Comparison of morphological and molecular genetic quantification of relative abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi within roots

Nested PCR amplicons of ribosomal RNA genes have been used to identify individuals within assemblages of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in roots and to estimate their relative abundance. Microscopy has also been used to identify their relative abundance in roots, but only at low resolution, usually the genus level. We evaluated the robustness of using nested PCR amplicons of ribosomal RNA genes to estimate the relative abundance of undefined AM fungi in uniformly aged roots in comparison to visual estimates. The relative abundance of AM fungi was assessed as per cent root length colonised by morphotypes and relative sequence type abundance in clone libraries. Plants were grown in coastal soil to obtain assemblages of unknown AM fungi at two times (spring and autumn). Relative abundance of dominant genera of AM fungi in roots (Archaeospora and Glomus) based on an analysis of ribosomal RNA genes did not consistently correspond with relative abundance of morphotypes. This microscopic vs. molecular genetic comparison supports previous conclusions that there can be limitations in using nested PCR amplicons for quantifying the relative abundance of AM fungi in roots, with a sampling bias likely to be of significance. Both molecular genetic and morphological methods are used to estimate relative abundance of AM fungi as a precursor to understanding mycorrhizal function in field soils, but they are rarely verified using alternative approaches although this may be necessary.

Neuroprotection of neurotrophin-3 against focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury is regulated by hypoxia-responsive element in rats

Exogenous delivery of the neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) gene may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke. To investigate the neuroprotective effects of NT-3 expression controlled by 5HRE after focal cerebral ischemia, we constructed a recombinant retrovirus vector (RV) with five copies of hypoxia-responsive elements (5HRE or 5H) and NT-3 and delivered it to the rat brain. Three groups of rats received RV-5H-NT3, RV-5H-EGFP or saline injection. Three days after gene transfer, the rats underwent 90min of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), followed by 1-28days of reperfusion. Three days after tMCAO, brain NT-3 expression was significantly increased in the RV-5H-NT3-transduced animals compared with the RV-5H-EGFP or saline group, and brain infarct volume was smaller in the RV-5H-NT3-transduced group than the RV-5H-EGFP or saline group. The percentage of TUNEL-positive cells was reduced in RV-5H-NT3-transduced brains compared with the RV-5H-EGFP or saline group 3 and 7days after tMCAO. Furthermore, the neurological status of RV-5H-NT3-transduced rats was better than that of RV-5H-EGFP- or saline-transduced animals from 1day to 4weeks after tMCAO. Our results demonstrated that 5HRE could modulate NT-3 expression in the ischemic brain environment and that the up-regulated NT-3 could effectively improve neurological status following tMCAO due to decreased initial damage. To avoid unexpected side effects, 5HRE-controlled gene expression might be a useful tool for gene therapy of ischemic disorders in the central nervous system.

MK-0457, an Aurora kinase and BCR-ABL inhibitor, is active in patients with BCR-ABL T315I leukemia

MK-0457, an Aurora kinase and BCR-ABL inhibitor, was studied on a Phase I/II study in 77 patients with refractory hematologic malignancies. The average number of cycles per patient was 3 (range 1-21). Maximum tolerated doses for a 5-day short infusion and continuous infusion regimens were 40 mg/m(2)/h and 144 mg/m(2)/h, respectively. Drug-related adverse events (AEs) included transient mucositis and alopecia. Eight of 18 patients with BCR-ABL T315I-mutated chronic myelogenous leukemia (44%) had hematologic responses and one of three patients (33%) with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia obtained complete remission. MK-0457 has important activity in patients with leukemias expressing the highly resistant T315I BCR-ABL mutation.

TU-E-BRB-03: Biological Dose Optimization for SBRT of Lung Cancer: One Size Does Not Fit All

PURPOSE

Given the differences in tumor size and location, encountered in lung SBRT, we hypothesize that 'one dose fractionation regimen does not fit all', i.e. that there is a role for patient-specific dose prescription based on optimization of biological models.

METHODS

Sixty one NSCLC patients (tumor volume 46.5+/-47.3 cc) treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (48 Gy in 4fx) were retrospectively studied. Clinically treated plans were generated using Brainlab's Pencil Beam (PB-BL), and then recalculated with fixed MUs using Anisotropic Analytic Algorithm (AAA), Pencil Beam (PB-EC), Monte Carlo (MC) and Collapsed-Cone-Convolution (CCC). DVHs were exported to calculate TCP (Poisson) and NTCP (Lyman-Kutcher-Burman). TCP/NTCP model parameters were utilized from published data. For each dose distribution two dose response curves were generated by scaling the prescription dose and assuming a linear relationship between the prescription dose and entire 3D dose distribution. In addition, associations were assessed between changes in each algorithm's TCP relative to PB-BL, target diameter, and local density (density of the 70% isodose covering the PTV).

RESULTS

For PB-BL, mean TCP was 99.6%±0.9%, whereas for same MUs, mean TCP for PB-EC, AAA, CC and MC plans were 96.5±14.3%, 74.6±31.6%, 74.4±32.4% and 76.8±32.0%, respectively. With the same prescription dose for all plans, TCP values changed to 98.1±8.7%, 96.5±15.3%, 77.5±28.6%, 85.4±25.8% and 92.9±20.1% for PB-BL, PB-EC, AAA, and CCC, MC, respectively, indicating that AAA and CCC dose distributions are likely less homogeneous relative to MC. The TCP improvement was 12.3%, 8.9% and 4.4% for AAA, CCC and MC-based plans when the average NTCP before optimization was set as the upper limit for lung toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

This work supports patient-specific dose prescription strategies, based on biological optimization, for lung SBRT. However, further investigation is warranted. Acknowledgement: supported in part by a grant from Varian Medical Systems.

SU-E-J-45: Validation of the ExacTrac Virtual Isocenter Based Target Localization Method

PURPOSE

With no stable landmarks available for localization, a 'virtual isocenter' "'or surrogate landmark near the target'" can be used for image guidance. However, using a virtual isocenter in ExacTrac has not been thoroughly validated. This study evaluates its target localization accuracy and investigates the impact of two different couch correction sequences.

METHODS

A CT scan was acquired on an anthropomorphic thoracic phantom with a 2mm-diameter ball bearing (BB) marker implanted in thelung region. A treatment plan was created with isocenter placed at the BB center, and exported to ExacTrac. In ExacTrac, a virtual isocenter wasplaced on a spine vertebral body where three translational shifts (8.8cm laterally, 1.5cm longitudinally and 6cm vertically) were present. A series ofcouch rotations (+/-3 degrees, 1 degree increment) was intentionally applied to simulate angular setup variations. For each rotation, two stereoscopic x-rayimages were acquired and fused using the ExacTrac 6D registrationalgorithm. Calculated shifts were applied using two sequences: (1)automatic 5D corrections (three translations/two robotic couch rotations) followed by manual couch rotation; (2) manual couch rotation then automatic 5D corrections. After each ExacTrac localization, orthogonal (anterior-posterior and right-lateral) portal images were acquired to quantify BB center deviations from the radiation isocenter as an indicator of residual error.

RESULTS

Minimal difference between investigated table correction sequences was observed. Average translational deviations between the BB and radiation isocenter (mean+/-1SD) were 0.3+/-0.3mm and 1.0+/-0.2mm for lateral and vertical axis respectively. Longitudinally, the deviations were 0.8+/-0.4mm from the anterior-posterior image and 0.1+/-0.3mm from the right-lateral image. The systematic difference (0.7+/-0.1 mm) between thetwo may have been attributed to gantry sagging during rotation.

CONCLUSIONS

ExacTrac system successfully corrected angular shifts using the virtual isocenter method in a rigid phantom setup. The sequence ofcouch correction did not influence the localization accuracy. Further patient study is warranted.

SU-E-T-636: Comparison of RapidArc-Based Radiosurgery with Cone-Based Cyberknife Treatment for Multiple Intracranial Tumors

PURPOSE

To investigate the feasibility of RapidArc technique on intracranial radiosurgery for multiple lesions.

METHODS

Six patients who were previously treated using cone-based technique, Cyberknife were included in this study. These patients have multiple lesions (6-9, mostly metastasis). In our current clinical practice, each lesion was planned and treated individually. The prescription was 15-21 Gy at 80% with single fraction. These cases were replanned with RapidArc on the platform of Varian Truebeam STx equipped with high resolution MLC leaves of 2.5mm at center. The maximum dose rate is 1400 MU/min at 6 MV for flattering filter free mode. Because of long span of multiple lesions, the targets were divided into two groups with two isocenters. Each plan with one isocenter contains 4 non-coplanar arcs, and dose optimization was performed with the two plans combined. Critical organs, such as eyes, brainstem and brain were constrained. The individual Cyberknife plans were summed to compare with the RapidArc plan. Scenarios of setup error were simulated during RapidArc treatment.

RESULTS

RapidArc plans can achieve comparable target coverage and normal tissue avoidance to Cyberknife plans. The brain dose volume histogram (DVH) curves of the two techniques are similar in spite of different appearance of their 3D dose distributions. MU is much higher for summed Cyberknife plan. Because RapidArc can treat several lesions together, the complete treatment time for all lesions is significantly reduced. However RapidArc treatment is susceptible to setup error, which may cause increase in normal tissue dose and decrease in target dose coverage. The level of discrepancy depends on the magnitude of setup error, location and dose distribution of the target.

CONCLUSION

Multiple brain lesions treatment with RapidArc radiosurgery is clinically feasible with setup error fully accounted. It can provide dose performance comparable to cone-based Cyberknife treatment.

Atomic Rydberg reservoirs for polar molecules

We discuss laser-dressed dipolar and van der Waals interactions between atoms and polar molecules, so that a cold atomic gas with laser admixed Rydberg levels acts as a designed reservoir for both elastic and inelastic collisional processes. The elastic scattering channel is characterized by large elastic scattering cross sections and repulsive shields to protect from close encounter collisions. In addition, we discuss a dissipative (inelastic) collision where a spontaneously emitted photon carries away (kinetic) energy of the collision partners, thus providing a significant energy loss in a single collision. This leads to the scenario of rapid thermalization and cooling of a molecule in the mK down to the μK regime by cold atoms.

Perceived parenting and risk for major depression in Chinese women

BACKGROUND

In Western countries, a history of major depression (MD) is associated with reports of received parenting that is low in warmth and caring and high in control and authoritarianism. Does a similar pattern exist in women in China?

METHOD

Received parenting was assessed by a shortened version of the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) in two groups of Han Chinese women: 1970 clinically ascertained cases with recurrent MD and 2597 matched controls. MD was assessed at personal interview.

RESULTS

Factor analysis of the PBI revealed three factors for both mothers and fathers: warmth, protectiveness, and authoritarianism. Lower warmth and protectiveness and higher authoritarianism from both mother and father were significantly associated with risk for recurrent MD. Parental warmth was positively correlated with parental protectiveness and negatively correlated with parental authoritarianism. When examined together, paternal warmth was more strongly associated with lowered risk for MD than maternal warmth. Furthermore, paternal protectiveness was negatively and maternal protectiveness positively associated with risk for MD.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the structure of received parenting is very similar in China and Western countries, the association with MD is not. High parental protectiveness is generally pathogenic in Western countries but protective in China, especially when received from the father. Our results suggest that cultural factors impact on patterns of parenting and their association with MD.

Measurement of the neutron F2 structure function via spectator tagging with CLAS

We report on the first measurement of the F(2) structure function of the neutron from the semi-inclusive scattering of electrons from deuterium, with low-momentum protons detected in the backward hemisphere. Restricting the momentum of the spectator protons to ≲100 MeV/c and their angles to ≳100° relative to the momentum transfer allows an interpretation of the process in terms of scattering from nearly on-shell neutrons. The F(2)(n) data collected cover the nucleon-resonance and deep-inelastic regions over a wide range of Bjorken x for 0.65<Q(2)<4.52 GeV(2), with uncertainties from nuclear corrections estimated to be less than a few percent. These measurements provide the first determination of the neutron to proton structure function ratio F(2)(n)/F(2)(p) at 0.2≲x≲0.8 with little uncertainty due to nuclear effects.

Sox2 targets cyclinE, p27 and survivin to regulate androgen-independent human prostate cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis

OBJECTIVES

Sox2 is a major transcription factor and the transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α)/EGFR autocrine loop is a hallmark of prostate cancer progression. In this study, we have evaluated the effects and potential mechanisms of Sox2 on cell proliferation and apoptosis, and investigated effects of TGF-α on expression of Sox2 on androgen-independent human prostate cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Expression of Sox2 has been determined by RT-PCR, western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry, using RNAi and over-expression strategy to study functions of Sox2 in DU145 and PC-3 cells. Changes in level of proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis profiles were measured by MTT, colony-forming, bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assays, cell cycle and annexin V analysis.

RESULTS

Sox2 was expressed in six human prostate cancer cell lines, and its inhibition reduced cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in DU145 cells. We have shown that knock-down of Sox2 inhibited G(1) to S phase transition concomitantly with down-regulation of cyclin E and up-regulation of p27 proteins. Conversely, over-expression of Sox2 led to the opposite effect in PC-3 cells but its inhibition induced apoptosis by down-regulation of survivin in DU145 cells. We also found that TGF-α up-regulated Sox2 and survivin protein expression via the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Sox2 expression is necessary for cell proliferation and evasion of apoptosis in prostate cancer cells and TGF-α could regulate Sox2 and survivin expression by activating the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway.

Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography at 3.0T scanner: significance in the classification of peripheral arterial occlusive disease

AIM

Aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (3D CE-MRA); at 3.0T scanner in the classification of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).

METHODS

Thirty-five patients diagnosed of PAOD underwent 3D CE-MRA, 30 cases underwent digital subtracted angiography (DSA) successfully, and 12 cases underwent surgery.

RESULTS

The vascular tree from the distal aorta to the lower limbs was well demonstrated. The extent and grade of disease seen in 3D CE-MRA closely matched those seen in DSA and/or surgery. Compared to the results of DSA and/or surgery, the common coincidence of 3D CE-MRA in diagnosing PAOD was 96.89% (780/805), the coincidence in diagnosing mild, moderate, severe stenosis and occlusion was 90.48% (76/84), 87.14% (61/70), 95.77% (68/71), and 98.29% (115/117) respectively, the rate of overestimate in mild, moderate, and severe stenosis was 5.95% (5/84), 10% (7/70), and 2.82% (2/71) respectively, the rate of underestimate in mild, moderate, severe stenosis and occlusion was 3.57% (3/84), 2.86% (2/70), 1.41% (1/71) and 1.74% (2/115) respectively.

CONCLUSION

3D CE-MRA at 3.0T scanner is of great value in the accurate assessment of the classification of PAOD; it is a reliable and promising new technique.

New precision limit on the strange vector form factors of the proton

The parity-violating cross-section asymmetry in the elastic scattering of polarized electrons from unpolarized protons has been measured at a four-momentum transfer squared Q2 = 0.624  GeV2 and beam energy E(b) = 3.48  GeV to be A(PV) = -23.80 ± 0.78(stat) ± 0.36(syst) parts per million. This result is consistent with zero contribution of strange quarks to the combination of electric and magnetic form factors G(E)(s) + 0.517G(M)(s) = 0.003 ± 0.010(stat) ± 0.004(syst) ± 0.009(ff), where the third error is due to the limits of precision on the electromagnetic form factors and radiative corrections. With this measurement, the world data on strange contributions to nucleon form factors are seen to be consistent with zero and not more than a few percent of the proton form factors.

Beam-target double-spin asymmetry A{LT} in charged pion production from deep inelastic scattering on a transversely polarized {3}He target at 1.4<Q{2}<2.7 GeV{2}

We report the first measurement of the double-spin asymmetry A{LT} for charged pion electroproduction in semi-inclusive deep-inelastic electron scattering on a transversely polarized {3}He target. The kinematics focused on the valence quark region, 0.16<x<0.35 with 1.4<Q{2}<2.7  GeV{2}. The corresponding neutron A{LT} asymmetries were extracted from the measured {3}He asymmetries and proton over {3}He cross section ratios using the effective polarization approximation. These new data probe the transverse momentum dependent parton distribution function g{1T}{q} and therefore provide access to quark spin-orbit correlations. Our results indicate a positive azimuthal asymmetry for π{-} production on {3}He and the neutron, while our π{+} asymmetries are consistent with zero.

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

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