Clinical efficacy and biomarker analysis of dual PD-1/CTLA-4 blockade in recurrent/metastatic EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Single-agent checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) activity in Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) related nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is limited. Dual CPI shows increased activity in solid cancers. In this single-arm phase II trial (NCT03097939), 40 patients with recurrent/metastatic EBV-positive NPC who failed prior chemotherapy receive nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks and ipilimumab 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks. Primary outcome of best overall response rate (BOR) and secondary outcomes (progression-free survival [PFS], clinical benefit rate, adverse events, duration of response, time to progression, overall survival [OS]) are reported. The BOR is 38% with median PFS and OS of 5.3 and 19.5 months, respectively. This regimen is well-tolerated and treatment-related adverse events requiring discontinuation are low. Biomarker analysis shows no correlation of outcomes to PD-L1 expression or tumor mutation burden. While the BOR does not meet pre-planned estimates, patients with low plasma EBV-DNA titre (<7800 IU/ml) trend to better response and PFS. Deep immunophenotyping of pre- and on-treatment tumor biopsies demonstrate early activation of the adaptive immune response, with T-cell cytotoxicity seen in responders prior to any clinically evident response. Immune-subpopulation profiling also identifies specific PD-1 and CTLA-4 expressing CD8 subpopulations that predict for response to combined immune checkpoint blockade in NPC.

Spatial-temporal lipidomics profile of acute myocardial injury

Background

Lipidome disturbance has long been recognized to occur after myocardial infarction (MI). Accumulation of excessive fatty acids induces production of reactive oxygen species and consequently deteriorates cardiac injury in MI. However, the spatial and temporal lipid profile in the heart following ischemic injury remains unknown.

Purpose

We aim to uncover the temporal-spatial lipidome profile of the heart following ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury and identify circulating lipids released from injured myocardium that are potentially useful for diagnosis of ischemic heart disease.

Methods

C57/BL6 mice were subjected to 30 min myocardial ischemia followed by removal of the ligature to establish reperfusion injury. Porcine I/R injury was induced by 105 min myocardial ischemia followed by reperfusion. Human plasma was obtained from 143 post-MI patients. Myocardial lipid profiles were generated by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) in different regions (infarct, remote and peri-infarct) at different time points. Moreover, the lipids in the heart and plasma were analysed by LC-MS/MS.

Results

We observed a drastic alteration in the lipidome with distinct spatial-temporal features in the injured heart by both MALDI-MSI and LC-MS/MS. In the infarct heart tissue, as revealed by LC-MS/MS, we observed an elevation of glycerolipids that peaked at 3 hours after I/R, and a sustained elevation of phospholipids and sphingolipids up to 3 days. Similar alternations in lipid profile was observed but much weaker in the remote and peri-infarct heart tissue compared to the infarct tissue. Among those lipids, PC 32:0 detected by MALDI-MSI highly overlapped CD68 staining at a single-cell level, showing a strong correlation of PC 32:0 with macrophage infiltration in mouse hearts (R2=0.93, p&lt;0.0001). A similar increase of PC 32:0 in the infarct area was also observed in porcine hearts following I/R injury. Surprisingly, plasma levels of PC 32:0 in the mice decreased after I/R injury. In humans, plasma levels of PC 32:0 in post-MI patients were lower than that in healthy individuals (p=0.03). Further analysis demonstrated that plasma levels of PC 32:0 determined within 72 hours after percutaneous coronary intervention were negatively correlated with the 6-month post-MI cardiac ejection fraction in patients (R2=0.08, p&lt;0.001).

Conclusions

A temporal-spatial lipidome profile was established in heart injury by synergizing LC-MS/MS and mass spectrometry imaging. PC 32:0 levels are positively correlated with myocardial macrophage infiltration but negatively correlated with cardiac function in cardiac I/R injury. Our findings indicate that PC 32:0 is a potential biomarker for cardiac injury and the inflammatory status in the injured heart.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Singapore Ministry of Health's National Medical Research Council

Prevalence and burden of skin diseases among the elderly in Singapore: A 15-year clinical cohort study

BACKGROUND

Populations around the world are rapidly ageing. The profile of skin diseases in the elderly is likely to present unique demands on the healthcare system.

OBJECTIVES

To provide current data on the burden of skin diseases in Singaporean patients and identify differences in the pattern of skin diseases between elderly patients and the rest of the population.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of 858,117 patients who attended the National Skin Centre between 2004 to 2018. Prevalence was calculated by grouping International Classification of Diseases codes into different categories of skin conditions based on Global Burden of Disease and American Academy of Dermatology classifications. Years lost to disability (YLD) and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) were calculated to report the morbidity and mortality of skin diseases. Differences of each skin condition between age groups were compared.

RESULTS

The three most prevalent dermatoses across all age groups were dermatitis (33.3%), acne vulgaris (8.3%) and viral skin diseases (7.5%). The top three most common skin conditions among the elderly were dermatitis (37.7%), viral skin diseases (6.2%), and fungal skin diseases (4.3%). Decubitus ulcers, keratinocyte carcinomas and scabies represented a significant proportion of YLD per 100,000 in the elderly (p <0.001). Malignant melanomas, keratinocyte carcinomas, cellulitis, pyoderma, and decubitus ulcers contributed to high DALY in patients aged 70 - 80 years old.

CONCLUSION

Aligning health systems with specific healthcare needs will reduce the disproportionately high burden of skin disease observed in the elderly.

The aquaculture supply chain in the time of covid-19 pandemic: Vulnerability, resilience, solutions and priorities at the global scale

The COVID-19 global pandemic has had severe, unpredictable and synchronous impacts on all levels of perishable food supply chains (PFSC), across multiple sectors and spatial scales. Aquaculture plays a vital and rapidly expanding role in food security, in some cases overtaking wild caught fisheries in the production of high-quality animal protein in this PFSC. We performed a rapid global assessment to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related emerging control measures on the aquaculture supply chain. Socio-economic effects of the pandemic were analysed by surveying the perceptions of stakeholders, who were asked to describe potential supply-side disruption, vulnerabilities and resilience patterns along the production pipeline with four main supply chain components: a) hatchery, b) production/processing, c) distribution/logistics and d) market. We also assessed different farming strategies, comparing land- vs. sea-based systems; extensive vs. intensive methods; and with and without integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, IMTA. In addition to evaluating levels and sources of economic distress, interviewees were asked to identify mitigation solutions adopted at local / internal (i.e., farm-site) scales, and to express their preference on national / external scale mitigation measures among a set of a priori options. Survey responses identified the potential causes of disruption, ripple effects, sources of food insecurity, and socio-economic conflicts. They also pointed to various levels of mitigation strategies. The collated evidence represents a first baseline useful to address future disaster-driven responses, to reinforce the resilience of the sector and to facilitate the design reconstruction plans and mitigation measures, such as financial aid strategies.

P–150 Does trophectoderm biopsy performed on different blastocyst stages affect the clinical outcome?

Study question

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of trophectoderm (TE) biopsy on different blastocyst stages and its clinical outcome.

Summary answer

Our results showed that TE biopsy significantly reduced the clinical outcome of fully hatched blastocyst. What is known already: TE biopsy is a method widely practiced to harvest cells to determine the chromosomal constitution of a blastocyst, ensuring higher implantation and healthy pregnancies. The effect on clinical outcome after transferring blastocysts biopsied at different blastocysts stages has not been extensively studied.

Study design, size, duration

This retrospective study was conducted from January 2017 until July 2019 at Alpha IVF & Women’s Specialists. Following laser assisted hatching on day 3, TE biopsy was performed on unhatched, hatching and fully hatched day–5 blastocysts. A total of 1,020 single euploid blastocysts transfer (SBT) were performed. The average maternal age was 31.7. Implantation rates (IR) were evaluated for all stages of hatching (Unhatched: BG3 & 4; hatching: BG5; fully hatched: BG6).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Laser assisted hatching (Hamilton Thorne Bioscience, USA) was performed on day–3 and subsequently cultured to blastocyst-stage. Different hatching stages were observed using embryoscope time-lapse system (Vitrolife, Sweden) and were recorded. Day–5 blastocysts with at least BG3BB grade (Gardner’s System) were selected for TE biopsy and the biopsied cells were sent for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) using Next-Generation Sequencing (Life Technologies, USA). All blastocysts were vitrified and warmed using the Cryotec Method (Cryotech, Japan). Main results and the role of chance: All 1,020 blastocysts survived post-warmed (post-warm survival rate= 100%) and were transferred in frozen transfer cycles. TE biopsy performed on unhatched blastocysts showed a comparable IR to hatching blastocysts (60.0% [15/25] and 65.2% [627/961]). While fully hatched blastocysts (44.12% [15/34]) show a significantly lower IR when compared to hatching blastocysts (65.2% [627/961]), no significant difference was seen when comparing unhatched blastocysts to fully hatched blastocysts (60.0% [15/25] and 44.12% [15/34]; p = 0.2949).

Limitations, reasons for caution

The sample size was comparatively smaller in the unhatched and fully hatched group than the hatching group. Further studies with a larger sample size is recommended to ascertain the clinical outcome. Since this is a retrospective study and biopsy was done by different embryologists, the biopsy technique was not controlled. Wider implications of the findings: To achieve higher clinical pregnancy, it is recommended to perform TE biopsy before the blastocysts is fully hatched.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

In vitro antiviral activity of medicinal mushroom Ganoderma neo-japonicum Imazeki against enteroviruses that caused hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that predominantly affects children younger than 5 years old. HFMD is primarily caused by enterovirus A71 (EVA71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16). However, coxsackievirus A10 (CV-A10) and coxsackievirus A6 (CV-A6) are being increasingly reported as the predominant causative of HFMD outbreaks worldwide since the past decade. To date, there are still no licensed multivalent vaccines or antiviral drugs targeting enteroviruses that cause HFMD, despite HFMD outbreaks are still being frequently reported, especially in Asia-Pacific countries. The high rate of transmission, morbidity and potential neurological complications of HFMD is indeed making the development of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs/agents against these enteroviruses a compelling need. In this study, we have investigated the in vitro antiviral effect of 4 Ganoderma neo-japonicum Imazeki (GNJI) crude extracts (S1-S4) against EV-A71, CV-A16, CV-A10 and CV-A6. GNJI is a medicinal mushroom that can be found growing saprophytically on decaying bamboo clumps in Malaysian forests. The antiviral effects of this medicinal mushroom were determined using cytopathic inhibition and virus titration assays. The S2 (1.25 mg/ml) hot aqueous extract demonstrated the highest broad-spectrum antiviral activity against all tested enteroviruses in human primary oral fibroblast cells. Replication of EV-A71, CV-A16 and CVA10 were effectively inhibited at 2 hours post-infection (hpi) to 72 hpi, except for CV-A6 which was only at 2 hpi. S2 also has virucidal activity against EV-A71. Polysaccharides isolated and purified from crude hot aqueous extract demonstrated similar antiviral activity as S2, suggesting that polysaccharides could be one of the active compounds responsible for the antiviral activity shown by S2. To our knowledge, this study demonstrates for the first time the ability of GNJI to inhibit enterovirus infection and replication. Thus, GNJI is potential to be further developed as an antiviral agent against enteroviruses that caused HFMD.

Results from the Survey of Antibiotic Resistance (SOAR) 2016-18 in Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore and the Philippines: data based on CLSI, EUCAST (dose-specific) and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) breakpoints

OBJECTIVES

To determine antibiotic susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae isolates collected from community-acquired respiratory tract infections (CA-RTIs) in 2016-18 in four Asian countries.

METHODS

MICs were determined by CLSI broth microdilution and susceptibility was assessed using CLSI, EUCAST (dose-specific) and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) breakpoints.

RESULTS

In total, 260 S. pneumoniae and 258 H. influenzae isolates were tested. Pneumococci from Vietnam (n = 161) were the least susceptible, with rates of susceptibility >90% for fluoroquinolones by CLSI breakpoints, ∼60% for amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and ceftriaxone but <14% for most other agents. Pneumococcal isolates from Cambodia (n = 48) and Singapore (n = 34) showed susceptibilities ranging from ∼30% for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and oral penicillin to 100% for fluoroquinolones. Among isolates of H. influenzae from Cambodia (n = 30), the Philippines (n = 59) and Singapore (n = 80), rates of susceptibility using CLSI breakpoints were >90% for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cephalosporins [except cefaclor in Singapore (77.5%)], macrolides and fluoroquinolones; for isolates from Vietnam (n = 89) the rates of susceptibility were >85% only for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (95.5%), ceftriaxone (100%) and macrolides (87.6%-89.9%). Susceptibility to other antibiotics ranged from 7.9% (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) to 57.3%-59.6% (fluoroquinolones) and 70.8% (cefixime). The application of different EUCAST breakpoints for low and higher doses for some of the antibiotics (amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin, penicillin, ceftriaxone, clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) allowed, for the first time in a SOAR study, the effect of raising the dosage on susceptibility to be quantified. A limitation of the study was the small sample sizes and only one or two sites participating per country; however, since susceptibility data are scarce in some of the participating countries any information concerning antibiotic susceptibility is of value.

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic susceptibility varied across countries and species, with isolates from Vietnam demonstrating the lowest susceptibility. Knowledge of resistance patterns can be helpful for clinicians when choosing empirical therapy options for CA-RTIs.

Abstract CT203: A phase II trial of ipilimumab in combination with nivolumab in EBV-associated advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NCT03097939)

Background: Single agent PD-1/PD-L1 studies in previously treated EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) demonstrate clinical outcomes inferior to salvage combination chemotherapy. Dual blockade of PD-1/CTLA4 is a viable treatment strategy in other solid tumors. We hypothesized that this strategy would also be feasible and efficacious in NPC.

Materials and Methods: A single arm phase 2 study using a Simon 2-stage design was used. Nivolumab was dosed at 3 mg/kg q2 weeks, and Ipilimumab was dosed at 1 mg/kg q6 weeks. Eligible pts had EBER-ISH positive NPC, measurable plasma EBV DNA, no more than 1 prior line of chemotherapy, ECOG 0-1, and adequate organ function. All pts who met the eligibility criteria and received at least one dose of the combination were included in the safety and efficacy analysis. The primary efficacy endpoint was best overall response (BOR) by RECIST 1.1. Toxicity was assessed using CTCAE criteria. Pretreatment EBV DNA load was used to discriminate EBVhi from EBVlo at a threshold of 30,000 copies/ml, and sub-group analyses were carried out for BOR, time to progression, progression-free survival and overall survival based on this cutoff. Paired tumor and blood sampling were done at baseline and on-treatment and results are presented separately.

Results: A total of 28 patients were enrolled and 26 were evaluable. Two patients were excluded from analysis for eligibility reason and consent withdrawal. Median age of pts was 56 years (range 23-73). Most patients (85%) were of Chinese ethnicity and 19 patients (73%) were male. The median number of cycles received was 4. Three patients remain on treatment. Twenty-one patients (81%) experienced any grade treatment-related adverse events (trAE). Common trAEs were maculopapular rash (n=8; 31%) and hypothyroidism (n=8; 31%). Three pts (11%) required treatment discontinuation due to grade 3/4 AE, including pneumonitis and myasthenia gravis. In stage one, of 15 pts recruited, 7 reported BOR of PR (47%) and another 11 patients were recruited into stage two. In total, 8 out of 26 patients achieved PR (BOR 31%; 95% CI 14.3% to 51.8%). Median duration of response (DOR) was 5.9 mths (95% CI 3.9 to 9.0). With a median follow up of 10.6 mths, median PFS was 5.3 mths (95% CI 2.8 to 6.4). Of EBVlo pts, 8 experienced a PR (53%; 95% CI 26.6% to 78.7%). No responses were observed in EBVhi pts. EBVlo pts had a median PFS of 6.8 mths (95% CI 2.8 to 10.4) compared to EBVhi 2.7 mths (95% CI 1.7 to 5.2).

Conclusions: Dual PD-1/CTLA4 blockade is safe and feasible in NPC, achieving durable responses in pts with lower plasma EBV DNA. Efficacy was comparable to that seen in other solid tumors using this combination. The trial has been expanded to further study efficacy of this combination in NPC.

Citation Format: Darren Wan-Teck Lim, Quan Sing Ng, Ruey-Long Hong, Daniel S. Tan, Eng-Huat Tan, Boon-Cher Goh, Wan Ling Tan, Stella Li-Li Chan, Sze-Huey Tan, Hsiang-Fong Kao, Gopalakishna N. Iyer, Mei-Kim Ang. A phase II trial of ipilimumab in combination with nivolumab in EBV-associated advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NCT03097939) [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 CT203.

Coxsackievirus A16 in a 1-Day-Old Mouse Model of Central Nervous System Infection Shows Lower Neurovirulence than Enterovirus A71

Coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16) and enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) are the major causes of hand, foot and mouth disease in young children. Although less so with CV-A16, both viruses are associated with serious neurological syndromes, but the differences between their central nervous system infections remain unclear. We conducted a comparative infection study using clinically-isolated CV-A16 and EV-A71 strains in a 1-day-old mouse model to better understand the neuropathology and neurovirulence of the viruses. New serotype-specific probes for in situ hybridization were developed and validated to detect CV-A16 and EV-A71 RNA in infected tissues. Demonstration of CV-A16 virus antigens/RNA, mainly in the brainstem and spinal cord neurons, confirmed neurovirulence, but showed lower densities than in EV-A71 infected animals. A higher lethal dose₅₀ for CV-A16 suggested that CV-A16 is less neurovirulent. Focal virus antigens/RNA in the anterior horn white matter and adjacent efferent motor nerves suggested that neuroinvasion is possibly via retrograde axonal transport in peripheral motor nerves.

[Clinical application of HRCT three-dimensional reconstruction in traumatic ossicular chain interruption]

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of HRCT three-dimensional reconstruction technique in traumatic auditory chain traumatic fracture. Method:The clinical data of 14 patients with traumatic ear ossicular chain interruption were analyzed retrospectively. To evaluate the injury site and degree of the auditory chain before surgery, all the 14 patients underwent,HRCT scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction. The reconstructed auditory chain was observed from multiple angles and compared with the surgical exploration results under microscope. Result:The coincidence rate between ossicular chain injury observed by temporal bone HRCT scan before operation and ossicular chain injury observed during surgery was only 28.57%, the coincidence rate between ossicular chain injury observed during surgery and ossicular chain injury observed by three-dimensional reconstruction is 85.71%.Therefore, three-dimensional reconstruction imaging technique could give the doctor more clearly and stereoscopic images for the destruction of ossicular chain. Conclusion:Preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction can display and diagnosis of auditory ossicular chain destruction more clearly. It can be used to accurately evaluate auditory ossicular chain pathological changes, to develop individualized surgical plans and assess the risk of surgery.

An accidental laboratory exposure to Brucella melitensis: the prospective post-exposure management and a detailed investigation into the nature of the exposure

Our aim was to prospectively manage 22 Brucella-exposed individuals and identify the lapses in laboratory practices that lead to the exposure. The exposed individuals were risk-stratified, assessed for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), counselled to self-monitor symptoms and followed-up with three serology tests. Staff laboratory practices were recorded. Ten out of 13 high-risk individuals received PEP within 48 h of exposure. Compliance with PEP and serology monitoring was 90 and 96 %, respectively. No brucellosis cases were documented. A single handler manipulated the Brucella isolate on the open bench. Movement of the isolate was tracked in detail, highlighting various points of laboratory non-conformance. Early PEP intervention is effective in preventing acquired brucellosis. Our pragmatic post-exposure management achieved high PEP and serology compliance. We experience first-hand how regular staff engagement motivated PEP adherence and interval blood sampling attendance. The enforcement of practical strategies and safety practices was also implemented without compromising our laboratory processing times.

Giant pedunculated oesophageal liposarcomas: A review of literature and resection techniques

•

Giant oesophageal liposarcomas, a rare but important cause of oesophageal tumours.

•

A review of the current literature focusing on resection techniques.

•

Shift in the treatment paradigm in recent years to endoscopic resection techniques.

•

Decision on type of resection technique depends on tumour characteristics and location.

Introduction and presentation of case

Liposarcomas are rare causes of oesophageal tumours, accounting for <1% of tumours. We present a case of a dedifferentiated oesophageal liposarcoma arising from a giant fibrovascular polyp for which resection was performed via a left cervical oesophagostomy with transgastric retrieval of tumour. We also review the existing literature focusing on discussion of resection techniques.

Discussion

To date, 62 cases of oesophageal liposarcoma have been reported in the literature. They usually occur in males (74.2%), with a median age of 66 years (range 38–84 years). Such tumours present most commonly with dysphagia (69.4%); usually arise from the cervical oesophagus (79%), and are well-differentiated. Treatment options include surgery and recently, endoscopic resection techniques such as submucosal dissection (ESD).

Conclusion

Giant oesophageal liposarcomas are very rare tumours. Such tumours are usually polypoid, arising from a pedicle. As such, resection techniques have shifted away from oesophagectomy to less invasive means such as endoscopic resection or oesophagostomy. Decision on type of resection technique depends on tumour characteristics and location; with the guiding principle being resection with clear margins in order to prevent local recurrence.

P4639Plasma tissue factor coagulation activity in post-acute myocardial infarction patients

Background

Coagulation is involved in fibroproliferative responses following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Left ventricular (LV) remodeling following AMI is closely associated with progression to heart failure.

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the association of plasma tissue factor (TF) coagulation activity with LV remodeling prior to heart failure in post-AMI patients.

Methods

This study was conducted in 228 subjects from the Post-AMI Left Ventricular Remodeling Biomarker Analysis (PAMILA) study and 57 healthy subjects. The post-AMI patients were divided into two age- and sex-matched groups: patients with adverse LV remodeling defined as an increase in LV end systolic volume by ≥15% over 6 months and patients with reverse LV remodeling defined as an decrease in LV end systolic volume by ≥15% over 6 months. TF coagulation activity was determined using human coagulation factor Xa generation based TF chromogenic activity assay and converted into concentrations of active TF (pM). Sodium-citrate anticoagulated plasma was collected at baseline (within 3 days after revascularization), 30 days and 6 months post-AMI. Results are presented as mean±S.E.M. One-way or two-way repeated measures ANOVA or a multiple multi-level longitudinal data analysis with structural equation model was used to assess differences in coagulation activity. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Plasma from healthy subjects and post-AMI patients at baseline had similar concentrations of active TF (TFa): 29.0±1.4 versus 29.1±0.7 pM. Patients treated with warfarin (15 out of 228 patients) showed lower plasma levels of TFa (mean difference −15.2 pM, [95% CI: −18.7, −11.7], p<0.001). Compared to baseline, plasma levels of TFa in the patients was significantly lower at 30 days post-AMI (mean difference −6.9 pM, [95% CI: −4.8, −8.9], p<0.001) and 6 months post-AMI (mean difference −2.8 pM, [95% CI: −0.8, −4.8], p=0.003). Intriguingly, plasma levels of TFa tended to recover from 30 days to 6 months post-AMI (mean difference 4.1 pM, [95% CI: 2.8, 5.4], p<0.001) toward the baseline level and the level in healthy subjects. Similar trends of temporal changes of plasma TFa levels were observed in patients with adverse LV remodeling and those with reverse LV remodeling although TFa levels were slightly higher in patients with reverse LV remodeling (F(2,448)=3.112, p=0.045 for interaction). After adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, medications, lipid profile and risk factors, the temporal changes of plasma TFa levels in patients remain significant, however, the difference between patients with adverse versus reverse LV remodeling was not significant.

Conclusion

Plasma TF coagulation activity decreased post-AMI but did not differ in patients with adverse versus reverse LV remodeling.

Acknowledgement/Funding

National University Health System Singapore (NUHS O-CRG 2016 Oct-23) to JW Wang

P2582Signature of plasma extracellular vesicles associated proteins in acute myocardial infarction patients

Background

Prediction of left ventricular (LV) remodeling post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains challenging. Several circulating biomarkers have been associated with post-AMI LV remodeling, however, there is no biomarker available to distinguish adverse versus reverse LV remodeling.

Purpose

In this study, we aimed to assess the association of extracellular vesicles (EVs) associated proteins with LV remodeling post-AMI.

Methods

Plasma EVs were isolated via precipitation with dextran sulphate as we previously reported. The protein levels of EV associated von Willebrand factor (VWF), SerpinC1 (antithrombin-III), plasminogen and SerpinF2 (alpha 2-antiplasmin) were determined in the citrate-anticoagulated plasma from 57 healthy subjects and 200 patients recruited in the Post-AMI Left Ventricular Remodeling Biomarker Analysis (PAMILA) study. Patients were categorized into two groups: adverse LV remodeling (n=100) characterized by an increase or reverse LV remodeling (n=100) characterized by a decrease, in LV end systolic volume by ≥15% over 6 months. Patients' plasma was collected at baseline (within 3 days after percutaneous coronary intervention), 1 month and 6 months post-AMI. Log transformation of EV protein levels was performed for assessment in a multiple multi-level longitudinal data analysis with structural equation model (with level of significance fixed at 0.05).

Results

Compared to healthy subjects, baseline protein levels of EV associated VWF and SerpinF2 were significantly higher in post-AMI patients, whereas no difference was observed in SerpinC1 and plasminogen. Among the patients, those on statins (196 out of 200 patients) showed lower protein levels of EV associated VWF (p<0.001) and plasminogen (p=0.003), whereas patients treated with P2Y12 platelet inhibitors (195 out of 200 patients) showed higher protein levels of EV associated VWF (p=0.003) and plasminogen (p=0.035). Multiple multi-level longitudinal data analysis with structural equation model showed that protein levels of EV associated VWF (p<0.001) and SerpinC1 (p=0.021) were lower in patients with adverse LV remodeling than that in patients with reverse LV remodeling during the 6-month follow-up post-AMI. In contrast, protein levels of EV associated plasminogen (p=0.002) and SerpinF2 (p=0.002) were higher in patients with adverse LV remodeling. The differences in the four EV associated proteins between patients with adverse versus reverse LV remodeling remain significant after adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, medications, lipid profile and risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and smoking).

Conclusions

Lower levels of EV associated coagulation proteins (VWF and SerpinC1) and higher levels of EV associated fibrinolytic proteins (plasminogen and SerpinF2) were presented in patients with adverse LV remodeling compared to those with reverse LV remodeling post-AMI.

Acknowledgement/Funding

National University Health System Singapore (NUHS O-CRG 2016 Oct-23) to JW Wang

Epidemiology and prognostic factors for mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome in a multi-ethnic Asian cohort: a 12-year review

BACKGROUND

Limited information exists regarding survival of Asian patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the epidemiology, outcome and prognostic factors of these patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review of MF/SS cases diagnosed from 2000 to 2011 at a tertiary referral dermatology centre in Singapore was performed.

RESULTS

Of 246 patients, 63% were male and the median age at diagnosis was 49 years. 73.2% were Chinese, 12.6% Indian, 6.9% Malay and 7.3% Caucasian. A total of 239 patients (97.2%) had MF and seven had SS. Median follow-up duration was 6.3 years, and median duration of symptoms at diagnosis was 13 months. For patients with MF, the majority had early disease (92.8% stage IA-IIA). 3.8% were stage IIB, 1.7% stage III and 1.7% stage IV. Complete response to treatment occurred in 78.2%, partial response in 9.6%, persistent but non-progressive disease in 10.0% and disease progression in 4.1% of patients. Large cell transformation occurred in 4.1% of patients. Mean overall survival during this study was 12.7 years, with death occurring in 2.5% of patients (all ≥stage IIB at diagnosis). For patients with SS, 71.4% presented with stage IVA disease, 28.6% stage IVB. Complete response to treatment occurred in 14.2%, persistent but non-progressive disease in 28.6% and disease progression in 57.2% of patients. Mean overall survival was 3.3 years within this study, with death occurring in 42.9% of SS patients. Prognostic factors associated with favourable recurrence-free survival were male gender (P = 0.008), early disease stage (T1) at diagnosis (P < 0.001) and absence of maintenance treatment after remission (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Compared to Caucasian and East Asian cohorts, MF in South-East Asians was diagnosed at a younger age and associated with lower mortality, largely due to greater prevalence of hypopigmented MF.

APOBEC signature mutation generates an oncogenic enhancer that drives LMO1 expression in T-ALL

Oncogenic driver mutations are those that provide a proliferative or survival advantage to neoplastic cells, resulting in clonal selection. Although most cancer-causing mutations have been detected in the protein-coding regions of the cancer genome; driver mutations have recently also been discovered within noncoding genomic sequences. Thus, a current challenge is to gain precise understanding of how these unique genomic elements function in cancer pathogenesis, while clarifying mechanisms of gene regulation and identifying new targets for therapeutic intervention. Here we report a C-to-T single nucleotide transition that occurs as a somatic mutation in noncoding sequences 4 kb upstream of the transcriptional start site of the LMO1 oncogene in primary samples from patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. This single nucleotide alteration conforms to an APOBEC-like cytidine deaminase mutational signature, and generates a new binding site for the MYB transcription factor, leading to the formation of an aberrant transcriptional enhancer complex that drives high levels of expression of the LMO1 oncogene. Since APOBEC-signature mutations are common in a broad spectrum of human cancers, we suggest that noncoding nucleotide transitions such as the one described here may activate potent oncogenic enhancers not only in T-lymphoid cells but in other cell lineages as well.

Restoration of shoulder abduction in brachial plexus avulsion injuries with double neurotization from the spinal accessory nerve: a report of 13 cases

In upper (C5-C7) and total (C5-T1) root avulsion brachial plexus injury, a method of double neurotization from a single donor spinal accessory nerve to two target nerves (suprascapular nerve and axillary nerve) may be done, leaving donor nerves available for reconstruction procedures to restore other aspects of upper limb function. A mean range of shoulder abduction of 91° (SD 25°) was achieved through this procedure in our study of 13 cases, of which seven cases were C5-C7 root avulsion and six cases were C5-T1 root avulsion brachial plexus injuries. Six of the former group and three of the latter group achieved >90° shoulder abduction. The technique of double neurotization from a single donor nerve provides favourable results in restoring shoulder abduction in avulsion brachial plexus injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Development and validation of algorithms for the detection of statin myopathy signals from electronic medical records

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate sensitive algorithms to detect hospitalized statin-induced myopathy (SIM) cases from electronic medical records (EMRs). We developed four algorithms on a training set of 31,211 patient records from a large tertiary hospital. We determined the performance of these algorithms against manually curated records. The best algorithm used a combination of elevated creatine kinase (>4× the upper limit of normal (ULN)), discharge summary, diagnosis, and absence of statin in discharge medications. This algorithm achieved a positive predictive value of 52-71% and a sensitivity of 72-78% on two validation sets of >30,000 records each. Using this algorithm, the incidence of SIM was estimated at 0.18%. This algorithm captured three times more rhabdomyolysis cases than spontaneous reports (95% vs. 30% of manually curated gold standard cases). Our results show the potential power of utilizing data and text mining of EMRs to enhance pharmacovigilance activities.

Mutant p53-R273H mediates cancer cell survival and anoikis resistance through AKT-dependent suppression of BCL2-modifying factor (BMF)

p53 is the most frequently mutated tumor-suppressor gene in human cancers. Unlike other tumor-suppressor genes, p53 mutations mainly occur as missense mutations within the DNA-binding domain, leading to the expression of full-length mutant p53 protein. Mutant p53 proteins not only lose their tumor-suppressor function, but may also gain new oncogenic functions and promote tumorigenesis. Here, we showed that silencing of endogenous p53-R273H contact mutant, but not p53-R175H conformational mutant, reduced AKT phosphorylation, induced BCL2-modifying factor (BMF) expression, sensitized BIM dissociation from BCL-X_L and induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells. Importantly, cancer cells harboring endogenous p53-R273H mutant were also found to be inherently resistant to anoikis and lack BMF induction following culture in suspension. Underlying these activities is the ability of p53-R273H mutant to suppress BMF expression that is dependent on constitutively active PI3K/AKT signaling. Collectively, these findings suggest that p53-R273H can specifically drive AKT signaling and suppress BMF expression, resulting in enhanced cell survivability and anoikis resistance. These findings open the possibility that blocking of PI3K/AKT will have therapeutic benefit in mutant p53-R273H expressing cancers.

Concurrent chemo-radiation with or without induction gemcitabine, Carboplatin, and Paclitaxel: a randomized, phase 2/3 trial in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

PURPOSE

To compare survival, tumor control, toxicities, and quality of life of patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemo-radiation (CCRT), against CCRT alone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were stratified by N stage and randomized to induction GCP (3 cycles of gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2), carboplatin area under the concentration-time-curve 2.5, and paclitaxel 70 mg/m(2) given days 1 and 8 every 21 days) followed by CCRT (radiation therapy 69.96 Gy with weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m(2)), or CCRT alone. The accrual of 172 was planned to detect a 15% difference in 5-year overall survival (OS) with a 5% significance level and 80% power.

RESULTS

Between September 2004 and August 2012, 180 patients were accrued, and 172 (GCP 86, control 86) were analyzed by intention to treat. There was no significant difference in OS (3-year OS 94.3% [GCP] vs 92.3% [control]; hazard ratio 1.05; 1-sided P=.494]), disease-free survival (hazard ratio 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.44-1.35, P=.362), and distant metastases-free survival (hazard ratio 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.38-1.67, P=.547) between the 2 arms. Treatment compliance in the induction phase was good, but the relative dose intensity for concurrent cisplatin was significantly lower in the GCP arm. Overall, the GCP arm had higher rates of grades 3 and 4 leukopenia (52% vs 37%) and neutropenia (24% vs 12%), but grade 3 and 4 acute radiation toxicities were not statistically different between the 2 arms. The global quality of life scores were comparable in both arms.

CONCLUSION

Induction chemotherapy with GCP before concurrent chemo-irradiation did not improve survival in locally advanced NPC.

Simplified noncultured autologous cell grafting for the treatment of chronic nonhealing ulcers: the six-well plate technique

Chronic recalcitrant ulcers are associated with severe morbidity, and there are few effective treatment options available. Living skin substitutes are an important form of adjuvant therapy to enhance healing of such wounds. We investigated a novel, simplified, noncultured, autologous, cell grafting procedure, using a six-well plate technique, to treat chronic recalcitrant wounds. This was a prospective pilot study that involved harvesting an ultrathin split-skin graft from the gluteal region, which was washed, separated and prepared in six different wells to obtain an autologous mixture of keratinocytes, melanocytes and fibroblasts; this was subsequently applied directly to the wound using a hyaluronic acid (HA) matrix. Eight patients with a total of 14 ulcers were recruited. The primary endpoint assessed was the percentage of re-epithelialization of the ulcers. Secondary endpoints included quality of life and wound bed indices. At baseline, the median wound surface area was 7.4 cm(2) (mean 17.6 ± 23.6 cm(2) , range 0.5-80.0 cm(2) ) with a median duration of 18 months (mean 70.2 ± 95.9, range 3-216 months). The median wound surface area was reduced by 74.3%, from 7.4-1.9 cm(2) , at the final visit. Overall, 28.3% of the ulcers achieved complete healing, and 71.3% of the ulcers had reduction in wound size. Post-graft, there was also improvement in secondary wound bed parameters and all quality of life domains of the Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule. These results suggest that this noncultured autologous six-well technique might be beneficial for treating recalcitrant ulcers.

Mortality of bullous pemphigoid in Singapore: risk factors and causes of death in 359 patients seen at the National Skin Centre

BACKGROUND

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune-mediated subepidermal blistering skin disease and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the 3-year mortality rate, risk factors and causes of death in patients with BP in Singapore, compared with the general population.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all newly diagnosed patients with BP seen at the National Skin Centre from 1 April 2004 to 31 December 2009. Demographic and clinical data on comorbidities and treatment were recorded. Mortality information was obtained from the National Registry of Diseases.

RESULTS

In total 359 patients were included in our study. The 1-, 2-, 3-year mortality rates were 26·7%, 38·4% and 45·7%, respectively. The 3-year standardized mortality risk for patients with BP was 2·74 (95% confidence interval 2·34-3·19) times higher than for the age- and sex-matched general population. Parkinson disease, heart failure and chronic renal disease were associated with increased mortality, while combination treatment with low-to-moderate-dose corticoste-roids and immunomodulatory agents such as doxycycline and/or nicotinamide was associated with lower mortality. Overall, infections were the most common cause of death (59·8%), with the main causes of death being pneumonia (42·7%), cardiovascular disease (14·6%) and stroke (11·6%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms an increased 3-year mortality rate for patients with BP in Singapore. Risk factors for increased mortality include medical comorbidities, especially neurological, cardiac and renal diseases. Treatment with combination therapy, including the use of low-to-moderate-dose corticosteroid, appeared to decrease mortality risk in patients with BP.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Chemical identification and behavioral characterization of male wing pheromone ofEphestia elutella (Pyralidae)

Behavioral and chemical evidence is presented for the identity of the male wing pheromone ofEphestia elutella (Hübner) and the role of this pheromone in courtship success is evaluated. Males with the forewing removed experienced a mating success rate less than half of that of either intact males or males that had only the wing gland area remaining of their forewings. GC-MS analysis and microchemical reactions indicated the presence of (E)-phytol and a series of saturated γ-lactones in a methylene chloride extract of the wings. Using an assay of female courtship behavioral response, (E)-phytol was found to evoke an intermediate level of response in females when presented alone, while the complete array of insect-derived γ-lactones produced no significant response. The combination of either γ-decalactone or γ-undecalactone with (E)-phytol in a 1∶2 ratio, however, elicited a female response equivalent to that produced by the unfractionated wing extract.

Adoptive T-cell transfer and chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of metastatic and/or locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The outcomes for patients with metastatic or locally recurrent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remain poor. Adoptive immunotherapy with EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (EBV-CTLs) has proven clinical efficacy, but it has never been evaluated in the first-line treatment setting in combination with chemotherapy. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a chemotherapy in combination with adoptive EBV-CTL transfer, we conducted a phase 2 clinical trial consisting of four cycles of gemcitabine and carboplatin (GC) followed by up to six doses of EBV-CTL. Thirty-eight patients were enrolled, and 35 received GC and EBV-CTL. GC-CTL therapy resulted in a response rate of 71.4% with 3 complete responses and 22 partial responses. With a median follow up of 29.9 months, the 2-year and 3-year overall survival (OS) rate was 62.9 and 37.1%, respectively. Five patients did not require further chemotherapy for more than 34 months since initiation of CTL. Infusion of CTL products containing T cells specific for LMP2 positively correlated with OS (hazard ratio: 0.35; 95% confidence interval: 0.14-0.84; P = 0.014). Our study achieved one of the best survival outcomes in patients with advanced NPC, setting the stage for a future randomized study of chemotherapy with and without EBV-CTL.

Arthroscopic debridement of intercarpal ligament and triangular fibrocartilage complex tears

INTRODUCTION

Wrist arthroscopy has evolved since its inception to become an essential diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the management of various wrist disorders. Our study aimed to examine the outcomes of arthroscopic debridement in the treatment of scapholunate (SL), lunotriquetral (LT) and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of 68 consecutive wrist arthroscopies performed at our institution between January 2000 and July 2005. All the patients complained of wrist pain, which often interfered with their daily activities, work or sports. A standard arthroscopic technique was employed in all. Any intercarpal ligament or TFCC tears found were debrided.

RESULTS

There were 42 patients with TFCC tears, 58 with SL tears and 49 with LT tears. At a mean follow-up time of 16.6 months, 85.3% of the patients reported an improvement in symptoms and 27.9% had improved range of motion. Grip strength improved by 11.8%. All except two patients returned to their original activities. Outcome following arthroscopic debridement was determined using the Mayo Modified Wrist Score. Based on the postoperative wrist scores of 47 patients, 24 were rated excellent, 17 good, four fair and two poor. By comparing the pre- and postoperative wrist scores of 31 patients, we were able to demonstrate significant improvement in patients who underwent wrist arthroscopies.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that there is a definite role for arthroscopic debridement in the management of SL, LT and TFCC tears.

Effectiveness of frequency mapping on 28 nm device broken scan chain failures

Frequency mapping methodology is an effective diagnostic tool for detection of manufacturing defects in scan chains. It analyses reflected laser modulations from toggling scan cells to localize defective scan path or scan cell. In this paper, we demonstrate experimentally that the use of solid immersion lens technology to enhance signal and spatial resolution is not a prerequisite for this technique up till 28 nm technology node. We present case studies to show the effectiveness of frequency mapping for detecting systematic and random broken scan chain failures on a 28 nm technology node test chip. We achieved 81% success rate in this methodology.

Gefitinib, cisplatin, and concurrent radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer: EGFR FISH, protein expression, and mutational status are not predictive biomarkers

BACKGROUND

Gefitinib was demonstrated to be synergistic with cisplatin and radiotherapy (RT) in in vitro studies. Biomarkers predictive of response to gefitinib in squamous cell head and neck cancer is still lacking.

METHODS

Thirty-one patients with locally advanced and easily accessible primary tumor sites for biopsies were recruited. Gefitinib was started 3 weeks before the start of cisplatin/concurrent radiotherapy (CTRT) and continued during the CTRT phase and thereafter for 4 months as consolidation phase. Two baselines and a repeat tumor sample were taken after 2 weeks of gefitinib alone to study its impact on tumor gene expression. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein expression, FISH and mutational status, and matrix metallopeptidase 11 (MMP11) protein expression were correlated with response and survival outcome.

RESULTS

The overall response rate to gefitinib alone was 9.7%. The survival outcome is as follows: median disease free 1.3 years, median survival time 2.4 years, 3-year disease free 42.9%, and 3-year overall survival 48.4%. EGFR FISH, protein expression, and mutational status did not predict for response nor survival outcome of patients. Although MMP11 overexpression did not predict for response, it predicted significantly for a poorer survival outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Gefitinib can be combined safely with cisplatin/RT. More studies are needed to uncover predictive biomarkers of benefit to gefitinib.

Use of calcium and magnesium infusions in prevention of oxaliplatin induced sensory neuropathy

AIM

Oxaliplatin-related neurotoxicity is frequently dose-limiting. Following retrospective studies suggesting neuroprotective effects of calcium and magnesium (Ca and Mg), we conducted a prospective study using nerve conduction studies (NCS) to evaluate the effectiveness of such infusions in oxaliplatin-related neuropathy.

METHODS

Colorectal cancer patients receiving FOLFOX-4 or capecitabine plus oxaliplatin were randomized to (Arm A) calcium gluconate 1g +15% magnesium sulphate 1g diluted in 100 mL of dextrose 5% or (Arm B) placebo. Neuropathy was assessed using the National Cancer Center common toxicity criteria, oxaliplatin-specific scale and NCS.

RESULTS

  This study was terminated prematurely based on the initial negative results of the CONcePT trial. Median follow up was 8.7 months. Overall 22 out of 27 patients experienced neuropathy. The subjective neuropathy rate was 77% in Arm A and 86% in Arm B, (P = 0.6). At the end of treatment, three patients in Arm A and 0 in Arm B had grade 3 numbness (P = 0.09). There was no significant difference in neuropathy between arms, whether during or at the end of treatment. Median objective neuropathy score was 6 in Arm A and 0 in Arm B, (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Premature closure of this study limits the interpretation of results. While there was a trend towards reduced subjective acute sensory neuropathy with Ca and Mg, this was not significant. Ca and Mg failed to reduce the rate of cumulative sensory neuropathy and instead increased the rate of abnormal NCS, suggesting a significant difference in perceived sensory and objective neuropathy.

Serial changes in the expression of breast cancer-related proteins in response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Tumour expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), erythroblastic leukaemia viral oncogene homologue-2 (ErbB2), Ki-67 and p53 in breast cancer are associated with poorer outcomes. We investigated in vivo changes of these proteins with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Four core biopsies were taken from 100 breast cancer patients at baseline, during and upon completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Immunohistochemical expression of these proteins were evaluated and correlated with clinicopathological features, clinical response and progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant change from positivity to negativity in COX-2 expression with chemotherapy (P = 0.002), predominantly in clinical responders (P = 0.002). COX-2-positive tumours that remained positive had shorter PFS than those that turned negative. Estrogen receptor (ER)+ and COX-2+ tumours at baseline that remained COX-2+ fared worse than those that became COX-2 negative (PFS 27 versus 52 months, P = 0.002). No significant changes in IHC expression were observed for ER, progesterone receptor, ErbB2, EGFR, p53 or Ki67.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemotherapy induced change in COX-2 expression from positivity to negativity predominantly among clinical responders and is associated with longer PFS. Interaction between COX-2 and ER was observed, suggesting that some hormone receptor-positive patients may benefit from combining COX-2 inhibition with hormonal therapy.

TAK1 regulates SCF expression to modulate PKBα activity that protects keratinocytes from ROS-induced apoptosis

Dysregulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation contributes to many human pathologies, including cancer and diabetes. During normal wound repair, inflammation-induced ROS production must be tightly controlled, but the mechanisms reining their generation remain unclear. Herein, we show that transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) directly regulates stem cell factor (SCF) expression, which activates the protein kinase B (PKB)α pro-survival pathway in a cell-autonomous manner to protect keratinocytes from ROS-mediated cell death. TAK1 is a pivotal inflammatory mediator whose expression was transiently elevated during wound healing, paralleling the ROS production profile. TAK1 deficiency in keratinocytes led to increased apoptosis in response to anoikis and TNF-α treatment and was associated with elevated ROS level as analyzed by FACS. Using organotypic skin co-culture and comparative growth factor array analysis, we revealed a cell-autonomous mechanism that involved the SCF/c-Kit/PKBα signaling cascade. Ectopic expression of TAK1 or treatment with exogenous recombinant SCF restored the increased ROS production and apoptotic cell death in TAK1-deficient keratinocytes. Conversely, normal keratinocytes treated with various inhibitors targeting the SCF/c-Kit/PKBα pathway exhibited increased ROS production and TNF-α- or anoikis-induced apoptosis. Our study reveals a novel anti-apoptotic role for SCF in keratinocytes and identifies TAK1 as a novel player uniting inflammation and ROS regulation in skin redox biology.

A new record of Iranihindia martellata (Senior-White,1924) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) from peninsular Malaysia and female identification using both morphology and DNA-based approaches

Iranihindia martellata (Senior-White, 1924) is recorded from peninsular Malaysia for the first time. Male and female specimens in the recent collections of forensically important sarcophagid flies were examined and identified based on morphology and DNA sequencing analysis. Male genitalia offer unambiguous species identification characteristics in the traditional taxonomy of flesh flies but the female flies are very similar to one another in general morphology. Female of I. martellata was determined by DNA sequencing (COI and COII) and PCR-RFLP (COI) analysis. Identified females were carefully examined and compared with the morphologically similar species, Liopygia ruficornis (Fabricius, 1794). Female genitalia are re-described and illustrated in this paper.

A simple approach to the estimation of incidence rate difference

The incidence rate difference (IRD) is a parameter of interest in many medical studies. For example, in vaccine studies, it is interpreted as the vaccine-attributable reduction in disease incidence. This is an important parameter, because it shows the public health impact of an intervention. The IRD is difficult to estimate for various reasons, especially when there are quantitative covariates or the duration of follow-up is variable. In this paper, the authors propose an approach based on weighted least-squares regression for estimating the IRD. It is very easy to implement because it boils down to performing ordinary least-squares regression analysis of transformed variables. Furthermore, if the outcome events are repeatable, the authors propose that data on all events be analyzed instead of first events only. Four versions of the Huber-White robust standard error are considered for statistical inference. Simulation studies are used to examine the performance of the proposed method. In a variety of scenarios simulated, the method provides an unbiased estimate for the IRD, and the empirical coverage proportion of the 95% confidence interval is very close to the nominal level. The method is illustrated with data from a vaccine trial carried out in the Gambia in 2001-2004.

Graft-vs-tumor effect in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal cancer treated with nonmyeloablative allogeneic PBSC transplantation

While nonmyeloablative peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (NST) has shown efficacy against several solid tumors, it is untested in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). In a phase II clinical trial, 21 patients with pretreated metastatic NPC underwent NST with sibling PBSC allografts, using CY conditioning, thymic irradiation and in vivo T-cell depletion with thymoglobulin. Stable lymphohematopoietic chimerism was achieved in most patients and prophylactic CYA was tapered at a median of day +30. Seven patients (33%) showed partial response and three (14%) achieved stable disease. Four patients were alive at 2 years and three showed prolonged disease control of 344, 525 and 550 days. With a median follow-up of 209 (4-1147) days, the median PFS was 100 days (95% confidence interval (CI), 66-128 days), and median OS was 209 days (95% CI, 128-236 days). Patients with chronic GVHD had better survival-median OS 426 days (95% CI, 194-NE days) vs 143 days (95% CI, 114-226 days) (P=0.010). Thus, NST may induce meaningful clinical responses in patients with advanced NPC.