Tumoral presence of human cytomegalovirus is associated with shorter disease-free survival in elderly patients with colorectal cancer and higher levels of intratumoral interleukin-17

Infectious diseases are closely related to cancer. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been implicated in the promotion of tumour growth, and is present in the tumour specimens of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to investigate whether tumoral presence of HCMV is associated with a different clinical outcome in elderly patients with CRC. We analysed archived tumour specimens from 95 CRC patients aged ≥65 years. HCMV was detected by PCR. Clinical, pathological, disease-free and overall survival data were compared between patients with HCMV-positive and HCMV-negative tumours. A quantitative RT-PCR array was used to evaluate the expression levels of cytokines genes of T-helper subpopulations in tumours. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis of the 81 patients who underwent curative surgery, 39 patients with HCMV-positive tumours had a lower disease-free survival rate (p 0.024). For patients with stage II or stage III tumours, tumoral HCMV status correlated with disease-free survival more closely than the traditional histopathological staging methods. In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, tumoral presence of HCMV independently predicted tumour recurrence in 5 years (hazard ratio 4.42; 95% CI 1.54-12.69, p 0.006). The qRT-PCR analysis of ten stage II tumours showed that the gene expression levels of interleukin-17-the signature cytokine of T-helper 17 cells-and its receptor, interleukin-17 receptor C, were higher in the five HCMV-positive tumours. Our results suggest that the presence of HCMV in CRC is associated with poorer outcome in elderly patients. How the virus interacts with the tumour microenvironment should be further investigated.

Strontium ranelate related Stevens-Johnson syndrome: a case report

Strontium ranelate is a relatively new medication with good safety profile for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions have been reported, such as drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). We report the case of a 70-year-old woman who developed multiple itching erythematous macules and plaques about 1 month after beginning strontium ranelate medication. The cutaneous lesions progressed over the entire body with severe oral and ocular mucosa involvement. Probable mild SJS was diagnosed, compatible with the pathology findings, and strontium ranelate was discontinued immediately. Systemic methylprednisolone was administered to suppress the overactive immune system and ameliorate cutaneous symptoms. With early recognition and prompt treatment, the patient's prognosis was good.

Incidence and risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw among the Taiwan osteoporosis population

Evidence of the incidence and risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in Asian osteoporosis populations receiving different osteoporosis medications is lacking. We found that there is no excess incidence of or risk for ONJ in osteoporosis patients >50 years old using alendronate as compared with patients using raloxifene or calcitonin under real-world conditions in Taiwan.

INTRODUCTION

To provide information on ONJ in Asian populations, this study compares the incidence and risk of ONJ between patients receiving alendronate and those receiving non-bisphosphonate osteoporosis medications in Taiwan.

METHODS

Enrollees in the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) from 2003 to 2007, aged above 50 years, with vertebral/hip fracture, and new to osteoporosis therapy were recruited. Patients with Paget's disease or cancer during the baseline period were excluded. Patients were classified into either the alendronate or the calcitonin/raloxifene (control) group according to their exposure during follow-up. Previously proposed possible ONJ diagnosis codes were adopted as potential ONJ cases, but qualifying cases also had a repeated ONJ diagnosis within 8 weeks of the first diagnosis and received one or more broad-spectrum oral antibiotics. Cox modeling compared the risk of ONJ between the alendronate and the control groups, which were matched using propensity scores. Results were examined in series sensitivity analyses, including different cumulative dose groups.

RESULTS

We found 25 potential ONJ cases in the alendronate (N = 18,030) and 21 in the control groups (N = 25,615). Over the 6-year follow-up period, no increased risk of ONJ in the alendronate group in the original (hazard ratio (HR), 0.87; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.47-1.58) or propensity score-matched cohorts (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.44-1.69) was found. All comparison groups exhibited a similar incidence of ONJ, ranging from 6.9 to 8.2/10,000 person-years.

CONCLUSION

Under real-world conditions, there is no excess risk for ONJ in osteoporosis patients >50 years old using alendronate as compared with patients using raloxifene or calcitonin.

Training effects of a 12-week walking program on Parkinson disease patients and community-dwelling older adults

BACKGROUND

Introducing evidence-based exercise guidelines of Parkinson's disease (PD) into clinical practice and community settings has been highlighted.

AIM

This study tested the feasibility and compared the weekly effects of a 12-week walking training program on PD patients and community-dwelling seniors.

DESIGN

A prospective quasi-experimental design was used. PD patients in Hoehn and Yahr Stage I through III (PG) and community-dwelling adults older than 65 were recruited (CG).

METHODS

In the outpatient department of a hospital, the information of personal data, coordination test, and walking ability of participants were collected first. They then participated in a 36-session, 12-week treadmill walking training program.

RESULTS

Weekly data of step length and velocity in PG and CG were collected. The walking training program achieved significant velocity (χ² = 126.38, p < 0.001) and step length (χ² = 27.27, p = 0.001) improvements in PG. Differences in improvement between PG and CG in terms of velocity (χ² = 7.089, df = 1, p = 0.008) and step length (χ² = 7.718, df = 1, p = 0.005) were also identified.

CONCLUSION

The applicability of this 12-week walking program both for PD patients and community-dwelling older adults was identified. Conducting the economic evaluation and neurology studies of the 12-week walking program and test the effects of five-week walking program are suggested.

Osteoprotegerin, inflammation and dyslipidemia are associated with abdominal aortic calcification in non-diabetic patients on peritoneal dialysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Abdominal aortic calcification (AC) has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in hemodialysis patients but is rarely discussed in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. We examined the independent predictors and predictive power for survival of AC in prevalent PD patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

AC was detected by computed tomography (CT) and represented as the percentage of the total aortic cross-section area affected by AC (%AC). The predictors of %AC ≥ 15 were examined by multiple logistic regression analysis. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to determine the hazard ratios associated with high %AC. A total of 183 PD patients were recruited to receive CT scans and divided into group 1 (%AC < 15, n = 97), group 2 (%AC ≥ 15, n = 41), and group 3 (diabetic patients, n = 45). Group 1 patients had lower osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels than group 2 patients (798 ± 378 vs. 1308 ± 1350 pg/mL, p < 0.05). The independent predictors for %AC ≥ 15 included the atherogenic index, OPG, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The age-adjusted hazard ratios associated with %AC ≥ 15 were 3.46 (p = 0.043) for mortality and 1.90 (p = 0.007) for hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

%AC can predict mortality and morbidity in non-diabetic PD patients, and 15% is a good cut-off value for such predictions. There are complex associations among mineral metabolism, inflammation, and dyslipidemia in the pathogenesis of AC.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with pleural infections due to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia at a medical center in Taiwan, 2004-2012

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia can cause various clinical diseases; however, pleural infections due to S. maltophilia are rare. We evaluated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with pleural infections (complicated parapneumonic effusion or empyema) due to S. maltophilia who were treated at a medical center in Taiwan from 2004 to 2012. During the study period, 40 patients were treated for pleural infections due to S. maltophilia. The incidence of S. maltophilia pleural infections ranged from 2.66 per 1,000,000 patient-days in 2009 to 12.44 per 1,000,000 patient-days in 2011. Most of the patients with S. maltophilia pleural infections were immunocompromised male adults and all of the infections were acquired in healthcare settings. The majority of patients had polymicrobial pleural infections (n = 31, 77.5 %) and the most common pathogen was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 12). The causes of pleural infections due to S. maltophilia were pneumonia due to S. maltophilia in two patients (5 %), post-surgical/tube thoracostomy in 26 (65 %) patients, and fistula (bronchopleural, esophagopleural and biliopleural) in 12 (30 %) patients. The 14-day and 30-day mortality rates were 32.5 % and 42.5 %, respectively. Pleural infections due to S. maltophilia are most commonly the result of surgical procedures, thoracostomy, and underlying fistulas. These infections are associated with a high mortality rate, especially among immunocompromised patients.

CT angiography findings in carotid blowout syndrome and its role as a predictor of 1-year survival

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Carotid blowout is a serious late complication of prior treatment of advanced head and neck cancer. We evaluate the efficacy of CTA in the diagnosis of impending carotid blowout syndrome in patients with head and neck cancer, and its capability to predict clinical outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical data of 29 patients with impending carotid blowout who underwent CTA were collected and analyzed. Imaging signs included tissue necrosis, exposed artery, viable perivascular tumor, pseudoaneurysm, and contrast extravasation. DSA was obtained in 20 patients. One-year outcomes were compared based on management.

RESULTS

The most common CTA finding was necrosis (94%), followed by exposed artery (73%), viable tumor (67%), pseudoaneurysm (58%), and contrast extravasation (30%). Exposed artery, pseudoaneurysm, and contrast extravasation were the 3 CTA findings related to outcomes. All of the pseudoaneurysm and contrast extravasation cases were associated with an exposed artery. An exposed artery was the most important prognostic predictor and could not be diagnosed on DSA. Patients without the 3 findings on CTA (group 1) had the best survival rate at 1-year follow-up, followed by patients with the 3 findings treated immediately by permanent artery occlusion (group 2). Patients with the 3 findings who had no immediate treatment (group 3) had the worst outcomes (P < .001 in group 1 vs group 3 and group 2 vs group 3; P = .056 group 1 vs group 2).

CONCLUSIONS

CTA, with its ability to diagnose an exposed artery compared with DSA, may offer important management and prognostic information in patients with impending carotid blowout.

Hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer risk: a population-based cohort study

AIM

Thyroid hormones regulate the rate of metabolism and affect the differentiation and growth of many tissues in the body. We investigated the association between hyperthyroidism and cancer risk in Taiwan.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A random sample of 1 000 000 individuals from Taiwan's National Health Insurance database was enrolled. We found 17 033 patients to have newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism between 2000 and 2005. These patients were recruited along with a match cohort of 34 066 patients without hyperthyroidism. Starting from index date, we followed up all patients for 4 years to identify those who developed cancer.

RESULTS

During the 4-year follow-up study, cancer was diagnosed in 1.23% of patients with hyperthyroidism and 1.02% of the member of the comparison cohort. Regression analysis showed that patients with hyperthyroidism were at greater risk of cancer incidence, especially thyroid cancer, compared the comparison cohort (HR: 1.213; 95% CI: 1.022-1.440; p<0.05 and HR: 7.355; 95% CI: 3.885-13.92; p<0.05, respectively). After adjusting for age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, gout, geographic region, and income, patients with hyperthyroidism remained at increased risk of cancer incidence and thyroid cancer (Adjusted HR: 1.206; 95% CI: 1.015-1.433 and 6.803; 95% CI: 3.584-12.91, respectively) (both p<0.05). The longer the duration of hyperthyroidism, the greater the risk of thyroid cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

This 4-year follow up study suggests that patients with hyperthyroidism are at increased risk of cancer, especially thyroid cancer.

Fluorescent Detection of Oral Pathogens by a Solid-Phase Immunoassay on PDMS

We have developed an array of sensors for the oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) using an enzymelinked linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) device. The model bacterial analyte, S. mutans, has been implicated in the initiation and progression of dental caries. The PDMS was modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilance (APTS) and glutaraldehyde to covalently crosslink monoclonal anti-S. mutans immunoglobulin G (IgG) to the sensor surface. Successful IgG immobilization was verified by AFM and fluorescence imaging. Colloidal bacteria were captured on the sensor surface and labeled with immuno-active quantum dots (QDs), whose fluorescence was excited by an LED and detected by a CCD. The system was capable of detecting S. mutans concentrations as low as 6 10⁶cells/ml in a 20 &#956;l sample. This work represents a stable foundation for the development of a chair side diagnostic system capable of specific and sensitive detection of pathogens directly from oral fluid.

Cryopreservation of germinal vesicle stage porcine oocytes based on intracellular ice formation assessment

This study aimed at evaluating the feasibility of slow freezing for cryopreservation of germinal vesicle (GV) stage porcine oocytes. In this study, intracellular ice formation (IIF) characteristics of GV porcine oocytes were investigated by using a thermoelectric cooling (TEC) cryomicroscope system. This cryomicroscope system used a thermoelectric cooling (TEC) chip in its cold stage as a heat sink and employed a PID control algorithm to achieve accurate temperature control. The temperature was controlled to a range between 70 degree C and -55 degree C with an accuracy of +/- 0.5 degree C. Five constant cooling rates of 24, 12, 6, 3 and 1.5 degree C/min were tested in experiments in freezing GV porcine oocytes from 20 degree C to -50 degree C in an NCSU-23 medium plus 2.0 M DMSO. The IIF temperature of each individual oocyte was recorded and cumulative IIF probabilities were calculated for each cooling rate. The total cumulative probabilities of IIF temperature distribution were 100 percent, 100 percent, 50.0 percent, 54.3 percent and 58.6 percent at cooling rates of 24, 12, 6, 3 and 1.5 degree C/min, respectively. A Weibull distribution model was found to adequately describe the distribution of IIF temperatures of GV porcine oocytes for the cooling rates tested (R2 = 0.858 +/- 0.09). The IIF experimental results indicate that cooling rates of 6, 3 and 1.5°C/min could be considered as possible cryopreservation protocols. Further experiments were performed to examine the feasibility of using these protocols to cryopreserve GV porcine oocytes. After 44 h of in-vitro maturation in NCSU-23, the survival of thawed oocytes was checked. Porcine oocytes developed from the GV stage to the MII stage by using Hoechst 33258 staining, followed by Lacmoid staining as a secondary check. Normalized survival rates of 37.7 +/- 4.6 percent, 45.0 4.4 percent and 45.4 +/- 5.9 percent were obtained for GV oocytes frozen at 1.5, 3 and 6 degree C/min, respectively. The experimental results indicate that slow freezing is a feasible approach for cryopreservation of GV porcine oocytes when cooling rate is properly selected. This study also demonstrated an efficient approach for investigating optimal cooling rates by assessing the IIF characteristics of GV porcine COCs.

Cloning and sequencing of the rDNA gene family of the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The rDNA genes coding for ribosomal RNA in animals are complicated repeat sequences with high GC content. We amplified water buffalo rDNA gene sequences with the long and accurate (LA) PCR method, using LA Taq DNA polymerase and GC buffer, based on bioinformatic analysis of related organisms. The rDNA genes were found to consist of 9016 nucleotides, including three rRNA genes and two internal transcribed spacers (ITS), which we named 18S rRNA, ITS1, 5.8S rRNA, ITS2 and 28S rRNA. We tested and optimized conditions for cloning these complicated rDNA sequences, including specific rules of primer design, improvements in the reaction system, and selection of the DNA polymerase.

Epitope-specific anti-nuclear antibodies are expressed in a mouse model of primary biliary cirrhosis and are cytokine-dependent

Although the hallmark of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is the presence of anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA), a significant number of patients have anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) directed primarily against two nuclear proteins, gp210 and sp100. In PBC, there are considerable data on the specificity of these anti-nuclear antibodies as well as suggestive evidence that antibodies to gp210 predict a poor outcome. However, a further understanding of the significance of these autoantibodies has been hampered by limitations in accessing human subjects in a preclinical or early asymptomatic stage. To overcome this limitation, we have taken advantage of transgenic mice with abrogated transforming growth factor-β signalling in T cells (dnTGF-βRII) that develop histological features of PBC as well as the same AMA specificity. We studied these mice for serum ANA, including specific autoantibodies against gp210 and sp100. We further examined sera from dnTGF-βRII mice with concurrent deletions of the genes encoding interleukin (IL)-12p35, IL-12p40, IL-23p19, IL-17, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-γ or tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Sera from all the dnTGF-βRII mouse lines contained antibodies against gp210 and sp100. Of significance, mice with germline deletions of the genes encoding IL-12p40, IL-23p19, IL-17, IL-6 and TNF-α had significantly lower titres of anti-gp210 antibodies. These results provide a platform to dissect the mechanisms of gp210 and sp100 autoantibody production in dnTGF-βRII mice as well as to study the possible role of ANA in the pathophysiology of PBC.

Universal pharmacological thromboprophylaxis for total knee arthroplasty may not be necessary in low-risk populations: a nationwide study in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Thromboprophylaxis should be universally administered in major orthopedic surgery. However, epidemiology of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following major knee surgery in Asia is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the use of thromboprophylaxis and calculate the incidence and risk factors of symptomatic VTE following major knee surgery in Taiwan.

METHODS

We used Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database to retrospectively identify patients (≥45 years) who underwent major knee surgery from 1998 to 2007 and collected the medical records within 3 months after the discharge. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors of symptomatic VTE after the surgery.

RESULTS

We identified 113 844 patients (mean age, 69.0 ± 7.7 years; female, 75.2%) receiving major knee arthroplasties. The mean length of stay was 9.1 ± 3.3 days. The overall pharmacological thromboprophylaxis rate was 2.2%. The 3-month cumulative incidence of procedure-related symptomatic VTE was 0.46% (95% CI, 0.42–0.50%). The median time to the first post-operation VTE was 7 days, with 85.4% occurring within 2 weeks after the discharge.Logistic regression analysis showed that previous VTE, malignancy, heart failure and neurologic disorder with extremity paralysis or pararesis were independent risk factors (P < 0.05) for symptomatic VTE following major knee arthroplasties.

CONCLUSIONS

The thromboprophylaxis rate is low, which may be due to the very low incidence of symptomatic VTE after the surgery in Taiwan. Most symptomatic VTE occurred within 2 weeks after the surgery. Universal thromboprophylaxis for knee arthroplasties may not be necessary in Taiwan, but it should be considered in some high-risk populations.

An inter-subspecies cloned buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) obtained by transferring of cryopreserved embryos via somatic cell nuclear transfer

The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of cryopreservation of inter-subspecies cloned embryos in buffalo. In our experiment, river buffalo ear fibroblast nucleus was fused into swamp buffalo oocyte cytoplasm. The blastocyst formation rate for nuclear transfer of freshly thawed cells was not different from those of growing cells, confluent or serum-starved cells. A total of 122 cloned blastocysts derived from cryopreserved fibroblasts were cryopreserved and thawed, 37 were survived, the cryosurvival rate was 30.3%. The survived blastocysts were transferred into 15 recipient buffalos. Five of the recipients established pregnancy, but four of them aborted on day 53, 59, 145 and 179 of gestation respectively. One cross-bred buffalo (Murrah × Swamp buffalo (2n = 49) received three embryos delivered a 40.5 kg female calf by natural delivery on day 320 of gestation. Up to now (13-month old), the cloned calf has been growing well with no abnormity observed. These results demonstrated that cryopreservation of inter-subspecies cloned embryos is feasible to produce buffalo offspring.

Alendronate adherence and its impact on hip-fracture risk in patients with established osteoporosis in Taiwan

A pharmacoepidemiology study was conducted using the health insurance database in Taiwan to assess compliance with osteoporosis drug regimens and the impact of compliance on the risk for secondary fractures. Patients >50 years of age with vertebral/hip fracture who had been started on alendronate therapy for the first time only after the fracture were included. Compliance was measured using the medication possession ratio (MPR) and was included as a time-dependent covariate in the Cox model to compare the difference between compliant (MPR ≥ 80%) and noncompliant patients (MPR <80%) with respect to risk for subsequent hip fractures. Only 38% of the study population remained compliant during the first year of treatment. Over the 4-year follow-up period, the risk of hip fracture among the compliant patients was 70% lower than that among the noncompliant ones (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.30). Among patients with osteoporosis in Taiwan who had experienced a fracture and had started alendronate therapy, compliance with the dosage regimen was suboptimal. It was also found that compliance significantly reduced the risk of secondary hip fracture up to 4 years.

Rubella seroepidemiology and estimations of the catch-up immunisation rate and persistence of antibody titers in pregnant women in Taiwan

OBJECTIVE

To examine rubella seroepidemiology, and estimate rates of catch-up immunisation and persistence of antibody titers in pregnant women in Taiwan after mass immunisation.

DESIGN

A retrospective study.

SETTING

Two medical centres and four regional hospitals specialising in obstetric care.

SAMPLE

A total of 43,640 prenatal rubella test results for pregnant women from 2001 to 2008.

METHODS

Rubella immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody assay.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Seronegativity, rate of catch-up immunization, and antibody decline.

RESULTS

The seronegativity was 10.9% in all pregnant women. Immigrant women had higher seronegativity than indigenous women (OR 2.86; 95% CI 2.65, 3.01). Indigenous women born prior to implementation of the vaccination programmes were more susceptible (20.1%) to rubella infection than were women born thereafter (6.7%). Rates of seropositive conversion were low in both Taiwanese-born and foreign-born women (11.5 and 30.7%, respectively). The rubella antibody titers for vaccinated Taiwanese women in the 1971-1976 and after-1976 birth cohorts declined by 0.6 and 2.3% per year, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates high seronegativity of older indigenous and immigrant women, a low catch-up immunisation rate, and the persistence of rubella antibodies in Taiwan after mass vaccination. Our study suggests that a single dose of rubella vaccine in teenagers effectively increased rubella seropositivity during their childbearing years. This finding is useful for countries that lack the resources necessary for a two-dose regimen. We recommend free rubella antibody tests to women of childbearing age and free vaccination as required. All postpartum women testing negative for rubella antibodies should be vaccinated before they leave hospital.

Intramedullary cavity as implantation site for bioartifical pancreas: preliminary in vivo study

BACKGROUND

The intramedullary cavity is a widely distributed well-vascularized microenvironment capable of sustaining grafts, and is a potential site for islet transplantation. The bone marrow offers sufficient space that may also be suitable for bioartificial pancreas (BAP) implantation.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of bone marrow as an implantation site for BAPs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A calcium phosphate cement chamber satisfies the criteria for immunoisolation. Mouse insulinoma cells were suspended with agarose gel and enclosed in a calcium phosphate cement chamber to create a BAP, which was implanted in the intramuscular space in diabetic swine or the intramedullary cavity in diabetic dogs. Blood glucose and C-peptide concentrations were determined perioperatively.

RESULTS

In the swine, the mean ± SD blood glucose concentration decreased from 413 ± 24 mg/dL to 285 ± 47 mg/dL, and was maintained in the range of 285 to 336 mg/dL for 15 days. It increased to 368 to 450 mg/dL after the BAPs were implanted in the intramuscular space. In the dogs, the blood glucose concentration decreased from 422 ± 32 mg/dL to 247 ± 52 mg/dL, and was maintained in the range of 247 to 347 mg/dL after the BAPs were implanted in the intramedullary cavity. The C-peptide concentration increased from 6.1 ± 2.8 pmol/L to 104.7 ± 16.4 pmol/L when the BAPs were implanted in the intramedullary cavity.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates superior effectiveness of BAPs implanted in the intramedullary cavity compared with the intramuscular space. This observation may be attributed to the greater oxygen tension in the bone marrow. The BAPs in direct contact with the circulatory system receive sufficient blood flow for function and survival. This preliminary study demonstrates that the intramedullary cavity may be an implantation site for BAP transplantation.

miR-495 is upregulated by E12/E47 in breast cancer stem cells, and promotes oncogenesis and hypoxia resistance via downregulation of E-cadherin and REDD1

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in tumorigenecity by regulating specific oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and their roles in breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are becoming apparent. Distinct from the CD44(+)/CD24(-/low) sub-population, we have isolated a novel PROCR(+)/ESA(+) BCSC sub-population. To explore miRNA-regulatory mechanisms in this sub-population, we performed miRNA expression profiling and found miR-495 as the most highly upegulated miRNA in PROCR(+)/ESA(+) cells. Coincidently, high upregulation of miR-495 was also found in CD44(+)/CD24(-/low) BCSCs, reflecting its potential importance in maintaining common BCSC properties. Ectopic expression of miR-495 in breast cancer cells promoted their colony formation in vitro and tumorigenesis in mice. miR-495 directly suppressed E-cadherin expression to promote cell invasion and inhibited REDD1 expression to enhance cell proliferation in hypoxia through post-transcriptional mechanism. miR-495 expression was directly modulated by transcription factor E12/E47, which itself is highly expressed in BCSCs. These findings reveal a novel regulatory pathway centered on miR-495 that contributes to BCSC properties and hypoxia resistance.

A fragmentation study of the Rhodamine 610 cation using visible-laser desorption ionization

The fragmentation of a potential visible matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization: Rhodamine 610 was studied under 532 nm visible irradiation, as a function of anion counter ion. It was found that at a fixed fluence, the chloride salt produced fewer fragments than those formed with ClO(4)(-) or BF(4)(-). Evidence presented suggests that the degree of fragmentation is inversely proportional to the strength of the contact ion pair in the solid state; that is, more energy is deposited into the radical cation which can lead to fragmentation when less energy is required to separate the ion pair. Similar results were found for salts of Rhodamine 6G.

Study on the inter-subspecies nuclear transfer of river buffalo somatic cell nuclei into swamp buffalo oocyte cytoplasm

The objective of this study was to explore the feasibility of inter-subspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) of river buffalo (50 chromosomes) somatic cell nuclei into swamp buffalo (48 chromosomes) oocyte cytoplasm. The enucleated swamp buffalo oocytes were fused with four different types of river buffalo cells: freshly thawed ear fibroblasts, serum-starved ear fibroblasts, cumulus cells and ear fibroblasts from a cloned buffalo calf. As a result, the developmental competence of embryos reconstructed with freshly thawed ear fibroblasts was the poorest (P<0.01), while those of the other three types were not different from each other. Furthermore, the efficiency of swamp-swamp buffalo, swamp-river buffalo and bovine-buffalo SCNT were also compared. The results showed that the blastocyst rate of swamp-river reconstructed embryos was not different from swamp-swamp embryos, while significantly higher than that of bovine-buffalo embryos (P<0.01). A total of thirty cloned blastocysts derived from freshly thawed ear fibroblasts were transferred into thirteen recipient buffaloes, four recipients established pregnancy, while three of them aborted on Days 65, 75 and 90 of gestation, respectively. One cross-bred buffalo (Murrah x swamp, 49 chromosomes) receiving three embryos delivered a 39 kg female calf on Day 335 of gestation. These results indicate that the inter-subspecies SCNT is feasible to produce swamp-river buffalo embryos, and these can develop to full term and result in live buffalo calves.