A phase I study of IMC-001, a PD-L1 blocker, in patients with metastatic or locally advanced solid tumors

Introduction IMC-001 is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to human PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1). This study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of IMC-001 in patients with advanced solid tumors. Materials and Methods This open-labeled phase I study used a standard 3 + 3 dose-escalation design, with doses ranging from 2 to 20 mg/kg. IMC-001 was administered intravenously every 2 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The dose-limiting toxicity window was defined as 21 days from the first dose. Results Fifteen subjects were included in 5 dose-escalation cohorts. No dose-limiting toxicity was observed, and the maximum tolerated dose was not reached. The most common adverse events (AEs) were general weakness, decreased appetite, fever, and cough. No grade 4 or 5 treatment emergent AEs were reported during the study. One subject in the 2 mg/kg cohort showed grade 2 immune-induced thyroiditis and diabetes mellitus suspected to be related to IMC-001. Over the dose range of 2-20 mg/kg IMC-001, the AUC0-14d, AUC0-∞, and Cmax generally increased in a dose-proportional manner for each step of dose escalation. Of the 15 enrolled patients, 1 subject with rectal cancer showed a partial response, and the disease control rate was 33.3%. Conclusions IMC-001 demonstrated a favorable safety profile up to 20 mg/kg administered intravenously every 2 weeks and showed preliminary efficacy in patients with advanced solid tumors. Based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data, 20 mg/kg was selected as the recommended phase II dose. Clinical trial identification NCT03644056 (date of registration: August 23, 2018).

A transdiagnostic examination of anxiety and stress on executive function outcomes in disorders with social impairment

BACKGROUND

Executive function (EF) difficulties characterise a number of psychiatric conditions and EF impairment may be a predisposing factor and/or consequence of anxiety and stress. The aim of the study was to examine EF factors in a mixed clinical cohort (Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder) characterised by social impairment and investigate the influence of trait anxiety and state-based depression, anxiety and stress.

METHODS

In Study 1, a factor analysis identified EF and non-EF latent factor structures (N=205). In Study 2, (N=137) multiple regression analyses investigated the association between trait anxiety and state based depression, anxiety and stress, on EF and non-EF cognitive domains and on the two composite indices of the Behavioural Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF).

RESULTS

Trait anxiety was associated with better performance on neuropsychological measures of EF while state-based stress was associated with lower EF performance. A dissociation was observed between trait anxiety and state stress on the two behavioural indices of the BRIEF. Depression, anxiety and stress did not predict performance on non-EF cognitive domains.

LIMITATIONS

The cross-sectional design precludes cause-effect conclusions, further only self-report measures of affect were utilised and our performance measures of EF did not include a working memory test.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that trait anxiety and state-based stress influence EF processes across disorders with social impairment. The transdiagnostic efficacy of this finding can facilitate remediation strategies, it may also contribute to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder gaining better access to mental health services.

[The first identification of epidemic clone of enterotoxic Escherichia coli O∶6 serogroup highly associated with azithromycin resistance in Shanghai]

Objective: To investigate the molecular characterization of adult diarrhea cases caused by enterotoxic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and explore the practical model of epidemiology for laboratory technique and data needs based on the surveillance network. Methods: Epidemiological design and sampling targeted adult cases ETEC caused diarrhea in epidemic season. The enterotoxin type, serogroup, resistance, colonization factor and molecular type of ETEC were identified. Multiple dynamic phenotypic characteristics of ETEC were indicated by multidimensional and multivariable data. Results: From 2016 to 2018, 84 eligible ETEC strains were detected. The dominant serums/toxins were O∶6 (STh), O∶25 (LT), O∶159 (STh), O∶153 (STh). O∶6 (STh+CS21), which replaced O∶25 and O∶159 as the popular clones in 2018. Six cases of O∶153 (STh+CFA/I+CS8+PT34) in outbreak in 2017 were imported ones. The resistance rates of ETEC strains detected in adults to sulfasoxazole, naproxinic acid, ampicillin and azithromycin were more than 30%, multidrug resistance (MDR) reached 58.3%. Serum/toxin types suggested that attenuated strains were more likely to become MDR. Molecular typing confirmed that the genetic similarity of the dominant clone of O∶6 serogroup (PT20-24) was higher than O∶25 and O∶159. There was a high correlation between the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of azithromycin and the resistant gene mphA (87.5%, 28/32). O∶6 (STh+CS21+mphA) resistant clone was first detected in 2016. Conclusion: A new epidemic clone in adult ETEC diarrhea cases in Shanghai was O∶6 (STh+CS21+mphA). For the first time the association between azithromycin resistance gene mphA and a serum group of ETEC was observed. Multidimensional and multivariate analysis techniques based on epidemiology can help reveal the potential transmission pattern of ETEC for the accurate surveillance and early warning of outbreaks.

Receptor Binding Affinities of Synthetic Cannabinoids Determined by Non-Isotopic Receptor Binding Assay

A major predictor of the efficacy of natural or synthetic cannabinoids is their binding affinity to the cannabinoid type I receptor (CB₁) in the central nervous system, as the main psychological effects of cannabinoids are achieved via binding to this receptor. Conventionally, receptor binding assays have been performed using isotopes, which are inconvenient owing to the effects of radioactivity. In the present study, the binding affinities of five cannabinoids for purified CB₁ were measured using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique as a putative non-isotopic receptor binding assay. Results were compared with those of a radio-isotope-labeled receptor binding assay. The representative natural cannabinoid Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol and four synthetic cannabinoids, JWH-015, JWH-210, RCS-4, and JWH-250, were assessed using both the SPR biosensor assay and the conventional isotopic receptor binding assay. The binding affinities of the test substances to CB₁ were determined to be (from highest to lowest) 9.52 × 10^-13 M (JWH-210), 6.54 × 10^-12 M (JWH-250), 1.56 × 10^-11 M (Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol), 2.75 × 10^-11 M (RCS-4), and 6.80 ×10^-11 M (JWH-015) using the non-isotopic method. Using the conventional isotopic receptor binding assay, the same order of affinities was observed. In conclusion, our results support the use of kinetic analysis via SPR in place of the isotopic receptor binding assay. To replace the receptor binding affinity assay with SPR techniques in routine assays, further studies for method validation will be needed in the future.

[Expression of high-mobility group box-Ⅰ and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor in status epilepticus]

Objective: To investigate the expression changes of high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) and the 2B receptor of N- methyl -D- aspartate receptor (NR2B) in status epilepticus (SE). Methods: (1) Primary hippocampal neurons from SD rats with 16 to 18 days of fetal age were cultured in vitro for 7 days, and exposed to Mg(2+) free media for 3 hours. Those cultured neurons were randomly divided into control group and intermittent hypoxia group. (2) SD rats with similar weight were selected and randomly divided into control group and SE model group. The rat model with SE was established by an intraperitoneal injection of lithium chloride-piloearpine (LI-PILO). Real-time PCR technique was used to detect the expression of HMGB1 and NR2B mRNA. Results: In Sombati's cell model cultured in normal concentration of oxygen, the HMGB1 mRNA expression levels were 0.005 01±0.000 54, 0.026 76±0.003 75, 0.003 52±0.000 33, and the NR2B mRNA expression levels were 0.008 84±0.000 69, 0.012 23±0.000 90, 0.029 11±0.000 71, respectively, at 2, 4 and 6 h; compared with the expressions of HMGB1 and NR2B mRNA at the same time points of Sombatis cell model groups, the differences were also significant (all P<0.05). After the successful establishment of epilepsy model, the HMGB1 mRNA expression levels were 0.000 11±0.000 09, 0.000 18±0.000 01, 0.000 11±0.000 01, and the NR2B mRNA expression levels were 0.196 12±0.009 41, 0.232 11±0.006 27, 0.272 48±0.005 84, respectively, at 6, 8 and 10 h; compared with the expressions of HMGB1 and NR2B mRNA at the same time points of control groups, the differences were all significant (all P<0.05). Conclusion: HMGB1 mRNA expression levels increase at 2, 4 h, decrease at 6 h in the Sombati's cell model in normal oxygen culture, while increase at 6, 8 h, and decrease at 10 h in LI-PILO induced rat model with SE; the NR2B mRNA relative expression increases with time in both the Sombati's cell model in normal oxygen culture and rat model of SE.

[Factors associated with commercial sexual behavior among men who have sex with men in Shenzhen, China, in 2011-2015]

Objective: To investigate the status and factors associated with commercial sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Shenzhen. Methods: A convenience sampling method was used to recruit MSM in Shenzhen from 2011 to 2015. Questionnaire-based interviews were conducted on a one-on-one basis. Data were collected, including socio-demographic information, HIV testing history, history of blood donation and drug abuse in the last 2 years, self-reported sexual orientation, role in homosexual behavior, and experience serving as a male sex worker and/or as a client of male sex workers. Blood samples (5 ml) were taken and tested for treponema pallidum and HIV antibodies. The rate of MSM serving as male sex workers among different age groups was analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage trend test. Factors associated with commercial sexual behavior were analyzed by univariate logistic regression and multivariate unconditional logistic regression. Results: Among the 3 040 MSM recruited, 341 (11.2%) reported having served as male sex worker. The prevalence rates of syphilis, HIV, and syphilis-HIV co-infection among all recruited MSM were 18.3% (556/3 040), 9.8% (297/3 040), and 5.1% (154/3 040), respectively. The prevalence rates of syphilis, HIV, and syphilis-HIV co-infection among those who served as male sex worker were 27.0% (92/341), 16.4% (56/341), and 8.8% (30/341), respectively, and the prevalence rates among MSM with no experience as male sex worker were 17.2% (464/2 699), 8.9% (241/2 699), and 4.6% (124/2 699), respectively. Compared with non-male sex worker MSM, male sex worker had a significantly higher prevalence rates of syphilis, HIV, and syphilis-HIV co-infection (with χ² values of 19.41, 19.28, and 11.12, and P-values of <0.001,<0.001, 0.001, respectively). The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis indicate that>30-year-old MSM or education level of college or above, reside in Shenzhen for 0.5-3.0 years or the living years above 3.0 years are less likely to serve as male sex worker compared with<30-year-old MSM, education level of high school or below, who reside in Shenzhen for less than 0.5 years; the OR (95%CI) values were 0.55 (0.42-0.71), 0.10 (0.06-0.14), 0.46 (0.31-0.68), and 0.23 (0.16-0.33), respectively. MSM having a monthly income of >5 000 yuan, drug abuse history, experience as male sex worker clients, and self-reported insertive and receptive anal sex behaviors were more likely to have experience serving as male sex worker compared with those having a monthly income of <3 000 yuan (OR=2.57, 95%CI: 1.85-3.57), no drug abuse history (OR=3.23, 95% CI: 2.14-4.87), no experience as male sex worker clients (OR =1.50, 95% CI: 1.04-2.15) and who engage in predominantly insertive anal sex behaviors (OR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.34-2.35). Conclusion: Age, education level, duration of residence in Shenzhen, monthly income, history of drug abuse, role in homosexual activity, and had experience commercial sex activity were associated with serving as a male sex worker among MSM. These factors need to be considered when designing syphilis/HIV prevention programs for MSM.

A synthetic cannabinoid JWH-210 reduces lymphoid organ weights and T-cell activator levels in mice via CB2 receptors

The problem of new psychoactive substances (NPS) is emerging globally. However, the immunotoxicity of synthetic cannabinoids is not evaluated extensively yet. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether synthetic cannabinoids (JWH-210 and JWH-030) induce adverse effects on lymphoid organs, viability of splenocytes and thymocytes, and immune cell activator and cytokines in mice. JWH-210 (10 mg/kg, 3 days, i.p.) is more likely to have cytotoxicity and reduce lymphoid organ weight than JWH-030 of ICR mice in vivo. We also demonstrated that JWH-210 administration resulted in the decrease of expression levels of T-cell activator including Cd3e, Cd3g, Cd74p31, and Cd74p41, while JWH-030 increased Cd3g levels. In addition, JWH-210 reduced expression levels of cytokines, such as interleukin-3, interleukin-5, and interleukin-6. Furthermore, we demonstrated that a CB₂ receptor antagonist, AM630 inhibited JWH-210-induced cytotoxicity, whereas a CB₁ receptor antagonist, rimonabant did not in primary cultured splenocytes. These results suggest that JWH-210 has a cytotoxicity via CB₂ receptor action and results in decrement of lymphoid organ weights, T-cell activator, and cytokine mRNA expression levels.

[Investigation of dose-dependent association between bedtime routines and sleep outcomes in infants and toddlers]

Objective: To investigate the current bedtime routine among Chinese children less than 3 years of age and explore its dose-dependent association with sleep duration and sleep quality. Method: Healthy full-term born children aged 0-35 months were selected by stratified cluster random sampling method from 8 provinces in China following the "Hospital of Province-City-County" sampling technical route during 2012-2013.Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire(BISQ) was used to assess sleep conditions of these children.Children's personal and family information was obtained by Shanghai Children's Medical Center Socio-demographic Questionnaire.Both of these questionnaires were filled in by parents. The effects of bedtime routine on children's sleep duration and quality were analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance. Result: The children's average age was(12±10) months(n=1 304), of whom 689 were males (52.8%, 689/1 304). There were 48.5%(632/1 304)of the parents reported that their children had not established regular sleep routines. There was a consistent dose-dependent association between bedtime routine and sleep duration, as well as other indicators for sleep quality (all P<0.05). The more regular the sleep routines, the longer the sleep duration, the earlier the children went to sleep, the shorter the sleep onset latency, the fewer the nighttime wakeup and the shorter the nighttime waking.The nighttime sleep duration was significantly longer for those with a bedtime routine 'every night' than those who 'never' had a bedtime routine (9.5(95%CI: 9.4-9.6)vs. 8.9(95%CI: 8.6-9.3)h, t=3.345, P=0.001). Compared with children who never had bedtime routines, children with regular bedtime routines had fewer night wakeup (1.3(95%CI: 1.2-1.4) vs. 2.4( 95%CI: 2.0-2.9), t=3.182, P=0.001) and shorter night waking duration(16.6(95%CI: 14.6-18.8) vs. 59.2 (95%CI: 47.0-72.7)min, t=6.383, P<0.01). Conclusion: The percentage of children who have established regular bedtime routine is low in China. There is significant dose-dependent association between regular bedtime routine and sleep outcomes, especially sleep quality. The more regular the sleep routines, the better the sleep quality.

Synthetic Cannabinoid-Induced Immunosuppression Augments Cerebellar Dysfunction in Tetanus-Toxin Treated Mice

Synthetic cannabinoids are one of most abused new psychoactive substances. The recreational use of abused drug has aroused serious concerns about the consequences of these drugs on infection. However, the effects of synthetic cannabinoid on resistance to tetanus toxin are not fully understood yet. In the present study, we aimed to determine if the administration of synthetic cannabinoids increase the susceptibility to tetanus toxin-induced motor behavioral deficit and functional changes in cerebellar neurons in mice. Furthermore, we measured T lymphocytes marker levels, such as CD8 and CD4 which against tetanus toxin. JWH-210 administration decreased expression levels of T cell activators including cluster of differentiation (CD) 3ε, CD3γ, CD74p31, and CD74p41. In addition, we demonstrated that JWH-210 induced motor impairment and decrement of vesicle-associated membrane proteins 2 levels in the cerebellum of mice treated with tetanus toxin. Furthermore, cerebellar glutamatergic neuronal homeostasis was hampered by JWH-210 administration, as evidenced by increased glutamate concentration levels in the cerebellum. These results suggest that JWH-210 may increase the vulnerability to tetanus toxin via the regulation of immune function.

[Update on pubertal development among primary school students in Shanghai, 2014]

Objective: To investigate the current prevalence of pubertal development in healthy Shanghai schoolchildren. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional investigation focused on current pubertal development conducted in healthy Shanghai schoolchildren by multi-stage cluster sampling. The sample included 17 571 children in grades 1-5 investigated in June 2014. The data were weighted by inverse probability weighting (IPW) to make them more representative. At examination, stages of breast and pubic hair development were rated according to the Tanner method. Testicular volume was determined. Data on menarche and spermatorrhea were collected by the status quo method. The rates of precocious puberty, breast, and pubic hair development of Tanner stage ≥Ⅱ in girls aged 6-7 years, menarche in girls aged 6-9 years, and testicular volume ≥4 ml and pubic hair development of Tanner stage ≥Ⅱ in boys aged 6-8 years were calculated. All the data were weighted by IPW. Results: After data processing, 16 197 children's data were analyzed. In girls aged 6-7 years, 17.2% and 2.5% showed evidence of breast and pubic hair development at Tanner stage ≥Ⅱ, respectively. In girls aged 6-9 years, 0.3% had experienced menarche. Schoolgirls' rate of menarche was 4.7%. In girls aged 6-7 years, 19.0% were diagnosed with precocious puberty according to the classic criteria. In boys aged 6-8 years, 1.7% had testicular volume ≥4 ml, and 0.6% showed evidence of pubic hair development at Tanner stage ≥Ⅱ. Schoolboys' incidence rate of spermatorrhea was 0.1%. In boys aged 6-8 years, 2.3% were diagnosed with precocious puberty according to the classic criteria. All the numbers above were weighted. Conclusion: Proper education on adolescence and sex is essential for Shanghai schoolchildren.

Synthetic cannabinoid, JWH-030, induces QT prolongation through hERG channel inhibition

The problem of new psychoactive substance (NPS) abuse, which includes synthetic cannabinoids, is emerging globally, and the cardiotoxicity of these synthetic cannabinoids has not yet been evaluated extensively. In the present study, we investigated the effects of synthetic cannabinoids on the cytotoxicity, human Ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) channel, action potential duration (APD), and QT interval. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that JWH-030 was more cytotoxic than JWH-210, JWH-250, and RCS4 in H9c2 cells at 0.1 μM. In addition, the cytotoxicity was associated with its pro-apoptotic effects as evidenced by the increase in caspase-3 levels. We demonstrated that a cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) antagonist, AM630, inhibited JWH-030-induced cytotoxicity, whereas a CB1 antagonist, rimonabant, did not. Furthermore, fluorescence polarization assay showed JWH-030 to block the hERG channel (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, IC₅₀ was 88.36 μM). JWH-030 significantly reduced the APD at 90% repolarization (APD₉₀) in rabbit Purkinje fibers and decreased the left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in Langendorff-perfused Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat hearts at 30 μM. In addition, the electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement revealed that the intravenous injection of JWH-030 (0.5 mg kg^-1) prolonged the QT interval in SD rats. These results suggest that JWH-030 is cytotoxic and its cytotoxicity is mediated by its action on the CB2 receptor; it prolongs the QT interval by regulating ion current channels and APD.

The nutrition contribution of dietary supplements on total nutrient intake in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The use of dietary supplements (DSs) by children and adolescents is increasing. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of DS users and examine the nutritional contributions of DSs to total nutrient intakes in children and adolescents, using data obtained from a national survey.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

In total, 3134 subjects aged 9-18 years who participated in the 4th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2009) were selected; the survey included 24-h recall questions on food intake and questions on DS use over the past year. Nutrient intakes from DSs were calculated using the aid of a label-based database on such supplements, and individual total nutrient intakes were derived by combining information on the foods and DSs consumed by each subject.

RESULTS

There were 895 DS users (28.5%), 85.2% of whom (n=577) had complete DS nutrient information and were therefore defined as identified-DS users. Identified-DS users were slightly younger and had a greater household income and better nutritional knowledge than did non-users. The most frequently consumed type of supplement was a 'multivitamin and minerals' complex. For total nutrient intake, identified-DS users had a significantly higher intake of most of the nutrients, except for macronutrient and sodium than non-users. In all identified-DS users, the contribution of vitamins and minerals from DSs to total nutrient intake was higher than energy and macronutrients.

CONCLUSIONS

DS use by children and adolescents can improve micronutrient status, but it also increases the risk of excessive intake of certain vitamins and minerals.

Cardiovascular Safety Pharmacology of Sibutramine

Sibutramine is an anorectic that has been banned since 2010 due to cardiovascular safety issues. However, counterfeit drugs or slimming products that include sibutramine are still available in the market. It has been reported that illegal sibutramine-contained pharmaceutical products induce cardiovascular crisis. However, the mechanism underlying sibutramine-induced cardiovascular adverse effect has not been fully evaluated yet. In this study, we performed cardiovascular safety pharmacology studies of sibutramine systemically using by hERG channel inhibition, action potential duration, and telemetry assays. Sibutramine inhibited hERG channel current of HEK293 cells with an IC₅₀ of 3.92 μM in patch clamp assay and increased the heart rate and blood pressure (76 Δbpm in heart rate and 51 ΔmmHg in blood pressure) in beagle dogs at a dose of 30 mg/kg (per oral), while it shortened action potential duration (at 10 μM and 30 μM, resulted in 15% and 29% decreases in APD₅₀, and 9% and 17% decreases in APD₉₀, respectively) in the Purkinje fibers of rabbits and had no effects on the QTc interval in beagle dogs. These results suggest that sibutramine has a considerable adverse effect on the cardiovascular system and may contribute to accurate drug safety regulation.

Dietary supplement use and its effect on nutrient intake in Korean adult population in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV (2007-2009) data

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Although there is an increasing trend of dietary supplement (DS) use, few researches have evaluated nutrient intake from DS. This study aimed to establish a nutrient database (NDB) for DS and estimate the effect of DS on total nutrient intake by Korean adults.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

The NDB for DS was established using the label information of products reported in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) IV. Of the 16,031 participants who were ≥20 years old, 2053 products were reported as being taken by 5606 subjects. But nutrient composition could be identified by searching product name only in 1158 products consumed by 3844 subjects (DS users). Total nutrient intake of DS users was obtained by combining intakes from diet and DS.

RESULTS

Dietary supplement use was higher in women, in middle-aged people and in those with higher education and low smoking and drinking preferences. Nutrients obtained from food were higher in DS users than in nonusers for most nutrients, particularly in women. When total nutrient intake was evaluated in DS users, the percentage of subjects whose intake was below the estimated average requirement for Koreans decreased for several vitamins and minerals, but the percentage of subjects whose intake was above the tolerable upper intake levels increased for vitamin A, vitamin C and iron.

CONCLUSIONS

The newly developed NDB for DS will be an important resource for more accurate assessment of nutrient intake as well as evaluation of the relationship between nutrition and health. Further research is needed to update a more comprehensive NDB applicable to diverse populations.

Impact of MTHFR polymorphisms on methylation of MGMT in glioma patients from Northeast China with different folate levels

Hypomethylation of the O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter in glioma cells has been associated with temozolomide resistance. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which is produced during folate metabolism, is the main source of methyl groups during DNA methylation. As a key enzyme during folate metabolism, polymorphisms of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) may regulate folate end-products. We investigated the effect of typical polymorphisms of MTHFR (C677T and A1298C) on MGMT methylation based on different serum folate levels in patients with glioma from Northeast China. A total of 275 patients with glioma and 329 without malignant tumors were tested. Serum folate concentration was assayed by using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. MTHFR polymorphisms were detected by Taqman-Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methylation-specific PCR was used to assess MGMT methylation. The constituent ratio of glioma patients below the serum folate biological reference value was significantly higher than that of the control population (P < 0.001). In patients with oligodendroglioma and glioblastoma, heterozygotes for the A1298C mutation were found in higher frequency than homozygotes or wild types (oligodendroglioma, P < 0.001; glioblastoma, P < 0.01). When grouped by the median or biological reference value of serum folate, only homozygotes for C677T with low levels of folate were significantly associated with decreased methylation of MGMT (median, P < 0.001; biological reference value, P = 0.036). These data suggest that, in combination with a negative folate balance in glioma patients, T/T genotypes in MTHFR C677T may be associated with MGMT demethylation.

Evaluation of the efficacy of immunocastration vaccine composed of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone conjugated with Salmonella typhimurium flagellin in rats

Immunocastration is an alternative method to replace surgical castration that is commonly performed in domestic and pet animals. In this study, a new immunocastration vaccine was developed, and its efficacy was evaluated in male rats. Six tandem copies of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) peptide were genetically fused to Salmonella typhimurium flagellin fljB (STF2) that is a ligand of toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5). The recombinant STF2-GnRH protein expressed in Escherichia coli was used as the immunocastration vaccine. Sixteen male rats were equally assigned to four groups. Excluding the control rats, three groups were immunized with 100, 200 and 400 μg of the STF2-GnRH vaccine, respectively. All of the immunized rats developed significantly higher titres of antibodies to GnRH than the control rats. The size and weight of both testes and epididymides from the immunized rats were significantly smaller than those of the control rats. Testicular tissues in the immunized rats demonstrated atrophy of seminiferous tubules and decreased numbers of both spermatogonia and spermatocytes. These data indicate that the newly developed STF2-GnRH vaccine has a potent immunogenicity to GnRH and efficiently suppresses the development of testes in rats.

Polar nanodomains and giant converse magnetoelectric effect in charge-ordered Fe2OBO3

The magnetoelectric coupling and polar nanodomains in the charge-ordered Fe2OBO3 have been extensively studied from room temperature down to 100 K. In situ TEM investigations demonstrate that the charge-ordering transition characterized by an incommensurate modulation could evidently result in remarkable polar nanodomains at low temperatures. This kind of nanodomain could play a critical role in triggering a high dielectric constant and notable dielectric dispersion as observed in Fe2OBO3. Moreover, measurements of the magnetoelectric coupling under electrical field demonstrate the existence of giant electrically induced changes in magnetization around the magnetic transition.

Human cytomegalovirus IE86 protein binds to cellular Mcm3 protein but does not inhibit its binding to the Epstein-Barr virus oriP in U373MG-p220.2 cells

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) or its immediate-early IE86 protein alone induces cell cycle in quiescent primary human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs), but blocks its progression at the G1/S interphase and inhibits cellular DNA synthesis by a mechanism that is not clearly understood. It is assumed that, in this phenomenon, the binding of minichromosome maintenance (Mcm) proteins to replication origins is blocked. In this work, we analyzed the initiation of DNA replication in HCMV-permissive U373MG cells and used oriP of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as a simplified model of a cellular replication origin. Using U373MG cells we found that HCMV IE86 protein was bound to Mcm3, but did not inhibit the cellular DNA synthesis. Using U373MG-p220.2 cells carrying EBV oriP and expressing Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1), we found that EBNA1 as well as Mcm3 were bound to oriP and that neither HCMV nor IE86 protein inhibited the binding of Mcm3 to oriP. Differences between the effects of HCMV on the cell cycle progression in HFFs and U373MG cells are discussed.

KEYWORDS

cell cycle; Human cytomegalovirus; DNA replication.

Structural properties and superconductivity of SrFe(2)As(2 - x)P(x) (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) and CaFe(2)As(2 - y)P(y) (0.0 ≤ y ≤ 0.3)

The SrFe(2)As(2 - x)P(x) (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) and CaFe(2)As(2 - y)P(y) (0.0 ≤ y ≤ 0.3) materials were prepared by a solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that the single-phase samples can be successfully obtained for SrFe(2)As(2 - x)P(x) (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) and CaFe(2)As(2 - y)P(y) (0.0 ≤ y ≤ 0.3). Visible contraction of the lattice parameters is determined due to the relatively smaller radius of P ions in comparison with that of As. The spin-density-wave (SDW) instability associated with the tetragonal to orthorhombic phase transition is suppressed noticeably in both systems following the increase in P content. The highest superconducting transitions are observed at about 27 K in SrFe(2)As(1.3)P(0.7) and at about 13 K in CaFe(2)As(1.925)P(0.075), respectively. Structural analysis suggests that lattice contraction could notably affect the superconductivity in these materials.

A dual regulatory role of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 in HMGB1-induced inflammatory responses

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/Redox factor-1 (APE1) is a multifunctional protein involved in reduction-oxidation regulation. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is released by necrotic cells and various inflammatory stimuli, acting as an inflammatory marker in sepsis and autoimmune diseases. Here, we report the dual regulatory role of APE1 in inflammatory signaling to extracellular HMGB1 or in the release of endogenous HMGB1 in human monocytes/macrophages. Forced cytoplasmic overexpression of APE1 profoundly attenuated the upregulation of HMGB1-mediated reactive oxygen species generation, cytokine secretion, and cyclooxygenase-2 expression by primary monocytes and macrophage-like THP-1 cell lines. In addition, HMGB1-induced activation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, was strongly abrogated by the overexpression of APE1. The activation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 was required for both the p38 and JNK activation challenge with HMGB1. The extracellular release of HMGB1 by activated macrophages was inhibited by APE1 transfection. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of endogenous APE1 impaired HMGB1-mediated cytokine expression and MAPK activation in THP-1 cells. HMGB1 stimulation induced the translocation of APE1 to the nucleus of the cell. In addition, APE1 silencing via siRNA transfection inhibited both the nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of APE1. These data identify APE1 as a novel dual regulator of inflammatory signaling to HMGB1 by human monocytes/macrophages. The modulation of cytosolic APE1 expression might be useful as a potential therapeutic modality for the treatment of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases.

Clinical features of patients with multiple sclerosis from a survey in Shanghai, China

Objective

To describe clinical features of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Shanghai, China.

Methods

Prevalent patients with MS were identified and investigated by a network of physicians in 11 districts of Shanghai during the period from 1 September 2004 to 31 August 2005. Admission registries of each hospital in the study area were checked systematically for patients with a diagnosis of MS, neuromyelitis optica or other demyelinating disorders. All patients with collected information were evaluated by four senior neurologists according to the McDonald criteria.

Results

There were 249 (146 female and 103 male) patients with a confirmed MS diagnosis, at a female-to-male ratio of 1.4. The mean age at onset of MS was 37.4 years for the 249 patients with MS and, on the prevalence day, 42.7 years. The most frequent location of clinical MS lesions in the central nervous system was the spinal cord (61%), followed by the cerebrum (55%) and optic nerves (41%). Nearly all (96%) of the patients with MS had been examined by magnetic resonance imaging, and 226 (94%) patients of those examined were suggestive of MS. No family history of MS was found in any of the patients. Most (86%) of the patients had no or mild disability on the prevalence day (31 December 2004). Almost all (96%) patients with MS had been treated with corticosteroids.

Conclusion

Clinical features of patients with MS are described based on the information from the largest case series reported among Chinese. Comparisons and discussions are made with findings from the other populations.