Identification of a recombinant dengue virus type 1 with 3 recombination regions in natural populations in Guangdong province, China

Using recombination analysis, we identified a recombinant dengue virus type 1 strain, namely, GD23/95, with three recombination regions, located within the sequences of the prM/E junction, NS1, and NS3, respectively. The recombinant dengue virus was further confirmed by phylogenetic analysis based on its recombination and non-recombination regions. This appears to be the first study to confirm the existence of three recombination regions in a single dengue virus isolate and to report recombination between parent virus strains isolated from the same geographic area (Guangdong province, China). It is also the first to report breakpoints within the NS3 gene of dengue viruses.

Pre-Existing Cardiac Disease, Troponin I Elevation and Mortality in Patients with Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock

A prospective, observational study was undertaken to determine the frequency of troponin I elevation and the incidence of pre-existing cardiac disease in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock, and to determine their relationship to mortality.

The setting was the surgical intensive care unit of a tertiary care medical centre. Sixty-six consecutive patients admitted with severe sepsis or septic shock requiring pulmonary artery catheterisation for haemodynamic monitoring were studied. Measurement of troponin I was done at the time of pulmonary artery catheterisation and every six to eight hours if there was ongoing tachycardia, hypotension or arrhythmias requiring treatment. Preexisting cardiac disease was determined from the patient and/or family members as well as from the medical record. Significant cardiac history was defined as prior myocardial infarction; abnormal treadmill report, nuclear medicine study or coronary angiogram; history of congestive heart failure or arrhythmia requiring treatment.

Forty-two patients (64%) had elevated troponin I at study entrance and 23 patients (35%) had pre-existing cardiac disease. History of cardiac disease was associated with reduced cardiac index and oxygen delivery, and a nearly three-fold increase in mortality (44% vs. 16%, P=0.03), irrespective of elevated troponin I levels. Troponin I elevation alone was not associated with increased mortality.

We conclude that pre-existing cardiac disease and elevated troponin I are commonly found in surgical patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. In our study, pre-existing cardiac disease, and not troponin I elevation, was associated with increased mortality.

Mechanisms underlying B-cell tolerance induction by antigen-immunoglobulin G gene transfer

Previous studies on the mechanisms underlying tolerance induction in diabetes have mainly focused on T cells, however B cells also have an important role in diabetes. Based on our previous studies that splenocytes, transduced with glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 65 fused to immunoglobulin (Ig) G carrier, reduced antibody-mediated response in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, here we examined the mechanisms underlying B-cell tolerance in this system. We found that GAD-IgG-transduced splenocytes did not reduce CD40 expression on B-cells in NOD mice, but they did downregulate CD40 ligand (CD40L) expression. Furthermore, anti-CD40L injection reduced autoantibody levels in NOD mice and in vitro experiments demonstrated that CD40L blockade reduced the antigenpresenting capability of B-cells. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that downregulation of CD40L may be one mechanism underlying the induction of B-cell tolerance in GAD-IgG-treated NOD mice.

Assignment of solute carrier family 2 (facilitated glucose transporter), members <i>SLC2A2</i>, <i>SLC2A3</i>, <i>SLC2A5</i>, <i>SLC2A8</i> and <i>SLC2A12</i> to porcine chromosomes by somatic cell and radiation hybrid panel mapping (Brief report)

Abstract. The transport of glucose plays an important role in cellular glucose homeostasis and metabolism [1]. Due to the hydrophilic character of glucose, the transport of glucose in and out of cells requires specific carrier proteins. The mammalian facilitative glucose transport family, which contains the energy-independent transporters (gene symbol SLC2A, protein symbol GLUT), catalyzes the entry of glucose into mammalian cells by facilitative diffusion down a concentration gradient. Thirteen members of mammalian GLUT family have been now characterized [1]. In swine, the chromosomal locations for the five genes (SLC2A2, SLC2A3, SLC2A5, SLC2A8 and SLC2A12) have not yet been determined. In this study, as the first step to better understand of the roles of these GLUTs in pigs which could subsequently be beneficial for pig production, we report the mapping of the five genes using both porcine somatic cell hybrid panel (INRA-SCHP) and radiation hybrid panel (IMpRH).

Mechanisms of regulatory T-cell induction by antigen-IgG-transduced splenocytes

Our previous studies have demonstrated that splenocytes, transduced with glutamate decarboxylate 65 (GAD) and IgG fusion construct, protect non-obese diabetes (NOD) mice from diabetes. However, the mechanism by which this strategy prevents diabetes is not well understood. Here, we found that CD4(+)Foxp3(+)Treg cells, in vitro induced by GAD-IgG-transduced splenocytes, after transfer, were responsible for prevention of diabetes in NOD mice. Further studies suggested that GAD-IgG-transduced B cells could secrete high level of TGF-beta and stimulated CD4(+)T cells to secrete high level of IFN-gamma. Finally, we found that when TGF-beta and/or IFN-gamma were blocked, CD4(+)Foxp3(-)T cells were not converted into CD4(+)Foxp3(+)Treg cells. The results suggest that GAD-IgG-transduced B cells via TGF-beta and IFN-gamma in vitro induce the CD4(+)Foxp3(+)Treg cells which are responsible for prevention of diabetes in NOD mice by GAD-IgG-gene transfer.

Changes of CSF and spinal pathomorphology after high-concentration ozone injection into the subarachnoid space: an experimental study in pigs

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Our aim was to explore the changes of CSF and spinal pathomorphology after high-concentration ozone injection into a pig's subarachnoid space.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight experimental pigs were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=2 in each group). In groups A, B, C, and D, animals were sacrificed for pathology 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the injection, respectively. Ozone (10 mL, 90 microg/mL) was injected along the lumbar 4-5 interspace into the subarachnoid space with a 21-ga Chiba needle under fluoroscopy. CSF collection and CT and MR imaging were performed before injection and 30 minutes, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after injection, respectively. The spinal cords were observed macroscopically and microscopically.

RESULTS

No serious behavior abnormalities were observed in any animals. There were no abnormalities in CSF and spinal cords pathologically and radiologically after injection.

CONCLUSION

Our initial study suggests that high-concentration ozone injection into a pig's subarachnoid space will not cause serious sequelae such as chemical arachnoiditis and necrosis of the spinal cord, and this finding provides evidence of the safety of ozone inadvertently injected into subarachnoid space in the clinical treatment of disk herniation.

A randomized phase 2 trial of combretatstatin A4 phosphate (CA4P) in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin to evaluate safety and efficacy in subjects with advanced imageable malignancies

14060

Background: CA4P is the lead compound in a class of agents termed Vascular Disrupting Agents. Phase I studies of CA4P demonstrated toxicities that do not overlap those of chemotherapy. In vitro studies show synergistic cytotoxicity for CA4P and chemotherapy. This study was designed to assess safety, toxicity and tumor perfusion of CA4P at 2 doses when combined with paclitaxel and carboplatin at fixed doses. Methods: A one stage, randomized trial for subjects with imageable tumors by DCE-MRI for perfusion. Subjects received either 45 or 63 mg/m2 CA4P IV on Days 1, 8, and 15, then 200 mg/m2 paclitaxel and AUC 6 carboplatin on Day 2 of each 21 day cycle. After completion of 6 cycles, subjects could continue with CA4P alone. DCE-MRI was measured prior and 24 hours after the first dose of CA4P. Results: 13 subjects were accrued from 3/05–11/05. 78 cycles were administered and 1 subject continues active therapy on cycle 19. The median number of cycles administered was 6. Both 45 and 63 CA4P with paclitaxel/carboplatin were well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events are listed in Table 1 . Grade 3–4 AEs were similar between the two dose groups. Table 1 : Most Frequent AEs by CA4P Dose DCE-MRI data showed a mean reduction in blood flow for both dose groups (46% vs. 19% respectively) confirming CA4P’s tumor vascular disrupting capabilities. Tumor responses were observed and were similar between both dose groups. Best overall response through cycle 6 was 3 PR, and 6 SD. Two subjects with thyroid cancer were randomized to the low dose group and completed cycle 6. The 1st had SD and progressed after cycle 6. The 2nd achieved PR and progressed after 8 cycles. These subjects also had the greatest reduction in tumor blood flow. Ktrans was reduced by 73 and 79% 24 hours post CA4P. Conclusion: These doses of CA4P in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin were well tolerated, demonstrated anti-tumor activity and reduction of tumor blood flow.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Pemetrexed plus cetuximab in patients (pts) with recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): A phase I-IIa dose-ranging study from the Hoosier Oncology Group

7698

Background: Both pemetrexed (P) and cetuximab (C) have single agent activity in NSCLC, non-overlapping toxicities and different mechanisms of action, making the combination of P and C an attractive option to evaluate. This study evaluates the feasibility of combining these agents, and tests the activity and toxicity of this regimen in pts with recurrent NSCLC. Methods: Eligible pts had stage IIIB/IV NSCLC, previously treated ≥ 1 prior platinum containing regimen, PS 0–1. Prior use of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors was permitted. The phase I portion determined the MTD (Bedano Proc ASCO et al., 2006). The primary endpoint of the phase II portion was to estimate TTP using Kaplan-Meier analysis (5% alpha, 80% beta), requiring 25 pts to demonstrate a TTP of ≥ 24 weeks vs. historical control of 12 weeks. Following a loading dose of C at 400 mg/m2 on week 1, pts received P at 750 mg/m2 iv q3wks and C at 250 mg/m2 iv weekly. Cycles were repeated every 21 days. After completing at least 4 cycles, pts with non-progressive disease (PD) were allowed to continue C alone until PD. Results: Eligible and treated phase II pts (n=23) received a median of 4 cycles (range 1–12). Pt characteristics: M:F 57%:43%; median age 64 (range 43–80), stage IIIB: IV 17%:83%; adeno:squamous cell 61%:30%; smoking status: current/former/never: 29%/62%/10%. Prior regimens, median 2 (range 1–6). G3/4/5 toxicities included: 4.3% neutropenia, 13% infection, 4.3% hemorrhage, 22% skin. There were no G3/4 episodes of anemia, TCP, febrile neutropenia, liver toxicity or diarrhea. Response data was available for 18 patients. Partial responses were seen in 2 pts (8.7 %), SD in 8 patients (34.8%). Median TTP was 25 weeks. Conclusion: It is feasible and safe to combine P at 750 mg/m2 every 21 days and C at 400 mg/m2 week 1 and 250 mg/m2 weekly thereafter. This combination resulted in longer TTP when compared with historical controls of P at 500 mg/m2 alone.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Randomized phase II study of biweekly gemcitabine (gem)-paclitaxel (pac), gem-carboplatin (carb) and gem-cisplatin (cis) as first-line treatments in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) after anthracycline failure

1099

Background: Biweekly gem-pac and gem-cis regimens have shown promising activity and safety in different tumor types. In MBC biweekly gem-pac is active and well tolerated. The aim of this multi-country study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gem in combination with pac, carb or cis on a biweekly schedule in patients (pts) with MBC. Methods: Major eligibility criteria included: tissue diagnosis of stage IV breast carcinoma; prior anthracycline therapy; ECOG performance status (PS) of 0 or 1; and written informed consent. Pts were randomized to receive gem 2500 mg/m2 in combination with pac 150 mg/m2 (Arm A), carb AUC 2.5 (Arm B) or cis 50 mg/m2 (Arm C) on day 1 of 2-week cycles. The primary endpoint was response rate, with safety a secondary endpoint. Results: This interim analysis was planned to occur when patient enrollment had reached 50% (75/150 pts), at which point there were 26 pts in Arm A, 25 in Arm B and 24 in Arm C, with 12 pts still on treatment. The baseline characteristics were similar in the three arms, including mean age (Arm A 50.2 yr, Arm B 46.1, Arm C 47.3); ECOG PS (PS 0: 50.0%, 64.0%, 54.2%); mean number of sites of tumor involvement (2.9, 2.6, 2.7); dominant type of metastasis (visceral: 73.1%, 80.0%, 79.2%); and disease-free interval (<24 mo: 53.8%, 60.0%, 41.7%). The mean number of cycles was 6.4, 6.0 and 5.8. There was a partial response in 5/26 efficacy qualified pts (19.2%), 5/25 pts (20.0%) and 2/23 pts (8.7%) in Arms A, B and C, respectively, stable disease in 10 pts (38.5%), 9 pts (36.0%) and 9 pts (39.1%), and progressive disease in 5 pts (19.2%), 6 pts (24.0%) and 6 pts (26.1%). There were no treatment-related deaths. Conclusions: The three regimens appear to show activity and have manageable toxicity when given on a biweekly schedule.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Characterisation of the anti-apoptotic function of survivin-DeltaEx3 during TNFalpha-mediated cell death

Survivin is an oncogenic protein involved in cell division and acts as an anti-apoptotic factor. It is highly expressed in most cancers and is associated with chemotherapy resistance, increased tumour recurrence, and shorter patient survival. This makes anti-survivin therapy an attractive cancer treatment strategy. These functions are mediated by several survivin spliced variants, whose expression may correlate with cancer progression. One of the spliced variants, survivin-ΔEx3, is known to inhibit apoptosis, through undefined mechanisms. Here, we characterised these mechanisms upon TNFα−mediated apoptosis, and showed that survivin-ΔEx3 acts as an adaptor, allowing the formation of a complex between Bcl-2 and activated caspase-3. The Bcl-2/survivin-ΔEx3 complex, but not survivin-ΔEx3 itself, inhibits the activity of caspase-3. Bcl-2 is therefore linked to the postmitochondrial apoptotic machinery by survivin-ΔEx3. Thus, survivin-ΔEx3 plays a key role in the inhibition of caspase-3 activity, and in the control of the mitochondrial checkpoint of apoptosis. This study suggests that targeting survivin-ΔEx3, rather than survivin alone, could be relevant for treating human cancers.

BM stem cell transplantation rescues pathophysiologic features of aged dystrophic mdx muscle

BACKGROUND

The value of transplantation of BM stem cells in aged (12-month-old) mdx was evaluated because it is thought to be a more ideal model for studying the praxiology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The possible mechanisms of stem cell differentiation were then discussed.

METHODS

BM was isolated from 8-10-week-old male C57 BL/10 mice. After injecting BM cells into 12-month-old female mdx mice through the tail vein, the expression of dystrophin and MyoD was detected at different time points by immunofluorescence staining, RT-PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

The C57 male mice donor-specific and Y-chromosome-specific sequence could be detected in all female aged mdx mice, implying the success of the transplantation. Expression of dystrophin and MyoD was detected and increased over time.

DISCUSSION

BM cells were recruited to the muscle and partially restored specific pathophysiologic features of the dystrophic muscle in aged mdx mice. Muscle differentiation of BM cells recapitulated embryonic myogenesis.

Triterpene constituents from the seedling of Aronia melanocarpa

Two new triterpene saponins, 16-O-acetyl-21-O-angeloyltheasapogenol A 3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1 --> 2)][beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1 --> 2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl (1 --> 3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid (1) and 16,28-O-diacetyl-21-O-tigloyltheasapogenol A 3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1 --> 2)][beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1 --> 2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl (1 --> 3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid (2), together with four known triterpenenes, have been isolated from the dried seedling of Aronia melanocarpa, and their structures established by spectroscopic and chemical evidence.

Full-length genome sequence and genetic relationship of two paramyxoviruses isolated from bat and pigs in the Americas

Mapuera virus (MPRV) was isolated from a fruit bat in Brazil in 1979, but its host range and disease-causing potential are unknown. Porcine rubulavirus (PoRV) was identified as the aetiological agent of disease outbreaks in pigs in Mexico during early 1980s, but the origin of PoRV remains elusive. In this study, the completed genome sequence of MPRV was determined, and the complete genome sequence of PoRV was assembled from previously published protein-coding genes and the non-coding genome regions determined from this study. Comparison of sequence and genome organization indicated that PoRV is more closely related to MPRV than to any other members of the genus Rubulavirus. In the P gene coding region of both viruses, there is an ORF located at the 5' end of the P gene overlapping with the P protein coding region, similar to the C protein ORF present in most viruses of the subfamily Paramyxovirinae, but absent in other known rubulaviruses. Based on these findings, we hypothesise that PoRV may also originate from bats, and spillover events from bats to pigs, either directly or via an intermediate host, were responsible for the sporadic disease outbreaks observed in Mexico.

Ketamine inhibits polymorphonuclear leucocyte CD11b expression and respiratory burst activity in endotoxemic rats

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

To observe the effect of ketamine on polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) adhesion and respiratory burst activity in endotoxemia rats.

MATERIALS

30 rats were randomly allocated to five groups: rats challenged with intraperitoneal injection of saline (saline group); challenged with intraperitoneal injection of LPS 10 mg/kg (LPS group); challenged with intraperitoneal injection of LPS 10 mg/kg and treated by intraperitoneal injection of ketamine 5, 25, 50 mg/kg at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 h after the injection of LPS, respectively (three ketamine treatment groups).

METHODS

PMN respiratory burst and CD11b expression were measured with flow cytometry at the end of 1 h, 4 h, and 6 h.

RESULTS

LPS challenge significantly increased PMN respiratory burst activity and CD11b expression when compared with the saline group (p < 0.01). There was a significant decrease in LPS-induced PMN respiratory burst activity and CD11b expression in three ketamine treatment groups when compared with LPS group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Ketamine significantly inhibits PMN CD11b expression and respiratory burst activity in endotoxemic rats.