Prevention and treatment of DNA vaccine encoding cockroach allergen Bla g 1 in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation

BACKGROUND

One-fourth of the US population is sensitized to the German cockroach. Primary German cockroach allergen Bla g 1 is detected in 63% of homes and 52% of childcare facilities in the United States. No effective treatment or vaccination strategies are yet available.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of a plasmid DNA-mediated vaccination using the Bla g 1 gene in a mouse model of allergic inflammatory airway disease.

METHODS

A plasmid DNA vector coding for the Bla g 1 allergen controlled by cytomegalovirus promoter was constructed. To estimate the protective efficacy, BALB/c mice were given three injections of plasmid DNA-Bla g 1 prior to sensitization with two priming doses of recombinant Bla g 1 (rBla g 1) antigens, followed by nebulized rBla g 1 challenge. In the therapeutic approach, sensitization was followed by administering Bla g 1 DNA vaccine.

RESULTS

Bla g 1 vaccination significantly reduced allergen-induced airway inflammation, even after mice were presensitized and a Th2-dominant response was established. The Bla g 1 vaccination significantly reduced total inflammatory cell infiltrate, eosinophilia, secretion of Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, allergen-induced inflammatory infiltrates in the lungs, and Bla g 1-specific IgE in serum upon challenge with rBla g 1. Importantly, Bla g 1 DNA vaccination was able to induce IL-10-secreting regulatory T cells that could suppress the allergen-specific Th2 cells.

CONCLUSION

DNA vaccination showed protective and therapeutic efficacy against a clinically relevant allergen Bla g 1.

Predictors of the health-related quality of life of patients who are newly diagnosed with lung cancer in China

The purpose of this study was to explore the level and predictors of the health-related quality of life among patients who were newly diagnosed with lung cancer in China. A descriptive survey design was used to collect the data from 108 patients. The relationships among the variables were analyzed by using Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analyses. The results indicated that the patients in this sample had a poor quality of life in the physical, psychological, and environmental domains of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire. Their age, annual family income, social support, and three dimensions of the health locus of control (internal, external, and chance) correlated significantly with the global quality of life. The stepwise multiple regressions showed that only the internal locus of control was statistically significant in predicting the patients' quality of life. The results suggest that healthcare professionals should pay particular attention to demographic characteristics, such as age and family income, and personal characteristics, such as the health locus of control and social support, when treating this patient group.

The use of phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS) for exploration of novel genotype-phenotype relationships and pleiotropy discovery

The field of phenomics has been investigating network structure among large arrays of phenotypes, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been used to investigate the relationship between genetic variation and single diseases/outcomes. A novel approach has emerged combining both the exploration of phenotypic structure and genotypic variation, known as the phenome-wide association study (PheWAS). The Population Architecture using Genomics and Epidemiology (PAGE) network is a National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)-supported collaboration of four groups accessing eight extensively characterized epidemiologic studies. The primary focus of PAGE is deep characterization of well-replicated GWAS variants and their relationships to various phenotypes and traits in diverse epidemiologic studies that include European Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans/Hispanics, Asians/Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans. The rich phenotypic resources of PAGE studies provide a unique opportunity for PheWAS as each genotyped variant can be tested for an association with the wide array of phenotypic measurements available within the studies of PAGE, including prevalent and incident status for multiple common clinical conditions and risk factors, as well as clinical parameters and intermediate biomarkers. The results of PheWAS can be used to discover novel relationships between SNPs, phenotypes, and networks of interrelated phenotypes; identify pleiotropy; provide novel mechanistic insights; and foster hypothesis generation. The PAGE network has developed infrastructure to support and perform PheWAS in a high-throughput manner. As implementing the PheWAS approach has presented several challenges, the infrastructure and methodology, as well as insights gained in this project, are presented herein to benefit the larger scientific community.

Mitochondrial DNA mutations in head and neck cancer are infrequent and lack prognostic utility

Background:

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations occur in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and are most frequently detected in the displacement-loop (D-loop) region. The D-loop is considered to be important because it controls mitochondrial gene expression and mtDNA replication. There is currently no evidence that mtDNA mutations can be used as prognostic or predictive biomarkers in HNSCC.

Methods:

We used denaturing high performance liquid chromatography to screen the entire mitochondrial genome of six oral squamous cell carcinoma-derived cell lines and then focused on detecting D-loop abnormalities in 34 HNSCC tissue samples.

Results:

Mitochondrial DNA mutations are not ubiquitous in HNSCC because only half of the cell lines had detectable mtDNA abnormalities following screening of the entire mitochondrial genome and only 18% (6 of 34) of tissue samples had D-loop mutations. There was no correlation between D-loop mutations and determinates of clinical outcome; specifically, tumour stage and the expression of hypoxia-inducible genes included in a highly prognostic hypoxia metagene.

Conclusions:

Taken together, these data suggest that mtDNA D-loop mutations are stochastic events that may not significantly influence the biology of HNSCC and supports the hypothesis that mtDNA mutations in cancer represent bystander genotoxic damage as a consequence of tumour development and progression.

Enhancement of light emission from nanostructured In(2)O(3) via surface plasmons

We report the construction of In(2)O(3)/Ag/In(2)O(3) sandwich nanostructures and realization of effective coupling with surface plasmon (SP) modes. An enhancement of photoluminescence as large as 278-fold is achieved for the new nanostructures, while only eightfold is obtained from bilayer structures. The advancement of the nanostructures is that both the frequency of incidence photons and the in-plane wavevector of the excited SP modes along each side of the sandwiched nanometer metal layer are identical, thus the momenta mismatch between two SP modes which inevitably occurs in commonly used metal/dielectric bilayer structures is no longer a problem. The fulfillment of the cross coupling and resonance conditions of the two SP modes leads to the tremendous amplification of light emission. Such sandwich nanostructures can be readily extended to other dielectric/metal/dielectric nanomaterial combinations and identified as technologically useful for SP mediated light emitting devices.

Leptin as clinical target

PLeptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone with pleiotropic effects on energy homeostasis, endocrine and reproductive functions, and immune responses. The multiple actions of leptin have led to the design and development of several leptin-based approaches to modulate the metabolic and endocrine status, to reduce inflammation, and to improve immune responses. Here, we review the current patents on leptin in different clinic applications.

Critical moisture content windows differ for the cryopreservation of pomelo (Citrus grandis) seeds and embryonic axes

Cryopreservation was attempted using a partial dehydration and freezing protocol on pomelo (Citrus grandis) seeds of ten cultivars and embryonic axes of one cultivar collected from Xishuangbanna. Although seeds of all ten cultivars could be dehydrated safely to 10 percent moisture content, further dehydration impaired seed viability with critical moisture contents ranging from 9 percent to 7 percent. Complete seedling regenerated from seeds frozen in a moisture window between 5-9 percent, and maximum seedling recovery varied between 22-86 percent. Cryopreservation of Jiajieyou cv. embryonic axes had a moisture window between 3-20 percent , much wider compared to whole seed cryopreservation, and maximum post-thaw emergence of 93 percent was achieved at 13 percent moisture content. Emergence differed only slightly from survival when whole seeds were cryopreserved, but for the embryonic axis cryopreservation at low moisture contents resulted in much lower emergence than survival. Possible causes of intraspecific variation in cryotolerance in pomelo seeds is discussed.

Giant congenital melanocytic nevus coexistent with Chiari II malformation

BACKGROUND

Giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN) and Chiari II malformation (CM II) are distinct rare clinical entities. No previous report of this condition is to be found in the medical literature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We report the case of a male infant seen initially for a GCMN and an upper thoracic myelomeningocele. MRI incidentally revealed cerebellum and brain stem elongate via the foramen magnum. The infant's physical examination included spastic quadriparesis and hypotonia. An operation for myelomeningocele repair and suboccipital craniectomy with resection of C (1) and cerebellar tonsils was done. The signs and symptoms of the patient were improved after surgery. The GCMN was not treated according to the parents' wished, but a schedule of long-term monitoring was recommended.

CONCLUSION

This case report illustrates that CMNs can coexist with CM II. The clinician who diagnoses a patient with CMNs should remember that this entity can be associated with other pathologies of the central nervous system. Earlier diagnosis and surgical intervention improves the prognosis. Long-term monitoring and follow-up should be recommended for patients with CMNs.

Prior SO2 exposure promotes airway inflammation and subepithelial fibrosis following repeated ovalbumin challenge

BACKGROUND

Exposure to allergens or air pollutants often leads to asthma exacerbations associated with aggravation of airway inflammation. Although, repeated allergen challenge often induces chronic allergic airway inflammation (CAAI) and airway remodelling, yet, the effects of brief exposure to air pollutants such as SO(2) on development of CAAI and airway remodelling remain to be clarified.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effects of acute neutrophilic airway inflammation induced by brief exposure to SO(2) on development of CAAI and subepithelial fibrosis (SEF) in a murine model of asthma.

METHODS

Acute airway inflammation was induced by brief exposure to 50 p.p.m. SO(2) (1 h/d, 3 days). CAAI and SEF in BALB/c mice were induced by repeated challenge with ovalbumin (OVA) for 5 or 9 weeks with or without prior exposure to SO(2). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) eosinophilia as index of CAAI, BALF endothelin-1 (ET-1) and TGF-beta1 levels, morphometric evaluation of fibrotic area beneath subbasement membrane and lung hydroxyproline content (Hyp) as indexes of SEF were monitored.

RESULTS

Exposure to SO(2) led to acute neutrophilic inflammation and epithelial sloughing with profound elevation of BALF ET-1. Repeated OVA challenge resulted in CAAI and SEF along with elevation of Hyp, increase of fibrotic area beneath subbasement membrane and elevation of BALF TGF-beta1. Preceding SO(2) exposure exaggerated BALF eosinophilia, facilitated and enhanced SEF with more significant elevation of BALF ET-1 and TGF-beta1 levels compared with OVA-challenged mice without prior exposure to SO(2). The increase of Hyp was positively correlated with elevation of BALF TGF-beta1 during CAAI (r=0.842, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

This data demonstrated that SEF developed in parallel with severity and time course of CAAI following repeated OVA challenge. SO(2)-induced acute epithelial injury and neutrophilic inflammation could enhance CAAI and promote SEF, probably through overexpression of ET-1 and TGF-beta1.

Chiari malformation caused by craniometaphyseal dysplasia: case report and review of literature

Chiari malformation is commonly considered a congenital condition. To our knowledge, reports of progressively symptomatic Chiari Iota malformation with craniometaphyseal dysplasia are rare. The authors present a case of progressively symptomatic Chiari Iota malformation occurring in an 11-month-old infant with craniometaphyseal dysplasia. The patient presented with a typical facial appearance and radiological skeletal survey. Posterior fossa decompression was performed. In the meantime, the patient was given Rocaltrol (calcitriol) and adopted a low calcium diet. His neurological symptoms were markedly improved after surgery. The clinical presentations, radiographical features and prognosis of the patient are discussed with reference to the literature.

Lack of association between HLA-A, -B and -DRB1 alleles and the development of SARS: a cohort of 95 SARS-recovered individuals in a population of Guangdong, southern China

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), caused by infection with a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV), was the first major novel infectious disease at the beginning of the 21st century, with China especially affected. SARS was characterized by high infectivity, morbidity and mortality, and the confined pattern of the disease spreading among the countries of South‐East and East Asia suggested the existence of susceptible factor(s) in these populations. Studies in the populations of Hong Kong and Taiwan showed an association of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms with the development and/or severity of SARS, respectively. The aim of the present study was to define the genotypic patterns of HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 loci in SARS patients and a co‐resident population of Guangdong province, southern China, where the first SARS case was reported. The samples comprised 95 cases of recovered SARS patients and 403 unrelated healthy controls. HLA ‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 alleles were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers. The severity of the disease was assessed according to the history of lung infiltration, usage of assisted ventilation and occurrence of lymphocytopenia. Although the allelic frequencies of A23, A34, B60, DRB1*12 in the SARS group were slightly higher, and A33, ‐B58 and ‐B61 were lower than in the controls, no statistical significance was found when the Pc value was considered. Similarly, no association of HLA alleles with the severity of the disease was detected. Thus, variations in the major histocompatibility complex are unlikely to have contributed significantly to either the susceptibility or the severity of SARS in the population of Guangdong.

Estimation of the impact of genital warts on health-related quality of life

OBJECTIVES

One of the two new human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines protects against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause over 95% of genital warts, in addition to protecting against HPV types 16 and 18. In anticipation of HPV vaccine implementation, the impact of genital warts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was measured to assess the potential benefits of the quadrivalent over the bivalent vaccine.

METHODS

Genitourinary medicine clinic patients aged 18 years and older with a current diagnosis of genital warts were eligible; 81 consented and were interviewed by a member of the research team. A generic HRQoL questionnaire, the EQ-5D (comprising EQ-5D index and EQ visual analogue scale (VAS) scores) and a disease-specific HRQoL instrument, the CECA10, were administered. Previously established UK population norms were used as a control group for EQ-5D comparisons.

RESULTS

Cases (with genital warts) had lower EQ VAS and EQ-5D index scores than controls. After adjusting for age a mean difference between cases and controls 30 years of age and under (n = 70) of 13.9 points (95% CI 9.9 to 17.6, p<0.001) for the EQ VAS and 0.039 points (95% CI 0.005 to 0.068, p = 0.02) on the EQ-5D index (also adjusted for sex) was observed. The difference between cases and controls for the EQ VAS was especially notable in young women.

CONCLUSIONS

Genital warts are associated with a significant detriment to HRQoL. The potential added benefit of preventing most cases of genital warts by HPV vaccination should be considered in decisions about which HPV vaccine to implement in the United Kingdom.

Androgen induces expression of the multidrug resistance protein gene MRP4 in prostate cancer cells

Multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) may mediate multidrug resistance in tumor cells. Using a gene array analysis, we have identified MRP4 as an androgen receptor (AR)-regulated gene. Dihydrotestosterone induced MRP4 expression in both androgen-dependent and -independent LNCaP cells, whereas there was little detectable expression in PC-3 or normal prostate epithelial cells. Disruption of MRP4 expression renders LNCaP cells more sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of methotrexate but not etoposide. Analysis of human tissues showed detectable MRP4 expression only in metastatic prostate cancer. These results suggest that AR induction of MRP4 mediates resistance of PC cells to nucleotide-based chemotherapeutic drugs.

Androgen regulation of soluble guanylyl cyclasealpha1 mediates prostate cancer cell proliferation

The growth and progression of prostate cancer are dependent on androgens and androgen receptor (AR), which act by modulating gene expression. Utilizing a gene microarray approach, we have identified the alpha1-subunit gene of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) as a novel androgen-regulated gene. A heterodimeric cytoplasmic protein composed of one alpha and one beta subunit, sGC mediates the widespread cellular effects of nitric oxide (NO). We report here that, in prostate cancer cells, androgens stimulate the expression of sGCalpha1. A cloned human sGCalpha1 promoter is activated by androgen in an AR-dependent manner, suggesting that sGCalpha1 may be a direct AR target gene. Disruption of sGCalpha1 expression severely compromises the growth of both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent AR-positive prostate cancer cells. Overexpression of sGCalpha1 alone is sufficient for stimulating prostate cancer cell proliferation. Interestingly, the major growth effect of sGCalpha1 is independent of NO and cyclic guanosine monophosphate, a major mediator of the sGC enzyme. These data strongly suggest that sGCalpha1 acts in prostate cancer via a novel pathway that does not depend on sGCbeta1. Tissue studies show that sGCalpha1 expression is significantly elevated in advanced prostate cancer. Thus, sGCalpha1 may be an important mediator of the procarcinogenic effects of androgens.

Phase II trial of sequential temozolomide (TMZ) and high-dose bolus (HDB) IL-2 in patients with metastatic melanoma

8037

Background: Previous biochemotherapy (BCT) regimens for metastatic melanoma have utilized lower doses of IL-2 and multiple chemotherapeutic agents, adding to toxicity, but not to efficacy. Methods: We designed a 2-stage Simon phase II study testing a unique BCT approach of single agent chemotherapy with TMZ given in an extended schedule (75 mg/m² per day for 3 weeks PO) followed by HDB IL-2 (600,000 U/Kg/dose, maximum 14 doses administered over 5 days). Cycles were repeated every 28 days with a two-week interval between alternate cycles. The first stage accrued 20 patients with promising activity and safety permitting enrollment of additional patients. Results: Thirty-one patients (20 male, 11 female), age 27–74 (median 47) have been enrolled to date. All had AJCC stage IV melanoma (7 M1a, 5 M1b, 19 M1c) and had not previously received therapy for metastatic disease. Twelve had received prior adjuvant interferon. A total of 88 cycles of therapy have been administered (median of 2 cycles per patient; 5 patients continue on therapy). The median number of doses was 9 (range 7–12) during cycle 1, and 6 (range 4–11) during cycle 2. Three patients did not receive any IL-2 due to disease progression, and 6 patients received only one cycle of IL-2. Twenty two patients who received at least 2 cycles are evaluable for response. All 31 patients are evaluable for toxicity. Grade 3 toxicities included hepatic (8), hematologic (4 leukopenia, 2 thrombocytopenia), diarrhea (1). No grade 3–4 cardiovascular or renal toxicities were noted. Overall response rate is 22.7% (2 complete lasting 10.8 and 17+ months, 3 partial lasting 3.7 and 16+ months, 1+ month). Responses were seen in both M1a and M1c disease. Fourteen patients had stable disease after 2 cycles and 10 of these have progressed. As of 12/31/2005, the 4 month PFS rate is 74% [40%, 88%], median TTP is 24 weeks [11, 32] and median OS is 71 weeks (31.4, inf). Conclusions: HDB IL-2 can be safely administered in combination with single agent temozolomide in an extended schedule and appears to have promising efficacy and lower toxicity than previously used BCT regimens. Further follow-up will determine if durability of response exceeds that of single agent HDB IL-2.

[Table: see text]

Lung cancer in patients ≥ 80 years of age: Analysis of the national surveillance, epidemiology and end results (SEER) database

7156

Background: Lung cancer is a disease of the elderly with median age at diagnosis of 70 years. In spite of this, the very elderly (patients ≥ 80 years) group has not been well studied. We analyzed the national SEER database to evaluate outcome of the disease in this subgroup. Methods: All patients with primary lung cancer in the national SEER database from 1988–1997 were included, and grouped into those <80 yrs vs. those ≥80 yrs at the time of diagnosis. We compared the 2 groups for stage distribution, 3-yr & 5-yr survival, survival based on histology, sex, race, stage and treatment. The 5-yr relative survival rate, adjusted for the normal life expectancy, was utilized except for the 3-yr survival comparison. The SEER program, Stat 6.1.4, was used for analysis and all p-values were 2-sided. Results: Of the 129,003 cases of lung cancer registered over 10 years, 14,614 (11%) occurred in patients ≥80 yrs. Overall survival at 3 and 5yrs was inferior in the octogenarian group, {11.8% vs. 20% and 8.3% vs. 16.2%, respectively (p < 0.0001)}. The inferior survival was observed in both males and females {7.1% vs. 14.3% and 9.6% vs. 18.9%, respectively (p < 0.0001)} and with non-small cell histology {9.1% vs. 18.3% (p < 0.0001)}. Stage-specific analysis revealed the same trend {24.9% vs. 46.9% - stage I, 19.1% vs. 30.4% - stage II, 3.1% vs. 9.0% - stage III and 1.1% vs. 1.8% - stage IV (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons)}. Irrespective of race, elderly patients fared worse: 6.9% vs. 12.8% in blacks, 8.4% vs. 16.7% in white and 8.4% vs. 16.3% in other racial groups (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons). Although, therapy (surgery or radiation) benefited both groups, treated elderly group performed worse than younger group {4.9% vs. 8.1% (p < 0.0001) and 45% vs. 45.7% (p < 0.02) with radiation and surgery respectively}. However, only 58% of elderly patients received surgery or radiation therapy compared to 80% of patients <80 yrs. Conclusion: In general, very elderly patients with lung cancer have a worse clinical outcome than younger patients. This is irrespective of histology, stage of disease, sex, gender or race. The worse outcome in the elderly may be due to a larger proportion of them not receiving treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Comparison of survival for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between premenopausal and postmenopausal women: An analysis of the National Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Database

7038

Background: Estrogen signaling has been implicated in lung cancer formation and progression by pre-clinical studies. Estrogen receptor (ER) Beta is overexpressed in NSCLC. To understand the clinical impact of the estrogen pathway, we analyzed the national SEER database to compare the outcomes for NSCLC in premenopausal vs. postmenopausal women. Methods: Data from the national SEER registry between the years of 1988–2002 was analyzed. Women between the ages 40–44 were chosen as representative of the pre-menopausal group and 55–59 year-old women represented the post-menopausal group. To control the effect of age alone as a determinant of outcome, we compared the survival between 1,534 men with ages of 40–44 and 8,807 men with ages of 55–59. Survival rates were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and compared by Z-test through SEER*Stat software version 6.1.4. Results: A total of 7,150 women, premenopausal (1,171) and postmenopausal (5,979) were included. Adenocarcinoma (ADC) was more commonly seen in premenopausal than in postmenopausal women (58% vs 47%). Distribution by stage at diagnosis was similar between the two groups. Premenopausal women with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or bronchioalveolar carcinomas (BAC) had inferior overall survival than postmenopausal women. Differences in outcome between men in the two age groups were not significant. Conclusions: Premenopausal women with SCC or BAC, but not ADC have inferior survival compared to postmenopausal women. Smaller and non-significant differences were observed between males of the same aged-groups. The results suggest varying estrogen effects between the histological sub-types of NSCLC and support clinical strategies to block the ER pathway for the treatment of NSCLC.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase II study of gefitinib and docetaxel as salvage therapy in patients (pts) with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (APC)

4120

Background: There is no standard-of-care second-line chemotherapy for APC. The combination of docetaxel and gefitinib, an inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) shows enhanced preclinical activity compared to docetaxel alone. Docetaxel alone has activity in APC, and this phase II trial is designed to evaluate the combination. The primary endpoint is survival with an accrual goal of 45 patients to detect an improvement to 5.25 months (mo) in median survival time by one-sided log-rank test at level α = 0.05. Methods: Patients with APC and one prior chemotherapy regimen are eligible for study; EGFR over-expression is not required. Gefitinib is administered at the dose of 250 mg/day orally without interruption. The initial dose of docetaxel was 75 mg/m2 every three weeks (one cycle), but was reduced to 60 mg/m2 due to a high incidence of febrile neutropenia. Results: 31 pts, all with prior gemcitabine therapy, have been enrolled on study to date, with 26 evaluable for toxicity. Patient characteristics: 62% male; 92 % with ECOG performance status 0/1, 8% ECOG of 2; median age 64 years (range 47–82 years). The best response is stable disease (5 pts), median cycles administered 2 (range 1–12). Thus far the median survival time is 4.4 mo, with median time to progression of 2.5 mo. Grade (G) 3/4 febrile neutropenia occurred in 8 out of 18 pts treated at the 75 mg/m2 dose of docetaxel; none has been seen with the 60 mg/m2 dose. Other G 3/4 adverse events include: diarrhea (3.8%), rash (7.7%), constitutional symptoms (11.5%), and nausea (11.5%). Conclusion: The combination of gefitinib and docetaxel at 60 mg/m2 is tolerable, with interim results showing a median survival time of 4.4 mo at this point. If the protocol’s goal of median survival time of 5.25 mo is met upon study completion, the combination may be worthy of further investigation.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

c-Jun enhancement of androgen receptor transactivation is associated with prostate cancer cell proliferation

Androgens and the androgen receptor (AR) are involved in the growth and progression of prostate cancer. Our previous studies suggest that the proto-oncoprotein c-Jun is an AR coactivator that stimulates AR transactivation by mediating receptor dimerization and subsequent DNA binding. To study the physiological relevance of this c-Jun activity on AR, we have generated stable LNCaP cell lines expressing different levels of c-Jun. These cell lines exhibit a direct correlation between endogenous c-Jun levels and AR transcriptional activity and expression of endogenous androgen-regulated genes. Disruption by antisense RNA of endogenous c-Jun expression in LNCaP cells strongly compromises the androgen-dependent proliferation of these cells. In contrast, expression of a c-Jun mutant, which is fully active in coactivation of AR but deficient in AP-1 transactivation, significantly enhances androgen-dependent proliferation. This finding indicates that the coactivation function of c-Jun is sufficient for regulating androgen-induced growth of LNCaP cells. c-Jun also enhances AR transactivtion in androgen-independent LNCaP cells, which closely mimic hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells in gene expression and growth behavior. Importantly, siRNA-mediated repression of endogenous c-Jun expression results in markedly reduced growth of these cells, strongly suggesting an important biological role for c-Jun in hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

Biological and conformational study of beta-substituted prolines in MT-II template: steric effects leading to human MC5 receptor selectivity

To investigate the molecular basis for the interaction of the chi-constrained conformation of melanotropin peptide with the human melanocortin receptors, a series of beta-substituted proline analogs were synthesized and incorporated into the Ac-Nle-C[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 (MT-II) template at the His6 and D-Phe7 positions. It was found that the binding affinities generally diminished as the steric bulk of the p-substituents of the 3-phenylproline residues increased. From (2S, 3R)-3-phenyl-Pro6 to (2S, 3R)-3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-Pro6 analogs the binding affinity decreased 23-fold at the human melanocortin-3 receptor (hMC3R), 17-fold at the hMC4R, and eight-fold at the hMC5R, but selectivity for the hMC5R increased. In addition, the substitution of the D-Phe7 residue with a (2R, 3S)-3-phenyl-Pro resulted in greatly reduced binding affinity (10(3)-10(5)) at these melanocortin receptors. Macromodel's Large Scale Low Mode (LLMOD) with OPLS-AA force field simulations revealed that both MT-II and SHU-9119 share a similar backbone conformation and topography with the exception of the orientation of the side chains of D-Phe7/D-Nal (2')7 in chi space. Introduction of the dihedrally constrained phenylproline analogs into the His6 position (analogs 2-6) caused topographical changes that might be responsible for the lower binding affinities. Our findings indicate that hMC3 and hMC4 receptors are more sensitive to steric effects and conformational constraints than the hMC5 receptor. This is the first example for melanocortin receptor selectivity where the propensity of steric interactions in chi space of beta-modified Pro6 analogs of MT-II has been shown to play a critical role for binding as well as bioefficacy of melanotropins at hMC3 and hMC4 receptors, but not at the hMC5 receptor.

Cultivation of aerobic granules in a sequential batch shaking reactor

Aerobic granular sludge is a promising biotechnology for wastewater treatment system. In this report, aerobic granular sludge was successfully cultivated in a sequential batch shaking reactor in which horizontal circular flow could be formed by shaking. In this way, granulation and aeration could be simultaneously achieved. In comparison with sequential batch airlift reactor, more homogeneous circular flow was formed in the sequential batch shaking reactor. The aerobic granules obtained in the reactor were smooth, 1.2 mm in average diameter, and had a settling velocity of 50-52 m h(-1). In addition, an increase in the hydrophobicity of the cell surface of granules indicated that granulation could be related to the change in cell hydrophobicity. Finally, microbial observation showed that rod-shape and coccoid bacteria were the dominant species in mature granules. Results of this study have important implications on the mechanism of the granulation process and further practical application.

Immunoscreening of Schistosoma japonicum egg cDNA library

AIM

To screen and identify genes encoding vaccine candidates and molecules with diagnostic potential from S. japonicum (S. j) egg cDNA library.

METHODS

S. j egg cDNA library was screened by sera from SEA-immunized rabbits. Positive clones were identified after three rounds of screening and were excised automatically in vivo with helper phage. Products of PCR were used to detect insert sizes by agarose gel electrophoresis. DNA samples were obtained by purification using mini-prep kit. Automatic sequencing was carried out and the sequence data were analysed using GCG software.

RESULTS

Twelve clones were identified as positive and the inserts were around 1.2 kb in size. Compared with DNA sequences in GenBank, eight clones were homologous to a 70 kDa S. j heatshock protein(S. j HsP70). C18 exhibited 97.8% homology with S. j23. C22 and C23 shared 82.4% and 89.5% homology with S. j calreticulin, respectively. C12 was homologous to S. mansoni(S. m.) immunophilin.

CONCLUSION

This paper first reported the results of immunoscreening S. j egg cDNA library by anti-SEA sera. Twelve positive clones were found to be related to protective immunity and/or immunodiagnosis of schistosomiasis.

[Schistosoma japonicum: protective immunity induced in mice immunized with SjGST-Sj32]

Schistosoma japonicum glutathione-s-transferase (SjGST), Schistosoma japonicum 32,000 protein (Sj32) and SjGST - Sj32 were expressed and purified to study on protective immunity against Schistosoma japonicum. The result showed that compared with the adjuvant control group, the worm burden was decreased significantly in mice immunized with recombinant SjGST - Sj32, Sj32 and Sj32 + SjGST (P < 0.05). At the same time, the liver egg per gram(EPG) was decreased in mice immunized with SjGST - Sj32, Sj32, Sj32 + SjGST and SjGST. It is concluded that Sj32 significantly induces both protective immunity and anti-fecundity immunity, but SjGST only has an anti-fecundity effect.

Recombinant paramyosin (rec-Sj-97) tested for immunogenicity and vaccine efficacy against Schistosoma japonicum in mice and water buffaloes

A primary vaccine candidate antigen against schistosomiasis is paramyosin (pmy), a myofibrillar protein found exclusively in invertebrates. Here we report the results of vaccine trials against the Asian schistosome undertaken on inbred and outbred mice and water buffaloes using a bacterially expressed and purified form of Schistosoma japonicum pmy (rec-Sj-97). Vaccination of the mice resulted in high levels of specific anti-pmy IgG antibodies when compared with adjuvant controls and significant reduction in worm burdens and in liver eggs. Furthermore, a significant reduction in liver eggs was recorded in two of the three water buffalo vaccine trials undertaken and, in all three trials, high levels of specific anti-pmy IgG antibodies were generated. There was no evidence of any toxic effects and the vaccine preparations and Quil A adjuvant were clearly well tolerated. The development of a vaccine intended for livestock animals such as bovines would be beneficial in two ways; directly by blocking transmission of schistosomiasis to humans and economically by contributing to healthier livestock. We are encouraged by the consistent efficacy in the mouse and the buffalo vaccine trials that resulted in a significant decrease in liver eggs. Indeed, predictions from mathematical models indicate that an egg reduction effect of 42-45% in buffaloes would be sufficient when combined with human treatment to control schistosomiasis japonica in the marshes and lakes along the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River, the most highly endemic areas for the disease in China.

Protection of xenogeneic cells from human complement-mediated lysis by the expression of human DAF, CD59 and MCP

CD59 and membrane cofactor protein (MCP, CD46) are widely expressed cell surface glycoproteins that protect host cells from the effect of homologous complement attack. cDNAs encoding human CD59 and MCP cloned from Chinese human embryo were separately transfected into NIH/3T3 cells resulting in the expression of human CD59 and MCP protein on the cell surface. The functional properties of expressed proteins were studied. When the transfected cells were exposed to human serum as a source of complement and naturally occurring anti-mouse antibody, they were resistant to human complement-mediated cell killing. However, the cells remained sensitive to rabbit and guinea pig complement. Human CD59 and MCP can only protect NIH/3T3 cells from human complement-mediated lysis. These results demonstrated that complement inhibitory activity of these proteins is species-selective. The cDNAs of CD59 and MCP were also separately transfected into the endothelial cells (ECs) of the pigs transgenic for the human DAF gene to investigate a putative synergistic action. The ECs expressing both DAF and MCP proteins or both DAF and CD59 proteins exhibited more protection against cytolysis by human serum compared to the cells with only DAF expressed alone.

[Cricohyoidoepiglottopexy: a report of 21 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the indications, function preserving and long term results of cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) in the treatment of laryngeal carcinoma.

METHOD

Twenty-one patients were underwent this procedure during the period from 1993 to 1999 in our department. There were 20 glottic cancers (7 T1N0M0, 10 T2N0M0, 3 T3N0M0) and 1 supraglottic type (T2N1M0) according to the 1997 UICC system. In these cases, 15 were the aged over 60 years.

RESULT

First decannulation rate was 95.24%, and majority completed in 28 days post-operation. No patient was with cannula all his life. All cases could finally take food by mouth without aspiration. Speech was also satisfactory. The overall 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 87.50% and 75.00% respectively. No patient experienced local recurrence.

CONCLUSION

This procedure is presented as a useful alternative to partial vertical laryngectomy and total laryngectomy in select cases of laryngeal carcinoma.

Mesoscopic correlation of supramolecular chirality in one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded assemblies

The ordering of 4-[trans-2-(pyrid-4-yl-vinyl)] benzoic acid, a two-dimensional chiral species, was studied by scanning tunneling microscopy at noble metal surfaces. Homochiral molecules self-assemble in supramolecular chiral hydrogen-bonded twin chains, which order in nanogratings where the supramolecular chirality is strictly correlated over the entire microm domains without intimate molecular contact. Model simulations indicate that the underlying mesoscopic chiral resolution is associated with twin chains acting as chiroselective templates for transient molecular attachment, which process mediates the gratings' evolution.

Multivariate curve resolution of wavelet and Fourier compressed spectra

The multivariate curve resolution method SIMPLe to use Interactive Self-Modeling Mixture Analysis (SIMPLISMA) was applied to Fourier and wavelet compressed ion-mobility spectra. The spectra obtained from the SIMPLISMA model were transformed back to their original representation, that is, uncompressed format. SIMPULSMA was able to model the same pure variables for the partial wavelet transform, although for the Fourier and complete wavelet transforms, satisfactory pure variables and models were not obtained. Data were acquired from two samples and two different ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) sensors. The first sample was thermally desorbed sodium gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and the second sample was a liquid mixture of dicyclohexylamine (DCHA) and diethylmethylphosphonate (DEMP). The spectra were compressed to 6.3% of their original size. SIMPLISMA was applied to the compressed data in the Fourier and wavelet domains. An alternative method of normalizing SIMPLISMA spectra was devised that removes variation in scale between SIMPLISMA results obtained from uncompressed and compressed data. SIMPLISMA was able to accurately extract the spectral features and concentration profiles directly from daublet compressed IMS data at a compression ratio of 93.7% with root-mean-square errors of reconstruction < 3%. The daublet wavelet filters were selected, because they worked well when compared to coiflet and symmlet. The effects of the daublet filter width and compression ratio were evaluated with respect to reconstruction errors of the data sets and SIMPLISMA spectra. For these experiments, the daublet 14 filter performed well for the two data sets.

[Water distribution and microclimatic effects of sprinkler irrigation on spring wheat field]

Measurements of sprinkler irrigation on spring wheat field indicated that spring wheat canopy could intercept water by 25-30%, and compared with that above canopy in first milking period, the uniformity coefficient below canopy could be increased by 7-9%. Floating and evaporation loss of sprinkler irrigation water could reach 20-25% of the total. In addition, sprinkler irrigation on spring wheat field could decrease air and soil temperature, and increase air actual vapor pressure and relative humidity, which played a definite role in restraining crop transpiration.

Atomic-beam alignment of inorganic materials for liquid-crystal displays

The technique used to align liquid crystals-rubbing the surface of a substrate on which a liquid crystal is subsequently deposited-has been perfected by the multibillion-dollar liquid-crystal display industry. However, it is widely recognized that a non-contact alignment technique would be highly desirable for future generations of large, high-resolution liquid-crystal displays. A number of alternative alignment techniques have been reported, but none of these have so far been implemented in large-scale manufacturing. Here, we report a non-contact alignment process, which uses low-energy ion beams impinging at a glancing angle on amorphous inorganic films, such as diamond-like carbon. Using this approach, we have produced both laptop and desktop displays in pilot-line manufacturing, and found that displays of higher quality and reliability could be made at a lower cost than the rubbing technique. The mechanism of alignment is explained by adopting a random network model of atomic arrangement in the inorganic films. Order is induced by exposure to an ion beam because unfavourably oriented rings of atoms are selectively destroyed. The planes of the remaining rings are predominantly parallel to the direction of the ion beam.

[Schistosoma japonicum: purification and diagnostic application of recombinant 32 kD antigen]

Separation and purification of rSj32 were carried out with SDS-PAGE and electroelution technique. The purified rSj32, AWA and SEA were used to examine sera of patients with schistosomiasis, healthy individuals and patients with other parasitic diseases by ELISA. The results showed that the molecule weight of rSj32 was 37 kD. The sensitivity and specificity of rSj32 as a coating antigen in ELISA were as good as those of AWA and SEA. It is suggested that rSj32 antigen is a potential antigen for immunodiagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica.

Permineralized Callixylon woods from the Late Devonian Cleveland Shale of Ohio, U.S.A. and that of Kettle Point, Ontario, Canada

Two permineralized woods are described in this paper, one from the Late Devonian Cleveland Shale of Ohio, USA and the other from the Late Devonian Huron Shale of Kettle Point, Ontario, Canada. Both samples of wood are satisfactorily preserved with primary and secondary xylem but without cortex and bark. Both are identified as Callixylon. They differ in specific characters from each other and from other described species. Hence two new species are designated, Callixylon beckii and Callixylon huronensis, respectively, to accommodate them in the class Progymnospermopsida (Progymnospermophyta) under the group Archaeopteridales.

Michael addition reactions between chiral Ni(II) complex of glycine and 3-(trans-enoyl)oxazolidin-2-ones. A case of electron donor-acceptor attractive interaction-controlled face diastereoselectivity

This study has demonstrated that the readily available and inexpensive 3-(trans-3'-alkyl/arylpropenoyl)oxazolidin-2-ones, featuring high electrophilicity and conformational homogeneity, are synthetically superior Michael acceptors over the conventionally used alkyl enoylates, allowing for a remarkable improvement in reactivity and, in most cases, diastereoselectivity of the addition reactions with a Ni(II) complex of the chiral Schiff base of glycine with (S)-o-[N-(N-benzylprolyl)amino]benzophenone. Kinetically controlled diastereoselectivity in the corresponding Michael addition reactions between the Ni(II) complex of glycine and the oxazolidin-2-ones was systematically studied as a function of steric, electronic, and position effects of the substituents on the starting Michael acceptor. In both aliphatic and aromatic series the simple diastereoselectivity was found to be virtually complete, affording the products via the corresponding TSs with the approach geometry like. The face diastereoselectivity of the reactions between the Ni(II) complex of glycine and the 3-(trans-3'-alkylpropenoyl)oxazolidin-2-ones was found to depend exclusively on the steric bulk of the alkyl group on the starting Michael acceptor. In contrast, the face diastereoselectivity in the reactions of aromatic oxazolidin-2-ones with the Ni(II) complex of glycine was shown to be controlled predominantly by the electronic properties of the aryl ring. In particular, the additions of the Ni(II) complex of glycine with 3-(trans-3'-arylpropenoyl)oxazolidin-2-ones, bearing electron-withdrawing substituents on the phenyl ring, afforded the (2S,3R)-configured products with synthetically useful diastereoselectivity and in quantitative chemical yields, thus allowing for an efficient access to the sterically constrained beta-aryl-substituted pyroglutamic and glutamic acids.

Prevention and treatment of hepatitis B relapse after liver transplantation

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on hepatitis B(HB)-related diseases and the efficiency of prevention and treatment with lamivudine on recurrence of hepatitis B posttransplant in China.

METHODS

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) under veno-venous bypass was performed in 10, of whom 9 males had hepatitis B and 1 female had hepatocellular cancer (HCC) without HB pretransplant. Eight of the 9 males had fulminant hepatitis B (FHB) and they all had preoperative serious jaundice, ascites and coagulopathy. Six had encephalopathy; 1 was associated with acute renal failure, and 1 with gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Seven of the 10 patients had lamivudine to prevent reinfection with hepatitis B.

RESULTS

Of the 8 patients who have survived for 2-12 months, 7 have survived for 6-12 months. Two died, one of recurrent FHB and the other from multi-organ failure (MOF). Seven preoprative HB patients of the 8 survivors have excellent liver function through 1 has positive HBsAg 6 months after OLT. One of the 8 survivors, the female with HCC pretransplant, suffered hepatitis B 6 months after OLT and her hepatic function has been gradually improving with lamivudine therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

OLT is an effective therapy for certain cases of FHB and HCC and lamivudine may prevent recurrence of hepatitis B after OLT.

Regulation of the tinman homologues in Xenopus embryos

Vertebrate homologues of the Drosophila tinman transcription factor have been implicated in the processes of specification and differentiation of cardiac mesoderm. In Xenopus three members of this family have been isolated to date. Here we show that the XNkx2-3, Xnkx2-5, and XNkx2-10 genes are expressed in increasingly distinctive patterns in endodermal and mesodermal germ layers through early development, suggesting that their protein products (either individually or in different combinations) perform distinct functions. Using amphibian transgenesis, we find that the expression pattern of one of these genes, XNkx2-5, can be reproduced using transgenes containing only 4.3 kb of promoter sequence. Sequence analysis reveals remarkable conservation between the distalmost 300 bp of the Xenopus promoter and a portion of the AR2 element upstream of the mouse and human Nkx2-5 genes. Interestingly, only the 3' half of this evolutionarily conserved sequence element is required for correct transgene expression in frog embryos. Mutation of conserved GATA sites or a motif resembling the dpp-response element in the Drosophila tinman tinD enhancer dramatically reduces the levels of transgene expression. Finally we show that, despite its activity in Xenopus embryos, in transgenic mice the Xenopus Nkx2-5 promoter is able to drive reporter gene expression only in a limited subset of cells expressing the endogenous gene. This intriguing result suggests that despite evolutionary conservation of some cis-regulatory sequences, the regulatory controls on Nkx2-5 expression have diverged between mammals and amphibians.

Rational design of highly diastereoselective, organic base-catalyzed, room-temperature Michael addition reactions

Via the rational design of a single-preferred transition state, stabilized by electron donor-acceptor-type attractive interactions, structural and geometric requirements for the corresponding starting compounds have been determined. The Ni(II) complex of the Schiff base of glycine with o-[N-alpha-picolylamino]acetophenone, as a nucleophilic glycine equivalent, and N-(trans-enoyl)oxazolidin-2-ones, as derivatives of an alpha,beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid, were found to be the substrates of choice featuring geometric/conformational homogeneity and high reactivity. The corresponding Michael addition reactions were found to proceed at room temperature in the presence of catalytic amounts of DBU to afford quantitatively the addition products with virtually complete diastereoselectivity. Acidic decomposition of the products followed by treatment of the reaction mixture with NH4OH gave rise to the diastereomerically pure 3-substituted pyroglutamic acids.