Association of Wilms tumor-1 protein in urinary exosomes with kidney injury: a population-based cross-sectional study

Objective

Loss of Wilms tumor-1 (WT1) protein, a podocytopathy marker, through urine exosome (uE), could be an early indication of kidney injury. We examined WT1 in uE (uE-WT1), along with other urine markers of glomerular and kidney tubule injury, in individuals without chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methodology

The cross-sectional study included individuals who reported having no evidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were used to assess kidney function. eGFR was calculated using the 2009 CKD-EPI (CKD-Epidemiological) equation. WT1 was analyzed in uE from humans and Wistar rats (before and after the 9th week of diabetes, n = 20). uE-WT1, urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were estimated using ELISA. The Kruskal-Wallis H test, Mann-Whitney U test, and stepwise multivariable linear regression were performed.

Results

Urine NGAL and ACR increase with uE-WT1 quartiles (n = 146/quarter). Similarly, uE-WT1, KIM-1, and NGAL were positively associated with ACR. Furthermore, KIM-1, NGAL, and uE-WT1 correlated with ACR. uE-WT1 outperformed KMI-1 and NGAL to explain ACR variability (25% vs. 6% or 9%, respectively). Kidney injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was associated with a significant rise in uE-WT1. Moreover, the findings were confirmed by the histopathology of kidney tissues from rats.

Conclusion

uE-WT1 was strongly associated with kidney function in rats. In individuals without CKD, uE-WT1 outperformed NGAL as a determinant of differences in ACR.

Liver or kidney: Who has the oar in the gluconeogenesis boat and when?

Gluconeogenesis is an endogenous process of glucose production from non-carbohydrate carbon substrates. Both the liver and kidneys express the key enzymes necessary for endogenous glucose production and its export into circulation. We would be remiss to add that more recently gluconeogenesis has been described in the small intestine, especially under high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets. The contribution of the liver glucose release, the net glucose flux, towards systemic glucose is already well known. The liver is, in most instances, the primary bulk contributor due to the sheer size of the organ (on average, over 1 kg). The contribution of the kidney (at just over 100 g each) to endogenous glucose production is often under-appreciated, especially on a weight basis. Glucose is released from the liver through the process of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. Renal glucose release is almost exclusively due to gluconeogenesis, which occurs in only a fraction of the cells in that organ (proximal tubule cells). Thus, the efficiency of glucose production from other carbon sources may be superior in the kidney relative to the liver or at least on the level. In both these tissues, gluconeogenesis regulation is under tight hormonal control and depends on the availability of substrates. Liver and renal gluconeogenesis are differentially regulated under various pathological conditions. The impact of one source vs the other changes, based on post-prandial state, acid-base balance, hormonal status, and other less understood factors. Which organ has the oar (is more influential) in driving systemic glucose homeostasis is still in-conclusive and likely changes with the daily rhythms of life. We reviewed the literature on the differences in gluconeogenesis regulation between the kidneys and the liver to gain an insight into who drives the systemic glucose levels under various physiological and pathological conditions.

Stress signaling and STAT1 activation characterize the keratinocytic gene expression pattern in Hidradenitis suppurativa

BACKGROUND

The pathogenetic factors generating the innate immune signal necessary for T cell activation, initiation and chronification of Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS, also known as Acne inversa) are still poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggests that a defective keratinocyte function critically contributes to HS disease development and progression.

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the role of keratinocytes in HS lesion formation, we compared the transcriptomes of lesional and perilesional epidermis isolated from HS patients by RNA sequencing (RNA Seq).

METHODS

Pairwise-matched lesional and perilesional HS skin samples of five different donors were obtained and epidermal keratinocytes freshly isolated and processed for RNA extraction and RNA seq. Lesionally regulated genes were analyzed by large scale promotor analysis and functional annotation clustering to identify epidermally overrepresented transcription factor binding sites and functionally related gene groups. Results were experimentally validated with independent epidermal isolates of patient-matched lesional and perilesional HS skin employing qRT-PCR, cell culture, immunoblot, and immunostaining.

RESULTS

We show that HS is characterized by a strong epidermal stress state evident by a significant overrepresentation of an AP-1-driven gene signature and a substantial activation of the stress-activated cJun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway in lesional epidermis. Additionally, our data reveal a strong induction of STAT1 activation in lesional HS epidermis that likely results from IFNγ production and triggered expression of key inflammatory genes coordinating innate immune activation and the adaptive T cell response in HS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data implicate a key role of stress signaling and JAK/STAT1 activation in disease progression of HS and suggest interference with JAK/STAT1 signaling as a potentially promising therapeutic approach for HS.

An In-Silico Approach to Identify Therapeutic Target and Markers Associated with Diabetic Nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Renal disease in T2DM could arise independent of hyperglycemia, aka non diabetic kidney disease. Their prevalence ranges from 33%to72.5% among T2DM patients. Specific molecular signatures that distinguish Diabetic Nephropathy from NDKD (FSGS) in T2DM might provide new targets for CKD management.

METHODS

Five original GEO microarray DN and FSGS datasets were evaluated (GSE111154, GSE96804, GSE125779, GSE129973 and GSE121233). Each of the three groups (DN, FSGS, and Controls) had equal renal transcriptome data (n=32) included in the analysis to eliminate bias. The DEGs were identified using TAC4.0. Pathway analysis was performed on the discovered genes that aligned to official gene symbols using Reactome, followed by functional gene enrichment analysis using Funrich,Enrichr. STRING and Network analyst investigated PPI, followed by Webgestalt's pathway enrichment. Finally, using the Targetscan7.0 and DIANA tools, filtered differential microRNAs downregulated in DN were evaluated for target identification.

RESULT

Between the three groups, DN, FSGS, and Control, a total of 194 DEGs. with foldchange >2&<-2 and P-value0.01 were found in the renal transcriptome. In comparison to control, 45 genes were elevated particularly in DN, whereas 43 were upregulated specifically in FSGS. DN datasets were compared to FSGS in a separate analysis. FABP4, EBF1, ADIRF, and ART4 were shown to be among the substantially up-regulated genes unique to DN in both analyses. The transcriptional regulation of white adipocytes was discovered by a pathway analysis.

CONCLUSION

The molecular markers revealed might be employed as specific targets in the aetiology of DN, as well as in T2DM patients' therapeutic care.

Prioritization of factors and selection of best business practice from bio-medical waste generated using best–worst method

Purpose

Hospital activities restore health and save lives; yet they produce infectious waste that might harm people and the environment if not handled carefully. The sudden increase in bio-medical waste (BMW) generation was caused due to the outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the beginning of year 2020. There is a huge potential of businesses from BMW generated in the developing economies. The document destruction process would prove to be beneficial in determining the strategies and policies for the business from BMW. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate the factors that influence the business prospects from BMW in developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study focuses on identifying 18 factors based on an extensive literature review, questionnaire, theoretical foundations and interviews with experts in the context of developing economies. These factors are categorized into four groups namely “Culture, education and microeconomics”, “Infrastructure, social provision, and technology”, “Policy and institution” and “Integrated waste management system”. Consequently, these factors are prioritized to assist the decision-maker in comprehending the most critical aspects of accomplishing the best business practices. A framework based on the Best–Worst Method (BWM) is applied to evaluate and determine the significance of each identified factor.

Findings

The major contribution of this paper is to identify key factors that are responsible for successful implementation of the business practices from the generated BMW. The study also explains their nature, significance and inter-relationship among them using BWM. Current study applied a distinctive modeling approach to examine the contextual relationship among the key factors and to rank them as per their importance. The findings of the study suggest that “Setup for collection and segregation is the best alternative for business from BMW produced”.

Originality/value

The paper also presents strategies, which can be adopted as a guiding step by the decision-makers to formulate policies for the effective business practice from BMW. This research is expected to stimulate future applications of the BWM to facilitate long-term decision-making.

Circulating Placental Alkaline Phosphatase Expressing Exosomes in Maternal Blood Showed Temporal Regulation of Placental Genes

Background: Analysis of placental genes could unravel maternal-fetal complications. However, inaccessibility to placental tissue during early pregnancy has limited this effort. We tested if exosomes (Exo) released by human placenta in the maternal circulation harbor crucial placental genes. Methods: Placental alkaline phosphate positive exosomes (ExoPLAP) were enriched from maternal blood collected at the following gestational weeks; 6-8th (T1), 12-14th (T2), 20-24th (T3), and 28th-32nd (T4). Nanotracking analysis, electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and immunoblotting were used for characterization. We used microarray for transcriptome and quantitative PCR (qPCR) for gene analysis in ExoPLAP. Results: Physical characterization and presence of CD63 and CD9 proteins confirmed the successful ExoPLAP enrichment. Four of the selected 36 placental genes did not amplify in ExoPLAP, while 32 showed regulations (n = 3-8/time point). Most genes in ExoPLAP showed significantly lower expression at T2-T4, relative to T1 (p < 0.05), such as NOS3, TNFSF10, OR5H6, APOL3, and NEDD4L. In contrast, genes, such as ATF6, NEDD1, and IGF2, had significantly higher expression at T2-T4 relative to T1. Unbiased gene profiling by microarray also confirmed expression of above genes in ExoPLAP-transcriptome. In addition, repeated measure ANOVA showed a significant change in the ExoPLAP transcriptome from T2 to T4 (n = 5/time point). Conclusion: Placental alkaline phosphate positive exosomes transcriptome changed with gestational age advancement in healthy women. The transcriptome expressed crucial placental genes involved in early embryonic development, such as actin cytoskeleton organization, appropriate cell positioning, DNA replication, and B-cell regulation for protecting mammalian fetuses from rejection. Thus, ExoPLAP in maternal blood could be a promising source to study the placental genes regulation for non-invasive monitoring of placental health.

Neuronal inclusions resembling Negri bodies in the thalamus of a red kangaroo (Macropus rufus)

Eosinophilic intracytoplasmic neuronal inclusions resembling Negri bodies, but not associated with lyssaviral infection, were detected in the ventrolateral thalamus of a young-adult, male red kangaroo (Macropus rufus). Similar neuronal inclusions, also with a regional distribution in the brain, have been reported as an incidental, possibly age-related finding in other animal species.

Functional imaging of tumor vasculature using iodine and gadolinium-based nanoparticle contrast agents: a comparison of spectral micro-CT using energy integrating and photon counting detectors

Advances in computed tomography (CT) hardware have propelled the development of novel CT contrast agents. In particular, the spectral capabilities of x-ray CT can facilitate simultaneous imaging of multiple contrast agents. This approach is particularly useful for functional imaging of solid tumors by simultaneous visualization of multiple targets or architectural features that govern cancer development and progression. Nanoparticles are a promising platform for contrast agent development. While several novel imaging moieties based on high atomic number elements are being explored, iodine (I) and gadolinium (Gd) are particularly attractive because of their existing approval for clinical use. In this work, we investigate the in vivo discrimination of I and Gd nanoparticle contrast agents using both dual energy micro-CT with energy integrating detectors (DE-EID) and photon counting detector (PCD)-based spectral micro-CT. Simulations and phantom experiments were performed using varying concentrations of I and Gd to determine the imaging performance with optimized acquisition parameters. Quantitative spectral micro-CT imaging using liposomal-iodine (Lip-I) and liposomal-Gd (Lip-Gd) nanoparticle contrast agents was performed in sarcoma bearing mice for anatomical and functional imaging of tumor vasculature. Iterative reconstruction provided high sensitivity to detect and discriminate relatively low I and Gd concentrations. According to the Rose criterion applied to the experimental results, the detectability limits for I and Gd were approximately 2.5 mg ml^-1 for both DE-EID CT and PCD micro-CT, even if the radiation dose was approximately 3.8 times lower with PCD micro-CT. The material concentration maps confirmed expected biodistributions of contrast agents in the blood, liver, spleen and kidneys. The PCD provided lower background signal and better simultaneous visualization of tumor vasculature and intratumoral distribution patterns of nanoparticle contrast agent compared to DE-EID decompositions. Preclinical spectral CT systems such as this could be useful for functional characterization of solid tumors, simultaneous quantitative imaging of multiple targets and for identifying clinically-relevant applications that benefit from the use of spectral imaging. Additionally, it could aid in the development nanoparticles that show promise in the developing field of cancer theranostics (therapy and diagnostics) by measuring vascular tumor biomarkers such as fractional blood volume and the delivery of liposomal chemotherapeutics.

Abstract P4-01-26: Circulating cell-free DNA in serum as a marker for the early detection of tumor recurrence in breast cancer patients

Background: Quantitative estimation of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) isolated from serum by noninvasive procedures can serve as a potential biomarker for the early detection of many cancers. However, a simple, straightforward technique is unavailable to estimate the cfDNA in clinical labs. Moreover, the prognostic value of cfDNA in patients with breast cancer (BrCa) is currently under debate. The aim of this study was to develop a simple yet effective quantitative method for measuring the cfDNA in serum and to eventually investigate the relationship between cfDNA and the occurrence of recurrence in BrCa patients.

Methods: A total of 240 patient cases (n=240) were selected and are comprised of different subtypes of breast cancer patients and control individuals. We selected 21 serum samples from patients which showed recurrence after 4-7 years of disease-free survival. For the compare studies, each of the recurrent and non-recurrent serum samples was incubated with the SYBR Green I (2 μM). A standard graph was also made with known DNA concentration to calculate the amount of cfDNA in these recurrent and non-recurrent serum samples. Additionally, a comparative study was also performed with the serum of patients with non-recurrent BrCa versus healthy patients.

Results: We develop a simple fluorescent based measuring technique which can easily estimate the cfDNA in one step. SYBR Green binds to DNA, and as a result, the fluorescence of SYBR Green increases substantially. Global Wilcoxon analyses were performed to compare the cfDNA amount between non-recurrent and recurrent patients. There is a significant difference in fluorescent intensities between recurrent patients' samples versus non-recurrent patients which are directly proportional to the cfDNA levels. The amount of cfDNA is higher in recurrent patient (ratio is 1.3 up; p= 0.03; AUC=0.76) compared to similar non-recurrent patients. While we compared the fluorescence data between normal/healthy patients versus non-recurrent is turned out as non-significant (healthy to non-recurrent ratio = 1.03; p= 0.20, AUC=0.61).

Conclusion: In this current study, we developed a straightforward one-step technique to measure the amount of cfDNA in serum, which can easily translate into a clinical diagnostic tool. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report which demonstrates serum cfDNA as an early detection marker for recurrent breast cancer patients. The relatively high level of cfDNA in the serum of recurrent breast cancer patients compared to non-recurrent breast cancer patients indicates an uncovered circulating genetic information which triggers the cancer recurrence pathway to relapse cancer in the near future.

Citation Format: Bera A, Eidelman O, Russ E, Landa A, Karaian J, Eklund M, Hu H, Pollard HB, Shriver CD, Srivastava M. Circulating cell-free DNA in serum as a marker for the early detection of tumor recurrence in breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-01-26.

Cyclin E and FGF8 are downstream cell growth regulators in distinct tumor suppressor effects of ANXA7 in hormone-resistant cancer cells of breast versus prostate origin

Tumor suppressor function of Annexin-A7 (ANXA7) was demonstrated by cancer-prone phenotype in Anxa7(+/-) mice and ANXA7 profiling in human cancers including prostate and breast. Consistent with its more evident in vivo tumor suppressor role in prostate cancer, wild-type(wt)-ANXA7 in vitro induced similar G2-arrests, but reduced survival more drastically in prostate cancer cells compared to breast cancer cells (DU145 versus MDA-MB-231 and -435). In all three hormone-resistant cancer cell lines, wt-ANXA7 abolished the expression of the oncogenic low-molecular weight (LMW) cyclin E which was for the first time encountered in prostate cancer cells. Dominant-negative nMMM-ANXA7 (which lacks phosphatidylserine liposome aggregation properties) failed to abrogate LMW-cyclin E and simultaneously induced fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) in DU145 that was consistent with the continuing cell cycle progression and reduced cell death. Adenoviral vector alone induced FGF8 in MDA-MB-231/435 cell lines, but not in DU145 cells. Our data indicated that the LMW-Cyclin E expressions in breast cancer and prostate cancer cell-lines were differentially regulated by wild-type and dominant-negative ANXA7 isoforms, demonstrating a different survival mechanism utilized by breast cancer cells. Conventional tumor suppressor p53 failed to completely abolish FGF8 and LMW-cyclin E in breast cancer cells, which were eventually translated into their survival. Thus, ANXA7 tumor suppression could modulate FGF8 and cyclin E expression, and control implying more specific associations with the annexin properties of ANXA7 in prostate tumorigenesis.

ZnxFe3−xO4 (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) nanoparticles for controlled magnetic hyperthermia application

Stable temperature was attained during magnetic hyperthermia by Zn substituted magnetite nanoparticles.

Iron doped β-Tricalcium phosphate: Synthesis, characterization, hyperthermia effect, biocompatibility and mechanical evaluation

The ability of β-Tricalcium phosphate [β-TCP, β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂] to host iron at its structural lattice and its associated magnetic susceptibility, hyperthermia effect, biocompatibility and mechanical characteristics is investigated. The studies revealed the ability of β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂ to host 5.02mol% of Fe³⁺ at its Ca²⁺(5) site. Excess Fe³⁺ additions led to the formation of trigonal Ca₉Fe(PO₄)₇ and moreover a minor amount of CaFe₃(PO₄)₃O crystallization was also observed. A gradual increment in the iron content at β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂ results in the simultaneous effect of pronounced hyperthermia effect and mechanical stability. However, the presence of CaFe₃(PO₄)₃O contributes for the reduced hyperthermia effect and mechanical stability of iron substituted β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂. Haemolytic tests, cytotoxicity tests and ALP gene expression analysis confirmed the biocompatibility of the investigated systems.

Talking to children about their HIV status: a review of available resources, tools, and models for improving and promoting pediatric disclosure

As children living with HIV (CLHIV) grow into adolescence and adulthood, caregivers and healthcare providers are faced with the sensitive challenge of when to disclose to a CLHIV his or her HIV status. Despite WHO recommendations for CLHIV to know their status, in countries most affected by HIV, effective resources are often limited, and national guidance on disclosure is often lacking. To address the need for effective resources, gray and scientific literature was searched to identify existing tools and resources that can aid in the disclosure process. From peer-reviewed literature, seven disclosure models from six different countries were identified. From the gray literature, 23 resources were identified including children's books (15), job aides to assist healthcare providers (5), and videos (3). While these existing resources can be tailored to reflect local norms and used to aid in the disclosure process, careful consideration must be taken in order to avoid damaging disclosure practices.

Structural analysis and magnetic induced hyperthermia of Fe3+and Mn2+substituted β-Ca3(PO4)2

Fe³⁺/Mn²⁺co-substitutions in β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂elicit a good hyperthermia effect and biocompatible features.

ZrxFe3−xO4 (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) nanoparticles: a possible magnetic in vivo switch

AC field controlled temperature during magnetic hyperthermia for ZrxFe_3−xO₄ (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) based ferrofluids. The unexpected behavior observed despite their high magnetization (~50 Am² kg⁻¹) and Curie temperature (T_C > 300 °C).

Homology and enzymatic requirements of microhomology-dependent alternative end joining

Nonhomologous DNA end joining (NHEJ) is one of the major double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways in higher eukaryotes. Recently, it has been shown that alternative NHEJ (A-NHEJ) occurs in the absence of classical NHEJ and is implicated in chromosomal translocations leading to cancer. In the present study, we have developed a novel biochemical assay system utilizing DSBs flanked by varying lengths of microhomology to study microhomology-mediated alternative end joining (MMEJ). We show that MMEJ can operate in normal cells, when microhomology is present, irrespective of occurrence of robust classical NHEJ. Length of the microhomology determines the efficiency of MMEJ, 5 nt being obligatory. Using this biochemical approach, we show that products obtained are due to MMEJ, which is dependent on MRE11, NBS1, LIGASE III, XRCC1, FEN1 and PARP1. Thus, we define the enzymatic machinery and microhomology requirements of alternative NHEJ using a well-defined biochemical system.

Rapid profiling and structural characterization of bioactive compounds and their distribution in different parts of Berberis petiolaris Wall. ex G. Don applying hyphenated mass spectrometric techniques

RATIONALE

Berberis petiolaris Wall. is a lesser known medicinal plant, belonging to the family Berberidaceae. The genus Berberis is known for many biological activities such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheal, etc. There are not many reports of the isolation of components from Berberis petiolaris. This study aims to seek identification, characterization and quantification of components.

METHODS

A method was developed for rapid screening of phytochemicals using high-pressure liquid chromatography hyphenated with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS/MS). Suitable collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry (CID-MS/MS) methods were developed for structural investigation of alkaloids, flavanoids and other classes of compounds using nine reference standards for authentication. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) methods were developed for quantitative study of five constituents using triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry (UPLC/QqLIT-MS/MS).

RESULTS

On the basis of HPLC retention behavior and fragmentation pathways obtained by high-resolution MS and MS/MS, 32 compounds were identified and characterized in different parts of Berberis petiolaris. Quantitative studies of chlorogenic acid, magnoflorine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine and berberine were also completed successfully.

CONCLUSIONS

Rapid and accurate HPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and UPLC/ESI-QqLIT-MS/MS methods were established for identification, characterization and quantification of phytochemicals in the ethanolic extract of Berberis petiolaris. These methods, therefore, can be used for studies on phytochemical variation in different parts of the plant. Principle components analysis (PCA) may be used for plant part discrimination.

Formulation development of novel in situ nanoemulgel (NEG) of ketoprofen for the treatment of periodontitis

The aim of the present study was to formulate and evaluate in situ gelling syringeable nanoemulgels (NEGs) of ketoprofen for periodontal delivery. Application of 3-factor 3-level design was employed using the Box-Behnken experimental design for the optimization of nanoemulsion using three independent variables such as percent concentration (v/v) of oil (X1), S mix (mixture of surfactant and cosurfactant) (X2) and water (X3); while the particle size (nm) (Y1), polydispersity index (Y2) and zeta potential (mV) (Y3) were used as dependent variables. The NEG was evaluated based on their drug content, pH measurement, mucoadhesion on the goat buccal mucosa, syringeability and inverted sol-gel transition temperature. The drug release data were analyzed for curve fitting based on the Korsmeyer-Peppas law, and the n-values of optimized A5 and A8 formulations were found 0.3721 and 0.3932, respectively, confirmed that both the formulations followed pseudo Fickian diffusion (n < 0.43). The formulation A8 with the optimal drug release was identified as the best NEG formulation. Results of rheological, mucoadhesion and syringeability studies showed the suitability of desired sol-gel property for periodontal drug delivery. The Herschel-Bulkley model was the best fit model to explain the flow behavior of optimized formulation. Using the HET-CAM method, significantly lower in vitro toxicity was indicated the suitability of developed NEG for intra-pocket delivery.

ERG rearrangement and protein expression in the progression to castration-resistant prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Approximately half of the prostate carcinomas are characterized by a chromosomal rearrangement fusing the androgen-regulated gene TMPRSS2 to the oncogenic ETS transcription factor ERG. Aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze the role and impact of the ERG rearrangement and protein expression on the progression to castration-resistant (CR) disease.

METHODS

We used a tissue microarray (TMA) constructed from 114 hormone naive (HN) and 117 CR PCs. We analyzed the ERG rearrangement status by fluorescence in situ hybridization and the expression profiles of ERG, androgen receptor (AR) and the proliferation marker Ki67 by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Nearly half of the PC tissue specimens (HN: 38%, CR: 46%) harbored a TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion. HN PCs with positive translocation status showed increased tumor cell proliferation (P<0.05). As expected, TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion was strongly associated with increased ERG protein expression in HN and CR PCs (both P<0.0001). Remarkably, the study revealed a subgroup (26%) of CR PCs with ERG rearrangement but without any detectable ERG protein expression. This subgroup showed significantly lower levels of AR protein expression and androgen-regulated serum PSA (both P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we identified a subgroup of ERG-rearranged CR PCs without detectable ERG protein expression. Our results suggest that this subgroup could represent CR PCs with a dispensed AR pathway. These tumors might represent a thus far unrecognized subset of patients with AR-independent CR PC who may not benefit from conventional therapy directed against the AR pathway.

(22)Na influx is significantly lower in salt tolerant groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) varieties

Distinct varieties differing in salt tolerance were initially identified from two separate green house experiments using two systems; solution as well as soil culture. The first screening involved a diverse group of 27 cultivars. Several physiological traits; Chlorophyll Stability Index (CSI), Salt Tolerance Index (STI) and ion content were determined to screen the cultivars for differences in salt tolerance using solution culture in the first experiment. A set of six varieties (three tolerant and three susceptible) were selected from this experiment and then subjected again to salt stress adopting a natural soil system in the second experiment which involved a screening approach essentially similar to that of the first experiment. In the third experiment using two distinct cultivars differing in salt tolerance selected from experiment II, (22)Na influx rate was determined in the root and shoot at the end of a 24 h salt imposition in Hoagland's nutrient system containing 180 KBq of (22)Na. The results suggested that there were distinct differences in (22)Na influx rate into root and concurrently in the shoot. The salt tolerant Spanish improved and one of the moderately tolerant Trombay variety TAG 24, showed good regulation of (22)Na influx resulting in low (22)Na concentration. The salt susceptible variety JSP39 had nearly 7-8 fold higher root (22)Na content as compared to the tolerant and moderately tolerant cultivars. The results have highlighted the importance of Na exclusion as an important determinant of salt tolerance in groundnut.

Psittacid herpesvirus 3 infection in the eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus) in Australia

Psittacid herpesvirus 3 (PsHV-3) has recently been implicated as the cause of a severe respiratory disease in Bourke's parrots (Neopsephotus bourkii) in the United States. In this report, the clinical manifestations and gross and microscopic lesions of PsHV-3 infection in 2 eclectus parrots (Eclectus roratus) in Australia are described. The presence of a PsHV-3 infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of PsHV-3 DNA using degenerate and PsHV-3 primers. Electron microscopy of infected cells demonstrated the assembly of herpesvirus virions as well as intranuclear tubular structures. The detection of PsHV-3 in Australia in 2 eclectus parrots broadens the list of known affected species and confirms the presence of this virus in Australia.

IgG subclass responses to proinflammatory fraction of Brugia malayi in human filariasis

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Earlier we demonstrated that immunization with F6, a proinflammatory molecular fraction isolated from the human filarial parasite Brugia malayi, protected the host and eliminated the infection in Mastomys coucha by a Th1/Th2 response including IgG2a antibody response. Whether F6 molecules become accessible to human host during natural course of infection and elicit similar response is not known. The present study was undertaken to determine the profile of IgG subclasses specifically reactive to F6 in different categories of bancroftian filariasis cases to infer any relationship between the levels of a particular F6-specific IgG subclass and the infection or disease status.

METHODS

Serum samples of normal individuals from filariasis non-endemic regions of India like Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Chandigarh [(NEN-W; n=10), healthy subjects from USA (NEN-U; n=10) and three categories of bancroftian filariasis cases from endemic areas: endemic normals (EN; n=10) with no symptoms and no microfilariae, asymptomatic microfilaremics (ASM; n=10) and chronic symptomatic amicrofilaremics (CL; n=10) were assayed for F6-specific IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 by ELISA using SDS-PAGE-isolated F6 fraction of B. malayi adult worms.

RESULTS

Significantly high levels of F6-specific IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 were found in CL (P<0.001) and EN (P<0.01-0.001) bancroftian filariasis cases compared to NEN-U. Significant levels of F6-specific IgG1 (P<0.01) and IgG2 (P<0.01) but not IgG3 were found in ASM cases compared to NEN-U. The most abundant was IgG2 which when compared to NEN-U, was significantly high in CL (P<0.001) and EN cases (P<0.001), followed by ASM (P<0.01). F6-specific IgG4 response in EN, ASM and CL subjects was not significantly different from the levels of NEN-U. Among the non-endemic normals, the NEN-W subjects showed significant reactivity with IgG2 (P<0.001) but not with IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4 as compared to NEN-U subjects. IgG subclass levels were different in different categories.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

The high levels of F6 reactive IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 in endemic normals and chronic symptomatic bancroftian patients, and IgG1 and IgG2 in asymptomatic microfilaraemics, suggest that F6 molecules of parasite are accessible in these subjects for IgG subclass-specific immune response and IgG2 may be related to pathogenesis. Studies using individual F6 molecules will be done to identify the molecule(s) involved in infection and protective immunity.

A pilot study on domiciliary pulmonary rehabilitation programme in the management of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary rehabilitation is now an accepted modality of care in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. However, in resource-limited settings, conventional pulmonary rehabilitation may not be feasible due to the high cost involved and the extensive infrastructure requirement. In view of these constraints, we designed a domiciliary pulmonary rehabilitation programme and evaluated its usefulness in the management of severe COPD.

METHODS

A total of 20 patients suffering from severe COPD (ten patients each in the experimental and control groups) were enrolled in the study. The experimental group was subjected to domiciliary pulmonary rehabilitation along with medical management, while the control group underwent only conventional medical management. During the six-month study period, both groups were assessed for quality of life (clinical COPD questionnaire), exercise capacity (six-minute walk distance) and spirometry values (forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity).

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were observed in clinical COPD questionnaire scores in both groups from the fourth month (p-value is 0.002 and 0.001 at the end of four and six months, respectively). The results of the six-minute walk distance showed a similar trend (p-value is 0.009 and 0.001 at the end of four and six months, respectively). No significant difference was observed in either of the spirometry values.

CONCLUSION

The domiciliary pulmonary rehabilitation programme improves the quality of life and exercise endurance of patients with severe COPD, and thereby acts as a substitute for conventional pulmonary rehabilitation programmes in resource-limited situations.

Quantitative tumor volume VS TNM staging: the impact on prognosis in head and neck cancer

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prognostic value of tumor volume (TV) by clinical method (CM) and Computerized Tomography (CT) scan in head and neck (H and N) cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total 25 patients' (pts) pretreatment tumor volume (PT TV) was assessed clinically by cuboid volume method. Afterwards contrast enhanced computerized tomography (CECT) images of the pts were transferred to workstation by DICOM software. The computerized tomography tumor volume (CT TV) was obtained on Radworks 6.0, using mouse control cursor. After assessment, the patients were given 3 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy by conventional method on Co-60 Theratron 780 C. After 1 month of treatment, TV was again measured.

STATISTICAL METHOD

Statistical analysis was done on MSTAT statistical analysis software. Two-tailed student t test, chi square test and test for two proportions for significance had been used.

RESULTS

Large variations in tumor volume were found both in intra as well as inter T-stages. As the tumor size increases with T stages, the difference in measurement of TV by both methods decreases. CT TV results pre as well as post-treatment were more consistent than clinical method.

CONCLUSION

The use of TV as a prognostic factor by CT scan seems to be more useful parameter than the CM. TV should be included in the TNM (tumor, node, and metastasis) classification after setting the strict guidelines for tumor delineation, to solve the discrepancy of treatment outcome in the same clinical stage.

Role of multi-hnRNP nuclear complex in regulation of tumor suppressor ANXA7 in prostate cancer cells

Annexin-A7 (ANXA7) tumor suppressor role has been shown in various tumors, and ANXA7 expression has been particularly lost in androgen-resistant prostate cancers. In this study, we studied ANXA7 regulation in normal prostate versus androgen-sensitive and -resistant prostate cancer cells. Deletion mapping analysis showed lowest ANXA7-promoter activities in androgen-sensitive LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Genomatix analysis of ANXA7 promoter identified a cluster of steroid nuclear hormone receptor elements, including V$GREF (V$GRE.02/ARE.02). Gelshift analysis clearly indicated distinct nuclear protein occupancy at this ANXA7-promoter site (-1086/-890) in prostate cancer (LNCaP, DU145, and PC3) versus normal prostate (PrEC) cells. In matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based search for ANXA7 nuclear regulators, we identified several heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) (A1, A2/B1 and K) attached to the steroid-associated ANXA7-promoter site in the androgen-resistant PC3 prostate cancer cells with high ANXA7 gene copy number, but not in PrEC. The hnPNP role in ANXA7 regulation (that was validated by hnRNPA2/B1 antibody interference) resulted in multiple ANXA7 cDNA and protein products in PC3, but not in PrEC. Ingenuity pathways analysis showed plausible molecular paths between ANXA7 and the hnRNP-associated network in prostate cancer progression. Thus, a multi-hnRNP complex can be responsible for aberrant ANXA7 transcription and splicing, thereby affecting ANXA7 expression pattern and tumor suppressor function in prostate cancer.

Infection with Menangle virus in flying foxes (Pteropus spp.) in Australia

OBJECTIVE

To examine flying foxes (Pteropus spp.) for evidence of infection with Menangle virus.

DESIGN

Clustered non-random sampling for serology, virus isolation and electron microscopy (EM).

PROCEDURE

Serum samples were collected from 306 Pteropus spp. in northern and eastern Australia and tested for antibodies against Menangle virus (MenV) using a virus neutralisation test (VNT). Virus isolation was attempted from tissues and faeces collected from 215 Pteropus spp. in New South Wales. Faecal samples from 68 individual Pteropus spp. and four pools of faeces were examined by transmission EM following routine negative staining and immunogold labelling.

RESULTS

Neutralising antibodies (VNT titres > or = 8) against MenV were detected in 46% of black flying foxes (P. alecto), 41% of grey-headed flying foxes (P. poliocephalus), 25% of spectacled flying foxes (P. conspicillatus) and 1% of little red flying foxes (P. scapulatus) in Australia. Positive sera included samples collected from P. poliocephalus in a colony adjacent to a piggery that had experienced reproductive disease caused by MenV. Virus-like particles were observed by EM in faeces from Pteropus spp. and reactivity was detected in pooled faeces and urine by immunogold EM using sera from sows that had been exposed to MenV. Attempts to isolate the virus from the faeces and tissues from Pteropus spp. were unsuccessful.

CONCLUSION

Serological evidence of infection with MenV was detected in Pteropus spp. in Australia. Although virus-like particles were detected in faeces, no viruses were isolated from faeces, urine or tissues of Pteropus spp.

Application of the linear interaction energy method for rational design of artemisinin analogues as haeme polymerisation inhibitors

The anti-malarial activity of artemisinin-derived drugs appears to be mediated by an interaction of the drug's endoperoxide bridge with intra-parasitic haeme. The binding affinity of artemisinin analogues with haeme were computed using linear interaction energy with a surface generalised Born (LIE-SGB) continuum solvation model. Low levels of root mean square error (0.348 and 0.415 kcal/mol) as well as significant correlation coefficients (r(2) = 0.868 and 0.892) between the experimental and predicted free energy of binding (FEB) based on molecular dynamics and hybrid Monte Carlo sampling techniques establish the SGB-LIE method as an efficient tool for generating more potent inhibitors of haeme polymerisation inhibition.

Successful pregnancy with frozen embryo transfer into a gestational carrier from eggs obtained from a woman in premature menopause

PURPOSE

To describe a unique case of a successful gestational carrier pregnancy in a woman with premature ovarian failure using her own oocyte.

METHODS

Despite amenorrhea, failure to have menses to progesterone withdrawal and resistance to gonadotropin stimulation, ovulation induction was attempted by restoring down-regulated follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) receptors by lowering the elevated serum FSH and allowing stimulation by endogenous or exogenous gonadotropins. Oocyte retrieval was attempted if a mature follicle was obtained. GnRH antagonist was used to prevent premature oocyte release. Tapering prednisone was used for the first five days of the cycle due to patient's history of autoimmune disease (vasculitis and Crohn's disease). IVIG was given 8/2003 for vasculitis.

RESULTS

The patient underwent a total of 19 attempted retrievals during continuous natural cycles from 3/2003 to 2/2007. Oocyte retrieval required traversing the uterus with the retrieval needle because of ovarian position after multiple surgeries for bilateral endometriomas and Crohn's disease. Empty follicle syndrome was encountered in four retrieval attempts. In 15 attempts, an oocyte was obtained. The sole attempt at natural fertilization failed. ICSI and assisted hatching were used in all subsequent attempts, and were successful in all but one attempt which led to a 3 pronuclei embryo which was discarded. The first four single embryos retrieved (7, 4, 6 cells and morula) were all A1 or A2 and transferred fresh to the patient, but no pregnancy resulted. All subsequent embryos were cryopreserved. The transfer of four embryos (6-cell and 7-cell and 3-cell and 8-cell) in two cycles to two different gestational carriers resulted in a successful delivery of a full-term healthy female infant 3.3 kg. Genetic testing confirmed maternal identity to be the patient, not the carrier.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first reported case of a successful gestational carrier pregnancy after reversing ovarian failure, inducing ovulation, and transferring a frozen-thawed embryo.

Timing of phosphate application affects arsenic phytoextraction by Pteris vittata L. of different ages

The effects of timing in phosphate application on plant growth and arsenic removal by arsenic hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata L. of different ages were evaluated. The hydroponic experiment consisted of three plant ages (A45d, A90d and A180d) and three P feeding regimens (P200+0, P134+66 and P66+134) growing for 45 d in 0.2-strength Hoagland-Arnon solution containing 145 microg L(-1) As. While all plants received 200 microM P, P was added in two phases: during acclimation and after arsenic exposure. High initial P-supply (P200+0) favored frond biomass production and plant P uptake, while split-P application (P134+66 and P66+134) favored plant root production. Single P addition favored arsenic accumulation in the roots while split-P addition increased frond arsenic accumulation. Young ferns (A45d) in treatment P134+66 were the most efficient in arsenic removal, reducing arsenic concentration to below 10 microg L(-1) in 35 d. The results indicated that the use of young ferns, coupled with feeding of low initial P or split-P application, increased the efficiency of arsenic removal by P. vittata.

Quantification of bone mineral density to define osteoporosis in rat

The diagnosis of osteoporosis centers on assessment of bone mass and quality. In the absence of evidence-based guidelines to assess bone status in laboratory animals and unsuitability of use of T-/Z-scores meant for clinical application in animal studies, most investigators involved in new drug research and development employ clinical biomarkers and kits to assess bone turnover rate and portray change in bone mineral density (BMD) as percentage of increase/decrease, making comparative assessment of the effect highly impractical. This study proposes threshold boundaries of BMD (rT-score) in colony-bred Sprague-Dawley rats, distinct from those used clinically. Boundaries were obtained keeping fixed Type-I error (alpha=0.025). Femur neck was considered best for defining bone status using BMD measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Findings demonstrate that BMD<or=-1.96 rT-score signifies osteoporosis and BMD between >-1.96 and <-0.80 rT-score as osteopenia. Performance of boundaries to ascertain bone status was examined through simulation under different physiological/ hormonal states viz. estrogen deficiency, ageing, estrus cycle, pregnancy, and lactation. The Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve of 0.98 obtained using BMD of femur neck, being close to unity, shows excellent ability of the proposed rT-score to effectively identify osteoporosis. Further studies using certain hierarchical measures of bone quality such as histomorphometry, mechanical testing etc. could supplement these findings. Since, unlike humans, most laboratory animals including rats only exhibit osteopenia and do not fracture their bones, the proposed thresholds are intended to serve as categorical tools to define bone quality and not to predict fracture risk.

Trajectory of an oil spill off Goa, eastern Arabian Sea: field observations and simulations

An oil spill occurred off Goa, west coast of India, on 23 March 2005 due to collision of two vessels. In general, fair weather with weak winds prevails along the west coast of India during March. In that case, the spill would have moved slowly and reached the coast. However, in 2005 when this event occurred, relatively stronger winds prevailed, and these winds forced the spill to move away from the coast. The spill trajectory was dominated by winds rather than currents. The MIKE21 Spill Analysis model was used to simulate the spill trajectory. The observed spill trajectory and the slick area were in agreement with the model simulations. The present study illustrates the importance of having pre-validated trajectories of spill scenarios for selecting eco-sensitive regions for preparedness and planning suitable response strategies whenever spill episodes occur.

Evaluation of gemcitabine versus cisplatinum as an adjunct to radiotherapy in locally advanced carcinoma uterine cervix

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Background: Locally advanced carcinoma cervix patients are treated by a combination of external beam radiation and brachytherapy. Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy has been an active area of investigation in such patients. In this present study, we have compared two chemotherapy drugs- cisplatinum vs gemcitabine along with radiotherapy in loco-regionally advanced carcinoma cervix with the purpose of evaluating loco-regional disease control and tolerability of these combinations. Methods: This study was undertaken on 65 biopsy-proven patients with stage IIb- IIIb carcinoma cervix. All patients were treated with 50 Gy of external beam radiation with 2 Gy per fraction, 5 days a week followed by intra-cavitary radiotherapy (ICRT). Dose of ICRT delivered by high dose rate brachytherapy was 18 Gy by either of the two schedules, viz. 3 fractions of 6 Gy at weekly interval or 2 fractions of 9 Gy each at one week apart. The concurrent chemotherapy was either inj. Cisplatinum 35 mg/m2 IVI weekly (control group), or inj. gemcitabine 150 mg/m2 IVI weekly (Study group). Results: A total of 65 age and stage matched patients were recruited in the two arms of the study. We analyzed sixty patients who completed the above treatment protocol with 32 patients in control group and 28 in study group. Eighty-nine percent patients in study group had complete response (CR) to the above combination treatment vs. 72% CR in control arm (p< 0.05). However, overall response rate (CR+ PR) was similar in both the groups (96% in study group vs. 100% in control group). No patient in both the groups had grade IV skin reaction with only one patient in study group developing grade III skin toxicity. Grade III gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity was higher in study group as compared to controls (14% vs. 3%) with none of the patients experiencing grade IV GI toxicity. No other significant toxicity was encountered in this study. Conclusions: We can conclude that synchronous chemo-radiotherapy using either gemcitabine or cisplatinum as radiation sensitizer is feasible in locally advanced carcinoma cervix with similar overall response rate and acute toxicity profile with a significantly higher complete response rate when gemcitabine is used as a chemotherapeutic drug.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Evidence that progesterone receptor antagonists may help in the treatment of a variety of cancers by locally suppressing natural killer cell activity

PURPOSE

To propose a novel concept that progesterone receptor antagonists, e.g., mifepristone, may prove effective in treating a variety of cancers--even those not shown to be hormonally dependent or possessing progesterone receptors.

METHODS

Multiple human leukemia cell lines were evaluated for mRNA expression of an immunomodulatory protein called the progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) that suppresses natural killer (NK) cell activity during normal pregnancy. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of progesterone (P) and mifepristone in PIBF protein expression. Finally, the effect of mifepristone treatment of mice with advanced leukemia was evaluated.

RESULTS

All tumor cell lines evaluated were found to express mRNA for PIBF and some were found to even express the PIBF protein. The addition of P to the media increased the expression of PIBF and mifepristone downregulated its expression. Treatment of mice with spontaneous leukemia when they already had extensive disease seemed to increase the length and quality of their life.

CONCLUSIONS

These data and other experience with mice with lung cancer and some anecdotal human cancer experience suggest that various cancers may utilize similar mechanisms used by the fetus to escape NK cell surveillance. Mifepristone and other progesterone receptor antagonists may deserve a clinical trial in human cancer even where there is no knowledge of the presence of progesterone receptors.