Abstract 2954: Low level methylation (1-20%) or methylation seeds is a distinct epigenetic regulator of gene expression and is a strong predictor of methylation gains in AML and MDS patients

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic regulator of tumour suppressor genes in several cancers and is an established target for therapy. Genome wide studies indicate distinct set of genes hypermethylated among different types of cancer. Identifying why only certain genes are predisposed to hypermethylation in a cancer type will help us develop better epigenetic therapies. To understand this important aspect, we studied methylation in tissues from healthy individuals and cancer patients. Study of methylation in normal tissues identified a distinct methylation category that strongly regulates gene expression and predisposes to hypermethylation in cancer patients. We studied methylation at SmaI (CCCGGG) sites using Digital Restriction Enzyme Analysis of Methylation (DREAM) and validated our results using ENCODE Reduced Representation Bisulphite Sequencing (RRBS) data. Study of methylation using DREAM in normal tissues identified methylation seeds or low (but non zero) methylation (1-20%) at a subset of promoter CpG islands. These seeded promoters were distinct from unmethylated (0-1%) promoters and covered around 448, 702 and 1103 genes in testis, liver and WBC, respectively. Seeded genes were enriched in developmental and differentiation pathways unrelated to that tissue, while unmethylated genes were enriched for housekeeping functions. It is well known that hypermethylation of promoter CpG islands inhibit gene expression but effects of very low levels of methylation have not been studied genome wide. Hence we analyzed ENCODE RNA-seq data for above 3 tissues. Surprisingly, correlation studies between methylation and gene expression identified that both seeded (1-20%) and methylated (20-100%) genes correlated with significantly reduced gene expression compared to unmethylated genes (0-1%). This data suggested that even very low methylation significantly decreases gene expression. To directly test this, we cloned different mammalian promoters into luciferase expression vectors, methylated them in vitro (to 10-20%) and then transfected them into 293T cells. As expected, all the seeded (10-20%) promoter constructs showed significantly reduced luciferase activity establishing that methylation seeds directly decrease gene expression. Importantly, comparison of methylation in WBC using DREAM between normal controls (N = 13), AML (N = 108) or MDS (N = 26) patients identified that seeded CpG sites in normal were 17 fold more frequently hypermethylated (>40% difference) in AML patients than unmethylated CpG sites. (MDS = 80 fold more frequently). This indicates that having low methylation in normal tissues predisposes to gain methylation in cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first genome wide study identifying that very low levels of methylation can affect gene expression and is an important contributor of hypermethylation in leukemias.

Citation Format: Priyanka Madireddi, Jaroslav Jelinek, Justin Lee, Matteo Cesaroni, Rodrigo Rodrigues, Yan Zhang, Jean-Pierre Issa. Low level methylation (1-20%) or methylation seeds is a distinct epigenetic regulator of gene expression and is a strong predictor of methylation gains in AML and MDS patients. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2954. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2954

Analysis of anterior, middle and posterior deltoid activation during single and multijoint exercises

AIM

Although comparison between multi and single joint exercises has been conducted, there is insufficient evidence that these exercises could lead to different muscle activations. The aim of this study was to compare deltoid muscle activation during multi and single joint exercises.

METHODS

Twelve male participants (23.4±1.6 years) with at least one year of strength training experience were assessed performing inclined lat pull-down, reverse peck deck and seated row exercises. Surface electromyography was used to measure activation of anterior, middle and posterior portions of deltoid muscle during each exercise. Deltoid activation was recorded during maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and during dynamic isoinertial exercises of ten maximum repetitions for inclined lateral pull-down, reverse peck deck and seated row.

RESULTS

There was no difference in activation of the anterior portion of deltoid muscle for any of the three exercises (P=0.08). The middle portion presented greater activation during the reverse peck deck (P=0.03) and during the seated row (P=0.03) compared to the inclined lat pull-down. For the posterior portion of deltoid muscle there was greater activation during the reverse peck deck (P=0.001) compared to the seated row and to the inclined lat pull-down.

CONCLUSION

Results indicate that reverse peck deck and seated row should be more appropriate for recruitment of the middle portion of the deltoid muscle than the inclined lat pull-down. Differently, the reverse peck deck should be primarily used rather than the seated row and the lat pull-down for recruitment of the posterior portion of the deltoid muscle.

Construction of an integrated genetic map for Capsicum baccatum L

Capsicum baccatum L. is one of the five Capsicum domesticated species and has multiple uses in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This species is also a valuable source of genes for chili pepper breeding, especially genes for disease resistance and fruit quality. However, knowledge of the genetic structure of C. baccatum is limited. A reference map for C. baccatum (2n = 2x = 24) based on 42 microsatellite, 85 inter-simple sequence repeat, and 56 random amplified polymorphic DNA markers was constructed using an F2 population consisting of 203 individuals. The map was generated using the JoinMap software (version 4.0) and the linkage groups were formed and ordered using a LOD score of 3.0 and maximum of 40% recombination. The genetic map consisted of 12 major and four minor linkage groups covering a total genome distance of 2547.5 cM with an average distance of 14.25 cM between markers. Of the 152 pairs of microsatellite markers available for Capsicum annuum, 62 were successfully transferred to C. baccatum, generating polymorphism. Forty-two of these markers were mapped, allowing the introduction of C. baccatum in synteny studies with other species of the genus Capsicum.

Genetic dissection of agronomic traits in Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum

Genetic mapping is very useful for dissecting complex agronomic traits. Genetic mapping allows for identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL), provide knowledge on a gene position and its adjacent region, and enable prediction of evolutionary mechanisms, in addition to contributing to synteny studies. The aim of this study was to predict genetic values associated with different agronomic traits evaluated in an F2 population of Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum. Previously, a reference genetic map for C. baccatum was constructed, which included 183 markers (42 microsatellite, 85 inter-simple sequence repeat, and 56 random amplification of polymorphic DNA) arranged in 16 linkage groups. The map was used to identify QTL associated with 11 agronomic traits, including plant height, crown diameter, number of days to flowering, days to fruiting, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit pulp thickness, soluble solids, and fruit dry weight. QTL mapping was performed by standard interval mapping. The number of small QTL effects ranged from 3-11, with a total of 61 QTL detected in 9 linkage groups. This is the first report involving QTL analysis for C. baccatum species.

Immediate loading short implants inserted on low bone quantity for the rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla using an All-on-4 design

More studies evaluating the outcome of short-length dental implants in immediate loading are needed. To evaluate the use of short-length tapered implants in immediate loading for complete edentulous maxillae rehabilitations using an All-on-4 design. This retrospective clinical study included a cohort of 43 patients with 172 implants (74 short-length implants) inserted in low bone quantity. The patients were followed between 4 months and 6 years (average = 3 years). Outcome measures were implant survival, marginal bone remodelling, biological and mechanical complications. Two patients with four short-length implants were lost to follow-up during the first year. Three short and three long implants failed in four patients, rendering an overall cumulative survival rate implant and patient level, respectively, of 95.7% and 95.1% for short implants, 100% for regular implants and 96.6% and 95.2% for long implants. The average marginal bone remodelling at 1 and 3 years was 0.97 and 1.25 mm for the short implants, 0.82 and 0.87 mm for regular implants and 0.87 and 0.98 mm for long implants. Three patients presented 4 short-length implants with peri-implant pockets (3 implants in 2 patients were pseudo-pockets). Mechanical complications were registered in 13 patients (7 provisional prostheses fractures and 6 abutment screw loosening). All complications were treated successfully. Within the limitations of this clinical study, the short-term outcome of fixed prosthetic complete edentulous maxillae rehabilitations supported by short-length implants inserted in low bone quantity areas is viable. Long-term clinical studies are necessary for evaluating the outcome of these implants.

Trypsin inhibitors from Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum leaves involved in Pepper yellow mosaic virus resistance

Several plant organs contain proteinase inhibitors, which are produced during normal plant development or are induced upon pathogen attack to suppress the enzymatic activity of phytopathogenic microorganisms. In this study, we examined the presence of proteinase inhibitors, specifically trypsin inhibitors, in the leaf extract of Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum inoculated with PepYMV (Pepper yellow mosaic virus). Leaf extract from plants with the accession number UENF 1624, which is resistant to PepYMV, was collected at 7 different times (0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 h). Seedlings inoculated with PepYMV and control seedlings were grown in a growth chamber. Protein extract from leaf samples was partially purified by reversed-phase chromatography using a C2/C18 column. Residual trypsin activity was assayed to detect inhibitors followed by Tricine-SDS-PAGE analysis to determine the N-terminal peptide sequence. Based on trypsin inhibitor assays, trypsin inhibitors are likely constitutively synthesized in C. baccatum var. pendulum leaf tissue. These inhibitors are likely a defense mechanism for the C. baccatum var. pendulum- PepYMV pathosystem.

Neural and morphological adaptations of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles to isokinetic eccentric training

Vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis (VM) are frequently targeted in conditioning/rehabilitation programs due to their role in patellar stabilization during knee extension. This study assessed neural and muscular adaptations in these two muscles after an isokinetic eccentric training program. Twenty healthy men underwent a four-week control period followed by a 12-week period of isokinetic eccentric training. Ultrasound evaluations of VL and VM muscle thickness at rest and electromyographic evaluations during maximal isometric tests were used to assess the morphological and neural properties, respectively. No morphological and neural changes were found throughout the control period, whereas both muscles showed significant increases in thickness (VL = 6.9%; p < .001 and VM = 15.8%; p < .001) post-training. Significant increases in muscle activity were observed in VM (47.8%; p = .003), but not in VL (19.8%; p > .05) post-training. Isokinetic eccentric training produces neural and greater morphological adaptations in VM compared to VL, which shows that synergistic muscles respond differently to an eccentric isokinetic strength training program

Effects of acute dehydration on neuromuscular responses of exercised and nonexercised muscles after exercise in the heat

Dehydration can impair aerobic performance, but its effects on muscular strength are still unclear. This study evaluated the effect of dehydration induced by cycling in the heat on exercised (knee extensors) and nonexercised (elbow flexors) muscles' strength and activation. Ten healthy recreationally active and nonacclimatized men (age, 22.71 ± 2.21 years old; body mass (BM), 77.94 ± 7.35 kg; height, 1.76 ± 6.46 m; body fat, 18.93 ± 3.01%) cycled in the heat in 2 separate sessions: dehydrated (DHY) and euhydrated (EUH). Dehydrated session led to a 2% BM loss, and water ingestion prevented the water loss in the euhydrated session. Knee extensor and elbow flexor maximal isometric torques and muscle activation were assessed before and after exercising in both sessions. Knee extensor torque decreased 15.8% (p < 0.001; 294.27 ± 44.82-247.16 ± 40.54) in dehydrated session, whereas no significant reduction (2.98%; p = 0.348; 291.99 ± 48.37-281.74 ± 38.65) was observed in the euhydrated session. No significant session-time interaction (p = 0.098) was observed for elbow flexor responses (DHY, 67.51 ± 14.53-62.95 ± 13.60; EUH, 68.26 ± 13.06-67.87 ± 13.89). Muscle activation capacity was unaffected by the hydration status. Maintenance of euhydration state during cycling in the heat may attenuate strength impairments caused by water loss in exercised muscle groups.

Inter-machine reliability of the Biodex and Cybex isokinetic dynamometers for knee flexor/extensor isometric, concentric and eccentric tests

OBJECTIVES

To assess the inter-machine reliability of the Biodex System 3 Pro and Cybex Humac Norm Model 770 dynamometers for knee extensor and knee flexor peak torque measurements in isometric, concentric and eccentric tests.

DESIGN

Randomized/crossover.

SETTING

Exercise Research Laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil).

PARTICIPANTS

25 healthy male subjects.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Isometric, concentric and eccentric knee extensor and knee flexor peak torques recorded in the same test procedure performed on both isokinetic dynamometers. One-way ANOVA, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and coefficient of variation (CV) were used to verify significant differences, relative and absolute reliability between devices.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between tests performed on Biodex and Cybex (p > 0.05). ICC values indicated a high to very high reproducibility for isometric, concentric and eccentric peak torques (0.88-0.92), and moderate to high reliability for agonist-antagonist strength ratios (0.62-0.73). Peak torque did not show great difference between dynamometers for SEM (3.72-11.27 Nm) and CV (5.27-7.77%). Strength ratios presented CV values of 8.57-10.72%.

CONCLUSION

Maximal knee extensor and knee flexor tests performed in isometric (60° of knee flexion), concentric and eccentric modes at 60°/s in Biodex and Cybex dynamometers present similar values.

Clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis associated with different transmission phenotypes induce differential activation of the host immune response (HEM4P.251)

In a Household contact (HHC) study conducted in Brazil, we have categorized “index” cases into High (HT) and Low (LT) transmission groups based on the number of their household contacts testing positive for the tuberculin skin test. A balanced induction of lipid mediators (Leukotriene B4, Prostaglandin E2 and Lipoxin A4) and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is essential for host defenses. Virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains induce an imbalance in host lipid mediators to result in increased TNF production and activation of pro-necrotic pathway in macrophages. As necrosis is associated with increased growth of extracellular bacilli, we hypothesize that Mtb isolates derived from HT index cases exploit the TNF/necrotic axis in macrophages to increase the infectiousness in the index case, while LT isolates reduced necrosis but enhanced intracellular replication. Consistent with this, preliminary analysis of eight isolates confirms significantly higher TNF expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages infected with HT isolates in comparison to LT isolates. All isolates induced similar expression of IL-1β, IL-8 and IL-10. Ongoing experiments are evaluating the lipid mediator response, induction of pro-necrotic pathway, and bacterial growth in cells infected with HT and LT Mtb isolates. Together, the findings will provide insight into the role of Mtb strain variation and the resultant differing host immune response that contributes to their transmission phenotype.

Alterations of ectonucleotidases and acetylcholinesterase activities in lymphocytes of Down syndrome subjects: relation with inflammatory parameters

BACKGROUND

Subjects with Down syndrome (DS) have an increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune disorders. ATP, adenosine, and acetylcholine contribute to the immune response regulation, and NTPDase, adenosine deaminase (ADA) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) are important enzymes in the control of the extracellular levels of these molecules. We evaluated the activities of these enzymes and the cytokine levels in samples of DS individuals.

METHODS

The population consisted of 23 subjects with DS and 23 healthy subjects. Twelve milliliters of blood was obtained from each subject and used for lymphocyte and serum preparation. Lymphocytes were separated on Ficoll density gradients. After isolation, NTPDase and AChE activities were determined.

RESULTS

The NTPDase activity using ADP as substrate was increased in lymphocytes of DS patients compared to control (P<0.05); however, no alterations were observed in the ATP hydrolysis. An increase was observed in the AChE activity in lymphocytes and in ADA activity in serum of DS patients when compared to healthy subjects (P<0.05). In DS subjects, an increase in the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ and a decrease in the IL-10 levels were also observed (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Alterations in the NTPDase, ADA and AChE activities as well changes in the cytokine levels may contribute to immunological alterations observed in DS.

Routine screening of harmful microorganisms in beach sands: implications to public health

Beaches worldwide provide recreational opportunities to hundreds of millions of people and serve as important components of coastal economies. Beach water is often monitored for microbiological quality to detect the presence of indicators of human sewage contamination so as to prevent public health outbreaks associated with water contact. However, growing evidence suggests that beach sand can harbor microbes harmful to human health, often in concentrations greater than the beach water. Currently, there are no standards for monitoring, sampling, analyzing, or managing beach sand quality. In addition to indicator microbes, growing evidence has identified pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi in a variety of beach sands worldwide. The public health threat associated with these populations through direct and indirect contact is unknown because so little research has been conducted relating to health outcomes associated with sand quality. In this manuscript, we present the consensus findings of a workshop of experts convened in Lisbon, Portugal to discuss the current state of knowledge on beach sand microbiological quality and to develop suggestions for standardizing the evaluation of sand at coastal beaches. The expert group at the "Microareias 2012" workshop recommends that 1) beach sand should be screened for a variety of pathogens harmful to human health, and sand monitoring should then be initiated alongside regular water monitoring; 2) sampling and analysis protocols should be standardized to allow proper comparisons among beach locations; and 3) further studies are needed to estimate human health risk with exposure to contaminated beach sand. Much of the manuscript is focused on research specific to Portugal, but similar results have been found elsewhere, and the findings have worldwide implications.

Quality of life in adult intradural primary spinal tumors: 36-Item Short Form Health Survey correlation with McCormick and Aminoff-Logue scales

Object

The most appropriate method to determine the quality of life of patients with intradural primary spinal tumors (IPSTs) is not still well established.

Methods

Clinical data in 234 patients who underwent surgery for intradural spinal disease were collected prospectively. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), a generic score scale, was administered to 148 patients with IPSTs to demonstrate if the survey can be used to effectively evaluate these patients. Forty-eight patients were excluded because they did not complete the protocol. The study was finally conducted with 100 patients (45 male and 55 female) with IPSTs, and the results were compared with those of 2 other scales: the McCormick scale and the Aminoff-Logue scale.

Results

Construct validity was demonstrated by confirming the hypothesized relationship between the scores of the SF-36 and the McCormick scale (p = 0.003), the Aminoff-Logue gait subscale (p = 0.025), the Aminoff-Logue micturition subscale (p = 0.013), and the Aminoff-Logue defecation subscale (p = 0.004). Reliability was demonstrated for all 8 SF-36 domain scales and the Physical Component Summary and the Mental Component Summary of the SF-36, where in each the Cronbach alpha satisfied the Nunnally criterion of > 0.85.

Conclusions

The authors' results demonstrated that SF-36 provides valid and reliable data for patients with IPSTs and that the survey can be used appropriately to evaluate these patients.

Amoebas as mimivirus bunkers: increased resistance to UV light, heat and chemical biocides when viruses are carried by amoeba hosts

Amoebas of the genus Acanthamoeba are protists that are associated with human disease and represent a public health concern. They can harbor pathogenic microorganisms, acting as a platform for pathogen replication. Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus (APMV), the type species of the genus Mimivirus, family Mimiviridae, represents the largest group of amoeba-associated viruses that has been described to date. Recent studies have demonstrated that APMV and other giant viruses may cause pneumonia. Amoebas can survive in most environments and tolerate various adverse conditions, including UV light irradiation, high concentrations of disinfectants, and a broad range of temperatures. However, it is unknown how the amoebal intracellular environment influences APMV stability and resistance to adverse conditions. Therefore, in this work, we evaluated the stability of APMV, either purified or carried by the amoeba host, under extreme conditions, including UV irradiation, heat and exposure to six different chemical biocides. After each treatment, the virus was titrated in amoebas using the TCID50 method. APMV was more stable in all resistance tests performed when located inside its host. Our results demonstrate that Acanthamoeba acts as a natural bunker for APMV, increasing viral resistance to extreme physical and chemical conditions. The data raise new questions regarding the survival of APMV in nature and in hospital environments.

Acute inflammatory response to transgastric natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery peritoneoscopy: an experimental study in swine

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of transgastric peritoneal access on plasma biomarkers of acute inflammatory response in comparison to laparoscopy.

METHODS

This was a prospective and comparative study in a porcine model. Transgastric peritoneal access performed by natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery was compared with laparoscopy. Laparotomy and sham groups were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Thirty-four pigs were assigned to receive transgastric natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (n = 12), laparoscopy (n = 8), laparotomy (n = 8) or a sham procedure involving only anesthesia (n = 6). In the natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery group, peritoneoscopy was performed with a gastroscope via transgastric access. Blood samples were collected at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 24 h after the surgical procedure for measurement of interleukins 1β, 6 and 10 and tumor necrosis factor-α. A complete blood count was performed, and C-reactive protein levels were measured at baseline and at 24 h.

RESULTS

All surgical and endoscopic procedures were performed without major complications. Peritoneal cavity inventory showed no signs of peritonitis in any animal. Interleukin 1β, interleukin 10 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were below the threshold of detection. The mean level of interleukin 6 was statistically significantly higher in the laparotomy group than in the other groups (p<0.05), with no significant differences among the sham, laparoscopy and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery groups (p>0.05). C-reactive protein analysis indicated significant increases in all groups, with no differences among the groups. Complete blood count analysis showed no differences among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the observed interleukin 6 patterns, the systemic inflammatory response resulting from transgastric peritoneal access by natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery is similar in intensity to the response that occurs after laparoscopy.