Multiple photoreceptor systems control the swim pacemaker activity in box jellyfish

Like all other cnidarian medusae, box jellyfish propel themselves through the water by contracting their bell-shaped body in discrete swim pulses. These pulses are controlled by a swim pacemaker system situated in their sensory structures, the rhopalia. Each medusa has four rhopalia each with a similar set of six eyes of four morphologically different types. We have examined how each of the four eye types influences the swim pacemaker. Multiple photoreceptor systems, three of the four eye types, plus the rhopalial neuropil, affect the swim pacemaker. The lower lens eye inhibits the pacemaker when stimulated and provokes a strong increase in the pacemaker frequency upon light-off. The upper lens eye, the pit eyes and the rhopalial neuropil all have close to the opposite effect. When these responses are compared with all-eye stimulations it is seen that some advanced integration must take place.

Ferromagnetic domain nucleation and growth in colossal magnetoresistive manganite

Colossal magnetoresistance is a dramatic decrease in resistivity caused by applied magnetic fields, and has been the focus of much research because of its potential for magnetic data storage using materials such as manganites. Although extensive microscopy and theoretical studies have shown that colossal magnetoresistance involves competing insulating and ferromagnetic conductive phases, the mechanism underlying the effect remains unclear. Here, by directly observing magnetic domain walls and flux distributions using cryogenic Lorentz microscopy and electron holography, we demonstrate that an applied magnetic field assists nucleation and growth of an ordered ferromagnetic phase. These results provide new insights into the evolution dynamics of complex domain structures at the nanoscale, and help to explain anomalous phase separation phenomena that are relevant for applications. Our approach can also be used to determine magnetic parameters of nanoscale regions, such as magnetocrystalline anisotropy and exchange stiffness, without bulk magnetization results or neutron scattering data.

A randomized controlled trial of plasma real-time PCR and antigenemia assay for monitoring CMV infection after unrelated BMT

Preemptive therapy is the standard strategy for preventing CMV disease after allogeneic hematopoietic SCT. In this study, unrelated BMT recipients were randomly assigned to a plasma real-time PCR group or an antigenemia group to compare the value of these monitoring tools for CMV reactivation. Ganciclovir (GCV) was started at 5 mg/kg/day when PCR reached 300 copies per ml or when antigenemia reached three positive cells per two slides. A total of 88 patients were randomized into the antigenemia group (n=45) or the PCR group (n=43). A significantly higher number of patients reached the threshold in the antigenemia group than in the PCR group (73.3 vs 44.2%, P=0.0089). However, only three patients (one in the antigenemia group and two in the PCR group) developed early CMV disease. These patients exclusively had colitis and were successfully treated with GCV or foscarnet. The median number of antigenemia-positive cells at the start of GCV was 47 in the PCR group. These findings suggest that antigenemia assay with the current cutoff was too sensitive and led to unnecessary use of GCV. However, the appropriateness of the threshold may be different by the methodology used, and therefore, it is difficult to generalize.

Sea-run migratory behaviour in the Japan Sea form of three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus in the tidal pool of eastern Hokkaido Island, Japan

Juveniles in the Japan Sea form of three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus collected from a tidal pool in eastern Hokkaido Island, Japan, had a unimodal standard length (L(S)) frequency distribution in each period, ranging from 11.9 to 31.6 mm, and those of sea-run migrating individuals collected from the outlet of this tidal pool ranged from 17.0 to 36.0 mm, suggesting juveniles of this form would migrate towards the sea when they reached >17.0 mm. In general linear models (GLM) for testing the best model, there was a relationship between the number of sea-run migratory individual and precipitation, which suggests that precipitation may trigger migration.

Periodontal gene transfer by ultrasound and nano/microbubbles

A non-viral gene delivery approach with nano/microbubbles and ultrasound offers opportunities for targeting soft tissues for gene therapy. The periodontium is a complex structure comprised of hard (cementum, alveolar bone) and soft tissues (periodontal ligament, gingivae). We hypothesized that our established gene delivery method would allow the periodontal tissue to be targeted for transfection for gene therapy. Expression kinetics and sites of transfection sites with this approach were investigated in rat periodontal tissue. Bioluminescence imaging revealed that transient gene expression was induced at day 1 posttransfection, while confocal microscopy showed that gene expression was localized in the muscle cells of gingival tissues. These findings indicate that regular transfection with this approach results in high gene expression, facilitating gene therapy for periodontal disease involving alveolar bone resorption.

White matter impairment in Rett syndrome: diffusion tensor imaging study with clinical correlations

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

RTT, caused by mutations in the methyl CPG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) gene, is a disorder of neuronal maturation and connections. Our aim was to prospectively examine FA by DTI and correlate this with certain clinical features in patients with RTT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two patients with RTT underwent neurologic assessments and DTI. Thirty-seven age-matched healthy female control subjects were studied for comparison. With use of a 1.5T MR imaging unit, DTI data were acquired, and FA was evaluated to investigate multiple regional tract-specific abnormalities in patients with RTT.

RESULTS

In RTT, significant reductions in FA were noted in the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum and external capsule, with regions of significant reductions in the cingulate, internal capsule, posterior thalamic radiation, and frontal white matter. In contrast, FA of visual pathways was similar to control subjects. FA in the superior longitudinal fasciculus, which is associated with speech, was equal to control subjects in patients with preserved speech (phrases and sentences) (P = .542), whereas FA was reduced in those patients who were nonverbal or speaking only single words (P < .001). No correlations between FA values for tracts and clinical features such as seizures, gross or fine motor skills, and head circumference were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

DTI, a noninvasive technique to assess white matter tract pathologic features, may add specificity to the assessment of RTT clinical severity that is presently based on the classification of MeCP2 gene mutation and X-inactivation.

Pneumocystis-associated organizing pneumonia as a manifestation of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in an HIV-infected individual with a normal CD4+ T-cell count following antiretroviral therapy

We describe a rare case of Pneumocystic jirovecii-associated organizing pneumonia (PJP) in an HIV-infected individual on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with a CD4(+) T-cell count of 835 x 10(3) cells/mL and a low viral load. PJP was confirmed using transbronchial biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage. The presentation in this patient suggests immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) after institution of antiretroviral therapy (ART). This case report, however, is the first documented presentation of PJP in a patient with CD4 count greater than 300 prior to the induction of HAART who developed PJP and organizing pneumonia as a manifestation of IRIS. This suggests that there is continuing immune dysfunction in the face of re-expansion of CD4(+) T-cells and low viral load in HIV patients despite ART.

Production of positron emitters of metallic elements to study plant uptake and distribution

The metallic positron emitters 52Mn, 52Fe and 62Zn, the elements of which are essential nutrients for plants as well as for animals, have been produced for a new tracer method in plant physiology. The tracer method utilizes the detection of annihilation γ-rays, like PET in nuclear medicine, to obtain two-dimensional images on a plant as well as to obtain radioactivity counts at specified points in a plant; this method allows us to observe the tracer movement in a living plant without touching the test plant. The previously reported methods of radiochemical separation of these metallic positron emitters from targets were partly modified from the view of their use in plant physiology. Radionuclidic impurities remaining in the final solutions were examined by γ-ray spectrometry, and their influences on the above-mentioned measurements are discussed. From the experiments on a barley plant, the speeds of 52Mn2+ ion and 52Fe3+-mugineic-acid complex have been obtained for the first time to be 0.2 cm/min and 1.0 cm/min, respectively.

A brief review of potential mechanisms of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in HIV following antiretroviral therapy

A subset of HIV-infected individuals who receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) develop a paradoxical pathological response that significantly increases morbidity and sometimes mortality. Following the induction of highly active ART, a rapid decline in the viral load results within weeks and coincides with a steep rise in the CD4(+) T-cell counts and immune hyperactivation. Although no mechanistic pathway has been elucidated for the development of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), it is thought that change in the nature of the immune response is a predominant factor in the development of reconstitution disease. In this article, we review the current state of knowledge in this field and provide a model for the development of IRIS.

Diffusion tensor imaging may help the determination of time at onset in cerebral ischaemia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and anisotropy (eg, fractional anisotropy (FA)) of ischaemic tissue evolve over time. A reduction in diffusivity (ie, lambda(2) and lambda(3)) is an important marker for characterising hyperacute-stage infarction, as these parameters may reflect axonal membrane status. The study examines whether transverse diffusivity could be useful in assessing white matter infarcts of various ages.

METHODS

Diffusion tensor imaging data from 44 adult patients (34 men, 10 women, aged 46 to 89 years, mean = 70.3) with acute white matter infarction (1-168 h) of the internal capsule were analysed. Relative eigenvalues were calculated as: (lambda(ipsi)-lambda(contra))/lambda(contra). Lesions were classified based on theoretically expected evolution of diffusivity over time as follows: stage I, FA higher than the contralesional region of interest (ROI); stage II, diffusivity lower than the contralesional side for all eigenvalues; stage III, one of two transverse eigenvalues (lambda(2) or lambda(3)) higher than the contralesional ROI.

RESULTS

Stage I infarcts (n = 5) were found primarily within 24 h of the onset of symptoms, with one case found on the third day. Stage II infarcts were found most commonly within 24 h (n = 18), and fewer after 24 h. After the first day, the ratio of stage III infarcts increased significantly. Thus, diffusivity-based classification of white matter infarcts seems to show a chronological trend.

CONCLUSIONS

Diffusion anisotropy may be useful for defining the biological tissue clock of white matter infarctions.

Anchorage-independent cell growth signature identifies tumors with metastatic potential

The oncogenic phenotype is complex, resulting from the accumulation of multiple somatic mutations that lead to the deregulation of growth regulatory and cell fate controlling activities and pathways. The ability to dissect this complexity, so as to reveal discrete aspects of the biology underlying the oncogenic phenotype, is critical to understanding the various mechanisms of disease as well as to reveal opportunities for novel therapeutic strategies. Previous work has characterized the process of anchorage-independent growth of cancer cells in vitro as a key aspect of the tumor phenotype, particularly with respect to metastatic potential. Nevertheless, it remains a major challenge to translate these cell biology findings into the context of human tumors. We previously used DNA microarray assays to develop expression signatures, which have the capacity to identify subtle distinctions in biological states and can be used to connect in vitro and in vivo states. Here we describe the development of a signature of anchorage-independent growth, show that the signature exhibits characteristics of deregulated mitochondrial function and then demonstrate that the signature identifies human tumors with the potential for metastasis.

Regionally-specific diffusion tensor imaging in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have shown significant cross-sectional differences among normal controls (NC) mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients in several fiber tracts in the brain, but longitudinal assessment is needed.

METHODS

We studied 75 participants (25 NC, 25 amnestic MCI, and 25 mild AD) at baseline and 3 months later, with both imaging and clinical evaluations. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was analyzed in regions of interest (ROIs) in: (1) fornix, (2) cingulum bundle, (3) splenium, and (4) cerebral peduncles. Clinical data included assessments of clinical severity and cognitive function. Cross-sectional and longitudinal differences in FA, within each ROI, were analyzed with generalized estimating equations (GEE).

RESULTS

Cross-sectionally, AD patients had lower FA than NC (p<0.05) at baseline and 3 months in the fornix and anterior portion of the cingulum bundle. Compared to MCI, AD cases had lower FA (p<0.05) in these regions and the splenium at 0 and 3 months. Both the fornix and anterior cingulum correlated across all clinical cognitive scores; lower FA in these ROIs corresponded to worse performance. Over the course of 3 months, when the subjects were clinically stable, the ROIs were also largely stable.

CONCLUSIONS

Using DTI, findings indicate FA is decreased in specific fiber tracts among groups of subjects that vary along the spectrum from normal to AD, and that this measure is stable over short periods of time. The fornix is a predominant outflow tract of the hippocampus and may be an important indicator of AD progression.

Intensive glucose control after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a retrospective matched-cohort study

Some studies have shown that intensive glucose control (IGC) improves outcome in the intensive care unit setting. However, it is the benefit of IGC in hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) that is not well defined. Between June 2006 and May 2007, IGC was maintained prospectively after allogeneic HSCT and clinical outcomes were compared with a cohort matched for conditioning regimen, source of stem cells, age and relation to donor. A stratified Cox regression model was used. There were no significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics. The median age was 43.5 years in both groups. The primary diagnosis was a hematologic malignancy. Patients in the IGC group had a lower glucose level (least-square mean, 116.4 vs 146.8 mg per 100 ml, P<0.001) compared to the standard glucose control group. The incidences of documented infections and bacteremia were significantly lower in the IGC group (14 vs 46%, P=0.004, 9 vs 39%, P=0.002, respectively). IGC tended to reduce the incidence of renal dysfunction (19 vs 37%, P=0.36) and the elevation of C-reactive protein (18 vs 38%, P=0.13). This study suggests that IGC has may have a beneficial effect after HSCT. IGC should be evaluated further in a large prospective, randomized study.

Collagen maturity, glycation induced-pentosidine, and mineralization are increased following 3-year treatment with incadronate in dogs

Collagen cross-linking is a determinant of bone quality. A three-year treatment of bisphosphonate-incadronate disodium-in beagles increased degree of mineralization, collagen maturity, and pentosidine, a compound with advanced glycation end products. The treatment had no effect on the total amount of enzymatic cross-link formation.

INTRODUCTION

Collagen cross-linking is a determinant of bone quality. Recently, we reported that long-term treatment with bisphosphonate increased microdamage accumulation. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of a three-year treatment with bisphosphonate on degree of mineralization and immature and mature enzymatic cross-links and non-enzymatic collagen cross-link, pentosidine, in cortical bone in the same dogs.

METHODS

Twenty-nine 1-year-old beagles (15 males, 14 females) were divided into three groups that daily were given vehicle or incadronate at doses of 0.3 or 0.6 mg/kg/day orally for three years. A cortex of a rib was fractionated into low- and high-density portions. The contents of calcium, phosphorus, enzymatic immature and mature cross-links, and the non-enzymatic glycation product pentosidine were determined in each fraction.

RESULTS

Calcium, phosphorus, and pentosidine contents and the ratio of mature to immature cross-links increased significantly with incadronate in a dose-dependent manner, but the total amount of enzymatic cross-links was unchanged. The pentosidine content correlated inversely with cortical activation frequency (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Long-term suppression of bone remodeling by bisphosphonate increases degree of mineralization, collagen maturity, and non-enzymatic cross-linking.

Electronic ferroelectricity from charge ordering in RFe(2)O(4)

We report our recent discovery of novel ferroelectricity arising from the polar ordering of Fe(3)+ and Fe(2)+ in a mixed valence triangular lattice oxide LuFe(2)O(4), where the electric polarization is not a result of ionic displacement. The polar ordering of Fe(3)+ and Fe(2)+ was confirmed with a resonant x-ray scattering study in SPring-8. The origin of such ordering is the competitive interaction between Fe(3)+ and Fe(2)+ in the triangular lattice, i.e., the charge frustration. The polar superlattice of Fe(3)+ and Fe(2)+ develops below 350 K, where the electric polarization appears. The ferroelectricity arising from the polar charge ordering or the polar electron distribution may have great potential for the future application of ferroelectrics.

Inducible expression of mutant human DISC1 in mice is associated with brain and behavioral abnormalities reminiscent of schizophrenia

A strong candidate gene for schizophrenia and major mental disorders, disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) was first described in a large Scottish family in which a balanced chromosomal translocation segregates with schizophrenia and other psychiatric illnesses. The translocation mutation may result in loss of DISC1 function via haploinsufficiency or dominant-negative effects of a predicted mutant DISC1 truncated protein product. DISC1 has been implicated in neurodevelopment, including maturation of the cerebral cortex. To evaluate the neuronal and behavioral effects of mutant DISC1, the Tet-off system under the regulation of the CAMKII promoter was used to generate transgenic mice with inducible expression of mutant human DISC1 (hDISC1) limited to forebrain regions, including cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum. Expression of mutant hDISC1 was not associated with gross neurodevelopmental abnormalities, but led to a mild enlargement of the lateral ventricles and attenuation of neurite outgrowth in primary cortical neurons. These morphological changes were associated with decreased protein levels of endogenous mouse DISC1, LIS1 and SNAP-25. Compared to their sex-matched littermate controls, mutant hDISC1 transgenic male mice exhibited spontaneous hyperactivity in the open field and alterations in social interaction, and transgenic female mice showed deficient spatial memory. The results show that the neuronal and behavioral effects of mutant hDISC1 are consistent with a dominant-negative mechanism, and are similar to some features of schizophrenia. The present mouse model may facilitate the study of aspects of the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

Tissue distribution of cynomolgus adeno-associated viruses AAV10, AAV11, and AAVcy.7 in naturally infected monkeys

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is used in gene-therapy studies, but its tissue distribution is unknown in natural infection. We examined cynomolgus AAVs (previously isolated AAV10 and AAV11 and novel AAVcy.7) for their tissue distribution in 14 cynomolgi by type-specific PCR. We found AAV10, AAV11, and AAVcy.7 in 6, 10, and 14 monkeys, respectively, and two or three types in 11 monkeys, showing that these AAVs are widespread in the monkeys. We detected AAV at a higher level mainly in the lymphatic tissues and ileum, which suggests that AAV may invade the host through Peyer's patches in the ileum and infect immune cells.

Metronomic chemotherapy using weekly low-dosage CPT-11 and UFT as postoperative adjuvant therapy in colorectal cancer at high risk to recurrence

This study was designed to evaluate the antitumor efficacy and feasibility of postoperative adjuvant metronomic chemotherapy using weekly low-dosage CPT-11 and UFT in colorectal cancer at high risk to recurrence. A total of 49 patients (24 stage IIIb and 25 distant metastasis) who underwent a R0 operation were enrolled in this prospective study. Forty mg/m2 of CPT-11 were administered on day 1, day 8, and on day 15 in 28-day cycles. A dosage of 335 mg/m2/day of UFT was given perorally on daily schedule. Cycles were repeated for 6 months, and were followed by UFT alone for further 6 months. One or more adverse effects were seen in 43 of the 49 patients. However, most of these effects were mild at grade 1 or 2: with only nausea in 3 patients, vomiting in 2, leucopenia in 2 and neutropenia in 2 at grade 3. The overall survival rates were favorable both in the stage IIIb group (5-year: 73%) and in the distant metastases group (5-year: 62%). Postoperative adjuvant metronomic chemotherapy using weekly low-dosage CPT-11 and UFT might be safe and feasible and prolong survival time in colorectal cancer at high risk to recurrence.

Diffusion tensor imaging in children with periventricular leukomalacia: variability of injuries to white matter tracts

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Conventional MR imaging shows evidence of brain injury and/or maldevelopment in 70%-90% of children with cerebral palsy (CP), though its capability to identify specific white matter tract injury is limited. The great variability of white matter lesions in CP already demonstrated by postmortem studies is thought to be one of the reasons why response to treatment is so variable. Our hypothesis is that diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a suitable technique to provide in vivo characterization of specific white matter tract lesions in children with CP associated with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 24 children with CP associated with PVL and 35 healthy controls were evaluated with DTI. Criteria for identification of 26 white matter tracts on the basis of 2D DTI color-coded maps were established, and a qualitative scoring system, based on visual inspection of the tracts in comparison with age-matched controls, was used to grade the severity of abnormalities. An ordinal grading system (0=normal, 1=abnormal, 2=severely abnormal or absent) was used to score each white matter tract.

RESULTS

There was marked variability in white matter injury pattern in patients with PVL, with the most frequent injury to the retrolenticular part of the internal capsule, posterior thalamic radiation, superior corona radiata, and commissural fibers.

CONCLUSION

DTI is a suitable technique for in vivo assessment of specific white matter lesions in patients with PVL and, thus, a potentially valuable diagnostic tool. The tract-specific evaluation revealed a family of tracts that are highly susceptible in PVL, important information that can potentially be used to tailor treatment options in the future.

Rapid and high-resolution detection of IgH gene rearrangements using PCR and melting curve analysis

The analytical methods of Southern blot hybridization (SBH) and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for complementarity determining region-3 (CDR3) are fundamental for detecting IgH gene rearrangement. However, there are problems stemming from the characteristics of both methods; especially, the long turn around time (TAT) because of the complex process in the SBH, and the low analytical sensitivity for amplicons in the PCR. Thus, to improve the PCR procedure, we investigated the application of detecting the clonal amplicons based on the different melting Temperature (T(m)) in internal melting domains corresponding to the CDR3 hypervariable region. Our new protocol is based on the combination of a LightCycler Technology with high-speed amplification, and Idaho-Technology with rapid and high-resolution melting curve analysis (MCA), designated PCR-MCA. This method can provide the results within 3 h with an analytical sensitivity of 10(-3). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity relative to the results documented with the SBH analysis were 89.2% and 100%, respectively. This indicates that the new protocol of PCR-MCA is acceptable for clinical testing; especially, PCR-MCA is relevant in terms of the rapid and sensitive detection of IgH clonality within amplicons.

Mutation of the p53 tumour suppressor gene and overexpression of its protein in 62 Japanese non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

To clarify whether p53 mutation could be involved in the pathogenesis of various subtypes of lymphoma, we investigated 62 Japanese cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) for p53 gene mutations and their relationship with the expression of p53 protein. Mutations in exons 5-9 of the p53 gene were screened for using the non-isotopic RNase cleavage assay (NIRCA) and confirmed by direct sequencing, followed by immunohistochemical analysis for p53 protein. Missense and/or nonsense mutations of p53 were detected in 3 (10.7%) of 28 diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBLs) and 2 (15.4%) of 13 T-cell NHLs (15.4%). A single missense mutation at codon 157 (Val to Phe) in exon 5 and at codon 273 (Arg to Pro) in exon 8 was found respectively in 2 DLBLs and in one peripheral T-cell lymphoma (unspecified). In these 3 cases harbouring a missense mutation, overexpression of p53 protein was observed in more than 80% of tumour cells. Double transversion mutations comprising of a missense mutation at codon 167 (Gln to His) in exon 5 and a nonsense mutation at codon 183 (Ser to stop codon) in exon 5 were detected in one DLBL that had apparently transformed from follicular lymphoma and in one advanced adult T-cell lymphoma (ATL). In these two cases harbouring p53 nonsense mutation, no cells positive for p53 protein immunostaining were detected, as well as lymphomas without p53 mutation.

A genomic signature of chemotherapeutic multidrug resistance provides a rational approach to identify patients for targeted therapy in advanced solid tumors

10613

Background: Multidrug resistance (MDR), the process by which cells resist many structurally and functionally unrelated drugs, remains a major challenge for cancer treatment. Strategies to reliably predict MDR will revolutionize cancer therapy. Methods: We made use of in vitro drug sensitivity data on 47 FDA approved chemotherapeutic agents from the NCI-60 database coupled with Affymetrix microarray data, to develop a gene expression signature of chemotherapeutic MDR, using a 'metagene’ approach to gene expression analysis (Potti et al, Nature Medicine, 2006). The capacity of the MDR signature to predict in vitro and in vivo resistance was evaluated in multiple independent cell line and patient cohorts. Results: A gene expression signature of chemotherapeutic MDR developed from cancer cell lines using a novel ‘metagene’ approach can accurately predict patients resistant to standard chemotherapeutic agents, including multi-drug regimens. This includes cohorts of patients with early stage breast cancer (n = 171; accuracy: 75.5%, sensitivity: 49.3%, specificity: 92%), patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 51; accuracy: 78.5%, sensitivity: 73.7%, specificity: 92.3%), and ovarian cancer (n = 105; accuracy: 83.8%, sensitivity: 71.8%, specificity: 93.7%). We further show that MDR signature expression is an independent prognostic factor in early stage breast cancer (p = 0.02, odds ratio: 3.49) and a large cohort of non-small cell lung cancer (p = 0.03, odds ratio: 5.70), in a multivariate analysis. Finally, to identify a rational therapeutic strategy in patients with the MDR phenotype, we have integrated the prediction of MDR with profiles of oncogenic pathway deregulation (Bild A, Nature, 2006) and show that targeting the Src pathway using a Src specific inhibitor (SU6656) circumvents MDR in the in vitro setting. Conclusions: The development of a gene expression signature of MDR, that can predict resistance to commonly used cytotoxic chemotherapies, provides a rational approach to developmental therapeutics, by identifying novel 'customized’ candidate drugs (e.g. targeting Src) for further clinical development.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Effects of pH and temperature on products and bacterial community in L-lactate batch fermentation of garbage under unsterile condition

Acidogenesis fermentation of artificial garbage without sterile condition was conducted in batch mode to investigate effects of cultivation pH (5.5, 6.0, 6.5) and temperature (45, 50, 55 degrees C). Bacteria exiting natively in the garbage were utilized in this study; in turn, no specific seed was inoculated. The results indicated that only one set of operational conditions (pH 5.5 and 55 degrees C) led to L-lactate fermentation. Obtained yield of lactate based on initial carbohydrate was around 0.5 and optical purity of L-lactate was around 99%. In this study, three typical cases, which were L-lactate, racemic lactate and butyrate fermentation, were observed depended on sets of cultivation pH and temperature. Microbial structures of typical cases were also identified with using 16S rDNA libraries. The analysis indicated that Bacillus coagulans produced L-lactate. Lactobacillus amylolyticus, which produces racemic lactate, and Clostridium thermopalmarium, which produces butyrate, were also detected on each typical sample. L. amylolyticus and C. thermopalmarium would be eliminated by setting cultivation temperature of 55 degrees C and above, and pH 5.5 and below, respectively. From a series of this study, operational conditions of pH 5.5 and temperature of 55 degrees C would be potentially suitable for L-lactate fermentation of garbage with view of efficiency and stability of its production.

Possible involvement of the oxidized low-density lipoprotein/lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 system in pathogenesis and progression of human osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

Using human cartilage samples and cultured chondrocytes, to assess the possible involvement of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and lectin-like ox-LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) in pathogenesis and progression of osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

Thirty-two cartilage samples were obtained from 16 patients with knee OA, and 12 Control samples from six with femoral neck fracture. LOX-1 mRNA expressions in 12 OA and six Control samples were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Immunohistochemistry for ox-LDL and LOX-1 was performed in all samples. The histological OA grade was assessed with the modified Mankin score. The relative percentage of the ox-LDL and LOX-1 immunopositive chondrocytes was calculated in all samples. The effects of ox-LDL on cell viability in cultured human chondrocytes were investigated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and on proteoglycan synthesis by monitoring [35S] sulfate incorporation.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference between mean LOX-1/GAPDH (LOX-1/human glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) ratio of OA samples and that of Control samples (40.6%+/-10.3 and 11.9%+/-2.8, respectively, P<0.0001). The mean percentage of ox-LDL-positive cells was 23.0+/-15.7% in OA and 4.3+/-3.7% in Control cells (P=0.0002). The mean percentage of LOX-1-positive cells was 51.7+/-29.5% in OA and 10.0+/-8.1% in Control cells (P<0.0001). Both the ox-LDL immunoreactivity and the LOX-1 immunoreactivity were significantly correlated with the modified Mankin scores (R2=0.67 and 0.48, respectively; P<0.0001 for each). ox-LDL significantly reduced the human chondrocyte viability and proteoglycan synthesis, and pretreatment with anti-human LOX-1 monoclonal antibody reversed these effects.

CONCLUSION

The ox-LDL/LOX-1 system may be involved in human OA.