Association of a transforming growth factor-β1 polymorphism with acute coronary syndrome in a Chinese Han population

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a complex multifactorial and polygenic disorder that is thought to result from the interaction between an individual's genetic makeup and various environmental factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of a transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) polymorphism (-509C>T) with ACS in a Chinese Han population. The TGF-β1 polymorphism was evaluated in 336 patients with ACS and 396 healthy control subjects by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The genotype distributions of the control and ACS groups were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (X(2) = 3.54 and X(2) = 1.72, respectively, P > 0.05). The frequencies of the CC, CT, and TT genotypes were 22.61, 53.57, and 20.83% in the ACS group, respectively, whereas they were 8.33, 48.74, and 42.17% in controls. There were significant differences between controls and ACS patients in the frequencies of the CC genotype and the C allele. These results suggest that the promoter polymorphism (-509C>T) in TGF-β1 is associated with ACS in this population. The CC genotype and the C allele of TGF-β1 might be a specific risk factor of ACS in the Chinese Han population in Xinjiang.

Semiautomated volumetric measurement on postcontrast MR imaging for analysis of recurrent and residual disease in glioblastoma multiforme

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A limitation in postoperative monitoring of patients with glioblastoma is the lack of objective measures to quantify residual and recurrent disease. Automated computer-assisted volumetric analysis of contrast-enhancing tissue represents a potential tool to aid the radiologist in following these patients. In this study, we hypothesize that computer-assisted volumetry will show increased precision and speed over conventional 1D and 2D techniques in assessing residual and/or recurrent tumor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included patients with native glioblastomas with MR imaging performed at 24-48 hours following resection and 2-4 months postoperatively. 1D and 2D measurements were performed by 2 neuroradiologists with Certificates of Added Qualification. Volumetry was performed by using manual segmentation and computer-assisted volumetry, which combines region-based active contours and a level set approach. Tumor response was assessed by using established 1D, 2D, and volumetric standards. Manual and computer-assisted volumetry segmentation times were compared. Interobserver correlation was determined among 1D, 2D, and volumetric techniques.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients were analyzed. Discrepancy in disease status between 1D and 2D compared with computer-assisted volumetry was 10.3% (3/29) and 17.2% (5/29), respectively. The mean time for segmentation between manual and computer-assisted volumetry techniques was 9.7 minutes and <1 minute, respectively (P < .01). Interobserver correlation was highest for volumetric measurements (0.995; 95% CI, 0.990-0.997) compared with 1D (0.826; 95% CI, 0.695-0.904) and 2D (0.905; 95% CI, 0.828-0.948) measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

Computer-assisted volumetry provides a reproducible and faster volumetric assessment of enhancing tumor burden, which has implications for monitoring disease progression and quantification of tumor burden in treatment trials.

Progress of superconducting electron cyclotron resonance ion sources at Institute of Modern Physics (IMP)

Superconducting ECR ion sources can produce intense highly charged ion beams for the application in heavy ion accelerators. Superconducting Electron Resonance ion source with Advanced Design (SECRAL) is one of the few fully superconducting ECR ion sources that has been successfully built and put into routine operation for years. With enormous efforts and R&D work, promising results have been achieved with the ion source. Heated by the microwave power from a 7 kW/24 GHz gyrotron microwave generator, very intense highly charged gaseous ion beams have been produced, such as 455 eμA Xe(27+), 236 eμA Xe(30+), and 64 eμA Xe(35+). Since heavy metallic ion beams are being more and more attractive and important for many accelerator projects globally, intensive studies have been made to produce highly charged heavy metal ion beams, such as those from bismuth and uranium. Recently, 420 eμA Bi(30+) and 202 eμA U(33+) have been produced with SECRAL source. This paper will present the latest results with SECRAL, and the operation status will be discussed as well. An introduction of recently started SECRAL II project will also be given in the presentation.

Measurements of parity-violating asymmetries in electron-deuteron scattering in the nucleon resonance region

We report on parity-violating asymmetries in the nucleon resonance region measured using inclusive inelastic scattering of 5-6 GeV longitudinally polarized electrons off an unpolarized deuterium target. These results are the first parity-violating asymmetry data in the resonance region beyond the Δ(1232). They provide a verification of quark-hadron duality-the equivalence of the quark- and hadron-based pictures of the nucleon-at the (10-15)% level in this electroweak observable, which is dominated by contributions from the nucleon electroweak γZ interference structure functions. In addition, the results provide constraints on nucleon resonance models relevant for calculating background corrections to elastic parity-violating electron scattering measurements.

Wide-angle near infrared polarizer with extremely high extinction ratio

An infrared polarizer is designed with a predicted extremely high extinction ratio exceeding 3 × 10(16) and transmittance higher than 89% for one polarization in the wavelength region from 1.6 to 2.3 µm. Moreover, the performance does not start to deteriorate until 60° tilting angle. The wide-angle high transmission is attributed to the excitation of magnetic polaritons and suitable LC circuit models, which could predict the resonance wavelengths quantitatively, are developed to better understand the underlying mechanisms. The proposed structure can be tuned by controlling the geometrical parameters for different potential applications such as polarizers, beamsplitters, filters, and transparent electrodes.

Discovery and characterization of LY2784544, a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor of JAK2V617F

Owing to the prevalence of the JAK2V617F mutation in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), its constitutive activity, and ability to recapitulate the MPN phenotype in mouse models, JAK2V617F kinase is an attractive therapeutic target. We report the discovery and initial characterization of the orally bioavailable imidazopyridazine, LY2784544, a potent, selective and ATP-competitive inhibitor of janus kinase 2 (JAK2) tyrosine kinase. LY2784544 was discovered and characterized using a JAK2-inhibition screening assay in tandem with biochemical and cell-based assays. LY2784544 in vitro selectivity for JAK2 was found to be equal or superior to known JAK2 inhibitors. Further studies showed that LY2784544 effectively inhibited JAK2V617F-driven signaling and cell proliferation in Ba/F3 cells (IC₅₀=20 and 55 nM, respectively). In comparison, LY2784544 was much less potent at inhibiting interleukin-3-stimulated wild-type JAK2-mediated signaling and cell proliferation (IC₅₀=1183 and 1309 nM, respectively). In vivo, LY2784544 effectively inhibited STAT5 phosphorylation in Ba/F3-JAK2V617F-GFP (green fluorescent protein) ascitic tumor cells (TED₅₀=12.7 mg/kg) and significantly reduced (P<0.05) Ba/F3-JAK2V617F-GFP tumor burden in the JAK2V617F-induced MPN model (TED₅₀=13.7 mg/kg, twice daily). In contrast, LY2784544 showed no effect on erythroid progenitors, reticulocytes or platelets. These data suggest that LY2784544 has potential for development as a targeted agent against JAK2V617F and may have properties that allow suppression of JAK2V617F-induced MPN pathogenesis while minimizing effects on hematopoietic progenitor cells.

Discovery and characterization of LY2784544, a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor of JAK2V617F

Owing to the prevalence of the JAK2V617F mutation in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), its constitutive activity, and ability to recapitulate the MPN phenotype in mouse models, JAK2V617F kinase is an attractive therapeutic target. We report the discovery and initial characterization of the orally bioavailable imidazopyridazine, LY2784544, a potent, selective and ATP-competitive inhibitor of janus kinase 2 (JAK2) tyrosine kinase. LY2784544 was discovered and characterized using a JAK2-inhibition screening assay in tandem with biochemical and cell-based assays. LY2784544 in vitro selectivity for JAK2 was found to be equal or superior to known JAK2 inhibitors. Further studies showed that LY2784544 effectively inhibited JAK2V617F-driven signaling and cell proliferation in Ba/F3 cells (IC50=20 and 55 nM, respectively). In comparison, LY2784544 was much less potent at inhibiting interleukin-3-stimulated wild-type JAK2-mediated signaling and cell proliferation (IC50=1183 and 1309 nM, respectively). In vivo, LY2784544 effectively inhibited STAT5 phosphorylation in Ba/F3-JAK2V617F-GFP (green fluorescent protein) ascitic tumor cells (TED50=12.7 mg/kg) and significantly reduced (P<0.05) Ba/F3-JAK2V617F-GFP tumor burden in the JAK2V617F-induced MPN model (TED50=13.7 mg/kg, twice daily). In contrast, LY2784544 showed no effect on erythroid progenitors, reticulocytes or platelets. These data suggest that LY2784544 has potential for development as a targeted agent against JAK2V617F and may have properties that allow suppression of JAK2V617F-induced MPN pathogenesis while minimizing effects on hematopoietic progenitor cells.

Adenovirus-mediated anti-sense extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 gene therapy inhibits activation of vascular smooth muscle cells and angiogenesis, and ameliorates transplant arteriosclerosis

The aim of this study was to explore underlying mechanisms of transplant arteriosclerosis (TA) based on intimal thickening that involve activation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and angiogenesis. We also examined the effects of adenovirus-mediated anti-sense extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) (Adanti-ERK2) gene therapy on TA.

METHODS

We employed a rat aorta transplantation model (Brown-Norway → Lewis). The animals were divided into: (1) an isograft group (n = 6), (2) an empty control group (n = 6), (3) the Ad-LacZ group (n = 6), and (4) the adanti-ERK2 group (n = 6). At 60 days after transplantation, we documented the ratio of intima/(intima + media) the isografts pathologically. Staining for α-actin and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB was performed to analyze the migration and secretion of VSMCs. We evaluated angiogenesis and COX-2 staining.

RESULT

Isografts showed normal histology; allografts from the empty control group and the Ad-LacZ group displayed typical TA lesions, while the pathology was significantly improved among the adanti-ERK2 group. The ratios of intima/(intima + media) were 7.6 ± 2.1%, 81.4% ± 6.7%, 85.9% ± 9.4%, and 15.9% ± 4.1% among the isograft group, the empty control, the Ad-LacZ, and the adanti-ERK2 groups respectively. The α-actin+ cells in the intima per field (×400) were 2.1 ± 1.1, 71.3 ± 9.2, 76.4 ± 11.3, and 34.8 ± 5.3, PDGF-BB+ cells, 0.9 ± 0.5, 28.4 ± 3.4, 29.1 ± 3.2, and 8.6 ± 1.7; COX-2+ cells in new capillaries were none, 36.3 ± 8.3, 40.9 ± 9.2, and 10.4 ± 3.9 respectively (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Intimal thickening a key feature of TA, involves activation of VSMC (proliferation, migration and secretion), and the accompanying angiogenesis. Adanti-ERK2 gene therapy modulates the mechanisms, protecting allografts against TA.

First Report of Puccinia emaculata Infection on Switchgrass in Virginia

During the spring of 2007, approximately 2,000 switchgrass plants, representing 168 core switchgrass germplasm, were established in a field nursery at the Virginia Tech Kentland Farm Research Center in Montgomery County, VA. These germplasms were originally obtained from the USDA Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit (Griffin, GA) and included both lowland and upland ecotypes. After planting, the switchgrass plants were allowed to establish for 3 years. In the summers of 2009, 2010, and 2011, a substantial infection of a foliar rust pathogen was observed on more than 90% of switchgrass lines in the field. The infected leaves had dark brown pustules that were arranged in a linear fashion between the veins and mainly located on the adaxial surface of the leaf. We observed the infected leaf samples under a microscope and isolated the urediniospores. The urediniospores were brown, round, and averaged 26.08 ± 1.67 μm long and 24.65 ± 1.66 μm wide. Teliospores were observed late in the summers of 2009 and 2010. The teliospores were two-celled, oblong to ellipsoid in shape, and averaged 32.23 ± 3.07 μm in length. The apical cell width averaged 17.6 ± 1.83 μm and the basal cell width averaged 15.08 ± 1.75 μm. The morphology of both the urediniospores and teliospores were similar to Puccinia emaculata Schw. (P. emaculata) (2,3). Using previously established rust disease scoring methods (1), the infected switchgrass lines were evaluated and scored for infection severity on a 0 to 9 scale based on the percentage of leaf area infected, with 0 being either highly resistant or escaping infection and 9 being highly susceptible. The majority of upland switchgrass cultivars, including Caddo, Cave-in-rock, Blackwell, Sunburst, Pathfinder, and Dacotah, were moderately to highly susceptible to this rust pathogen and on average, scored between 7 and 8. However, the majority of lowland switchgrass cultivars, including Alamo, Kanlow, TEM-SEC, TEM-SLC, and TEM-LoDorm, were moderately to highly resistant and scored on average between 3 and 4. This result is consistent with previous reports that show that lowland ecotypes are more resistant to rust diseases (1). To further validate the identity of the rust pathogen, we designed two primers (5'-CCAGTAACGGCGAGTGAAGAG-3' and 5'-CGACTTCCATGGCCACCGTGCGGCTGTCT-3') based on the 18S rDNA sequence of P. emaculata (3). DNA was extracted from bulk infected leaf material for PCR amplification. The 1.2 kb PCR product was isolated and sent for DNA sequencing. The DNA sequence was 98% identical to the 18S rDNA sequence of P. emaculata (EU915294.1). To our knowledge, this study represents the first report of rust on a wide range of various switchgrass cultivars in Virginia. References: (1) D. M. Gustafson et al. Crop Sci. 43:755, 2003. (2) R. L. Hirsch et al. Plant Dis. 94:381, 2010. (3) J. Zale et al. Plant Dis. 92:1710, 2008.

A novel HLA-B allele, B*13:18, identified by sequence-based typing

The B*13:18 allele differs from the most closely matching allele B*13:02:01 by one nucleotide substitution in exon 3, at position 539.