Clinical significance of ERCC1 expression in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with cisplatin- based concurrent chemoradiation

6061

Background: The cytotoxic effect of cisplatin is based on the DNA cross linking. Nucleotide excision repair is associated with resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy. The excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) enzyme plays a rate-limiting role in nucleotide excision repair pathway. We evaluated the expression of ERCC1 as a predictive factor for survival in patients of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) treated with cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Methods: We reviewed the clinical records and pathologic specimens of locally advanced SCCHN patients who had been treated with cisplatin-based definitive CCRT between 1995 and 2005. ERCC1 expression of the biopsy specimen was assessed by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and a semi- quantitative grading system (H-score) was used for the evaluation. The median value of the H-score was chosen as the cutoff point for positive ERCC1 expression. Results: A total of 44 specimens and clinical data of the patients were reviewed. The median age was 59 years (range; 27–75), and 81.8% were male; 94.2% had ECOG performance status 0–1. The positive ERCC1 expression rate was 54.5% of all specimens (N=24/44). Overall tumor response rate for CCRT was 90.9% (CR=65.9%; PR=25.0%). With a median follow-up of 45.9 months (range; 5.4–133.0), 5-year progression free survival (PFS) rate was 58.0% and 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 57.2%. Patients in group of positive ERCC1 expression showed poor survival in terms of PFS and OS (p=0.04; p=0.05), compared with negative ERCC1 expression group. Conclusions: The positive ERCC1 expression might be a predictive factor for poor survival and early progression in patients with locally advanced SCCHN treated with cisplatin-based CCRT.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Recent clinical experience with multimodality therapy in thymic carcinoma

18003

Background: Thymic carcinomas typically carry a poor prognosis and are quite rare. As such, their management has not been standardized. We reviewed our recent experience with multimodality treatment for thymic carcinoma for outcomes. Methods: Retrospective review of a single institution surgical database. Data included patient demographics, pre-operative staging and treatment, peri-operative events, pathologic findings, and postoperative outcomes. Results: During the 10 year period from 1996–2006, 115 thymic tumors were primarily resected, including 17 patients who had thymic carcinoma. Patient characteristics are listed in the table below. Twelve patients underwent preoperative, platinum-based chemotherapy, and nine patients underwent postoperative radiation. At a mean follow-up of 28.4 months (range 2.1–141.7, median 10.9), 59% (10/17) are disease-free, 2 have died of disease, 4 are alive with disease. In the 10 patients who underwent complete resection, there have been no recurrences. There was one operative mortality. There were no adverse events of CTCAE Grade III or higher. Median length of stay was 5 days (range 3–8). Median survival has not yet been reached. Overall 5-year survival was 80%. Conclusions: Multimodality therapy for thymic carcinoma can result in good long-term survival.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase II trial of concurrent chemoradiaiton with paclitaxel/carboplatin in high-risk cervical cancer patients after radical hysterectomy: A multicenter prospective Korean study

5598

Background: In 1999, five randomized studies demonstrated that cisplatin based chemoradiation had a benefit over radiotherapy in cervical cancer. However, paclitaxel has been known to be safe and effective as a radiosensitizer, and carboplatin to be less toxic than cisplatin with simpler administration. Therefore, the object of this study was to evaluate the 2 year disease free survival and toxicity of high risk cervical cancer patients who received chemoradiation with paclitaxel/carboplatin. Methods: Seventy-one patients with at least one high risk factor after radical hysterectomy (metastasis to pelvic lymph nodes (LNs), invasion of parametrial tissue (PMs), positive vaginal resection margin) were administered 135 mg/m2 of paclitaxel, carboplatin (AUC = 5) every 3 weeks for 3 cycles as an adjuvant treatment. Radiotherapy was concomitantly administered to the whole pelvic region in 28 fractions totaling 4.5∼5.4Gy. Results: Median age was 49 (range: 26–80). Seven women were dropped from the study due to noncompliance and two patients did not complete treatment due to anaphylactic shock and prolonged infection. In total, sixty-two patients completed the protocol treatment. Of 211 chemotherapy cycles administered, grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in 85 (40.3%) and the majority were transient. Dose reductions were in 7 cycles due to prolonged (over 4 days) neutropenia (6), and elevated liver enzyme (1). Febrile neutropenia occurred in only two patients. 14 patients experienced grade 3 or 4 non-hematologic toxicities: 1 sensory neurotoxicity, 2 fatigue, 4 diarrhea, 3 allergic reaction, 2 genitourinary, 2 hepatic, with no treatment related deaths. With a median follow-up of 20.1 (16–28) months, 8 patients experienced recurrences, 2 distant lung metastasis and 6 pelvic side wall or paraaortic recurrences (DFS: 87.1%, 95CI:78.8∼95.4). Conclusions: Concurrent chemoradiation with paclitaxel/carboplatin is well tolerated and appears effective in early stage high risk cervical cancer patients. Considering the advantages of lower toxicity and shorter treatment schedule, this regimen shows promise and should be further tested on a larger number of patients with a prolonged follow-up.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Effects of sex and APOE epsilon4 on object recognition and spatial navigation in the elderly

To determine effects of APOE epsilon4 (epsilon4) on cognitive performance of healthy elderly, 116 nondemented elders (mean age 81 years) were cognitive tested. The established tests Faces, Family Pictures, Spatial Span Forward and Backward, and the object recognition and spatial navigation tests developed in our laboratory were used as cognitive tests. Salivary samples were collected to determine APOE genotype and salivary testosterone and cortisol levels. Non-epsilon4- and epsilon4-carrying men and women did not differ in age, Mini-Mental State Examination, Wide Range Achievement Test-Reading, Beck Anxiety Inventory, or reaction time scores. There was an effect of epsilon4 on the object recognition and spatial navigation tests, with non-epsilon4 carriers outperforming epsilon4 carriers, but not in the other cognitive tests. No relationship was found for sex and epsilon4 status or sex and performance during the hidden session of Memory Island. In men, salivary cortisol levels correlated with object recognition. These results show that object recognition and spatial navigation tests are useful to assess cognitive function in the elderly.

Prenatal Vitamin C Status is Associated with Placental Apoptosis in Normal-term Human Pregnancies

Pregnancy is associated with increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. Deficiencies in antioxidants during pregnancy and placental oxidant-antioxidant imbalance may impair the development of the fetoplacental unit or the eventual offspring. In order to elucidate the association of prenatal status of vitamin C with the oxidative stress and apoptotic activity in normal full-term placentas, we evaluated the content of placental lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) and the trophoblast apoptotic index in normal-term human pregnancies. Tissue samples of placentas obtained from 80 normal-term pregnancies were categorized into 40 cases with a lower level of prenatal vitamin C (< 8.997 microg/ml) and 40 cases with a higher level of prenatal vitamin C (> or =11.734 microg/ml). We evaluated the placental LOX-1 content and the trophoblast apoptotic index with Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry, and then determined their correlation with the prenatal status of vitamin C. We confirmed that the trophoblast expression for the endothelial scavenger receptor LOX-1 and the apoptotic activity were significantly lower in the group with a higher prenatal level of vitamin C, indicating that placental oxidative stress and the apoptotic index were associated with the maternal status of vitamin C. We therefore postulate that the maternal status of antioxidant vitamins during pregnancy can affect fetal development.

Phase II trial of preoperative cisplatin-irinotecan followed by concurrent cisplatin-irinotecan and radiotherapy: PET scan after induction therapy may identify early treatment failure

4023

Background: Response on PET scan during preoperative chemotherapy (chemo) for esophageal cancer (EC) has prognostic significance [JCO 19:3058;2001]. Induction chemo with weekly irinotecan(I)/cisplatin(C) relieves dysphagia, and weekly I/C administered with radiotherapy (RT) is well tolerated [ProcASCO 23:Abs 4017;2005]. We completed a Phase II trial of induction I/C followed by I/C/RT followed by surgery. Repeat PET scan was performed after induction chemo and prior to RT. Methods: Patients (pts) with resectable EC/GE junction carcinoma were staged with EUS, PET, and CT scan. Induction chemo consisted of I-65 mg/m2 and C-30 mg/m2 weeks 1,2,4,5, and weeks 7,8,10,11 with RT (180 cGy daily fractions to 5040 cGy). PET scan was repeated at week 6. Esophagectomy was planned 4–8 weeks after RT. Results: 60 pts were enrolled: 6 inevaluable, 54 evaluable, 3 await surgery; 49 male (91%), 5 female (9%), 41 adenocarcinoma (76%), 13 squamous (24%), median age 59, median PS 0, EUS T3N1 35 (65%), N1 40 (74%). Of 41 pts with dysphagia, 31 (76%) had resolution/improvement with induction chemo and 3/54 (6%) required a feeding tube. Of 51 pts, 3 clinical complete responders (CR) deferred surgery (1 refusal, 2 medically inoperable). Of 48 pts, 4 progressed during induction (8%), 9 progressed during RT (19%), and 35 underwent R0 resection (73%). 9/48 (19%) achieved pathologic CR. The median overall survival was 35.4 mos (median follow up 15 mos). In exploratory analysis in 54 pts, response after induction on the week 6 PET scan measured as a decline in SUV, correlated with time to tumor progression (TTP). The mean change in SUV was 43%. A set point of 22% or greater decline in SUV (PET responder) yielded the greatest distinction in TTP (PET responders TTP 18.5 mos, vs nonresponders 5.5 mos, p = 0.03). 4 pts with progression during induction crossed over to RT with paclitaxel: 3 (2 squamous, 1 adenocarcinoma) achieved durable disease control (one pathologic CR, one pathologic PR, one clinical CR). Conclusions: Response on PET scan during induction chemo for EC may identify early treatment failures, and may direct pts to successful salvage with alternative chemo during RT. Supported by a grant from Pfizer.

[Table: see text]

Impact of pre-operative chemoradiotherapy on post-esophagectomy morbidity and mortality

4025

Background: While multimodality therapy prior to surgical resection for locally advanced esophageal cancer is increasingly utilized, there remains the perception in the literature that its use may contribute to increased peri-operative morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to compare our experience with the use of pre-operative chemoradiation with surgery (CRT) to patients who underwent surgery alone (S). Methods: We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of all patients in our institution who underwent either (S) or (CRT) between 1/96 and 5/05. Data collected included demographics (age, sex), co-morbidities (cardiac, pulmonary, diabetes), pre-operative treatment details (chemotherapy type, radiation dose), procedure type, post-operative complications (pneumonia, anastomotic leak), length of stay (LOS), and hospital mortality. Statistical analysis included chi-square analysis for categorical variables and analysis of variance for continuous variables, and multivariate analyses was done using a logistic regression model. Results: There were 701 patients who were appropriate for this analysis, 332 (47.3%) (CRT) and 369 (52.7%) (S). 76% of CRT patients received 5040cGy of radiation and 90% received concurrent cisplatin based chemotherapy. CRT patients were younger (p<0.001) and more often male (p=0.003). Univariate analysis indicated a similar incidence of pneumonia (p=0.78), leak rate (p=0.41), hospital length of stay (0.97), and hospital mortality (0.48). Multivariate analysis, controlling for demographics, co-morbidities, procedure type, and tumor location showed no significant difference in hospital mortality (p=0.84). Conclusions: The use of CRT does not appear to result in increased peri-operative morbidity or mortality.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A multicenter phase II study of pemetrexed and cisplatin in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC)

14008

Background: Pemetrexed is a novel folate antimetabolite, and it inhibits a number of folate-dependent enzymes. This agent has demonstrated activity in a variety of tumor types including AGC. This study was performed to evaluate the combination of pemetrexed and cisplatin in the treatment of AGC. The primary endpoint was response rate, and secondary endpoints were duration of response, time to progressive disease, time to treatment failure, overall survival, and toxicity. Methods: Patients with stage IV AGC not to be amendable to curative surgery and measurable disease were eligible. Pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 were given on day 1, every 21 days. Treatment was supplemented with folic acid, vitamin B12, and dexamethasone. Response was assessed by RECIST, and toxicity was assessed by NCI-CTC v 2.0. Results: From October 2003 to September 2004, 51 patients were enrolled, but 1 did not meet the eligibility criteria. There were 37 men and 13 women with a median age of 56 years (range, 24–69) and an ECOG PS 0/1 for 14/36 patients; all had metastatic disease. Of 50 evaluable patients, there were no complete responses, and 13 had confirmed partial responses (26%; 95% CI, 14.6%-40.3%). Fifteen patients (30%) had stable disease, and 21 (42%) progressed, and 1 (2%) was unknown. Among 13 responders, the median durarion of response was 3.60 months (95% CI, 2.80–9.40). Median time to progressive disease was 2.8 months (95% CI, 2.20–4.40), and median overall survival was 6.6 months (95% CI, 4.80–10.40). The median time to treatment failure was 2.10 months (95% CI, 1.00–2.80). Survival estimates were 32.0% at 3 months and 7.0% at 6 months. A total of 212 cycles were administered to 51 patients (median 4 [range, 1–13]). Based on 51 patients, most common grade 3/4 hematologic toxicities were neutropenia (49.0%), leukopenia (19.7%), and anemia (13.7%); the most common grade 3/4 nonhematologic toxicities were hyponatremia (15.7%), anorexia (9.8%), nausea (7.8%), and vomiting (7.8%). Conclusions: : The combination of pemetrexed and cisplatin in the current dose and schedule has a modest activity and a mild toxicity profile in patients with AGC. Further study is warranted using a different dose and treatment schedule.

[Table: see text]

Does endoscopy accurately predict response to chemoradiation in patients undergoing esophagectomy?

4024

Background: Endoscopic biopsy after chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for esophageal cancer has been used to determine response to treatment. To test the validity of this methodology, we conducted a study to determine if endoscopic biopsy can accurately establish evidence of local pathologic complete response (pCR), defined as no residual local disease in the esophagus, in patients undergoing esophagectomy after CRT. Methods: We retrospectively queried a prospectively maintained database for patients seen at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 1996 to the present who underwent, 1) CRT for esophageal cancer with the intent to proceed to esophagectomy post-treatment, and 2) post-CRT endoscopic biopsy. Data points included the pathology of the post-CRT endoscopy and resected surgical specimens, tumor histology, mean time from end of CRT to endoscopic biopsy, and mean time from endoscopic biopsy to surgery. Correlations were analyzed by the chi-square test and one way analysis of variance. Results: One-hundred thirty seven patients meeting our search criteria were identified. Ninety-percent of patients received cisplatin based chemotherapy and 5040 cGy of radiation. One-hundred four patients had a negative pathology on endoscopic biopsy. A negative pathology at endoscopic biopsy was a poor predictor of pCR (Positive Predictive Value = 37.5%), with 65% of these patients having residual local disease at esophagectomy. This result was not influenced by mean time from completion of CRT to endoscopy (p=0.5), or by mean time from endoscopy to surgery (p=0.47). A positive pathology at endoscopic biopsy was highly predictive of residual disease (p<0.001). When analyzed by histology, a negative endoscopic biopsy better predicted response for squamous cell carcinomas versus adenocarcinomas (p<0.001). Conclusions: Although improved for squamous cell cancers versus adenocarcinomas, a disease free endoscopic biopsy does not appear to be a useful predictor of a complete pathologic response after CRT. Neither the time to endoscopy after CRT, nor the time to surgery after endoscopy, influence this finding.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma in a 13-year-old girl with absence of EGFR gene mutation

17150

Non-small cell carcinoma of lung frequently associated with cigarette smoking is extremely rare in children. We, here, describe a 13-year-old female diagnosed with stage IV pulmonary adenocarcinoma. She had never started smoking. Yet, she had environmental tobacco smoking exposure in the household as her father had been a long-time heavy smoker. The patient presented with 6-month history of chronic recurring cough. A CT of chest showed a mass obstructing the left upper lung bronchus with a collapse of the lung in the left upper segment. A bronchoscopic biopsy revealed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. There were bilateral pleural and pericardial effusions along with multiple nodular lesions in the brain, liver and bones suggesting of wide dissemination of the lung cancer. In her past, there was no history of radiation exposure or immune deficiency. She had never had any other childhood cancer treated previously. Interestingly, there was no evidence of EGFR gene mutation in the genomic DNA analysis of the tumor specimen. In the hospital, she was treated with palliative chemotherapy initially starting with gefitinib and later with regimen of navelbine, gemcitabine and cisplatin combination with no response. A palliative radiation therapy to mediastinum was added mainly to relieve her airway obstruction. Currently, after 6 months from initial diagnosis, she remains clinically stable and ambulatory without tumor progression on docetaxel monthly chemotherapy cycle. Our report here suggests that a primary pulmonary adnenocarcinoma without previous radiation exposure to chest in a child who never had smoking may occur. It might be that environmental tobacco smoking exposure may have had a deleterious impact.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Elevated preoperative serum level of tumor markers CEA and CA 15–3 in breast cancer patients

621

Background: Serological tumor markers: Cancer Antigen 15–3 (CA 15–3), Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), have been investigated as useful markers for monitoring of response to treatment and for predicting outcome in breast cancer patients. Methods: A total of 820 breast cancer patients, treated over the period April 1999 through December 2003, had preoperative CA15–3 and CEA concentrations measured. The stage of the primary tumor ranged from 0 to IV. The median age of the patients was 47years (range 20–88 years old). The concentration of markers was investigated with regard to clinico-pathological parameters and patients outcome by both univariate and multivariate analysis. We determined the range of normality by the mean + 2 standard deviations of the markers distribution in populations of healthy females, who took an annual health screening program. Survival curves for disease free survival and death from disease were estimated by the method of Kaplan-Meier method and differences between groups in survival were tested using the log-rank test. All statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS statistics software (ver 10.5). Results: Among 820 patients, elevated preoperative level of CA15–3 and CEA was identified in 100 (12.2%) and 83 (10.1%) patients, respectively. Tumor size (>5cm), lymph node metastases (≥4), advanced stage (stage III and IV) were associated with significantly higher level of both preoperative CA15–3 and CEA. Elevated preoperative values of CA15–3 and CEA were associated with poor disease free survival (DFS, p=0.0019, p=0.0001, respectively) and distant relapse-free survival (DRFS, p=0.011, p=0.0034), but the level was marginal for overall survival (OS, p=0.0848, p=0.0895). By Cox’s multivariate analysis, younger age (<35 years), larger tumor size(>2cm), axillary node metastases, negative ER expression, elevated preoperative values of CA15–3 and CEA were independent prognostic factors for DFS and DRFS. Conclusions: High level of preoperative CA 15–3 and CEA might reflect a tumor burden, and is associated with advanced disease condition and disease-free survival. Measuring preoperative levels of CA 15–3 and CEA might be helpful for predicting the outcome and for planning the adjuvant therapy in breast cancer patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Distribution of dioxins in surface soils and river-mouth sediments and their relevance to watershed properties

The dioxins toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentration in surface soils, river sediments and river-mouth sediments was measured by the CALUX assay in the Yasu and Ado River basins around Lake Biwa, Japan. In order to examine the distribution of dioxins in each watershed, we evaluated and compared the correlation between the dioxins TEQ concentration and the solid characteristics (i.e. organic carbon content and particle size distribution) of all samples. In both basins, the dioxins TEQ concentration in forest soil correspondingly showed a very good linear relationship to organic carbon content. On the other hand, the dioxins TEQ concentration in paddy field was significantly high, although organic carbon content was relatively low. Generally, the smaller particles have the higher dioxins TEQ concentrations in surface soils, and river sediments were composed of very coarse particles and had relatively low dioxins TEQ concentration. Therefore, we expected high dioxins TEQ concentration in river-mouth sediment, which was, however, not the case. Although the dioxins TEQ concentration in river-mouth sediments is low, the degree of dioxins pollution was different in each basin. The difference was considered to come from the difference of watershed properties including land use, river-slope, dam construction as well as the surface soil pollution.

Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness map determined from optical coherence tomography images

We introduce a method to determine the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in OCT images based on anisotropic noise suppression and deformable splines. Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SDOCT) data was acquired at 29 kHz A-line rate with a depth resolution of 2.6 mum and a depth range of 1.6 mm. Areas of 9.6x6.4 mm2 and 6.4x6.4 mm2 were acquired in approximately 6 seconds. The deformable spline algorithm determined the vitreous-RNFL and RNFL-ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer boundary, respectively, based on changes in the reflectivity, resulting in a quantitative estimation of the RNFL thickness. The thickness map was combined with an integrated reflectance map of the retina and a typical OCT movie to facilitate clinical interpretation of the OCT data. Large area maps of RNFL thickness will permit better longitudinal evaluation of RNFL thinning in glaucoma.

Effects of sample arm motion in endoscopic polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

Motion of the sample arm fiber in optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems can dynamically alter the polarization state of light incident on tissue during imaging, with consequences for both conventional and polarization-sensitive (PS-)OCT. Endoscopic OCT is particularly susceptible to polarization-related effects, since in most cases, the transverse scanning mechanism involves motion of the sample arm optical fiber to create an image. We investigated the effects of a scanning sample arm fiber on the polarization state of light in an OCT system, and demonstrate that by referencing the state backscattered from within a sample to the measured state at the surface, changes in polarization state due to sample fiber motion can be isolated. The technique is demonstrated by high-speed PS-OCT imaging at 1 frame per second, with both linear and rotary scanning fiber-optic probes. Measurements were made on a calibrated wave plate, and endoscopic PS-OCT images of ex-vivo human tissues are also presented, allowing comparison with features in histologic sections.

Expression of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) in human preeclamptic placenta: possible implications in the process of trophoblast apoptosis

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) was originally identified as a receptor for oxidatively modified low-density lipoprotein. It has been reported that oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia play important roles in the etiology of preeclampsia, and that placental oxidative stress may stimulate syncytiotrophoblast apoptosis in preeclampsia. In this study, we examined the expression of LOX-1 in the human placentas of normal pregnancies and in preeclampsia using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, and proposed that LOX-1 has a role in trophoblast apoptosis. To analyze apoptotic activity, the expression of the specific caspase cleavage site within cytokeratin 18 was assessed immunohistochemically using the monoclonal antibody M30 CytoDeath. Both LOX-1 and M30 immunoreactivity occurred predominantly in syncytiotrophoblasts. A significantly higher number of LOX-1 and M30-positive cells were found in preeclamptic placentas than in normal placentas. The number of M30-positive cells correlated with the apoptotic index of trophoblasts determined by TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Syncytiotrophoblasts showing apoptotic activity were immunopositive to LOX-1 by double immunohistochemical fluorescence. We suggest that the functional role of syncytiotrophoblasts in placental dysfunction results from the localization and upregulation of LOX-1 in the preeclamptic placenta, possible implications in upregulation of syncytiotrophoblast apoptotic activity in preeclampsia.

Real-time fiber-based multi-functional spectral-domain optical coherence tomography at 1.3 microm

We demonstrate a high-speed multi-functional spectral-domain optical coherence tomography system, using a broadband light source centered at 1.3 microm and two InGaAs line scan cameras capable of acquiring individual axial scans in 24.4 micros, at a rate of 18,500 axial scans per second. Fundamental limitations on the accuracy of phase determination as functions of signal-to-noise ratio and lateral scan speed are presented and their relative contributions are compared. The consequences of phase accuracy are discussed for both Doppler and polarization-sensitive OCT measurements. A birefringence artifact and a calibration procedure to remove this artifact are explained. Images of a chicken breast tissue sample acquired with the system were compared to those taken with a time-domain OCT system for birefringence measurement verification. The ability of the system to image pulsatile flow in the dermis and to perform functional imaging of large volumes demonstrates the clinical potential of multifunctional spectral-domain OCT.

Adaptive ranging for optical coherence tomography

At present, optical coherence tomography systems have a limited imaging depth or axial scan range, making diagnosis of large diameter arterial vessels and hollow organs difficult. Adaptive ranging is a feedback technique where image data is utilized to adjust the coherence gate offset and range. In this paper, we demonstrate an adaptive optical coherence tomography system with a 7.0 mm range. By matching the imaging depth to the approximately 1.5 mm penetration depth in tissue, a 3 dB sensitivity improvement over conventional imaging systems with a 3.0 mm imaging depth was realized.

Ultrahigh-resolution high-speed retinal imaging using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

We present the first ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) structural intensity images and movies of the human retina in vivo at 29.3 frames per second with 500 A-lines per frame. Data was acquired at a continuous rate of 29,300 spectra per second with a 98% duty cycle. Two consecutive spectra were coherently summed to improve sensitivity, resulting in an effective rate of 14,600 A-lines per second at an effective integration time of 68 micros. The turn-key source was a combination of two super luminescent diodes with a combined spectral width of more than 150 nm providing 4.5 mW of power. The spectrometer of the spectraldomain OCT (SD-OCT) setup was centered around 885 nm with a bandwidth of 145 nm. The effective bandwidth in the eye was limited to approximately 100 nm due to increased absorption of wavelengths above 920 nm in the vitreous. Comparing the performance of our ultrahighresolution SD-OCT system with a conventional high-resolution time domain OCT system, the A-line rate of the spectral-domain OCT system was 59 times higher at a 5.4 dB lower sensitivity. With use of a software based dispersion compensation scheme, coherence length broadening due to dispersion mismatch between sample and reference arms was minimized. The coherence length measured from a mirror in air was equal to 4.0 microm (n= 1). The coherence length determined from the specular reflection of the foveal umbo in vivo in a healthy human eye was equal to 3.5 microm (n = 1.38). With this new system, two layers at the location of the retinal pigmented epithelium seem to be present, as well as small features in the inner and outer plexiform layers, which are believed to be small blood vessels. ?2004 Optical Society of America.

In vivo high-resolution video-rate spectral-domain optical coherence tomography of the human retina and optic nerve

An ultra-high-speed spectral-domain optical coherence tomography system (SD-OCT) was developed for imaging the human retina and optic nerve in vivo at a sustained depth profile (A-line) acquisition speed of 29 kHz. The axial resolution was 6 microm in tissue and the system had shot-noise-limited performance with a maximum sensitivity of 98.4 dB. 3-dimensional data sets were collected in 11 and 13 seconds for the macula and optic nerve head respectively and are presented to demonstrate the potential clinical applications of SD-OCT in ophthalmology. Additionally, a 3-D volume of the optic nerve head was constructed from the acquired data and the retinal vascular network was visualized.

Use of microwave pretreatment for enhanced anaerobiosis of secondary sludge

This work elucidates the effects of pretreatment of secondary sludge by microwave irradiation on anaerobic digestion. The soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration increased up to 22% as microwave irradiation time increased, which indicated the sludge particles disintegrated. Three identical automated bioreactors with working volume of 5 l were used as anaerobic digesters at mesophilic temperature (35 degrees C). The reactors were separately fed with sludge with microwave pretreated- and control- sludge at different hydraulic retention times (HRT). The volatile solid (VS) reduction in the control operation was approximately 23.2 +/- 1.3%, while it was 25.7 +/- 0.8% for the reactors with the pretreated sludge. The average biogas production rate with the pretreated sludge at 8, 10, 12, and 15 days HRTs was 240 +/- 11, 183 +/- 9, 147 +/- 8, and 117 +/- 7 ml/l/d respectively, while those with the control sludge were 134 +/- 12 and 94 +/- 7 ml/l/d at 10 and 15 days HRTs. Maximum rates of COD removal and methane production with the pretreated sludge were 64% and 79% higher than those of the control system, respectively.

High-speed spectral-domain optical coherence tomography at 1.3 mum wavelength

We demonstrate a high-speed spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) system capable of acquiring individual axial scans in 24.4 micros at a rate of 19,000 axial scans per second, using an InGaAs line scan camera and broadband light source centered at 1.31microm. Sensitivity of >105 dB over a 2-mm depth range was obtained with a free-space axial resolution of 12-14 microm, in agreement with our signal-to-noise ratio predictions. Images of human tissue obtained in vivo with SD-OCT show similar penetration depths to those obtained with state-of-the-art time domain OCT despite the ten-fold higher image acquisition speed. These results demonstrate the potential of 1.3 microm SD-OCT for high-speed and high-sensitivity imaging in patients.

In vivo dynamic human retinal blood flow imaging using ultra-high-speed spectral domain optical coherence tomography

An ultra-high-speed spectral domain optical Doppler tomography (SD-ODT) system is used to acquire images of blood flow in a human retina in vivo, at 29,000 depth profiles (A-lines) per second and with data acquisition over 99% of the measurement time. The phase stability of the system is examined and image processing algorithms are presented that allow accurate determination of bi-directional Doppler shifts. Movies are presented of human retinal flow acquired at 29 frames per second with 1000 A-lines per frame over a time period of 3.28 seconds, showing accurate determination of vessel boundaries and time-dependent bi-directional flow dynamics in artery-vein pairs. The ultra-high-speed SD-ODT system allows visualization of the pulsatile nature of retinal blood flow, detects blood flow within the choroid and retinal capillaries, and provides information on the cardiac cycle. In summary, accurate video rate imaging of retinal blood flow dynamics is demonstrated at ocular exposure levels below 600 microW.

Identification of the CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor and Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) in the Human Placenta

Synthetic cannabinoids, the psychoactive components of the Cannabis sativa (marijuana) plant and their endogenous counterparts, act through two G protein-coupled receptors, CB1 and CB2. The endocannabinoids are metabolized by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Previous research has described the impact of cannabis consumption on pregnancy, potential roles of endocannabinoids and abnormalities of FAAH expression in recurrent miscarriage and pregnancy. However, the cellular localization of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor and FAAH in the human placenta has not been determined. We have examined CB1 receptor and FAAH expression in human term placenta by immunohistochemistry. CB1 receptor was found to be present in all layers of the membrane, with particularly strong expression in the amniotic epithelium and reticular cells and cells of the maternal decidua layer. Moderate expression was observed in the chorionic cytotrophoblasts. The expression of FAAH was highest in the amniotic epithelial cells, chorionic cytotrophoblast and maternal decidua layer. Our results suggest that the human placenta is a likely target for cannabinoid action and metabolism. This is consistent with a placental site of action of endocannabinoids and cannabis being responsible, at least in part, for the poor outcomes associated with cannabis consumption and pathology in the endocannabinoid system during pregnancy.

Identification of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) in the human placenta

Synthetic cannabinoids, the psychoactive components of the Cannabis sativa (marijuana) and their endogenous counterparts, act through two G protein-coupled receptors, CB1 and CB2. The endocannabinoids are metabolized by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Previous research has described the impact of cannabis consumption on pregnancy, potential roles of endocannabinoids and abnormalities of FAAH expression in recurrent miscarriage and pregnancy. However, the cellular localization of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor and FAAH in the human placenta has not been determined. We have examined CB1 receptor and FAAH expression in human term placenta by immunohistochemistry. CB1 receptor was found to be present in all layers of the membrane, with particularly strong expression in the amniotic epithelium and reticular cells and cells of the maternal decidua layer. Moderate expression was observed in the chorionic cytotrophoblasts. The expression of FAAH was the highest in amniotic epithelial cells, chorionic cytotrophoblast and maternal decidua layer. Our results suggest that the human placenta is a likely target for cannabinoid action and metabolism. This is consistent with a placental site of action of endocannabinoids and cannabis being responsible, at least in part, for the poor outcomes associated with cannabis consumption and pathology in the endocannabinoid system during pregnancy.

Allelic frequency of the MCP-1 promoter -2518 polymorphism in the Korean population and in Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and adult-onset Still's disease

The frequency of the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) -2518 G-type polymorphism in Koreans is significantly higher than the frequencies reported for Caucasians and Afro-Americans. The G- vs. A-allele profile in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases is similar to that in healthy Koreans, and does not appear to contribute to elevated MCP-1 production in patients.

Spontaneous prejudice in context: variability in automatically activated attitudes

The goal of the research reported in this article was to examine whether automatic group attitudes and stereotypes, commonly thought to be fixed responses to a social category cue, are sensitive to changes in the situational context. Two experiments demonstrated such variability of automatic responses due to changes in the stimulus context. In Study 1 White participants' implicit attitudes toward Blacks varied as a result of exposure to either a positive (a family barbecue) or a negative (a gang incident) stereotypic situation. Study 2 demonstrated similar context effects under clearly automatic processing conditions. Here, the use of different background pictures (church interior vs. street corner) for Black and White face primes affected participants' racial attitudes as measured by a sequential priming task. Implications for the concept of automaticity in social cognition are discussed.

Spontaneous prejudice in context: variability in automatically activated attitudes

The goal of the research reported in this article was to examine whether automatic group attitudes and stereotypes, commonly thought to be fixed responses to a social category cue, are sensitive to changes in the situational context. Two experiments demonstrated such variability of automatic responses due to changes in the stimulus context. In Study 1 White participants' implicit attitudes toward Blacks varied as a result of exposure to either a positive (a family barbecue) or a negative (a gang incident) stereotypic situation. Study 2 demonstrated similar context effects under clearly automatic processing conditions. Here, the use of different background pictures (church interior vs. street corner) for Black and White face primes affected participants' racial attitudes as measured by a sequential priming task. Implications for the concept of automaticity in social cognition are discussed.

When power does not corrupt: superior individuation processes among powerful perceivers

To examine whether powerful people fail to individuate the less powerful, the authors assigned participants to either a high-power or low-power role for a computer E-mail role play. In 3 studies, participants in the high-power role made decisions and determined the outcomes of interactions; low-power role players had no power and relied on high-power targets for outcome decisions. Studies I and 2 found that high-power perceivers better individuated low-power targets. Study 3 demonstrated that high-power role players' superior judgment can be impaired by including a task that directs their responsibility toward organizational rather than interpersonal concerns. In all, results suggest that the effect of power on social judgment may be more complex and multifaceted than has previously been acknowledged.

The truncated cytoplasmic tail of HLA-G serves a quality-control function in post-ER compartments

In contrast to the current model of MHC class I trafficking, which predicts that once a MHC class I molecule leaves the ER, it moves to the cell surface by bulk flow, we show that HLA-G that is loaded with suboptimal peptides is retrieved from post-ER compartments to the ER. Loading of HLA-G with high-affinity peptides abrogates this retrieval due to the lack of binding affinity to coatomer. Moreover, the loss of the endocytosis motif in the truncated cytoplasmic tail results in the prolonged half-life of HLA-G on the cell surface. Our findings reveal that surface expression of HLA-G can be further regulated in post-ER compartments and that the truncated cytoplasmic tail plays a critical role in such quality-control mechanisms.

Generalized mean-field potential description for ferroelectric ordering in nematic liquid crystals

Ferroelectric ordering in a nematic liquid crystal system is described using a generalized mean-field potential including effective potentials for both axial and polar interactions. From a self-consistent numerical analysis, a complete phase diagram is obtained as a function of the axial and polar interaction potential strengths. The obtained phase diagram exhibits not only the usual isotropic-nematic phase transition but also nematic-ferroelectric nematic and direct isotropic-ferroelectric nematic phase transitions with a tricritical point among the phases. The phase transition behaviors and the angular orientational distribution function of the molecules were investigated by studying the dependence of the polar and the axial order parameters on the reduced temperature. Moreover, the other polar order parameters responsible for second-harmonic generation (SHG) were also investigated in the generalized mean-field potential description. As a concrete example, we performed a quantitative analysis of the SHG signal reported previously in a lyotropic poly L-glutamate system, detailing the relationship between the angular distribution function and the order parameters based on our potential model. This clarifies the nature of the ferroelectric phase responsible for SHG in nematics.

Structural and functional dissection of human cytomegalovirus US3 in binding major histocompatibility complex class I molecules

The human cytomegalovirus US3, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident transmembrane glycoprotein, forms a complex with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules and retains them in the ER, thereby preventing cytolysis by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. To identify which parts of US3 confine the protein to the ER and which parts are responsible for the association with MHC class I molecules, we constructed truncated mutant and chimeric forms in which US3 domains were exchanged with corresponding domains of CD4 and analyzed them for their intracellular localization and the ability to associate with MHC class I molecules. All of the truncated mutant and chimeric proteins containing the luminal domain of US3 were retained in the ER, while replacement of the US3 luminal domain with that of CD4 led to cell surface expression of the chimera. Thus, the luminal domain of US3 was sufficient for ER retention. Immunolocalization of the US3 glycoprotein after nocodazole treatment and the observation that the carbohydrate moiety of the US3 glycoprotein was not modified by Golgi enzymes indicated that the ER localization of US3 involved true retention, without recycling through the Golgi. Unlike the ER retention signal, the ability to associate with MHC class I molecules required the transmembrane domain in addition to the luminal domain of US3. Direct interaction between US3 and MHC class I molecules could be demonstrated after in vitro translation by coimmunoprecipitation. Together, the present data indicate that the properties that allow US3 to be localized in the ER and bind MHC class I molecules are located in different parts of the molecule.

Cross-resistance of a chlorpyrifos-methyl resistant strain of Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Coleoptera: Cucujidae) to fumigant toxicity of essential oil extracted from Eucalyptus globulus and its major monoterpene, 1,8-cineole

The fumigant toxicities of eucalyptus essential oil and 1,8-cineole, the major component of eucalyptus oil, were tested against a chlorpyrifos-methyl resistant strain and a reference strain of the sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.). The resistant strain showed 1.9- and 2.2-fold higher tolerance against essential oil and 1,8-cineole fumigation toxicity, respectively, relative to the susceptible strain. The increased tolerance for the essential oil may be the result of cross-resistance. The resistance mechanisms in the resistant strain are discussed in relation to elevated detoxifying enzymes such as cytochrome P450 and esterases.

Deletion of one adenine base within the polyadenine tract of transforming growth factor-beta receptor type II in human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line

Microsatellite mutation of the polyadenine tract (10 adenine repeat) within the TbetaR-II [transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) receptor type II] coding region have been found in a variety of human cancers, particularly in association with microsatellite instability (MSI). Since breast cancers have been reported to carry MSI, although its frequencies were quite variable, we examined whether microsatellite mutation of the polyadenine tract occurs in the human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line. TbetaR-II expression in MDA-MB-231 was found to be low on our Northern and Western analyses. Sequencing analysis for the polyadenine tract of TbetaR-II cDNA obtained from MDA-MB-231 cells indicated heterozygous deletion of one adenine base. Subsequently, sensitivity to TGF-beta induced growth-inhibitory effects of control and TbetaR-II transfected MDA-MB-231 cells was compared. The sensitivity of TbetaR-II transfectants to exogenous as well as endogenous TGF-beta1 was increased distinctly compared with control transfectant. These results suggest that heterozygous deletion of one adenine base within the polyadenine tract in MDA-MB-231 cells might lead to reduced TbetaR-II expression and sensitivity to TGF-beta.

Framing interethnic ideology: effects of multicultural and color-blind perspectives on judgments of groups and individuals

In 3 experiments, White American college students received a message advocating either a color-blind or a multicultural ideological approach to improving interethnic relations and then made judgments about various ethnic groups and individuals. Relative to a color-blind perspective, the multicultural perspective led to stronger stereotypes, greater accuracy in these stereotypes, and greater use of category information in judgments of individuals. This increase in between-category differentiation occurred both for attributes that favored the in-group and for attributes that favored the out-group and was also paired in some cases with greater overall positivity toward the out-group. The findings lead us to question the implicit assumption driving the majority of social psychological efforts at prejudice reduction: that the categorization process leads to prejudice, and that the relevance of social categories must therefore be de-emphasized.