Comparison of Non-Coding RNAs in Exosomes and Functional Efficacy of Human Embryonic Stem Cell- versus Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes

Both human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (ESC-CMs) and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived CMs (iPSC-CMs) can serve as unlimited cell sources for cardiac regenerative therapy. However, the functional equivalency between human ESC-CMs and iPSC-CMs for cardiac regenerative therapy has not been demonstrated. Here, we performed a head-to-head comparison of ESC-CMs and iPSC-CMs in their ability to restore cardiac function in a rat myocardial infarction (MI) model as well as their exosomal secretome. Human ESCs and iPSCs were differentiated into CMs using small molecule inhibitors. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis confirmed ∼85% and ∼83% of CMs differentiated from ESCs and iPSCs, respectively, were positive for cardiac troponin T. At a single-cell level, both cell types displayed similar calcium handling and electrophysiological properties, with gene expression comparable with the human fetal heart marked by striated sarcomeres. Sub-acute transplantation of ESC-CMs and iPSC-CMs into nude rats post-MI improved cardiac function, which was associated with increased expression of angiogenic genes in vitro following hypoxia. Profiling of exosomal microRNAs (miRs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) revealed that both groups contain an identical repertoire of miRs and lncRNAs, including some that are known to be cardioprotective. We demonstrate that both ESC-CMs and iPSC-CMs can facilitate comparable cardiac repair. This is advantageous because, unlike allogeneic ESC-CMs used in therapy, autologous iPSC-CMs could potentially avoid immune rejection when used for cardiac cell transplantation in the future. Stem Cells 2017;35:2138-2149.

Transparent TiO2 nanotubes on zirconia for biomedical applications

Depositing anodised titanium on ZrO₂ substrate improves the bioactivity of the ZrO₂ substrate in terms of enhanced cell viability, cell attachment and cell elongation.

The continued emergence of hantaviruses: isolation of a Seoul virus implicated in human disease, United Kingdom, October 2012

Following a suspected case of hantavirus in a patientsuffering from acute kidney injury, rodents fromthe patient’s property in Yorkshire and the Humber,United Kingdom (UK) were screened for hantaviruses.Hantavirus RNA was detected via RT-PCR in two Rattusnorvegicus. Complete sequencing and phylogeneticanalysis established the virus as a Seoul hantavirus,which we have provisionally designated as strainHumber. This is the first hantavirus isolated from wildrodents in the UK and confirms the presence of a pathogenicSeoul virus in Europe.

The continued emergence of hantaviruses: isolation of a Seoul virus implicated in human disease, United Kingdom, October 2012

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches

Method for assessing IFN-γ responses in guinea pigs during TB vaccine trials

AIMS

We sought to develop a new method that enables the assessment of the immune response of guinea pigs during TB vaccine evaluation studies, without the need to cull or anaesthetize animals.

METHOD AND RESULTS

Guinea pigs were vaccinated with five different formulations of oral BCG. One week prior to challenge with Mycobacterium bovis, blood (50-200 μl) was taken from the ears of vaccinated subjects. Host RNA was isolated and amplified following antigenic restimulation of PBMCs for 24 h with 30 μg of bovine PPD. The up- or down-regulation of γ-interferon (IFN-γ), a key cytokine involved in protection against tuberculosis, was assessed using real-time PCR. The relative expression of prechallenge IFN-γ mRNA in the vaccinated groups (n=5) correlated (P<0·001) with protection against M. bovis challenge.

CONCLUSION

We have demonstrated that it is possible to take blood samples and track IFN-γ responses in guinea pigs that then go on to be exposed to M. bovis, thus providing prechallenge vaccine uptake information.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This methodology will also be applicable for tracking the immune responses of vaccinated guinea pigs over time that then go on to be challenged with M. tuberculosis during human TB vaccine evaluation studies.

Jointly managing arthritis: information needs of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and their parents

The objective of this article is to explore information needs of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and their parents in order to develop a web-based psychoeducational program aimed at improving their quality of life. A qualitative study design was used. A purposive sample of children (n = 41; 8-11 years) with JIA and parents (n = 48) participated in parent-child interviews (n = 29), and four child-focus and four parent-focus group interviews. Transcribed data were organized into categories that reflected emerging themes. Findings uncovered three major themes: "living with JIA", "jointly managing JIA", and "need for a web-based program of JIA information and social Support". Subthemes for "Living with JIA" were as follows: "impact on participation", "worry and distress", and "receiving social support". Subthemes under "Jointly Managing JIA" included "obtaining JIA information", "communication and advocacy", and "strategies to manage JIA". Participants endorsed a web-based program as a way to access JIA information and social support. In order to jointly manage JIA, participants expressed the need for disease-specific information, management strategies, and social support and felt that the Internet was acceptable for delivering these disease-management strategies. Findings from this study will inform development and evaluation of an online program to help children and parents jointly manage JIA.

Multiple Biomarker Expression in Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) from Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Patients (Pts)

Background: Numeration of CTCs from MBC pts is predictive of outcome. Quantitative changes in CTC-s are currently tested for their potential to monitor therapy (Rx). Biomarker characterization of CTCs may be a useful adjunctive guide for Rx selection. Method: At the COHCC between 5/1/2008 and 4/31/09, consecutively treated pts with newly diagnosed/or progressing MBC were accrued. Blood samples (10-40 ml) were procured prior to or during systemic Rx, and were sent to PARC for analysis. A novel high-speed scanning instrument located CTCs from cytokeratin (CK) labeling enabling high resolution images to be selectively acquired using digital microscopy. From these images, CTCs were identified by CK, DAPI (nuclear marker) and CD45, and protein expression levels were determined for HER2, ER, ERCC1 and EGFR. Cell lines with expression of each marker were used for normalization of the cell intensities, and a scoring system was used to account for relative number and expression levels of markers on the CTCs. Results: Of 21pts tested 81% were found to have detectable CTCs. CTCs were further analyzed from 13 such pts, some of whom had multiple specimens. Expression of EGFR and ERCC1 were detected in 77% and 92% of specimens tested. Expression of HER2 was detected in 47% and ER in 91% in samples tested. Discordance rates for the expression of the above 4 markers on the primary tumors vs. CTC were measured either before, during systemic treatment, or at progression on therapy. We observed significant discordance rates for all markers tested:ER 36%; ERCC1:20%; EGFR:60%; and HER2: 50%, respectively. Conclusions: Multiplex tumor marker testing of CTCs from pts with MBC is feasible. Following additional validation of expression patterns and the high discordance rates observed between CTCs and primary or metastatic tumor sites, prospective trials incorporating CTC expression into personalized treatment strategies may be justified.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 3007.

Barriers to Treatment in Patients with Locally Advanced and Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer in the United States will affect approximately one in eight women. Despite a decrease in breast cancer mortality due to increased awareness and more effective screening, many patients still present for treatment after extended delays in diagnosis, resulting in large tumor size, locally advanced disease, inflammatory features, and greater likelihood of regional and distant metastasis. The purpose of this study was to identify reasons why patients may encounter delays in obtaining a diagnosis, seeking medical care, and initiating treatment once symptoms appear.Methods: From 12/2006 through 5/2009, a questionnaire was administered to thirty-four consecutive patients who presented to our institution with histologically-verified stage III breast cancer who had experienced a 3-month or greater delay in diagnosis and initiation of treatment from time of onset of symptoms. The 39-item Likert-scale questionnaire was developed to explore perceived barriers. Responses were rated on a scale of "Strongly Agree" through "Strongly Disagree," relative to the barriers presented.Results: The median age of patients who completed the questionnaire was 52 years (range, 30 to 78 years). Of these, there were 29.4% White/Non-Hispanic, 52.9% White/Hispanic, 11.8% Black and 5.9% Asians. For 73.5% of patients, the diagnosis of breast cancer was made at an outside institution. Most of the participants were diagnosed with locally advanced infiltrating ductal carcinoma (82.4%) and 8.8% were diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. Barriers to treatment were divided into the following categories:Patient barriers: The most commonly reported barrier among respondants was "waiting for the scheduled visit to get results." (47.1% with a response of Agree or Strongly Agree) However, 35.2% of patients did not seek treatment because they were concerned about losing their breast. More than a third of patients delayed care because of perception that their breast symptoms were due to infection, muscle strain, or related to their menstrual cycle (35.3%). For 27.6% of respondants, no care was sought because of perception that their breast symptoms would resolve with time. Other barriers, such as access to transportation,, inconvenient physician office hours, child care problems and inability to take time off from work, continued to be present but were not as frequently reported (less than 20%).Physician barriers: Approximately one fourth of women reported that their physician of initial contact, did not believe that their breast lump/symptom was related to cancer (23.5%).System barriers: Among systems barriers, "delay in scheduling diagnostic tests" remained the most prevalent barrier to breast cancer treatment (38.2%).Conclusion: We observed substantial delays between symptom presentation and diagnosis in patients who came to seek therapy at a tertiary comprehensive cancer center (City Of Hope National Medical Center) in Southern California. Patients and physicians need to be educated on the importance of timely diagnostic tests and follow-up visits. In addition, studies are needed to better identify predictive factors for women at risk for encountering barriers to healthcare so that for these subpopulations, interventions can be implemented to reduce breast cancer morbidity and mortality.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 3084.