A phase I/IIa study on intra-articular injection of holmium-166-chitosan complex for the treatment of knee synovitis of rheumatoid arthritis

Previous animal studies have established that the intra-articular injection of holmium-166-chitosan complex (DW-166HC) causes effective necrosis of the inflamed synovium with litle leakage of radioactivity from the injected joint. Based on these findings, we conducted a phase I/IIa study to examine the biodistribution of DW-166HC and to assess the safety of DW-166HC for the treatment of knee synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A total of 16 patients [1 man, 15 women; median age 49 (range 36-65) years] who had RA knee synovitis refractory to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug treatments of > 3 months' duration were randomly assigned to three treatment groups with different radiation doses of DW-166HC: 370 MBq (n = 6), 555 MBq (n = 5) and 740 MBq (n = 5). In each treatment group, blood and urine radioactivity were analysed by beta counter and biodistribution of the injected DW-166HC was evaluated using a gamma scan camera. Clinical assessment was done according to three variables (evaluation method): knee joint pain (visual analogue scale), range of motion (goniometry) and joint swelling (circumference of knee joint). The duration of follow-up observation was 3 months. Following the intra-articular injection of DW-166HC, the blood radioactivity was little changed from the baseline measurement and the accumulated radioactivity excreted in urine was minimal. Gamma scan study indicated that most of the injected radiochemical was localized within the injected joint cavity, and the extra-articular leakage was negligible at 24 h after the injection: brain, 0.3%; lung, 0.6%; abdomen, 0.7%; and pelvis, 0.8%. Major adverse events were transient post-injection knee joint pain and swelling. These results suggest that DW-166HC might be a safe agent for radiation synovectomy, particularly for the treatment of knee synovitis of RA, and further trials in a larger patient population are warranted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of DW-166HC.

Formation of a protected sub-band for conduction in quantum point contacts under extreme biasing

Managing energy dissipation is critical to the scaling of current microelectronics and to the development of novel devices that use quantum coherence to achieve enhanced functionality. To this end, strategies are needed to tailor the electron-phonon interaction, which is the dominant mechanism for cooling non-equilibrium ('hot') carriers. In experiments aimed at controlling the quantum state, this interaction causes decoherence that fundamentally disrupts device operation. Here, we show a contrasting behaviour, in which strong electron-phonon scattering can instead be used to generate a robust mode for electrical conduction in GaAs quantum point contacts, driven into extreme non-equilibrium by nanosecond voltage pulses. When the amplitude of these pulses is much larger than all other relevant energy scales, strong electron-phonon scattering induces an attraction between electrons in the quantum-point-contact channel, which leads to the spontaneous formation of a narrow current filament and to a renormalization of the electronic states responsible for transport. The lowest of these states coalesce to form a sub-band separated from all others by an energy gap larger than the source voltage. Evidence for this renormalization is provided by a suppression of heating-related signatures in the transient conductance, which becomes pinned near 2e(2)/h (e, electron charge; h, Planck constant) for a broad range of source and gate voltages. This collective non-equilibrium mode is observed over a wide range of temperature (4.2-300 K) and may provide an effective means to manage electron-phonon scattering in nanoscale devices.

Anatomic study of the intercostal nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve and a case report

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anatomical basis of intercostal nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve and provide a case report. Thoracic walls of 30 embalmed human cadavers were used to investigate the anatomical feasibility for neurotization of the suprascapular nerve with intercostal nerves in brachial plexus root avulsions. We found that the 3rd and 4th intercostal nerves could be transferred to the suprascapular nerve without a nerve graft. Based on the anatomical study, the 3rd and 4th intercostal nerves were transferred to the suprascapular nerve via the deltopectoral approach in a 42-year-old man who had had C5-7 root avulsions and partial injury of C8, T1 of the right brachial plexus. Thirty-two months postoperatively, the patient gained 30° of shoulder abduction and 45° of external rotation. This procedure provided us with a reliable and convenient method for shoulder function reconstruction after brachial plexus root avulsion accompanied with spinal accessory nerve injury. It can also be used when the accessory nerve is intact but needs to be preserved for better shoulder stability or possible future trapezius transfer.

Topotactic condensation of layer silicates with ferrierite-type layers forming porous tectosilicates

Hydrous layered silicates containing ferrierite-type layers are a structurally versatile family of materials which can be converted into microporous silicates by topotactic condensation or interlayer expansion.

Interactions between ADIPOQ gene variants and dietary monounsaturated: saturated fatty acid ratio on serum lipid levels in Korean children

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Adiponectin plays important roles in the regulation of insulin action and metabolism of glucose and lipids. We investigated whether ADIPOQ genetic variants are associated with serum lipid levels in Korean children and whether those influences might be modulated by dietary factors such as dietary monounsaturated fatty acid to saturated fatty acid ratio (MUFA:SFA).

METHOD AND RESULTS

The study included a population-based sample of 687 children aged 7-11 years in Gwacheon city, Kyunggi Province, Korea. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements and ADIPOQ genotype (-11377 C/G, +45 T/G, and +276 G/T) were determined. Dietary intake was estimated with a self reported 3-day food diary. The -11377 G allele carriers had significantly higher serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol compared to non-carriers. When dietary MUFA:SFA ratio was dichotomized (MUFA:SFA ≥ 1 or <1), the aggravating effects of the minor allele on serum total and LDL cholesterol were only present when the MUFA:SFA ratio was <1. Additionally, we observed that the ADIPOQ haplotype influenced serum total and LDL cholesterol levels. G-T-G haplotype carriers had higher total and LDL cholesterol levels than non-G-T-G carriers. The deleterious effect of ADIPOQ G-T-G haplotype to increase serum total and LDL cholesterol could be seen only when the MUFA:SFA ratio was <1.

CONCLUSION

In this present study, we found interaction effects between ADIPOQ genetic variants and dietary MUFA:SFA ratio on serum lipid levels in Korean children. These results suggest that individual genetic information and dietary fatty acid intake information should be assessed together to achieve an effective outcome for reducing the atherogenic lipid profile.

In vitro and in vivo studies of antitumor effects of the recombinant immunotoxin MSH-PE38KDEL on melanoma

MSH-PE38KDEL is a chimeric molecule composed of MSH, and fused to a truncated mutant form of Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE38KDEL). Our study aims to evaluate the specific cytotoxicity of recombinant immunotoxin MSH-PE38KDEL on melanoma cells A875 and B16 in vitro, as well as its inhibition of metastatic melanoma in vivo. MSH-PE38KDEL was expressed in Escherichia coli, and greater than 90% purity was obtained. The purified MSH-PE38KDEL was found to be selectively cytotoxic to MSH receptor-positive melanoma cells in vitro. The specific cytotoxicity of recombinant MSH-PE38KDEL to A875 and B16 was over 85% by cell viability assay; however, MSH-PE38KDEL had no cytotoxicity to the human 2BS cells. The anti-tumor activity of MSH-PE38KDEL was evaluated in mice with induced melanoma through intra-tumor or intravenous administration. The results showed that 90% melanoma growths were inhibited, and 40% of the tumors were disappeared completely. Histopathology results showed MSH-PE38KDEL can effectively inhibit intrahepatic metastasis. In conclusion, MSH-PE38KDEL had cytotoxic effects on MSH receptor-positive melanoma cells, and causes significant tumor growth inhibition. These results support a possible new approach for the treatment of melanoma.

Energetics and kinetics of li intercalation in irradiated graphene scaffolds

In the present study, we investigate the irradiation-defects hybridized graphene scaffold as one potential building material for the anode of Li-ion batteries. Designating the Wigner V2(2) defect as a representative, we illustrate the interplay of Li atoms with the irradiation defects in graphene scaffolds. We examine the adsorption energetics and diffusion kinetics of Li in the vicinity of a Wigner V2(2) defect using density functional theory calculations. The equilibrium Li adsorption sites at the defect are identified and shown to be energetically preferable to the adsorption sites on pristine (bilayer) graphene. Meanwhile, the minimum energy paths and corresponding energy barriers for Li migration at the defect are determined and computed. We find that, while the defect is shown to exhibit certain trapping effects on Li motions on the graphene surface, it appears to facilitate the interlayer Li diffusion and enhance the charge capacity within its vicinity, because of the reduced interlayer spacing and characteristic symmetry associated with the defect. Our results provide critical assessment for the application of irradiated graphene scaffolds in Li-ion batteries.

Abstract P3-13-05: Eribulin mesylate as first-line therapy for locally recurrent or metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer: Results of a phase 2, multicenter, single-arm study

Background: Eribulin mesylate is a novel nontaxane microtubule dynamics inhibitor that is approved for treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in patients who have previously received at least two chemotherapeutic regimens for MBC. We present final data from a phase 2 study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of eribulin as first-line therapy for HER2-negative (HER2-) MBC.

Methods: Patients with measureable HER2- locally recurrent or MBC with ≥12 months since prior neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy received eribulin mesylate 1.4 mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 8 of each 3-week cycle. Endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) (primary), safety, progression-free survival (PFS), time to response (TTR), and duration of response (DOR). Tumor assessments were conducted every 6 weeks for the first 6 cycles and every 6-12 weeks thereafter per RECIST 1.1.

Results: Fifty-six patients enrolled and received eribulin. Patients had a median age of 56 years (range 31-85); 32 (57%) had an ECOG status of 0; 17 (30%) had de novo stage IV; 33 (59%) had prior (neo)adjuvant therapy, including anthracycline and/or taxane (A/T) chemotherapy. Thirty-nine patients (70%) had visceral disease (45% liver, 32% lung); 41(73%) had estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) disease and 12 (21%) had triple negative (TN) disease. Thirty-two patients (57%) completed at least 6 cycles of treatment; among the 24 patients who completed fewer than 6 cycles, reasons for not completing were progressive disease (PD; n = 18), adverse events (AEs; n = 3) and patient choice (n = 3). The median number of cycles delivered was 7 (range 1-39); 6 patients (11%) received treatment for ≥12 months. Overall ORR was 27%, with median TTR of 1.4 months and median DOR of 7.4 months; stable disease (SD) rate was 48% (Table 1). Median PFS was 6.8 months. Thirty-five patients (63%) had grade 3/4 treatment-related AEs (Table 2). Treatment-related serious AEs occurred in 5 (9%) patients: neutropenia (5%), febrile neutropenia (5%), and leukopenia (2%).

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that first-line eribulin has antitumor activity in ER+/HER2- and TN MBC with safety consistent with the known profile. Further exploration of this treatment as part of earlier lines of breast cancer therapy, including neo/adjuvant, is warranted.

Table 1. Summary of EfficacyEfficacyEribulin-treated patients N = 56ORR, n (%)15 (27)CR0PR15 (27)SD27 (48)PD12 (21)Clinical benefit rate (ORR + ≥6 mo SD)27 (48)Median months (95% CI) TTR1.4 (1.2, 2.7)DOR7.4 (4.7, NE)PFS6.8 (4.4, 7.4)NE, not estimable

Table 2. Treatment-Related AEsAE (N = 56)All events (%)Grade 3/4 (%)Leading to study drug withdrawal1111Leading to dose reduction3427Common AEs (≥25%)  Alopecia820Neutropenia7050Fatigue572Peripheral neuropathy5420Nausea460Anemia364Leukopenia3018Constipation270

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-13-05.

Abstract P5-03-12: Prognostic role of stem cell markers in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)

Introduction: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is among the most aggressive types of breast cancer with frequent recurrence and death despite chemotherapy. Studies have shown that cancer stem cells play a key role in many of the drug resistant cancers including TNBC. In this study, we report the expressions of four stem cell markers in 158 TNBC tumors.

Design: Clinicopathological data were obtained from 158 triple negative breast cancers between 2002 and 2010. Tissue microarray was constructed and immunohistochemistry stains (IHC) for CD44 and CD24, CD 133 and ALDH1 were performed using the streptavidin-biotin method. Each set of TNBC consists of normal, ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive areas for assessment of IHC stains. Statistical analysis was done on the following parameters: Histological types, modified Bloom and Richardson grades, lymph-vascular invasion, lymph node status, tumor size, Ki67, presence of lymphocytic host response, age &gt;50 or &lt;50, BRCA status, prognosis (recurrence and death) and chemotherapeutic response. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: the mean age of this cohort of TNBC patients was 55 with 64% white, 13.2% black, 12.6% Asian/Pacific, 3.8% Hispanic/Latino and 1.9% other. The majority of these tumors (82.3%) were grade 3, 15.2% were grade 2, and less than 1% was grade 1. CD24, CD44 and CD133 expressions were significantly higher in TNBC than in normal breast tissues (p = 5.53 e-10, p = 1.14 e-11, p = 2.25 e-08 respectively). While both CD24 and CD133 expressions predicted poor survival (p = 0.073 and p = 0.043 respectively), neither was associated with recurrence. In contrast to CD24, CD44 and CD133 expressions, ALDH-1 expression was rare in TNBC and surrounding normal tissues. When expressed, ALDH-1 was associated with poor survival but cases were too few to reach significance. None of the four stem cell markers studied were associated with any of the conventional histopathologic features and BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

Conclusions: Our study suggests that stem cell marker(s) may be prognostically important in TNBC patients. When it is fully characterized it may provide new insight in developing effective therapeutic strategies targeting stem cell related signaling pathways.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P5-03-12.

Abstract P4-12-12: Phase 2, multicenter, single-arm study of eribulin mesylate + trastuzumab as first-line therapy for locally recurrent or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer

Background: Eribulin mesylate, a non-taxane microtubule dynamics inhibitor, has been approved for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who have previously received ≥2 chemotherapeutic regimens for MBC. We present final data from a phase 2 study that evaluated efficacy and safety of eribulin + trastuzumab as first-line therapy for locally recurrent or metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+) BC.

Methods: Patients received eribulin mesylate at 1.4 mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle and an initial trastuzumab dose of 8 mg/kg IV on day 1, followed by 6 mg/kg on day 1 of each subsequent cycle. Endpoints include objective response rate (ORR), safety, progression-free survival (PFS), time to response (TTR), and duration of response (DOR). Tumor assessments were conducted every 6 weeks for the first 6 cycles and every 6-12 weeks thereafter per RECIST 1.1.

Results: Fifty-two patients with a median age of 60 years (range 31- 81) were treated; 96% had stage IV disease, 73% had visceral disease, and 48% had liver metastases. Thirty one patients had prior neo/adjuvant chemotherapy (11 had prior anthracycline, and 22 had prior taxane). Patients received a median of 10(0, 33) cycles of eribulin and 11(1, 31) cycles of trastuzumab. ORR was 67% with median TTR of 1.3 months and PFS of 11.5 months (Table). The most common (&gt;5%) Grade 3/4 treatment related treatment emergent (TRTE) AEs were neutropenia (n = 20; 38.5%), peripheral neuropathy (n = 14; 26.9%) and febrile neutropenia (n = 4; 7.7%). Serious TRTE AEs occurred in 14 patients and included neutropenia (n = 9; 17.3%), febrile neutropenia (n = 4; 7.7%), and peripheral neuropathy (n = 3; 5.8%). Reasons for discontinuation were AEs (n = 7) and PD (n = 22).

Table. Summary of Efficacy EndpointsEfficacy EndpointsEribulin/Trastuzumab N = 52Objective Response Rate, n (%)35 (67)- Complete Response (CR)2 (4)- Partial Response (PR)33 (64)Stable Disease (SD)15 (29)Progressive Disease (PD)1 (2)Not Evaluable1 (2)Overall Clinical Benefit Rate, n (%)42 (81)Time to First Objective Response, median months (95% CI)1.3 (1.2, 1.4)Duration of Objective Response, median months (95% CI)a11.1 (6.5, 17.8)Progression-Free Survival, median months (95% CI)11.5 (7.3, 13.5)Duration of Stable Disease, median months (95% CI)7.1 (5.2, 13.5)Clinical Benefit Rate = ORR+ ≥6 mo SD; an = 35

Conclusions: This study suggests that the combination of eribulin + trastuzumab first-line therapy for locally recurrent or metastatic HER2+ BC has an acceptable safety profile and results in considerable tumor response with a long DOR. Additional larger studies with this combination are warranted.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P4-12-12.

Energy dependence of the transverse momentum distributions of charged particles in pp collisions measured by ALICE

Differential cross sections of charged particles in inelastic pp collisions as a function of p_T have been measured at [Formula: see text] at the LHC. The p_T spectra are compared to NLO-pQCD calculations. Though the differential cross section for an individual [Formula: see text] cannot be described by NLO-pQCD, the relative increase of cross section with [Formula: see text] is in agreement with NLO-pQCD. Based on these measurements and observations, procedures are discussed to construct pp reference spectra at [Formula: see text] up to p_T=50 GeV/c as required for the calculation of the nuclear modification factor in nucleus-nucleus and proton-nucleus collisions.

Directed flow of charged particles at midrapidity relative to the spectator plane in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

The directed flow of charged particles at midrapidity is measured in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV relative to the collision symmetry plane defined by the spectator nucleons. A negative slope of the rapidity-odd directed flow component with approximately 3 times smaller magnitude than found at the highest RHIC energy is observed. This suggests a smaller longitudinal tilt of the initial system and disfavors the strong fireball rotation predicted for the LHC energies. The rapidity-even directed flow component is measured for the first time with spectators and found to be independent of pseudorapidity with a sign change at transverse momenta p(T) between 1.2 and 1.7  GeV/c. Combined with the observation of a vanishing rapidity-even p(T) shift along the spectator deflection this is strong evidence for dipolelike initial density fluctuations in the overlap zone of the nuclei. Similar trends in the rapidity-even directed flow and the estimate from two-particle correlations at midrapidity, which is larger by about a factor of 40, indicate a weak correlation between fluctuating participant and spectator symmetry planes. These observations open new possibilities for investigation of the initial conditions in heavy-ion collisions with spectator nucleons.

K(S)0 and Λ production in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

The ALICE measurement of K(S)(0) and Λ production at midrapidity in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV is presented. The transverse momentum (p(T)) spectra are shown for several collision centrality intervals and in the p(T) range from 0.4 GeV/c (0.6 GeV/c for Λ) to 12 GeV/c. The p(T) dependence of the Λ/K(S)(0) ratios exhibits maxima in the vicinity of 3 GeV/c, and the positions of the maxima shift towards higher p(T) with increasing collision centrality. The magnitude of these maxima increases by almost a factor of three between most peripheral and most central Pb-Pb collisions. This baryon excess at intermediate p(T) is not observed in pp interactions at √s=0.9 TeV and at √s=7 TeV. Qualitatively, the baryon enhancement in heavy-ion collisions is expected from radial flow. However, the measured p(T) spectra above 2 GeV/c progressively decouple from hydrodynamical-model calculations. For higher values of p(T), models that incorporate the influence of the medium on the fragmentation and hadronization processes describe qualitatively the p(T) dependence of the Λ/K(S)(0) ratio.

Charmonium and e+e- pair photoproduction at mid-rapidity in ultra-peripheral Pb-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text]

The ALICE Collaboration at the LHC has measured the J/ψ and ψ' photoproduction at mid-rapidity in ultra-peripheral Pb-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text]. The charmonium is identified via its leptonic decay for events where the hadronic activity is required to be minimal. The analysis is based on an event sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of about 23 μb-1. The cross section for coherent and incoherent J/ψ production in the rapidity interval -0.9 Collapse

Key Words Collapse

MESH Headings Collapse

Grants Collapse

J/ψ elliptic flow in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

We report on the first measurement of inclusive J/ψ elliptic flow v2 in heavy-ion collisions at the LHC. The measurement is performed with the ALICE detector in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV in the rapidity range 2.5<y<4.0. The dependence of the J/ψ v2 on the collision centrality and on the J/ψ transverse momentum is studied in the range 0≤p(T)<10 GeV/c. For semicentral Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV, an indication of nonzero v2 is observed with a largest measured value of v2=0.116±0.046(stat)±0.029(syst) for J/ψ in the transverse momentum range 2≤p(T)<4 GeV/c. The elliptic flow measurement complements the previously reported ALICE results on the inclusive J/ψ nuclear modification factor and favors the scenario of a significant fraction of J/ψ production from charm quarks in a deconfined partonic phase.

Acute and chronic effects of desvenlafaxine on gastrointestinal transit and motility in dogs

BACKGROUND

Antidepressants are commonly used for treating functional gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. However, little is known whether antidepressants improve or impair GI motility. This study aimed at exploring possible effects of a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, desvenlafaxine succinate (DVS), on GI motility in dogs.

METHODS

Eight dogs chronically implanted with a duodenal cannula and a colon cannula were used in the study. Experiments were performed to assess the effects of a single dose of DVS (50 or 100 mg) and DVS given 50 mg once a day for 2 weeks on gastric emptying of solid, small intestinal transit, and colon transit and contractions.

KEY RESULTS

(1) DVS significantly delayed gastric emptying of solid at a single dose of 50 or 100 mg. The inhibitory effect on gastric emptying was completely blocked by guanethidine (an adrenergic blocking agent). (2) DVS at a single dose of 50 or 100 mg accelerated colon transit, but showed no effects on small bowel transit. (3) DVS at a single dose of 50 mg enhanced colon contractions and guanethidine blocked the effect. (4) Surprisingly, DVS given at 50 mg once daily for 2 weeks did not alter gastric emptying, small bowel transit or colon transit.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Acute DVS delays gastric emptying of solid and enhances the contractions of the colon, which may be mediated via the sympathetic mechanism. Acute DVS promotes the transit of the colon but not the small intestine. However, chronic administration of DVS does not seem to alter GI motility.

Electroacupuncture improves burn-induced impairment in gastric motility mediated via the vagal mechanism in rats

BACKGROUND

Delayed gastric emptying (GE) is common in patients with severe burns. This study was designed to investigate effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) on gastric motility in rats with burns.

METHODS

Male rats (intact and vagotomized) were implanted with gastric electrodes, chest and abdominal wall electrodes for investigating the effects of EA at ST-36 (stomach-36 or Zusanli) on GE, gastric slow waves, autonomic functions, and plasma interleukin 6 (IL-6) 6 and 24 h post severe burns.

KEY RESULTS

(i) Burn delayed GE (P < 0.001). Electroacupuncture improved GE 6 and 24 h post burn (P < 0.001). Vagotomy blocked the EA effect on GE. (ii) Electroacupuncture improved burn-induced gastric dysrhythmia. The percentage of normal slow waves was increased with EA 6 and 24 h post burn (P = 0.02). (iii) Electroacupuncture increased vagal activity assessed by the spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). The high-frequency component reflecting vagal component was increased with EA 6 (P = 0.004) and 24 h post burn (P = 0.03, vs sham-EA). (iv) Electroacupuncture attenuated burn-induced increase in plasma IL-6 at both 6 (P = 0.03) and 24 h post burn (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Electroacupuncture at ST-36 improves gastric dysrhythmia and accelerates GE in rats with burns. The improvement seems to be mediated via the vagal pathway involving the inflammatory cytokine IL-6.