Abstract P6-11-03: Association of systemic paclitaxel concentrations with severity and progression of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy

Background: Paclitaxel is commonly used in combination regimens in patients with early stage breast cancer, but its use is often limited by the development of severe paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN). Paclitaxel pharmacokinetics (PK), specifically the maximum paclitaxel concentration (Cmax) and amount of time the concentration remains above 0.05 µM (Tc>0.05), have been associated with occurrence of severe, clinician-documented (NCI CTCAE) neuropathy. Patient-reported outcomes are more reliable, sensitive, and responsive than clinician-documented neuropathy, particularly for subjective toxicities. The objective of this study was to confirm that paclitaxel PK predicts occurrence and progression of patient-reported PIPN.

Methods: This observational trial enrolled patients with early stage breast cancer receiving adjuvant/neoadjuvant weekly 1-hour paclitaxel infusions (80 mg/m2 x 12 cycles) at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Patients with existing neuropathy or previous neuropathic chemotherapy treatment were excluded. Paclitaxel concentration was measured via liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) in plasma samples collected at the end of (Cmax) and 16-24 hours after (Tc>0.05) first infusion. Patient-reported neuropathy was collected (EORTC CIPN20) at baseline and each treatment cycle. The 8-item sensory subscale of the CIPN20 (CIPN8, range 8-32) was estimated for each patient and cycle of treatment to calculate the change from baseline (ΔCIPN8, range 0-24). The analysis was conducted using two approaches. In the first analysis, the cohort was stratified into cases and controls by the median ΔCIPN8 and in the second, each patient was described by the rate of change of CIPN8 per treatment cycle. The association of Cmax and Tc>0.05 with case/control definition was tested using Wilcoxon rank sum and t-tests. Associations with rate of change of CIPN8 were tested using linear regression.

Results: 60 patients were enrolled in this observational clinical study. The mean age was 52.4 years, 93% of patients were Caucasian, and 5% had diabetes diagnosis. At baseline there was very little patient-reported neuropathy (mean baseline CIPN8=8.3). The median ΔCIPN8 was 4. Patients with ΔCIPN8>4 had greater Cmax than patients with ΔCIPN8≤4 (p=0.010). In the regression modeling, there was a significant correlation between patient's Tc>0.05 and the rate of increase in ΔCIPN8 (r=0.28, p=0.03).

Conclusions: Our preliminary findings suggest that a single PK sample collected at the end of the first cycle (Cmax) or 16-24 hours later (Tc>0.05) are indicative of a patient's risk of experiencing PIPN during paclitaxel treatment. Ongoing modeling that accounts for dosing decreases, delays, and discontinuations will further characterize the contribution of paclitaxel pharmacokinetics to PIPN development and enable identification of genetic and metabolomic biomarkers that predict which patients experienced more severe PIPN than would be anticipated based on their paclitaxel PK.

Citation Format: Hertz DL, Kidwell KM, Vangipuram K, Sun D, Henry NL. Association of systemic paclitaxel concentrations with severity and progression of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-11-03.

Genome-wide association study for reproductive traits in a Large White pig population

Using the PorcineSNP80 BeadChip, we performed a genome‐wide association study for seven reproductive traits, including total number born, number born alive, litter birth weight, average birth weight, gestation length, age at first service and age at first farrowing, in a population of 1207 Large White pigs. In total, we detected 12 genome‐wide significant and 41 suggestive significant SNPs associated with six reproductive traits. The proportion of phenotypic variance explained by all significant SNPs for each trait ranged from 4.46% (number born alive) to 11.49% (gestation length). Among them, 29 significant SNPs were located within known QTL regions for swine reproductive traits, such as corpus luteum number, stillborn number and litter size, of which one QTL region associated with litter size contained the ALGA0098819 SNP for total number born. Subsequently, we found that 376 functional genes contained or were near these significant SNPs. Of these, 14 genes—BHLHA15, OCM2, IL1B2, GCK, SMAD2, HABP2, PAQR5, GRB10, PRELID2, DMKN, GPI, GPIHBP1, ADCY2 and ACVR2B—were considered important candidates for swine reproductive traits based on their critical roles in embryonic development, energy metabolism and growth development. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the genetic mechanisms for reproductive traits and could have a positive effect on pig breeding programs.

Overexpression of microRNA-133b reduces myocardial injuries in children with viral myocarditis by targeting Rab27B gene

The present study is to measure the expression of microRNA (miRNA or miR)-133b in circulating blood of children with viral myocarditis before and after drug treatment, and to investigate its relationship with the severity of myocardial lesions. A total of 36 children patients with viral myocarditis who received treatments at our hospital between June 2014 and June 2016 were enrolled in the present study, including 21 boys and 15 girls (age range, 9 months - 16 years).Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression of miR-133b in peripheral blood of patients and cardiomyocytes infected with CVB3. CCK-8 assay was used to test the proliferation of cardiomyocytes. ELISA was used to determine the levels of creatine kinase (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in peripheral blood and cardiomyocyte culture supernatants. Western blotting and ELISA were performed to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in cardiomyocytes infected by CVB3 and cell culture supernatants. Bioinformatics was used to predict the target gene of miR-133b. Silencing of Rab27B gene was achieved by transfection with its small-interfering RNA. Dual luciferase reporter assay was carried out to test whether miR-133b directly targets Rab27B. Reduced expression of miR-133b in peripheral blood was possibly correlated with myocardial injuries in viral myocarditis miR-133b. Expression of miR-133b was significantly reduced in cardiomyocytes infected with CVB3 virus. Overexpression of miR-133b inhibited cardiomyocyte injuries caused by CVB3 virus infection, and the enhanced production and release of cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 by cardiomyocytes infected with CVB3 virus. Rab27B promoted injuries of cardiomyocytes induced by CVB3 infection and facilitated the synthesis and release of cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 by cardiomyocytes. miR-133b was able to bind to the 3'-untranslated region seeding region of Rab27B mRNA. The present study demonstrates that expression of miR-133b in peripheral blood from children with viral myocarditis is reduced, and negatively correlated with myocardial injuries. miR-133b inhibits the proliferation of cardiomyocytes and the release of cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, and alleviates CVB3 infection-induced myocardial injuries by targeting Rab27B.

Prognostic value of the cancer oncogene Kelch-like 6 in gastric cancer

Background

Kelch-like 6 (KLHL6) is a cancer oncogene previously associated with specific human cancers, such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Here, the mechanisms of KLHL6 function were explored in gastric cancer (GC) cells, in an in vivo experimental tumour model, and the prognostic value of KLHL6 analysis in GC tissue evaluated in a cohort of patients with GC.

Methods

Associations between clinicopathological and survival data and KLHL6 expression in GC tissues were analysed. The effects of downregulation of KLHL6 in GC cells was investigated using proliferation, invasion, apoptosis and lymphangiogenesis assays, and analysis of tumour growth in an in vivo experimental model.

Results

KLHL6 was upregulated in 43 per cent of GC tissues compared with 5 per cent of paired non-tumour tissues from 84 patients. KLHL6 protein expression in GC tissues was much higher than that in atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia tissues from benign gastric disease samples. KLHL6 expression was positively related to the intestinal Laurén classification in GC tissues. Downregulated expression of KLHL6 in MGC-803 GC cells reduced colony formation, proliferation, viability, migration and invasion, enhanced apoptosis and inhibited the cell cycle in the G1 phase. Downregulated expression of KLHL6 also suppressed tumour growth in mice. Furthermore, downregulated expression of KLHL6 mRNA reduced the expression of nuclear-associated antigen Ki-67, vascular endothelial growth factor C, hepatocyte growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase 2 in vitro, and KLHL6 protein in tumour tissue of mice.

Conclusion

Abnormal expression of the KLHL6 oncogene promoted GC progression in vitro and in vivo, and its expression level in tumour tissue was found to be of prognostic value.

Cascade of Magnetic-Field-Induced Lifshitz Transitions in the Ferromagnetic Kondo Lattice Material YbNi_{4}P_{2}

A ferromagnetic quantum critical point is thought not to exist in two- and three-dimensional metallic systems yet is realized in the Kondo lattice compound YbNi_{4}(P,As)_{2}, possibly due to its one-dimensionality. It is crucial to investigate the dimensionality of the Fermi surface of YbNi_{4}P_{2} experimentally, but common probes such as angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and quantum oscillation measurements are lacking. Here, we study the magnetic-field dependence of transport and thermodynamic properties of YbNi_{4}P_{2}. The Kondo effect is continuously suppressed, and additionally we identify nine Lifshitz transitions between 0.4 and 18 T. We analyze the transport coefficients in detail and identify the type of Lifshitz transitions as neck or void type to gain information on the Fermi surface of YbNi_{4}P_{2}. The large number of Lifshitz transitions observed within this small energy window is unprecedented and results from the particular flat renormalized band structure with strong 4f-electron character shaped by the Kondo lattice effect.

Comparison of effectiveness and safety between conbercept and ranibizumab for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. A retrospective case-controlled non-inferiority multiple center study

Purpose

To compare the efficacy and safety of conbercept and ranibizumab when administered according to a treat-and-extend (TREX) protocol for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in China.

Patients and methods

Between May 2014 and May 2015, 180 patients were treated in a 1 : 1 ratio using conbercept or ranibizumab from four hospitals. Patients received either conbercept 0.5 mg or ranibizumab 0.5 mg intravitreal injections. Follow-up time was 1 year and treated based on a TREX approach. Main outcomes and measures include best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS); number of injections; central retinal thickness (CRT); and leakage of choroidal neovascularization before and after the treatment was analyzed by fluorescein fundus angiography and indocyanine green angiography.

Results

The 1-year visit was completed by 168 (93.3%) of patients. Mean BCVA was equivalent between two cohorts, and were improved by 12.7±7.770 and 12.3±7.269 letters in the conbercept and ranibizumab cohorts, respectively (P=0.624). There was no significant difference in measured CRT, with a mean decrease of 191.5 μm for conbercept and 187.8 μm for ranibizumab (P=0.773). There was a statistically significant difference (P=0.001) between the drugs regarding the number of treatments: 7.4 for conbercept and 8.7 for ranibizumab. The difference in the distribution of injection intervals was statistically significant between two groups (P=0.011). During the study, there were no cases of endophthalmitis or intraocular inflammation.

Conclusion

Both drugs had equivalent effects in visual and anatomic gains at 1 year when administered. In the conbercept group, longer treatment intervals were achieved with more patients.

Effects of calcium plus vitamin D supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The effect of calcium or vitamin D supplement on blood pressure (BP) has been explored in previous meta-analyses, but the results are conflicting. The combined efficacy of calcium and vitamin D on BP has not been systematically assessed. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to explore the effect of calcium plus vitamin D (CaD) supplementation on changes of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure among male and female participants (with and without diagnosed hypertension) aged 18 years or older. The PubMed, the Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials were searched. A random effects model was used to calculate the pooled weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the continuous outcome data. Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the study quality of each trial. We further performed subgroup analysis and meta-regression by ethnicity, gender, age, health status, supplement dose, co-interventions, supplement duration and quality assessment. Eight RCTs involving 36 806 participants were assessed. The follow-up time ranged from 15 weeks to a maximum of 7 years. No meaningful effect on daytime office BP was detected in the present study, with evidence of significant heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis by gender indicated some evidence of elevated SBP in male participants, and the WMD (95% CI) was 1.49 mm Hg (1.03, 1.95). Further high-quality research is still warranted to confirm the magnitude of the effect of CaD supplementation on the changes of BP among participants with different ethnicity, gender, health status and CaD supplements.

Birthweight and cardiometabolic risk patterns in multiracial children

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Prenatal growth, which is widely marked by birthweight, may have a pivotal role in affecting the lifelong risk of cardiometabolic disorders; however, comprehensive evaluation of its relations with childhood cardiometabolic risk patterns and the ethnic and gender disparities in national representative populations is still lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between birthweight and comprehensive patterns of cardiometabolic risk in a nationally representative sample of children and adolescents.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Prospective analyses were performed using data from 28 153 children 0 to 15 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 through 2014. We defined childhood cardiometabolic disorders using standard definitions for obesity, high blood pressure, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia.

RESULTS

Five birthweight categories <2.5, 2.5-3.0, 3.0-3.5, 3.5-4.2 and ⩾4.2 kg accounted for 8.2%, 17.9%, 35.7%, 27.9% and 10.4% of the population, respectively. In all children, with increasing birthweight, we observed significantly increasing trends of the risk of general and central obesity (P for trend <0.01) and significantly decreasing trends of the risk of high systolic blood pressure (SBP), high HbA1c and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P for trend <0.05). The associations were independent of current body mass index (BMI). In addition, we found that the relations of birthweight with high waist circumference in Black children showed U-shape, as well as high SBP in Mexican and Hispanic children. Moreover, we found that the associations of low birthweight with high SBP and low HDL-C appeared to more prominent significant in boys, whereas the inverse association with high HbA1c was more evident in girls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that birthweight is significantly related to childhood cardiometabolic risk, independent of current BMI, and the associations exhibit race and gender-specific patterns.

[Effects of perioperative thermoregulation on patients' body temperature, peripheral circulation and blood coagulation time in patients undergoing elective vertical hemi laryngectomy]

Objective:To compare the effects of different thermal insulation measures on perioperative body temperature, peripheral circulation and blood coagulation time in patients undergoing vertical hemi laryngectomy.Method:Sixty eligible patients with elective vertical hemi laryngectomy were randomly divided into 3 groups: preoperative inflatable heating blanket group (A group, n=20), warmed irrigation group (B group, n=20), and control group (C group, n=20). The core temperature were recorded after entering the operating room, before induction, 20th minute during operation, entering PACU and 2nd hour after operation respectively. Blood samples were got at the end of operation to test pH, lactic acid, PT and APTT. After waking patients' SpO₂ and thermal comfort were recorded.Result:The core temperatures at time points of 20th minute during operation and entering PACU were significantly different between C group and A group, C group and B group. There were significant difference in lactic acid, PT, APTT and SpO₂ between C group and A group, C group and B group. Patients' thermal comfort in all three groups were different.Conclusion:Inflatable heating blanket during operation combined with using it before operation or fluid warmers during operation for perioperative body temperature protection duringelective vertical partial laryngectomy surgery can effectively prevent perioperative hypothermia, improve peripheral circulation and blood coagulation time changes, improve patients' comfort after operation.

Emergence and whole-genome sequence of Senecavirus A in Colombia

In 2015 and 2016, Senecavirus A (SVA) emerged as an infectious disease in Brazil, China and the United States (US). In a Colombian commercial swine farm, vesicles on the snout and coronary bands were reported and tested negative for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDv), but positive for SVA. The whole-genome phylogenetic analysis indicates the Colombian strain clusters with the strains from the United States, not with the recent SVA strains from Brazil.

Starter feeding altered ruminal epithelial bacterial communities and some key immune-related genes' expression before weaning in lambs

To characterize changes in ruminal epithelial bacterial communities and immune-related gene expression during concentrate starter feeding before weaning in lambs, 6 pairs of 10-d-old Hu lamb twins were selected: 1 kid received milk (M, = 6), and the other received milk plus starter (M+S, = 6). All lambs received hay and water ad libitum and were slaughtered at 56-d-old. Their rumen fluid was collected to determine ruminal pH and VFA levels; rumen epithelia were collected to characterize their bacterial communities using Illumina MiSeq sequencing and to determine mRNA expression of immune-related genes using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results showed that starter feeding caused a decreased ruminal pH ( = 0.004) and increased concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total VFA ( < 0.001). Principal coordinate analysis and analysis of molecular variance revealed that starter feeding affected ruminal epithelial bacterial communities in the lambs ( = 0.001), with higher relative abundance of dominant taxa , unclassified BS11 gut group, , unclassified Synergistaceae, , , , , and ( < 0.05) but lesser relative abundance of , unclassified Bacteroidales, unclassified Candidate, unclassified RF9, and ( < 0.05). Additionally, a phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states analysis indicated that starter feeding markedly increased relative abundance values of dominant ruminal epithelial bacterial-inferred genes related to other ion-coupled transporters, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, glycosyltransferases, other glycan degradation, AA metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, biotin metabolism, glycosphingolipid biosynthesis-globo series, and lysosome ( < 0.05) but decreased relative abundance values of genes related to carbon fixation pathways in prokaryotes and energy metabolism ( < 0.05) in the lambs. The qRT-PCR results showed that starter feeding decreased the relative mRNA expression of IL-6 ( = 0.003), IL-10 ( = 0.013), and interferon γ ( = 0.003). Collectively, this study showed that starter feeding could alter ruminal epithelial bacterial communities and some key immune-related genes' expression in preweaned lambs. All these responses of ruminal epithelial bacteria and the immune system would be beneficial for starter-fed lambs to be weaned.

Associations of carboxypeptidase 4 with ALDH1A1 expression and their prognostic value in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal cancer is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis because of early metastasis when diagnosed and recurrence after surgery. This study is aimed at investigating the expression of carboxypeptidaseA4 (CPA4) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tumor tissues and analyzed their association and clinical significance. The expression of CPA4 and ALDH1A1 was determined by immunohistochemistry using the corresponding primary antibodies on two commercial tissue arrays. High level of CPA4 was observed in 87/150 (58%) ESCC samples and was significantly associated with histologic grade, lymph node metastasis, and TNM Classification of Esophageal cancer stage. The expression level of ALDH1A1 was much higher in ESCC than their corresponding normal epithelial tissues, with 66% positive rate. And, high levels of ALDH1A1 were significantly associated with lymph nodes metastasis (P < 0.05) and TNM stage (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed the expression level of CPA4 positively correlated with that of ALDH1A1 (r = 0.416, P < 0.01). In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, either CPA4 or ALDH1A1 was significantly correlated with poor overall survival of ESCC patients. Multivariate Cox regression model showed that high expression of CPA4 was an independent prognostic factor for ESCC patients. In conclusion, our present study demonstrated for the first time that CPA4 might be used as an independent poor prognostic factor in ESCC. This study demonstrated for the first time that CPA4 was aberrantly expressed in ESCC tissues. Overexpression of CPA4 was closely associated with the putative cancer stem cell marker ALDH1A1 and might be used as an independent prognostic factor in ESCC.

A LYVE-1/CRSBP-1 Mutation in Inherited Primary Lymphedema

Primary lymphedema is clinically and genetically heterogeneous with germline mutations identified in approximately 20 primary lymphedema genes. The lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1) gene, also known as cell-surface retention sequence binding protein-1 (CRSBP-1), encodes the major hyaluronan receptor in lymphatic endothelia and is one of the most specific lymphatic vessel markers. However, the role of this lymphatic endothelial specific protein in the development of the lymphatic system and lymphatic diseases remains unclear. Here, we report a missense mutation c.18C>G (p.S6R) in exon 1 within the N-terminal extension domain (outside the hyaluronan binding region) of LYVE-1 in three generations of an inherited lymphedema family with or without clinical symptoms. Lymphatic imaging revealed a partial, weak and delayed enhancement of tortuous lymph collectors in the distal part of the lymphedematous lower limb. Our findings revealed that LYVE-1/CRSBP-1 mutation in primary lymphedema cases is connected with both structural and functional lymphatic defects.

Increased expression of LncRNA BANCR and its prognostic significance in human epithelial ovarian cancer

PURPOSE

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proved to play important roles in the tumorigenesis and development of human epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and clinical value of BRAF-activated non-coding RINA (BANCR) in EOC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BANCR expression was detected in 84 EOC and 36 normal ovarian epithelial tissue samples. Association between BANCR levels and clinicopathological factors and patient prognosis was also analyzed.

RESULTS

BANCR expression was increased in EOC compared with normal ovarian epithelial tissues. Moreover, high expression of BANCR was closely correlated with advanced FIGO stage, higher serum, CAI125 expression level, and lymph node metastasis. Multivariate regression analysis identified BANCR overexpression as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor in EOC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that BANCR may act as a tumor promoter in EOC and would be a novel diagnostic and prognostic marker for this disease.

Intake of Fruit and Vegetables and the Incident Risk of Cognitive Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies

OBJECTIVES

No quantitative assessment has been performed to specifically link the consumption of fruit and vegetables with the incident risk of cognitive disorders.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed and the Embase databases (both from the inception to June 13th, 2016) for records that report the intake of fruit and vegetables and the risk of developing cognitive disorders (Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and cognitive decline/impairment). A generic inverse-variance method (random-effects model) was used to combine the relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). To explore the potential sources of heterogeneity, we performed the subgroup and meta-regression analyses by pre-specified characteristics.

RESULTS

We identified 6 cohorts involving a total of 21,175 participants. The pooled analysis showed that consumption of fruit and vegetables was inversely associated with the incident risk of cognitive disorders, and the pooled RR (95% CI) was 0.74 (0.62, 0.88), with evidence of significant heterogeneity (I2 =68%). Furthermore, we found that the significant heterogeneity might be attributed to the ethnic difference.

CONCLUSION

Further large prospective studies should be performed to quantify the potential dose-response patterns of fruit and/or vegetables intake and to explore the role of fruit or vegetables consumption separately on cognitive disorders in different populations.

Cryopreservation of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill callus and subsequent plant regeneration

Cryopreservation has been proven significance as a technique for promising the long-term conservation of plant germplasms. This study aimed to establish a cryopreservation protocol for calli of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill, and to explore the effects of different process parameters on callus viability. Effects of desiccation duration, cryoprotectants and cryopreservation methods, thawing temperature, and post-culture conditions on the viability of cryopreserved calli were assessed. Among different cryoprotectants and freezing procedures, the highest survival was recorded when the water content of callus after 30 min desiccation was 57.3%, were loaded into a cryoprotectant containing 10% ethylene glycol, 8% glucose, and 10% DMSO, and frozen slowly (-1°C/min). Rapid thawing at 40°C for 2 min demonstrated the best recovery of cryopreserved S. chinensis calli. Post-culturing in darkness for one week before transfer to light conditions (under 16 h photoperiod at 36 µmol·m^-2·s^-1) was beneficial to callus regeneration. Plants regenerated through somatic embryogenesis from cryopreserved calli remained ploidy stable after cryopreservation. The callus cryopreservation procedure established in this study is a promising tool for the conservation of S. chinensis resources.

Rare Variants in LAMA5 Gene associated with FLT4 and FOXC2 Mutations in Primary Lymphedema May Contribute to Severity

Mutations in the Fms-related tyrosine kinase 4 (FLT4) and forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2) genes cause Milroy disease (MD) and lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome (LDS), respectively, but the mechanism underlying disease pathology remains unclear. Applying whole-exome sequencing to two families with MD, one LDS family, and one sporadic LDS case, we identified four rare variants in the laminin subunit alpha-5 gene (LAMA5) in subjects carrying novel and known missense FLT4 mutations and a 7-bp duplication and 1-bp insertion in FOXC2. Phenotyping was expanded in some individuals using magnetic resonance lymphangiography, indiocyanine green fluorescence lymphography, and immunofluorescent lymphatic staining of skin tissue. Skin lymphatic staining showed the existence of dermal lymphatic vasculature in the MD case. Significant lymphatic dysfunction was observed in both MD and LDS patients. In the MD patient, tortuous lymphatics in the dorsum of the foot were slowly enhanced on indocyanine green fluorescent lymphography (ICG) imaging. Dilated lymph collectors with disruption and lymph leakage were observed in the familial LDS case on magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL). Numerous tortuous lymph collectors were visualized along the entire length of affected lower limbs on MRL imaging, and retrograde lymph flow was observed in the lymph collectors during ICG lymphography in the isolated LDS case. The finding of rare LAMA5 variants together with FLT4 and FOXC2 mutations suggests that these mutations may be co-responsible for these disorders and most likely interfere with the function of lymphatics. Further, larger studies are needed to confirm these results.

The predictors of the severity of ischaemic colitis: a systematic review of 2823 patients from 22 studies

AIM

The study reviews the literature related to ischaemic colitis (IC) as the evidence base to identify factors predicting severity.

METHOD

A systematic review of the literature was conducted on the predictors of the severity of IC. Severe IC or adverse outcome of IC was defined as a patient requiring surgery or who died. MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to 15 January 2015. Manual searches of reference lists from potentially relevant papers and meetings were also performed.

RESULTS

In all, 22 studies involving 2823 patients were identified; 19 were case series, two were case-control studies and one was a cohort study. The overall adverse outcome rate was 22.0% (620/2823). The prognostic predictors for surgery or mortality which were most frequently reported included right sided IC, peritonitis, shock or arterial hypotension (< 90 mmHg), male gender, tachycardia and lack of rectal bleeding. Thirteen studies relating to the right colon from which data could be extracted were further analysed. The right colon was involved in 277 cases, with an incidence of adverse outcomes of 48.4% (134/277), while in the non-right colonic involvement group the incidence was significantly lower at 12.1% (142/1175) (P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of adverse outcome in patients with IC remains high. Male gender, tachycardia, lack of rectal bleeding, peritonitis, shock or arterial hypotension (< 90 mmHg) and right sided IC are predictors of poor prognosis. Right-sided IC, shock or arterial hypotension (< 90 mmHg) and signs of peritonitis may be the most significant predictors of severity.

Identification of QTLs for resistant starch and total alkaloid content in brown and polished rice

An F3 population consisting of 117 F2:3 families derived from a cross between two varieties of rice, Gongmi No. 3 and Diantun 502, with a large difference in their resistant starch and total alkaloid content, was used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. Two QTLs of resistant starch for rice (qRS7-1, qRS7-2) were identified in a linkage group on chromosome 7, which could explain phenotypic variance from 7.6 to 17.3%, due to additive effects for resistant starch from Gongmi No. 3 or over-dominance effects for qRS7-2 of the marker interval (RM3404-RM478) on chromosome 7 from Gongmi No. 3, accounting for 13.8-17.3% of the phenotypic variance. Two QTLs of total alkaloids for brown rice (qALb7-1, qALb7-2) were identified in the same linkage group, which could explain phenotypic variance from 7.7 and 19.3%, respectively, due to dominance or over-dominance effects for total alkaloids on chromosome 7 from Diantun 502. To our knowledge, these are the first QTLs to be identified, which are related to resistant starch and total alkaloid content in rice. These results are beneficial for understanding the genetic basis of, as well as for developing markers linked with, resistant starch and total alkaloids of functional components for marker-assisted selection breeding in rice.

Synthesis of Chitosan-Alginate Microcapsule Membranes

A polysaccharide, chitosan, was chemically modified to form a polyelectrolyte complex membrane with calcium alginate beads. A key factor in membrane for mation was found to be the viscosity average molecular weight (M v) of the chitosan. While unmodified chitosan (Mv = 12.1 x 105) formed thin and weak microcapsule membranes, when the Mv of the chitosan was reduced to 2.4 x 105, the polymer exhibited optimum membrane forming characteristics in terms of capsule strength and flexibility. The degree of deacetylation of chi tosan varied from 94.3% for the unmodified polymer to 93.2% for chitosan of Mv = 1.6 × 105. A substitution reaction sequence was developed in an attempt to modify the pendant amine of the practical grade polysaccharide. Reactive groups were coupled to the chitosan main chain following a two-step process; activation with a bromoacetyl halide and termination with a diamine [(NH2 (CH2)nNH2)] or methyl containing amine compound. Initial studies indicated that thin capsule membranes formed regardless of application of reaction se quence, distance of reactive groups from the main chain, or type of reactive group inserted. The permeability of the chitosan-alginate capsules was assessed, with various diffusing proteins. Membranes formed with chitosan Mv =0.5 × 106 excluded beta amylase, suggesting a membrane molecular weight cut-off of approximately 200,000.

Synchronous Tracking Control of Parallel Manipulators Using Cross-coupling Approach

This paper presents a cross-coupled control approach to the tracking control of parallel manipulators in a synchronous manner. Based on the synchronization goal, the position synchronization error is investigated by considering motion synchronization between each actuator joint and its adjacent ones. A decentralized trajectory tracking controller is then developed with feedback of both position and synchronization errors, formed with a combination of feedforward, feedback and a saturation control. It is proven that this tracking controller can asymptotically stabilize both position and synchronization errors of the system. The proposed controller does not require the explicit use of the system dynamic model. Experiments performed on a 3-DOF parallel manipulator demonstrate improved performance with the proposed synchronous control design.

Discovery of 1-(1H-Pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridin-6-yl)urea Inhibitors of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) for the Treatment of Cancers

The ERK/MAPK pathway plays a central role in the regulation of critical cellular processes and is activated in more than 30% of human cancers. Specific BRAF and MEK inhibitors have shown clinical efficacy in patients for the treatment of BRAF-mutant melanoma. However, the majority of responses are transient, and resistance is often associated with pathway reactivation of the ERK signal pathway. Acquired resistance to these agents has led to greater interest in ERK, a downstream target of the MAPK pathway. De novo design efforts of a novel scaffold derived from SCH772984 by employing hydrogen bond interactions specific for ERK in the binding pocket identified 1-(1H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridin-6-yl)ureas as a viable lead series. Sequential SAR studies led to the identification of highly potent and selective ERK inhibitors with low molecular weight and high LE. Compound 21 exhibited potent target engagement and strong tumor regression in the BRAF(V600E) xenograft model.

Targets of Amphotericin B Methyl Ester (AME) in the Inhibition of Infection of Different Cell Lines by HIV-1

The effect of amphotericin B methyl ester (AME) on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) was examined in vitro in cultures of H9, Molt-3 and human peripheral blood lymphocytes acutely infected with HIV. AME inactivates HIV-1 at non-cytotoxic concentrations ranging from 10–100 μg ml−1, and protects pretreated target cells from the cytopathic effects of the virus. AME inhibits the cell to cell spread of virus, as shown by the blocking of syncytia formation in Molt-3 cells, and the reduction in the level of virus expression in cultured peripheral blood leukocytes from an AIDS patient. These results suggest AME may be an effective chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of AIDS patients, and, because of its unique mode of action may act cooperatively with other AIDS chemotherapeutics.

Fruit and vegetables consumption and incident hypertension: dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

The role of dietary factors on chronic diseases seems essential in the potentially adverse or preventive effects. However, no evidence of dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies has verified the association between the intake of fruit and/or vegetables and the risk of developing hypertension. The PubMed and Embase were searched for prospective cohort studies. A generic inverse-variance method with random effects model was used to calculate the pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Generalized least squares trend estimation model was used to calculate the study-specific slopes for the dose-response analyses. Seven articles comprised nine cohorts involving 185 676 participants were assessed. The highest intake of fruit or vegetables separately, and total fruit and vegetables were inversely associated with the incident risk of hypertension compared with the lowest level, and the pooled RRs and 95% CIs were 0.87 (0.79, 0.95), 0.88 (0.79, 0.99) and 0.90 (0.84, 0.98), respectively. We also found an inverse dose-response relation between the risk of developing hypertension and fruit intake, and total fruit and vegetables consumption. The incident risk of hypertension was decreased by 1.9% for each serving per day of fruit consumption, and decreased by 1.2% for each serving per day of total fruit and vegetables consumption. Our results support the recommendation to increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables with respect to preventing the risk of developing hypertension. However, further large prospective studies and long-term high-quality randomized controlled trials are still needed to confirm the observed association.

Structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)iron(III) molecules and their magnetic coupling with ferromagnetic surface: first-principles study

Using first-principles calculations, we have systematically investigated the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of facial (fac-) and meridional (mer-) tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)iron(III) (Feq3) molecules and their interaction with ferromagnetic substrate. Our calculation results show that for the isolated Feq3, mer-Feq3 is more stable than the fac-Feq3; both Feq3 isomers have a high spin-state of 5 μB as the ground state when an on-site Hubbard-U term is included to treat the highly localized Fe 3d electrons; while the standard DFT calculations produce a low spin-state of 1 μB for mer-Feq3. These magnetic behaviors can be understood by the octahedral ligand field splitting theory. Furthermore, we found that fac-Feq3 has a stronger bonding to the Co surface than mer-Feq3 and an anti-ferromagnetic coupling was discovered between Fe and Co substrate, originating from the superexchange coupling between Fe and Co mediated by the interface oxygen and nitrogen atoms. These findings suggest that Feq3 molecular films may serve as a promising spin-filter material in spintronic devices.

Mosquito salivary allergen Aed a 3: cloning, comprehensive molecular analysis, and clinical evaluation

BACKGROUND

Allergic reactions to mosquito bites are an increasing clinical concern. Due to the lack of availability of mosquito salivary allergens, they are underdiagnosed. Here, we reported a newly cloned mosquito Aedes (Ae.) aegypti salivary allergen.

METHODS

A cDNA encoding a 30-kDa Ae. aegypti salivary protein, designated Aed a 3, was isolated from an expression library. The full-length cDNA was cloned into a baculovirus expression vector, and recombinant Aed a 3 (rAed a 3) was expressed, purified, and characterized. Skin prick tests with purified rAed a 3 and Ae. aegypti bite tests were performed in 43 volunteers. Serum rAed a 3-specific IgE levels were measured in 28 volunteers.

RESULTS

The primary nucleotide sequence, deduced amino acid sequence, and IgE-binding sites of Aed a 3 were identified. rAed a 3-selected antibodies recognized a 30-kDa Ae. aegypti saliva protein. rAed a 3 bound IgE in mosquito-allergic volunteers and the binding could be inhibited by the addition of natural mosquito extract dose dependently. Immediate skin test reactions to rAed a 3 correlated significantly with mosquito bite-induced reactions. Of the bite test-positive volunteers, 32% had a positive rAed a 3 skin test and 46% had specific IgE. No bite test-negative volunteers reacted to rAed a 3 in either the skin tests or the IgE assays, confirming the specificity of the assay.

CONCLUSIONS

Aed a 3 that corresponds to the Aegyptin protein is a major mosquito salivary allergen. Its recombinant form has biological activity and is suitable for use in skin tests and specific IgE assays in mosquito-allergic individuals.

Prospects for flavonoid and related phytochemicals as nature-inspired treatments for Clostridium difficile infection

AIMS

There is a need for novel treatments for Clostridium difficile infection(CDI). Antibacterial flavonoids are part of a large family of polyphenol phytochemicals with a long history of use in ethnomedicine, but are unexamined against Cl. difficile. We explored their anti-difficile properties.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Anti-difficile activities were determined for several naturally occurring flavonoids, olympicin A and synthetic 4-chromanone and chalcone analogues. With the exception of olympicin A, most naturally occurring phytochemicals tested were poorly active. Diversified synthetic flavonoids resembling olympicin A retained anti-difficile activity, suggesting olympicin A could act as a pharmacophore to obtain novel agents. They also demonstrated concentration-dependent killing of logarithmic and stationary phase cultures and reduced sporulation and toxin production. Olympicin A and some synthetic flavonoids dissipated the bacterial transmembrane potential. Interestingly, mutants could only be selected with the analogue 207 at a frequency of 10(-9).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the potent anti-difficile properties of olympicin A and modified flavonoids, further exploration of this class of phytochemicals is warranted.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Clostridium difficile infection is a major problem in developed countries. These studies point to there being an avenue for optimizing plant-derived flavonoids, and related antibacterial phytochemicals, as nature-inspired approaches to treat CDI.

A post-GWAS confirming the SCD gene associated with milk medium- and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids in Chinese Holstein population

The stearoyl-CoA desaturase (delta-9-desaturase) gene encodes a key enzyme in the cellular biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids. In our initial genome-wide association study (GWAS) of Chinese Holstein cows, 19 SNPs fell in a 1.8-Mb region (20.3-22.1 Mb) on chromosome 26 underlying the SCD gene and were highly significantly associated with C14:1 or C14 index. The aims of this study were to verify whether the SCD gene has significant genetic effects on milk fatty acid composition in dairy cattle. By resequencing the entire coding region of the bovine SCD gene, a total of six variations were identified, including three coding variations (g.10153G>A, g.10213T>C and g.10329C>T) and three intronic variations (g.6926A>G, g.8646G>A and g.16158G>C). The SNP in exon 3, g.10329C>T, was predicted to result in an amino acid replacement from alanine (GCG) to valine (GTG) in the SCD protein. An association study for 16 milk fatty acids using 346 Chinese Holstein cows with accurate phenotypes and genotypes was performed using the mixed animal model with the proc mixed procedure in sas 9.2. All six detected SNPs were revealed to be associated with six medium- and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids (P = 0.0457 to P < 0.0001), specifically for C14:1 and C14 index (P = 0.0005 to P < 0.0001). Subsequently, strong linkage disequilibrium (D' = 0.88-1.00) was observed among all six SNPs in SCD and the five SNPs (rs41623887, rs109923480, rs42090224, rs42092174 and rs42091426) within the 1.8-Mb region identified in our previous GWAS, indicating that the significant association of the SCD gene with milk fatty acid content traits reduced the observed significant 1.8-Mb chromosome region in GWAS. Haplotype-based analysis revealed significant associations of the haplotypes encompassing the six SCD SNPs and one SNP (rs109923480) in a GWAS with C14:1, C14 index, C16:1 and C16 index (P = 0.0011 to P < 0.0001). In summary, our findings provide replicate evidence for our previous GWAS and demonstrate that variants in the SCD gene are significantly associated with milk fatty acid composition in dairy cattle, which provides clear evidence for an increased understanding of milk fatty acid synthesis and enhances opportunities to improve milk-fat composition in dairy cattle.

Vascular risk factors aggravate cognitive impairment in first-ever young ischaemic stroke patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Young ischaemic stroke patients often suffer from cognitive impairment after stroke. However, the risk factors of cognitive impairment are still unclear. This study examined the impact of vascular risk factors (VRFs) on cognitive impairment in first-ever young ischaemic stroke patients.

METHODS

Subjects were divided into low (0-1 VRF, n = 27), medium (2-3 VRFs, n = 45) and high-risk (≥4 VRFs, n = 12) groups according to their number of VRFs. The following VRFs were collected: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, atrial fibrillation, obesity, smoking, excess alcohol consumption, coronary heart disease and hyperhomocysteinaemia. A battery of cognitive assessments was executed 2 weeks after stroke. Differences of cognitive performances between groups were compared. The correlation between VRFs and cognitive function was investigated with an emphasis on discovering the main VRFs.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients were enrolled in this study eventually. Compared with the low-risk group, the high-risk group had significantly worse performance in most of the cognitive domains. VRFs had a correlation with general cognition, executive function, attention and verbal fluency. After adjusting the covariates, VRFs showed a linear correlation with global cognitive function (R = 0.640, P = 0.000), verbal fluency (R = 0.372, P = 0.000), delayed memory (R = 0.327, P = 0.002), visual attention (R = 0.290, P = 0.007) and executive function (R = 0.266, P = 0.015). Amongst all the VRFs, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, smoking and hyperhomocysteinaemia were the main influencing VRFs.

CONCLUSION

Vascular risk factors aggravate cognitive impairment after young ischaemic stroke. Effective management of VRFs in young adults is urgent and this may reduce the cognitive impairment.

Detection of functional polymorphisms influencing the promoter activity of the SAA2 gene and their association with milk production traits in Chinese Holstein cows

Our previous RNA sequencing experiment showed that the serum amyloid A2 (SAA2) gene was one of the most promising candidates for milk protein and fat traits in dairy cattle. The SAA2 gene encodes an apolipoprotein related to high-density lipoproteins. To further validate its genetic effects, genotype-phenotype associations were performed in this study. Through resequencing of the entire coding region and the 5'-regulatory region of the SAA2 gene using pooled DNA of 12 unrelated sires, one novel 3-bp insertion-deletion and five previously reported SNPs were detected. These identified SNPs were genotyped and tested for association with five milk production-related traits in 717 Chinese Holstein cows. After Bonferroni correction for multiple t-tests, five of them were found to be statistically significant for milk yield, fat yield and protein yield (P < 0.0001~0.0053). Haplotype-based association analysis revealed a similar effect on fat yield and protein yield (P = 0.0005, P = 0.0032 respectively). Then, using luciferase report assay, the regulatory effect of the three SNPs located in the promoter region (c.-22G>A; c.17G>C; c.114G>A) was evaluated on transcriptional activity. In HEK-293 cell lines, we found that constructs GCG and AGG showed higher luciferase activity compared with GCA (P < 0.01, P < 0.01 respectively). Meanwhile, the prediction of the putative differential transcription factor binding site revealed that c.17G>C and c.114G>A caused the alteration in the transcription factor. Overall, the findings presented here provide the first evidence for associations of the SAA2 gene with milk fat and protein traits, which appears to be a key candidate for milk production traits in dairy cattle.

Characterization of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Isolate US/Iowa/18984/2013 Infection in 1-Day-Old Cesarean-Derived Colostrum-Deprived Piglets

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) was first recognized in North America in April 2013 and has since caused devastating disease. The objective of this study was to characterize disease and viral detection associated with an original North American PEDV isolate inoculated in neonatal piglets. Thirty-six 1-day-old cesarean-derived and colostrum-deprived piglets were randomly assigned to the control (n = 16) or challenged group (n = 20); the latter were orogastrically inoculated with 1 ml of US/Iowa/18984/2013 PEDV isolate titered at 1 × 10(3) plaque-forming units per milliliter. Rectal swabs were collected from all piglets prior to inoculation and every 12 hours postinoculation (hpi) thereafter, with 4 control and 5 challenged piglets euthanized at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hpi. One piglet had a positive real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction test on rectal swab at 12 hpi, and all remaining piglets were positive thereafter, with highest viral quantities detected at 24 and 36 hpi. Diarrhea was evident in 30% and 100% of challenged piglets at 18 and 24 hpi, respectively. Viral antigen was detected in enterocytes by immunohistochemistry in the duodenum and ileum of piglets euthanized at 12 hpi and was apparent throughout the small intestine of all piglets thereafter, with villus height:crypt depth ratios consistently below 4:1. Viremia was confirmed in 18 of 20 pigs at euthanasia. Clinical disease was severe and developed rapidly following infection with an original North American PEDV isolate, with lesions, viremia, and antigen detection possible by 12 hpi.

A NOVEL FLT4 GENE MUTATION AND MR LYMPHANGIOGRAPHY IN A CHINESE FAMILY WITH MILROY DISEASE

Milroy disease is a congenital onset lymphedema linked to FLT4 gene mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain. So far, a total of 59 different FLT4 variants have been identified. Here, we report a novel FLT4 gene mutation in a Chinese family with Milroy disease and present their clinical symptoms and MR lymphangiographic findings.

Impact of relationships between test and training animals and among training animals on reliability of genomic prediction

One of the factors affecting the reliability of genomic prediction is the relationship among the animals of interest. This study investigated the reliability of genomic prediction in various scenarios with regard to the relationship between test and training animals, and among animals within the training data set. Different training data sets were generated from EuroGenomics data and a group of Nordic Holstein bulls (born in 2005 and afterwards) as a common test data set. Genomic breeding values were predicted using a genomic best linear unbiased prediction model and a Bayesian mixture model. The results showed that a closer relationship between test and training animals led to a higher reliability of genomic predictions for the test animals, while a closer relationship among training animals resulted in a lower reliability. In addition, the Bayesian mixture model in general led to a slightly higher reliability of genomic prediction, especially for the scenario of distant relationships between training and test animals. Therefore, to prevent a decrease in reliability, constant updates of the training population with animals from more recent generations are required. Moreover, a training population consisting of less-related animals is favourable for reliability of genomic prediction.

CTLA4 enhances the osteogenic differentiation of allogeneic human mesenchymal stem cells in a model of immune activation

Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (allo-MSCs) have recently garnered increasing interest for their broad clinical therapy applications. Despite this, many studies have shown that allo-MSCs are associated with a high rate of graft rejection unless immunosuppressive therapy is administered to control allo-immune responses. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) is a co-inhibitory molecule expressed on T cells that mediates the inhibition of T-cell function. Here, we investigated the osteogenic differentiation potency of allo-MSCs in an activated immune system that mimics the in vivo allo-MSC grafting microenvironment and explored the immunomodulatory role of the helper T cell receptor CTLA4 in this process. We found that MSC osteogenic differentiation was inhibited in the presence of the activated immune response and that overexpression of CTLA4 in allo-MSCs suppressed the immune response and promoted osteogenic differentiation. Our results support the application of CTLA4-overexpressing allo-MSCs in bone tissue engineering.

The Kinematics and Kinetics Analysis of the Lower Extremity in the Landing Phase of a Stop-jump Task

Large number of studies showed that landing with great impact forces may be a risk factor for knee injuries. The purpose of this study was to illustrate the different landing loads to lower extremity of both genders and examine the relationships among selected lower extremity kinematics and kinetics during the landing of a stop-jump task. A total of 35 male and 35 female healthy subjects were recruited in this study. Each subject executed five experiment actions. Lower extremity kinematics and kinetics were synchronously acquired. The comparison of lower extremity kinematics for different genders showed significant difference. The knee and hip maximum flexion angle, peak ground reaction force and peak knee extension moment have significantly decreased during the landing of the stop-jump task among the female subjects. The hip flexion angle at the initial foot contact phase showed significant correlation with peak ground reaction force during landing of the stop-jump task (r=-0.927, p<0.001). The knee flexion angle at the initial foot contact phase had significant correlation with peak ground reaction force and vertical ground reaction forces during landing of the stop-jump task (r=-0.908, p<0.001; r=0.812, P=0.002). A large hip and knee flexion angles at the initial foot contact with the ground did not necessarily reduce the impact force during landing, but active hip and knee flexion motions did. The hip and knee flexion motion of landing was an important technical factor that affects anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) loading during the landing of the stop-jump task.

Three-dimensional cell manipulation and patterning using dielectrophoresis via a multi-layer scaffold structure

Cell manipulation is imperative to the areas of cellular biology and tissue engineering, providing them a useful tool for patterning cells into cellular patterns for different analyses and applications. This paper presents a novel approach to perform three-dimensional (3D) cell manipulation and patterning with a multi-layer engineered scaffold. This scaffold structure employed dielectrophoresis as the non-contact mechanism to manipulate cells in the 3D domain. Through establishing electric fields via this multi-layer structure, the cells in the medium became polarized and were attracted towards the interior part of the structure, forming 3D cellular patterns. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the manipulation and the patterning processes with the proposed structure. Results show that with the presence of a voltage input, this multi-layer structure was capable of manipulating different types of biological cells examined through dielectrophoresis, enabling automatic cell patterning in the time-scale of minutes. The effects of the voltage input on the resultant cellular pattern were examined and discussed. Viability test was performed after the patterning operation and the results confirmed that majority of the cells remained viable. After 7 days of culture, 3D cellular patterns were observed through SEM. The results suggest that this scaffold and its automated dielectrophoresis-based patterning mechanism can be used to construct artificial tissues for various tissue engineering applications.