How do layered double hydroxides evolve? First in situ insights into their synthesis processes

In situ characterisation techniques granted unprecedented experimental access to the formation dynamics of carbonate-intercalated Mg2+/Al3+ LDHs.

P11.12 Periostin is expressed by pericytes and is crucial for angiogenesis in glioma

BACKGROUND

The expression of the matricellular protein periostin has recently been associated with glioma progression and angiogenesis. The aim of the present study was to identify the cellular source of periostin expression in human gliomas and to study the role of periostin in an in vitro model for angiogenesis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The expression of periostin in various types and grades of brain tumors was investigated at the genetics level by RT-PCR and at the protein level by immunohistochemistry. In addition, the expression of periostin in glioma samples was studied by double labeling and in situ RNA techniques. Subsequently, by silencing periostin in a 3D in vitro angiogenesis model, its effects on angiogenesis were studied.

RESULTS

Periostin RNA and protein expression was found to be elevated in pilocytic astrocytoma and glioblastoma, but not in grade II/III astrocytomas. The expression of periostin co-localized with PDGFRβ + cells, but not with Olig2+ / Sox2+ glioma stem cells. Silencing of periostin in pericytes resulted in the attenuation of the number and the length of the vessels, and in decrease in the number of vessel junctions formed.

CONCLUSION

The results prove that pericytes are the main source of periostin in human gliomas. We demonstrate that periostin plays an essential role in the growth and branching of blood vessels. Therefore, periostin and / or its molecular interactions should be explored as a novel target for developing a new anti-angiogenic therapy for glioma.

P11.10 The IFNγ pathway mediates brain metastasis formation of breast cancer

BACKGROUND

In previous work we showed the prominence of the T-cell response in the formation of brain metastases of primary ER negative breast cancers (Mustafa et al, Acta Neuropathol 2018). We also showed that breast cancer cells co-cultured with stimulated T lymphocytes overexpress Guanylate-binding protein 1 (GBP1) accompanying increased trespassing ability through an in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) model. In addition, we demonstrated a predilection for metastasizing to brain of breast cancer cells that were co-cultured with activated T cells in a mouse model. We now scrutinize the importance of the IFNγ pathway for tresspassing of the tumor cells through the BBB following T cell contact.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Anti-hIFN-γ-IgA antibodies were used to neutralize the IFNγ effects on the tumor cells. The effects on the tumor cells is only due to native IFNγ produced by activated T cells, not by recombinant IFNγ. Since the IFNγ expression itself enhances its expression by the T cells, we blocked IFNγ receptors prior to adding CD3+ T cell conditioned media to the breast cancer cells. The receptor blocking was achieved by antibodies to the IFNγα and IFNγβ subunits. Activation of the STAT1 pathway was monitored by GBP1 expression. For functional read-out the in vitro BBB model was used.

RESULTS

The presence of T-lymphocyte-secreted IFNγ in the primary breast cancer microenvironment activates the STAT1-dependent IFNγ pathway in breast cancer cells, endowing them with an increased ability to trespass the in vitro BBB. Moreover, direct inhibition of soluble IFNγ, or blocking of the IFNγ-specific receptor in breast cancer cells significantly decreases their ability to cross the BBB.

CONCLUSION

The results illustrate the specific action of T lymphocytes in the formation of cerebral metastasis involves the IFNγ signaling pathway as one of the crucial entangled pathways Subsequent studies should aim at the interference with the IFNγ pathway to develop preventive strategies against the formation of cerebral metastases of breast cancer.

P11.11 Circulating Pro-Angiogenic Cells and Proteins in Patients with Glioma and Acute Myocardial Infarction: Differences in Neovascularization between Neoplasia and Tissue Regeneration

BACKGROUND

Although extensive angiogenesis takes place in glial tumors, anti-angiogenic therapies have remained without the expected success. In the peripheral circulation of glioma patients increased numbers of endothelial precursor cells (EPCs) are present, potentially offering targets for anti-angiogenic therapy (Zheng et al., Ann Neurol, 2007). However, for an anti-angiogenic therapy to be successful, the therapy should specifically target glioma-related EPC subsets and secreted factors. Here we compared the EPC subsets and plasma factors in the peripheral circulation of patients with gliomas to acute myocardial infarctions (representing fysiologic regeneration).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We investigated the five most important EPC subsets and 21 angiogenesis-related plasma factors in peripheral blood samples of 29 patients with glioma, 14 patients with myocardial infarction and 20 healthy people as controls, by an advanced FACS protocol (Huizer et al., PlosOne 2018) and Luminex assay.

RESULTS

In GBM patients all EPC subsets were elevated as compared to healthy subjects. In addition, HPC and KDR+ cell fractions were higher than in MI, while CD133+ and KDR+CD133+ cell fractions were lower. There were differences in relative EPC fractions between the groups: KDR+ cells were the largest fraction in GBM while CD133+ cells were the largest fraction in MI. An increase in glioma malignancy grade coincided with an increase in the KDR+ fraction while the CD133+ cell fraction decreased relatively. Most plasma angiogenic factors were higher in GBM than MI patients. In both MI and GBM, the ratio of CD133+ HPCs correlated significantly with elevated levels of MMP9. In the GBM patients MMP9 correlated strongly with levels of all HPCs.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the data demonstrate that EPC traffic in patients with glioma is different from that in normal tissue regeneration. Therefore, the effects of glioma extent beyond the brain, and future therapies aimed at lowering KDR+ cells and HPCs may add to effective treatment.

Clinical and demographic features of burn injuries in karachi: a six-year experience at the burns centre, civil hospital, Karachi

Burn injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with 195,000 deaths annually. This study was conducted to identify the demographics of burn victims and the effect of different variables on the outcome of their injuries. 4016 patients admitted to the Burns Centre, Civil Hospital Karachi from January 2006 to December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographics, burn injury details and their outcome were recorded in a pre-designed questionnaire. Injuries were categorized as: fire, chemical, scald or electrical. To estimate total body surface area (TBSA) burned in adults, the rule of nines was used. For children and infants, the Lund-Browder chart was employed. SPSS v16.0 software was used for analysis. Frequencies and percentages of all variables, and the measure of central tendencies and dispersion for continuous variables were calculated. Cross tabs were used to assess mortality. Mean age was 28.13 years. More than half of the cases (n=2337, 58.2%) were aged between 16-30 years. Labourers, housewives and students were the most commonly affected groups. Burn injuries by flame/fire and electricity were most common. Most cases were accidental, followed by suicide attempts and homicides. Mean percentage of TBSA affected was 35.49%. Mean duration of hospital stay was 16.45 days. 50.6% of the expired cases were females. The mean age of expired patients was 30.07 while for patients who survived it was 27.01 years. The outcome of burn injuries is related to various demographic factors. Female gender, increasing age, burn injuries following suicide attempts and greater surface area involvement predict poor outcome.

Eu@COK-16, a host sensitized, hybrid luminescent metal–organic framework

Host sensitized Eu@COK-16 demonstrates a novel strategy for material design combining the advantages of luminescent MOFs with those of luminescent host–guest materials.

The dental health and caries-related microflora in children with craniosynostosis

OBJECTIVE

To compare levels of dental caries, bacterial dental plaque, gingivitis, enamel defects, and caries-related microflora in children with and without craniosynostosis.

STUDY GROUP

Fifty-seven children with craniosynostosis and their matched controls.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The decayed, missing, and filled teeth and surfaces in both the deciduous (dmfs and dmft) and the permanent dentition (DMFS and DMFT). The plaque and gingivitis scores and developmental enamel defects were also recorded. The caries-related microflora was sampled using an alginate swab and the prevalence of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus and Candida species were recorded.

RESULTS

The dmfs (p <.02) and dmft (p <.01) were significantly greater in the control children. The plaque score for the deciduous dentition only (p <.02) and also the gingivitis score for the permanent teeth only (p <.008) in the craniosynostosis group were significantly greater. The total aerobic bacterial count (p <.004), anaerobic count (p <.002), and Candida count (p <.05) were significantly greater in the control group. The proportion of S. mutans both as a percentage of the total anaerobic count (p <.04) and the total streptococcal count (p <.05) was significantly greater in the control group.

Hycanthone therapy in selected patients with S. mansoni and S. haematobium infections in the Sudan

The results of a clinical trial of hycanthone in 601 selected Sudanese patients with S. mansoni and S. haematobium infections are reported. Hycanthone was given as a single intramuscular injection at a dose of 3.0 mg per kilogramme body weight. The commonest side effects were nausea and vomiting which occurred in 35 per cent and 32 per cent respectively. No incidence of acute hepatic damage and no deaths were encountered. About one third of patients reported for follow-up. Cure rate for S. mansoni was 90 per cent at 6 weeks of treatment and 97 per cent at three months and six months, while for S. haematobium infection it was 82 per cent at 6 weeks and 91 per cent at 3 months and 6 months. A significant reduction in egg excretion was achieved in those who were not cured.

Louse-borne relapsing fever: II. Combined penicillin and tetracycline therapy in 160 Sudanese patients

One hundred and sixty patients with louse-borne relapsing fever were treated with a combination therapy of procaine penicillin and tetracycline. Fortified procaine penicillin B.P. was given as 400,000 units in the first day. This was followed the next day by 2 g tetracycline orally in divided doses for seven days. A mild rise in temperature was observed in 22 (13-7%) patients within four hours of administering penicillin. Rigors and hypotension occurred in one patient. Relapse occurred in two patients, of whom one had concomitant typhoid and one visceral leishmaniasis. The combined therapy has been found to be effective and safe. It lacks the disadvantages of penicillin (relapses) and tetracycline (severe reaction), when each drug is used alone.

Louse-borne relapsing fever: I. A clinical and laboratory study of 363 cases in the Sudan

Louse-borne relapsing fever seems to have become endemic in the southern Sudan. The epidemic history of the disease in the Sudan is reviewed. We have studied 363 Sudanese patients involved in an outbreak of louse-borne relapsing fever in Khartoum (Sudan) between January and June 1974. 318 of the 363 patients were new immigrants from the soughern Sudan to Khartoum. The clinical presentation varied. The common clinical fetures of the disease were: fever (94%), headache (85%), hepatosplenomegaly (74%), body and joint pains (66%), abdominal pain and tenderness (63%), jaundice (46%) and epistaxis (40%). Thrombocytopenia was common. Biochemical evidence of hepatocellular and renal damage was present in most patients. The mortality rate was 5-5% with treatment. Post-mortem examination was performed on six cases. The organs predominantly involved were the liver, spleen, brain and lungs. The common causes of death were severe hepatic damage, lobar pneumonia, subarachnoid haemorrhage and splenic rupture.

Sickle-cell haemoglobin O disease in a Sudanese family

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