS pose a significant clinical challenge because the contribution of these variants to cancer risk has not been determined. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of VUS in the BRCA2 C-terminal DNA binding domain (DBD) by using a validated functional assay of BRCA2 homologous recombination (HR) DNA-repair activity and defined a classifier of variant pathogenicity. Among 139 variants evaluated, 54 had ?99% probability of pathogenicity, and 73 had ?95% probability of neutrality. Functional assay results were compared with predictions of variant pathogenicity from the Align-GVGD protein-sequence-based prediction algorithm, which has been used for variant classification. Relative to the HR assay, Align-GVGD significantly (p < 0.05) over-predicted pathogenic variants. We subsequently combined functional and Align-GVGD prediction results in a Bayesian hierarchical model (VarCall) to estimate the overall probability of pathogenicity for each VUS. In addition, to predict the effects of all other BRCA2 DBD variants and to prioritize variants for functional studies, we used the endoPhenotype-Optimized Sequence Ensemble (ePOSE) algorithm to train classifiers for BRCA2 variants by using data from the HR functional assay. Together, the results show that systematic functional assays in combination with in silico predictors of pathogenicity provide robust tools for clinical annotation of BRCA2 VUS.