Development of recombinant adeno-associated virus and adenovirus cocktail system for efficient hTERTC27 polypeptide-mediated cancer gene therapy

The low in vivo transduction efficiency of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) and the undesirably strong immunogenicity of adenovirus (rAdv) have limited their clinical utilization in cancer gene therapy. We have previously demonstrated that intratumoral injection of rAAV expressing a C-terminal polypeptide of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (rAAV-hTERTC27) effectively inhibits the growth of glioblastoma xenografts in nude mice. To further improve its efficacy, we combined rAAV-hTERTC27 with rAdv and investigated the efficiency of the cocktail vectors in vivo. At a nontherapeutic dose (1 x 10(8) plaque-forming units (PFUs)), rAdv-null and rAdv-hTERTC27 were equipotent in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of rAAV-hTERTC27 (1.5 x 10(11) v.g.), and complete tumor regression was achieved in 25% of the treated animals. Importantly, the combination of rAAV-hTERTC27 and a therapeutic dose (2.5 x 10(9) PFU) of rAdv-hTERTC27 significantly augmented the therapeutic effects and led to a 38% complete tumor regression rate. In vivo optical imaging also showed that rAAV-luc/rAdv-luc cocktail vectors could synergistically enhance the early transient and latent sustained expression of luciferase, as compared to rAdv-luc and rAAV-luc alone. These findings suggest that the combination of rAAV-hTERTC27 and a therapeutic dose of rAdv-hTERTC27 is potentially a promising treatment for glioblastoma, and the rAAV/rAdv cocktail vector system warrants further development for cancer gene therapy.

Feeding strategy of François' langur and white-headed langur at Fusui, China

We investigated the diet of a group of François' langur inhabiting a forest fragment between August 2002 and July 2003 to add to our knowledge of behavior and ecology of this langur. Our objective was to study whether the François' langur would adopt a feeding strategy similar to the white-headed langur in the same nature reserve. Data indicated that a total of 37 plant species were eaten by François' langur; however, only ten species accounted for 90% of the total feeding time. Four species belong to the ten most dominant tree species within the vegetation quadrats. Ninety-four percent of feeding time of François' langur was spent on leaves, whereas the remaining 6% of time was spent on fruits, flowers and twigs. Results also demonstrated that François' langur are similar to white-headed langur in being predominantly folivorous and that Francois' langur adopted a similar strategy to white-headed langur in diet, dietary variation and time spent on feeding. François' langur exhibited a habitat use preference for the middle zone of the forest, whereas the white-headed langur utilized the bottom zone of the forest. Further analysis indicates that human interference and habitat fragmentation caused by agriculture also impact habitat use.

Effect of amiodarone on Kv1.4 channel C-type inactivation: comparison of its effects with those induced by propafenone and verapamil

As the major component of I(to) (slow), Kv1.4 channel plays an important role in repolarization of cardiac myocytes. C-type inactivation is one of Kv1.4 inactivation and can be affected by open channel blockers. We used the two-electrode voltage clamp technique to observe the effect of amiodarone on Kv1.4 C-type inactivation and compare amiodarone's effects on Kv1.4 with propafenone and verapamil. Our data show that those three antiarrhythmic drugs blocked fKv1.4 delta N (N-terminal deleted Kv1.4 channel from ferret heart) in voltage- and frequent-dependent manners. The amiodarone's IC50 was 489.23 +/- 4.72 microM, higher than that of propafenone (98.97 +/- 1.13 microM) and verapamil (263.26 +/- 6.89 microM) for fKv1.4 delta N channel (+50 mV). After application of amiodarone, propafenone and verapamil, fKv1.4 delta N inactivation becomes bi-exponential: the faster portion of inactivation (drug-induced inactivation) and the slower portion of inactivation (C-type inactivation). Amiodarone and verapamil fastened C-type inactivation in fKv1.4 delta N, but propafenone did not. Unlike propafenone that had no effect on fKv1.4 delta N recovery, amiodarone and verapamil slowed recovery in fKv1.4 delta N.

Effect of pre-freezing conditions on semen cryopreservation in rhesus monkeys

Although sperm cryopreservation has been studied in at least 17 non-human primate species, systematic factor optimization for any single species is lacking. Gene banking of non-human primate sperm is still in its infancy. The objective of the present study was to initiate a systematic approach to optimize the process of sperm cryopreservation for rhesus macaques, specifically, factors related to pre-freezing conditions (e.g., straw freezing position, sperm concentration, sperm washing, equilibration methods, and equilibration time periods). Straw position had no effect on post-thaw motility (P=0.193). Sperm concentration was tested in a range from 5 x 10(6)mL(-1) to 5 x 10(8)mL(-1); post-thaw motility of sperm samples frozen at 5 x 10(7)cell mL(-1) (51.0+/-10.6%; mean+/-S.D.) and 5 x 10(8)cell mL(-1) (48.1+/-7.3%) were higher than samples frozen at 5 x 10(6)cells mL(-1) (33.0+/-12.0%, P=0.003). Comparison of motility immediately after thawing between samples with (51.2+/-6.2%) and without washing (53.9+/-6.8%) revealed no differences (P>0.05). However, washing improved sperm forward progression within 1h after thawing, whereas unwashed sperm retained higher post-thaw motility and progression during extended incubation (4h) after thawing (P<0.05). Equilibration methods (with or without pre-cooling) made no difference on post-thaw motility (P>0.05), and the most effective equilibration time was the duration required for samples to acclimate to 4 degrees C prior to freezing. Evaluation and optimization of these pre-freezing conditions will help to minimize sources of injury, maximize survival, and contribute to the development of an optimized cryopreservation protocol for rhesus macaque sperm.

Metabolic abnormalities associated with mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson disease

OBJECTIVE

To use (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and PET to investigate changes in regional metabolism associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Parkinson disease (PD). Cognitive abnormalities are common in PD. However, little is known about the functional abnormalities that underlie the manifestations of MCI in this disorder.

METHODS

We used FDG PET to measure regional glucose metabolism in patients with PD with multiple-domain MCI (MD-MCI; n = 18), with single-domain MCI (SD-MCI; n = 15), and without MCI (N-MCI; n = 18). These patients were matched for age, education, disease duration, and motor disability. Maps of regional metabolism in the three groups were compared using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). We also computed the expression of a previously validated cognition-related spatial covariance pattern (PDCP) in the patient groups and in an age-matched healthy control cohort (n = 15). PDCP expression was compared across groups using analysis of variance.

RESULTS

SPM revealed decreased prefrontal and parietal metabolism (p < 0.001) in MD-MCI relative to N-MCI, as well as an increase in brainstem/cerebellar metabolism (p < 0.001) in this group. In these regions, SD-MCI occupied an intermediate position between the two other groups. PDCP expression was abnormally elevated in the N-, SD-, and MD-MCI groups (p < 0.05), increasing stepwise with worsening cognitive impairment (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Early cognitive decline in Parkinson disease as defined by mild cognitive impairment is associated with discrete regional changes and abnormal metabolic network activity. The quantification of these alterations with (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET may allow for the objective assessment of the progression and treatment of this disease manifestation.

Far-field imaging of the electromagnetic local density of optical states

We introduce a new experimental method to measure the local electromagnetic density of states (LDOS) by integrating the differential scattering cross section. The signal detected essentially reflects the intrinsic scattering response of the photonic structures and renders the partial LDOS dominated by evanescent modes. We give a theoretical understanding of the LDOS image formation and show a qualitative agreement between experimental images and theoretical maps. This approach can be practically applied to the direct measurement of an optical antenna's scattering efficiency and can provide valuable information for designing optimum structures utilized in radiative decay engineering.

Microtia: ear reconstruction using tissue expander and autogenous costal cartilage

Ear reconstruction is one of the most challenging surgeries faced by the reconstructive surgeon. Currently, the use of autogenous costal cartilage is still best practice for microtia reconstruction. However, the relative deficiency of thin skin for coverage of the cartilage framework remains a limiting factor. Since 1994, we have used tissue expander in the mastoid area and innovated a technique to fabricate cartilage framework. All these innovations may solve the deficiency of the skin and improve cartilaginous framework definition. In conclusion, tissue expander offers a non-hairbearing, thin, well-vascularised skin to envelope an erect, contour-accentuated framework. Most patients with microtia are satisfied with their ear reconstruction.

CNTO 530: molecular pharmacology in human UT-7EPO cells and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in mice

CNTO 530 is a 58 kD antibody Fc domain fusion protein, created using Centocor's MIMETIBODY platform, that contains two EMP1 sequences as a pharmacophore. CNTO 530 has no sequence homology with EPO but acts as a novel erythropoietin receptor agonist. In UT-7(EPO) cells, CNTO 530 caused protein phosporylation of the erythropoietin receptor associated signaling pathway (Jak2, STAT5, AKT and ERK1/2). CNTO 530 also rescued these cells from apoptosis and mediated proliferation. In mice, pharmacokinetic analysis showed that CNTO 530 was slowly cleared from circulation with a t(1/2) approximately 40 h. Pharmacodynamic analysis in mice showed that a single sc dose of CNTO 530 caused a long-lived stimulation of erythropoiesis that translated into increases in red blood cell counts and hemoglobin values that were maintained for at least 28 d. In conclusion, CNTO 530 is a long-lived EPO-R agonist that stimulates erythropoiesis in a manner similar to epoetin-alpha. These data suggest that CNTO 530 may be an effective treatment of anemia in humans.

Hosing instability in the blow-out regime for plasma-wakefield acceleration

The electron hosing instability in the blow-out regime of plasma-wakefield acceleration is investigated using a linear perturbation theory about the electron blow-out trajectory in Lu et al. [in Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 165002 (2006)10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.165002]. The growth of the instability is found to be affected by the beam parameters unlike in the standard theory Whittum et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 67, 991 (1991)10.1103/PhysRevLett.67.991] which is strictly valid for preformed channels. Particle-in-cell simulations agree with this new theory, which predicts less hosing growth than found by the hosing theory of Whittum et al.

An attempt to measure the spread of emergency medicine internationally

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility of using the internet to track the spread of emergency medicine internationally.

OVERVIEW

This was an attempt to perform a descriptive cross-sectional study employing a web-based survey.

SUBJECTS

Potential respondents were identified from multiple sources.

OBSERVATIONS

The primary outcome was the response to 16 questions about EM care and the setting in which it was delivered for acute cardiac, paediatric, obstetrical illnesses and trauma. The questions were divided into six general areas and elicited for urban, semi-urban and rural settings. A series of four e-mails soliciting completion of the survey were sent to potential respondents.

ANALYSIS

Simple descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

We identified 358 potential respondents with valid e-mail addresses over a period of three years. Overall, 145 (41%) responded and 117 (33% 95% CI 28-38%) of them were complete and interpretable. There was one response from 54 and two responses from 29 countries, representing an overall response rate by country surveyed of 65% (95% CI 57-73%), but of all existing countries of only 43% (95% CI 36-50%). Based on sparse data, it appears that in urban areas, 47% (obstetrics) to 65% (paediatric) of acutely sick or injured patients are taken to an ED-equivalent. For rural areas, this range was 19% (obstetrical) to 40% (trauma). CT scans are available in 78% of urban ED-equivalents but 12% of rural ones. Haematocrits are available in 72% of rural settings. In 60% of responding nations, some type of EM training was available, and in 42% physicians went abroad to study EM.

CONCLUSIONS

A survey of international EM is challenging to achieve because of difficulty in both identifying and in contacting potential respondents. Based on sparse data, population density (urban, rural) appears to be related to both the location to which acutely ill patients are taken for their care and to the level of technology available. The specialty of EM is now recognised internationally and education in EM is common.

Effects of yogurt and bifidobacteria supplementation on the colonic microbiota in lactose-intolerant subjects

AIMS

Colonic metabolism of lactose may play a role in lactose intolerance. We investigated whether a 2-week supplementation of Bifidobacterium longum (in capsules) and a yogurt enriched with Bifidobacterium animalis could modify the composition and metabolic activities of the colonic microbiota in 11 Chinese lactose-intolerant subjects.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The numbers of total cells, total bacteria and the Eubacterium rectale/Clostridium coccoides group in faeces as measured with fluorescent in situ hybridization and the faecal beta-galactosidase activity increased significantly during supplementation. The number of Bifidobacterium showed a tendency to increase during and after supplementation. With PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, in subjects in which B. animalis and B. longum were not detected before supplementation, both strains were present in faeces during supplementation, but disappeared after supplementation. The degree of lactose digestion in the small intestine and the oro-caecal transit time were not different before and after supplementation, whereas symptom scores after lactose challenge decreased after supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that supplementation modifies the amount and metabolic activities of the colonic microbiota and alleviates symptoms in lactose-intolerant subjects. The changes in the colonic microbiota might be among the factors modified by the supplementation which lead to the alleviation of lactose intolerance.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study provides evidence for the possibility of managing lactose intolerance with dietary lactose (yogurt) and probiotics via modulating the colonic microbiota.

[Tracheoplasty for tracheal cuff stenosis post long-term tracheostomy]

We encountered a case of tracheal stenosis post tracheostomy, so-called cuff stenosis. A 43-year-old man with ventricular septal defect (VSD) was treated by oral endotracheal intubation because of heart-failure and pneumonia, and tracheostomy was performed. He was placed on artificial ventilation for almost 3 months. Four months after discharge, he complained of dyspnea and was treated by oral endotracheal intubation again. At that time bronchofiberscopy demonstrated severe circumferential stenosis of the trachea 4 cm from the tracheostomy spot and that was compatible with the cuff site. Although the stenotic portion was dilated by an endotracheal tube, 47-days after dilation, the portion was restenosed to almost 7 mm in diameter. Therefore, surgical treatment was necessary and tracheoplasty was performed by end-to-end suture after 2 cm (4 ring) resection of trachea. Tracheoplasty is the most reliable method of treating cuff stenosis after tracheostomy.

Surface plasmon interference excited by tightly focused laser beams

We show that interfering surface plasmon polaritons can be excited with a focused laser beam at normal incidence to a plane metal film. No protrusions or holes are needed in this excitation scheme. Depending on the axial position of the focus, the intensity distribution on the metal surface is either dominated by interferences between counterpropagating plasmons or by a two-lobe pattern characteristic of localized surface plasmon excitation. Our experiments can be accurately explained by use of the angular spectrum representation and provide a simple means for locally exciting standing surface plasmon polaritons.

Photo-induced lipid peroxidation of erythrocyte membranes by a bis-methanophosphonate fullerene

Using human erythrocyte membranes (EMs) as a model system, we have examined photo-induced lipid peroxidation by a bis-methanophosphonate fullerene (BMPF) and four other fullerene derivatives including a mono-methanophosphonic acid fullerene (MMPF), a dimalonic acid C(60) (DMA C(60)), a trimalonic acid C(60) (TMA C(60)) and a polyhydroxylated fullerene (fullerol). Lipid peroxidation was assessed as the malondialdehyde (MDA) level measured by the thiobarbituric acid assay. It was observed that BMPF increased the MDA level of EMs after irradiation in both time- and dose-dependent manners. The photo-induced activity became very significant (p<0.01) under the conditions of either the concentration of 10 microM and irradiation time of 30 min or the concentration of 5 microM and irradiation time of 60 min. Involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the activity was also examined by specific inhibitors of singlet oxygen, superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals, respectively. While all three kinds were found responsible for the activity, the former two might play more important roles than the last one. Furthermore, the activity of BMPF was the strongest among all tested fullerene derivatives. These results indicated BMPF was a potential photosensitizer that would find application in photodynamic therapy.

A phase II study of weekly low-dose paclitaxel plus 24-hour infusion of cisplatin as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer (MBC)

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Background: The dose and schedule of paclitaxel have been evolving in the past 15 years. However, the lowest effective dose of weekly paclitaxel remains unclear. In this study, we examined if a very low dose of paclitaxel can be effective in MBC. Except for the dose of paclitaxel, the chemotherapy regimen and the patient population of this study were very similar to one of our previous report (Cancer 2002; 95:2044–50). Methods: Women with chemotherapy-naïve metastatic BC, adequate performance status and organ functions were eligible. All patients received paclitaxel, 50 mg/m2 iv 1 hr on D1, 8 and 15, and cisplatin, 40 mg/m2 iv 24 hrs on D1 and 8, every 4 weeks. Patients continued this low-dose regimen until progressive disease (PD) or prohibitive toxicities occurred. Patients who had PD or stable disease (SD) without clinical benefit were shifted to paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 iv 1 hr on D1, 8 and 15, and cisplatin, 40 mg/m2 iv 24 hrs on D1 and 8, every 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR). Simon’s optimal two-stage design (P0, P1,a, and βare 20%, 40%, 0.05, and 0.2, respectively) was adopted. More than 4 objective responses were needed in the first 13 patients, and a total of 43 patients will be enrolled. Results: After a median follow-up duration of 16.5 months, 27 patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. Their median age was 52.7 years (range: 30.1∼69.4). Twenty patients were hormone receptor (+), while 6 patients were Her-2/neu (+). A total of 121 cycles of protocol treatment were administered as of Dec. 2006. There were 0 complete response and 14 partial responses, for an ORR of 51.9%. Nine of 14 responders remain progression-free. The PFS was 9.6 months (95% of CI: 5.53∼13.67%) and the OS not reached. Grade 3–4 anemia, neutropenia, liver toxicity, thrombocytopenia, and skin toxicities were reported in 8, 6, 2, 1, and 1 patients, respectively. Neurotoxicity was common (22/27), but all were grade 1 or 2. Conclusions: The preliminary results of this study suggest that weekly low-dose paclitaxel is as effective as conventional-dose paclitaxel, and the treatment-related toxicities were more acceptable.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.