Microstructure evolution and enhanced bioactivity of Ti–Nb–Zr alloy by bioactive hydroxyapatite fabricated via spark plasma sintering

The crystalline phases and bioactivity of materials play crucial factors in determining the biological interactions and osseointegration process of orthopaedic replacements or implants.

229 LONG-TERM PROPAGATION AND CRYOPRESERVATION OF CAT SPERMATOGONIAL STEM CELLS

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) are unique adult stem cells that reside within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. As stem cells, SSC maintain the ability to self-replicate, providing a potentially unlimited supply of cells and an alternate source for preservation of the male genome. While self-renewing, long-term SSC culture has been achieved in mice, there is virtually no information regarding culture requirements of felid SSC. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the ability of 3 feeder cell lines to support germ cell colony establishment in domestic cats (Felis catus), and (2) assess long-term culture using the best feeder(s). Cells isolated enzymatically from peripubertal cat testes (n = 4) and enriched by differential plating were cultured on mouse embryonic fibroblasts (STO line), mouse-derived C166 endothelial cells, and primary cat fetal fibroblasts (cFF). Colony morphology was assessed every other day and immunocytochemistry (ICC) was performed to investigate expression of SSC markers. At 5 days in vitro (DIV), a cluster forming activity assay was used to estimate the number of SSC supported by each feeder cell line. Differences among treatments were compared using Tukey-Kramer adjustment for pair-wise mean comparisons. Data were expressed as mean cluster number ± SE per 105 cells input. When cultured on STO feeders, cat germ cells were distributed as individual cells. On both C166 cells and cFF feeders, germ cell clumps (morphologically consistent with SSC colonies in other species) were observed. Immunocytochemistry revealed that the single germ cells present on STO feeders were positive for UCHL1 and weakly expressed PLZF and OCT4. Cells within the germ cell clumps on C166 cells and cFF co-expressed all 3 SSC markers. The C166 cells supported a higher number of germ cell clusters (77.4 ± 13.8) compared with STO (3.5 ± 1.1, P = 0.0003) or cFF (22.7 ± 1.0, P = 0.0024). Therefore, subsequent subculture experiments were performed exclusively with C166 feeder layers. Cultures from 2 donors were passaged at 12 DIV and periodically as needed thereafter. Germ cell clumps consistently reestablished following each subculture and immunocytochemistry analysis confirmed maintenance of all 3 SSC markers. Cells were also positive for alkaline phosphatase activity. Cells that had been cryopreserved in culture medium with 5% (vol/vol) dimethyl sulphoxide after144 DIV (7 passages) were thawed and cultured for an additional 18 days. These cells continued to express SSC markers and form germ cell clusters. Taken together, these data demonstrate that C166 feeder cells can facilitate colony establishment and in vitro propagation of germ cell clumps in the domestic cat. This represents an important first step towards attainment and optimization of a long-term SSC culture system in the cat. This system would provide a mechanism to explore regulation of spermatogenesis, test species-specific drugs, and produce transgenic biomedical models.

Genetic diversity of cultivated and wild tomatoes revealed by morphological traits and SSR markers

In the current study, morphological traits and molecular markers were used to assess the genetic diversity of 29 cultivated tomatoes, 14 wild tomatoes and seven introgression lines. The three components of the principal component analysis (PCA) explained 78.54% of the total morphological variation in the 50 tomato genotypes assessed. Based on these morphological traits, a three-dimensional PCA plot separated the 50 genotypes into distinct groups, and a dendrogram divided them into six clusters. Fifteen polymorphic genomic simple- sequence repeat (genomic-SSR) and 13 polymorphic expressed sequence tag-derived SSR (EST-SSR) markers amplified 1115 and 780 clear fragments, respectively. Genomic-SSRs detected a total of 64 alleles, with a mean of 4 alleles per primer, while EST-SSRs detected 52 alleles, with a mean of 4 alleles per primer. The polymorphism information content was slightly higher in genomic-SSRs (0.49) than in EST-SSRs (0.45). The mean similarity coefficient among the wild tomatoes was lower than the mean similarity coefficient among the cultivated tomatoes. The dendrogram based on genetic distance divided the 50 tomato genotypes into eight clusters. The Mantel test between genomic-SSR and EST-SSR matrices revealed a good correlation, whereas the morphological matrices and the molecular matrices were weakly correlated. We confirm the applicability of EST-SSRs in analyzing genetic diversity among cultivated and wild tomatoes. High variability of the 50 tomato genotypes was observed at the morphological and molecular level, indicating valuable tomato germplasm, especially in the wild tomatoes, which could be used for further genetic studies.

Comparison of gSSR and EST-SSR markers for analyzing genetic variability among tomato cultivars (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

In order to study genetic variability and develop better strategies for the utilization of 48 tomato cultivars from America, China, the Netherlands, and Portugal, genomic simple sequence repeat (gSSR) and EST-derived SSR (EST-SSR) markers were applied. In all, 15 of 82 gSSR and 18 of 115 EST-SSR markers showed polymorphic loci. There were 995 and 2072 clear fragments amplified by polymorphic gSSR and EST-SSR markers, respectively. The total and average number of alleles detected by EST-SSRs (75, 4.2) was more than gSSRs (54, 3.6) as a result of some multi-locus EST-SSRs. A lower polymorphism information content value was found in gSSRs (0.529) compared to EST-SSRs (0.620). Similarity coefficient matrixes of the 48 tomato cultivars were established based on the gSSRs and EST-SSRs, and UPGMA dendrograms were constructed from the gSSRs and EST-SSRs similarity coefficient matrixes. A high similarity was observed between the gSSRs and EST-SSRs dendrograms. Genetic variability of four tomato populations from different countries showed that the observed number of alleles and Nei's genetic diversity were highest in the American population, and the effective number of alleles was highest in the Dutch population. The estimated genetic structure showed some tomato cultivars from different countries shared a common genetic background, which might be related to gene flow. It was inferred that both gSSR and EST-SSR markers were effective to assess genetic variability of tomato cultivars, and the combination of both markers could be more effective for genetic diversity analysis in tomato.

A novel random amplified polymorphic DNA-based strategy for genetic diversity analysis and identification of tomatoes

Cultivar identification diagrams (CIDs) provide a rapid and efficient approach for identifying cultivars based on random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. In this paper, 64 tomato cultivars were identified using a CID. Using RAPD profiles, clustering analysis was performed to analyze genetic diversity. The results showed that 8 RAPD primers could completely separate the 64 cultivars according to the obtained polymorphic bands; a CID of the 64 tomato cultivars was then constructed. As verification of the CID validity, 8 randomly selected cultivars were investigated and proven to be well distinguished. In addition, 33 DNA bands were obtained, 20 (60.6%) of which were polymorphic. Genetic distances were calculated with a range of 0.032 to 1.402. Clustering analysis showed that the 64 tomato cultivars were divided into 4 groups with a similarity coefficient of 0.40. Using this novel strategy, with the same RAPD data, both CID and clustering analysis can simultaneously determine tomato cultivars and their genetic diversity.

Analysis of prognostic factors for infantile rotavirus infection

In this study, we investigated the prognostic factors of infantile rotavirus (RV) infection. A total of 102 infants with RV enteritis were divided into 2 groups according to the standards of improvement and cure at the time of discharge from the hospital: improvement group (N = 58; 47 males and 11 females with an average age of 15.19 ± 5.03 months) and the cure group (N = 44; 34 males and 10 females with an average age of 10.02 ± 4.92 months). Both groups were phlebotomized for the detection of serum glutamic oxaloacetic aminotransferase, creatine kinase-MB, and lactate dehydrogenase. Prognostic factors and clinical data were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic analysis. Among the 102 cases of RV infection, 58 were cured and 44 were improved. Univariate analysis showed that the 2 groups were significantly different in age, feeding pattern, concentrations of serum glutamic oxaloacetic aminotransferase, creatine kinase-MB, and lactate dehydrogenase, and central nervous system damage. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, feeding, and central nervous system damage were significant independent prognostic factors for RV enteritis (P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences in gender, course of disease, and respiratory infection (P < 0.05). Both myocardial and hepatic damages presented a temporary feature in the infants and had no significant influence on prognosis. Age, feeding pattern, and central nervous system damage are significant independent prognostic factors for RV infection. These factors should be carefully considered in clinical practice.

Assessment of the suitability of retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy as a treatment for complex proximal ureteral calculi

AIM

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the suitability of retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (RPLU) in the treatment of complex proximal ureteral calculi.

METHODS

Included were 24 patients who underwent RPLU for complex proximal ureteral stones from November 2008 to June 2010.

RESULTS

A retroperitoneal approach was performed in 23 patients with a mean operative time of 79.6 min (range of 65-130 min) and mean intraoperative blood loss of 20.1 mL (10-50 mL). No postoperative complications were encountered within during the follow-up period of 9.1 months (3-22 months). Only one patient who underwent RPLU within one week of failed ESWL was converted to open surgery due to severe adhesions around ureter and the injury of aberrant renal artery at the lower pole of left kidney encountered during the RPLU.

CONCLUSION

RPLU is safe and effective in the treatment of complex upper ureteral stones and can become a first-line surgical management of the disease.

Green synthesis of reduced graphene oxide and its reinforcing effect on natural rubber composites

A green and facile approach to produce graphene using an environmentally friendly reagent, namely proanthocyanidin (PC) as a reducing agent was developed. The obtained graphene (PC-rGO) was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, confirming the effective reduction of GO. With the incorporation of PC-rGO into natural rubber (NR) latex, NR/PC-rGO composites were then prepared by an ultrasonically assisted latex mixing and the co-coagulation. The results show that PC-rGO presents a good dispersion and exfoliation in the NR matrix, contributing to an increase in the mechanical performance. Compared with neat NR, the tensile strength, modulus at 300%, and tear strength for NR composites containing 0.9 phr PC-rGO were increased by 50.2%, 154.9% and 65.2%, respectively. With increasing PC-rGO loading, cross-link density and storage modulus of NR composites increase because of the formation of cross-link points and physical interaction between PC-rGO and the matrix.

ECMO support for right main bronchial disruption in multiple trauma patient with brain injury--a case report and literature review

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may offer life-saving treatment in severe pulmonary contusion or acute respiratory distress syndrome when conventional treatments have failed. However, because of the bleeding risk of systemic anticoagulation, ECMO should be performed only as a last resort in multiple trauma victims. Here, we report ECMO as a bridge for right main bronchus reconstruction and recovery of traumatic wet lung in a 31-year-old male multi-trauma patient with right main bronchial disruption, bilateral pulmonary contusion, cerebral contusion and long bone fracture. The patient was discharged without any obvious complication. ECMO support in a traumatic brain injured patient with severe hypoxemia caused by lung contusion and/or tracheal bronchus disruption is not an absolute contraindication.

Formononetin inhibits migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 breast cancer cells by suppressing MMP-2 and MMP-9 through PI3K/AKT signaling pathways

Formononetin is a naturally existing isoflavone, which can be found in the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, Trifolium pratense, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Pueraria lobata. It was found to be associated with inhibition of cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, as well as induction of apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. However, the effect of formononetin on breast cancer cell metastasis remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of formononetin on the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 in vitro and in vivo. Our data demonstrated that formononetin did not effectively inhibit the cell viability of MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 in 24 h with the concentration lower than 160 μmol/l. When treated with nontoxic concentration of formononetin, the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells were markedly suppressed by wound healing assay, chamber invasion assay, and in vivo mouse metastasis model. In vitro, formononetin reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9 and increased the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2. Furthermore, the immunofluorescence and immunoblotting assays indicated that formononetin was very effective in suppressing the phosphorylation of Akt and PI3K. Collectively, these results suggest that formononetin inhibited breast cancer cell migration and invasion by reducing the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings demonstrate a potentially new therapeutic strategy of formononetin as anti-invasive agent for breast cancer.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 modulates calcium oscillation and innate immune response induced by lipopolysaccharide in microglial cell

Microglia, the primary immune cells in the brain, have been implicated as the predominant cells governing inflammation-mediated neuronal damage. In response to immunological challenges such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), microglia are activated and subsequently inflammatory process is initiated as evidenced by the release of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines. Here we show that Group I metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) is involved in LPS-induced microglia activation. LPS triggered a similar pattern of [Ca2+]i oscillation in N9, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mutant EOC 20, TLR4-wild-type and TLR4-deficient primary mouse microglia, suggesting that LPS-induced [Ca2+]i oscillation is independent of TLR4. The characteristics of [Ca2+]i oscillation induced by LPS are consistent with those observed in mGluR5 activation. In addition, mGluR5 antagonist 3-[(2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)ethynyl]pyridine (MTEP) abolished LPS-induced [Ca2+]i oscillation. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that LPS colocalizes with mGluR5 in microglia and the direct binding of LPS and mGluR5 was further validated by antibody-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technology. Activation of mGluR5 using a selective agonist (RS)-2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG) significantly expanded LPS-induced nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activity and CHPG alone increased NF-κB activity as well. But, mGluR5 antagonist MTEP attenuated the actions of LPS, CHPG and the additive effect of LPS and CHPG in microglia. LPS induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretion in N9 microglia, but not in TLR4-mutant EOC 20 and TLR4-deficient primary mouse microglia. CHPG reduced LPS-caused TNF-α production, but MTEP increased LPS-induced TNF-α production and blocked the effect of CHPG in N9 microglia. These data demonstrate that mGluR5 and TLR4 are two critical receptors that mediate microglia activation in response to LPS, suggesting that mGluR5 may represent a novel target for modulating microglia-dependent neuroinflammation.

The effects of x-ray radiation on the eye development of zebrafish

The toxic effects of x-ray radiation on eye development was measured using zebrafish as a model organism. Zebrafish embryos at 8 h post-fertilization (hpf) were irradiated using X-rays at doses of 1, 2, 4, and 8 Gy. At 24 and 48 hpf, x-ray radiation induced a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and cell apoptotic signals. Both of these increases were dose dependent and there were significant positive relationships between them at 24 hpf. At 48 and 72 hpf, the increase of ROS concentration can be eliminated by increasing activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Although the ROS generated by x-ray radiation caused a significant increase in cell apoptosis at 24 and 48 hpf, the cellular layers of the retina and lens formation in the irradiated groups were not significantly disrupted at 144 hpf compared with the control group, with the exception of a heterogeneous distribution of the cells in inner nuclear cell layer and a significant decrease in the diameters of whole eyes after 8 Gy irradiation. X-Ray radiation at later stages of gastrulation may not cause distinct optic complications; however, there is still a risk of microophthalmia at high doses of irradiation.

The visual diagnosis of tuberculous pleuritis under medical thoracoscopy: a retrospective series of 91 cases

BACKGROUND

Despite progress of medical, the fast and accurate diagnosis of tuberculous pleuritis (TP) continues to be a challenge, mainly because of the lack of specific clinical features and the difficulty in isolating the Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the role of medical thoracoscopy in definite diagnosis of tuberculous pleuritis, especially the feature of visual diagnosis in tuberculous pleuritis via medical thoracoscopy. We performed a retrospective review of the utility of medical thoracoscopy in tuberculous pleuritis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of 91 patients who had medical thoracoscopy for suspected TP at the Second Xiangya Hospital from October 1, 2006 to July 30, 2012.

RESULTS

In ninety one cases, 76 patients were diagnosed with TP by pathologic diagnosis. The visual findings via thoracoscopy of 76 TP patients included the following: (1) necrosis (76.32%, n=58), (2) diffuse miliary nodules (64.67%, n=49), (3) single or multiple pleural nodules (14.47%, n=11), (4) hyperemic, edematous and thickened pleura (56.58%, n=43), and (5) pleural adhesions or fibrotic septa (78.95%, n=60), and all of these samples had hydrothorax or loculated effusion. The diagnostic efficiency of visual diagnosis via medical thoracoscopy about tuberculous pleuritis was 93.41%. In the non-invasive test, ADA > 40 u/l with LDH > 200 u/l for TP showed relatively high sensitivity and specificity (73.68%, 80.00%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

TP presents a variety of scopic phenotypes under medical thoracoscopy. The experienced pulmonologists visually diagnose TP efficiently and directly via medical thoracoscopy. Medical thoracoscopy with combined biopsy is an accurate and safe method for diagnosing TP.

Abstract P1-17-02: Male breast carcinoma: A clinicopathological and immunohistochemical characterization study

AIM Male breast carcinoma is a relatively rare disease. This study retrospectively investigated the clinicopathological features of male breast carcinoma in Chinese population, and classified the molecular subtype based on surrogate immunohistochemical definitions. The expression of GCDFP15, MGB, AR and FOXP1 were also evaluated.

METHODS Clinical and pathological data on 73 cases of male breast carcinoma were collected and microscopic pathological features were examined. Immunostaining for ER, PR, HER2, Ki-67, CK5/6, EGFR, GCDFP15, MGB, AR and FOXP1 was performed and the molecular subtype was classified.

RESULTS Invasive carcinoma of no special type was the major histological type in our study group (71.2%, 52/73). Except for 4 cases of carcinoma in situ, forty-two male invasive carcinomas (42/69, 60.9%) were classified as luminal A subtype while 24 cases (24/69, 34.8%) were classified as luminal B subtype. Only 2 cases of basal-like subtype and 1 case of HER2 positive subtype were identified in this group. Nuclear immunostaining of AR and FOXP1 could be observed in 82.4% (48/57) and 71.9% (41/57) of the cases respectively. Cases of luminal A subtype expressed GCDFP15 (73.5%, 25/34) and MGB (58.8%, 20/34) more frequently than those of luminal B subtype (34.8%, 8/23 and 43.5%, 10/23, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS Invasive carcinoma of no special type was the most common histological type in male breast carcinoma. Our study revealed that luminal A and B subtypes were the major types of male breast carcinoma. AR and FOXP1 were highly expressed in male breast cancer. Luminal A subtype tends to express GCDFP15 and MGB more frequently than luminal B subtype.

KEYWORDS: breast carcinoma, male, molecular subtype, immunohistochemistry.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P1-17-02.

Baseline HbA1c predicts attainment of 7.0% HbA1c target with structured titration of insulin glargine in type 2 diabetes: a patient-level analysis of 12 studies

AIMS

To determine whether baseline characteristics, especially haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), predict the likelihood of reaching HbA1c ≤ 7.0% or the risk of experiencing hypoglycaemia after the addition of insulin glargine to oral therapy in type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Pooled patient-level data from 12 prospective, randomized, controlled studies that used insulin glargine in a treat-to-target titration regimen seeking fasting glucose levels ≤5.5 mmol/l (100 mg/dl) were analysed. Baseline characteristics were evaluated by logistic regression models as predictors of reaching a target HbA1c ≤ 7.0% or experiencing confirmed hypoglycaemia. The effect of prior glycaemic control was further explored by analysis of categorical ranges of baseline HbA1c.

RESULTS

Of 2312 participants, 95% completed 24 weeks of treatment. Lower HbA1c at baseline was independently associated with reaching HbA1c target [adjusted odds ratio (OR) for 1% difference: 0.538, p < 0.0001] and also with likelihood of experiencing confirmed hypoglycaemic events (adjusted OR: 0.835, p < 0.0001) at week 24. In an unadjusted analysis by baseline HbA1c range, the strong association between baseline control and attaining target HbA1c was confirmed (75% with baseline HbA1c < 8.0%, 60% with baseline HbA1c ≥ 8.0 and <9.0% and 38% with baseline HbA1c ≥ 9.0% attained HbA1c ≤ 7.0%). The incidence of hypoglycaemia confirmed <3.9 mmol/l (70 mg/dl) was higher in the lower baseline HbA1c ranges but severe hypoglycaemia was infrequent at all baseline HbA1c levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Systematically titrated insulin glargine, added to oral agents, was effective over a wide range of baseline HbA1c. Lower baseline HbA1c was the best clinical predictor of achieving HbA1c ≤ 7.0% and also associated with higher risk of glucose-confirmed hypoglycaemia. Severe hypoglycaemia was infrequent using this treatment approach.

The epidemic of human papillomavirus and oropharyngeal cancer in a Canadian population

BACKGROUND

Sexually transmitted infection with the human papillomavirus (hpv) is responsible for a significant burden of human cancers involving the cervix, anogenital tract, and oropharynx. Studies in the United States and Europe have demonstrated an alarming increase in the frequency of hpv-positive oropharyngeal cancer, but the same direct evidence does not exist in Canada.

METHODS

Using the London Health Sciences Centre pathology database, we identified tonsillar cancers diagnosed between 1993 and 2011. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was then used on pre-treatment primary-site biopsy samples to test for dna from the high-risk hpv types 16 and 18. The study cohort was divided into three time periods: 1993-1999, 2000-2005, and 2006-2011.

RESULTS

Of 160 tumour samples identified, 91 (57%) were positive for hpv 16. The total number of tonsillar cancers significantly increased from 1993-1999 to 2006-2011 (32 vs. 68), and the proportion of cases that were hpv-positive substantially increased (25% vs. 62%, p < 0.002). Those changes were associated with a marked improvement in 5-year overall survival (39% in 1993-1999 vs. 84% in 2006-2011, p < 0.001). When all factors were included in a multivariable model, only hpv status predicted treatment outcome.

INTERPRETATION

The present study is the first to provide direct evidence that hpv-related oropharyngeal cancer is increasing in incidence in a Canadian population. Given the long lag time between hpv infection and clinically apparent malignancy, oropharyngeal cancer will be a significant clinical problem for the foreseeable future despite vaccination efforts.

Clinical predictors of risk of hypoglycaemia during addition and titration of insulin glargine for type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM

Addition and titration of basal insulin is usually effective in improving glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes, but fear of hypoglycaemia remains a barrier. Ability to predict which patients might be at greatest risk of hypoglycaemia might facilitate individualization of treatment and improve safety. The aim of this study was to obtain information about clinical characteristics which might predict risk of hypoglycaemia during initiation of basal insulin.

METHODS

Patient-level data from 2251 participants in 11 studies in which insulin glargine was started and titrated using similar treat-to-target methods was pooled and analysed with logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Participants had mean age 58 years, diabetes duration 8.9 years, body mass index 31.0 and baseline A1c 8.8%. They attained mean A1c 7.1% during 6 months of treatment with final mean glargine dosage 0.44 units/kg. Symptomatic hypoglycaemia occurred in 52%, glucose-confirmed hypoglycaemia (blood glucose <50 mg/dl) in 17%, repeated glucose-confirmed events in 7% and severe hypoglycaemia in 1.5%. Independent predictors of glucose-confirmed hypoglycaemia were younger age, lower body mass index, use of a sulphonylurea in addition to metformin, lower attained A1c and lower dosage of glargine.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings confirm low rates of clinically important hypoglycaemia using this method, and suggest that higher risk of hypoglycaemia may be suspected when patients needing insulin are younger, less obese and taking metformin and a sulphonylurea, and especially when A1c levels ≤7.0% are attained with glargine dosage ≤0.4 units/kg.

Prognostic value of the trichorhinophalangeal syndrome-1 (TRPS-1), a GATA family transcription factor, in early-stage breast cancer

BACKGROUND

TRPS-1 is a new GATA transcription factor that is differentially expressed in breast cancer (BC) where it been found recently to regulate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out a quantitative immunohistochemistry (qIHC) analysis of TRPS-1 expression in 341 primary-stage I-III BC samples in relation to patient clinical characteristics as well as its prognostic value, especially in an estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) subgroup.

RESULTS

Higher TRPS-1 expression was significantly associated with a number of clinical and pathological characteristics as well as with improved overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Among stage I/II ER+ BC patients who received endocrine therapy alone, those with high TRPS-1 expression had significantly longer OS and DFS. There was also a strong association between TRPS-1 levels and the EMT marker E-cadherin in the ER+ invasive ductal carcinoma cases. Analysis of gene expression data on a panel of BC lines found that TRPS-1 expression was low or absent in BC lines having enriched mesenchymal features.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicated that TRPS-1 is an independent prognostic marker in early-stage BC and a new EMT marker that can distinguish patients with ER+ BC who will respond longer to adjuvant endocrine therapy.

Leptonic-decay-constant ratio f(K+)/f(π+) from lattice QCD with physical light quarks

A calculation of the ratio of leptonic decay constants f(K+)/f(π+) makes possible a precise determination of the ratio of Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix elements |V(us)|/|V(ud)| in the standard model, and places a stringent constraint on the scale of new physics that would lead to deviations from unitarity in the first row of the CKM matrix. We compute f(K+)/f(π+) numerically in unquenched lattice QCD using gauge-field ensembles recently generated that include four flavors of dynamical quarks: up, down, strange, and charm. We analyze data at four lattice spacings a ≈ 0.06, 0.09, 0.12, and 0.15 fm with simulated pion masses down to the physical value 135 MeV. We obtain f(K+)/f(π+) = 1.1947(26)(37), where the errors are statistical and total systematic, respectively. This is our first physics result from our N(f) = 2+1+1 ensembles, and the first calculation of f(K+)/f(π+) from lattice-QCD simulations at the physical point. Our result is the most precise lattice-QCD determination of f(K+)/f(π+), with an error comparable to the current world average. When combined with experimental measurements of the leptonic branching fractions, it leads to a precise determination of |V(us)|/|V(ud)| = 0.2309(9)(4) where the errors are theoretical and experimental, respectively.

Fasting plasma glucose 6-12 weeks after starting insulin glargine predicts likelihood of treatment success: a pooled analysis

AIMS

To evaluate whether fasting plasma glucose values measured early during insulin therapy can identify patients with Type 2 diabetes who may not achieve adequate glycaemic control after 6 months and will require additional treatment.

METHODS

Patient-level data from seven prospective, randomized, controlled studies using treat-to-target methods were pooled to evaluate the efficacy of insulin glargine. Fasting plasma glucose was measured at baseline, week 6 or 8 (6/8) and week 12. HbA(1c) was measured at week 24 to assess glycaemic control.

RESULTS

One thousand and thirty-six patients (56% male, 81% white) were included in the analysis (mean age 56.3 years; duration of diabetes 8.4 years). Baseline mean fasting plasma glucose was 11.2 mmol/l and mean HbA(1c) was 73 mmol/mol (8.8%). After 24 weeks of treatment, mean HbA(1c) decreased to 53 mmol/mol (7.0%); 56% of patients reached a target HbA(1c) ≤ 53 mmol/mol (7.0%). Significant correlations with week 24 HbA(1c) were obtained for fasting plasma glucose measured at week 6/8 and week 12 (r = 0.32; P < 0.0001 for both). Patients with fasting plasma glucose > 10 mmol/l at week 6/8 or week 12 were significantly less likely to achieve the HbA(1c) target at the end of treatment than patients with fasting plasma glucose < 8.9 mmol/l (P < 0.0001 for both). If fasting plasma glucose was > 10 mmol/l at week 6/8 or week 12, patients had only a 27% chance of reaching the HbA(1c) goal.

CONCLUSIONS

Fasting plasma glucose remaining > 10 mmol/l after 6-12 weeks of glargine therapy indicates that reaching target HbA(1c) ≤ 53 mmol/mol (7.0%) is unlikely and calls for individualized attention to consider further therapeutic options.

Elevated lysosome-associated protein transmembrane-4β-35 is an independent prognostic marker in pancreatic carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between lysosome-associated protein transmembrane-4β-35 (LAPTM4B-35) and the clinicopathological features and prognosis of pancreatic carcinoma.

METHODS

The level of LAPTM4B-35 protein was determined by semi quantitative immunohistochemistry in pancreatic carcinoma specimens. The relationship between LAPTM4B-35 level and prognosis was determined using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 98 patient samples were included. The presence of LAPTM4B-35 protein was confirmed in 77/98 (78.6%) patients and was significantly associated with tumour stage, degree of differentiation and pathological staging of pancreatic carcinoma after primary surgery. Patients with high LAPTM4B-35 levels had a poorer overall survival compared with patients with lower levels. Multivariate analysis showed that LAPTM4B-35 was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

LAPTM4B-35 was found to be present at high levels in a large proportion of patients with pancreatic carcinoma, and was closely related to disease progression and poor prognosis. LAPTM4B-35 may represent a new molecular target for the clinical evaluation and treatment of pancreatic carcinoma.

Proteasome inhibitor bortezomib overcomes P-gp-mediated multidrug resistance in resistant leukemic cell lines

INTRODUCTION

To study the effect of bortezomib alone or in combination with daunorubicin (DNR) on an mdr1 single-factor drug-resistant leukemia cell line K562/MDR1, a multifactor-resistant cell line K562/A02, a drug-sensitive cell line K562, and primary cells from acute myeloid leukemia patients.

METHODS

The cell lines were exposed to bortezomib, DNR, and bortezomib plus DNR, and cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis rate, and expression of MDR1/BCL2 were analyzed.

RESULTS

Bortezomib potently inhibited growth and increased the apoptosis rate in the cell lines. In K562/MDR1 and K562/A02, the calcium channel blocker verapamil reduced the 50% inhibitory concentration and apoptosis rate of DNR, a P-gp protein substrate, but not of bortezomib. Bortezomib plus DNR had synergistic effect on antiproliferation (synergistic ratio > 1). Apoptosis was substantially more increased by the combination of two drugs than by bortezomib alone. Bortezomib arrested the cell cycles of three cell lines at the G2/M stage, decreased BCL2 mRNA expression, but did not affect MDR1 mRNA levels. The antiproliferative role of bortezomib was also confirmed in primary leukemia cells.

CONCLUSION

Bortezomib is a promising potential therapy for acute leukemia, especially mdr1 drug-resistant leukemia.

An analysis of early insulin glargine added to metformin with or without sulfonylurea: impact on glycaemic control and hypoglycaemia

AIM

To evaluate the benefits of initiating insulin at an earlier versus later treatment stage, and regimens with/without sulfonylurea (SU).

METHODS

Pooled analysis of 11 prospective randomized clinical trials, including 2171 adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes initiating insulin glargine following a specific titration algorithm. Clinical outcomes were glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reduction, per cent achieving HbA1c ≤ 7.0%, weight gain and hypoglycaemic events. Statistical analysis compared outcomes 24 weeks after basal insulin initiation in patients previously uncontrolled on 0/1 oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) versus 2 OADs, and in patients taking metformin (MET) or SU alone or in combination at baseline. A meta-analysis was also conducted.

RESULTS

For the pooled analysis, patients on 0/1 OAD and those on MET monotherapy at baseline had the largest 24-week reductions in HbA1c following the addition of insulin glargine (∼0.44 U/kg). Of patients failing MET/SU monotherapy and MET + SU in combination, 68.1, 50.4 and 56.4% achieved HbA1c ≤ 7.0%, respectively (p = 0.0006). Weight gain was lowest when basal insulin was added to MET. Patients on 0/1 OAD at baseline had significantly less symptomatic hypoglycaemia when basal insulin was added than those on 2 OADs (p = 0.0007). Despite higher insulin doses, those taking MET alone had less hypoglycaemia than those taking SU or MET + SU. Results were confirmed in the meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

Adding insulin glargine to MET monotherapy early in treatment may provide efficacy/safety benefits over regimens including SU. This may reflect treatment earlier in the disease and supports the inclusion of insulin as a second step in the American Diabetes Association/European Association for the Study of Diabetes treatment algorithm.

Copy number imbalances between screen- and symptom-detected breast cancers and impact on disease-free survival

Screening mammography results in the increased detection of indolent tumors. We hypothesized that screen- and symptom-detected tumors would show genotypic differences as copy number imbalances (CNI) that, in part, explain differences in the clinical behavior between screen- and symptom-detected breast tumors. We evaluated 850 women aged 40 and above diagnosed with stage I and II breast cancer at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center between 1985 and 2000 with information available on method of tumor detection (screen vs. symptoms). CNIs in screen- and symptom-detected tumors were identified using high-density molecular inversion probe arrays. Cox proportional modeling was used to estimate the effect of method of tumor detection on disease-free survival after adjusting for age, stage, and the CNIs. The majority of tumors were symptom detected (n = 603) compared with screen detected (n = 247). Copy number gains in chromosomes 2p, 3q, 8q, 11p, and 20q were associated with method of breast cancer detection (P < 0.00001). We estimated that 32% and 63% of the survival advantage of screen detection was accounted for by age, stage, nuclear grade, and Ki67 in women aged 50 to 70 and aged 40 to 87, respectively. In each age category, an additional 20% of the survival advantage was accounted for by CNIs associated with method of detection. Specific CNIs differ between screen- and symptom-detected tumors and explain part of the survival advantage associated with screen-detected tumors. Measurement of tumor genotype has the potential to improve discrimination between indolent and aggressive screen-detected tumors and aids patient and physician decision making about use of surgical and adjuvant treatments.

Evidence for the adaptive evolution of ORF5 gene of Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus isolated in China

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) ORF5 gene encoding an envelope glycoprotein involved in humoral immunity is the most variable protein-coding gene of PRRSV. The present study aimed to identify potential selective pressures acting on the ORF5 gene of PRRSV isolates of North American type prevalent in China. The non-synonymous to synonymous rate ratio ω (dN/dS) was employed as a measure of selective pressure at the codon level. An overall ω of 0.45 indicated negative (purifying) selection as the major driving force operating on the ORF5 gene during adaptation of the virus to swine. Determination of ω values for individual amino acids sites revealed 8 positively selected sites, most of them situated in the N-terminal ectodomain, indicating their potential role in the binding of virus to the cellular receptors. Further, 75 negatively selected sites were identified in the rest of molecule, probably as a result of functional or immunological constraints. Determination of potential N-glycosylation sites revealed 7 sites, four of which coincided with the positively selected ones. These results indicated that a specific adaptive evolution has operated on the ORF5 gene of Chinese PRRSV isolates. It is hoped that the disclosed adaptive sites might help identify a candidate antigenic epitope for the use in vaccine against this serious swine disease.

On-line Planning and Scheduling: An Application to Controlling Modular Printers

We present a case study of artificial intelligence techniques applied to the control of production printing equipment. Like many other real-world applications, this complex domain requires high-speed autonomous decision-making and robust continual operation. To our knowledge, this work represents the first successful industrial application of embedded domain-independent temporal planning. Our system handles execution failures and multi-objective preferences. At its heart is an on-line algorithm that combines techniques from state-space planning and partial-order scheduling. We suggest that this general architecture may prove useful in other applications as more intelligent systems operate in continual, on-line settings. Our system has been used to drive several commercial prototypes and has enabled a new product architecture for our industrial partner. When compared with state-of-the-art off-line planners, our system is hundreds of times faster and often finds better plans. Our experience demonstrates that domain-independent AI planning based on heuristic search can flexibly handle time, resources, replanning, and multiple objectives in a high-speed practical application without requiring hand-coded control knowledge.

Best-First Heuristic Search for Multicore Machines

To harness modern multicore processors, it is imperative to develop parallel versions of fundamental algorithms. In this paper, we compare different approaches to parallel best-first search in a shared-memory setting. We present a new method, PBNF, that uses abstraction to partition the state space and to detect duplicate states without requiring frequent locking. PBNF allows speculative expansions when necessary to keep threads busy. We identify and fix potential livelock conditions in our approach, proving its correctness using temporal logic. Our approach is general, allowing it to extend easily to suboptimal and anytime heuristic search. In an empirical comparison on STRIPS planning, grid pathfinding, and sliding tile puzzle problems using 8-core machines, we show that A*, weighted A* and Anytime weighted A* implemented using PBNF yield faster search than improved versions of previous parallel search proposals.