Abstract P4-15-03: Proteomic modulation in breast tumors after metformin use: Results from a “window of opportunity” trial

Background: Laboratory and population studies demonstrate that metformin offers a beneficial breast cancer (BC) effect through reduction of serum insulin levels and changes in cellular protein synthesis and growth, such as AMPK pathway signaling. In a pre-surgical metformin trial of overweight/obese, multi-ethnic BC patients, we reported no difference in tumor proliferation, as measured by ki-67. However, reductions in other biomarkers were observed, including reduction in body mass index (BMI), serum cholesterol, serum insulin, and leptin. Reverse Phase Protein Array (RPPA) is a high-throughput antibody-based technique to assess cellular protein activity in signaling networks. The goal of this study was to assess changes in functional proteomics through RPPA in patients treated in a pre-surgical metformin trial.

Methods: Metformin 1500mg PO daily (500mg am/1000 mg pm) was administered for 2-4 weeks prior to resection in 35 patients with stage 0-III operable BC, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, and no history of diabetes. Protein was extracted from pre- and post-metformin paraffin-embedded tumor tissue, denatured by sodium dodecyl sulfate, and printed on nitrocellulose-coated slides. Samples were probed with 160 antibodies. Evaluated antibodies associated with various cellular activities, including PI3K/AKT signaling, HSP90 clients, Src/STAT activity, and apoptosis. We analyzed changes in RPPA parameters in tumor tissue of study patients with those of untreated historical controls, matched by age, BMI, and tumor characteristics. Paired t-test was used to calculate within-group changes in RPPA, and two-sample t-tests were used to compare between-group changes in cases and controls (significance: p ≤ 0.05). Multiple comparisons were adjusted for by fixing the false discovery rate (FDR) at 25%.

Results: Of the 35 metformin-treated patients, 32 were evaluable. The majority were Hispanic (80%). Metformin was administered for a median of 23 days (range: 8-64). Of the invasive BCs (n = 21/35), 80% of patients had HR+/HER2- BC. The 33 historical controls were well-matched. For RPPA, the mean total formalin-fixed paraffin embedded protein concentration was 38.9 ug (SD: 3.3). Of the 160 antibodies, 67 antibodies significantly changed after metformin use in the treated group, including reduction in pAKTS473, pAKTT308, and MTOR (unadjusted). Nineteen antibodies were identified as having between group differences in change from baseline: increase in BadpS112, C-RAF, Claudin-7, Cyclin B1, Cyclin D1, EGFR, HER3 pY1298, Lck, PKC-alphapS657, RAD50, Raptor, Syk, and TRFC; reduction in 14-3-3 epsilon, FOXO3a, JNKpT183, MAPKpT202, MEK1pS217, and SrcpY416. Adjusting for multiple comparisons, the following remain statistically significantly different between cases vs. controls: increase in BadpS112, C-RAF, Cyclin D1, and Raptor; and reduction in JNKpT183. Further assessment of RPPA modulation is ongoing, including changes grouped by signaling pathway and activity, as well as validation by immunohistochemistry.

Conclusions: Compared to controls, metformin use associates with changes in apoptosis, cell signaling, C-RAF, and Raptor. These results should be further validated in larger metformin intervention trials to better define populations who may benefit from this therapy.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P4-15-03.

Enhanced cadmium resistance and accumulation in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 expressing the phytochelatin synthase gene of Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Phytochelatins (PCs) are cysteine-rich peptides with high binding affinity for toxic metals. Expressing the PC synthase gene (PCS) in plant growth-promoting bacteria may enhance its metal resistance and accumulation, consequently increasing phytoremediation efficiency in heavy metal pollution. In this study, PCS from Schizosaccharomyces pombe was cloned and expressed in Pseudomonas putida KT2440, which was confirmed by real-time RT-PCR through an increase in SpPCS mRNA expression level when induced by 20 μmol of CdCl2 in the transformed Ps. putida cells. The recombined strain KT2440-SpPCS exhibited enhanced Cd, Ag and Hg resistance. Compared with the original strain, KT2440-SpPCS also displayed a threefold to fivefold increase in Cd accumulation (14·32 μmol g(-1) to 17·38 μmol g(-1) ; dry weight) when grown in 30 and 50 μmol CdCl2 , along with an increase in nonprotein thiols. Further experiments showed significantly enhanced germination rates and growth of wheat seeds in 0·1 mmol to 1·0 mmol Cd when inoculated with KT2440-SpPCS. This study shows potential use of Ps. putida KT2440-SpPCS in plants to construct a symbiotic system for an enhanced phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated environments.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The symbiotic system of using plant growth-promoting bacteria Pseudomonas putida to express phytochelatin synthase gene of Schizosaccharomyces pombe together in plants resulted in high heavy metal resistance and high accumulation capacity, suggesting potential enhancement in phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated environments.

Oral administration of Lactobacillus brevis KB290 to mice alleviates clinical symptoms following influenza virus infection

Lactobacillus brevis KB290 (KB290), isolated from a traditional Japanese pickle 'Suguki', has been reported to have immunomodulatory effects. We investigated whether oral administration of KB290 has protective effects against influenza virus (IFV) infection in mice. After 14 days of administration of lyophilized KB290 suspended in phosphate-buffered saline by oral gavage, BALB/c mice were intranasally infected with 2 × MLD50 (50% mouse lethal dose) of IFV A/PR/8/34 (H1N1). Prophylactically administered KB290 significantly alleviated the loss of body weight and the deterioration in observational physical conditions induced by the infection. In addition, 7 days after infection, the levels of IFV-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)A in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly increased in mice fed KB290 compared with controls. Moreover, there was a significant elevation of serum interferon (IFN)-α in KB290 group mice, even at three and 7 days after infection, despite the administration of KB290 being stopped before IFV infection. Our results demonstrated that oral administration of KB290 before infection could alleviate IFV-induced clinical symptoms. Alleviation of clinical symptoms by KB290 consumption may have been induced by long-lasting enhancement of IFN-α production and the augmentation of IFV-specific IgA production.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study demonstrated that oral administration of Lactobacillus brevis KB290 (KB290), a probiotic strain derived from a Japanese traditional pickle, could protect against influenza virus (IFV) infection in mice. Our results demonstrated that continual intake of KB290 for 14 days prior to IFV infection alleviated clinical symptoms such as loss of body weight and deterioration in observational physical conditions induced by the infection. The beneficial effects of KB290 consumption may have been elicited by the long-lasting enhancement of interferon-α production and the augmentation of IFV-specific immunoglobulin A production.

A syndemic including cigarette smoking and sexual risk behaviors among a sample of MSM in Shanghai, China

OBJECTIVES

We explored possible correlates of cigarette smoking and their associations with levels of smoking among a sample of Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). We also explored the syndemic associations of substance use and psychosocial problems on sexual risk behaviors.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data collection from 404 MSM in Shanghai, China.

RESULTS

MSM exhibit a high prevalence of smoking (66.3%). Both light and heavy smoking were associated with alcohol and drug use, depression, intimate partner violence, sexual attitudes, and gay identity (though the associations for light smokers were moderate compared to those for heavy smokers).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate the presence of a health syndemic among MSM, and suggest that smoking prevention and cessation and other substance abuse interventions should be integrated into efforts preventing sexual risk behaviors among MSM.

Cigarette smoking and risk of Hodgkin lymphoma and its subtypes: a pooled analysis from the International Lymphoma Epidemiology Consortium (InterLymph)

BACKGROUND

The etiology of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) remains incompletely characterized. Studies of the association between smoking and HL have yielded ambiguous results, possibly due to differences between HL subtypes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Through the InterLymph Consortium, 12 case-control studies regarding cigarette smoking and HL were identified. Pooled analyses on the association between smoking and HL stratified by tumor histology and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status were conducted using random effects models adjusted for confounders. Analyses included 3335 HL cases and 14 278 controls.

RESULTS

Overall, 54.5% of cases and 57.4% of controls were ever cigarette smokers. Compared with never smokers, ever smokers had an odds ratio (OR) of HL of 1.10 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.21]. This increased risk reflected associations with mixed cellularity cHL (OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.29-1.99) and EBV-positive cHL (OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.27-2.56) among current smokers, whereas risk of nodular sclerosis (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 0.90-1.32) and EBV-negative HL (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.72-1.44) was not increased.

CONCLUSION

These results support the notion of etiologic heterogeneity between HL subtypes, highlighting the need for HL stratification in future studies. Even if not relevant to all subtypes, our study emphasizes that cigarette smoking should be added to the few modifiable HL risk factors identified.

A survey of avian paramyxovirus type 1 infections among backyard poultry in New Zealand

AIMS

To determine the presence and the pathotype of avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1), as well as the prevalence of APMV-1 antibodies, among backyard flocks of poultry in selected New Zealand locations.

METHODS

Archival pooled (n = 162) tracheal and cloacal swabs collected from backyard poultry were tested for the presence of APMV-1 RNA by real-time and conventional reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assays. Archival blood samples (n = 240) from a subpopulation of the same birds were tested for the presence of the APMV-1 antibody using a commercial ELISA assay. The archival samples were collected from geographical areas close to bodies of water, in the Bay of Plenty or Wairarapa regions of the North Island of New Zealand, with the high likelihood of interactions between wild waterfowl and domestic poultry.

RESULTS

Avian paramyxovirus type 1 RNA was not detected in any of the swabs tested. Antibodies to APMV-1 were detected on 18/19 farms, in 71/240 (29.5%) blood samples tested. The percentage of seropositive birds varied between seropositive farms and ranged from 8.3 to 100%. The percentage of seropositive birds on each farm was not statistically correlated with the flock size, the number of birds sampled, the number of farmed waterfowl, or with the distance to the closest lake/river. However, all chickens from the farm with the highest number of farmed ducks were seropositive for APMV-1.

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of detection of APMV-1 in any of the samples indicates that APMV-1 was not circulating among the poultry at the time of sampling. However, detection of APMV-1 antibodies in a proportion of birds on each farm indicates that infection with APMV-1, or antigenically related APMV, is common among backyard poultry.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

On-going proactive surveillance and characterisation of circulating APMV-1 is important for monitoring changes in circulating genotypes of APMV-1 and for understanding the regional ecology of these viruses for the purpose of planning appropriate disease control and prevention strategies. Our data suggest that backyard flocks should be considered as potential reservoirs of APMV. Chickens from backyard farms with multiple bird species may provide good targets for surveillance purposes.

Effects of CYP3A5 and CYP2D6 genetic polymorphism on the pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and its metabolites in Chinese subjects

PURPOSE

To assess the possibility of using CYP2D6 10 +/- CYP3A5*3 as biomarkers to predict the pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and its two metabolites among healthy Chinese subjects. METHODS 41 healthy Chinese were genotyped for CYP3A5 3 and CYP2D6 10, and then received a single oral dose of diltiazem hydrochloride capsules (300 mg). Multiple blood samples were collected over 48 h, and the plasma concentrations of diltiazem, N-desmethyl diltiazem and desacetyl diltiazem were determined by HPLC-MS/MS. The relationships between the genotypes and pharmacokinetics were investigated.

RESULTS

The pharmacokinetics of diltiazem, N-desmethyl diltiazem were not significantly affected by both CYP3A5 3 and CYP2D6*10 alleles. However, the systemic exposure of the pharmacologyically active metabolites, desacetyl diltiazem, was 2-fold higher in CYP2D6 10/10 genotype carriers than in 1/10 or 1/1 ones (AUC(o-inf) of CYP2D6 1/1, 1/10 and 10/10 are 398.2 +/- 162.9, 371,0 69.2 and 726.2 +/- 468.1 respectively, p <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Two of the most frequent alleles, CYP3A5 3 and CYP2D6 10, among Chinese do not have major impacts on the disposition of diltiazem and N-desmethyl diltiazem. However, the desacetyl diltiazem showed 2-fold accumulation in individuals with CYP2D6 10/10 genotype. Despite this, the effect of genotype of CYP2D6 on clinical outcome of diltiazem treatment is expected to be limited.

Otoprotective effects of erythropoietin on Cdh23erl/erl mice

The Cdh23(erl/erl) mice are a novel mouse model for DFNB12 and are characterized by progressive hearing loss. In this study, erythropoietin (EPO) was given to the Cdh23(erl/erl) mice by intraperitoneal injection every other day from P7 for 7 weeks. Phosphate-buffered saline-treated or untreated Cdh23(erl/erl) mice were used as controls. Auditory-evoked brainstem response (ABR) thresholds and distortion product oto-acoustic emission (DPOAE) were measured in the mouse groups at the age of 4, 6 and 8 weeks. The results show that EPO can significantly decrease the ABR thresholds in the Cdh23(erl/erl) mice as compared with those of the untreated mice at stimulus frequencies of click, 8-, 16- and 32-kHz at three time points. Meanwhile, DPOAE amplitudes in the EPO-treated Cdh23(erl/erl) mouse group were significantly higher than those of the untreated groups at f2 frequency of 15383 Hz at the three time points. Furthermore, the mean percentage of outer hair cell loss at middle through basal turns of cochleae was significantly lower in EPO-treated Cdh23(erl/erl) mice than in the untreated mice (P<0.05). This is the first report that EPO acts as an otoprotectant in a DFNB12 mouse model with progressive hearing loss.

Postmenopausal hormone therapy and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a pooled analysis of InterLymph case-control studies

BACKGROUND

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtypes, diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL) have different sex ratios and are diagnosed at ages over 60 years; DLBCL is more common in men and diagnosed at older ages than FL, which occurs more among women. This analysis of postmenopausal women examines the relationship between postmenopausal hormone therapy and NHL.

DESIGN

Self-reported use of postmenopausal hormone therapy from 2094 postmenopausal women with NHL and 2731 without were pooled across nine case-control studies (1983-2005) from North America, Europe and Japan. Study-specific odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) estimated using logistic regression were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Postmenopausal women who used hormone therapy were at decreased risk of NHL (pooled OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.69-0.90). Risks were reduced when the age of starting was 50 years or older. There was no clear trend with number of years of use. Current users were at decreased risk while those stopping over 2 years before diagnosis were not. Having a hysterectomy or not did not affect the risk. Favourable effects were present for DLBCL (pooled OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.54-0.80) and FL (pooled OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.66-1.01).

CONCLUSION

Postmenopausal hormone therapy, particularly used close to menopause, is associated with a decreased risk of NHL.

Menstrual and reproductive factors, and hormonal contraception use: associations with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a pooled analysis of InterLymph case-control studies

BACKGROUND

The two most common forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) exhibit different sex ratios: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) occurs more frequently in men and follicular lymphoma (FL) more frequently in women. Looking among women alone, this pooled analysis explores the relationship between reproductive histories and these cancers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Self-reported reproductive histories from 4263 women with NHL and 5971 women without NHL were pooled across 18 case-control studies (1983-2005) from North America, Europe and Japan. Study-specific odd ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression and pooled using random-effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Associations with reproductive factors were found for FL rather than NHL overall and DLBCL. In particular, the risk of FL decreased with increasing number of pregnancies (pooled OR(trend) = 0.88, 95% CI 0.81-0.96). FL was associated with hormonal contraception (pooled OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.04-1.63), and risks were increased when use started after the age of 21, was used for <5 years or stopped for >20 years before diagnosis. DLBCL, on the other hand, was not associated with hormonal contraception (pooled OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.65-1.16).

CONCLUSIONS

Hormonal contraception is associated with an increased risk of FL but not of DLBCL or NHL overall.

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin: a promising therapeutic target for allergic diseases

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an interleukin 7-like cytokine, can trigger dendritic cell (DC)-mediated T-helper type 2 (Th2) inflammatory responses. Recent evidence demonstrates that cytokines TSLP and OX40 (CD134)/OX40 ligand seem to be important players in the maintenance of Th2 memory pool in the pathogenesis of asthma. Accumulating data reveal that the pathogenic T cells involved in asthma are likely to be inflammatory Th2 cells. TSLP is involved in the development of asthma through crosstalk with nuclear factor NF-ĸB. Progression of skin fibrosis in atopic dermatitis occurs via TSLP/TSLP receptor. TSLP-mediated dermal inflammation aggravates experimental allergic asthma. Also, TSLP polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to asthma, atopic dermatitis, and eczema herpeticum. These findings suggest a master switch of TSLP in the initiation of allergic and adaptive inflammation through innate pathways at the epithelial cell-DC interface. The TSLP pathway is therefore a promising target for immunotherapy of allergic diseases.

Risk of second primary cancer after treatment for esophageal cancer: a pooled analysis of nine cancer registries

The introduction of new treatments for esophageal cancer including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of these modalities has not only improved patient survival, but may also increase the risk of the second primary cancers. The available evidence is conflicting with most risk estimates based on sparse numbers. Here we estimated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of second cancer among 24,557 esophageal cancer survivors (at least 2 months) in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program between 1973 and 2007, who had been followed up for median 6.5 years (range 2 months-29.3 years). Second cancer risk was statistically significantly elevated (SIR = 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.25-1.42) among the survivors compared with the general population; the SIRs for cancers of oral and pharynx, stomach, small intestine, larynx, lung and bronchus, thyroid and prostate cancer were 8.64 (95% CI = 7.36-10.07), 2.87 (95% CI = 2.10-3.82), 3.80 (95% CI = 1.82-7.00), 3.19 (95% CI = 2.12-4.61), 1.68 (95% CI = 1.46-1.93), 2.50 (95% CI = 1.25-4.47), and 0.77 (95% CI = 0.65-0.90), respectively. Radiotherapy raised cancer risk of larynx (SIR = 3.98, 95% CI = 2.43-6.14) and thyroid (SIR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.54-7.03) among all esophageal cancer survivors. For patients who had 5-9 years of follow up after radiotherapy, the SIR for lung cancer was 3.46 (95% CI = 2.41-4.82). Patients with esophageal cancer are at increased risks of second cancers of oral and pharynx, larynx, lung, and thyroid, while at a decreased risk for prostate cancer. These findings indicate that radiotherapy for esophageal cancer patients may increase risk of developing second cancers of larynx, lung, and thyroid. Thus, randomized clinical trials to address the association of radiotherapy and the risk of secondary cancer are warranted.

Immunohistochemical analysis of the mTOR pathway in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of activated mammalian rapamycin (mTOR) and its downstream effectors, phosphorylated p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1), in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ICC), in order to strengthen the rationale for targeted therapy using mTOR inhibitors in patients with ICC. p-mTOR (Ser 2448), p-4EBP1 (Thr 70) and p-p70S6K (Thr 389) were detected in 77 primary ICC tumors by immunohistochemistry. High levels of p-mTOR, p-4EBP1 and p-p70S6K expression were defined in 48.1% (37/77), 50.6% (39/77) and 51.9% (40/77) of all tumors, respectively. No significant correlation was observed between mTOR pathway proteins overexpression with clinicopathological characteristics and patient's prognosis, except that high p-p70S6K expression correlated with the poorly differentiated subtype, and high expression of p-4EBP1 predicted poor prognosis in ICC patients and retained an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis. In conclusion, our results showed high prevalence of activation of mTOR pathway in ICC tumors, suggesting that a high proportion of ICC patients might benefit from mTOR pathway targeted therapies. In addition, p-4EBP1 phosphorylation at Thr 70 could be a useful prognostic biomarker for ICC patients.

N = 16 spherical shell closure in 24O

The unbound excited states of the neutron drip-line isotope 24O have been investigated via the 24O(p,p')23O + n reaction in inverse kinematics at a beam energy of 62  MeV/nucleon. The decay energy spectrum of 24O* was reconstructed from the momenta of 23O and the neutron. The spin parity of the first excited state, observed at E(x) = 4.65±0.14  MeV, was determined to be J(π) = 2+ from the angular distribution of the cross section. Higher-lying states were also observed. The quadrupole transition parameter β2 of the 2(1)+ state was deduced, for the first time, to be 0.15±0.04. The relatively high excitation energy and small β2 value are indicative of the N = 16 shell closure in 24O.

Menarcheal and pubertal development and determining factors among schoolgirls in Kumasi, Ghana

To determine menarcheal and pubertal ages and possible factors responsible for current pubertal trends in Kumasi, Ghana, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 720 urban and rural Kumasi 7-17-year-old schoolgirls and their mothers in 2008. Heights and weights were measured and additional information obtained by survey. Mantel-Haenzsel, χ(2), ordered logistic regression and probit analyses were used to analyse the data collected. With 40.42% menarcheal prevalence, median menarcheal ages were significantly different: 12.37 ± 1.48 years urban and 13.41 ± 2.25 years rural; 12.89 ± 1.93 years, overall. Obesity (OR = 2.57; p = 0.033) and high socioeconomic status (OR = 2.12; p = 0.008) were predictors of early menarche, while a younger mother was protective against early menarche (OR = 0.32; p = 0.039). Age at menarche among Kumasi schoolgirls has dropped 0.76 years since it was last determined among similarly aged girls in 1986, declining at a rate of about 0.32 years/decade. The predicting factors provide an important opportunity for intervention through school curricula and targeted education of adolescents.

Identification of a novel nidovirus associated with a neurological disease of the Australian brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

A novel, fatal neurological disease of the Australian brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) was first identified in 1995 in a research facility and subsequently in free-living possums in New Zealand and termed wobbly possum disease (WPD). The results of previous transmission studies suggested that the aetiological agent of WPD is most likely a virus. However, the identity of the presumed viral agent had not been elucidated. In the current report, we describe identification of a novel virus from tissues of WPD-affected possums using a combination of next generation sequencing and traditional molecular methods. The proportion of possums positive for the novel virus by PCR was significantly higher (p<0.0001) among animals with WPD than clinically healthy possums, strongly suggesting an aetiological involvement of the virus in WPD. Analysis of the partial genomic sequence of the putative WPD virus indicated that it is a novel nidovirus, most closely related to the current members of the family Arteriviridae.

Experimental infection of possums with macropodid herpesvirus 1

AIM

To determine whether macropodid herpesvirus 1 (MaHV-1) could infect brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) and whether such infection would lead to latency in possums.

METHODS

Possums (n=9) were instilled with 1.9 x 10(8) TCID50 of MaHV-1 into the conjunctivae and nostrils, while controls (n=3) were administrated with sterile saline. For virus isolation, all possums were swabbed from the conjunctivae and nasal cavities prior to inoculation, and on Days 1, 3, 7, 10 and 14 post-inoculation (p.i.), and then at weekly intervals for up to a further 6 weeks. Sera were collected on Day 0 immediately prior to inoculation and fortnightly thereafter, for the measurement of antibody. Corticosteroids were administrated to 4/9 virus-inoculated possums on Days 36 and 41 p.i. to determine whether latent MaHV-1 infection could be reactivated. Trigeminal ganglia and other tissues were collected at necropsy for viral detection. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the DNA-dependent DNA polymerase (DNA pol) gene of the herpesviruses using degenerate primers was conducted on DNA samples isolated from the ganglia and livers from the possums, and blind-passaged cell cultures, for viral detection.

RESULTS

A mild conjunctivitis was observed in the majority of the virus-inoculated possums between Days 3 and 21 p.i. Virus was recovered from the conjunctiva and/or nasal swabs from 8/9 virus-inoculated possums on Days 1 and 3 p.i. and from 3/9 on Day 7 p.i., but not following administration of corticosteroids. No virus was recovered from the trigeminal ganglia of the virus inoculated possums and possum DNA samples were negative for viral DNA following nested PCR. All of the virus-inoculated possums produced a virus neutralisation antibody response by Day 28 p.i., and five had a titre >/=512. The sequence of a 133 base pair (bp) segment of the MaHV-1 DNA pol gene was considerably different from that of other published data.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that MaHV-1 might have established a transient infection at the inoculation sites, and the inoculation of MaHV-1 via intranasal and conjunctival routes could elicit MaHV-1-specific antibody responses in possums. However, systemic and latent infection of MaHV-1 in possums was not demonstrated.

Advanced breast cancer incidence following population-based mammographic screening

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer mortality is declining in many Western countries. If mammography screening contributed to decreases in mortality, then decreases in advanced breast cancer incidence should also be noticeable.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We assessed incidence trends of advanced breast cancer in areas where mammography screening is practiced for at least 7 years with 60% minimum participation and where population-based registration of advanced breast cancer existed. Through a systematic Medline search, we identified relevant published data for Australia, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, The Netherlands, U.K. and the U.S.A. Data from cancer registries in Northern Ireland, Scotland, the U.S.A. (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER), and Connecticut), and Tasmania (Australia) were available for the study. Criterion for advanced cancer was the tumour size, and if not available, spread to regional/distant sites.

RESULTS

Age-adjusted annual percent changes (APCs) were stable or increasing in ten areas (APCs of -0.5% to 1.7%). In four areas (Firenze, the Netherlands, SEER and Connecticut) there were transient downward trends followed by increases back to pre-screening rates.

CONCLUSIONS

In areas with widespread sustained mammographic screening, trends in advanced breast cancer incidence do not support a substantial role for screening in the decrease in mortality.

Cbl-b regulates airway mucosal tolerance to aeroallergen

BACKGROUND

As an E3 ubiquitin ligase and a molecular adaptor, Cbl-b controls the activation threshold of the antigen receptor and negatively regulates CD28 costimulation, functioning as an intrinsic mediator of T cell anergy that maintains tolerance. However, the role of Cbl-b in the airway immune response to aeroallergens is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the contribution of Cbl-b in tolerance to aeroallergens, we examined ovalbumin (OVA)-induced lung inflammation in Cbl-b-deficient mice.

METHODS

Cbl-b(-/-) mice and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA intranasally, a procedure normally tolerated by WT mice. We analysed lung histology, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid total cell counts and differential, cytokines and chemokines in the airway, and cytokine response by lymphocytes after re-stimulation by OVA antigen.

RESULTS

Compared with WT mice, OVA-challenged Cbl-b(-/-) mice showed significantly increased neutrophilic and eosinophilic infiltration in the lung and mucus hyperplasia. The serum levels of IgG2a and IgG1, but not IgE, were increased. The levels of inflammatory mediators IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, eotaxin, and RANTES, but not IL-17A or IL-6, were elevated in the airway of Cbl-b(-/-) mice. Lymphocytes from Cbl-b(-/-) mice released increased amount of IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-13, and IP-10 in response to OVA re-stimulation. However, no significant changes were noted in the CD4(+) CD25(+) T regulatory cell populations in the lung tissues after OVA stimulation and there was no difference between WT and Cbl-b(-/-) mice.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that Cbl-b deficiency leads to a breakdown of tolerance to OVA allergen in the murine airways, probably through increased activation of T effector cells, indicating that Cbl-b is a critical factor in maintaining lung homeostasis upon environmental exposure to aeroallergens.

Gender-Dependent Penetrance of Small Heterodimer Partner (SHP) Gene Deficiency in Overweight/Obese Chinese Pedigrees

Mutations of the small heterodimer partner ( SHP) gene have been associated with mild obesity in Japanese subjects. This study was designed to investigate whether there was a similar association in 772 Chinese adults. A total of 272 subjects were normal weight, 423 were overweight and 77 were obese. Four non-synonymous mutations (R34X, H53fsdel10, G171A, G189E) were identified in 10 out of the 500 overweight/obese subjects, but were not seen in the normal weight controls (prevalence 2.00% versus 0.00%, respectively). The relatives of proband carriers, including 25 carriers and 33 non-carriers from three generations, were also screened for 10 multigenerational non-consanguineous pedigrees. A gender-dependent penetrance effect was observed in the pedigrees. Furthermore, the frequency of SHP gene mutations was significantly higher in those with type 2 diabetes compared with the non-diabetics (61.5% versus 28.1%, respectively). These data provide evidence of a gender-dependent effect on penetrance for SHP deficiency and suggest that SHP mutations increase susceptibility to type 2 diabetes.

Portable stove use is associated with lower lung cancer mortality risk in lifetime smoky coal users

Domestic fuel combustion from cooking and heating, to which about 3 billion people worldwide are exposed, is associated with increased lung cancer risk. Lung cancer incidence in Xuanwei is the highest in China, and the attributable risk of lung cancer from unvented smoky coal burning is greater than 90%. To evaluate any lung cancer mortality reduction after changing from unvented stoves to portable stoves, we used lifetime smoky coal users in a retrospective cohort of all farmers born during 1917–1951 and residing in Xuanwei in 1976. Of the 42 422 enrolled farmers, 4054 lifetime smoky coal users changed to portable stoves, 4364 did not change, and 1074 died of lung cancer. Lung cancer morality associated with stove change was assessed by product-limit survival curves and multivariate Cox regression models. Both men (P<0.0001) and women (P<0.0001) who changed to portable stoves had a significantly increased probability of survival compared with those who did not change. Portable stoves were associated with decreased risk of lung cancer mortality in male participants (hazard ratio (HR)=0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.46–0.82) and female participants (HR=0.41, 95% CI=0.29–0.57). Portable stove use is associated with reduced lung cancer mortality risk, highlighting a cost-effective intervention that could substantially benefit health in developing countries.

Use of hair colouring products and risk of multiple myeloma among US women

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between personal hair dye use and risk of multiple myeloma among women.

METHODS

A population-based case-control study of 175 cases of multiple myeloma and 679 controls. Cases and controls were interviewed regarding the type and colour of hair colouring product used, age at first use, age use stopped, duration, and the frequency of use per year. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression to compare never users with four exposure groups: all users, ever semi-permanent dye users, ever permanent dye users and dark permanent dye users (most frequent use).

RESULTS

No association was found between ever reporting hair colouring product use and myeloma risk among all users (OR 0.8; 95% CI 0.5 to 1.1), semi-permanent dye users (OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.4 to 1.2), permanent dye users (OR 0.8; 95% CI 0.5 to 1.1) or dark permanent dye users (OR 0.8; 95% CI 0.5 to 1.3). There were no significant associations among women who used hair dyes before 30 years of age, started use before 1980, had >or=240 lifetime applications, or had used dark permanent dye for 28 or more years.

CONCLUSION

No evidence of an association between hair colouring product use and myeloma risk was found. However, given the conflicting body of literature on hair colouring product use and risk of multiple myeloma, this question should be further evaluated in larger studies or consortia, and in high risk groups.

Oral challenge of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) with possum enteroviruses: clinical observation, antibody response and virus excretion in faeces

AIM

To investigate the pathogenesis of two cytopathic enteroviruses, W1 and W6, isolated from possums, to evaluate their potential as vectors for biological management of possums.

METHODS

Possums (n=10) were fed 1 x 107 median tissue culture infectious doses (TCID50) of either the W1 strain (Possums 1-5) or W6 strain (Possums 6-10), while controls (n=2, Possums 11 and 12) were fed uninfected cell culture medium. Blood samples were collected from all possums on Days -1, 2, 7, 14, 21 and 34 or 35 post-inoculation (p.i.), and bodyweight and rectal temperatures were measured on the same days. Virus specific antibodies were determined using virus neutralisation tests (VNTs). Faeces were collected on Days -1, 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 28 and 34 or 35 p.i., and the presence of W1 and W6 virus in faeces was determined using cell culture and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Possums were euthanised on Day 34 or 35, and ileal Peyer's patches were collected for detection of virus using RT-PCR.

RESULTS

No diarrhoea or significant changes in rectal temperature or loss of bodyweight were observed in virus-inoculated possums during the study period. Virus-neutralising antibodies were detected using VNTs in 2/5 and 3/5 possums exposed to the W1 and W6 strain, respectively. Excretion of virus in faeces was detected in 6/10 virus-inoculated possums, from as early as Day 4 p.i.; virus excretion in faeces was transient in some and persistent in other possums up to the time of euthanasia. The viruses were detected in 3/10 virus-inoculated possums following necropsy, but were not detected using RT-PCR in sera collected on Days 2 and 7, nor in Peyer's patches of virus-inoculated possums collected on Day 34 or 35.

CONCLUSIONS

Possum enteroviruses W1 and W6 established an asymptomatic infection in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in a proportion of challenged possums. A virus-specific antibody response was elicited in infected possums, which excreted the virus in faeces for up to 35 days p.i. The absence of noticeable adverse effects in enterovirus-infected possums is an advantageous characteristic for candidate vectors on animal welfare grounds.

C-V measurements of micron diameter metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors using a scanning-electron-microscope-based nanoprobe

The C-V electrical characterization of microstructures on a standard probe station is limited by the magnification of the imaging system and the precision of the probe manipulators. To overcome these limitations, we examine the combination of in situ electrical probing and a dual column scanning electron microscope/focused ion beam system. The imaging parameters and probing procedures are carefully chosen to reduce e-beam damage to the metal oxide semiconductor capacitor device under test. Estimation of shunt capacitance is critical when making femtofarad level measurements. C-V measurements of micron size metal-oxide-silicon capacitors are demonstrated.

Two-sample comparison based on prediction error, with applications to candidate gene association studies

To take advantage of the increasingly available high-density SNP maps across the genome, various tests that compare multilocus genotypes or estimated haplotypes between cases and controls have been developed for candidate gene association studies. Here we view this two-sample testing problem from the perspective of supervised machine learning and propose a new association test. The approach adopts the flexible and easy-to-understand classification tree model as the learning machine, and uses the estimated prediction error of the resulting prediction rule as the test statistic. This procedure not only provides an association test but also generates a prediction rule that can be useful in understanding the mechanisms underlying complex disease. Under the set-up of a haplotype-based transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) type of analysis, we find through simulation studies that the proposed procedure has the correct type I error rates and is robust to population stratification. The power of the proposed procedure is sensitive to the chosen prediction error estimator. Among commonly used prediction error estimators, the .632+ estimator results in a test that has the best overall performance. We also find that the test using the .632+ estimator is more powerful than the standard single-point TDT analysis, the Pearson's goodness-of-fit test based on estimated haplotype frequencies, and two haplotype-based global tests implemented in the genetic analysis package FBAT. To illustrate the application of the proposed method in population-based association studies, we use the procedure to study the association between non-Hodgkin lymphoma and the IL10 gene.

RETRACTED: Isolation, characterization and expression of a gene from Brassica napus encoding a LIM-domain protein

This article has been retracted consistent with Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal. Please see http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

Characterisation of two enteroviruses isolated from Australian brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand

Two enteroviruses, designated W1 and W6, were isolated from intestinal contents of Australian brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand. The genomic sequences of W1 and W6 were 7390 and 7391 nucleotides (nt), respectively. Genetically, possum isolates W1 and W6 were related to bovine enterovirus serotype 2 (BEV-2) strains, especially to the strain PS87/Belfast, based on the capsid protein sequence. However, W1 and W6 formed a clade that was distinct from PS87Belfast based on nucleotide sequences of the 3' and 5'-non-translated region and in the amino acid sequences of 2A, 3C and 3D. Possum isolates W1 and W6 grew more readily in possum kidney cells than in Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells, suggesting that co-evolution of W1 and W6 with possums has made them more adapted to possum cells.

Neurogenic astrocytes transplanted into the adult mouse lateral ventricle contribute to olfactory neurogenesis, and reveal a novel intrinsic subependymal neuron

Spatially and temporally restricted populations of neurogenic astrocytes can generate multipotent neurospheres in vitro. To examine the ability of neurogenic astrocytes to respond to in vivo differentiation cues within a germinal matrix, we provided cultured neonatal cerebellar astrocytes access to the subependymal zone (SEZ) by grafting them directly into the lateral ventricle of adult mice. Here we report three events that follow such transplants. 1) Donor cells attach to periventricular structures, and form "neoplastic-like" spheres that penetrate the ventricular wall. These attached spheres can persist for months, as they give rise to "clones" of cells that infiltrate forebrain parenchyma. 2) Many donor cells enter the rostral migratory stream and migrate into the olfactory bulb where a small percentage differentiates as olfactory interneurons. 3) Finally, within the SEZ, some donor cells formed cell clusters that appear to interact with the SEZ neuronal precursor chains, and some donor cells differentiate into distinctive neurons with extensive, beady projections precisely confined between the ependymal layer and the striatum. Further analysis of normal SEZ anatomy reveals indigenous neurons with identical morphologies--some of which are contacted by 5-HT+ fibers--that we propose represent a heretofore uncharacterized, intrinsic SEZ neuron of unknown function. These results suggest that cultured astrocytes derived from non-SEZ brain regions can respond in different ways to in vivo cues provided by the adult lateral ventricle and SEZ by differentiating into neurons that eventually inhabit both the olfactory bulb and SEZ proper.