Up-regulation of Cytoplasmic CD24 Expression Is Associated with Malignant Transformation but Favorable Prognosis of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

AIM

Cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24) is known to be a putative marker of stem cell and tumor metastasis. This study aimed to verify the clinicopathological value of CD24 expression in colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRAC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of seven whole-tissue sections of malignant polyps including the sequence non-neoplastic colorectal tissue-adenoma-CRAC, 48 adenomas and 161 CRACs arranged as tissue microarray were examined by immunohistochemistry for CD24 protein expression. Association of CD24 expression with clinicopathological parameters were also studied.

RESULTS

CD24 was not detected in normal mucosal epithelia. Cytoplasmic CD24 expression was higher in CRAC than in adenoma (p<0.001). In CRACs, cytoplasmic CD24 expression was inversely correlated with poor differentiation (grades 1 to 3), tumor size, and pathological TNM stage (I to III versus IV) (p=0.005, p=0.034, and p=0.006, respectively). Statistical correlations between high CD24 expression and longer overall and disease-free survival were found (p=0.023 and p=0.033, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that up-regulation of CD24 expression in CRAC occurs at malignant transformation but is a marker of good prognosis, being down-regulated in pathological TNM stage IV. CD24 expression may be a challenging diagnostic marker in differentiating early invasive CRAC from adenoma and may serve as a prognostic marker in patients with CRAC.

Two different phase-change origins with chemical- and structural-phase-changes in C doped (1.5 wt.%) In3Sb1Te2

We fabricated C-doped (1.5 wt.%) In₃Sb₁Te₂ (CIST) thin films with amorphous phase (a-CIST) using a sputter method. Two electrical-phase-changes at 250 and 275 °C were observed in the sheet resistance measurement. In order to understand the origin of these electrical-phase-changes, all samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, and HRXPS with synchrotron radiation. In a-CIST, only weak Sb-C bonding was observed. In the first electrical-phase-change at 250 °C, strong Sb-C bonding occurred without an accompanying structural/phase change (still amorphous). On the other hand, the second electrical-phase-change at 275 °C was due to the structural/phase change from amorphous to crystalline without a chemical state change.

No Detection of Episomal or Integrated High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in Nonsmall Cell Lung Carcinomas among Korean Population

Objectives

High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) is known to be a representative cancer-causing agent in the genital and head and neck regions. Many studies have detected hrHPV DNA in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma. However, hrHPV–etiologic correlation in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma remains unclear. This study is designed to determine the prevalence of episomal or integrated hrHPV DNA in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma among the Korean population.

Methods

Surgically resected nonsmall cell lung carcinoma tissues, including 134 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) and 99 cases of adenocarcinoma (ADC), were examined. In situ hybridization (ISH) for detecting episomal or integrated hrHPV DNA was performed using the INFORM HPV III Family 16 Probe (B) in the Ventana-validated assay. Anyplex II HPV28 detection kit based on real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for HPV DNA detection and genotyping.

Results

All members of the study population were of Korean ethnicity. Episomal or integrated hrHPV DNA ISH analysis result was negative in all 233 cases. One SqCC of 89 samples (42 SqCCs and 47 ADCs) was positive for an hrHPV genotype by Anyplex II HPV28 detection kit.

Conclusion

Our finding did not demonstrate hrHPV–etiologic correlation in primary lung SqCC and ADC in the Korean population.

The usefulness of a novel fully automated PCR-based Idylla test for detection of the BRAF V600E mutation in thyroid tissue: comparison with PNA-clamping PCR, real-time PCR and pyrosequencing

INTRODUCTION

The BRAF V600E mutation is the most common genetic event in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The BRAF V600E mutational status has a significant diagnostic and prognostic role in PTC since it can be detected in 32%-87% of PTC by various molecular methods.

AIMS

A novel, fully automated real-time PCR-based Idylla test is assessed to detect the BRAF mutation in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) thyroid samples.

METHODS

99 PTC and 11 nodular hyperplasia FFPE thyroid tissues are evaluated for the BRAF V600E mutation by the Idylla tests and compared with peptide nucleic acid-clamping PCR, real-time PCR and pyrosequencing.

RESULTS

The sensitivity and specificity of the Idylla test to detect BRAF V600E are 98.8% and 100%, which is superior to real-time PCR and pyrosequencing. The concordance between Idylla and true positive is highest at 0.974.

CONCLUSIONS

This study validates that the Idylla test is a sensitive and specific method to detect BRAF V600E in FFPE thyroid tissues. A simple, quick and easy to handle Idylla test is a useful and reliable molecular technique to evaluate BRAF mutations.

PIN1 Suppresses the Hepatic Differentiation of Pulp Stem Cells via Wnt3a

This study aimed to investigate the role of PIN1 on the hepatic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and its signaling pathway, as well as the potential therapeutic effects of hDPSC transplantation and PIN1 inhibition on CCl₄ (carbon tetrachloride)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. The in vitro results showed that hepatic differentiation was suppressed by infection with adenovirus-PIN1 and promoted by PIN1 inhibitor juglone via the downregulation of Wnt3a and β-catenin. Compared with treatment with either hDPSC transplantation or juglone alone, the combination of hDPSCs and juglone into CCl₄-injured mice significantly suppressed liver fibrosis and restored serum levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and ammonia. Collectively, the present study shows for the first time that PIN1 inhibition promotes hepatic differentiation of hDPSCs through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Furthermore, juglone in combination with hDPSC transplantation effectively treats liver fibrosis, suggesting that hDPSC transplantation with PIN1 inhibition may be a novel therapeutic candidate for the treatment of liver injury.

Primary Pulmonary Amyloidosis with Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy

We report a case of inadvertent hoarseness after surgery for primary pulmonary amyloidosis. A 55-year-old male was transferred to our facility due to a lung mass. Chest computed tomography revealed a solitary pulmonary nodule. Positron emission tomography–computed tomography showed fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the main mass and in the mediastinal lymph nodes. To confirm the pathology of the mass, wedge resection and thorough lymph node dissection were performed via video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). No complications except for hoarseness were observed; hoarseness developed soon after surgery and lasted for 3 months. The main mass was diagnosed as amyloidosis, but this was not found in the lymph nodes. In conclusion, VATS wedge resection for peripheral amyloidosis is a feasible and safe procedure. However, mediastinal lymph node dissection is not recommended unless there is evidence of a clear benefit.

Disease-drug database for pharmacogenomic-based prescribing

Providers have expressed a strong desire to have additional clinical decision-support tools to help with interpretation of pharmacogenomic results. We developed and tested a novel disease-drug association tool that enables pharmacogenomic-based prescribing to treat common diseases. First, 324 drugs were mapped to 484 distinct diseases (mean number of drugs treating each disease was 4.9; range 1-37). Then the disease-drug association tool was pharmacogenomically annotated, with an average of 1.8 pharmacogenomically annotated drugs associated/disease. Applying this tool to a prospectively enrolled >1,000 patient cohort from a tertiary medical center showed that 90% of the top ∼20 diseases in this population and ≥93% of patients could appropriately be treated with ≥1 medication with actionable pharmacogenomic information. When combined with clinical patient genotypes, this tool permits delivery of patient-specific pharmacogenomically informed disease treatment recommendations to inform the treatment of many medical conditions of the US population, a key initial step towards implementation of precision medicine.

Risk factors for recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma undergoing modified radical neck dissection

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the impact of lymph node-related factors on the risk of and site of recurrence in patients who had papillary thyroid carcinoma with lymph node metastasis in the lateral compartment (classified as pN1b).

METHODS

Patients underwent total thyroidectomy with unilateral modified radical neck dissection for classical papillary thyroid carcinoma. Risk factors for recurrence were evaluated according to the pattern of recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 324 patients were included in the study. The median follow-up was 63 (range 14-181) months. Recurrence was detected in 47 patients (14·5 per cent). In the multivariable analysis, a maximum diameter of metastatic lymph nodes larger than 2·0 cm (hazard ratio (HR) 1·15, 95 per cent c.i. 1·06 to 1·25; P = 0·033) and a central compartment metastatic lymph node ratio of more than 0·42 (HR 3·35, 1·65 to 6·79; P < 0·001) were identified as independent risk factors for locoregional recurrence. Age 45 years or older (HR 5·69, 1·24 to 26·12; P = 0·025) and extranodal extension of metastasis (HR 12·71, 1·64 to 98·25; P = 0·015) were risk factors for distant metastasis. In subgroup analysis of locoregional recurrence, several lymph node-related factors affected the risk of recurrence according to the specific site of metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Lymph node-related factors are of importance for the risk of recurrence in patients with classical papillary thyroid carcinoma classified as pN1b.

Molecular identification of the traditional herbal medicines, Arisaematis Rhizoma and Pinelliae Tuber, and common adulterants via universal DNA barcode sequences

Methods to identify Pinelliae Tuber and Arisaematis Rhizoma are required because of frequent reciprocal substitution between these two herbal medicines and the existence of several closely related plant materials. As a result of the morphological similarity of dried tubers, correct discrimination of authentic herbal medicines is difficult by conventional methods. Therefore, we analyzed DNA barcode sequences to identify each herbal medicine and the common adulterants at a species level. To verify the identity of these herbal medicines, we collected five authentic species (Pinellia ternata for Pinelliae Tuber, and Arisaema amurense, A. amurense var. serratum, A. erubescens, and A. heterophyllum for Arisaematis Rhizoma) and six common adulterant plant species. Maturase K (matK) and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL) genes were then amplified using universal primers. In comparative analyses of two DNA barcode sequences, we obtained 45 species-specific nucleotides sufficient to identify each species (except A. erubescens with matK) and 28 marker nucleotides for each species (except P. pedatisecta with rbcL). Sequence differences at corresponding positions of the two combined DNA barcodes provided genetic marker nucleotides that could be used to identify specimens of the correct species among the analyzed medicinal plants. Furthermore, we generated a phylogenetic tree showing nine distinct groups depending on the species. These results can be used to authenticate Pinelliae Tuber and Arisaematis Rhizoma from their adulterants and to identify each species. Thus, comparative analyses of plant DNA barcode sequences identified useful genetic markers for the authentication of Pinelliae Tuber and Arisaematis Rhizoma from several adulterant herbal materials.

Mixed gonadal dysgenesis in 45,X Turner syndrome with SRY gene

Turner syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder in girls. Various phenotypic features show depending upon karyotype from normal female through ambiguous genitalia to male. Usually, Turner girls containing 45,X/46,XY mosaicism, or sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene may have mixed gonadal dysgenesis with various external sexual differentiation. We experienced a short statured 45,X Turner girl with normal external genitalia. Because SRY gene was positive, laparoscopic gonadectomy was performed. The dysgenetic gonads revealed bilateral ovotesticular tissues. The authors report a mixed gonadal dysgenesis case found in clinical 45,X Turner patient with positive SRY gene. Screening for SRY gene should be done even the karyotype is 45,X monosomy and external genitalia is normal.

Simultaneous analysis of mono-, di-, and tri-ethanolamine in cosmetic products using liquid chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry

Alkanolamines such as monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA) are used as wetting agents in shampoos, lotions, creams, and other cosmetics. DEA is widely used to provide lather in shampoos and maintain a favorable consistency in lotions and creams. Although DEA is not harmful, it may react with other ingredients in the cosmetic formula after extended storage periods to form an extremely potent carcinogen called nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA), which is readily absorbed through the skin and has been linked to the development of stomach, esophagus, liver, and bladder cancers. The purpose of this study was to develop a simultaneous quantification method for measurement of MEA, DEA, and TEA in cosmetic products. Liquid chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed using a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column with isocratic elution containing acetonitrile and 5 mM ammonium formate in water (88:12, v/v). Identification and quantification of alkanolamines were performed using MS/MS monitoring to assess the transition from precursor to product ion of MEA (m/z, 61.1 → 44.0), DEA (m/z, 106.1 → 88.0), TEA (m/z, 150.1 → 130.0), and the internal standard triethylamine (m/z, 102.2 → 58.0). Alkanolamines extractions were simplified using a single extraction with acetonitrile in the cosmetic matrix. Performance of the method was evaluated with quality parameters such as specificity, carry-over, linearity and calibration, correlation of determination (R(2)), detection limit, precision, accuracy, and recovery. Calibration curves of MEA (2.9-1000 ppb), DEA (1-1000 ppb), and TEA (1-1000 ppb) were constructed by plotting concentration versus peak-area ratio (analyte/internal standard with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.99). The intra- and inter-assay accuracy ranged from 92.92 to 101.15 % for all analytes. The intra- and inter-assay precision for MEA, DEA, and TEA showed all coefficients of variance were less than 9.38 % for QC samples. Limits of detection and limits of quantification were 2.00 and 15.63 ppb for MEA, 0.49 and 1.96 ppb for DEA, and 0.49 and 1.96 ppb for TEA, respectively. This novel quantification method simplified sample preparation and allowed accurate and reproducible quantification of alkanolamines in the ng/g cosmetic weight (ppb) range for several cosmetic products.

Measurement of Human Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Induction Based on Mesalazine and Mosapride Citrate Treatments Using a Luminescent Assay

Drug metabolism mostly occurs in the liver. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) is a drug-metabolizing enzyme that is responsible for many important drug metabolism reactions. Recently, the US FDA and EU EMA have suggested that CYP enzyme induction can be measured by both enzymatic activity and mRNA expression. However, these experiments are time-consuming and their inter-assay variability can lead to misinterpretations of the results. To resolve these problems and establish a more powerful method to measure CYP induction, we determined CYP induction by using luminescent assay. Luminescent CYP assays link CYP enzyme activity to firefly luciferase luminescence technology. In this study, we measured the induction of CYP isozymes (1A2, 2B6, 2C9, and 3A4) in cryopreserved human hepatocytes (HMC424, 478, and 493) using a luminometer. We then examined the potential induction abilities (unknown so far) of mesalazine, a drug for colitis, and mosapride citrate, which is used as an antispasmodic drug. The results showed that mesalazine promotes CYP2B6 and 3A4 activities, while mosapride citrate promotes CYP1A2, 2B6, and 3A4 activities. Luminescent CYP assays offer rapid and safe advantages over LC-MS/MS and qRT-PCR methods. Furthermore, luminescent CYP assays decrease the interference between the optical properties of the test compound and the CYP substrates. Therefore, luminescent CYP assays are less labor intensive, rapid, and can be used as robust tools for high-throughput CYP screening during early drug discovery.

Changes in heart-rate variability of survivors of nasopharyngeal cancer during Tai Chi Qigong practice

[Purpose] To explore the changes in heart-rate variability (HRV) of survivors of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) before, during, and after a Tai Chi (TC) Qigong exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Eleven survivors of NPC participated voluntarily in the study. The heart rate of each participant was measured continuously for 1 minute before the TC Qigong intervention, during the 5-minute TC Qigong intervention, and for 1 minute after the intervention, using a Polar heart-rate monitor. Spectral HRV was expressed in terms of normalised low frequency (LF) power, normalised high frequency (HF) power, and the low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) power ratio. [Results] Both the LF-power and the HF-power components had significant time effects. However, the time effect of the LF/HF power ratio was not significant. Post hoc contrast analysis revealed a significant decrease in LF power and a concomitant increase in HF power during the 4th minute and 5th minute of the TC Qigong exercise. [Conclusion] Five minutes of TC Qigong exercise was found to improve HRV by increasing HF power and decreasing LF power, but these effects were transient. TC Qigong might be an appropriate exercise for improving the ANS function and psychological and cardiac health of survivors of NPC.

Optimized precursor ion selection for labile ions in a linear ion trap mass spectrometer and its impact on quantification using selected reaction monitoring

The fragmentation of fragile ions during the application of an isolation waveform for precursor ion selection and the resulting loss of isolated ion intensity is well-known in ion trap mass spectrometry (ITMS). To obtain adequate ion intensity in the selected reaction monitoring (SRM) of fragile precursor ions, a wider ion isolation width is required. However, the increased isolation width significantly diminishes the selectivity of the channels chosen for SRM, which is a serious problem for samples with complex matrices. The sensitive and selective quantification of many lipid molecules, including ceramides from real biological samples, using a linear ion trap mass spectrometer is also hindered by the same problem because of the ease of water loss from protonated ceramide ions. In this study, a method for the reliable quantification of ceramides using SRM with near unity precursor ion isolation has been developed for ITMS by utilizing alternative precursor ions generated by in-source dissociation. The selected precursor ions allow the isolation of ions with unit mass width and the selective analysis of ceramides using SRM with negligible loss of sensitivity. The quantification of C18:0-, C24:0- and C24:1-ceramides using the present method shows excellent linearity over the concentration ranges from 6 to 100, 25 to 1000 and 25 to 1000 nM, respectively. The limits of detection of C18:0-, C24:0- and C24:1-ceramides were 0.25, 0.25 and 5 fmol, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied to quantify ceramides in fetal bovine serum.

CEACAM6 as detected by the AP11 antibody is a marker notable for mucin-producing adenocarcinomas

A new monoclonal antibody recognizing CEACAM6, which we named AP11, was generated by immunizing BALB/c mice with phytohemagglutinin-activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This study aims to evaluate whether CEACAM6 can serve as a tumor marker using AP11. We examined the expression of CEACAM6 with AP11 in 11 human carcinoma cell lines by flow cytometry and 439 human tissues including 282 tumor tissues and 157 normal tissues by immunohistochemistry. CEACAM6 epitope recognized by AP11 was well preserved in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues. Adenocarcinomas of the stomach (86 %), colorectum (95 %), pancreas (100 %), and lung (83 %), urinary bladder (100 %), and mucinous ovarian tumors (88 %) had a high rate of CEACAM6 immunoreactivity. We observed a variable expression of CEACAM6 in hepatocellular carcinomas (35 %), squamous cell carcinomas of the lung (60 %), renal cell carcinomas (14 %), urothelial carcinomas (13 %), serous carcinomas of the ovary (17 %), and breast carcinomas (11 %). Small-cell carcinomas of the lung, prostatic adenocarcinomas, papillary thyroid carcinomas, malignant melanomas, giant cell tumors, and osteosarcomas were negative for CEACAM6. All normal tissues of various organs were negative for CEACAM6. In conclusion, CEACAM6 as detected by AP11, may serve as a marker for mucin-producing adenocarcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract and ovary as well as non-small cell lung cancer. Thus, AP11 represents a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting CEACMA6-positive cancers.

Rhodococcus aerolatus sp. nov., isolated from subarctic rainwater

A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped and non-motile strain, designated PAMC 27367(T), was isolated from rainwater collected on the Bering Sea. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the strain showed an affiliation with the genus Rhodococcus. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that strain PAMC 27367(T) formed a robust clade with the type strains of Rhodococcus rhodnii, Rhodococcus aetherivorans and Rhodococcus ruber with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 96.3 %, 95.8 % and 95.5 %, respectively. Cells of the strain grew optimally at 25 °C and at pH 6.5-7.0 in the presence of 0-2 % (w/v) sea salts. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and three unknown phospholipids. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C16 : 0, C17 : 1ω8c and 10-methyl C17 : 0. Cell wall analysis showed that strain PAMC 27367(T) contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The genomic DNA G+C content was 77.1 mol%. Based on the phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data presented here, we propose a novel species with the name Rhodococcus aerolatus sp. nov., with PAMC 27367(T) ( = KCTC 29240(T) = JCM 19485(T)) as the type strain.