Functional outcome and postoperative complications after the microsurgical removal of large vestibular schwannomas via the retrosigmoid approach: a meta-analysis

For large (≥30 mm) or giant (≥40 mm) vestibular schwannomas (VSs) for which microsurgical removal is the main treatment option, complete tumour resection and the preservation of acceptable facial nerve function can be safely and successfully achieved via the retrosigmoid approach. We performed a meta-analysis to provide a reliable estimate of functional outcome and postoperative complications for patients treated surgically for large VSs. We conducted a comprehensive search in Pubmed, Embase and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases to identify publications that included only patients in whom the VSs were >3.0 cm in maximal diameter and microsurgically removed by a retrosigmoid approach. Pooled estimates of proportions with corresponding 95 % confidence intervals were calculated using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation. This meta-analysis revealed that the pooled proportion of gross total resections was 79.1 % (95 % CI, 64.2-90.8 %; I (2) = 95.4 %). By combining microsurgical techniques with continuous electrophysiological monitoring, the anatomical preservation of the facial nerve at the end of surgery was achieved in 88.8 % (95 % CI, 83.6-93.2 %; I (2) = 76.1 %) of the patients. The pooled proportion of good postoperative facial nerve function (House-Brackmann (HB) grades I-II) was 62.9 % (95 % CI, 50.0-74.9 %; I (2) = 91.1 %). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was reported in 7.8 % (95 % CI, 4.8-11.4 %; I (2) = 49.8 %) of the patients. The mortality rate was 0.87 % (95 % CI, 0.22-1.78 %; I (2) = 4.9 %). Our meta-analysis revealed that for large VSs, very favourable results can be obtained using the retrosigmoid approach with minimal mortality, especially with respect to anatomical and functional facial nerve preservation.

Association between the XRCC6 Promoter rs2267437 polymorphism and cancer risk: evidence based on the current literature

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence suggests that the DNA repair gene XRCC6 (Ku70) may be critically involved in the aetiology of the human carcinogenesis. Many studies have investigated the association between the rs2267437 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility. However, the results of these studies have been controversial. This meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively summarize the evidence for a relationship between the rs2267437 polymorphism and cancer risk.

METHODS

Electronic databases, including PUBMED and EMBASE, were searched for publications that met the inclusion criteria. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the association between the XRCC6 promoter rs2267437 polymorphism and cancer risk in a fixed-effects model (the Mantel-Haenszel method) or a random-effects model (the DerSimonian and Laird method), as appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 13 case-control studies, involving 3675 cases and 4247 controls, investigating the XRCC6 rs2267437 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility were identified for the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis showed that there is a significant relationship between the XRCC6 rs2267437 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility (GG vs. CC: OR=1.28, 95% CI=1.03-1.60). Subgroup analyses based on the cancer type, ethnicity, and source of the controls were also performed, and these results indicated that the XRCC6 promoter rs2267437 polymorphism was associated with cancer risk in breast cancer studies (GG vs. CC: OR=1.79, 95% CI=1.25-2.56; GG vs. CG+CC: OR=1.40, 95% CI=1.01-1.95), in Asian populations (GG vs. CC: OR=1.33, 95% CI=1.01-1.74) and in population-based studies (GG vs. CC: OR=1.57, 95% CI=1.12-2.22; CG vs. CC: OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.11-1.64; GG+CG vs. CC: OR=1.37, 95% CI=1.14-1.65).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that the XRCC6 rs2267437 polymorphism may affect breast cancer susceptibility and increase the risk of cancer in Asian populations and in the general population. It is critical that further large-scale and well-designed studies be conducted to confirm the association between the rs2267437 genotype and cancer risk.

Spectroscopic Imaging of Metal-Enhanced Upconversion on Plasmonic Substrates

We use spectroscopic imaging to investigate the enhancement of infra-red to visible upconversion in rare-earth doped nano-particles (NaYF4:Yb:Er) supported on nano-fabricated plasmonic substrates consisting of square lattices of Au nano-pillars fabricated by electron beam lithography and designed to support a surface plasmon polariton at frequencies which are nearresonant with the rare-earth ion (Yb3+) absorption. We observe a systematic enhancement in the efficiency of upconversion associated with the interaction of the co-doped nano-particles with the plasmonic substrate. Spectrally-resolved imaging provides a massively parallel means of assessing the range of achievable enhancement and its relation to the specific configuration of the substrate / upconverting nano-particle system. Spectrally-resolved reflectivity of the plasmonic substrates confirms the role of the surface plasmon polariton in the upconversion enhancement. Experimental results are compared to Finite Difference Time Domain simulations of the frequency-dependent reflectivity of these metallic nanostructures.

Chain transplantation: initial experience of a large multicenter program

We report the results of a large series of chain transplantations that were facilitated by a multicenter US database in which 57 centers pooled incompatible donor/recipient pairs. Chains, initiated by nondirected donors, were identified using a computer algorithm incorporating virtual cross-matches and potential to extend chains. The first 54 chains facilitated 272 kidney transplants (mean chain length = 5.0). Seven chains ended because potential donors became unavailable to donate after their recipient received a kidney; however, every recipient whose intended donor donated was transplanted. The remaining 47 chains were eventually closed by having the last donor donate to the waiting list. Of the 272 chain recipients 46% were ethnic minorities and 63% of grafts were shipped from other centers. The number of blood type O-patients receiving a transplant (n = 90) was greater than the number of blood type O-non-directed donors (n = 32) initiating chains. We have 1-year follow up on the first 100 transplants. The mean 1-year creatinine of the first 100 transplants from this series was 1.3 mg/dL. Chain transplantation enables many recipients with immunologically incompatible donors to be transplanted with high quality grafts.

The contribution of the ABCG2 C421A polymorphism to cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis of the current literature

Background

ABCG2, also known as BCRP, is a half ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter that localizes to plasma membranes. Recently, a number of studies have investigated the relationship between the C421A polymorphism in ABCG2 and cancer risk in multiple populations and various types of cancers; however, this relationship remains unclear. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to further explore this association.

Methods

The meta-analysis incorporated 10 studies involving a total of 3593 cases and 5875 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated based on the date extracted from the studies to evaluate the strength of association. We also analyzed the heterogeneity and sensitivity of each report and the publication bias of the studies.

Results

Overall, our results showed that there appeared to be a significant association between the ABCG2 C421A polymorphism and decreased cancer susceptibility (heterozygote-AC versus CC: OR = 0.759, 95%CI = 0.620-0.930; dominant effects model-AA/AC versus CC: OR = 0.771, 95%CI = 0.634-0.938; additive effects model-A allele versus C allele: OR = 0.809, 95%CI = 0.687-0.952). Similarly, decreased cancer risk was also found after stratification of the SNP data by cancer type, ethnicity and source of controls in heterozygote model, dominant effects model and additive effects model.

Conclusions

We found that the ABCG2 C421A polymorphism is a protective factor for developing cancer. The same relationship was found when the studies were stratified by cancer type, ethnicity and source of controls.

Contributions of aryl hydrocarbon receptor genetic variants to the risk of glioma and PAH-DNA adducts

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) gene is involved in the response to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure. To investigate the hypothesis that the genetic variants in the AHR gene might be a causal genetic susceptibility to PAH-DNA adduct formation and glioma risk, we conducted a case-control study of 384 glioma cases and 384 cancer-free controls to explore the association between six common single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the AHR gene and glioma risk. Using PAH-DNA adducts as biomarkers, we then evaluated the association between PAH-DNA adduct levels and glioma risk based on a tissue microarray including 11 controls and 77 glioma patients. We further explored the contributions of the glioma risk-associated AHR polymorphisms to the levels of PAH-DNA adducts in glioma tissues based on 77 glioma patients. We found that PAH-DNA adduct staining existed in normal brain tissues and grades I-IV gliomas, and the staining intensity was significantly associated with the glioma grade. Two AHR polymorphisms (rs2066853 and rs2158041) demonstrated significant association with glioma risk. Intriguingly, we also found statistically significant associations between these two variants and PAH-DNA adduct levels in glioma tissue. These data suggest the contributions of AHR rs2066853 and rs2158041 to glioma risk and the PAH-DNA adduct levels, which shed new light on gene-environment interactions in the etiology of glioma. Further studies with a larger sample size and ethnically diverse populations are required to elucidate the potential biological mechanism for, as well as the impact of, the susceptibility to glioma due to genetic variants of AHR.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 or -9 deletions protect against hemorrhagic transformation during early stage of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion

MMP-9 deficiency protected against photochemical thrombosis-induced brain hemorrhagic transformation (HT), but it did not protect against tissue plasminogen activator-induced brain hemorrhage. The roles of MMP-2 and/or MMP-9 knockout (KO) in mechanical reperfusion induced HT after ischemia have not been investigated. Here we assessed the effects of MMP-2 KO, MMP-9 KO and MMP-2/9 double KO (dKO) in protecting against mechanical reperfusion induced HT and other brain injuries after the early stages of cerebral ischemia in mice of the same genetic background. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed in mice. Reperfusion was started at 1 or 1.5h after onset of MCAO. All mice were sacrificed 8h after MCAO. We found that both pro- and active MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were significantly elevated in the early ischemic brain. After the early stages of ischemia and reperfusion, the hemorrhagic incidence was reduced in the cortex of MMP-2 KO mice (p<0.05 vs. WT). The hemorrhagic volume was significantly decreased in the cortexes of MMP-2 and/or -9 knockout mice (MMP-9 KO vs. WT: p<0.01, MMP-2 KO and dKO vs. WT: p<0.001). In the basal ganglia, MMP-2 KO and MMP-2/9 dKO mice displayed a remarkable decrease in hemorrhagic volume (p<0.01 or 0.05 vs. WT), but MMP-9 KOs did not protect against hemorrhage. MMP-2 and/or -9 knockout mice displayed significantly decreased infarction volume in both the cortex and striatum, in addition to improved neurological function (p<0.001 vs. WT). The results suggested that MMP-2 deficiency and MMP-2 and MMP-9 double deficiency were more protective than MMP-9 deficiency against HT after the early stages of ischemia and reperfusion. These studies increase our understanding of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in HT development and will help to selectively target MMPs to protect the post-ischemic brain from injury and HT.

Hsa-mir-499 rs3746444 polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are gene regulators involved in numerous diseases including cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, vascular abnormalities and autoimmune conditions. Although hsa-mir-499 rs3746444 polymorphism was shown to contribute to the susceptibility of multiple genes to cancer, the data have yielded conflicting results. Therefore, this meta-analysis was performed to provide a comprehensive assessment of potential association between hsa-mir-499 rs3746444 polymorphism and cancer risk. In this meta-analysis, a total of 9 articles regarding 10 eligible case-control studies in English (including 6134 cases and 7141 controls) were analyzed. No significant association between hsa-mir-499 rs3746444 polymorphism and overall cancer risk was demonstrated. However, an increased risk was observed in the subgroup of breast cancer patients (G allele vs A allele: OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.00-1.20; P_{heterogeneity} = 0.114; I² = 53.9%) and population-based studies (G allele vs A allele: OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.00-1.25; P_{heterogeneity} = 0.062; I² = 64.0%). The findings suggested an association between hsa-mir-499 rs3746444 polymorphism and increased risk to breast cancer.

The TERT rs2736100 polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis based on 25 case-control studies

Background

The association between the TERT rs2736100 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and cancer risk has been studied by many researchers, but the results remain inconclusive. To further explore this association, we performed a meta-analysis.

Methods

A computerized search of PubMed and Embase database for publications on the TERT rs2736100 polymorphism and cancer risk was performed and the genotype data were analyzed in a meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the association. Sensitivity analysis, test of heterogeneity, cumulative meta-analysis and assessment of bias were performed in our meta-analysis.

Results

A significant association between the TERT rs2736100 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility was revealed by the results of the meta-analysis of the 25 case-control studies (GG versus TT: OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.58, 1.88; GT versus TT: OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.29, 1.47; dominant model-TG + GG versus TT: OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.37, 1.58; recessive model-GG versus TT + TG: OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.31, 1.43; additive model-2GG + TG versus 2TT + TG: OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.25, 1.36). Moreover, increased cancer risk in all genetic models was found after stratification of the SNP data by cancer type, ethnicity and source of controls.

Conclusions

In all genetic models, the association between the TERT rs2736100 polymorphism and cancer risk was significant. This meta-analysis suggests that the TERT rs2736100 polymorphism may be a risk factor for cancer. Further functional studies between this polymorphism and cancer risk are warranted.

Abstract P1-11-11: Correlation between ER/PgR/Her-2/Ki67 Expression and Response to Neoadjuvant Endocrine Therapy for HR Positive Post-Menopausal Breast Cancer

Background: Endocrine therapy was standard adjuvant treatment for hormone receptor positive breast cancer. However, there were factors other than receptor status could influence endocrine responsiveness. Neoadjuvant therapy was an excellent platform for predictive factors research, but the standard for evaluating the efficacy of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy was controversy. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation among the results of different response evaluation system, and the relationships between ER/PgR/Her-2/Ki67 expression and the responses to neoadjuvant endocrine therapy for postmenopausal breast cancer.

Methods: Data of consecutive 133 core needle biopsy (CNB) confirmed hormone receptor strongly positive (more than 50% tumor cell stained ER or PgR) postmenopausal breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant endocrine therapy were analysis retrospectively. All pts. were planned to receive endocrine therapy alone as their adjuvant treatment and prescribed Anastrozole 1 mg per day for 16 weeks before surgery. Clinical response were evaluated by using documented ultrasound records,pathological response was evaluated by one senior pathologist with Miller & Payne classification. Cell cycle complete response was defined as post-treatment Ki67 ≥1%. The new slides of pre-treatment and surgical specimens were made for ER/PgR (ER\PR DakoCytomation)/Her-2 (Her-2 Dako HercepTest TM)/Ki67 (Ki67 Ventana) immunohistochemical staining through Benchmark XT Staining Instrument (Ventana Medical Systems. Inc. Arizona. USA) and classified by using image analysis system Ariol (Applied Imaging Inc., San-Jose, California, USA).

Results: Clinical response were CR:0.8% PR:33.1% SD:66.1%, pathological response were G5:3% G4+G3:47.4% G2+G1:49.6%, Ki67 change were &lt;1%: 22.8% decrease but &gt;1%:45.1% no decrease: 32.1%. The correlation and consistency among the response evaluated differently were poor [table 1]. The per-treatment ER/PR/Her-2/Ki67 showed low degree of correlation with responses [table 2]. Pre-treatment ER≥90% and PR≥90% and Her-2 coudln't predict better response.

The correlation and consistency among response evaluated in different system

Conclusion: The correlation and consistency among the results of response to neoadjuvant endocrine therapy evaluated by different system were poor. ER/PgR/Her-2/Ki67 showed low degree of correlation to responses. It's difficult to predict response to Arimidex neoadjuvant endocrine therapy by using ER/PgR/Her-2/Ki67 expression.

Measurement of total blood flow in the normal human retina using Doppler Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography

AIM

To measure total retinal blood flow in normal human eyes using Doppler Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT).

METHODS

10 normal people aged 35 to 69 years were measured for the right eye using Doppler FD-OCT. Double circular scans around the optic nerve heads were used. Four pairs of circular scans that transected all retinal branch vessels were completed in 2 s. Total retinal blood flow was obtained by summing the flows in the branch veins. Measurements from the eight scans were averaged. Veins with diameters >33 microm were taken into account.

RESULTS

Total retinal blood flow could be measured in eight of 10 subjects: mean (SD) = 45.6 (3.8) microl/min (range 40.8 to 52.9 microl/min). The coefficient of variation for repeated measurements was 10.5%. Measured vein diameters ranged from 33.3 to 155.4 mum. The averaged flow speed was 19.3 (2.9) mm/s, which did not correlate with vessel diameter. There was no significant difference between flows in the superior and inferior retinal hemispheres.

CONCLUSIONS

Double circular scanning using Doppler FD-OCT is a rapid and reproducible method to measure total retinal blood flow. These flow values are within the range previously established by laser Doppler flowmetry.

Weekly paclitaxel improved pathological response of primary chemotherapy compared with standard 3 weeks schedule

Abstract #5109

Background: Weekly paclitaxel is superior to every-3-wk schedule in the management of MBC. This single institute, prospective randomized trial was designed to compare the efficacy of the weekly paclitaxel to every-3-wk schedule in terms of pathological response.&#x2028; Material and methods: Histologically confirmed T1-3 N0-1M0 invasive breast cancer pts planed to receive adjuvant chemotherapy were eligible. After the completion of 2 cycles of CTFci ( CTX 500mg/m2 d1/d8, pirarubicin 35 mg/m2 d1/d8, 5-Fu 200 mg/m2.day.ci d1-28, every 4 weeks) primary chemotherapy, pts were randomized to received 4 cycles of PTq3w (arm A: carboplatin AUC 6mg/ml.min day1, paclitaxel 175mg/m2 day1, every 3 weeks) or PTq1w (arm B: carboplatin AUC 6mg/ml.min day1, paclitaxel 60mg/m2 day1/8/15, every 3 weeks) before surgery, stratified by clinical response to 2 cycles of CTFci. Status of axillary node were determined by sentinel node biopsy or ultrasound guided FNA (if abnormal ultrasonographically) before primary chemotherapy. Pathological response of the primary tumor was evaluated by using Miller and Payne system, clinical response was determined by ultrasonography.&#x2028; Results: From 05/2005 to 10/2007, 220 pts ( 196 were planed) under 65yr entered in this trial. 201 pts completed planed treatment and 12 pts(arm A 4 pts, arm B 8 pts)choice to have surgery after 2 cycles of paclitaxel treatment, other 7 pts (5 protocol violation, 1 without surgery, 1 treated in other hospital) were excluded for analysis. Clinical tumor status, node status, estrogen receptor expression, Her-2 expression and clinical response to CTFci were no different between two arms.&#x2028; &#x2028; Arm A resulted more G1/G2(loss of tumor cells less than 30%) and less G5/G4 ( loss of tumor cells more than 90%) than arm B (28.70% vs. 14.28% p=0.011, 44.44% vs. 58.10% p= 0.047 ). The pCR rate of positive node were 39.29%(11/28) in arm A and 54.17%(13/24) in arm B ( p=0.283).&#x2028; &#x2028; There were 17(15.74%) pts in arm A and 67(61.81%)pts in arm B experienced treatment delay caused by neutropenia(G3), thrombocytopenia(G2), anemia(G2) or hepatotoxicity(G2). There was no treatment related death.&#x2028; Conclusion: Weekly paclitaxel was well tolerant and more effective than 3 week schedule.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 5109.

Glioma cells enhance endothelial progenitor cell angiogenesis via VEGFR-2, not VEGFR-1

Although potential contribution of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to angiogenesis in glioma has been proposed, the molecular mechanisms of EPCs recruitment to vasculature have not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that the supernatant from glioma cells promotes EPCs angiogenesis via VEGFR-2, not VEGFR-1. Moreover, VEGFR-2 siRNA inhibits VEGFR-2 expression in EPCs, tube formation on matrigel and cell migration. MMP-9 activity and expression and the Akt and ERK phosphorylations are decreased by VEGFR-2 siRNA. Thus, these results indicate that glioma cells enhance EPC angiogenesis via VEGFR-2, not VEGFR-1, mediated by the MMP-9, Akt and ERK signal pathways.

Conditional mouse mutants highlight mechanisms of corticotropin-releasing hormone effects on stress-coping behavior

Hypersecretion of central corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of affective disorders. Both, basic and clinical studies suggested that disrupting CRH signaling through CRH type 1 receptors (CRH-R1) can ameliorate stress-related clinical conditions. To study the effects of CRH-R1 blockade upon CRH-elicited behavioral and neurochemical changes we created different mouse lines overexpressing CRH in distinct spatially restricted patterns. CRH overexpression in the entire central nervous system, but not when overexpressed in specific forebrain regions, resulted in stress-induced hypersecretion of stress hormones and increased active stress-coping behavior reflected by reduced immobility in the forced swim test and tail suspension test. These changes were related to acute effects of overexpressed CRH as they were normalized by CRH-R1 antagonist treatment and recapitulated the effect of stress-induced activation of the endogenous CRH system. Moreover, we identified enhanced noradrenergic activity as potential molecular mechanism underlying increased active stress-coping behavior observed in these animals. Thus, these transgenic mouse lines may serve as animal models for stress-elicited pathologies and treatments that target the central CRH system.

NOD2-expressing bone marrow-derived cells appear to regulate epithelial innate immunity of the transplanted human small intestine

BACKGROUND

Intestinal allograft rejection resembles Crohn's disease clinically and pathologically. An understanding of its mechanism could impact this life-saving procedure, as well as provide insight into the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease. The NOD2 protein has been implicated as a key player in intestinal immune health, as a consequence of the discovery of three polymorphisms linked with Crohn's disease. An investigation was carried out to determine whether epithelial immune function and graft survival were influenced by NOD2 mutations in an intestinal transplant population.

METHODS

The NOD2 genotypes of 34 transplants performed consecutively over the past 3 years were determined. The NOD2 genotypes were related to clinical outcomes and the expression of certain intestinal antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) believed to protect the epithelium.

RESULTS

An unexpectedly high percentage of recipients, 35%, possessed NOD2 polymorphisms, while 8.6% of donors had comparable mutations. The likelihood of allograft failure was about 100-fold higher in recipients with mutant NOD2 alleles compared with recipients with wild-type NOD2 loci. Rejection in NOD2 mutant recipients was characterised by decreased expression of certain Paneth cell and enterocyte AMPs, prior to the onset of epithelial injury and inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Crohn's disease-associated polymorphisms in the NOD2 gene in the recipient represent a critical immunological risk factor for intestinal allograft rejection. Compromised epithelial defences precede visible epithelial injury and inflammatory infiltration. The association of impaired epithelial immunity with the recipient's genotype suggests that certain NOD2-expressing cells of haematopoietic origin play a role in the process, perhaps by regulating expression of certain epithelial AMPs within the allograft.

[The construction of lentivirus-mediated RNAi vector containing hTERT]

OBJECTIVE

To construct a recombinant lentivirus RNA interference (RNAi) vector carrying hTERT gene, and to obtain the titer of the lentiviral stock for investigating the expression in the eukaryotic cells and the effect on the hTERT gene silencing in the eukaryotic cells.

METHODS

Two complimentary oligos of small interference RNA (siRNA) with hairpin structures targeting the hTERT gene and a negative control were synthesized, then ligated with pLVTHM vector and sequenced. The recombinant vectors were then transfected with viral packaging mix into T293 cells, viral supernatant was harvested to determine the titer. U87 cells infected by virus were harvested and the expression of hTERT, telomerase activity and apoptosis were detected by reverse transcription-PCR(RT-PCR), TRAP assay and flow cytometry separately.

RESULTS

Sequencing data showed that the constructed plasmids contained the correct sequences of hTERT siRNA transcript templates. A vector producing cell line T293 was established, and the titer for transfection was obtained. RT-PCR and TRAP flow cytometry analyses demonstrated that hTERT shRNA expression construct could suppress the expression of hTERT and telomerase activity and induce apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

A lentivirus RNAi vector targeting hTERT gene was successfully constructed, which decreased the expression of hTERT and telomerase activity effectively and induced apoptosis. It has set up a research platform for the gene therapy of tumors which take hTERT as the target.

Lentiviral vector mediated siRNA knock-down of hTERT results in diminished capacity in invasiveness and in vivo growth of human glioma cells in a telomere length-independent manner

Glioma cells are characterized by their invasiveness and resistance against conventional therapeutics. Telomerase activity has been suggested to be an important target for glioma treatment. Here we assessed the anticancer effects and its potential mechanisms of lentiviral vector mediated siRNA knock-down of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in U87MG human glioblastoma cells. Stable expression of anti-hTERT siRNA reduced the hTERT expression and TRAP assay telomerase activity to barely detectable levels. Injection of lentiviral vectors encoding anti-hTERT siRNA significantly inhibited the growth of pre-established macroscopic xenograft tumors, which was in contrast to the finding that no obvious effects on cell growth, cell cycle progression and telomere length were observed in anti-hTERT siRNA expressing U87MG cells during short-term in vitro cultures. The in vivo glioma growth inhibition effect was already evident in the period coincided with no detectable telomere length changes, suggesting that hTERT inhibition may hinder glioma cell growth in a telomere length-independent manner. Importantly, transwell migration assay showed profound inhibitory effect on the invasive capacity of U87MG cells following short-term anti-hTERT siRNA expression. Thus, efficient knock-down of hTERT can inhibit glioma cell proliferation and migration prior to its effect on telomere length.

Limits on spin-independent interactions of weakly interacting massive particles with nucleons from the two-tower run of the cryogenic dark matter search

We report new results from the Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS II) at the Soudan Underground Laboratory. Two towers, each consisting of six detectors, were operated for 74.5 live days, giving spectrum-weighted exposures of 34 (12) kg d for the Ge (Si) targets after cuts, averaged over recoil energies 10-100 keV for a weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) mass of 60 GeV/c2. A blind analysis was conducted, incorporating improved techniques for rejecting surface events. No WIMP signal exceeding expected backgrounds was observed. When combined with our previous results from Soudan, the 90% C.L. upper limit on the spin-independent WIMP-nucleon cross section is 1.6 x 10(-43) cm2 from Ge and 3 x 10(-42) cm2 from Si, for a WIMP mass of 60 GeV/c2. The combined limit from Ge (Si) is a factor of 2.5 (10) lower than our previous results and constrains predictions of supersymmetric models.

Measurements of branching fractions and Dalitz distributions for B0 --> D(*)+/-K0pi-/+ decays

We present measurements of the branching fractions for the three-body decays B0 --> D(*)-/+K0pi+/- and their resonant submodes B0 --> D(*)-/+K*+/-using a sample of approximately 88 x 10(6) BB pairs collected by the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric energy storage ring. We measure: B(B0 --> D-/+K0pi+/-) = (4.9 +/- 0.7stat +/- 0.5syst) x 10(-4), B(B0 --> D*-/+K0pi+/-) = (3.0 +/- 0.7stat +/- 0.3syst) x 10(-4), B(B0 --> D-/+K*+/-) = (4.6 +/- 0.6stat +/- 0.5syst) x 10(-4), B(B0 --> D*-/+K*+/-) = (3.2 +/- 0.6stat +/- 0.3syst) x 10(-4). From these measurements we determine the fractions of resonant events to be f(B0 --> D-/+K*+/-) = 0.63 +/- 0.08stat +/- 0.04syst and f(B0 --> D*-/+K*+/-) = 0.72 +/- 0.14stat +/-0.05syst.

Improved measurements of CP-violating asymmetry amplitudes in B0-->pi+pi- decays

We present updated measurements of the CP-violating parameters Spipi and Cpipi in B0-->pi+pi- decays. Using a sample of 227x10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->BB decays collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider at SLAC, we observe 467+/-33 signal decays and measure Spipi=-0.30+/-0.17(stat)+/-0.03(syst) and Cpipi=-0.09+/-0.15(stat)+/-0.04(syst).

Production and decay of xi(c)(0) at BABAR

Using 116.1 fb(-1) of data collected by the BABAR detector, we present an analysis of xi(c)(0) production in B decays and from the cc continuum, with the xi(c)(0) decaying into omega- K+ and xi- pi+ final states. We measure the ratio of branching fractions B(xi(c)(0) --> omega- K+)/B(xi(c)(0) --> xi- pi+) spectrum is measured on and 40 MeV below the upsilon(4S) resonance. From these spectra the branching fraction product B(B --> xi(c)(0)X) x B(xi(c)(0) --> xi- pi+) is measured to be (2.11 +/- 0.19 +/- 0.25) x 10(-4), and the cross-section product sigma(e+ e- --> xi(c)(0)X) x B(xi(c)(0) --> xi- pi+) from the continuum is measured to be (388 +/- 39 +/- 41) fb at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV.

Measurement of branching fractions and charge asymmetries in B+ decays to eta pi+, eta K+, eta rho+, and eta' pi+, and search for B0 decays to eta K0 and eta omega

We present measurements of branching fractions and charge asymmetries for six B-meson decay modes with an eta or eta(') meson in the final state. The data sample corresponds to 232 x 10(6) BB pairs collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) B Factory at SLAC. We measure the branching fractions (in units of 10(-6)): B(B+ -->eta pi(+))=5.1+/-0.6+/-0.3, B(B+ etaK+)=3.3+/-0.6+/-0.3, B(B0-->etaK0)=1.5+/-0.7+/-0.1 (<2.5 at 90% C.L.), B(B+-->eta rho(+))=8.4+/-1.9+/-1.1, B(B0-->eta omiga)=1.0+/-0.5+/-0.2 (<1.9 at 90% C.L.), and B(B+-->eta(')pi(+))=4.0+/-0.8+/-0.4, where the first uncertainty is statistical and second systematic. For the charged modes we also determine the charge asymmetries, all found to be compatible with zero.

Measurement of time-dependent CP asymmetries in B0-->D(*)+/-D+/- decays

We present a first measurement of CP asymmetries in neutral B decays to D+D-, and updated CP asymmetry measurements in decays to D(*+)D- and D(*-)D+. We use fully reconstructed decays collected in a data sample of (232+/-3) x 10(6) gamma(4S)-->BB events in the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC. We determine the time-dependent asymmetry parameters to be SD(*+)(D-)=-0.54+/-0.35+/-0.07, CD(*+)(D-)=0.09+/-0.25+/-0.06, SD(*-)(D+)=-0.29+/-0.33+/-0.07, CD(*-)(D+)=0.17+/-0.24+/-0.04, SD+(D-)=-0.29+/-0.63+/-0.06, and CD+(D-)=0.11+/-0.35+/-0.06, where in each case the first error is statistical and the second error is systematic.

Measurement of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa angle gamma in B+/--->D*K+/- decays with a Dalitz analysis of D-->K0(S)pi-pi+

We report on a measurement of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa CP-violating phase gamma through a Dalitz analysis of neutral D decays to K0(S)pi-pi+ in the processes B+/- -->D*K+/-, D*-->Dpi0, Dgamma. Using a sample of 227 x 10(6) BB pairs collected by the BABAR detector, we measure the amplitude ratios r(B)=0.12+/-0.03+/-0.04 and r*(B)=0.17+/-0.10+/-0.03+/-0.03, the relative strong phases delta(B)=(104+/-45(+17+16)(-21-24))degrees and delta*(B)=(-64+/-41(+14)(-12)+/-15) degrees between the amplitudes A(B- -->D*0K-) and A(B- -->D*0)K-), and gamma=(70+/-31(+12+14)(-10-11))degrees. The first error is statistical, the second is the experimental systematic uncertainty, and the third reflects the Dalitz model uncertainty. The results for the strong and weak phases have a twofold ambiguity.

Improved Measurement of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa angle alpha using B0(B) --> rho+rho- decays

We present results from an analysis of B(0)B(0)--> rho(+)rho(-) using 232 x 10(6) Gamma (4S) --> BB decays collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B factory at SLAC. We measure the longitudinal polarization fraction f(L) = 0.978 +/- 0.014(stat) + 0.021 / -0.029(syst) and the CP-violating parameters S(L)= -0.33 +/- 0.24(stat) + 0.08 / -0.14(syst) and C(L)= -0.03 +/- 0.18(stat) +/- 0.09(syst). Using an isospin analysis of B --> rhorho decays, we determine the unitarity triangle parameter alpha. The solution compatible with the standard model is alpha = (100 +/- 13) degrees.

Search for the rare leptonic decay B--->tau-nutau

We present a search for the decay B(-)--> tau(-)nu(tau) in a sample of 88.9 x 10(6) BB pairs recorded with the BABAR detector at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center B factory. One of the two B mesons from the Gamma(4S) is reconstructed in a hadronic or a semileptonic final state, and the decay products of the other B in the event are analyzed for consistency with a B(-) --> tau(-)nu(tau) decay. We find no evidence of a signal and set an upper limit on the branching fraction of B(B(-) --> tau(-) nu(tau)) < 4.2 x 10(-4) at the 90% confidence level.

Search for strange-pentaquark production in e+e- annihilation at sqrt[s] = 10.58 GeV

We search for strange-pentaquark states that have been previously reported by other experiments--the Theta (1540)(+), Xi(5)(1860)(--), and Xi(5)(1860)(0)--in 123 fb(-1) of data recorded with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II e(+)e(-) storage ring. We find no evidence for these states and set 95% confidence level upper limits on the number of Theta(1540)(+) and Xi(5)(1860)(--) pentaquarks produced per e(+)e(-) annihilation into qq and Gamma(4S) decay. For qq events the Theta(1540)(+) [Xi(5)(1860)(--)] limit is about 8 [4] times lower than the rates measured for ordinary baryons of similar mass.

Search for lepton flavor violation in the decay tau+/- --> mu+ gamma

A search for the nonconservation of lepton flavor number in the decay tau(+/-) --> mu(+/-) has been performed using 2.07 x 10(8) e(+ )e(-) tau(+) tau(-) events produced at a center-of-mass energy near 10.58 GeV with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II storage ring. We find no evidence for a signal and set an upper limit on the branching ratio of Beta(tau(+/-) --> mu(+/-) gamma) < 6.8 x 10(-8) at 90% confidence level.

Measurement of the branching fraction of Gamma(4S) --> B0B0

We report the first measurement of the branching fraction f(00) for Gamma(4S) --> B(0)B(0). The data sample consists of 81.7 fb(-1) collected at the Gamma(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) storage ring. Using partial reconstruction of the decay B(0) --> D(*+) l(-)nu(l) in which only the charged lepton and the soft pion from the decay D(*+) --> D(0)pi(+) are reconstructed, we obtain f(00) = 0.487 +/- 0.010(stat) +/- 0.008(syst). Our result does not depend on the branching fractions of B(0) --> D(*+)l(-)nu(l) and D(*+) --> D(0)pi(+) decays, on the ratio of the charged and neutral B meson lifetimes, nor on the assumption of isospin symmetry.

Branching fraction and CP asymmetries of B0-->K0(S)K0(S)K0(S)

We present measurements of the branching fraction and time-dependent CP-violating asymmetries in B0-->K0(S)K0(S)K0(S) decays based on 227 x 10(6) Upsilon4S-->BB decays collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B factory at SLAC. We obtain a branching fraction of (6.9(+0.9)(-0.8)+/-0.6) x 10(-6), and CP asymmetries C=-0.34(+0.28)(-0.25)+/-0.05 and S=-0.71(+0.38)(-0.32)+/-0.04, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic.

Search for decays of B0-->e+ e-, B0-->mu+ mu-, B0-->e +/- mu-/+

We present a search for the decays B0-->e+ e-, B0-->mu+ mu-, and B0-->e (+/-) mu (-/+) in data collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at the SLAC B Factory. Using a data set of 111 fb(-1), we find no evidence for a signal in any of the three channels investigated and set the following branching fraction upper limits at the 90% confidence level: B(B0-->e+ e-) < 6.1 x 10(-8), B(B0-->mu+ mu-) < 8.3 x 10(-8), and B(B0-->e (+/-) mu (-/+) )<18 x 10(-8).

Measurements of branching fractions and time-dependent CP-violating asymmetries in B --> eta'K decays

We present measurements of the B --> eta(')K branching fractions; for B(+) --> eta(')K(+) we measure also the time-integrated charge asymmetry Alpha(ch), and for B(0) --> eta(')K(0)(S) the time-dependent CP-violation parameters S and C. The data sample corresponds to 232 x 10(6) BB pairs produced by e(+)e(-) annihilation at the Upsilon (4S). The results are Beta(B --> eta(')K(+)) = (68.9 +/- 2.0 +/- 3.2) x 10(-6), Beta(B(0) --> eta(')K(0)) = (67.4 +/- 3.2) x 10(-6), Alpha(ch) = 0.033 +/- 0.028 +/- 0.005, S = 0.30 +/- 0.140 +/- 0.02, and C = -0.21 +/- 0.10 +/- 0.02, where the first error quoted is statistical and the second is systematic.

Branching fractions and CP asymmetries in B0-->pi0pi0, B+-->pi+pi0, and B+-->K+pi0 decays and isospin analysis of the B-->pipi system

Based on a sample of 227 x 10(6) BB pairs collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC, we measure the branching fraction B(B0-->pi(0)pi(0))=(1.17+/-0.32+/-0.10)x10(-6), and the asymmetry Cpi(0)(pi(0))=-0.12+/-0.56+/-0.06. The B0-->pi(0)pi(0) signal has a significance of 5.0 sigma. We also measure B(B+-->pi(+)pi(0))=(5.8+/-0.6+/-0.4)x10(-6), B(B+-->K+pi(0))=(12.0+/-0.7+/-0.6)x10(-6), and the charge asymmetries Api(+)(pi(0))=-0.01+/-0.10+/-0.02 and AK+(pi(0))=0.06+/-0.06+/-0.01. Using isospin relations, we find an upper bound on the angle difference |alpha-alpha(eff)| of 35 degrees at the 90% C.L.

Search for factorization-suppressed B-->chi(c)K(*) decays

We search for the factorization-suppressed decays B-->chi(c0)K(*) and B-->chi(c2)K(*), with chi(c0) and chi(c2) decaying into J/psi gamma, using a sample of 124 x 10(6) BB events collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II storage ring of the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. We find no significant signal and set upper bounds for the branching fractions.

Improved measurement of CP asymmetries in B0 --> (cc)K(0(*)) decays

We present results on time-dependent CP asymmetries in neutral B decays to several CP eigenstates. The measurements use a data sample of about 227 x 10(6) upsilon(4S) --> BB decays collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC. The amplitude of the CPasymmetry, sin2beta in the standard model, is derived from decay-time distributions from events in which one neutral B meson is fully reconstructed in a final state containing a charmonium meson and the other B meson is determined to be either a B0 or B0 from its decay products. We measure sin2beta = 0.722 +/- 0.040(stat) +/- 0.023(syst) in agreement with the standard model expectation.

Measurement of branching fractions and charge asymmetries for exclusive B decays to charmonium

We report measurements of branching fractions and charge asymmetries of exclusive decays of neutral and charged B mesons into two-body final states containing a charmonium state and a light strange meson. The charmonium mesons considered are J/psi, psi(2S) and chi(c1), and the light meson is either K or K(*). We use a sample of about 124x10(6) BB pairs collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II storage ring at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center.