SU-E-J-19: How Should CTV to PTV Margin Be Created - Analysis of Set-Up Uncertainties of Different Body Parts Using Daily Image Guidance

PURPOSE

The objective for this study is to systematically evaluate how the CTV to PTV margin should be created to compensate for setup error as afunction of treatment site.

METHODS

A total of 1757 setup MVCT images were analyzed using the registration between the MVCT and planning KVCT images. Among them, 526 images were from patients with head and neck cancers; 342 were from thoracic site; 447 from upper abdomen and 442 from patients treated at pelvic region. The correction was shifts in 3 directions from setup with skin marks to final treatment position due to volumetric image registration. Registration was based on soft tissue anatomy when tumor was visible in both KVCT and MVCT. Otherwise, bony landmarks were used when tumors could not be identified.

RESULTS

The anterior to posterior (A/P) direction requires the smallest correction for all body sites. The percentage of treatment with < 3mm set-up correction in A/P direction was 82.4%-96.0% for all disease sites. In medial to lateral direction (M/L), that number was 51.5%-74.7%. The largest set-up correction occurred in the superior to inferior (S/I) direction. As a function of the body site, 68.6% of head and neck patient had <3mm shift in the S/I direction. However, that number dropped to 41.8%〠42.5% and 31.9% for thoracic, upper abdomen and pelvic sites respectively. In addition, 48.0% of pelvic tumor required >5mm shift in the S/I direction. For thoracic and abdominal tumors, there were still 34.9% and 30.7% of the treatments where >5mm shift in the S/I direction was needed.

CONCLUSIONS

Uniform expansion margins in all directions are often used in radiation oncology practice. Our study showed setup error was directionally dependent. Therefore, non-uniform margin should be applied. Smaller margin can be used in A/P while larger expansion needs to be given in the S/I direction.

Reversal of the anti-platelet effects of aspirin and clopidogrel

BACKGROUND

Guidelines recommend stopping aspirin and clopidogrel 7 to 10 days before surgery to allow time for replacement of permanently inhibited platelets by newly released uninhibited platelets.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the present study was to determine the rate of offset of the anti-platelet effects of aspirin and clopidogrel after stopping treatment and the proportion of untreated donor platelets that are required to reverse their anti-platelet effects.

METHODS

Cohort 1 consisted of 15 healthy subjects who received aspirin 81 mg day(-1) or clopidogrel 75 mg day(-1) for 7 days and underwent serial blood sampling until platelet function testing results normalized. Cohort 2 consisted of 36 healthy subjects who received aspirin 325 mg day(-1), clopidogrel 75 mg day(-1), aspirin 81 mg day(-1) plus clopidogrel 75 mg day(-1) or no treatment for 7 days and underwent a single blood sampling.

RESULTS

In cohort 1, arachidonic acid (AA)-induced light transmission aggregation (LTA) returned to baseline levels in all subjects within 4 days of stopping aspirin, coinciding with the partial recovery of plasma thromboxane B(2) concentrations. ADP-induced LTA did not return to baseline levels until 10 days after stopping clopidogrel. In cohort 2, AA-induced LTA in patient treated with aspirin reached control levels after mixing with 30% untreated donor platelets whereas ADP-induced LTA in patients treated with clopidogrel reached control levels only after the addition of 90% or more donor platelets.

CONCLUSIONS

Platelet aggregation recovers within 4 days of stopping aspirin but clopidogrel must be stopped for 10 days to achieve a normal aggregatory response.

Evaluation of supporting role of a foldable capsular vitreous body with magnetic resonance imaging in the treatment of severe retinal detachment in human eyes

PURPOSE

To determine the supporting role of a novel foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the treatment of severe retinal detachment in human eyes.

METHODS

The study examined nine eyes of nine patients. Among the nine eyes, five had suffered penetrating injuries while four had suffered contusions of the eyeball involving large defects of the retina or choroids. A standard three-port pars plana vitrectomy was performed, FCVB was triple-folded and sent into the vitreous cavity; balanced salt solution (BSS) was injected into the capsule to support the retina. Three cardinal axes of nine eyes were examined using MRI at baseline and at the 3-month follow up.

RESULTS

MRI revealed that the signal intensity of the FCVB was similar to the normal vitreous body, with low-signal intensity on T1-weighted image and high-signal intensity on T2-weighted image. In three pre-operative silicone oil- or heavy silicone oil-filled eyes, FCVBs were not fully inflated, and eyeball deformation was observed in one eye. Shifts of three cardinal axes of three eyes (horizontal, anteroposterior, and vertical) according to MRI, were -4.33, -4.67, and -2.67 mm. In the remaining six eyes, FCVBs were well distributed in the vitreous cavity and evenly supported the retina; the cardinal axes of the eyes were similar to pre-operation. Shifts of three cardinal axes of six eyes were -0.34, -0.34, and -0.34 mm. In a total of nine eyes, shifts of three cardinal axes were -1.67, -1.77, and -1.11 mm. Statistically significant difference showed only between the horizontal axis of nine eyes pre-operatively and post-operatively (P1=0.041, P2=0.058, P3=0.123).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the effectiveness of MRI to monitor the supporting role of an FCVB in the treatment of severe retinal detachment in human eyes.

Forkhead box P3+ T cells express interleukin-17 in nasal mucosa of patients with both allergic rhinitis and polyposis

The pathogenesis of nasal polyposis remains unclear; it severely affects patients' quality of life and complicates inflammation in adjacent organs such as sinusitis and asthma. Aberrant immune regulatory function in these patients is proposed. The present study aims to examine the regulatory T cells (T(reg) ) in nasal mucosa of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and nasal polyposis (NP). Patients with AR or AR/NP were treated with inferior turbinectomy for their inferior turbinate hyperplasia. Surgically removed nasal mucosa was collected to examine the T(reg) by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The results showed that more forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)(+) cells were found in AR with polyps than in those with AR alone. Further studies revealed that these FoxP3(+) T cells from AR/NP group also expressed interleukin (IL)-17. In vitro study showed that staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) induced CD4(+) FoxP3(+) T cells to become FoxP3(+) IL-17(+) cells via facilitating the expression of IL-6, that in synergy with transforming growth factor-beta, induce the expression of IL-17 in FoxP3(+) cells. We conclude that FoxP3(+) IL-17(+) T cells were localized in the nasal mucosa of patients with AR and NP. SEB may play a role in converting FoxP3(+) T(reg) to FoxP3(+) IL-17(+) T cells. The presence of IL-17(+) FoxP3(+) T cells may play a role in the remodelling of the nasal airways in certain people who develop polyps, irrespective of whether or not they are atopic.

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors in adult patients: CT and MR imaging features

Primary AT/RT is a rare highly malignant tumor of the CNS, usually occurring in children younger than 5 years of age. The objective of this study was to characterize the CT and MR imaging findings in a series of 5 adult patients with pathologically proved AT/RT. All 5 AT/RTs were supratentorial. In 2 patients who underwent nonenhanced CT, the tumors appeared isoattenuated, and 1 of the 2 tumors contained calcifications. Solid portions of the tumors on MR imaging were isointense on T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and FLAIR images, and 1 case showed restricted diffusion on DWI. The tumors also demonstrated a bandlike rim of strong enhancement surrounding a central cystic area on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging. One tumor was associated with destruction of the calvaria. Although AT/RTs can have nonspecific findings, the tumors in our series were large and isointense on T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and FLAIR images with central necrosis and prominent rim enhancement.

Role of muscarinic receptor activation in regulating immune cell activity in nasal mucosa

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of airway inflammatory disorders keeps rising; its pathogenic mechanism is still not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to investigate the role of muscarinic receptor (M receptor) in regulating the immune cell activity in nasal mucosa by using surgical removed nasal mucosa from patients with nasal polyposis (NP) as a study platform.

METHODS

Human nasal mucosal sample was collected from inferior turbinectomy of 86 patients with NP or/and allergic rhinitis. Expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), M receptor, OX40 ligand was measured in nasal mucosa by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and Western blotting assay.

RESULTS

When compared with non-NP (nNP) nasal mucosa, contents of TNF-alpha and TNF-alpha+ cells markedly increased in NP nasal mucosa; immune staining colocalized M3 receptor+ and TNF-alpha+ cells in NP nasal mucosa; exposure of isolated CD4+ T cells to methacholine induced the release of TNF-alpha. We also found CD11c+/M3 receptor+ cells in NP nasal mucosa. Methacholine increased the expression of OX40L in dendritic cells. Staphylococcal (S) aureus and S. enterotoxin B (SEB) were detected in NP nasal mucosa. Exposure of dendritic cells or naïve CD4+ T cells to SEB initiated the expression of M3 receptor at mRNA and protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The present data demonstrate that parasympathetic activity has the capacity to activate dendritic cells to release OX40 ligand, the latter induces CD4+ T cells to produce IL-4 and TNF-alpha that may further contribute to the pathogenesis of NP.

Phase II study of postoperative chemoradiotherapy for esophageal carcinoma

e15606

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is still a virulent disease diagnosed at late stage and remains a major cause of carcinoma mortality in China. The preoperative chemoradiotherapy had been applied to patients with esophageal carcinoma in an effort to reduce the relapse and improve survival. However, randomized controlled trails have shown conflicting results. Intergroup study 0116 demonstrated that postoperative chemoradiotherapy significantly improved overall survival in gastric carcinoma patients. The question remains whether postoperative chemoradiotherapy can improve overall survival in patients with esophageal carcinoma. Our planning study was to investigate the role of postoperative chemoradiotherapy in the multimodality treatment for locally advanced esophageal carcinoma. Methods: From October 2000 to October 2007, Fifty-two patients who underwent esophagectomy with stage II-III esophageal carcinoma were enrolled. All patients received 50Gy of postoperative radiotherapy over 25 fractions in 5 weeks. Two cycles of chemotherapy (Paclitaxel 135mg/m2 d1,cisplatin 20mg/m2d1–3) were administered concurrently on days 1–3 and days 29–31 of radiotherapy. Results: Of the total 52 patients, 28 (54%) developed grade 3 or 4 toxicity.At the time of analysis, 23 patients died. The median follow-up for surviving patients was 23.5 months. The median survival time was 37.2 months. Incidences of tumor recurrence were 53.8 % (28/52) of patients. As expected, distant metastasis was predominant. The 2-year local-regional control survival, distant metastasis-free survival and relapse-free survival were 60.01%, 71.38% and 42.01%, respectively. 1-year and 3-year overall survival were 82.19% and 47.13%, respectively. Conclusions: This novel postoperative chemoradiation regimen for treatment of patients with stage II-III esophageal cancer has a tolerable toxicity and promising 3-year overall survival.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Polarization-independent amplification and frequency conversion in strongly-birefringent fibers

The inverse modulation interaction is a degenerate four-wave mixing process in which two strong pumps drive a weak signal, whose frequency is the average of the pump frequencies. Theoretical analyses and numerical simulations of this process are made for wave frequencies that are near the zero-dispersion frequency of a fiber, in which case dispersion is unimportant, and wave frequencies that are far from the zero-dispersion frequency, in which case dispersion is important. The results show that the inverse modulation interaction in a strongly-birefringent fiber amplifies a linearly-polarized signal by an amount that depends on its phase angle, but not its polarization angle. Phase conjugation and Bragg scattering are nondegenerate four-wave mixing processes in which two strong pumps drive a weak signal and a weak idler. Studies show that phase conjugation and Bragg scattering in strongly-birefringent fibers produce polarization-independent phase-insensitive amplification and frequency conversion, respectively.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation improves ovarian function and structure in rats with chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage

BACKGROUND

Many investigations have reported that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation can ameliorate the structure and function of injured tissues. The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic potency of MSC transplantation for chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage.

METHODS

MSC were isolated and cultured in vitro. The cytokines, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), were detected in the MSC cultures using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Phosphoramide mustard (PM) was added to the media of granulosa cells (GC) cultured alone or co-cultured with MSC. GC apoptosis was assayed by Annexin-V and DNA fragmentation analysis. Chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (CTX). After the injection, MSC labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) were transplanted directly into bilateral ovaries. The rats were killed at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after transplantation. Ovarian function was evaluated by estrous cycle changes and sexual hormone levels. The follicle number was counted, and GC apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL. The expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were detected by Western blotting.

RESULTS

MSC released VEGF, HGF and IGF-1 in vitro. The GC apoptosis was diminished by co-culture with MSC, which also resulted in increased Bcl-2 expression. The ovarian function of the rats exposed to CTX injection was improved after MSC transplantation. MSC reduced apoptosis of GC and induced up-regulation of Bcl-2 in vivo.

DISCUSSION

MSC transplantation can improve ovarian function and structure damaged by chemotherapy. The paracrine mediators secreted by MSC might be involved in the repair of damaged ovaries.

Sle3 and Sle5 can independently couple with Sle1 to mediate severe lupus nephritis

Genetic analyses of the lupus-prone NZM2410 mouse have identified multiple susceptibility loci on chromosome 7, termed Sle3 and Sle5. Both of these loci were contained within a large congenic interval, originally termed as Sle3 that strongly impacts a variety of myeloid and T-cell phenotypes and mediates fatal lupus nephritis when combined with Sle1. We have now produced two subcongenic strains, B6.Sle3 and B6.Sle5, carrying the Sle3 and Sle5 intervals separately and characterized their phenotypes as monocongenic strains and individually in combination with Sle1. Neither B6.Sle3 nor B6.Sle5 monocongenic strain develop severe autoimmunity; however, both of these intervals cause the development of severe glomerulonephritis when combined with Sle1. Thus, B6.Sle1Sle3 and B6.Sle1Sle5 exhibit splenomegaly, expansion of activated B and CD4+ T-cell populations and high levels of IgG and IgM autoantibodies targeting multiple nuclear antigens, intact glomeruli and various other autoantigens. In addition, B6.Sle1Sle3 mice also produced higher levels of IgA antinuclear autoantibodies, which were implicated in the development of IgA nephropathy. Our results indicate that Sle3 and Sle5 can independently complement with Sle1, through shared and unique mechanisms, to mediate the development of severe autoimmunity.

Siah-1S, a novel splice variant of Siah-1 (seven in absentia homolog), counteracts Siah-1-mediated downregulation of beta-catenin

Siah-1 (seven in absentia homolog) is known to cause indirect degradation of beta-catenin through formation of a complex with Siah-interacting protein (SIP), Skp1 and Ebi. Here, we report the characterization of a novel splice variant of human Siah-1, designated Siah-1S, which is produced by an alternative splicing mechanism. The novel intron/exon junctions used to generate Siah-1S follow a non-conventional CT-AC rule. Siah-1S exhibits an even shorter half-life than Siah-1 and is able to catalyse self-ubiquitination that results in its subsequent degradation by proteasome. Siah-1S is shown to upregulate beta-catenin-dependent Tcf/Lef transcriptional activation and antagonize Siah-1's potentiation effect on the apoptosis induced by etoposide in MCF-7 cells. Additionally, Siah-1S is found to interact with Siah-1 to form heterodimer or with itself to form homodimer. Unlike homodimer Siah-1*Siah-1, neither Siah-1*Siah-1S nor Siah-1S*Siah-1S is able to bind to Siah-1-interacting protein, which may explain the underlying mechanism for Siah-1S's dominant negative effect on Siah-1. Importantly, results from in vitro soft agar assay demonstrated that Siah-1S displays a promotion effect on cells tumorigenicity.

Relationships among durum wheat accessions. II. A comparison of molecular and pedigree information

The study of direct ancestry relationships provides information with which to determine essential derivation. SSR profiles were used to determine the pattern of relatedness among 134 durum wheat accessions, representing the most important modern durum wheat gene pools. Simple sequence repeat (SSR)- and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP)-based genetic similarities among cultivars with accurate pedigrees were compared with pedigree-based coefficients of parentage. Sizeable departures of molecular similarities from the expected ones were observed, indicating the unreliability of inferring the pattern of genetic relatedness from the coefficient of parentage. Case studies consisting of parent–progeny cultivar trios and pairs, identified on the basis of their registered pedigree, were studied to evaluate the probability of ancestry of each progeny cultivar, compared with all the remaining accessions. Rare alleles and haplotype sharing were also explored. When the results did not agree with the registered parentages, SSR markers provided information with which to identify the most probable parents (or the corresponding “breeding lineages”) in the collection.

Development and evaluation of a multiplex RT-PCR for detecting main viruses and a viroid of potato

A multiplex RT-PCR (mRT-PCR) for detecting four potato viruses (Potato virus S (PVS), Potato virus X (PVX), Potato virus Y (PVY), and Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV)) and one potato viroid (Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd)) was developed. The mRT-PCR consisted of one reaction with specific primers designed according to the sequences of coat protein (CP) genes of respective viruses and the sequence of the viroid. The entire procedure from tissue grinding to RT-PCR results takes about 4 hrs. The reliability of the method was tested on leaves sampled from the field, greenhouse and in vitro-grown plants by comparison with double-antibody sandwich ELISA (DAS-ELISA). A high correlation between these two methods was observed. The mRT-PCR was also evaluated by testing infected samples obtained from the International Potato Center, Lima, Peru; this testing confirmed its high reliability and sensitivity.

Increased oxidative damage in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA in Alzheimer's disease

Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress is associated with normal aging and several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we quantified multiple oxidized bases in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA of frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes and cerebellum from short postmortem interval AD brain and age-matched control subjects using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with selective ion monitoring (GC/MS-SIM) and stable labeled internal standards. Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA were extracted from eight AD and eight age-matched control subjects. We found that levels of multiple oxidized bases in AD brain specimens were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes compared to control subjects and that mitochondrial DNA had approximately 10-fold higher levels of oxidized bases than nuclear DNA. These data are consistent with higher levels of oxidative stress in mitochondria. Eight-hydroxyguanine, a widely studied biomarker of DNA damage, was approximately 10-fold higher than other oxidized base adducts in both AD and control subjects. DNA from temporal lobe showed the most oxidative damage, whereas cerebellum was only slightly affected in AD brains. These results suggest that oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA may contribute to the neurodegeneration of AD.

Identification of Single Bacterial Cells in Aqueous Solution Using Confocal Laser Tweezers Raman Spectroscopy

We report on a rapid method for reagentless identification and discrimination of single bacterial cells in aqueous solutions using a combination of laser tweezers and confocal Raman spectroscopy (LTRS). The optical trapping enables capturing of individual bacteria in aqueous solution in the focus of the laser beam and levitating the captured cell well off the cover plate, thus maximizing the excitation and collection of Raman scattering from the cell and minimizing the unwanted background from the cover plate and environment. Raman spectral patterns excited by a near-infrared laser beam provide intrinsic molecular information for reagentless analysis of the optically isolated bacterium. In our experiments, six species of bacteria were used to demonstrate the capability of the confocal LTRS in the identification and discrimination between the diverse bacterial species at various growth conditions. We show that synchronized bacterial cells can be well-discriminated among the six species using principal component analyses (PCA). Unsynchronized bacterial cells that are cultured at stationary phases can also be well-discriminated by the PCA, as well as by a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) of their Raman spectra. We also show that unsynchronized bacteria selected from random growth phases can be classified with the help of a generalized discriminant analysis (GDA). These findings demonstrate that the LTRS may find valuable applications in rapid sensing of microbial cells in diverse aqueous media.

T-bet expression is upregulated in active Behçet's disease

AIM

To investigate T-bet mRNA and protein expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in patients with Behçet's disease with active uveitis.

METHODS

Blood samples were taken from 24 patients with Behçet's disease who had active uveitis and 16 healthy individuals. PBMC were subjected to analysis of T-bet mRNA and protein expression using semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot, respectively. The products from PCR were sequenced. In order to determine the influence of activation on T-bet expression, the phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated PBMC from each sample were also evaluated for expression of T-bet mRNA and protein.

RESULTS

A significantly increased T-bet mRNA accumulation was detected in the samples from patients with active Behçet's disease compared with that in controls. A 62 kDa band was detectable in patients with active Behçet's disease, but not in controls. No difference was found between patients with Behçet's disease who had active uveitis and normal controls concerning the expression of either T-bet mRNA or its protein after stimulation with PHA for 72 hours.

CONCLUSION

Behçet's disease is associated with an upregulation of T-bet expression, which supports a role for the Th1 subset of T cells in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Parametric instabilities driven by orthogonal pump waves in birefringent fibers

The four-sideband model of parametric instabilities driven by orthogonal pump waves in birefringent fibers is developed and validated by numerical simulations. A polynomial eigenvalue equation is derived and used to determine how the spatial growth rates and frequency bandwidths of various instabilities depend on the system parameters. The maximal growth rate is associated with a group-speed matched four-sideband process (coupled modulation instability), whereas broad-bandwidth gain is associated primarily with a two-sideband process (phase conjugation). This four-sideband model facilitates the design of parametric amplifiers driven by two pump waves with different frequencies and polarizations.

Reduction of soliton phase jitter by in-line phase conjugation

The main impairment of differential-phase-shift-keyed communication systems is phase jitter. Noise-induced phase jitter, which is mediated by self-phase modulation, can be reduced significantly by a small number of in-line phase conjugators.

Effects of cross-phase modulation on phase jitter in soliton systems with constant dispersion

In wavelength-division-multiplexed communication systems phase jitter is driven by amplifier noise and mediated by cross-phase modulation. The variational method is used to derive formulas for the absolute phase variance of an ensemble of solitons and the relative phase variance of ensembles of neighboring solitons. The predictions of these formulas are consistent with the results of numerical simulations.

Synthetic studies on the marine natural product halichondrins

In connection with the de elopment of a practical synthesis of the right half, and its analog E7389, of halichondrin B, an efficient and scalable synthesis of the two major building blocks is reported. In addition, a new synthesis of the C20–C26 segment via a regiospecific and stereoselecti e SN2' process is presented. A sulfonamide class of ligands is shown to be effective for asymmetric Ni/Cr-mediated reactions under both stoichiometric and catalytic conditions, and the X-ray structure reveals this class of ligands to be tridentate. On the basis of three X-ray structures, a possible mechanism is suggested for this process. Stable and crystalline Cr(III)/sulfonamide complexes are shown to be effective for catalytic Cr-mediated coupling reactions of allyl, alkenyl, and alkyl halides with aldehydes, and some examples for application of the stoichiometric and catalytic asymmetric processes are presented.

Efficient modeling of phase jitter in dispersion-managed soliton systems

The variational method is used to derive correlation equations that model phase jitter in dispersion-managed soliton systems. The predictions of these correlation equations are consistent with numerical solutions of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation on which they are based.

Neurodegeneration in the Niemann-Pick C mouse: glial involvement

A mouse model of Niemann-Pick type C disease has been found that exhibits neuropathology similar to the human condition. There is an age-related neurodegeneration in several brain regions and a lack of myelin in the corpus callosum in these mice. The purpose of the present study was to examine the Niemann-Pick mouse and determine whether: (1) microglia and astrocytes exhibit ultrastructural pathology similar to that found in neurons; (2) nerve fiber number is reduced when the myelin sheath is absent; and (3) the lysosomal hydrolase, cathepsin-D, is involved in the neurodegenerative process. Using light and electron microscopic methods, and immunocytochemistry, Niemann-Pick and control animals were examined at several ages. Cathepsin-D content was semi-quantitatively measured in neurons and glial cells in brain regions known to exhibit neurodegeneration, as was the density of glial fibrillary acidic protein-labeled astrocytes. The Niemann-Pick mouse exhibited: (1) an age-related increase in inclusion bodies in microglia and astrocytes, similar to that observed within neurons; (2) an almost complete absence of myelin in the corpus callosum by 7-8 weeks of age, along with a 30% reduction in the number of corpus callosum axons; (3) a mild age-related increase in cathepsin-D content within nerve cells in many brain regions. However, the cathepsin-D elevation was greatest in microglial cells; (4) an age-related increase in the number of microglial cells containing intense cathepsin-D immunoreactivity in both the thalamus and cerebellum. Both of these brain regions have been shown previously to exhibit an age-related loss of neurons; and (5) an increase in the number of reactive astrocytes immunostained for glial fibrillary acidic protein, especially in the thalamus and cerebellum. These data indicate that glial cells are a major target for pathology in the Niemann-Pick mouse. The lack of myelin within the corpus callosum may be related to the loss of nerve fibers in this structure. The increase in cathepsin-D-laden microglial cells, in brain regions previously shown to undergo neurodegeneration, is consistent with a role for microglia in the phagocytosis of dead neurons and in actively contributing to the neurodegenerative process. The activation of astrocytes in regions that undergo neurodegeneration is also consistent with a role for these glial cells in the neurodegenerative process.

Degeneration of neurons and glia in the Niemann-Pick C mouse is unrelated to the low-density lipoprotein receptor

The BALB/c mouse model of Niemann-Pick type C disease exhibits similar neuropathological features to the human condition, including cerebral atrophy, demyelination of the corpus callosum, and degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells. The gene defect in Niemann-Pick C disease causes cholesterol to accumulate within the lysosomal compartment of neurons and glial cells. In order to determine whether cholesterol accumulation through the low-density lipoprotein receptor pathway plays an important role in the degenerative process, Niemann-Pick C mice were crossed with low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether degeneration of neurons and glial cells is reduced in Niemann-Pick C animals lacking the low-density lipoprotein receptor. Using stereological counting methods, Purkinje cells were counted in the cerebellum and glial cell bodies were counted in the corpus callosum in mice at 3, 7.5 and 11 weeks of age. In the Niemann-Pick C animals, compared to wild-type control mice, there were 48% fewer glial cells at 3 weeks of age, and by 11 weeks of age there were 63% fewer glial cells. Purkinje cells were decreased in number by 13% at 3 weeks of age, and by 11 weeks of age there was a 96% loss. In the Niemann-Pick C animals lacking low-density lipoprotein receptors, there was no difference in the magnitude of glial cell or Purkinje cell loss compared to the Niemann-Pick C animals. These data indicate that both neurons and glia are vulnerable to degeneration in the Niemann-Pick C mouse, but that blocking the accumulation of cholesterol through the low-density lipoprotein receptor pathway does not alter the degenerative phenotype of Niemann-Pick C disease.

Size effects of realgar particles on apoptosis in a human umbilical vein endothelial cell line: ECV-304

Regulation of endothelial cell apoptosis is a critical modulator of normal and pathological angiogenesis. Inorganic arsenic, especially arsenic trioxide, has been demonstrated to induce clinical remission in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia as well as those with several solid cancers. So, in this study, we examined the in vitro effect of realgar(As2S2), used to treat human diseases for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, on cell survival and apoptosis in a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) line: ECV-304. Four different suspensions of realgar particles with diameters from 100-500 nm containing equivalent doses were investigated to determine their size effects. After 2, 4, 6 and 8 h, realgar particles of diameters 100 nm and 150 nm obviously reduced ECV-304 cell survival, which was evidenced by a reduction of cell viability in the MTT assay, whereas cells exhibited slight viability reduction in response to treatment with realgar particles of diameters 200 nm and 500 nm. Significant apoptosis was identified by morphological observation, flow cytometry assay and DNA gel electrophoresis in the ECV-304 cells by the presence of realgar particles of diameters 100 nm and 150 nm. It is demonstrated that particles of realgar with average diameters from 100 nm to 150 nm can induce ECV-304 cell apoptosis. These results suggest that particles of realgar smaller than 150 nm may provide a less toxic agent for anti-neoplasia by suppressing angiogenesis.

Quantum measurements with an amplitude-squeezed-light beam splitter

Quantum measurement of amplitude fluctuation is performed by the injection of 2.5-dB amplitude-squeezed light produced by a quantum-well laser into the dark port of a beam splitter as the meter wave. It is shown that the measurements satisfy the criteria of quantum nondemolition measurement. The measured transfer coefficient and the quantum-state preparation ability are 1.07 and 0.8, respectively.

The role of caspases in methotrexate-induced gastrointestinal toxicity

BACKGROUND

Enterocolitis is the major toxicity of methotrexate-based cancer chemotherapy, which limits its clinical applications. Methotrexate induces gut mucosal apoptosis in vivo; however, little is known about the molecular mechanism involved. The effectors of apoptosis include the caspase family of proteases, which are selectively activated in a stimulus-specific and tissue-specific fashion. The aims of this study were (1) to establish an in vitro model of methotrexate-induced gut apoptosis and (2) to determine the role of caspases in methotrexate-induced apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells.

METHODS

Rat intestinal epithelial cells (RIE-1) were treated with methotrexate in the absence or presence of ZVAD-fluoromethyl ketone, a general caspase inhibitor. Apoptosis was quantified by means of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation assays and Hoechst nuclear staining. Caspase activation was measured with the use of fluorogenic substrates.

RESULTS

Methotrexate induced apoptosis and decreased cell number in RIE-1 cells. DNA fragmentation was preceded by the sequential activation of caspases 9, 2, and 3, whereas caspases 1 and 8 remained inactive. ZVAD-fluoromethyl ketone inhibited methotrexate-induced caspase activation, DNA fragmentation, and nuclear condensation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that methotrexate activates specific caspases and induces apoptosis in RIE-1 cells. Furthermore, caspases may play an important role in methotrexate-induced apoptosis in RIE-1 cells and may be potential therapeutic targets to attenuate methotrexate-induced enterocolitis.

[Research on the dynamic variation and elimination of nitrite content in sauerkraut during pickling]

To investigate the dynamic variation and elimination of nitrite content in pickles and sauerkraut during pickling, green tuber growing in Fuling was selected to make semi-manufactured mustard according to the process technology. Green tuber, cabbage and cauliflower were selected as raw materials to make sauerkraut in family way. The nitrite content in pickles and sauerkraut was determined by spectrophotometry with 1-Amino-2-(a-naphthy lamine) ethoine dihydrochloride. The nitrite content in mustard was 258.8 mg/kg when 6% salt was used and pickling for 8 days; the nitrite content was 235.9 mg/kg when 15% salt was used and pickling for 15 days. There was no nitrite in mustard when pickling for 35 days. The nitrite content in the sauerkraut was 258.7 mg/kg when pickling for 6 days and no nitrite was found after 20 days. The higher nitrite content in pickle and sauerkraut could be eliminated by water. The elimination ratio was 91% for leafy sauerkraut and semi-manufactured cut mustard and only 72% for whole mustard. It was concluded that pickles and sauerkraut that pickled for enough time (for leafy vegetable more than 20 days, for tuber more than 35 days) had no harm for people to eat, The higher nitrite content in pickles and sauerkrauts could be reduced by 91% with water for several times.

Disturbed expression of Fas/FasL on CD4(+) and CD8(+)T cells in Behcet's disease, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, and idiopathic anterior uveitis

AIMS

To evaluate the expression of Fas/FasL antigen on peripheral blood T lymphocytes in patients with Behcet's disease, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome, and idiopathic anterior uveitis.

METHODS

The expression of Fas and FasL on peripheral blood T lymphocytes was determined using flow cytometry in 26 patients with Behcet's disease (BD), 17 patients with VKH syndrome, 25 patients with idiopathic anterior uveitis, and 43 healthy individuals (controls).

RESULTS

A higher proportion of CD4(+) T cells expressing Fas was noted in patients with Behcet's disease (25.70 +/- 7.32%), VKH syndrome (19.60 +/- 11.02%), and idiopathic anterior uveitis (20.81+/- 7.40%) compared with controls (14.02 +/- 6.30%). The expression of Fas on CD8(+) cells from patients with Behcet's disease (9.47 +/- 6.97%) and VKH syndrome (6.84+/- 5.5%) was also higher than that seen in controls (3.47+/- 2.75%). There was no difference in FasL expression on T cells between patients and controls except that a lower expression of FasL on CD8(+) T cells was noted in patients with idiopathic anterior uveitis.

CONCLUSION

A disturbed expression of Fas and FasL on T cells is present in patients with Behcet's disease, VKH syndrome, and idiopathic anterior uveitis, which may be involved in the perpetuation and recurrence of uveitis.

Alpha-1-antitrypsin and a broad spectrum metalloprotease inhibitor, RS113456, have similar acute anti-inflammatory effects

There is increasing evidence that antiproteases are able to affect the inflammatory response. To further examine this question, we administered human alpha-1-antitrypsin (alpha1AT) or a synthetic metalloprotease inhibitor (RS113456) to C57 mice followed by a single intratracheal dose of quartz, a dust that evokes a marked, lasting, polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) infiltrate. At 2 hours after dust administration, both antiproteases completely suppressed silica-induced PMN influx into the lung and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2)/monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) (neutrophil/macrophage chemoattractant) gene expression, partially suppressed nuclear transcription factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) translocation, and increased inhibitor of NF-kappaB (IkappaB) levels. By 24 hours, PMN influx and connective tissue breakdown measured as lavage desmosine or hydroxyproline were still at, or close to, control levels after antiprotease treatment, and increases in NF-kappaB translocation and MIP-2/MCP-1 gene expression were variably suppressed. At both time points, neither agent prevented silica-induced increases in amount of whole lung MIP-2 or MCP-1 protein, but both did prevent increases in whole lung intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) at 24 hours. Inactivating the alpha1AT by oxidation to the point that it no longer possessed antiproteolytic properties did not affect its ability to suppress inflammation. Both antiproteases also prevented the silica-induced acute inflammatory response in mice with knocked out genes for macrophage metalloelastase (MME -/-), mice that develop inflammation, but not connective tissue breakdown, and the pattern of alpha1AT breakdown fragments was identical in control and MME -/- animals. These findings suggest that, in this model of acute PMN mediated inflammation, a serine protease inhibitor and a metalloprotease inhibitor have similar anti-inflammatory properties, that inflammation is not mediated by proteolysis with generation of chemotactic matrix fragments, and that classic antiproteolysis (complexing of protease to antiprotease) probably does not play a role in suppression of inflammation. The antiproteolytic effects of these agents do not seem to be mediated by protection of endogenous alpha1AT.