Variation in Rates of Post-Mastectomy Radiotherapy Among Women with Early Invasive Breast Cancer in England and Wales: A Population-Based Cohort Study

AIMS

This study examined whether patterns of post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) among women with early invasive breast cancer (EIBC) varied within England and Wales and explored the role of different patient factors in explaining any variation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study used national cancer data on women aged ≥50 years diagnosed with EIBC (stage I-IIIa) in England and Wales between January 2014 and December 2018 who had a mastectomy within 12 months of diagnosis. A multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to calculate risk-adjusted rates of PMRT for geographical regions and National Health Service acute care organisations. The study examined the variation in these rates within subgroups of women with different risks of recurrence (low: T1-2N0; intermediate: T3N0/T1-2N1; high: T1-2N2/T3N1-2) and investigated whether the variation was linked to patient case-mix within regions and organisations.

RESULTS

Among 26 228 women, use of PMRT increased with greater recurrence risk (low: 15.0%; intermediate: 59.4%; high: 85.1%). In all risk groups, use of PMRT was more common among women who had received chemotherapy and decreased among women aged ≥80 years. There was weak or no evidence of an association between use of PMRT and comorbidity or frailty, for each risk group. In women with an intermediate risk, unadjusted rates of PMRT varied substantially between geographical regions (range 40.3-77.3%), but varied less for the high-risk (range 77.1-91.6%) and low-risk groups (range 4.1-32.9%). Adjusting for patient case-mix reduced the variation in regional and organisational PMRT rates to a small degree.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of PMRT are consistently high across England and Wales among women with high-risk EIBC, but variation exists across regions and organisations for women with intermediate-risk EIBC. Effort is required to reduce unwarranted variation in practice for intermediate-risk EIBC.

Single-incision robotic colorectal surgery with the da Vinci SP® surgical system: initial results of 50 cases

PURPOSE

The da Vinci SP® (dVSP) surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), a robotic platform designed for single-incision surgery, overcame the need for multiple ports in traditional robotic surgery and issues including triangulation and retraction in single-incision laparoscopic surgery. However, previous studies only included case reports or series with small sample sizes. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and performance of the dVSP surgical system and its instruments and accessories for colorectal procedures.

METHODS

The medical records of patients who had surgery with the dVSP from March 2019 to September 2021 at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital were investigated. The pathologic and follow-up data of patients who had malignant tumors were analyzed separately to evaluate oncological safety.

RESULTS

Fifty patients (26 male and 24 female) with a median age of 59 years (interquartile range 52.5-63.0 years) were enrolled. The procedures included low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision (n = 16), sigmoid colectomy with complete mesocolic excision and central vessel ligation (CME + CVL) (n = 14), right colectomy with CME + CVL (n = 9), left colectomy with CME + CVL (n = 4), right colectomy (n = 6), and sigmoid colectomy (n = 1). Operative time significantly decreased after 25 cases (early phase vs. late phase; operative time 295.0 min vs. 250.0 min, p = 0.015; docking time 16.0 min vs. 12.0 min, p = 0.001; console time 212.0 min vs. 190.0 min, p = 0.019). Planned procedures were successfully completed in all patients. Postoperative outcomes were acceptable with only six cases of mild adverse events through a 3-month follow-up. No local recurrence and only one case of systemic recurrence occurred within 1 year postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the surgical and oncological safety and feasibility of dVSP, which may be a novel surgical platform for colorectal surgery.

The Association Between Survival and Receipt of Post-mastectomy Radiotherapy According to Age at Diagnosis Among Women With Early Invasive Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study

AIMS

Clinical trials of post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) for early invasive breast cancer (EIBC) have included few older women. This study examined whether the association between overall survival or breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and receipt of PMRT for EIBC altered with age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study used patient-level linked cancer registration, routine hospital and radiotherapy data for England and Wales. It included 31 243 women aged ≥50 years diagnosed between 2014 and 2018 with low- (T1-2N0), intermediate- (T3N0/T1-2N1) or high-risk (T1-2N2/T3N1-2) EIBC who received a mastectomy within 12 months from diagnosis. Patterns of survival were analysed using a landmark approach. Associations between overall survival/BCSS and PMRT in each risk group were analysed with flexible parametric survival models, which included patient and tumour factors; whether the association between PMRT and overall survival/BCSS varied by age was assessed using interaction terms.

RESULTS

Among 4711 women with high-risk EIBC, 86% had PMRT. Five-year overall survival was 70.5% and BCSS was 79.3%. Receipt of PMRT was associated with improved overall survival [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.64-0.87] and BCSS (aHR 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.65-0.95) compared with women who did not have PMRT; associations did not vary by age (overall survival, P-value for interaction term = 0.141; BCSS, P = 0.077). Among 10 814 women with intermediate-risk EIBC, 59% had PMRT; 5-year overall survival was 78.4% and BCSS was 88.0%. No association was found between overall survival (aHR 1.01, 95% confidence interval 0.92-1.11) or BCSS (aHR 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.32) and PMRT. There was statistical evidence of a small change in the association with age for overall survival (P = 0.007), although differences in relative survival were minimal, but not for BCSS (P = 0.362).

CONCLUSIONS

The association between PMRT and overall survival/BCSS does not appear to be modified by age among women with high- or intermediate-risk EIBC and, thus, treatment recommendations should not be modified on the basis of age alone.

Range and Frequency of Congenital Malformations Among Children With Cleft Lip and/or Palate

To assess the range and frequency of additional congenital malformations identified among children born alive with CL/P.

Analysis of patient-level data from a national registry of cleft births linked to national administrative data of hospital admissions.

National Health Service, England.

Children born between 2000 and 2012 receiving cleft care in English NHS hospitals.

The proportion of children with ICD-10 codes for additional congenital malformations, according to cleft type.

The study included 9403 children. Of these 2114 (22.5%) had CL±A, 4509 (48.0%) had CP, 1896 (20.2%) had UCLP, and 884 (9.4%) had BCLP. A total of 3653 (38.8%) children had additional congenital malformations documented in their hospital admission records. The prevalence of additional congenital malformations was greatest among children with CP (53.0%), followed by those with BCLP (33.5%), UCLP (26.3%), and then CL±A (22.2%) (P < .001). Among those with UCLP, children with right-sided clefts were more likely to have additional malformations than those with left-sided clefts (31.6% vs 23.0%, P < .001). Malformations of the skeletal system and circulatory system were most common, affecting 10.5% and 10.2% of the included children, respectively. A total of 16.8% of children had additional congenital malformations affecting 2 or more structural systems.

Congenital malformations are common among children born alive with a cleft, affecting over half of some cleft subgroups. Given the frequency of certain structural malformations, clinicians should consider standardized screening for these children. Establishing good links with pediatric and genetic services is recommended.

Determination of Medium Condition Effective to Cryopreservation of Primary Spermatogonial Stem Cells Derived from Porcine Neonatal Testes

BACKGROUND

The superior genetic resources of breeding pigs have been preserved for use through freezing the sperm or semen. However, because there is no way to collect their sperm or semen after depletion, the generation of sperm via the differentiation of porcine spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) can be an alternative. To date, there have been no reports of techniques customized to in-vitro culture and differentiation into sperm in porcine SSCs. Accordingly, it is important to preserve porcine SSCs with outstanding genetic backgrounds until these technologies are developed. Unfortunately, a protocol for the long-term preservation of porcine SSCs has yet to be reported.

OBJECTIVE

We tried to develop a cryopreservation medium to preserve the characteristics of undifferentiated porcine SSCs for long-term cryopreservation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SSCs retrieved from porcine testes were freeze-cryopreserved in StemPro-34 medium supplemented with various concentrations of fetal bovine serum (FBS), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and trehalose; then, after 7 days, the viability and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity was measured in thawed porcine SSCs. Additionally, we investigated the use of hypotaurine and/or glutathione as antioxidants in the optimized freezing medium for maintaining the viability and AP activity of porcine SSCs during the freezing-cryopreservation-thawing process.

RESULTS

Porcine SSCs frozen-cryopreserved-thawed in StemPro-34 medium supplemented with 10% (v/v) FBS, 10% (v/v) DMSO, 200 mM trehalose, 5 mM hypotaurine, and 5 mM glutathione showed the highest viability and AP activity.

CONCLUSION

We optimized a cryopreservation medium that inhibits the loss of viability and the increases differentiation post-thawing of the frozen porcine SSCs.

The acute effects of hydrocortisone on cardiac electrocardiography, action potentials, intracellular calcium, and contraction: The role of protein kinase C

Hydrocortisone exerts adverse effects on various organs, including the heart. This study investigated the still unclear effects of hydrocortisone on electrophysiological and biochemical aspects of cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. In guinea pigs' hearts, hydrocortisone administration reduced the QT interval of ECG and the action potential duration (APD). In guinea pig ventricular myocytes, hydrocortisone reduced contraction and Ca²⁺ transient amplitudes. These reductions and the effects on APD were prevented by pretreatment with the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor staurosporine. In an overexpression system of Xenopus oocytes, hydrocortisone increased hERG K⁺ currents and reduced Kv1.5 K⁺ currents; these effects were negated by pretreatment with staurosporine. Western blot analysis revealed dose- and time-dependent changes in PKCα/βII, PKCε, and PKCγ phosphorylation by hydrocortisone in guinea pig ventricular myocytes. Therefore, hydrocortisone can acutely affect cardiac excitation-contraction coupling, including ion channel activity, APD, ECG, Ca²⁺ transients, and contraction, possibly via biochemical changes in PKC.

Anti-inflammatory effects of linalool on ovalbumin-induced pulmonary inflammation

Linalool is a natural product present in fruits and aromatic plants with biological activities. Researchers have reported that the inhalation of linalool exerts anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we examined the therapeutic effects of linalool on airway inflammation and mucus overproduction in mice with allergic asthma. Oral administration of linalool significantly inhibited the levels of eosinophil numbers, Th2 cytokines and immunoglobulin E (IgE) caused by ovalbumin (OVA) exposure. Linalool exerted preventive effects against the influx of inflammatory cells and mucus hypersecretion in the lung tissues. Linalool also dose-dependently decreased the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and protein kinase B (AKT) activation in the lung tissues. Linalool effectively downregulated the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) caused by OVA exposure. Furthermore, linalool exerted inhibitory effect on OVA-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). In the in vitro study, the increased secretion of MCP-1 was attenuated with linalool treatment in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated H292 airway epithelial cells. In conclusion, linalool effectively exerts a protective role in OVA-induced airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion, and its protective effects are closely related to the downregulation of inflammatory mediators and MAPKs/NF-κB signaling.

Physalis peruviana L. inhibits ovalbumin‑induced airway inflammation by attenuating the activation of NF‑κB and inflammatory molecules

Physalis peruviana L. (PP) is well known for its various properties, including its antioxidant property. In our previous study, the protective effects of PP against cigarette smoke‑induced airway inflammation were confirmed. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anti‑inflammatory effect of PP against ovalbumin (OVA)‑induced airway inflammation. Treatment with PP inhibited the numbers of eosinophils and the levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)‑4, IL‑5 and IL‑13, in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of animal models with OVA‑induced allergic asthma. PP also significantly decreased the production of total immunoglobulin E in the serum. Lung sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin revealed that the influx of inflammatory cells was decreased in the lungs of mice treated with PP compared with cells in the OVA group. The increased expression levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein‑1 (MCP‑1) and T cell marker KEN‑5 were also reduced following PP treatment in the lung tissues compared with those in the OVA group. The PAS staining results showed that PP attenuated the overproduction of mucus in the lung. Additionally, western blot analysis revealed that PP significantly downregulated the activation of nuclear factor‑κB/p38 mitogen‑activated protein kinase/c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase, and upregulated the expression of heme oxgenase‑1 in the lungs. In an in vitro experiment, PP effectively reduced the levels of LPS‑stimulated MCP‑1 in a concentration‑dependent manner. Taken together, these results indicate that PP has considerable potential in the treatment of allergic asthma.

Positive Rates of Preliminary Crossmatches Among Transplantation Candidates Waitlisted for Different Organs in the Korean Network for Organ Sharing

OBJECTIVE

For deceased-donor organ transplantations, negative T cell crossmatches (XMs) are mandatory for kidney and pancreas allocation in the Korean Network for Organ Sharing (KONOS) organ allocation system. Submission and periodic renewal of serum to the KONOS is required for all transplantation candidates of kidney or pancreas and these sera are distributed to 23 laboratories for preliminary XMs. We have investigated how sensitization status varies among transplantation candidates waitlisted for different organs.

METHODS

Positive rates of T cell XMs performed during recent 1-year period (from March 2014 to February 2015) in the Korea Organ Donation Agency laboratory have been analyzed according to different organs. For 163 cases of deceased donors, 3605 recipients (22.1 recipients per one donor) were crossmatched using both of National Institutes of Health and antihuman globulin complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) methods and flow cytometry method.

RESULTS

T cell XM positive rates varied among transplantation candidates for different organs. The positive rate was high for kidney (485/3,145, 15.4%), and low for pancreas or kidney/pancreas (7/200, 3.5%), lung (0/41, 0%), and heart (11/221, 5.0%). Among XM-positive individuals, nearly two-thirds of the kidney transplantation candidates showed strong sensitization status with CDC+/flow+ results (64.5%), whereas pancreas or kidney/pancreas transplantation candidates more commonly showed weaker sensitization status with CDC-/flow+ results (85.7%).

CONCLUSION

Kidney transplantation candidates show a much higher positive rate and stronger sensitization status than candidates for other organs. The results of this study would be useful for determining the number of candidates to be crossmatched for different organs.

Abstract P4-12-11: Up-regulation of SPARC is associated with breast tumor progression and epithelial SPARC expression is correlated with poor survival and MMP-2 expression in patients with breast carcinoma

Background: Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) plays a crucial role in the process of tumor invasion and metastasis in many cancers. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade the extracellular matrix and participate in several key processes of invasion and metastasis. The aims of this study were to evaluate the potential involvement of SPARC in the progression of breast tumor and to determine its association with outcome variables and MMPs expression in patients with breast carcinoma (BC).

Materials and Methods: SPARC expression was examined in 8 pairs of BC tissues and surrounding normal tissues at mRNA and protein levels by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), RNAscope in situ hybridization (ISH), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry techniques. Immunohistochemical staining of SPARC on tissue microarray was done in 26 normal breasts, 76 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and 198 BC samples. In addition, we performed immunohistochemical staining for MMP-2 and MMP-9 in BC.

Results: SPARC expression at mRNA and protein levels by qRT-PCR and Western blotting was significantly increased in BC tissues compared to the surrounding normal tissues (p &lt; 0.05 and p &lt; 0.01, respectively). RNAscope ISH and immunohistochemistry of SPARC confirmed that SPARC expression was increased in BC tissues compared with their normal tissues and its expression was more pronounced in the stromal compartment than in epithelial compartment. SPARC expression was different among the normal, DCIS and BC groups and epithelial SPARC expression increased progressively from normal breast through DCIS to BC (p &lt; 0.001). In patients with BC, high epithelial SPARC expression was associated with worse disease-free and overall survival (p = 0.002 and p = 0.048, respectively) and independently predicted worse disease-free survival (p = 0.002). Epithelial SPARC expression was significantly correlated with MMP-2 expression (p &lt; 0.05).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that up-regulation of SPARC contributes to breast tumor progression. SPARC expression may be a useful biomarker for the prognostic prediction in patients with BC. SPARC can control extracellular matrix degradation through up-regulation of MMP-2.

Citation Format: Lee JS, Kim G-E, Park MH, Yoon JH. Up-regulation of SPARC is associated with breast tumor progression and epithelial SPARC expression is correlated with poor survival and MMP-2 expression in patients with breast carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-12-11.

Effect of metabolic syndrome on the outcome of corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome

Diffuse peripheral nerve impairment is common in metabolic syndrome: in patients with metabolic syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome this might affect the outcome of treatment by local corticosteroid injection. A total of 55 consecutive patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and metabolic syndrome treated with corticosteroid injection (10 mg triamcinolone acetonide) were age and sex matched with 55 control patients without metabolic syndrome. Grip strength, perception of touch with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaires were assessed at the baseline and at 6, 12 and 24 weeks follow-up. The two groups had similar pre-operative grip strength and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire symptom and function scores of the metabolic syndrome group were significantly greater than the control group at 12 and 24 weeks follow-up. Except for significantly greater grip strength at the 12-week follow-up in the control group, there were no significant differences in grip strength between the groups. Semmes-Weinstein monofilament sensory index for the control group was significantly greater than that of the metabolic syndrome group throughout the 24-week follow-up. After 24 weeks, five patients (13%) in the control group and 13 patients (27%) in the metabolic syndrome group had had carpal tunnel surgery. Patients with metabolic syndrome are at risk for poor functional outcome and failure of treatment after corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Treatment benefits III.

HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-DRB1 allele and haplotype frequencies of 10 918 Koreans from bone marrow donor registry in Korea

The human leucocyte antigen (HLA) system is the most polymorphic genetic system in humans, and HLA matching is crucial in organ transplantation, especially in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We investigated HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-DRB1 allele and haplotype frequencies at allelic level in 10 918 Koreans from bone marrow donor registry in Korea. Intermediate resolution HLA typing was performed using Luminex technology (Wakunaga, Japan), and additional allelic level typing was performed using PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism method and/or sequence-based typing (Abbott Molecular, USA). Allele and haplotype frequencies were calculated by direct counting and maximum likelihood methods, respectively. A total of 39 HLA-A, 66 HLA-B and 47 HLA-DRB1 alleles were identified. High-frequency alleles found at a frequency of ≥5% were 6 HLA-A (A*02:01, *02:06, *11:01, *24:02, *31:01 and *33:03), 6 HLA-B (B*15:01, *35:01, *44:03, *51:01, 54:01 and *58:01) and 8 HLA-DRB1 (DRB1*01:01, *04:05, *04:06, *07:01, *08:03, *09:01, *13:02 and *15:01) alleles. At each locus, A*02, B*15 and DRB1*14 generic groups were most diverse at allelic level, consisting of 9, 12 and 11 different alleles, respectively. A total of 366, 197 and 21 different HLA-A-B-DRB1 haplotypes were estimated with frequencies of ≥0.05%, ≥0.1% and ≥0.5%, respectively. The five most common haplotypes with frequencies of ≥2.0% were A*33:03-B*44:03-DRB1*13:02 (4.97%), A*33:03-B*58:01-DRB1*13:02, A*33:03-B*44:03-DRB1*07:01, A*24:02-B*07:02-DRB1*01:01 and A*24:02-B*52:01-DRB1*15:02. Among 34 serologic HLA-A-B-DR haplotypes with frequencies of ≥0.5%, 17 haplotypes revealed allele-level diversity and majority of the allelic variation was arising from A2, A26, B61, B62, DR4 and DR14 specificities. Haplotype diversity obtained in this study is the most comprehensive data thus far reported in Koreans, and the information will be useful for unrelated stem cell transplantation as well as for disease association studies.

Abstract P2-07-06: Periostin is associated with breast tumor progression and epithelial periostin expression is correlated with poor survival in patients with invasive breast carcinoma

Background: Invasion and metastasis are the direct causes of mortality in patients with breast cancer and require reciprocal interactions between cancer cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Periostin, a fasciclin-containing adhesive ECM glycoprotein, is frequently overexpressed in various types of human cancer, and its overexpression in cancer-associated stroma and/or cancer cells is usually associated with poor clinical outcomes. However, the expression of periostin in the successive steps of breast tumorigenesis and its association with outcome variables have not been well established in breast carcinoma. The purposes of the present study were to assess the role of periostin alteration in breast tumorigenesis and evaluate the putative prognostic value of periostin as a function of its compartmentalization.

Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical staining with anti-periostin antibody was performed in a total of 300 patients (26 patients with normal breasts, 76 patients with ductal carcinoma in situ [DCIS], and 198 patients with invasive breast carcinoma [IBC]) using tissue microarray. Periostin immunoreactivity was assessed in both epithelial tissue and the surrounding stromal compartment. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression of periostin was analyzed in 10 paired normal/invasive cancer frozen specimens by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively.

Results: Periostin mRNA and protein expression in cancer tissues was increased compared with that in adjacent normal tissues. Both epithelial and stromal periostin staining scores were significantly increased with disease progression in a stepwise manner to DCIS and IBC compared with those in normal breast tissues (P = 0.000 and 0.000, respectively). High epithelial and stromal periostin expression was observed in 109 of 189 (57.7%) and 158 of 189 (83.6%) cases of IBC, respectively. High epithelial periostin expression was more frequently observed in the distant metastatic relapse-positive group than in the distant metastatic relapse-negative group (41 [80.4%] of 51 cases versus 68 [49.3%] of 138 cases [P = 0.000]). Furthermore, high epithelial periostin expression was associated with reduced disease-free and overall survival on univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusion: Periostin might play an important role in the progression of breast tumor, and epithelial periostin expression may serve as a new parameter for prognostic prediction in patients with IBC. Further study of periostin expression and its potential as a target of therapy for IBC appears warranted.

Citation Format: Lee JS, Kim G-E, Park MH, Yoon JH. Periostin is associated with breast tumor progression and epithelial periostin expression is correlated with poor survival in patients with invasive breast carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-07-06.

Microporous carbon nanosheets with redox-active heteroatoms for pseudocapacitive charge storage

We report microporous carbon nanosheets containing numerous redox active heteroatoms fabricated from exfoliated waste coffee grounds by simple heating with KOH for pseudocapacitive charge storage. We found that various heteroatom combinations in carbonaceous materials can be a redox host for lithium ion storage. The bio-inspired nanomaterials had unique characteristics, showing superior electrochemical performances as cathode for asymmetric pseudocapacitors.

Anti-angiotensin type 1 receptor antibodies associated with antibody-mediated rejection in patients without preformed HLA-donor-specific antibody

INTRODUCTION

Angiotensin II is a peptide hormone involved in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Anti-angiotensin receptor 1 (AT1R) antibodies are implicated in stimulating RAS and are suspected to have some adverse impacts on renal transplantation outcome.

METHODS

From November 2009 to February 2012, 37 remaining sera from renal transplantation recipients with biopsy-proven antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) (n = 6), acute cellular rejection (ACR) (n = 23), and AMR + ACR (n = 8) without preformed human leukocyte antigeon (HLA) antibodies were tested with anti-AT1R antibody assay. Forty-two control patients without rejection also were analyzed.

RESULTS

The frequency of elevated anti-AT1R antibodies was higher in patients with AMR (n = 14) compared to controls (28.6% vs 4.9%, P = .03, OR = 8.0). It was also higher in patients with AMR + ACR (n=8) (37.5% vs 4.9%, P = .03, OR = 12.0). There was no difference in frequencies of elevated anti-AT1R antibody in patients with ACR.

CONCLUSION

Anti-AT1R antibodies were suspected to be associated with occurrence of AMR without preformed HLA antibodies in renal transplantation. Further studies in a larger number of patients are needed.

Cortisone and hydrocortisone inhibit human Kv1.3 activity in a non-genomic manner

Glucocorticoids are hormones released in response to stress that are involved in various physiological processes including immune functions. One immune-modulating mechanism is achieved by the Kv1.3 voltage-dependent potassium channel, which is expressed highly in lymphocytes including effector memory T lymphocytes (TEM). Although glucocorticoids are known to inhibit Kv1.3 function, the detailed inhibitory mechanism is not yet fully understood. Here we studied the rapid non-genomic effects of cortisone and hydrocortisone on the human Kv1.3 channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Both cortisone and hydrocortisone reduced the amplitude of the Kv1.3 channel current in a concentration-dependent manner. Both cortisone and hydrocortisone rapidly and irreversibly inhibited Kv1.3 currents, eliminating the possibility of genomic regulation. Inhibition rate was stable relative to the degree of depolarization. Kinetically, cortisone altered the activating gate of Kv1.3 and hydrocortisone interacted with this channel in an open state. These results suggest that cortisone and hydrocortisone inhibit Kv1.3 currents via a non-genomic mechanism, providing a mechanism for the immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoids.

Inhibitory effects of cortisone and hydrocortisone on human Kv1.5 channel currents

Glucocorticoids are the primary hormones that respond to stress and protect organisms from dangerous situations. The glucocorticoids hydrocortisone and its dormant form, cortisone, affect the cardiovascular system with changes such as increased blood pressure and cardioprotection. Kv1.5 channels play a critical role in the maintenance of cellular membrane potential and are widely expressed in pancreatic β-cells, neurons, myocytes, and smooth muscle cells of the pulmonary vasculature. We examined the electrophysiological effects of both cortisone and hydrocortisone on human Kv1.5 channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes using a two-microelectrode voltage clamp technique. Both cortisone and hydrocortisone rapidly and irreversibly suppressed the amplitude of Kv1.5 channel current with IC50 values of 50.2±4.2μM and 33.4±3.2μM, respectively, while sustained the current trace shape of Kv1.5 current. The inhibitory effect of cortisone on Kv1.5 decreased progressively from -10mV to +30mV, while hydrocortisone׳s inhibition of the channel did not change across the same voltage range. Both cortisone and hydrocortisone blocked Kv1.5 channel currents in a non-use-dependent manner and neither altered the channel׳s steady-state activation or inactivation curves. These results show that cortisone and hydrocortisone inhibited Kv1.5 channel currents differently, and that Kv1.5 channels were more sensitive to hydrocortisone than to cortisone.

Estimation of size of cord blood inventory based on high-resolution typing of HLAs

Methods for estimating the cord blood (CB) inventory size required vary according to the ethnic diversity of the HLA, degree of HLA matching and HLA-typing resolution. We estimated the CB inventory size required using 7190 stored CB units (CBU) and 2450 patients who were awaiting or underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. With high-resolution typing of HLA-A, B and DRB1, 94.6% of Korean patients could find CBUs in 100 000 CBUs with a 5/6 match, and 95.7% could find CBUs in 5000 CBUs with a 4/6 match. With low-resolution typing of HLA-A and B and high-resolution typing of leukocyte antigen-DRB1, 95% of patients could find CBUs in 50 000 CBUs with a 5/6 match, and 96.7% could find CBUs in 3000 CBUs  with a 4/6 match. With additional high-resolution typing for HLA-A and B, which could improve transplantation outcome, the size of the CB inventory would need to increase twofold for Koreans.

Determination of SK3497 in rat plasma and its application in a pharmacokinetic study of SK3497

In this study, a sensitive and reliable method for the quantitation of SK3497 in rat plasma was developed and validated using high performance liquid chromatography. The plasma samples were prepared by deproteinization, and sildenafil was used as an internal standard. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a reversed-phase (C18) column. The mobile phase, 0.02 M ammonium acetate buffer:acetonitrile (45:55, v/v), was run at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, and the column eluent was monitored using an ultraviolet detector at 254 nm at room temperature. The retention times of sildenafil (an internal standard), and SK3497 were approximately 5.6 and 8.3 min, respectively. The detection limit of SK3497 in rat plasma was 0.03 μg/mL. Pharmacokinetic parameters of SK3497 was evaluated after intravenous (i. v.; at doses of 15 mg/kg) and oral (p.o.; at doses of 30 mg/kg) administration of SK3497 in rats. After p.o. administration (30 mg/kg) of SK3497, F-value was approximately 53.0%. The protein binding of SK3497 to 4% human serum albumin were also described.

Effect of growth temperature and quantum structure on InAs/GaAs quantum dot solar cell

InGaAs-capped InAs quantum dots (QDs) and InAs QDs were adopted for the study of the effects through growth temperature and the band structure of InAs QDs on the performance of GaAs-based QD solar cell. It has been shown that the defects due to low temperature growth resulted in the decrease of Voc, Jsc and external quantum efficiency for GaAs bulk solar cell and QD embedded solar cells. It has been also found that InAs QDs act as defects by trapping photo-generated carries which affect the carrier transport in QD solar cell. The QD solar cell with InGaAs-capped InAs QDs showed higher performance than the QD solar cell with only InAs QDs. Such result has been explained by photo-generated carrier trapping and tunneling through InGaAs QW state in InGaAs-capped InAs QDs.

Abstract P2-10-03: Metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 predicts poor outcomes in patients with breast cancer

Background: Metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) plays a role in cancer invasion and metastasis through the upregulation of hepatocyte growth factor/mesenchymal epithelial transition-pathway, which is a known critical regulator of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades. However, the potential involvement of MACC1 in breast cancer has not been assessed.

Materials and Methods: To investigate whether MACC1 expression is a prognostic marker in breast cancer, we performed immunohistochemical staining for MACC1 expression in tissue microarrays consisting of 198 invasive breast carcinomas. To demonstrate the potential correlation between MACC1 and MAPK cascades, phospho-p44/42 MAPK (ERK1/2) expression was also analyzed.

Results: Expression of MACC1 was detected in 109 (55.1%) of 198 invasive breast carcinomas. MACC1 expression was significantly associated with several clinicopathologic parameters, including ER negativity (P &lt; 0.01), PR negativity (p &lt; 0.01), and HER-2 positivity (p &lt; 0.01). The rate of metastatic relapse was significantly higher in the MACC1-positive group (87.8%, 36/41) than in the MACC1-negative group (46.5%, 73/157) (p &lt; 0.001). MACC1 expression was significantly correlated with phospho-p44/42 MAPK expression (p &lt; 0.05). On univariate survival analysis, a significant association was observed between MACC1 expression and decreased disease-free survival (p &lt; 0.001) and overall survival (p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, MACC1 expression was one of the statistically significant independent risk factors for disease-free survival (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that MACC1 may serve as a new parameter for the prognostic prediction in patients with invasive breast carcinoma. MACC1 is likely to be involved in the regulation of MAPK cascades in invasive breast carcinoma.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-10-03.

Effect of azelastine on cardiac repolarization of guinea-pig cardiomyocytes, hERG K⁺ channel, and human L-type and T-type Ca²⁺ channel

Azelastine is a second generation histamine H₁-receptor antagonist used as an anti-asthmatic and anti-allergic drug that can induce QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. We investigated the acute effects of azelastine on human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) channels, action potential duration (APD), and L-type (I(Ca,L)) and T-type Ca²⁺ current (I(Ca,T)) to determine the electrophysiological basis for its proarrhythmic potential. Azelastine increased the APD at 90% of repolarization concentration dependently, with an IC₅₀ of 1.08 nM in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. We examined the effects of azelastine on the hERG channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes and HEK293 cells using two-microelectrode voltage-clamp and patch-clamp techniques. Azelastine induced a concentration-dependent decrease of the hERG current amplitude at the end of the voltage steps and tail currents. The IC₅₀ for the azelastine-induced block of the hERG currents expressed in HEK293 cells was 11.43 nM, while the drug inhibited I(Ca,L) and I(Ca,T) with IC₅₀ values of 7.60 and 26.21 μM, respectively. The S6 domain mutations, Y652A partially attenuated and F656A abolished hERG current block. These results suggest that azelastine is a potent blocker of hERG channels rather than I(Ca,L) or I(Ca,T), providing molecular mechanisms for the arrhythmogenic side effects during the clinical administration of azelastine.

Mini-Mental Status Examination as predictors of mortality in the elderly

OBJECTIVE

Because the number of elderly is increasing worldwide, cognitive dysfunction becomes important health care issue. This study investigated the association between cognitive dysfunction and mortality in the elderly.

METHOD

Data were analyzed from a longitudinal mortality follow-up study of 2712 Korean elderly aged 60 and over, examined in 2002 with complete data followed an average 6.03 years. Measurements included socio-demographic and clinical factors and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). MMSE was categorized into groups with no, mild, or moderate cognitive dysfunction, and the subscores of MMSE domains were categorized into no dysfunction or dysfunction. The Cox proportional hazards models were conducted to examine the association between MMSE score and mortality, after adjusting for age, gender, education and other socio-demographic factors.

RESULTS

Death during follow-up occurred in 318 subjects. The mortality risk was significantly associated with the elderly with mild cognitive dysfunction [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.93] and with moderate cognitive dysfunction (HR = 2.66). 'Orientation-to-time' (HR = 1.39) and 'Attention' (HR = 1.48) domains of MMSE were independently associated with mortality.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that cognitive dysfunction independently predicted mortality in the elderly. Cognitive dysfunction should be considered part of identifying the elderly at high risk for mortality.

Ginsenoside-Rp1 inhibits platelet activation and thrombus formation via impaired glycoprotein VI signalling pathway, tyrosine phosphorylation and MAPK activation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ginsenosides are the main constituents for the pharmacological effects of Panax ginseng. Such effects of ginsenosides including cardioprotective and anti-platelet activities have shown stability and bioavailability limitations. However, information on the anti-platelet activity of ginsenoside-Rp1 (G-Rp1), a stable derivative of ginsenoside-Rg3, is scarce. We examined the ability of G-Rp1 to modulate agonist-induced platelet activation.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

G-Rp1 in vitro and ex vivo effects on agonist-induced platelet-aggregation, granule-secretion, [Ca(2+) ](i) mobilization, integrin-α(IIb) β(3) activation were examined. Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and MAPK expressions and levels of tyrosine phosphorylation of the glycoprotein VI (GPVI) signalling pathway components were also studied. G-Rp1 effects on arteriovenous shunt thrombus formation in rats or tail bleeding time and ex vivo coagulation time in mice were determined. KEY RESULT: G-Rp1 markedly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen, thrombin or ADP. While G-Rp1 elevated cAMP levels, it dose-dependently suppressed collagen-induced ATP-release, thromboxane secretion, p-selectin expression, [Ca(2+) ](i) mobilization and α(IIb) β(3) activation and attenuated p38(MAPK) and ERK2 activation. Furthermore, G-Rp1 inhibited tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple components (Fyn, Lyn, Syk, LAT, PI3K and PLCγ2) of the GPVI signalling pathway. G-Rp1 inhibited in vivo thrombus formation and ex vivo platelet aggregation and ATP secretion without affecting tail bleeding time and coagulation time, respectively.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

G-Rp1 inhibits collagen-induced platelet activation and thrombus formation through modulation of early GPVI signalling events, and this effect involves VASP stimulation, and ERK2 and p38(-MAPK) inhibition. These data suggest that G-Rp1 may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases involving aberrant platelet activation.

eIF5A isoforms and cancer: two brothers for two functions?

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) is the only cellular protein that contains the unusual amino acid hypusine [N(ε)-(4-amino-2-hydroxybutyl)lysine]. The role of hypusine formation in the eIF5A protein in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis is addressed in the present review. Moreover, vertebrates carry two genes that encode two eIF5A isoforms, eIF5A-1 and eIF5A-2, which, in humans, are 84% identical. However, the biological functions of these two isoforms may be significantly different. In fact, eIF5A-1 is demonstrable in most cells of different histogenesis, whereas eIF5A-2 protein is detectable only in certain human cancer cells or tissues, suggesting its role as a potential oncogene. In this review we focus our attention on the involvement of eIF5A-1 in the triggering of an apoptotic program and in the regulation of cell proliferation. In addition, the potential oncogenic role and prognostic significance of eIF5A-2 in the prediction of the survival of cancer patients is described. eIF5A-1 and/or the eIF5A-2 isoform may serve as a new molecular diagnostic or prognostic marker or as a molecular target for anti-cancer therapy.

Association between urine cotinine levels, continuous performance test variables, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disability symptoms in school-aged children

BACKGROUND

We examined the cross-sectional relationship between environmental tobacco smoke exposure, continuous performance test (CPT) measures, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or learning disability symptoms in school-aged children.

METHOD

In total, 989 children (526 boys, mean age 9.1 ± 0.7 years), recruited from five South Korean cities participated in this study. We used urine cotinine as a biomarker for environmental tobacco smoke exposure, and obtained the children's scores on a CPT. Parents completed the Korean versions of the ADHD rating scale-IV (ADHD-RS) and learning disability evaluation scale (LDES). Using generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), we assessed the associations between urine cotinine concentrations, neuropsychological variables, and symptoms of ADHD and learning disabilities. Additionally, we conducted structural equation models to explore the effects' pathways.

RESULTS

After adjusting for a range of relevant covariates, GLMM showed urinary cotinine levels were significantly and positively associated with CPT scores on omission errors, commission errors, response time, and response time variability, and with parent- and teacher-rated ADHD-RS scores. In addition, urine cotinine levels were negatively associated with LDES scores on spelling and mathematical calculations. The structural equation model revealed that CPT variables mediated the association between urine cotinine levels and parental reports of symptoms of ADHD and learning disabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that environmental exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with ADHD and learning disabilities in children, and that impairments in attention and inhibitory control probably mediate the effect.

The impact of childhood obesity on morbidity and mortality in adulthood: a systematic review

The objective of this study was to evaluate the evidence on whether childhood obesity is a risk factor for adult disease, independent of adult body mass index (BMI). Ovid MEDLINE (1948-May 2011), EMBASE (1980-2011 week 18) and the Cochrane Library (1990-2011) were searched for published studies of BMI from directly measured weight and height in childhood (2-19 years) and disease outcomes in adulthood. Data were synthesized in a narrative fashion. Thirty-nine studies (n 181-1.1 million) were included in the review. There was evidence for associations between childhood BMI and type 2 diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart disease. Few studies examined associations independent of adult BMI; these showed that effect sizes were attenuated after adjustment for adult BMI in standard regression analyses. Although there is a consistent body of evidence for associations between childhood BMI and cardiovascular outcomes, there is a lack of evidence for effects independent of adult BMI. Studies have attempted to examine independent effects using standard adjustment for adult BMI, which is subject to over-adjustment and problems with interpretation. Studies that use more robust designs and analytical techniques are needed to establish whether childhood obesity is an independent risk factor for adult disease.

Rebamipide abolishes Helicobacter pylori CagA-induced phospholipase D1 expression via inhibition of NFκB and suppresses invasion of gastric cancer cells

Infection with cagA-positive Helicobacter pylori is a risk factor for the development of severe gastritis and gastric cancer (GC). CagA protein is injected into gastric epithelial cells and deregulates a variety of cellular signaling molecules. Phospholipase D (PLD) is elevated in many different types of human cancers and has been implicated as a critical factor in inflammation and carcinogenesis. In this study, we show that infection with cagA-positive H. pylori in GC cells significantly induces PLD1 expression via CagA-dependent activation of nuclear factor κB (NFκB). Interestingly, the level of PLD1 protein and IκBα phosphorylation is aberrantly upregulated in H. pylori-infected human GC tissues. Infection with cagA-positive H. pylori and expression of CagA enhanced the binding of NFκB to the PLD1 promoter, and two functional NFκB-binding sites were identified within the PLD1 promoter. Rebamipide, a mucosal-protective antiulcer agent, abolished H. pylori cagA-induced PLD1 expression via inhibition of binding of NFκB to the PLD1 promoter, and also inhibited PLD activity. Moreover, rebamipide suppressed H. pylori-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9, interleukin-8 and activation-induced cytidine deaminase expression as well as invasion of GC cells through downregulation of PLD1. Our data suggest that H. pylori cagA targets PLD1 for invasion of GC cells, and rebamipide might contribute to the antitumorigenic effect of GC cells via inhibition of the H. pylori cagA-NFκB-PLD1 signaling pathway.

Acute alteration of cardiac ECG, action potential, I(Kr) and the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) K+ channel by PCB 126 and PCB 77

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been known as serious persistent organic pollutants (POPs), causing developmental delays and motor dysfunction. We have investigated the effects of two PCB congeners, 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 77) and 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126) on ECG, action potential, and the rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (I(Kr)) of guinea pigs' hearts, and hERG K+ current expressed in Xenopus oocytes. PCB 126 shortened the corrected QT interval (QTc) of ECG and decreased the action potential duration at 90% (APD(90)), and 50% of repolarization (APD₅₀) (P<0.05) without changing the action potential duration at 20% (APD₂₀). PCB 77 decreased APD₂₀ (P<0.05) without affecting QTc, APD₉₀, and APD₅₀. The PCB 126 increased the I(Kr) in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes held at 36°C and hERG K+ current amplitude at the end of the voltage steps in voltage-dependent mode (P<0.05); however, PCB 77 did not change the hERG K+ current amplitude. The PCB 77 increased the diastolic Ca²⁺ and decreased Ca²⁺ transient amplitude (P<0.05), however PCB 126 did not change. The results suggest that PCB 126 shortened the QTc and decreased the APD₉₀ possibly by increasing I(Kr), while PCB 77 decreased the APD₂₀ possibly by other modulation related with intracellular Ca²⁺. The present data indicate that the environmental toxicants, PCBs, can acutely affect cardiac electrophysiology including ECG, action potential, intracellular Ca²⁺, and channel activity, resulting in toxic effects on the cardiac function in view of the possible accumulation of the PCBs in human body.

Clinicopathological correlation of cutaneous metastatic breast carcinoma using lymphatic and vascular markers: lymphatics are mainly involved in cutaneous metastasis

Precise clinicopathological correlations of the clinical features of metastatic breast carcinoma with lymphatic-specific markers are rare. We classified 28 patients with metastatic breast carcinoma according to their clinical features. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using D2-40, CD31 and CD34. Of the 28 patients, 8 (28.6%) had inflammatory metastatic carcinoma, 6 (21.4%) had the telangiectatic type, 5 had the nodular type, 3 had the en cuirasse type, 3 had alopecia neoplastica, and 3 had a combination of features. D2-40 staining revealed dilated lymphatic channels (lymphangiectasia) in the upper dermis of all patients; in addition, 13 patients (46.4%) had intralymphatic tumour-cell emboli, which were common in those with the inflammatory and telangiectatic types. Intratumoral lymphatic invasion in the main tumour nodule was seen in 12 patients (42.9%). Our results suggest that cutaneous metastatic breast carcinomas have various clinical presentations, and that lymphatic vessels play an important role in all types of cutaneous metastasis.

DAOA Variants on Diagnosis and Response to Treatment in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether selected D-amino acid oxidase activator ( DAOA) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs3916966, rs3916967, rs2391191, rs3916968, rs7139958, rs9558571, rs778293) are associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD), and whether they can predict clinical outcomes in Korean in-patients treated with antidepressants and mood stabilizers, respectively. METHODS: In total, 145 patients with MDD, 132 patients with BD and 170 psychiatrically healthy controls were genotyped for the DAOA SNPs. Baseline and final clinical assessments included the Montgomery—Asberg Depression Rating Scale and Young Mania Rating Scale for patients with MDD and BD, respectively. RESULTS: There was no association between DAOA SNP genotypes or alleles with diagnosis, clinical improvement, response rates or remission rates for MDD and BD. Haplotype analyses found no association with MDD or BD diagnosis or clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the DAOA SNPs investigated may not affect MDD or BD phenotype, clinical symptoms or other clinical factors, and are unlikely to be involved in MDD or BD development and treatment outcomes. Given the study's limitations, further investigation should be carried out.

P2-11-03: High Expression of CX3CL1 by Tumor Cells Correlates with a Good Prognosis and Increased Infiltrating CD8+ T Cells, Natural Killer Cells, and Dendritic Cells in Breast Carcinoma

CX3CL1 is the only CX3C chemokine that can chemoattract CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and dendritic cells (DCs). Although studies have reported that CX3CL1 regulates the host immune response, the roles of the CX3CL1 in breast carcinoma remain unknown. We evaluated the expression CX3CL1 in 198 surgical specimens of breast carcinoma and analyzed any association with the clinicopathological factors, including CD8+ T cells, CD56+ NK cells, and CD1a+ DCs, while also evaluating the impact on the prognosis. High CX3CL1 expression was found in 136 of 198 (68.7%) breast carcinomas. The numbers of stromal CD8+ T cells, intratumoral CD1a+ DCs, and stromal CD56+ NK cells were significantly increased in the high CX3CL1 expression group (19.3 ± 15.2, 0.3 ± 0.9 and 1.4 ± 1.7 per field, respectively) compared with the low expression group (10.2 ± 13.1, 0.0 ± 0.3 and 0.7 ± 0.8 per field, respectively). Patients with high CX3CL1 expression had a significantly better prognosis for disease-free and overall survival than those with low expression (P = 0.002 and P = 0.000, respectively). In a multivariate analysis, the CX3CL1 expression was identified as one of the independent prognostic factors for overall survival (odds ratio, 2.29; P = 0.002). These data suggest that CX3CL1 expressed in the tumor cells appears to enhance the recruitment of CD8+ T cells, NK cells, and CD1a+ DCs, thereby bringing about a better prognosis in breast carcinoma. CX3CL1 is a new prognostic biomarker and be a novel candidate for development of a more effective therapeutic strategy for breast carcinoma.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-11-03.

P2-11-05: Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-14 Expression Correlates with the Grade and Biological Behavior of Mammary Phyllodes Tumors

Phyllodes tumors (PTs) of the breast are rare biphasic tumors with the potential for invasion and metastatic spread. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs) are involved in several key aspects of tumoral growth, invasion and metastasis, but little is known of their expression in PTs. The objective of this study was to assess the expression of MMPs and TIMPs in PTs and to determine their association with grade and clinical behavior of PTs. Eighty-two PTs (50 benign, 22 borderline, and 10 malignant) were studied. Automated immunohistochemical staining for MMP-1, -2, -7, -9, -11, -13, and -14 and TIMP-1, -2, and -3 was performed using tissue microarray blocks and the expression of MMPs and TIMPs was assessed in both the stromal components. There were no significant differences in the expression of stromal MMPs and TIMPs in the three groups of PTs, except for MMP-14. There was a significant increase in stromal MMP-14 expression with increasing PT grade (P &lt; 0.01). The stromal MMP-14 expression in the borderline and malignant PTs was higher than that in benign PTs (P &lt; 0.05 and P &lt; 0.05, respectively). Furthermore, the expression of stromal MMP-14 was associated with a higher rate of recurrence (P &lt; 0.05). Our results show for the first time that stromal MMP-14 expression is associated with the grade and clinical behavior of PTs of the breast.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-11-05.

Performance of GaN vertical light emitting diodes using wafer bonding process with Al-alloyed graphite substrate

We report on the vertical-structure light emitting diodes (VLEDs) fabricated with wafer bonding method using Al-alloyed graphite and Si supporter. VLEDs with Al-alloyed graphite produced no crack during/after laser lift-off (LLO) techniques while the wafer crack took place using Si supporter because of the difference of thermal expansion coefficients between Si and sapphire. The performance of VLEDs with wafer bonding method using Al-alloyed graphite supporter was compared to those fabricated by Cu plating methods. The output power of the chips with wafer bonding method was nearly same as the one with Cu-plating method. However, the forward voltage of VLEDs with wafer bonding method was higher than those with Cu-plating method. In the terms of reliabilities the wafer bonding process is more preferable to Cu-plating and our report proposes that Al-alloyed graphite could be one of promising candidates for the supporters in wafer bonding process.

Loading behavior of Pt nanoparticles on the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes having defects formed via microwave treatment

We developed a simple and efficient method to load Pt nanoparticles (NPs) uniformly on defects generated in multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs) without using reduction agents or organic reagents. Defects on the surfaces of MWCNTs were artificially generated by microwave treatment at various exposure times. Nucleation of Pt NPs occurs on the defect sites spontaneously due to an innate electropotential difference. Because of the correlation between defects and Pt NPs, we were able to control the size of Pt NPs by changing defect size, quantity and distribution, which was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and TEM. After microwave treatment for 3 min, more uniform and smaller Pt NPs were observed. Also, the defects via microwave treatment make adhesion of Pt NPs stronger, which can be helpful to improve the reliability for applications. Finally, the methanol oxidation behavior of MWCNTs with Pt NPs was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV).

Patterning of catalysts for the selective growth of carbon nanotubes using laser irradiation of nickel nitrate

We developed a simple method to produce patterned catalysts for the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on Si substrate using laser irradiation of Ni nitrate. We found that Ni nitrate can easily be decomposed into Ni oxide by KrF laser irradiation and that unexposed Ni nitrate can be removed using deionized (DI) water. Once we obtained patterned Ni oxide, we were able to synthesize multi-walled CNTs using a conventional thermal CVD. This new method does not require any photoresist or vacuum processes. Not only is the method compatible with low-temperature and large-area fabrication, it also significantly reduces the total processing steps required for conventional lithographic patterning technology. A detailed investigation of the decomposition process of this patterned catalyst and the microstructure of the patterned multi-walled CNTs was carried out using IR, SEM and TEM.

HLA-A, -B, -DRB1 allele frequencies and haplotypic association from DNA typing data of 7096 Korean cord blood units

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) distribution in 7096 Korean cord blood (CB) units preserved at the public CB bank was analyzed by using the polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe (PCR-SSOP) method. A total of 14 HLA-A, 33 HLA-B, 13 HLA-DRB1 alleles and 2470 three-locus haplotypes were identified. The results are generally similar to those from the previous Korean studies, but the frequencies of less frequent haplotypes < 0.1% are more relevant and infrequent haplotypes with strong linkage disequilibrium were newly found because of the large sample size. Our results showed some similarities to those of other Asians but also some differences, suggesting a rationale for an Asian network for a hematopoietic stem-cell donor registry. Results from this large-scale analysis will be useful in Korean and Asian registry planning.

Multiplex assay to identify Korean vectors of malaria

Following the recent emergence of malaria in South Korea, vector control has been an important task. For this, vector identification is very important. Earlier, two PCR-based assays have been described. But, poor species resolution and their ability to include only 4-5 species limit their use. Thus, it has now become important to revise the assay identifying these members. In this study, a new assay based on internal transcribed spacer 2 and 28S of ribosomal DNA has been described. The assay successfully identified all the Korean malaria vector mosquitoes. Therefore, it is an indispensable tool to study ecology, abundance and biology of these species.

Functional significance of eIF5A and its hypusine modification in eukaryotes

The unusual basic amino acid, hypusine [N(epsilon)-(4-amino-2-hydroxybutyl)-lysine], is a modified lysine with the addition of the 4-aminobutyl moiety from the polyamine spermidine. This naturally occurring amino acid is a product of a unique posttranslational modification that occurs in only one cellular protein, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A, eIF-5A). Hypusine is synthesized exclusively in this protein by two sequential enzymatic steps involving deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS) and deoxyhypusine hydroxylase (DOHH). The deoxyhypusine/hypusine synthetic pathway has evolved in archaea and eukaryotes, and eIF5A, DHS and DOHH are highly conserved suggesting a vital cellular function of eIF5A. Gene disruption and mutation studies in yeast and higher eukaryotes have provided valuable information on the essential nature of eIF5A and the deoxyhypusine/hypusine modification in cell growth and in protein synthesis. In view of the extraordinary specificity and functional significance of hypusine-containing eIF5A in mammalian cell proliferation, eIF5A and the hypusine biosynthetic enzymes are novel potential targets for intervention in aberrant cell proliferation.

Functional significance of eIF5A and its hypusine modification in eukaryotes

The unusual basic amino acid, hypusine [N(epsilon)-(4-amino-2-hydroxybutyl)-lysine], is a modified lysine with the addition of the 4-aminobutyl moiety from the polyamine spermidine. This naturally occurring amino acid is a product of a unique posttranslational modification that occurs in only one cellular protein, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A, eIF-5A). Hypusine is synthesized exclusively in this protein by two sequential enzymatic steps involving deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS) and deoxyhypusine hydroxylase (DOHH). The deoxyhypusine/hypusine synthetic pathway has evolved in archaea and eukaryotes, and eIF5A, DHS and DOHH are highly conserved suggesting a vital cellular function of eIF5A. Gene disruption and mutation studies in yeast and higher eukaryotes have provided valuable information on the essential nature of eIF5A and the deoxyhypusine/hypusine modification in cell growth and in protein synthesis. In view of the extraordinary specificity and functional significance of hypusine-containing eIF5A in mammalian cell proliferation, eIF5A and the hypusine biosynthetic enzymes are novel potential targets for intervention in aberrant cell proliferation.

The effects of cognitive training on community-dwelling elderly Koreans

The objective of this study was to apply and test the effects of cognitive training on community-dwelling, elderly Koreans. The cognitive training was applied for 24 weeks to 129 elderly participants. The participants were divided into two groups to receive either cognitive training followed by observational period, or observational period followed by cognitive training. The primary outcome measures were the geriatric depression scale (Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form-Korean, GDS-SF-K) and mini-mental status examination (Mini-Mental State Examination in the Korean version, MMSE-KC) scores. There were no differences between the average GDS-SF-K and MMSE-KC scores of the two groups. However, the participants with cognitive dysfunction (defined as baseline MMSE below the 16th percentile according to age, sex and educational level) who received cognitive training initially had significantly improved MMSE-KC score on weeks 8 and 16, compared with the participants with cognitive dysfunction who were observed first. However, the participants who received cognitive training later did in fact catch up with the other group in terms of MMSE-KC score. Cognitive training by visiting nursing services was more effective in the elderly with cognitive dysfunction.