[Interpretation of the third edition Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology]

Based on the changes of the classification and nomenclature in the fifth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of thyroid neoplasms, the third edition Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology (TBSRTC) was revised in June 2023. Two new chapters have been added: one addressing the clinical perspectives and imaging findings in thyroid disease and another summarizing the molecular test for thyroid cytology. A discussion of risk of malignancy (ROM) and clinical management algorithms for pediatric thyroid carcinoma have been added. The third edition provides an average ROM for each category, in addition to the expected range of cancer risk. This paper aims to interpret the main changes in the third edition TBSRTC and to provide guidelines for the clinical management of thyroid nodules.

Facile Recrystallization Process for Tuning the Crystal Morphology and Thermal Safety of Industrial Grade PYX

In this study, the crystal appearance of industrial grade 2,6-diamino-3,5-dinitropyridine (PYX) was mostly needle-shaped or rod-shaped with an average aspect ratio of 3.47 and roundness of 0.47. According to national military standards, the explosion percentage of impact sensitivity s about 40% and friction sensitivity is about 60%. To improve loading density and pressing safety, the solvent-antisolvent method was used to optimize the crystal morphology, i.e., to reduce the aspect ratio and increase the roundness value. Firstly, the solubility of PYX in DMSO, DMF, and NMP was measured by the static differential weight method, and the solubility model was established. The results showed that the Apelblat equation and Van't Hoff equation could be used to clarify the temperature dependence of PYX solubility in a single solvent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the morphology of the recrystallized samples. After recrystallization, the aspect ratio of the samples decreased from 3.47 to 1.19, and roundness increased from 0.47 to 0.86. The morphology was greatly improved, and the particle size decreased. The structures before and after recrystallization were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR). The results showed that no chemical structure changes occurred during recrystallization, and the chemical purity was improved by 0.7%. According to the GJB-772A-97 explosion probability method, the mechanical sensitivity of explosives was characterized. After recrystallization, the impact sensitivity of explosives was significantly reduced from 40% to 12%. A differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used to study the thermal decomposition. The thermal decomposition temperature peak of the sample after recrystallization was 5 °C higher than that of the raw PYX. The thermal decomposition kinetic parameters of the samples were calculated by AKTS software, and the thermal decomposition process under isothermal conditions was predicted. The results showed that the activation energy (E) of the samples after recrystallization was higher by 37.9~527.6 kJ/mol than raw PYX, so the thermal stability and safety of the recrystallized samples were improved.

[Fibrocartilaginous mesenchymoma: a clinicopathological analysis of four cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinical, radiological, histological and molecular features and the differential diagnosis of fibrocartilaginous mesenchymoma (FM). Methods: Four cases of FM diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, the Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from 2020 to 2022 were analyzed. Related literature was also reviewed. Results: Case 1 was a 10-year-old girl with bone destruction in the sacrum and L5 articular processes revealed by CT scan. Case 2 was a 7-year-old girl with an aggressive lesion in her right distal ulna. Case 3 was an 11-year-old boy with a lesion in the metaphysis of his left proximal tibia. Case 4 was an 11-year-old boy with bone destruction in the distal portion of a radius. Microscopically, the four tumors all consisted of numerous spindle cells, hyaline cartilage nodules, and bone trabeculae. The hypocellular to moderately cellular spindle cell component contained elongated cells with slightly hyperchromatic, mildly atypical nuclei arranged in bundles or intersecting fascicles. Benign-appearing cartilaginous nodules of various sizes and shapes were scattered throughout the tumors. There were areas mimicking epiphyseal growth-plate characterized by chondrocytes arranged in parallel columns and areas of enchondral ossification. The stroma was rich in mucus in case 1. Mutation of GNAS and IDH1/IDH2 and amplification of MDM2 gene were not found in any of the three tested cases. Conclusions: FM is very rare and tends to affect young patients. It most frequently occurs in the metaphysis of long tubular bones, followed by the iliac-pubic bones and vertebrae. FM is characterized by a mixed population of spindle cells, hyaline cartilage nodules and trabeculae of bone, without specific immunophenotypes and molecular alternations. As a borderline, locally aggressive neoplasm, surgical removal with a wide margin is generally the treatment of choice for FM.

Comparative Study on Thermal Response Mechanism of Two Binders during Slow Cook-Off

The HTPE (hydroxyl-terminated polyether) propellant had a lower ignition temperature (150 °C vs. 240 °C) than the HTPB (hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene) propellant in the slow cook-off test. The reactions of the two propellants were combustion and explosion, respectively. A series of experiments including the changes of colors and the intensity of infrared characteristic peaks were designed to characterize the differences in the thermal response mechanisms of the HTPB and HTPE binder systems. As a solid phase filler to accidental ignition, the weight loss and microscopic morphology of AP (30~230 °C) were observed by TG and SEM. The defects of the propellant caused by the cook-off were quantitatively analyzed by the box counting method. Above 120 °C, the HTPE propellant began to melt and disperse in the holes, filling the cracks, which generated during the decomposition of AP at a low temperature. Melting products were called the “high-temperature self-repair body”. A series of analyses proved that the different thermal responses of the two binders were the main cause of the slow cook-off results, which were likewise verified in the propellant mechanical properties and gel fraction test. From the microscopic point of view, the mechanism of HTPE’s slow cook-off performance superior to HTPB was revealed in this article.

Probing the Reaction Mechanisms of 3,5-Difluoro-2,4,6-Trinitroanisole (DFTNAN) through a Comparative Study with Trinitroanisole (TNAN)

To probe the thermal decomposition mechanisms of a novel fluorinated low-melting-point explosive 3,5-difluoro-2,4,6-trinitroanisole (DFTNAN), a comparative study with trinitroanisole (TNAN) was performed under different heating conditions. The thermal decomposition processes and initial reactions were monitored by DSC-TG-FTIR-MS and T-jump-PyGC-MS coupling analyses, respectively. The results show that fluorine decreased the thermal stability of the molecular structure, and the trigger bond was transferred from the ortho-nitro group of the ether to the para-nitro group. The possible reaction pathway of DFTNAN after the initial bond breakage is the rupture of the dissociative nitro group with massive heat release, which induces the ring opening of benzene. Major side reactions include the generation of polycyclic compounds and fluorine atom migration. Fluorine affects the thermal stability and changes the reaction pathway, and fluorinated products appear in the form of fluorocarbons due to the high stability of the C-F bond.

Synergetic Effect of Potassium Oxysalts on Combustion and Ignition of Al/CuO Composites

In this study, we studied the synergetic effect of potassium oxysalts on combustion and ignition of nano aluminum (Al) and nano copper oxide (CuO) composites. Potassium periodate (KIO4) and potassium perchlorate (KClO4) are good oxidizers with high oxygen content and strong oxidizability. Different contents of KIO4 and KClO4 were added to nano Al/CuO and the composites were assembled by sonication. When the peak pressure of nano Al/CuO was increased ~5-13 times, the pressurization rate was improved by ~1-3 orders of magnitude, the ignition delay time was shortened by ~0.08 ms-0.52 ms and the reaction completeness was adjustable when 30-70% KIO4 and KClO4 were added into the composites. The reaction of Al/KIO4 and Al/KClO4 at a lower temperature was helpful to ignite the ternary composite. Meanwhile, CuO significantly reduced the peak temperature of oxygen released from the decomposition of KIO4 and KClO4. The synergetic effect of binary oxidizers made the combustion performance of the ternary composites better than that of the binary composites. The present work indicates that KIO4 and KClO4 are promising additives for nano Al/CuO to tune and promote the combustion performance. The ternary composites have potential application in energy devices and combustion apparatus.

Synthesis of nitrogen-doped porous hollow carbon nanospheres with a high nitrogen content: A sustainable synthetic strategy using energetic precursors

Improving the recovery and utilization efficiency of obsolete energetic materials (EMs) is essential for addressing environmental pollution. In this sense, a sustainable one-step high-temperature carbonization strategy using 2,2',4,4',6,6'-hexanitrostilbene-based (HNS-based) energetic hollow nanospheres as energetic precursors was used to fabricate nitrogen-doped (N-doped) porous hollow carbon nanospheres with a high N content. The experimental results suggested carbon-based materials with a hollow spherical framework nanostructure can be obtained by the high-temperature carbonization of energetic precursors. The obtained samples possessed N-doped contents of 19.54 wt% at the carbonization temperature of 600 °C and even 6.10 wt% at 900 °C. In addition, hollow carbon nanospheres with a large number of hierarchical pores and a high surface area (503.5 m²/g) were produced at 900 °C. This strategy prevented unnecessary safety risks and improved recovery and utilization efficiency in a more sustainable and economic manner than conventional disposal methods of EMs. Therefore, this work provides a proof-of-principle concept for the fabrication of carbon-based fundamental functional materials from obsolete EMs.

Dual-mode response behavior of a graphene oxide implanted energetic system under different thermal stimuli

GO, produced by the Hummers' method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis (EA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Fourier-transform infrared nanospectroscopy (nano FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and simultaneous thermal analysis combined with mass spectrometry (TG-DSC-MS), was appended to boron/potassium nitrate (B/KNO₃) in different proportions, to regulate the response of B/KNO₃ to thermal stimuli. The addition of GO delayed the onset temperature of the reaction between B and KNO₃, and brought the second reaction stage forward, however, it did not change the reaction mechanism. The integral model functions, which were in good agreement with the values calculated using the Kissinger and Ozawa method, took the form of Jander equations for three-dimensional diffusion processes. Results showing the sensitivity to flame testing demonstrated that the higher the GO content, the more insensitive the system was to temperature, which was consistent with the conclusion of the previous thermal analysis on the onset temperature of the reaction between B and KNO₃. In a closed-vessel test, as the GO content increased, the pressure peak and maximum slopes of pressure–time curves increased. Under a thermal stimulus, GO was reduced to RGO, and when the stimulation was small and slow, this helped with heat dissipation and improved safety. If the stimulation was enough to ignite the energetic materials, GO contributed to the rapid attainment of the reaction temperature and sped up the reaction process.

Under two different thermal stimuli loading methods, GO embodied dual-mode response behavior in B/KNO₃ mixtures.

Properties related to linear and branched network structure of hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene

The correlation between properties and the network structure of hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) based polyurethanes (PUs) was studied through linear and branched structure polymer matrixes formed by toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and an aliphatic polyisocyanate curing agent (N100). The curing reactions were monitored using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and viscosity build-up. The swelling capacity of PUs decreased with the increase of crosslink density with a stable solubility parameter according to the equilibrium swelling test. Tensile properties of PUs cured by TDI and N100 in different stoichiometric ratios of NCO/OH groups were tested. Both breaking elongation and tensile strength were remarkably improved by N100. The thermal decomposition processes of HTPB/TDI and HTPB/N100 indicated that a branched structure has higher depolymerization temperature, and hence, improved thermal stability. In addition, PU with a branched network prevented the migration of the plasticizer during isothermal accelerated aging due to the higher crosslink density.

Carbon-free energetic materials: computational study on nitro-substituted BN-cage molecules with high heat of detonation and stability

A new series of high-energy density materials (HEDMs) B₆N₆H_6−n(NO₂)_n (n = 1–6) are studied at the M06-2X/6-311++G**, ωB97XD/6-311++G** and B3LYP/6-311++G** levels. Analysis of the structural changes caused by substituting the NO₂ and the electronic structures, such as electron localization function (ELF), Wiberg bond index (WBI), charge transfer and bond dissociation energies (BDE), provide important insights into the essence of the chemical characteristics and stability. Moreover, the Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamic (BOMD) simulation is performed to verify their stability, which suggests that only the BN-cage derivatives with one and two nitro groups bonding with boron atoms (NO₂-1-1 and NO₂-2-1) can remain stable under ambient conditions. To predict the detonation performance and sensitivity of these two stable BN-cage energetic molecules accurately, the density, gas phase enthalpy of formation, enthalpy of sublimation, detonation performance, impact sensitivity and BDE are calculated systematically. The calculation results show that both NO₂-1-1 and NO₂-2-1 have a higher heat of detonation, higher value of h₅₀, and larger BDE of trigger bonds than CL-20.

A new series of high-energy density materials were created by replacing the H atoms in the BN-cage with nitro groups.

Programmed death-1 ligands 1 and 2 expression in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and their relationship with tumour- infiltrating dendritic cells

The programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, are co-stimulatory molecules that contribute to the negative regulation of T lymphocyte activation. It is still unclear whether there is correlation between PD-L1 or PD-L2 and tumour-infiltrating dendritic cells (TIDCs) in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). The aim of this study was to analyse PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression and dendritic cells infiltration in tumour tissue of CSCC patients and investigate their clinical significance. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate the expression of PD-L1, PD-L2, CD1a and CD83 in 61 CSCC tissues. The immunofluoresence double-labelling technique was performed to detect the co-expression of PD-L1 or PD-L2 and CD1a or CD83 in tumour tissues. We found that 25 of 61 cases CSCC (40·98%) exhibited positivity for PD-L1, whereas 37 of 61 cases CSCC (60·66%) exhibited positivity for PD-L2. A higher percentage of CD1a-positive cases were observed on both PD-L1-positive and PD-L2-positive specimens compared with that of CD83-positive cases (92·29% versus 37·60%, 83·20% versus 33·16%). The expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2 on CD1a⁺ cells was significantly higher than that on CD83⁺ cells in tumour tissues of CSCC patients. Furthermore, the expression rate of PD-L1 was associated with UICC stage, and the expression rate of PD-L2 was associated with predominant differentiation and tumour size in CSCC. Our results indicated that higher expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2 on CD1a⁺ cells than that on CD83⁺ cells in CSCC tumour tissues may contribute to negative regulation in anti-tumour immune responses.

Identifying Corticothalamic Network Epicenters in Patients with Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Corticothalamic networks are considered core pathologic substrates for idiopathic generalized epilepsy; however, the predominant epileptogenic epicenters within these networks are still largely unknown. The current study aims to identify these epicenters by resting-state functional connectivity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To identify epicenters within the corticothalamic networks in idiopathic generalized epilepsy, we retrospectively studied a large cohort of patients with this condition (n = 97) along with healthy controls (n = 123) by resting-state functional MR imaging. The thalamus was functionally divided into subregions corresponding to distinct cortical lobes for 5 parallel corticothalamic networks. The functional connectivity between each voxel in the cortical lobe and the corresponding thalamic subregion was calculated, and functional connectivity strength was used to evaluate the interconnectivity of voxels in the cortex and thalamus.

RESULTS

The projection of 5 cortical lobes to the thalamus is consistent with previous histologic findings in humans. Compared with controls, patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy showed increased functional connectivity strength in 4 corticothalamic networks: 1) the supplementary motor area, pulvinar, and ventral anterior nucleus in the prefrontal-thalamic network; 2) the premotor cortex and ventrolateral nucleus in motor/premotor-thalamic networks; 3) the visual cortex, posterior default mode regions, and pulvinar in parietal/occipital-thalamic networks; and 4) the middle temporal gyrus in the temporal-thalamic network.

CONCLUSIONS

Several key nodes were distinguished in 4 corticothalamic networks. The identification of these epicenters refines the corticothalamic network theory and provides insight into the pathophysiology of idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

Time-shift homotopic connectivity in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Voxel-mirrored intrinsic functional connectivity allows the depiction of interhemispheric homotopic connections in the human brain, whereas time-shift intrinsic functional connectivity allows the detection of the extent of brain injury by measuring hemodynamic properties. We combined time-shift voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity analyses to investigate the alterations in homotopic connectivity in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and assessed the value of applying this approach to epilepsy lateralization and the prediction of surgical outcomes in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Resting-state functional MR imaging data were acquired from patients with unilateral mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (n=62) (31 left- and 31 right-side) and healthy controls (n=33). Dynamic interhemispheric homotopic architecture seeding from each hemisphere was individually calculated by 0, 1, 2, and 3 repetition time time-shift voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity. Voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity maps were compared between the patient and control groups by using 1-way ANOVA for each time-shift condition, separately. Group comparisons were further performed on the laterality of voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity in each time-shift condition. Finally, we correlated the interhemispheric homotopic connection to the surgical outcomes in a portion of the patients (n=20).

RESULTS

The patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy showed decreased homotopic connectivity in the mesial temporal structures, temporal pole, and striatum. Alterations of the bihemispheric homotopic connectivity were lateralized along with delays in the time-shift in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. The patients with unsuccessful surgical outcomes presented larger interhemispheric voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity differences.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed whole patterns of dynamic alterations of interhemispheric homotopic connectivity in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, extending the knowledge of abnormalities in interhemispheric connectivity in this condition. Time-shift voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity has the potential for lateralization of unilateral mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and may have the capability of predicting surgical outcomes in this condition.

The decreased self-renewal potential of NPCs during human embryonic brain development with reduced activity of MAPKs

Study of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is important for treatment of degerative diseases in central nervous system. One of the key questions in NPCs transplantation therapy is about the understanding of which stage of the NPCs in brain development is ideal. Herein we investigated survival, proliferation and apoptosis of NPCs from 12 w, 16 w and 20 w human embryonic brain, meanwhile, the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling were analyzed. The results showed that the survival, proliferation and cell division of 16 w and 20 w human NPCs significantly decreased comparing with 12 w human NPCs in vitro; and the NPCs apoptosis remarkably increased. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 of 16 w and 20 w NPCs significantly decreased comparing with 12 w human NPCs, however phosphorylation of p38 MAPK increased. NPCs proliferation increase when ERK1/2 signaling is activated by PMA. The results demonstrated that self-renewal potential of NPCs decreased in culture during human embryonic brain development, the activity of ERK signaling pathway were decreased, and suggest NPCs from 12-week fetuses might be better donor for cell transplantation during the period of 12-20 weeks because of their advantage on survival and proliferation.

The increased expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 in subventricular zone neural progenitor cells and enhanced neurogenesis in a rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage

The metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) is closely relative to the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs). This study primarily examined the mGluR5 expression of NPCs in subventricular zone (SVZ) and the effects of mGluR5 on neurogenesis to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) rat. The experiment was designated as the following: (1) The ICH model was established by collagenase infusion into the right striatum of the rats, and the brain tissue was collected to assess the expression of mGluR5 in SVZ NPCs. (2) The rat brains were sampled for immunostaining of doublecortin (DCX) and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to examine the effects of the (R,S)-2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG) on neurogenesis. (3) Behavioral testing was carried out to evaluate the effects of CHPG on neurofunctional recovery. The results of Western blot analysis showed that mGluR5 levels in the ipsilateral SVZ increased as early as at 3 days after ICH, peaked at 14 days. The change of mGluR5 mRNA level in the ipsilateral SVZ was generally similar to the pattern of Western blot analysis. The immunostaining also demonstrated that some nestin-positive cells were co-expressed with mGluR5. The injection of CHPG into ipsilateral ventricle increased DCX levels both in the ipsilateral striatum (STR) and the peri-lesion area of the striatum (PLA). Meanwhile, a significant difference in behavioral score was presented at 28 days after ICH between the CHPG-treated rats and the vehicle-treated or the non-treated rats. Our results demonstrated for the first time that the increased expression of mGluR5 in SVZ NPCs occurred in ICH rat. The CHPG promoted the neurogenesis and improved neurofunctional symptom induced by ICH. These results suggested that the increased expression of mGluR5 on NPCs in SVZ may play an important role in neurogenesis in ICH rat.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 promotes proliferation of human neural stem/progenitor cells with activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathway in vitro

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) regulate neurogenesis in brain, but the mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of mGluR5 on the proliferation of human embryonic neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs), the expression of cyclin D1 and the activation of signaling pathways of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Results showed that mGluR5 agonist (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine hydrate (DHPG) increased the proliferation of NPCs by increasing cell activity, diameter of neurospheres and cell division, while mGluR5 siRNA and antagonist 6-methyl-2-(phenylethynyl) pyridine hydrochloride (MPEP) decreased the NPC proliferation. The mRNA and protein expressions of cyclin D1 increased with DHPG treatment and decreased after siRNA or MPEP treatment. It was also found that activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) signaling pathways were involved in the proliferation of NPCs. After DHPG treatment, p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK2 levels increased, and meanwhile p-p38 level decreased; but p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK2 levels decreased after siRNA or MPEP treatment, and p-p38 level increased. Our findings demonstrated that mGluR5 promoted the proliferation of human embryonic cortical NPCs and increased cyclin D1 expression with the changes in phosphorylation of MAPKs signaling pathways in vitro, suggesting a novel mechanism for pharmacological study of treatment for ischemic brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders.

Preliminary results of a phase I study: A chimeric monoclonal anti IL-6 antibody CNTO 328 in combination with docetaxel in patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer

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Background: High serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 may impact the progression and survival of metastatic hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). CNTO328, an anti IL-6 monoclonal antibody, inhibited prostate tumor growth in several preclinical xenograft mouse models. Methods: This Phase 1, open label study evaluates the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics of CNTO328 at three dose levels (6mg/kg q2 weeks, 9mg/kg q3 weeks and 12mg/kg q3 weeks) in combination with docetaxel (75mg/m2 q3 weeks) in men with metastatic HPRC. C-reactive protein (CRP), a surrogate biomarker of serum IL-6, and circulating tumor cells (CTC) are evaluated. Results: Eight patients with a median baseline PSA value of 56.8 ng/ml (range 13.6- 436.9 ng/ml) were treated in the first cohort (6 mg/kg CNTO328 q2 weeks in combination with docetaxel 75 mg/m2 q3 weeks). At baseline, 6 patients (75%) had detectable CRP and 6 patients had detectable CTCs. The median number of CNTO328 doses and docetaxel cycles administered was 6 (CNTO328: range 3 to 11 doses; docetaxel: range 3 to 13 cycles). No first-cycle DLT was observed for this combination. Three patients discontinued treatment due to docetaxel-related grade 3 adverse events (deep vein thrombosis, hyperbilirubinemia, and nail changes) after 6, 11, and 13 cycles of docetaxel, respectively. Serum CRP decreased to below detectable levels 7 days after the first dose of CNTO328 in all patients with measurable values at baseline and remained undetectable throughout treatment. Two patients with post-treatment CTC values showed CTC reduction from 82 to1, and 127 to1, respectively. Six of 8 patients had = 50% PSA reductions and all had stable or improved bone scans and/or CT scans. PK of CNTO328 and docetaxel, alone and in combination, will be presented. Conclusions: Thus far, anti-IL6 therapy with CNTO328 at 6mg/kg q2 weeks in combination with docetaxel 75mg/m2 q3 week has been feasible and tolerable. Complete suppression of CRP and PSA reduction provide evidence of biological and anti-tumor activity of this approach and support further testing.

[Table: see text]

Simultaneous quantification of seven active metabolites of roxifiban in human plasma by LC/MS/MS in the presence of an interfering displacer at millimolar concentrations

Roxifiban (DMP 754) is a glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa antagonist. Following oral administration to humans, roxifiban is metabolized to its primary active zwitterionic form, XV459, and several minor, active, hydrolyzed and hydroxylated metabolites, namely, M1a (DPC-AD3508), M1b (DPC-AD6128), M2 (SW156), M3 (DPC-AG2185), M8a (DPC-AF5814), and M8b (DPC-AF5818). Quantification of these metabolites in humans was not workable with a previous analytical method due to ion suppression of at least four of the analytes by a competitive displacer, DMP 728. This compound, which is another GP IIb/IIIa antagonist with very high affinity for the platelet receptor, was added to harvested blood samples in millimolar quantity to liberate XV459 from the GP IIb/IIIa receptor. An automated ion exchange solid phase extraction (IX-SPE) procedure was developed to selectively extract the seven metabolites of roxifiban and its deuterated internal standard while specifically excluding DMP 728. Among the six hydroxylation metabolites, there were two pairs of epimeric diastereomers (M1a/M1b and M8a/M8b) and one pair of geometric isomers (M2/M3), corresponding to three critical chromatographic pairs that needed to be base-line resolved because of the lack of specificity of MS/MS detection for these isomers. A new LC/MS/MS assay was developed to simultaneously quantify the seven metabolites in human plasma. The assay method was validated under GLP conditions over the concentration range of 0.5 to 80 nM for each of the analytes and successfully applied to assaying approximately 500 plasma samples from clinical trials.

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to acute allograft rejection

BACKGROUND

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) has been shown to play a critical role in the down-regulation of the immune response. We retrospectively examined the association between acute rejection and two polymorphisms in the CTLA4 gene, the dinucleotide (AT)n repeat polymorphism in exon 3 and the single nucleotide polymorphism A/G at position 49 in exon 1, in a cohort of liver and kidney transplant recipients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 207 liver and 167 renal transplant recipients were analyzed. In the case of the (AT)n repeat polymorphism we found an increased incidence of acute rejection in association with allele 3 and 4 in both liver and kidney (P=0.002 and 0.05, respectively). In addition, in liver transplant recipients, allele 7 was associated with acute rejection independent of ethnicity (P<0.05). Allele 1 was less frequently observed in African American as compared with Caucasian liver and kidney transplant recipients, with a frequency of 33.8% and 69%, respectively (P<0.0001). Those patients with allele 1 had a tendency toward a lower rate of rejection at 42% versus 57.8% (P=0.058), suggesting a potential protective effect of allele 1. Analysis of the A/G single nucleotide polymorphism demonstrated no association between either allele and the incidence of acute rejection in the patients studied.

CONCLUSION

These initial observations provide the necessary basis to further investigate the risk stratification of transplant recipients based on specific CTLA4 gene polymorphisms.

Simple spectrophotometric method for the estimation of algal polysaccharide concentrations

A rapid and simple spectrophotometric method is described for the estimation of microgram quantities of algal polysaccharides following the formation of soluble complexes with methylene blue dye. The binding of the dye to algal polysaccharides causes the absorption maximum (664 nm) to decrease, which is almost linear over the range of 0-30 microg for the algal polysaccharides studied. The absorbance at 664 nm can be measured immediately after the mixing of algal polysaccharides and dye solution and is stable over a period of 2 h. No heating, centrifugation, lengthy equilibration, or sophisticated instrumentation, which hamper other methods, is required. The interference due to individual monosaccharides, neutral polysaccharides, bovine serum albumin, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and high concentrations of inorganic salts is discussed.

[Anti-injure effect of extract from orange (EOP) peel on germ cells of male mice]

In present study, the anti-injure effect of EOP, on incidence of sperm abnormality and meiotic micronuclei of early spermatids in mice induced by cyclophosphamide was investigated. The results indicated that EOP itself was not a mutagen, but significantly inhibited increase of the rate of micronuclei and the sperm abnormality by CP. The rates of sperm abnormality and meiotic micronuclei of early spermatide of EOP before CP using group were lower obviously than those of CP could before EOP using group (P < 0.01). The results suggested that the CP could permeate blood-testis barrier into germ cells of male mice and induced mutation on genetic material.

Quantitation and localization of regional body fat distribution--a comparison between magnetic resonance imaging and somatometry

The emerging concept that various fat compartments are metabolically active and play separate and decisive roles in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis, hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes and stroke, has given obesity research a new direction. Of particular interest is the relative amount of intra-abdominal fat thought to be responsible for the metabolic complications. We studied the precise fat distribution and its correlations with the metabolic parameters in 44 non-human primates (Macaca fascicularis). Intra-abdominal, subcutaneous, and total abdominal fat (IAF, SAF, TAF) were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and somatometry. Quantitative computer analyses of abdominal MRI scans revealed predominant IAF distribution. Box plot analysis of IAF and SAF revealed wide diversity in the amounts of fat, especially in monkeys with body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2. Primates with similar BMI in each quartile revealed an extensive heterogeneity in IAF as well as SAF. Numerous significant correlations within site-specific somatometric measurements as well as within the MRI determinants of abdominal fat were seen. However, only body weight correlated with IAF and skinfolds could predict SAF. After adjusting for body weight, partial correlation analysis showed a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between total cholesterol and IAF.

CONCLUSION

MRI revealed considerable heterogeneity of IAF, SAF and TAF in cohort of primates believed to be homogeneous by somatometric definition. Male cynomolgus monkeys appear to be a valuable model for a systematic evaluation of fat. Individuals with identical body weight and height may show a diverse pattern of fat distribution.

Body fat and fat distribution by anthropometry and the response to high-fat cholesterol-containing diet in monkeys

Considerable variability exists among individuals in the response of plasma cholesterol to changes in dietary fat and cholesterol, and obesity is one variable reported to affect this response. This study was performed to determine the relationship between body fat and changes in plasma cholesterol in cynomolgus monkeys fed a high-fat cholesterol-containing diet for 12 months. The animals gained significant body weight (body mass index increased from 30.5 +/- 0.5 to 35.7 +/- 2.8 kg/m2) and skinfold parameters of body fat increased as well. Total cholesterol increased from 109 +/- 4 to 390 +/- 25 mg/dl (P < 0.001), and there were also significant increases in LDL- and HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride. While there was very little relationship between body fat and plasma lipids before the diet, after 12 months, there were significant negative correlations between total and LDL-cholesterol and anthropometric measures of body fat (r ranged from -0.37 to -0.55, P < 0.01). The correlations were not affected when the effects of baseline body mass index and serum cholesterol and total food intake were controlled by partial correlation analysis. In this sample of animals, the acquisition of greater body fat appeared to protect against rises in cholesterol in response to consumption of a high-fat cholesterol-containing diet.

Immunolocalization of native antioxidant scavenger enzymes in early hypertensive and atherosclerotic arteries. Role of oxygen free radicals

To elucidate the role of oxygen free radicals and lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis of early hypertension and atherosclerosis, we studied the native distribution of three primary arterial antioxidant enzymes (AEs). Specific immunohistochemical localization of superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) was examined in the arterial wall of New Zealand White rabbits: six sham-operated normotensive/normolipidemics (NT/NL), seven coarctation-induced hypertensive/normolipidemics (HT/NL), eight normotensive diet-induced hyperlipidemics (NT/HL), and six hypertensive/hyperlipidemics (HT/HL). All three AEs were confined primarily to the endothelium in NT/NL rabbit aortas. However, in HT and HL rabbits a greater proportion of the arterial wall, including the endothelium, inner media, and middle media, displayed immunolocalization of three AEs. Multiple linear-regression analysis revealed that more than 70% of the total variability in the depth of immunolocalization of arterial AEs could be explained by changes in blood pressure and/or total cholesterol. Also, levels of plasma and arterial cholesterol oxides were significantly different (p less than 0.05) in HT and HL rabbits compared with controls, with twofold increases in NT/HLs, threefold increases in HT/NLs, and fourfold increases in HT/HLs. We conclude that intense free-radical activity in the arterial wall of HT and HL animals is one possibility and that this occurs despite the presence of abundant AEs.

[Screening of alpha-amino acid ester hydrolase producing strain and synthesis of cephalexin by Pseudomonas aeruginosa]

From ten genera and 146 bacterial strains, 22 strains producing alpha-amino acid ester hydrolase were selected. Among them, AS 1.586 and 41-2 were the best. The optimal conditions for synthesis of cephalexin by pseudomonas aeruginosa 1.204 were investigated. The optimal pH and temperature for enzymatic synthesis reaction was pH 6.8 and 25 degrees C, respectively. By using 1% 7-ADCA, 3% PGME and 4% biomass, about 70% of 7-ADCA was converted to cephalexin under the mentioned conditions.