Fast electro-plasmonic detection of heart signal in Balb/C cells onto one-dimensional plasmonic grating

The heart is a vital and complex organ in the human body that forms with most organs between the second week of pregnancy, and fetal heart rate is an important indicator or biological index to know the condition of fetal well-being. In general, long-term measurement of fetal heart rate is the most widely used method of providing information about fetal health. In addition to fetal life, growth, and maturity, information such as congenital heart disease, often due to structural or functional defects in heart structure that often occur during the first trimester of pregnancy during fetal development, can be detected by continuous monitoring of fetal heart rate. The gold standard for monitoring the fetus's health is the use of non-invasive methods and portable devices so that while maintaining the health of the mother and fetus, it provides the possibility of continuous monitoring, especially for mothers who have a high-risk pregnancy. Therefore, the present study aimed to propose a low-cost, compact, and portable device for recording the heart rate of 18-day-old fetal mouse heart cells. Introduced device allows non-invasive heart rate monitoring instantly and without side effects for mouse fetal heart cells. One-dimensional gold-plated plasmonic specimens as a physiological signal recorder are mainly chips with nanoarray of resonant nanowire patterns perform in an integrated platform. Here the surface plasmon waves generated in a one-dimensional plasmonic sample are paired with an electrical wave from the heart pulse, and this two-wave pairing is used to record and detect the heart rate of fetal heart cells with high accuracy and good sensitivity. This measurement was performed in normal mode and two different stimulation modes. Stimulation of cells was performed once using adrenaline and again with electrical stimulation. Our results show that our sensor is sensitive enough to detect heart rate in both standard and excitatory states and is also well able to detect and distinguish between changes in heart rate caused by different excitatory conditions.

Input-decoupled discrete-time sliding mode control algorithm for servo multi-field multi-armature DC machine

The multivariable modeling of a servo actuating system consisting of multi-field multi-armature direct current (MFMADC) machine is extracted and a novel discrete time nonlinear algorithm is proposed for the corresponding system. The proposed control algorithm demonstrates robustness against modeling uncertainty and by utilizing its novel mathematical structure, decouples the dynamical interactions of the connected motors. The main contribution of this paper is the proposition of a new decoupling control algorithm that in which, the driving (commanding) voltages of the connected driving motors are extracted separately and independently using the Lyapunov principle in discrete time. In fact, the obtained coupled stabilizing convex inequalities of the controlling voltages, resulting from the evaluation of the Lyapunov functions, are analytically decoupled using elementary matrix operations. Consequently, each motor now has the capability to perform its controlling task (position control or torque control) with asymptotic stability and robustness against uncertainty. To assess the performance of the proposed controlling algorithm and its verification, a MFMADC machine is attached to a harmonic drive reducer (HDR) whose flex spline and circular spline are fabricated using viscoelastic polyesters PLA and thermoplastic PLA, respectively. A number of experiments are conducted where in the first test, the MFMADC is controlled in only-position mode while in the second test, the MFMADC is controlled in simultaneous position-torque control mode. Comparative assessments confirm that the MFMADC technology is needed when a high precision tracking of position, under high frequency disturbances, is desired.

High-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) Associates with Increased Proliferation and Attenuated Immune Signaling

Implementation of high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) screening and the increasing proportion of HPV vaccinated women in the screening program will reduce the percentage of HPV positive women with oncogenic potential. In search of more specific markers to identify women with high risk of cancer development, we used RNA sequencing to compare the transcriptomic immune-profile of 13 lesions with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3) or adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and 14 normal biopsies from women with detected HPV infections. In CIN3/AIS lesions as compared to normal tissue, 27 differential expressed genes were identified. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significantly higher expression of a number of genes related to proliferation, (CDKN2A, MELK, CDK1, MKI67, CCNB2, BUB1, FOXM1, CDKN3), but significantly lower expression of genes related to a favorable immune response (NCAM1, ARG1, CD160, IL18, CX3CL1). Compared to the RNA sequencing results, good correlation was achieved with relative quantitative PCR analysis for NCAM1 and CDKN2A. Quantification of NCAM1 positive cells with immunohistochemistry showed epithelial reduction of NCAM1 in CIN3/AIS lesions. In conclusion, NCAM1 and CDKN2A are two promising candidates to distinguish whether women are at high risk of developing cervical cancer and in need of frequent follow-up.

A Gene Signature Identifying CIN3 Regression and Cervical Cancer Survival

The purpose of this study was to establish a gene signature that may predict CIN3 regression and that may aid in selecting patients who may safely refrain from conization. Oncomine mRNA data including 398 immune-related genes from 21 lesions with confirmed regression and 28 with persistent CIN3 were compared. L1000 mRNA data from a cervical cancer cohort was available for validation (n = 239). Transcriptomic analyses identified TDO2 (p = 0.004), CCL5 (p < 0.001), CCL3 (p = 0.04), CD38 (p = 0.02), and PRF1 (p = 0.005) as upregulated, and LCK downregulated (p = 0.01) in CIN3 regression as compared to persistent CIN3 lesions. From these, a gene signature predicting CIN3 regression with a sensitivity of 91% (AUC = 0.85) was established. Transcriptomic analyses revealed proliferation as significantly linked to persistent CIN3. Within the cancer cohort, high regression signature score associated with immune activation by Gene Set enrichment Analyses (GSEA) and immune cell infiltration by histopathological evaluation (p < 0.001). Low signature score was associated with poor survival (p = 0.007) and large tumors (p = 0.01). In conclusion, the proposed six-gene signature predicts CIN regression and favorable cervical cancer prognosis and points to common drivers in precursors and cervical cancer lesions.

Novel adsorptive PVC nanofibrous/thiol-functionalized TNT composite UF membranes for effective dynamic removal of heavy metal ions

The development of efficient strategies for the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions is rapidly demanded as these contaminants are very toxic and carcinogenic and show detrimental effects on the living creatures. The main focus of the current study is on the preparation and assessment of electrospun adsorptive nanofiber membranes for the removal of toxic Ni(II) and Cu(II) from wastewater in the ultrafiltration process. Hydrothermally synthesized titanate nanotubes (TNT) was modified with thiol functional groups and then directly incorporated to the polyvinyl chloride nanofiber matrices via electrospinning process to fabricate an adsorptive membrane. The as-prepared electrospun nanofiber membranes and the nanoadsorbents were characterized with respect to the physiochemical properties, surface structure and morphology, applying XPS, FTIR, FESEM, EDX and TEM analysis and then, the membranes were evaluated in terms of the removal of the heavy metal ions in a continuous ultrafiltration mode. In adsorptive filtration of the metal ions, the effective factors including nanoadsorbents loading (0.5-1.5 wt%), initial metal ion concentration (60-150 mg/L), feed temperature (~25 °C-45 °C), presence of competing ion and reusability were investigated in the UF system where the membranes containing 1.5 wt% thiol-modified TNT and virgin TNT adsorbents demonstrated excellent removal efficiency compared to the other membranes. The Cu(II) and Ni(II) removal efficiency of the membrane containing 1.5 wt% functionalized TNT was 90% and 86.7%, respectively which was the highest ones. As was expected and due to the uniform dispersion and less aggregation of the modified TNT adsorbents on the large surface area of the electrospun nanofibers, more adsorption capacity of the nanoparticles can be exploited. Moreover, the strong affinity of the thiol functional groups toward the metal cations, these membranes removed metal contaminants more efficiently. Besides, the Cu(II) removal efficiency of the fabricated membranes didn't show any drastic changes in the presence of the competing ions. Furthermore, acceptable performance was achieved for the prepared membranes even after four adsorption/regeneration cycles in the continuous UF experiments, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of the prepared adsorptive nanofiber membranes for the removal of heavy metal ions.

Plasma-derived exosome-like vesicles are enriched in lyso-phospholipids and pass the blood-brain barrier

Exosomes are vesicles involved in intercellular communication. Their membrane structure and core content is largely dependent on the cell of origin. Exosomes have been investigated both for their biological roles and their possible use as disease biomarkers and drug carriers. These potential technological applications require the rigorous characterization of exosomal blood brain barrier permeability and a description of their lipid bilayer composition. To achieve these goals, we have established a 3D static blood brain barrier system based on existing systems for liposomes and a complementary LC-MS/MS and ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance methodology for the analysis of purified human plasma-derived exosome-like vesicles. Results show that the isolated vesicles pass the blood brain barrier and are taken up in endothelial cells. The compositional analysis revealed that the isolated vesicles are enriched in lyso phospholipids and do not contain phosphatidylserine. These findings deviate significantly from the composition of exosomes originating from cell culture, and may reflect active removal by macrophages that respond to exposed phosphahtidylserine.

Effect of Amniotic Membrane Dressing on Pain and Healing of Palatal Donor Site: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Free gingival graft is the most commonly practiced predictable technique for gingival augmentation.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of human amniotic membrane, a biological dressing, on wound healing and post-operative pain after its application on the palatal donor site after free gingival graft surgery.

METHODS

Of 27 eligible patients, 15 were randomized into a test group and received human amniotic membrane dressing sutured over their palatal donor site; 12 were randomized into a control group in whom the palatal donor site was only sutured. Standard clinical photographs were taken at 7, 14, and 21 days post-operatively and evaluated by 3 periodontists. The pain score at the donor site was assessed by a visual analog score; the number of analgesics taken was also recorded.

RESULTS

The mean color match scores were higher in the test group than the control group at 14 (p<0.01) and 21 days after surgery (p=0.02). The difference in tissue texture (p=0.01) and inflammation (p=0.02) between the two groups was only significant on day 14 (p<0.05). The pattern of pain relief was better in the test group compared with the control group, especially in first days, although the differences were not significant in terms of the number of analgesics taken or the pain score.

CONCLUSION

Application of human amniotic membrane can accelerate wound healing and may decrease post-operative pain and discomfort by a limited amount.

Molecular dynamics simulation of Keggin HPA doped Nafion® 117 as a polymer electrolyte membrane

Nafion®/heteropoly acid (HPA) composite membranes and the impact of the anionic charge of HPA on water and hydronium dynamics were investigated using molecular dynamics simulation.

Abstract P1-14-05: Three distinct HER2 subtypes identified by BluePrint 80-gene functional subtyping predict treatment-specific response in the prospective neo-adjuvant NBRST registry

Background

Ideally classification by subtype predicts treatment response and overall outcome. BluePrint 80-gene functional molecular subtype is based on mRNA expression (as is intrinsic subtype) associated with intact translation to protein (unlike intrinsic subtype). BluePrint (BP) classifies patients into Luminal, Her2 or Basal-type. Presently subtype is approximated using conventional immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) ("conventional subtype") or assigned by gene expression profiling. The main objective of the prospective neo-adjuvant NBRST study is to compare drug sensitivity as defined by pathological Complete Response (pCR), using 80-gene functional subtype vs. conventional IHC/FISH subtyping. NBRST enrolled over 1,000 US patients between June 2011 and December 2014. In this analysis we present the results for IHC/FISH Her2-positive patients.

Methods

Here we report findings in the 260 NBRST patients who had IHC/FISH Her2+ breast cancer, according to ASCO CAP guidelines at the time of diagnosis. Treatment, including chemotherapy and HER2-targeted agents, was at the discretion of the physician adhering to NCCN approved or other peer-reviewed, established regimens over the course of the study. pCR was defined as T0/isN0. Fisher's exact test was used to compare pCR rates among IHC/FISH and functional subtypes and treatment groups.

Results

The 260 IHC/FISH Her2+ patients had median age 53 (range 23-81) and included T1-4, N0-3 tumors. Of 169 ER+/Her2+ tumors 49% were re-classified as BP Luminal, 43% as BP HER2, and 8% as BP Basal. The median ER% of ER+/Her2+/BP Luminal tumors was 93% (range 3-100), compared to 79% in ER+/Her2+/BP HER2 (range 1-91) and 8% in ER+/Her2+/BP Basal-type (range 2-99).The overall pCR rate in ER+/Her2+/BP Luminal was 17% (4% with chemo/trastuzumab; 39% chemo/trastuzumab/pertuzumab, p&lt;0.0001) and statistically inferior (p&lt;0.0001) to the 59% pCR rate in ER+/Her2+/BP HER2. Of 91 ER-/Her2+ tumors 74% were classified as BP HER2, 25% were re-classified BP Basal and &lt;1% was BP Luminal. NCT pCR rates for ER-/Her2+/BP HER2 was 67% (64% with chemo/trastuzumab; 77% chemo/trastuzumab/pertuzumab, p=0.40) and significantly superior (p=0.026) to the 39% pCR rate in ER-/Her2+/BP Basal (p=0.026).

Conclusions

In the NBRST study, BP 80-gene functional subtype (based on mRNA expression and translation): 1. Re-classifies over half of all IHC/FISH ER+/Her2+ patients; 2. Predicts treatment response or resistance in Her2+ patients not segregated by conventional IHC/FISH classification and 3. Identifies ER+/Her2+ tumors that are sensitive to chemo/trastuzumab/pertuzumab but resistant to chemo/trastuzumab.

Citation Format: Whitworth P, Beitsch P, Baron P, Beatty J, Pellicane JV, Murray MK, Dul CL, Mislowsky AM, Nash CH, Richards PD, Lee LA, Stork-Sloots L, de Snoo F, Untch S, Gittleman M, Akbari S, Rotkis MC. Three distinct HER2 subtypes identified by BluePrint 80-gene functional subtyping predict treatment-specific response in the prospective neo-adjuvant NBRST registry. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-14-05.

Abstract P4-14-10: Pertuzumab overcomes chemotherapy/trastuzumab resistance in ER+/Her2+ tumors classified as luminal functional subtype by the 80-gene BluePrint assay in the prospective neo-adjuvant breast registry symphony trial (NBRST)

Background

The prospective Neo-adjuvant Breast Registry Symphony Trial (NBRST) enrolled over 1000 US patients between June 2011 and December 2014. The aim of NBRST study is to compare chemosensitivity as defined by pathological Complete Response (pCR) using the 80-gene BluePrint functional subtype profile vs. conventional IHC/FISH subtyping. Treatment was at the discretion of the physician utilizing standard NCCN regimens. Pertuzumab, a monoclonal antibody, inhibits the dimerization of HER2 with other HER receptors. Pertuzumab received US FDA approval for the neo-adjuvant treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer in September 2013. Essentially all patients with HER2 positive cancers were treated with chemotherapy + trastuzumab and after this date pertuzumab was added, creating 2 distinct groups of Her2 treated patients.

The aim of the current analysis is to compare the pCR rate of trastuzumab (H) vs trastuzumab and pertuzumab (H + P) by conventional and BluePrint functional subtype.

Methods

The current analysis includes women from the NBRST study, with histologically proven breast cancer, who received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy plus H or H + P and who provided written informed consent. Pathological assessment of Her2 was done according to ASCO CAP guidelines at the time of diagnosis. BluePrint (BP) classifies patients into Luminal, HER2 or Basal-type. pCR is defined as T0/isN0. All pCRs were verified with a de-identified copy of the surgical pathology report. Fisher's exact test was used to compare pCR rates within different subgroups.

Results

252 IHC/FISH Her2+ patients received H (166) or H + P (86). The median age was 53 (range 23-81). 8% was stage I, 68% stage II and 24% stage III. 65% were ER positive.

BP classified 55% of patients as HER2, 32% as Luminal, and 14% as Basal-type.

The pCR rates and p-values within different subgroups of clinical Her2+ patients are provided in the table below.

pCR rates and p-values within different subgroups of clinical Her2+ patients(n)H (pCR rate)H + P (pCR rate)p-valueTotal (n=252)40%59%0.005IHC/FISH Her2+/ER+ (163)30%57%0.001IHC/FISH Her2+/ER- (89)69%63%0.82BP HER2 (138)57%78%0.01BP Luminal (80)4%38%0.0002BP Basal (34)47%38%0.69

Conclusions

Addition of pertuzumab to trastuzumab significantly increased response rate in ER+/Her2+, BP HER2 and BP Luminal patients but not in ER-negative and BP Basal patients.

Pertuzumab overcame resistance to NCT/trastuzumab in a substantial proportion of the IHC/FISH Her2+/BP Luminal subgroup; indicated by a significantly increased pCR rate.

Citation Format: Peter B, Pat W, Paul B, Jennifer B, Pellicane JV, Murray MK, Dul CL, Mislowsky AM, Nash CH, Richards PD, Lee LL, Stork-Sloots L, de Snoo F, Untch S, Gittleman M, Akbari S, Rotkis MC. Pertuzumab overcomes chemotherapy/trastuzumab resistance in ER+/Her2+ tumors classified as luminal functional subtype by the 80-gene BluePrint assay in the prospective neo-adjuvant breast registry symphony trial (NBRST). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-14-10.

Abstract P4-14-29: One-third of HER2 positive patients have 80-gene luminal subtype that is resistant to chemo-trastuzumab but sensitive to chemo-trastuzumab-pertuzumab: Critical implications for the adjuvant setting from the NBRST phase 4 neoadjuvant study

Background

The phase 4 Neo-adjuvant Breast Registry Symphony Trial (NBRST) enrolled over 1,000 US patients between June 2011 and December 2014. The aim of NBRST study is to compare chemo-sensitivity as defined by pathological Complete Response (pCR) using the 80-gene BluePrint (BP) functional subtype profile vs. conventional IHC/FISH subtyping. Treatment was at the discretion of the physician utilizing standard NCCN regimens. Pertuzumab, a monoclonal antibody, inhibits the dimerization of HER2 with other HER receptors. Pertuzumab received US FDA approval for the neo-adjuvant treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer in September 2013. Essentially all patients with HER2 positive cancers were treated with chemotherapy + trastuzumab and after this date pertuzumab was added, creating 2 distinct groups of Her2-treated patients.

The aim of the current analysis is to compare the pCR rate of chemo-trastuzumab (c-t) vs chemo-trastuzumab plus pertuzumab (c-t-p) by conventional and 80-gene BP functional subtype. 80-gene BP functional subtype was derived by supervised cluster analysis for concordant mRNA and protein expression.

Methods

The current analysis includes women from the NBRST study, with histologically proven breast cancer, who received neo-adjuvant treatment, had 80-gene subtyping and provided written informed consent. Pathological assessment of HER2 was performed according to ASCO CAP guidelines at the time of diagnosis. 80-gene BluePrint (BP) classifies patients into Luminal, HER2 or Basal-type. pCR is defined as T0/isN0. All pCRs were verified with a de-identified copy of the surgical pathology report. Fisher's exact test was used to compare pCR rates within different subgroups.

Results

286 IHC/FISH HER2+ patients received c-t (175) or c-t-p (111). Of these 80-gene BP subtype classified 53% as HER2-type, 33% as Luminal-type and 14% as Basal-type. 64% were ER positive.

The pCR rates and p-values within different subgroups of clinical HER2+ patients are provided in the table below.

 c-tc-t-p (n)pCR ratep-valueTotal (n=286)41%57%0.01BP HER2 (153)58%73%0.06 BP Luminal (93) 6% 39% 0.0002BP Basal (40)45%1.0IHC/FISH HER2+/ER+ (183)31%53%0.003IHC/FISH HER2+/ER- (103)59%64%0.68

Conclusions

One-third of ASCO/CAP Her2+ patients had 80-gene BP Luminal subtype and demonstrated resistance to c-t (pCR 6%). Addition of Pertuzumab overcame resistance in this group (pCR 39%). This finding in the neoadjuvant setting suggests a substantial potential benefit in the adjuvant setting and thus an urgent need to consider treatment in at-risk patients as well as confirmatory tissue analysis from independently reported trials.

Citation Format: Beitsch P, Whitworth P, Baron P, Beatty J, Pellicane JV, Murray MK, Dul C, Mislowsky AM, Nash CH, Richards PD, Lee LA, Stork-Sloots L, de Snoo F, Untch S, Gittleman M, Akbari S, Rotkis MC. One-third of HER2 positive patients have 80-gene luminal subtype that is resistant to chemo-trastuzumab but sensitive to chemo-trastuzumab-pertuzumab: Critical implications for the adjuvant setting from the NBRST phase 4 neoadjuvant study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-14-29.

Abstract P1-02-02: Concordance of microarray based determination of ER, PR and HER2 receptor status and local IHC/FISH assessment in the prospective neo-adjuvant breast registry symphony trial (NBRST)

Background

The level of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2 expression is predictive for prognosis and/or treatment response in breast cancer patients. However, differences in fixation and IHC and subjective interpretation can substantially affect the accuracy and reproducibility of the results. The commercially available TargetPrint test measures the mRNA expression level of ER, PR and HER2. Previously TargetPrint was shown to be strongly correlated with high quality IHC/FISH assessment, especially for ER and HER2. Concordance rates were 98% (k = 0.90) for ER; 85% (k = 0.62) for PR and 96% for HER2 (k = 0.78) in 619 patients (Viale et al., SABCS 2011).

This study compares results from the microarray-based TargetPrint with IHC and FISH conducted according to local standard procedures in the prospective NBRST study.

Methods

The NBRST study includes women aged 18–90 with histologically proven breast cancer, who are scheduled to start neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) or neo-adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET), and who provide written informed consent. The mRNA level of ER, PR and HER2 (TargetPrint) was assessed at the Agendia laboratory (Agendia Inc, Irvine, CA) in fresh and formalin fixed paraffin embedded tumor samples submitted from 40 institutes in the US. The results of the IHC/FISH assessments conducted according to local standard procedures were compared to the quantitative gene expression readouts.

Results

There were 355 eligible patients enrolled. 67% of patients are IHC ER positive and 25% Her2 IHC/FISH positive. 11 patients were IHC/FISH HER2 equivocal (all TargetPrint HER2 negative). Comparison of IHC and gene expression read out by TargetPrint showed a concordance of 88% (k = 0.75)for ER; 83% (k = 0.66) for PR and 89% (k = 0.70) for HER2. The discordance range for institutes who submitted more than 10 samples was 0-30% for ER, 0-47% for PR and 0-28% for HER2. 16% of all IHC ER+ samples were classified negative by microarray. In contrast, 4% of IHC ER- samples were classified positive by microarray. However for HER2, as many as 33% of IHC/FISH HER2+ samples were classified negative by microarray; 3% of IHC/FISH HER2- samples were classified positive by microarray.

Conclusions

Microarray based readout of ER, PR and HER2 status using TargetPrint is comparable to local IHC and FISH analysis in 355 analyzed samples from 40 US institutes but the discordance range for individual institutes was up to 30% for ER and 28% for Her2.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P1-02-02.

The production of monovalent and anti-idiotype antivenom against Mesobuthus eupeus (Scorpionida: Buthidae) venom in rabbits

The antivenom production against poisonous creatures encounters a number of difficulties. Interestingly, according to the network theory the conventional antigens are not necessarily needed for producing antibodies against the venoms. In this investigation, the antivenom against Mesobuthus eupeus venom was produced based on the aforementioned theory. Polyclonal antibodies against M. eupeus venom were obtained from the immunized rabbits and the specific antibodies were isolated. After separation of Fab2, immunization process and production of the monovalent and anti-idiotype, these antivenoms were analyzed for the determination of their neutralizing power. The level of the produced antibodies in different stages of this study was also measured by ELISA assay. Four hundred and fifty micrograms of the venom can be neutralized by 4.2, 18 and 291 mg of monovalent, polyvalent and anti-idiotype antivenom, respectively. The ELISA results revealed that idiotypic antigens were six times more immunogenic than anti-idiotypes. The anti-idiotype antivenom can be produced on a large scale with minimum venom consumption. In addition, they are non-toxicant in immunized animals and can be used as a vaccine in people at the risk of scorpion stings.

Association between fetal overgrowth and metabolic parameters in cord blood of newborns of women with GDM

AIM

There is evidence that arthrosclerosis may originate at birth, so assessment of serum lipid levels in cord blood might be important. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between fetal overgrowth and metabolic parameters in cord blood of newborns of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to compare these parameters with those in newborns of non-diabetic.

METHODS

The study group included 112 women (singleton pregnancy, and GDM diagnosed following WHO criteria), and as controlled subjects, 159 matched healthy pregnant women and their newborn babies were selected. A sample of cord blood was obtained at delivery. The cord blood's insulin, glucose, and lipids (total cholesterol, high-density cholesterol, low- density cholesterol, and triglyceride) were determined. The relationships between these metabolic parameters and large for gestational age (LGA) were also assessed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol (HDL -C), triglyceride (TG) and glucose levels between two groups but the LDL-C level, LDL/HDL ratio and insulin level were significantly higher in newborns of mother with GDM. LGA newborns of diabetic mothers, show the HDL-C level were significantly lower and LDL-C level were significantly higher than AGA (Appropriate for Gestational Age).

CONCLUSION

These results show that GDM altered neonatal plasma lipids metabolism and so newborns of diabetic mothers may be predisposed early in life to LDL hypercholesterolemia and thus may be at a greater risk of developing coronary heart disease later in life.

Utility of filter paper for preserving insects, bacteria, and host reservoir DNA for molecular testing

BACKGROUND

Appropriate methodology for storage biological materials, extraction of DNA, and proper DNA preservation is vital for studies involving genetic analysis of insects, bacteria, and reservoir hosts as well as for molecular diagnostics of pathogens carried by vectors and reservoirs. Here we tried to evaluate the utility of a simple filter paper-based for storage of insects, bacteria, rodent, and human DNAs using PCR assays.

METHODS

Total body or haemolymph of individual mosquitoes, sand flies or cockroaches squashed or placed on the paper respectively. Extracted DNA of five different bacteria species as well as blood specimens of human and great gerbil Rhombomys opimus was pipetted directly onto filter paper. The papers were stored in room temperature up to 12 months during 2009 until 2011. At monthly intervals, PCR was conducted using a 1-mm disk from the DNA impregnated filter paper as target DNA. PCR amplification was performed against different target genes of the organisms including the ITS2-rDNA of mosquitoes, mtDNA-COI of the sand flies and cockroaches, 16SrRNA gene of the bacteria, and the mtDNA-CytB of the vertebrates.

RESULTS

Successful PCR amplification was observed for all of the specimens regardless of the loci, taxon, or time of storage. The PCR amplification were ranged from 462 to 1500 bp and worked well for the specified target gene/s. Time of storage did not affect the amplification up to one year.

CONCLUSION

The filter paper method is a simple and economical way to store, to preserve, and to distribute DNA samples for PCR analysis.

OT2-03-02: Prospective Neo-Adjuvant Registry Trial Linking MammaPrint, Subtyping and Treatment Response: Neoadjuvant Breast Registry – Symphony Trial (NBRST)

Background MammaPrint is performed on a diagnostic multi-gene array featuring &gt;4,500 genes. This platform enables additional gene expression profiles to be analyzed simultaneously on one tumor specimen. BluePrint, an eighty gene Molecular Subtyping Profile, discriminates between three distinctive subtypes; Basal-type, Luminal-type, and ERBB2 (HER2)-type. Studies have shown marked differences in response to neo-adjuvant treatment in groups stratified by MammaPrint and BluePrint.

Trial design A prospective observational, case-only study linking MammaPrint, BluePrint, TargetPrint, TheraPrint (together referred to as the Symphony suite) and possible additional profiles of interest to neoadjuvant treatment response and Distant Metastases Free Survival (DMFS) and Relapse Free Survival (RFS).

20-30 institutions in the US will be invited to contribute clinical patient data from enrolled patients after a MammaPrint, TargetPrint, BluePrint and TheraPrint (Symphony suite) has been successfully performed and the patient has started neo-adjuvant therapy. Treatment is at the discretion of the physician, adhering to NCCN approved regimens or a recognized alternative.

Eligibility criteria

Women with histologically proven breast cancer, who have started or are scheduled to start neo-adjuvant chemotherapy therapy or neo-adjuvant hormone therapy, after successful Symphony suite assessment Age 18–90 Written informed consent No excisional biopsy or axillary dissection No confirmed distant metastatic disease No prior therapy for the treatment of breast cancer

Scope

The scope of this registry study is to measure chemosensitivity as defined by pCR (primary endpoint), or endocrine sensitivity as defined by partial response, (a primary endpoint for neo-adjuvant endocrine therapy and a secondary endpoint for neoadjuvant chemotherapy), metastasis-free survival and relapse-free survival (secondary endpoints) in molecular subgroups, determined by the MammaPrint and BluePrint; as well as correlation to Targetprint and Theraprint read outs in addition to investigating novel response profiles.

Statistical methods

The response rate and corresponding confidence intervals will be presented as a proportion of all patients enrolled. The confidence intervals will be calculated using the normal approximation to the binomial distribution. Comparison of response rates between different molecular subgroups will be conducted using Pearson Chi-square test. Correlation of chemosensitivity and endocrine sensitivity (as defined by pCR) to TheraPrint will be determined using Pearson correlation and linear fit models.

Kaplan-Meier curves for RFS and DMFS will be calculated for different molecular subgroups.

Present accrual and target accrual

The target accrual is to enroll approximately 500 patients in 4 years.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-03-02.

MRP1 polymorphisms (T2684C, C2007T, C2012T, and C2665T) are not associated with multidrug resistance in leukemic patients

One of the main problems in treating cancer patients is that cancer cells can develop drug resistance. Resistance to multiple anticancer drugs, so called multidrug resistance (MDR), most likely involves a nonspecific mode of resistance, through drug-efflux transporters. One of the most extensively studied genes involved in MDR is multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1). We investigated a possible association between the expression level of MRP1 and the occurrence of MDR in leukemic patients, and we tested the hypothesis that MRP1 polymorphisms are predictive of MDR in patients with acute leukemia. The mRNA level of MRP1 was determined in 111 patients with acute leukemia (including 52 patients with acute myeloid leukemia and 59 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia), by quantitative real-time PCR, to determine how it affected the response to chemotherapy. We typed T2684C, C2007T, C2012T, and C2665T MRP1 polymorphisms in 111 patients classified as either drug-resistant or drug-responsive. We found that high expression of MRP1 was associated with the MDR phenotype in both acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. There was no effect of a particular genotype on the expression level of the MRP1 gene. We found no significant differences in chemosensitivity among any of these genotypes.

Three Michaelis-Menten pharmacokinetic dosing methods compared with physician dosing of phenytoin in an outpatient neurology practice

We compared predicted phenytoin serum concentrations using three Michaelis-Menten pharmacokinetic dosing methods with actual concentrations obtained from physician dosing in an outpatient neurology practice. Method 1 used population estimates for the Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) and maximum velocity (Vmax), method 2 used one dose and serum concentration pair to determine Vmax, and method 3 used two dose-concentration pairs to determine both Km and Vmax. In addition, physician doses were compared with pharmacokinetically calculated doses. Records of patients who received at least two phenytoin doses followed by two serum concentration determinations were reviewed. Data on age, gender, weight, physician doses, and resultant serum concentrations were collected. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to compare physician maintenance doses with pharmacokinetically calculated predicted doses, whereas actual and predicted serum concentration data were used to determine precision and bias associated with each of the three methods. Actual serum concentrations fell into therapeutic range more frequently than predicted values in all but one comparison (method 3). Predicted and actual phenytoin doses were significantly correlated only with method 2. Only one of the three Michaelis-Menten pharmacokinetic dosing methods evaluated (method 3) was more predictive than physician phenytoin dosing.