Sire pedigree error estimation and sire verification of the Taiwan dairy cattle population by using SNP markers

Information regarding the correct pedigree of and relationship between animals is useful for managing dairy breeding, reducing inbreeding, estimating breeding value, and establishing correct breeding programs. Additionally, the successful implementation of progeny testing is crucial for improving the genetics of dairy cattle, which depends on the availability of correct pedigree information. Incorrect pedigree information leads to bias in bull evaluation. In this study, Neogen GeneSeek Genomic Profiler (GGP) 50K SNP chips were used to identify and verify the sire of Taiwanese Holstein dairy cattle and analyze the reasons that lead to incorrect sire records. Samples were collected from 2,059 cows of 36 dairy farms, and the pedigree information was provided by breeders. The results of sire verification can be divided into three categories: submitted unconfirmed sire, submitted confirmed sire, and incorrectly submitted verified sire. Data on the sires of 1,323 (64.25%) and 572 (27.78%) dairy cows were verified and discovered, respectively. Sires of 1,895 (92.03%) dairy cattle were identified, which showed that the paternal pedigree of dairy cattle could be discovered and verified through genetic testing. An error-like analysis revealed that the data of 37 sires were incorrectly recorded because the bull's NAAB code number was incorrectly entered into the insemination records: for 19 sires, the wrong bull was recorded because the frozen semen of a bull placed in the wrong storage tank was used, 6 had no sire records, and for 12 sires, the NAAB code of the correct bull was recorded but with a wrong stud code, marketing code, or unique number for the stud or breed. To reduce recorded sire error rates by at least 27.78%, automated identification of the mated bull must be adopted to reduce human error and improve dairy breeding management on dairy farms.

Association of Body mass index and clinical outcomes in patient with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Most of the world"s population lives in countries in which overweight status and obesity issues cause more morbidity and mortality than underweight status. Mortality increased as BMI increased above 25 kg/m², and the lowest mortality existed in a population with ideal body weight. Recently, the BMI or obesity paradox was widely discussed. The lower future risk was observed in these overweight subjects, not normal weight or lower BMI population, in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Purpose 

The association of body weight and adverse outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease, undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), has not yet been clearly established. The purpose of our study was to investigate the outcome of patients undergoing PCI, stratified by body mass index (BMI). 

Methods

Moreover, 5,427 patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD) were enrolled while undergoing successful PCI from 2005 to 2015. The primary outcome, or total cardiovascular (CV) events, was the composite of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalization for congestive heart failure (CHF). 

Results

During an average 65.06 ± 32.1 month follow-up, there were 573 total cardiovascular (CV) events (18.95%), 315 major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) (10.42%), 105 cardiac deaths (3.47%), 169 acute myocardial infarction (MI) (5.59%), 69 ischemic strokes (CVAs) (2.28%), 314 heart failure hospitalizations (10.39%) recorded. There was a "J-shape" curve association between BMI and future adverse events. Being overweight (BMI = 25-29.9 kg/m²) was associated with significantly lower risk of future total CV events (HR: 084, 95% CI:0.72-0.98), MACEs (0.76, 95% CI:0.63-0.93), acute MIs (0.76, 95%CI:0.58-1.00), and CVAs (HR:0.61, 95%CI:0.39-0.95). 

Conclusion

A J-shape relationship exists between baseline BMI and future adverse events in CAD patients undergoing PCI, with the overweight (BMI = 25-29.9 kg/m²) group associated with the lowest risk of total CV events.

[Tough choice of surgical treatment for duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumor: pancreaticoduodenectomy or local resection?]

The therapeutic choice of duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) has always been the focus of surgeons because of its special anatomy location. So far, surgery is the preferable treatment for primary duodenal GIST, including pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and local resection (LR). Researches reveal that the prognosis of duodenal GIST is determined by the pathologic factors of the tumor itself, and is not significantly associated with the surgical procedure. The intervention with targeted drugs such as imatinib has given the duodenal GIST more opportunities for LR. Meanwhile, the technique development of the laparoscopy combined with endoscopic surgery and robotic surgery ensures the steps of minimally invasive treatment for duodenal GIST into a new era.

Novel nanococktail of a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor and cabazitaxel for castration-resistant prostate cancer

Prognosis of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) carries is poor, and no effective therapeutic regimen is yet known. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway played a predominant role and may be a promising molecular target for CRPC. However, the toxicity of the dual PI3K inhibitors in clinical trials limits their clinical efficacy for CRPC. To solve this problem, we employed a highly integrated precision nanomedicine strategy to molecularly and physically target CRPC through synergistic effects, enhanced targeted drug delivery efficiency, and reduced unwanted side-effects. Gedatolisib (Ge), a potent inhibitor of PI3K/mTOR, was formulated into our disulfied-crosslinked micelle plateform (NanoGe), which exhibits excellent water solubility, small size (23.25±2 nm), excellent stability with redox stimulus-responsive disintegration, and preferential uptake at tumor sites. NanoGe improved the anti-neoplastic effect of free Ge by 53 times in PC-3M cells and 13 times in C4-2B cells though its enhanced uptake via caveolae- and clathrin-mediated endocytic pathways and the subsequent inhibition of the PI3K/mTOR pathway, resulting in Bax/Bcl-2 dependent apoptosis. In an animal xenograft model, NanoGe showed superior efficacy than free Ge, and synergized with nanoformulated cabazitaxel (NanoCa) as a nanococktail format to achieve a cure rate of 83%. Taken together, our results demonstrate the potency of NanoGe in combination with NanoCa is potent against prostate cancer.

Abstract 1221: Novel strategies to target autophagy to improve cancer therapy

In cancer research, autophagy is thought to be a double-edged sword because it can either prevent malignant transformation during cancer initiation or sustain tumor metabolism, growth and survival in cancer establishment and progression. For established tumors, especially the advanced or metastatic types, the harsh intercellular conditions activate autophagy so that tumor cells can adapt to the stressful conditions and efficiently recycle their nutrients, while also allowing them to respond to anti-tumor therapeutics. Therefore, interventions that deliberately inhibit autophagy in cancer therapy have been used to reduce cancer cell survival, overcome drug resistance and improve clinical outcomes. The vast majority of autophagy inhibitors used in these therapies are lysosomotopic alkaline agents, such as chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). However, their efficacy is considered to be imperfect. New strategy to target autophagy for cancer therapy is needed. Through introducing nanotechnology into initial new drug entity design, we developed a series of new chemical entities, BAQ12-18, and all of them are potential building blocks to self-assemble into the single new-chemical-entity nanomedicines (BAQ SNNs). The selected BAQ12 NP and BAQ13 NP not only improve drug delivery and tumor-targeted biodistribution but also endow unique proton sponge effect to dramatically enhance the existing functions of lysosomal disruption and autophagy blockade, and thus generate significant therapeutic efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. The more striking finding is that BAQ13 NP can potently provide both a uniform drug delivery platform and synergistic effect to the combination drug, indicating a new-generation strategy of combination therapy. Considering their capacity to encapsulate different drugs and broad synergistic effect with various treatments, BAQ SNNs may make a tremendous contribution to the outcome of cancer treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to extend nanotechnology into the design stage of new small-molecule drug entity. The seamless connection between new drug discovery and nanomedicine-based drug delivery will absolutely inspire researchers to develop increasingly advanced nanomedicines with a wide range of practical values and market for improved the therapy against challenging diseases.

Citation Format: Yuanpei Li, Zhao Ma, Dailn Zhang, Mythili Ramachandran, Tzu-yin Lin. Novel strategies to target autophagy to improve cancer therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 1221.

Abstract 2883: A transformable delivery system for the effective treatment of pediatric central nervous system tumors

Malignancies of the central nervous system (CNS) are the most common type of solid tumor affecting children and a leading cause of cancer-related death in children. With the deterioration of brain tumors, blood-brain barrier (BBB)/blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB) with poor permeability, and relatively weak enhanced permeability and retention effect become major obstacles in delivering therapeutics to brain tumors. Vincristine (VCR) is a mainstay of treatment of a variety of cancers including brain tumors due to its well-defined mechanism of action and demonstrated anticancer activity. However, the clinical application of VCR in brain tumors was limited by its neurotoxicity and inability to penetrate BBB/BBTB resulting in unsatisfactory anti-cancer efficacy. In this project, we developed a transformable nanoparticle, named Ninja-nanoparticle, which is capable overcoming several important barriers for drug delivery to CNS tumors resulting in better efficacy and toxicity profile. Ninja-NP was stable during circulation due to crosslinking and could transpass BBB/BBTB through glucose receptor-mediated transcytosis. Ninja-NP could further transform into smaller nanoparticle upon encountering acidic microenvironment and revealed hidden moiety to target tumor surface overexpressed sialic acid. Ninja-NP employed a unique strategy which could sequentially target BBB/BBTB and brain tumor cells. Our study confirmed that VCR loaded Ninja-NP significantly accumulated at the orthotopic brain tumor sites, and exhibited superior anti-cancer efficacy in orthotopic diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), the most deadly pediatric CNS tumor, then free VCR or Liposomal VCR with limited systemic toxicity. Ninja-NP addresses multiple challenges for CNS tumor treatment and exhibits great potential to be translated into an effective theranostic nano-platform which could be seamlessly integrated into standard human brain tumor management (imaging-guided drug delivery) with reduced long term toxicity.

Citation Format: Tzu-yin Lin. A transformable delivery system for the effective treatment of pediatric central nervous system tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 2883.

AccuMeter noninstrumented quantitative assay of high-density lipoprotein in whole blood

A novel noninstrumented technology (ChemTrak AccuMeter) for the quantitative measurement of analytes in biological fluids was reported at the 1990 Oak Ridge Conference (Clin Chem 1990;36:1591-7). This instrument-free technology has been adapted for the quantitative measurement of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). An in situ lipoprotein separation method has been developed and incorporated into the test for HDL determination. The sensitivity of the assay system has been adjusted so that HDL is measured over a clinically significant range of 250 to 1000 mg/L. This compares to a range of 1000 to 4000 mg/L for the total cholesterol in the earlier reported assay. Like the AccuMeter total cholesterol test, the Accumeter HDL test system is self-contained and consolidates blood separation, lipoprotein separation, and specimen measurement into a single step. The test procedure is simple, and the results are accurate.

A facile approach to fabricate self-assembled magnetic nanotheranostics for drug delivery and imaging

Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles have been extensively employed for theranostic applications due to their good biocompatibility and excellent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) properties. However, these particles typically require surface modification due to their hydrophobic surfaces caused by the oil-phase surfactants used in the fabrication and thus, the drug loading on their surface is usually limited. Here, we provided a novel and facile approach to conveniently perform surface modification of SPIO while simultaneously loading a large amount of drug. By synthesizing an amphiphilic irinotecan-based compound with a hydrophobic tail enabling insertion into the SPIO assembly, an excellent SPIO-based theranostic nanomedicine (SPIO@IR) was produced. SPIO@IR not only extensively improved the drug efficacy, but also allowed visualization by MRI in biological systems.

"One-Pot" Fabrication of Highly Versatile and Biocompatible Poly(vinyl alcohol)-porphyrin-based Nanotheranostics

Nanoparticle-based theranostic agents have emerged as a new paradigm in nanomedicine field for integration of multimodal imaging and therapeutic functions within a single platform. However, the clinical translation of these agents is severely limited by the complexity of fabrication, long-term toxicity of the materials, and unfavorable biodistributions. Here we report an extremely simple and robust approach to develop highly versatile and biocompatible theranostic poly(vinyl alcohol)-porphyrin nanoparticles (PPNs). Through a “one-pot” fabrication process, including the chelation of metal ions and encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs, monodispersenanoparticle could be formed by self-assembly of a very simple and biocompatible building block (poly(vinyl alcohol)-porphyrin conjugate). Using this approach, we could conveniently produce multifunctional PPNs that integrate optical imaging, positron emission tomography (PET), photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT) and drug delivery functions in one formulation. PPNs exhibited unique architecture-dependent fluorescence self-quenching, as well as photodynamic- and photothermal- properties. Near-infrared fluorescence could be amplified upon PPN dissociation, providing feasibility of low-background fluorescence imaging. Doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded PPNs achieved 53 times longer half-life in blood circulation than free DOX. Upon irradiation by near infrared light at a single excitation wavelength, PPNs could be activated to release reactive oxygen species, heat and drugs simultaneously at the tumor sites in mice bearing tumor xenograft, resulting in complete eradication of tumors. Due to their organic compositions, PPNs showed no obvious cytotoxicity in mice via intravenous administration during therapeutic studies. This highly versatile and multifunctional PPN theranostic nanoplatform showed great potential for the integration of multimodal imaging and therapeutic functions towards personalized nanomedicine against cancers.

Micro-autologous Fat Transplantation (MAFT) for Forehead Volumizing and Contouring

Background

Frontal fullness in Asians is often considered to indicate one’s public popularity and leadership skills. Numerous materials and techniques have been applied clinically to recontour or volumize the frontal area, with variable results. The micro-autologous fat transplantation (MAFT) technique proposed by Lin et al. (2nd academic congress of Taiwan Cosmetic Association Taipei, Taiwan) in 2007 has demonstrated its feasibility in facial rejuvenation. In the present study, we used an innovative instrument to apply the MAFT technique to frontal augmentation with fat grafting and reported the results.

Methods

MAFT was performed on 178 patients (167 female, 11 male) during a 5-year period starting in January 2010. Fat was harvested by liposuction, processed and refined by centrifugation at 1200×g for 3 min. The purified fat was micro-transplanted for frontal contouring with the assistance of an instrument, the MAFT-GUN. The patients were followed up regularly, and photographs were taken for comparison.

Results

On average, the MAFT procedure took 52 min to complete. The average amount of delivered fat was 10.2 mL. The follow-up period was 34 months on average. No complications, including neurovascular injury, skin necrosis, abscess, nodulation, calcification or irregularity, were noted. A patient-rated satisfaction 5-point Likert scale demonstrated that 83.1% of all patients had favorable results (48.3% were satisfied, and 34.8% were very satisfied).

Conclusion

The concept and technique of MAFT has changed fat grafting from an operation with unpredictable clinical results to an easy, reliable and consistent procedure. Furthermore, the use of a precisely controlled instrument enabled surgeons to perform highly accurate micro-fat grafting. In comparison with other strategies for volume restoration, the MAFT procedure demonstrated high patient satisfaction with the long-term results. Therefore, the use of MAFT as an alternative approach to forehead contouring and volumizing was addressed.

Level of Evidence IV

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Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00266-017-0883-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A diagnostic microdosing approach to investigate platinum sensitivity in non-small cell lung cancer

The platinum-based drugs cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin are often used for chemotherapy, but drug resistance is common. The prediction of resistance to these drugs via genomics is a challenging problem since hundreds of genes are involved. A possible alternative is to use mass spectrometry to determine the propensity for cells to form drug-DNA adducts-the pharmacodynamic drug-target complex for this class of drugs. The feasibility of predictive diagnostic microdosing was assessed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell culture and a pilot clinical trial. Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) was used to quantify [14 C]carboplatin-DNA monoadduct levels in the cell lines induced by microdoses and therapeutic doses of carboplatin, followed by correlation with carboplatin IC50 values for each cell line. The adduct levels in cell culture experiments were linearly proportional to dose (R2  = 0.95, p < 0.0001) and correlated with IC50 across all cell lines for microdose and therapeutically relevant carboplatin concentrations (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). A pilot microdosing clinical trial was conducted to define protocols and gather preliminary data. Plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) and [14 C]carboplatin-DNA adducts in white blood cells and tumor tissues from six NSCLC patients were quantified via AMS. The blood plasma half-life of [14 C]carboplatin administered as a microdose was consistent with the known PK of therapeutic dosing. The optimal [14 C]carboplatin formulation for the microdose was 107 dpm/kg of body weight and 1% of the therapeutic dose for the total mass of carboplatin. No microdose-associated toxicity was observed in the patients. Additional accruals are required to significantly correlate adduct levels with response.

A versatile nanoplatform for synergistic combination therapy to treat human esophageal cancer

One of the major goals of precision oncology is to promote combination therapy to improve efficacy and reduce side effects of anti-cancer drugs based on their molecular mechanisms. In this study, we aimed to develop and validate new nanoformulations of docetaxel (DTX) and bortezomib (BTZ) for targeted combination therapy to treat human esophageal cancer. By leveraging our versatile disulfide cross-linked micelles (DCMs) platform, we developed nanoformulations of DTX and BTZ (named DTX-DCMs and BTZ-DCMs). Their physical properties were characterized; their anti-cancer efficacies and mechanisms of action were investigated in a human esophageal cancer cell line in vitro. Furthermore, the in vitro anti-tumor activities of combination therapies (concurrent drug treatment, sequential drug treatment, and treatment using different ratios of the drugs) were examined in comparison with the single drug treatment and free drug strategies. These drug-loaded nanoparticles were spherical in shape and relatively small in size of approximately 20-22 nm. The entrapment efficiencies of DTX and BTZ into nanoparticles were 82.4% and 84.1%, respectively. The drug release rates of DTX-DCMs and BTZ-DCMs were sustained, and greatly increased in the presence of GSH. These nanodrugs were effectively internalized by KYSE30 esophageal cancer cells, and dose-dependently induced cell apoptosis. We further revealed a strong synergistic effect between DTX-DCMs and BTZ-DCMs against KYSE30 esophageal cancer cells. Sequential combination therapy with DTX-DCMs followed by BTZ-DCMs exhibited the best anti-tumor efficacy in vitro. This study demonstrates that DTX and BTZ could be successfully nanoformulated into disulfide cross-linked micelles. The nanoformulations of DTX and BTZ demonstrate an immense potential for synergistic combination therapy to treat human esophageal cancer.

Epidemiology of Enterobius vermicularis infection among elementary school children in Hualien, Taiwan from 2007 to 2012

Enterobius vermicularis is the most common human intestinal parasite, and its control among school children is an important public health issue. The objective of this study was to document the present situation of E. vermicularis infection in school children in Hualien. The administrative divisions in Hualien county include 13 districts (3 in a mountainous area, 10 in a rural/urban area). Between 2007 and 2012, a total of 41,191 children in 13 districts in Hualien were examined using consecutive 2-day adhesive cellophane paper perianal swabs. Our results showed Enterobius egg-positive infection rates of 5.79% (452/7,089) in 2007, 6.25% (457/7,312) in 2008, 5.37% (385/7,173) in 2009, 4.98% (330/6,804) in 2010, 4.91% (301/6,133) in 2011, and 4.68% (279/5,960) in 2012. Compared to the previously reported national average in Taiwan (range, 1.53-2.23%), the prevalence of E. vermicularis in Hualien is relatively high. The infection rates were 7.55-29.10% in mountainous areas and 0.50- 12.43% in rural/urban areas. All first and fourth grade students in elementary schools in Hualien were selected as study participants. The average infection rate of the first grade students (6.71%) was higher than that of the fourth grade students (4.23%). These results indicate that enterobiasis remains an important parasitic disease among school children in Hualien, especially those in mountainous areas.

A solid-state cation exchange reaction to form multiple metal oxide heterostructure nanowires

Metal oxide nanostructures have been investigated extensively due to their wide range of physical properties; zinc oxide is one of the most promising materials. It exhibits fascinating functional properties and various types of morphologies. In particular, ZnO heterostructures have attracted great attention because their performance can be modified and further improved by the addition of other materials. In this study, we successfully transformed ZnO nanowires (NWs) into multiple ZnO/Al₂O₃ heterostructure NWs via a solid-state cation exchange reaction. The experiment was carried out in situ via an ultrahigh vacuum transmission electron microscope (UHV-TEM), which was equipped with a video recorder. Moreover, we analyzed the structure and composition of the heterostructure NWs by Cs-corrected STEM equipped with EDS. Based on these experimental results, we inferred a cation exchange reaction ion path model. Additionally, we investigated the defects that appeared after the cation reaction, which resulted from the remaining zinc ions. These multiple heterostructure ZnO/Al₂O₃ NWs exhibited excellent UV sensing sensitivity and efficiency.

Abstract 1344: Novel targeting all-in-one nanoporphyrin platform against bladder cancer

We have developed an extremely versatile and highly innovative theranostic nanoporphyrin (NP) platform for the integration of a broad range of clinical relevant imaging and therapeutic functions, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography, fluorescence optical tomography, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy and targeted drug delivery. NPs exhibit architecture-dependent fluorescence- and magnetic resonance- properties, which could significantly increase the sensitivity of optical imaging and MRI for tumor detection. We recently integrated the NP platform into our previously reported bladder cancer targeted nanoparticles that were coated with a bladder cancer-specific ligand named PLZ4, resulting in a novel bladder cancer targeting and multifunctional PLZ4-nanoporphyrin (PNP) platform. PNP selectively delivered photosensitizer and chemotherapy into bladder cancer cells 30-50 times more than to adjacent normal urothelial cells, compared to only 2-3 times with reported photosensitizer, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). Photodynamic therapy with PNP generated reactive oxygen species was over 100 times more potent than 5-ALA in vitro. PNP-mediated intravesical photo-therapy completely eliminated orthotopic patient-derived bladder cancer xenografts (PDXs). Image-guided photodynamic and photothermal therapies synergized with targeted chemotherapy of doxorubicin and significantly prolonged overall survival of mice carrying PDXs. This uniquely engineered targeting PNP platform has tremendous potential to improve the management of bladder cancer in clinic.

Citation Format: Yuanpei Li, Tzu-yin Lin, Chongxian Pan, Kit S. Lam. Novel targeting all-in-one nanoporphyrin platform against bladder cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1344.

HSP90 Inhibitor Encapsulated Photo-Theranostic Nanoparticles for Synergistic Combination Cancer Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising non-invasive therapeutic modality that has been proposed for treating prostate cancer, but the procedure is associated with limited efficacy, tumor recurrence and photo-toxicity. In the present study, we proposed to develop a novel multifunctional nano-platform for targeted delivery of heat, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitor simultaneously for combination therapy against prostate cancer. This new nano-platform combines two newly developed entities: 1) a unique organic and biocompatible nanoporphyrin-based drug delivery system that can generate efficient heat and ROS simultaneously with light activation at the tumor sites for dual-modal photothermal- and photodynamic- therapy (PTT/PDT), and 2) new nano-formulations of Hsp90 inhibitors that can decrease the levels of pro-survival and angiogenic signaling molecules induced by phototherapy, therefore, further sensitizing cancer cells to phototherapy. Furthermore, the nanoparticles have activatable near infrared (NIR) fluorescence for optical imaging to conveniently monitor the real-time drug delivery in both subcutaneous and orthotopic mouse models bearing prostate cancer xenograft. This novel multifunctional nano-platform has great potential to improve the care of prostate cancer patients through targeted combination therapy.

Molecular Dissection of Induced Platinum Resistance through Functional and Gene Expression Analysis in a Cell Culture Model of Bladder Cancer

We report herein the development, functional and molecular characterization of an isogenic, paired bladder cancer cell culture model system for studying platinum drug resistance. The 5637 human bladder cancer cell line was cultured over ten months with stepwise increases in oxaliplatin concentration to generate a drug resistant 5637R sub cell line. The MTT assay was used to measure the cytotoxicity of several bladder cancer drugs. Liquid scintillation counting allowed quantification of cellular drug uptake and efflux of radiolabeled oxaliplatin and carboplatin. The impact of intracellular drug inactivation was assessed by chemical modulation of glutathione levels. Oxaliplatin- and carboplatin-DNA adduct formation and repair was measured using accelerator mass spectrometry. Resistance factors including apoptosis, growth factor signaling and others were assessed with RNAseq of both cell lines and included confirmation of selected transcripts by RT-PCR. Oxaliplatin, carboplatin, cisplatin and gemcitabine were significantly less cytotoxic to 5637R cells compared to the 5637 cells. In contrast, doxorubicin, methotrexate and vinblastine had no cell line dependent difference in cytotoxicity. Upon exposure to therapeutically relevant doses of oxaliplatin, 5637R cells had lower drug-DNA adduct levels than 5637 cells. This difference was partially accounted for by pre-DNA damage mechanisms such as drug uptake and intracellular inactivation by glutathione, as well as faster oxaliplatin-DNA adduct repair. In contrast, both cell lines had no significant differences in carboplatin cell uptake, efflux and drug-DNA adduct formation and repair, suggesting distinct resistance mechanisms for these two closely related drugs. The functional studies were augmented by RNAseq analysis, which demonstrated a significant change in expression of 83 transcripts, including 50 known genes and 22 novel transcripts. Most of the transcripts were not previously associated with bladder cancer chemoresistance. This model system and the associated phenotypic and genotypic data has the potential to identify some novel details of resistance mechanisms of clinical importance to bladder cancer.

Paclitaxel Enhances Carboplatin-DNA Adduct Formation and Cytotoxicity

This rapid report focuses on the pharmacodynamic mechanism of the carboplatin/paclitaxel combination and correlates it with its cytotoxicity. Consistent with the synergistic to additive antitumor activity (the combination index ranging from 0.53 to 0.94), cells exposed to this combination had significantly increased carboplatin-DNA adduct formation when compared to that of carboplatin alone (450 ± 30 versus 320 ± 120 adducts per 10(8) nucleotides at 2 h, p = 0.004). Removal of paclitaxel increased the repair of carboplatin-DNA adducts: 39.4 versus 33.1 adducts per 10(8) nucleotides per hour in carboplatin alone (p = 0.021). This rapid report provides the first pharmacodynamics data to support the use of carboplatin/paclitaxel combination in the clinic.

Factors Affecting the Incidence of Angel Wing in White Roman Geese: Stocking Density and Genetic Selection

The present study investigated stocking density and genetic lines, factors that may alter the severity and incidence of angel wing (AW), in White Roman geese. Geese (n = 384) from two genetically selected lines (normal- winged line, NL, and angel-winged line, AL, respectively) and one commercial line (CL) were raised in four pens. Following common commercial practice, low-stocking-density (LD), medium-stocking-density, and high-stocking-density treatments were respectively administered to 24, 32, and 40 geese per pen at 0 to 3 weeks (1.92 m²/pen) and 4 to 6 weeks (13.2 m²/pen) of age and to 24, 30, and 36 geese at 7 to 14 weeks (20.0 m²/pen) of age. The results revealed that stocking density mainly affected body weight gain in geese younger than 4 weeks, and that geese subjected to LD had a high body weight at 2 weeks of age. However, the effect of stocking density on the severity score of AW (SSAW) and incidence of AW (IAW) did not differ significantly among the treatments. Differences were observed among the genetic stocks; that is, SSAW and IAW were significantly higher in AL than in NL and CL. Genetic selection generally aggravates AW, complicating its elimination. To effectively reduce IAW, stocking density, a suspected causal factor, should be lower than that presently applied commercially.

Development and Characterization of Bladder Cancer Patient-Derived Xenografts for Molecularly Guided Targeted Therapy

BACKGROUND

The overarching goal of this project is to establish a patient-derived bladder cancer xenograft (PDX) platform, annotated with deep sequencing and patient clinical information, to accelerate the development of new treatment options for bladder cancer patients. Herein, we describe the creation, initial characterization and use of the platform for this purpose.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Twenty-two PDXs with annotated clinical information were established from uncultured unselected clinical bladder cancer specimens in immunodeficient NSG mice. The morphological fidelity was maintained in PDXs. Whole exome sequencing revealed that PDXs and parental patient cancers shared 92-97% of genetic aberrations, including multiple druggable targets. For drug repurposing, an EGFR/HER2 dual inhibitor lapatinib was effective in PDX BL0440 (progression-free survival or PFS of 25.4 days versus 18.4 days in the control, p = 0.007), but not in PDX BL0269 (12 days versus 13 days in the control, p = 0.16) although both expressed HER2. To screen for the most effective MTT, we evaluated three drugs (lapatinib, ponatinib, and BEZ235) matched with aberrations in PDX BL0269; but only a PIK3CA inhibitor BEZ235 was effective (p<0.0001). To study the mechanisms of secondary resistance, a fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 inhibitor BGJ398 prolonged PFS of PDX BL0293 from 9.5 days of the control to 18.5 days (p<0.0001), and serial biopsies revealed that the MAPK/ERK and PIK3CA-AKT pathways were activated upon resistance. Inhibition of these pathways significantly prolonged PFS from 12 day of the control to 22 days (p = 0.001). To screen for effective chemotherapeutic drugs, four of the first six PDXs were sensitive to the cisplatin/gemcitabine combination, and chemoresistance to one drug could be overcome by the other drug.

CONCLUSION

The PDX models described here show good correlation with the patient at the genomic level and known patient response to treatment. This supports further evaluation of the PDXs for their ability to accurately predict a patient's response to new targeted and combination strategies for bladder cancer.

A microdosing study to identify chemoresistance in bladder cancer

356

Background: DNA adduct formation and incorporation of gemcitabine into genomic DNA are critical steps in cancer cell response to platinum (Pt) and gemcitabine chemotherapy, respectively. We hypothesize that levels of Pt-DNA adducts and gemcitabine in genomic DNA below a threshold are predictive of chemoresistance. Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is an ultrasensitive method for measuring radiocarbon. By measuring 14C bound to DNA, AMS was used to quantify carboplatin-DNA damage and gemcitabine incorporation into DNA after mice or patients received nontoxic “microdoses” of 14C-labeled carboplatin or gemcitabine. Methods: Cancer cells and mice bearing tumor xenografts were treated with one microdose (1% of the therapeutic dose) or therapeutic dose of [14C]carboplatin or [14C]gemcitabine. Carboplatin-DNA adducts and gemcitabine incorporation in DNA were correlated with cell/tumor response to chemotherapy. In the Phase 0 trial, patients with advanced bladder or non-small cell lung cancer were treated with one microdose of [14C]carboplatin followed by tumor sampling 24 hours later. Carboplatin-DNA adducts and other relevant parameters, such as pharmacokinetics and repair of DNA damage, were measured and correlated with cancer response to chemotherapy. Results: The levels of microdose-induced carboplatin-DNA damage were linearly proportional to that caused by the therapeutic dose (R2=0.92, p<0.001); and correlated with chemoresistance to carboplatin. Low gemcitabine incorporation into DNA correlated to gemcitabine resistance in patient-derived bladder cancer xenografts (p<0.001). In the Phase 0 trial, 18 patients have been enrolled. DNA damage induced by carboplatin was measured by AMS in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and, in some patients, in tumor tissues; and will be correlated with cancer response to chemotherapy. The pharmacokinetics and DNA adduct levels were linear between microdose and therapeutic doses. No microdose-related toxicity was observed. The radiation exposure was less than that of one chest X-ray per microdose. Conclusions: The levels of DNA damage induced by nontoxic microdosing carboplatin can potentially predict chemoresistance. The current status of the Phase 0 trial will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT01261299.

Cancer-specific nanotheranostics to improve the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer

323

Background: We recently developed a bladder cancer-specific targeting ligand named PLZ4, nanometer-scale micelles and nanoporphyrin. Here we report the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of these nanotheranostics coated with PLZ4. Methods: PLZ4 was synthesized through solid phase synthesis. Bladder cancer-specific PLZ4-coated nanomicelles (PNM) and nanoporphyrin (PNP) were developed through conjugating the nanotheranostics with PLZ4 on the surface, and loaded with therapeutic and/or imaging agents in the core. Bladder cancer cell lines and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) were used to determine the diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Results: In vitro studies with cell lines revealed that both PNM and PNP could specifically deliver the drug load to bladder cancer cells, but not to adjacent confounding cells. After intravenous injection, PNM loaded with paclitaxel could specifically deliver the drug load to xenografts developed from a human and a dog bladder cancer cell line, and a PDX, but not to lung cancer xenografts in the same mice. These paclitaxel-loaded PNM could overcome cisplatin resistance, and prolong the overall survival of mice carrying PDXs from 27 days with free paclitaxel to 76 days (p<0.0001). PNP can be used for photodynamic diagnosis and therapy while being able to chelate gadolinium for cancer-specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and load chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer-specific targeted chemotherapy. It is over 50 times more potent that 5-aminolevulinic acid in photodynamic therapy (p<0.0001). After intravesical instillation into the bladder cavity of an orthotopic PDX model, PNP could specifically target bladder cancer cells, but not adjacent normal urothelial cells in the same bladder. Conclusions: PNM and PNP can potentially be used for diagnosis, imaging detection and cancer-specific targeted delivery of therapeutic agents of both non-myoinvasive and advanced bladder cancer. A phase I clinical trial of PNM for intravesical instillation in human patients with non-myoinvasive bladder cancer, and another phase I trial with PNP for photodynamic diagnosis and therapy in dog bladder cancer patients have been funded.

Patient-derived xenograft platform to guide precision medicine in bladder cancer

315

Background: The prognosis for bladder cancer has not changed in 30 years. No targeted agents have been approved even though reproducible genetic abnormalities have been identified. The goal of this project was to develop and characterize a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) platform to determine the efficacy of molecularly guided targeted and chemotherapy therapy, drug re-purpose, study resistance mechanisms, and design novel therapy to overcome resistance. Methods: PDXs were developed from direct implantation of uncultured patient bladder cancer specimens into immunodeficient NSG mice. Deep sequencing in combination with computational biology was performed to characterize PDXs and identify druggable genetic aberrations that guided efficacy screening and mechanistic studies. Results: Nineteen PDXs have been established with annotated clinical information. PDXs retained morphology and 92-97% genetic aberrations of parental patient cancers. Deep sequencing revealed multiple druggable genetic aberrations, including the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) and other tyrosine kinase receptor pathways. Compared to the progression-free survival (PFS) of 9.5 days in the control arm, matched therapy with an FGFR3 inhibitor BGJ398 prolonged PFS to 18.5 days (p=2.61 X 10-6) in PDXs overexpressing FGFR3. Serial biopsies during treatment revealed reactivation of the downstream pathways coincided with development of resistance while targeting these downstream effectors reversed resistance (12 vs. 22 days, p=0.001). Efficacy studies also revealed that PDXs had differential response to chemotherapeutic drugs that could potentially guide selection of chemotherapeutic drugs for first- and second-line therapies. To determine the clinical applicability of non-myoinvasive bladder cancer, we further developed an orthotopic PDX model that mimiced disease progression to invasive and metastatic bladder cancer. Conclusions: The PDX platform allows screening for multiple targeted therapy, chemotherapy or combinations simultaneously for the most efficacious drugs or combination, and serial biopsies during treatment to study drug resistance, a task not possibly replicable at the clinical setting.

Nanotechnology in bladder cancer: current state of development and clinical practice

Nanotechnology is being developed for the diagnosis and treatment of both nonmyoinvasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and invasive bladder cancer. The diagnostic applications of nanotechnology in NMIBC mainly focus on tumor identification during endoscopy to increase complete resection of bladder cancer while nanotechnology to capture malignant cells or their components continues to be developed. The therapeutic applications of nanotechnology in NMIBC are to reformulate biological and cytotoxic agents for intravesical instillation, combine both diagnostic and therapeutic application in one nanoformulation. In invasive and advanced bladder cancer, magnetic resonance imaging with supraparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles can improve the sensitivity and specificity in detecting small metastasis to lymph nodes. Nanoformulation of cytotoxic agents can potentially decrease the toxicity while increasing efficacy.

Urethral reconstruction with tissue-engineered human amniotic scaffold in rabbit urethral injury models

BACKGROUND

Mitigating urethral injury remains a great challenge for urologists due to lack of ideal biomaterials for urethroplasty. The application of amniotic membranes (AM) over other synthetic materials make it a better potential source for urethral reconstruction. We separated the basement layer of AM to obtain denuded human amniotic scaffold (dHAS) and then inoculated primary rabbit urethral epithelial cells on the surface of dHAS to define whether this strategy minimize potential rejection and maximize the biocompatibility of human AM.

MATERIAL/METHODS

After the successful acquisition of dHAS from AM, cell-seeded dHAS were prepared and characterized. Both cell-seeded dHAS and acellular dHAS were subcutaneously implanted. Immune responses were compared by histological evaluation and CD4 cell and CD8 cell infiltrations. Then they were applied as urethroplastic materials in the rabbit models of urethral injury to fully explore the feasibility and efficacy of tissue-engineered dHAS xenografts in urethral substitution application.

RESULTS

Mild inflammatory infiltration was observed in cell-seeded dHAS grafts, as revealed by fewer accumulations of CD4 cells and CD8 cells (or neutrophils or other immune cells). Urethral defects of rabbits in the urethroplastic group with dHAS implantation (n=6) were completely resolved in one month, while there were one infection and one fistula in the control group with acellular dHAS patches (n=6). Histopathological analysis revealed mild immune response in cell-seeded dHAS group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Tissue-engineered dHAS minimize potential rejection and maximize the biocompatibility of AM, which makes it a potential ideal xenograft for urethral reconstruction.

Abstract 2821: Dual-label microdosing approach to identify chemoresistance to carboplatin and gemcitabine combination chemotherapy

Gemcitabine is commonly given in combination with cisplatin or carboplatin (GC therapy) as the first-line chemotherapy regimen for several malignancies, including bladder cancer. Unfortunately, less than half of patients respond to the therapy, generating a critical need for a test that predicts tumor response to GC therapy. The goal of this project is to measure drug-DNA adducts after administration of a single non-toxic microdose of gemcitabine in combination with carboplatin and correlating the degree of modification to chemotherapy sensitivity.

We have previously shown that resistance to carboplatin may be identified by using a [14C]carboplatin microdose (1% of therapeutic dose), and subsequent measurement of the [14C]-DNA adducts via accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), an ultrasensitive method used for detecting rare isotopes. We postulate that adduct levels induced in tumors by GC microdoses are proportional to those formed during full dose chemotherapy. Furthermore, we hypothesize that there exists a threshold level of adducts above which tumors respond to GC therapy.

We used bladder cancer cell lines and the nod scid gamma severe combined immunodeficient (NSG) mice containing patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDX) from bladder cancer patients to determine GC-DNA adduct levels using AMS. The NSG mouse is uniquely capable of accepting and propagating tumor tissue engrafted directly from patient biopsy samples. The resulting groups of mice each have identical tumors, but can be treated in a variety of ways with replicate experiments; characteristics that are impossible to achieve in normal clinical studies. We will report progress on developing protocols and preliminary GC microdosing data using the NSG-PDX mouse model of human bladder cancer.

Citation Format: Maike Zimmermann, Tiffany M. Scharadin, Hongyong Zhang, Tzu-yin Lin, Ralph W. deVere White, Chong-xian Pan, Paul T. Henderson. Dual-label microdosing approach to identify chemoresistance to carboplatin and gemcitabine combination chemotherapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2821. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2821

Abstract 905: Molecular dissection of platinum resistance through functional analysis

BACKGROUND: Platinum (Pt) agents (cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin) are active in many cancers including bladder cancer. Chemoresistance is the most common cause of treatment failure. This study is to determine the feasibility of using ultrasensitive accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) to identify chemoresistance after cancer cells or patients are treated with one non-toxic microdose (1/100th of therapeutic dose) of Pt agents. The long-term goal is to identify chemoresistance before cancer patients receive toxic chemotherapy, and to determine the underlying resistance mechanisms to design personalized chemotherapy.

METHODS: Cellular sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents was determined by the MTT assay. Platinum-induced DNA adduct formation and repair of adducts was measured with AMS after cells were exposed 14C-labeled carboplatin and oxaliplatin. AMS quantifies the 14C label that is attached to genomic DNA when the 14C-labled drug forms adducts with DNA. Cell uptake and efflux was measured by liquid scintillation counting. Intracellular glutathione levels were measured by colorimetric analysis.

RESULTS: Compared to the parental bladder cancer 5637 cells, chemoresistant 5637R cells are resistant to oxaliplatin (IC50: 2.45 µM versus 27.27 µM, p&lt;0.0001), and cisplatin (0.59 µM versus 2.99 µM, p=0.049), carboplatin (24.34 µM versus 72.18 µM, p&lt;0.0001), and gemcitabine (0.12 µM versus 1.44 µM, p=0.0015). Both 5637 and 5637R cells are still sensitive to other chemotherapeutic agents commonly used in treating bladder cancer, such as doxorubicin, methotrexate and vinblastine. Consistent with our hypothesis, chemoresistant 5637R cells have low oxaliplatin-induced DNA adduct levels than the parental 5637 cells (AUC of 943 versus 2,772 adducts per 109 nucleotide-hour for 5637, p=0.001). This low level of oxaliplatin-DNA adduct formation might be secondary to the pre-DNA damage mechanisms, such as decreased uptake (AUC of 4.42 versus 5.12 X 109 oxaliplatin molecules per cell for 5637, p=0.037) and increased intracellular inactivation of oxaliplatin by glutathione (53.91 versus 46.93 nmol/mg protein for 5637, p=0.003), plus increased repair of oxaliplatin-DNA adducts (3.48 versus 1.34 adducts per 108 nucleotides per hour for 5637, p=0.0004). We found the same correlation of low Pt-DNA adduct levels and chemoresistance in non-small cell lung (NSCLC) and breast cancer cell lines, and determined the same resistant mechanisms, such as cell uptake/efflux, intracellular inactivation and DNA repair. Carboplatin had partially different resistant mechanisms.

CONCLUSION: Functional analysis of major resistant steps can identify some chemoresistance mechanisms that can potentially help design personalized chemotherapy to overcome resistance. This approach can be applied to several different cancer types. A Phase 0 microdosing clinical trial is currently going on in patients with NSCLC and bladder cancer.

Citation Format: Amy W. Pan, Sisi Wang, Hongyong Zhang, Ruth Vinall, Tzu-yin Lin, Michael Malfatti, Maike Zimmermann, Tiffany Scharadin, Kenneth Turteltaub, Ralph de Vere White, Chong-xian Pan, Paul Henderson. Molecular dissection of platinum resistance through functional analysis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 905. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-905

A smart and versatile theranostic nanomedicine platform based on nanoporphyrin

Multifunctional nanoparticles with combined diagnostic and therapeutic functions show great promise towards personalized nanomedicine. However, attaining consistently high performance of these functions in vivo in one single nanoconstruct remains extremely challenging. Here we demonstrate the use of one single polymer to develop a smart 'all-in-one' nanoporphyrin platform that conveniently integrates a broad range of clinically relevant functions. Nanoporphyrins can be used as amplifiable multimodality nanoprobes for near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRFI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and dual modal PET-MRI. Nanoporphyrins greatly increase the imaging sensitivity for tumour detection through background suppression in blood, as well as preferential accumulation and signal amplification in tumours. Nanoporphyrins also function as multiphase nanotransducers that can efficiently convert light to heat inside tumours for photothermal therapy (PTT), and light to singlet oxygen for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Furthermore, nanoporphyrins act as programmable releasing nanocarriers for targeted delivery of drugs or therapeutic radio-metals into tumours.

Right mini-parasternotomy may be a good minimally invasive alternative to full sternotomy for cardiac valve operations-a propensity-adjusted analysis

AIM

Limited realworld data existed for miniparasternotomy approach with good sample size in Asian cohorts and most previous studies were eclipsed by case heterogeneity. The goal of this study was to compare safety and quality outcomes of cardiac noncoronary valve operations by miniparasternotomy and full sternotomy approaches on riskadjusted basis.

METHODS

From our hospital database, we retrieved the cases of non-coronary valve operations from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2012, including re-do, emergent, and combined procedures. Estimated EuroScore-II and propensity score for choosing mini-parasternotomy were adjusted for in the regression models on hospital mortality, complications (pneumonia, stroke, sepsis, etc.), and quality parameters (length of stay, ICU time, ventilator time, etc.). Non-complicated cases, defined as survival to discharge, ventilator use not over one week, and intensive care unit stay not over two weeks, were used for quality parameters.

RESULTS

There were 283 miniparasternotomy and 177 full sternotomy cases. EuroScore-II differed significantly (medians 2.1 vs. 4.7, p<0.001). Propensity scores for choosing miniparasternotomy were higher with lower EuroScore-II (OR=0.91 per 1%, p<0.001), aortic regurgitation (OR=2.3, p=0.005), and aortic non-mitral valve disease (OR=3.9, p<0.001). Adjusted for propensity score and EuroScore-II, mini-parasternotomy group had less pneumonia (OR=0.32, p=0.043), less sepsis (OR=0.31, p=0.045), and shorter non-complicated length of stay (coefficient=7.2 (day), p<0.001) than full sternotomy group, whereas Kaplan-Meier survival, non-complicated ICU time, non-complicated ventilator time, and 30-day mortality did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSION

The propensity-adjusted analysis demonstrated encouraging safety and quality outcomes for mini-parasternotomy valve operation in carefully selected patients.

Identification of a symbiotic fungus from blue-green alga and its extracellular polysaccharide

A previously unknown symbiotic fungus DT06 has been isolated from the single-celled blue-green alga Chroococcus sp. The sequences of ITS1, 5.8S rDNA and ITS2 regions of DT06 have a high similarity with that of Simplicillium (98%), which is closely related to Simplicillium lanosoniveum based on further phylogenetic analysis. However, DT06 produces unusual exocellular crystals with its conidium size twice that of S. lanosoniveum. Hence, DT06 is proposed to be a varietas of S. lanosoniveum and named as S. lanosoniveum var. Tianjinienss. Dong. (Type specimen was deposited at China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center, Number: CGMCC4460.). The striking character of DT06 is its massive production of a unique extracellular polysaccharide, which is composed of glucose and galactose and linked by 1-4 and 1-6 glycoside bonds according to UV, IR and NMR analysis. Therefore, DT06 may represent a new source of bioactive products, and also, its unusual symbiotic partnership with blue-green algae provides a model for investigating the interaction between photoautotrophic and heterotrophic micro-organisms in aquatic ecosystems.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

A novel fungus (Simplicillium) symbiotic with a single-celled blue-green alga Chroococcus sp. and its major primary metabolite have been isolated and identified. These findings broaden the scope of symbiotic fungi and provide a unique extracellular polysaccharide with potential applications in food industry.

Abstract A80: Cancer-specific targeting nanomicelles for diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer

Background: We previously developed a bladder cancer-specific targeting ligand named PLZ4 (amino acid sequence: cQDGRMGFc) that can specifically bind to both human and dog bladder cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. We have also developed a nanoscale micellular drug delivery platform. To minimize premature drug release during circulation, disulfide crosslinks are introduced to the micelles, which are cleaved under the intracellular reducing environment, where the drugs are released. Here, we assess the antitumor activity and toxicity of the PLZ4-coated and paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded micelles, with or without disulfide crosslinks.

Materials and Methods: Micelle-building monomers (ie, telodendrimers) are synthesized through conjugation of polyethylene glycol with cysteine (for disulfide crosslink) and a cholic acid cluster at one end and PLZ4 at the other. Such monomers self-assemble under aqueous condition to form micelles. Human bladder cancer cell line 5637 and patient-derived xenografts (PDX) are used for in vitro and in vivo drug delivery studies.

Results: PLZ4-coated micelles are about 20 nm in diameter. The PTX loading capacity is approximately 5 mg/ml in 20 mg of telodendrimers. PLZ4 confers cancer-specific drug delivery both in vitro and in vivo. Formulation of PTX in micelles significantly decreases the toxicity and allows intravenous administration of three times the maximum tolerated dose without increasing the toxicity, and improves the overall survival of mice carrying patient-derived bladder cancer xenografts to 64 days (without PLZ4 on micelle surface) and 76 days (PLZ4 targeting micelles) when compared to free parental PTX at 27 days (p&lt;0.0001). In contrast to free paclitaxel in Cremophor (Taxol®), the micelle formulation of PTX does not induce mast cell degranulation. To determine the minimal requirement of PLZ4 for targeted drug delivery, we compared and found that micelles with 2% and 50% of PLZ4 on surface exhibited similar antitumor activity in mice carrying patient-derived xenografts.

Conclusion: Micellular formation of PTX coated with PLZ4 shows promising antitumor activity with decreased toxicity in the treatment of bladder cancer.

Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):A80.

Citation Format: Amy Wang Pan, Tzu-yin Lin, Hongyong Zhang, Neal Goodwin, Chong-xian Pan, Yuanpei Li, Kit Lam. Cancer-specific targeting nanomicelles for diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A80.

Abstract 378: Multifunctional bladder cancer targeting micelle nanocarriers with both imaging and therapeutic potentials

Background: Human and dog invasive bladder cancers share similar attributes, such as pathologic changes, response to chemotherapy, and extremely poor prognosis. Via combinatorial chemistry approach, we previously identified a novel bladder cancer-specific ligand, PLZ4, that can specifically bind to both human and dog bladder cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. We also developed a micelle nanocarrier drug delivery system with multifunctional loading capacity. Here, we assessed whether the targeting micelles impregnated with PLZ4 on the surface could promote targeting efficacy against both human and dog bladder cancers for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic purposes. Materials and Methods: Micelle-building monomers (i.e., telodendrimers) were synthesized through conjugation of polyethylene glycol with cholic acid cluster at one end and PLZ4 at the other end, which then self-assembled in aqueous solution to form micelles. Near-infrared dye DiD and chemotherapeutic drugs (paclitaxel or daunorubicin) were co-loaded for the experiments. Cellular uptake and distribution of nanomicelles were evaluated by fluorescence intensity and high resolution topography, while drug delivery efficacy was monitored by cytotoxicity assay. Using orthotopic/xenograft mouse model generated from human clinical bladder cancer specimen or dog bladder cancer line, in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging as well as efficacy study were performed. Results: Compared to non-targeting micelles, targeting PLZ4-decorated-micelles loaded with an imaging agent DiD and chemotherapeutic drugs were more efficient in dye delivery, and caused a comparable to higher degree of cytotoxicity with free drugs in bladder cancer cell lines. According to topography, targeting micelles tended to localize at the membrane, perinuclear, and nucleus. In vivo and ex vivo orthotopic xenograft studies showed that both targeting (14.3X of free dye, p&lt;0.01) and non-targeting micelles (9.6X, p&lt;0.01) rapidly accumulated at the tumor sites, while targeting micelles exhibited significantly higher efficiency in homing property than non-targeting micelles (p&lt;0.05). Considerably higher DiD signal was microscopically observed in targeting group than non-targeting group as well as free dye group, but all exhibited similar blood vessel density. Our preliminary efficacy study also supported a better drug delivery efficiency using targeting micelle formulation than non-targeting micelles/free drug in mouse xenografts formed from human clinical bladder tumors. Conclusions: Targeting micelles impregnated with PLZ4 can selectively and efficiently target both human and dog bladder cancer cells and can be potentially developed as imaging and therapeutic agents in both human and veterinary medicine. Preclinical studies of targeting micelles can be performed in dogs with spontaneous bladder cancer before proceeding to human patients.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 378. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-378

Abstract 367: Imaging and diagnostic potentials of a novel cancer targeting peptide on bladder cancer in vitro and in vivo

Background: We have previously identified a cyclic peptide PLZ4 through screening of “one bead one compound”(OBOC), that specifically binds to bladder urothelial carcinoma cells. The main objective of this study is: 1) to optimize the binding and diagnostic potential of PLZ4 on cancer cells in urine, 2) to determine the imaging potential in xenograft mouse model. Methods: PLZ4 peptide was conjugated to the fluorescent dye Alexa 488 to determine the binding affinity toward several human and canine clinical biopsy smears and paraffin-fixed bladder tumor sections. It was also tested for in vitro diagnostic efficiency with human and dog bladder cancer cell lines treated with urine for 2 and 4 hours. To determine the in vivo targeting and imaging efficacy, PLZ4 was labeled with 64Cu through the chelator DOTA or near-infrared dye DiD loaded in nanocarriers. Mice carrying subcutaneous human or dog bladder cancer xenografts generated from cell lines or clinical specimens were used for in vivo imaging. Results: Our results indicated that PLZ4-Alexa 488 bound to primary bladder cancer obtained from dog and human patients and had higher affinity in paraffin-fixed bladder tumor sections compared to H232A lung cancer xenograft tissue sections. PLZ4 also retained its affinity toward both human and dog bladder cancer cells in the presence of urine for 2 and 4 hours. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging displayed the accumulation of PLZ4-DOTA-64Cu conjugate at human xenograft bladder cancer sites, while liver and kidney were also found to have high uptake. DiD-loaded nanomicelles decorated with PLZ4 showed a better homing property than non-targeting nanomicelles in both human and canine xenograft bladder cancers. Conclusion: PLZ4 has high imaging, diagnostic and therapeutic potential both in vitro and in vivo. It can possibly be developed for targeted delivery of radionuclides or chemotherapeutic nanoformulations in the management of bladder cancer.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 367. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-367

Targeting canine bladder transitional cell carcinoma with a human bladder cancer-specific ligand

OBJECTIVE

To determine if a human bladder cancer-specific peptide named PLZ4 can target canine bladder cancer cells.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The binding of PLZ4 to five established canine invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) cell lines and to normal canine bladder urothelial cells was determined using the whole cell binding assay and an affinitofluorescence assay. The WST-8 assay was performed to determine whether PLZ4 affected cell viability. In vivo tumor-specific homing/targeting property and biodistribution of PLZ4 was performed in a mouse xenograft model via tail vein injection and was confirmed with ex vivo imaging.

RESULTS

PLZ4 exhibited high affinity and specific dose-dependent binding to canine bladder TCC cell lines, but not to normal canine urothelial cells. No significant changes in cell viability or proliferation were observed upon incubation with PLZ4. The in vivo and ex vivo optical imaging study showed that, when linked with the near-infrared fluorescent dye Cy5.5, PLZ4 substantially accumulated at the canine bladder cancer foci in the mouse xenograft model as compared to the control.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

PLZ4 can specifically bind to canine bladder cancer cells. This suggests that the preclinical studies of PLZ4 as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic agent can be performed in dogs with naturally occurring bladder cancer, and that PLZ4 can possibly be developed in the management of canine bladder cancer.

PTEN, tau-AP-3, thymidylate synthase immunohistochemistry scoring expression in patients with uterine leiomyomas, uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignancy potential and uterine leiomyosarcomas

Uterine smooth muscle tumors are frequently classified as benign and malignant. However, an assortment of mitotic counts and nuclear atypia can be indecisive between uncertain malignant potential, and malignant uterine smooth muscle tumors. We applied three immunohistochemical parameters to distinguish between cases of benign, malignant, and those with uncertain malignant histology.

Absolute lymphocyte count is a novel prognostic indicator in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type

BACKGROUND

extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (ENKL) is a heterogeneous entity with poor survival, requiring risk stratification in affected patients. We proposed absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) as a new prognostic factor in ENKL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

we retrospectively analyzed 128 patients newly diagnosed with ENKL. Independent prognostic factors of survival were determined by Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

patients with low ALC (<1.0 × 10(9)/l) at diagnosis tended to have more adverse clinical features. Patients with high ALC (≥1.0 × 10(9)/l) at diagnosis had better overall survival (OS; P < 0.0001) and progression-free survival (PFS; P<0.0001), and achieved higher complete remission rates (P=0.001). Multivariate analysis with known prognostic factors showed that ALC, B symptoms and advanced stage were independent predictors for OS and PFS. Using the International Prognostic Index, Prognostic Index for Peripheral T-cell lymphoma unspecified, or Korean Prognostic Index for nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma, the majority of patients were in the low-risk category (with no or one adverse factor). ALC was helpful to differentiate the low-risk patients with different survival outcomes (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

our data suggest that ALC at diagnosis is a novel, powerful predictor of prognosis in ENKL. Immune status at diagnosis might have an important influence on survival in patients with ENKL.

Abstract 3011: MicroRNA expression profiles in benign and aggressive canine mast cell tumors

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) 18-24 nucleotides in length that regulate gene expression primarily by targeting mRNAs according to the degree of complementarity with their 3’ untranslated region (UTR). MiRNAs are often dysregulated in cancer, suggesting they play a role in tumorigenesis. Canine mast cell tumors (MCT) are a common cutaneous tumor of dogs whose biological behavior varies from relatively benign disease that is cured with surgical excision to aggressive, locally invasive, highly metastatic disease that is poorly responsive even to multimodality therapy. We hypothesize that high grade MCTs possess a unique miRNA expression signature distinct from that found in benign MCTs and that this contributes to their aggressive behavior. In this study, we sought to determine which miRNAs are differentially expressed in benign and aggressive canine MCT.

Methods: Total RNA was isolated by the Trizol (Invitrogen) method from 12 biologically low grade (surgical cure) and 12 biologically high grade (patient died from MCT disease). Mature miRNA expression analysis of preamplified cDNA was done using TaqMan Low Density Arrays (TLDAs), interrogating the expression profile of 378 miRNAs, 151 of whose mature sequences are 100% conserved between human and dog (Sanger miRBase release 12). Normalization was performed with the small nuclear RNA U6 and microRNA expression was calculated utilizing the comparative Ct method. Statistical analysis was performed with RealTime Statminer software (Integromics). P-values of &lt;0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: The expression of specific miRNAs was significantly different in biologically low grade and high grade MCTs. 51 miRNAs were differentially expressed in high grade versus low grade tumors (p&lt;0.05). MiRNAs with known importance in human tumorigenesis, including several members of the miR 17-92 cluster (hsa-miR-17, −18a, −18b) and its paralog, the miR-106b-25 cluster (hsa-miR-106b, −93, −25) were significantly overexpressed in high grade tumors as compared to low grade tumors.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that specific miRNAs contribute to the biologically aggressive canine MCT phenotype. Hierarchical clustering revealed distinct miRNA expression signatures in high grade tumors compared to low grade tumors. Characterization of miRNA expression in canine MCTs will facilitate our understanding the biology of this disease and has the potential to identify diagnostic/prognostic factors and targets for therapeutic intervention.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3011.

Redshift of edge emission from AlGaInP light-emitting diodes and correlation with electron-hole recombination lifetime

The edge emission from AlGaInP light-emitting diodes showed a red-shifted peak in addition to the peak of surface emission. This shift resulted from the quantum-well absorption of the guided wave. Although the shift degrades the color quality and the extraction efficiency of the device, it helps elucidate many important optical properties of the material and the dynamics of carrier recombination, including the electron-hole recombination lifetime, the optical joint density of state, the spontaneous emission spectrum and the absorption spectrum. A simple concept of the bimolecular recombination is established. The corresponding coefficient can be expressed by a simple formula and was therefore determined.

Expression profile of metastasis-related genes in invasive oral cancers

We used suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) and oligonucleotide microarray to differentiate expression profiles of metastasis-related genes and to evaluate their clinical significance in patients with invasive oral cancer (OCa). Overexpression of the specific genes was confirmed by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Cells expressing the gene were identified by immunohistochemistry in pathology specimens. Clinical correlation and significance were analyzed statistically. Using these methods, we detected increased expressions of MMP-1, -3, -7, -9, -10 and interleukin (IL)-8 in invasive OCa. Moreover, our data showed that overexpressions of MMP-1, -3, -7, -10 and IL-8 were associated with reduced survival.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for human papillomavirus in Taiwan

The aim of the study was to tailor a future Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine campaign and to help perform early primary prevention of HPV infection in Taiwan, where the incidence of cervical cancer is high. A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 826 female students, ages 10, 13, 16 and 19-22 years. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on risk factors for HPV infection. Serum samples were tested for antibodies to HPV 16 capsids using a virus-like particle-based enzyme-linked immunosorbence assay. The age-adjusted odds ratio of HPV seropositivity was calculated for each risk factor by multiple logistic regression analysis. HPV 16 antibodies were detected in 13 (1.6%) of 826 participants. The HPV 16 seroprevalence was 0.35% (1/287), 0.85% (2/235), 3.2% (6/185) and 3.4% (4/119), respectively, for age groups of 10, 13, 16 and 19-22 years. In the multiple regression analysis, the history of having sexual activity was the most significant risk predictor for HPV 16 seropositivity. The seroprevalence of HPV 16 increased dramatically among high school seniors and university students, and was significantly associated with sexual activity. Vaccination against HPV is suggested to be undertaken in early adolescence, before 16 years of age and prior to sexual debut.

Enhancement of electrokinetic remediation of hyper-Cr(VI) contaminated clay by zero-valent iron

This paper investigated the effectiveness of incorporating zero-valent iron (ZVI) into electrokinetic (EK) to remediate hyper-Cr(VI) contaminated clay (2497 mg/kg). A ZVI wall was installed in the center of the soil specimen and was filled with 1:1 (w/w) ratio of granular ZVI and sand. Results show that transport of H(+) is greatly retarded by the strong opposite migration of anionic chromate ions, whereupon a revered electroosmosis flow (EO) was resulted and alkaline zone across the specimen was developed promoting the release of Cr(VI) from the clay. Chromium removal was characterized by high Cr(VI) concentration occurred in the anolyte and the presence of Cr(III) precipitates in the catholyte. The Cr(VI) reduction efficiencies for the process without ZVI wall were 68.1 and 79.2% for 1 and 2V/cm, respectively. As ZVI wall was installed, the corresponding reduction efficiencies increased to 85.8 and 92.5%. The costs for energy and ZVI utilized in this process are US$ 41.0 and 57.5 per cubic meter for the system with electric gradient of 1 and 2V/cm, respectively. The role of ZVI wall effectively reducing Cr(VI) contamination and the operation simultaneous collection of Cr(VI) from the electrode reservoirs are two major advantages of this process.

Strong luminescence from strain relaxed InGaN/GaN nanotips for highly efficient light emitters

Semiconductor heterostructures represent the most important building block for current optoelectronic devices. One of the common features of semiconductor heterostructures is the existence of internal strain due to lattice mismatch. The internal strain can tilt the band alignment and significantly alter the physical properties of semiconductor heterostructures, such as reducing the internal quantum efficiency of a light emitter. Here, we provide a convenient route to release the internal strain by patterning semiconductor heterostructures into nanotip arrays. The fabrication of the nanotip arrays was achieved by self-masked dry etching technique, which is simple, low cost and compatible with current semiconductor technologies. By implementing our approach to InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells, we demonstrate that the light emission can be enhanced by up to 10 times. Our approach renders an excellent opportunity to manipulate the internal strain, and is very useful to create highly efficient solid state emitters.

Generation and characterization of bone marrow-derived cultured canine mast cells

Disorders of mast cells, particularly mast cell tumors (MCTs), are common in dogs. There now is evidence that many of these disorders exhibit breed predilections, suggesting an underlying heritable component. In comparison to humans and mice, little is known regarding the biology of canine mast cells. To facilitate the study of mast cell biology in other species, bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells (BMCMCs) often are used because these represent a ready source of large numbers of cells. We have developed a protocol to successfully generate canine BMCMCs from purified CD34(+) cells. After 5-7 weeks of culture with recombinant canine stem cell factor (rcSCF), greater than 90% of the cell population consisted of mast cells as evidenced by staining with Wright's-Giemsa, as well as production of chymase, tryptase, IL-8 and MCP-1. These cells expressed cell surface markers typical of mast cells including Kit, Fc epsilonRI, CD44, CD45 and CD18/CD11b. The canine BMCMCs were dependent on rcSCF for survival and proliferation, and migrated in response to rcSCF gradients. Cross-linking of cell surface-bound IgE induced the release of histamine and TNFalpha. Histamine release could also be stimulated by ConA, compound 48/80, and calcium ionophore. In summary, canine BMCMCs possess phenotypic and functional properties similar to mast cells found in vivo. These cells represent a novel, valuable resource for investigating normal canine mast cell biology as well as for identifying factors that lead to mast cell dysregulation in the dog.

Integron-associated imipenem resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from a regional hospital in Taiwan

We investigated the genetic properties of imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii collected from a regional hospital in Taiwan. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the isolates were genetically diverse. Polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, and DNA-DNA hybridisation showed that the bla(IMP-1) gene resided as a cassette in a plasmid-borne class 1 integron in two isolates. The majority of the resistant isolates were plasmid-less and carried no bla(IMP), bla(VIM) or bla(CFI) genes, indicating that other uncharacterised metallo-beta-lactamases or mechanisms other than enzyme production are involved in carbapenem resistance in this group of A. baumannii. We conclude that multidrug resistance of A. baumannii was a combined effect of lateral gene transfer and clonal spread of multiple resistant clones. Strict measures should be implemented to control the further spread of resistance.

Scoring system for empyema thoracis and help in management

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the implications of a newly defined severity scoring of empyema in children for the prediction of surgical management and to compare the length of hospitalization as an outcome measure of patients treated using medical therapy, salvage video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) vs early elective VATS.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of parapneumonic empyema of patients below 18 years of age admitted to a tertiary children's hospital in northern Taiwan from April 1993 to December 2002 was performed. Patients were categorized into a medical group who received antibiotic therapy, needle aspirations with/without tube thoracostomy; a salvage VATS group when the patients required surgery for the relief of persistent fever > 38 degrees C, chest pains or dyspneic respirations despite initial medical therapy; an early VATS group when the patients received elective surgery early after admission. The demographic data, clinical features, laboratory findings, and duration of hospitalization were compared using a severity score of empyema (SSE).

RESULTS

Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common infecting organism, followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. No organisms were recovered in 39% of patients. A pleural pH < 7.1 increases the odds of requiring surgical intervention by 6 times among this cohort. Children who required decortication of empyema had a higher severity score (mean 4.8 vs 3.0, p < 0.005). The duration of hospitalization for patients having early VATS showed a shortening stay (mean 18 vs 28 days) as compared to salvage VATS.

CONCLUSION

A pleural pH < 7.1 and a newly designed clinical severity score of empyema 4 are two predictors of surgical intervention for fibrinopurulent empyema in the present study. Early elective VATS may be adopted not later than 7 days after failure of appropriate antibiotic therapy and adequate drainage of empyema to decrease the length of stay and minimize morbidity.