Abstract P2-09-06: The structure design and biological activities of inhibitory peptides, which block the interactions among polycomb repressive complex 2

Polycomb repressive complex (PRC2) contains several proteins, including embryonic ectoderm development (EED), suppressor of zeste 12 (SUZ12) and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2). Excessive EZH2 concentrations have been reported as a marker of aggressive breast cancer and associated with invasion and cancer progression. EZH2 levels were elevated in patients with invasive breast carcinoma relative to normal or atypical hyperplasia. Except for the C-terminal SET domain, which functions as a histone-lysine N-methyltransferases, EZH2 has an N-terminal alpha helix region, which forms tight complex with EED protein. The in vivo enzymatic activity of EZH2 relies on and be tightly regulated by the interaction with EED. We designed series of artificial peptides trying to block the interaction between EZH2 and EED. By using label-free surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology, the dynamic binding capacities of these peptides were tested. There were 3 leading structures standing out from the screening of more 80 peptides. After several round of co-crystal structure based optimization, the binding capacity of one inhibitor was reached to several nM levels, which indicated the availability for being a drug candidate. Finally, the biological activities of the inhibitory peptides were tested in several breast cancer cell lines. The PRC2 inhibitory peptides in this study are the first time reported PRC2 targeting epigenetic molecules with biological activity in breast cancer.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-09-06.

320-detector row CT angiography for detection and evaluation of intracranial aneurysms: comparison with conventional digital subtraction angiography

AIM

To compare the diagnostic performance of 320-detector row computed tomographic angiography (CTA) with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for the detection and characterization of intracranial aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-two consecutive patients with non-traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and suspected intracranial aneurysms were evaluated from January 2009 to October 2011. All underwent both 320-detector row volume CTA examination and DSA. CTA volume data were transmitted to a VITREA workstation and two physicians with experience in diagnostic imaging of the nervous system independently carried out image post-processing and assessed the results. The three-dimensional (3D) CTA and DSA images were assessed using intraoperative findings as the reference standard.

RESULTS

In 52 patients, 54 aneurysms were detected; 48 patients underwent surgery for 50 aneurysms. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 3D CTA were 96.3, 100, and 94.6%, respectively. Meanwhile, the overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of DSA were 98.1, 98.1, and 95.1%, respectively. For aneurysms less than 3 mm, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 3D CTA were 81.8, 100, and 93.3%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of DSA for small aneurysms were 90.9, 100, and 96.2%, respectively. 3D CTA was superior to DSA in demonstrating aneurysmal calcification, parent artery, and surrounding vascular anatomy.

CONCLUSIONS

3D CTA is a highly sensitive, specific, and non-invasive imaging method for diagnosis and evaluation of intracranial aneurysms. It also allows for precise depiction of aneurysm morphology. Therefore, 320-detector row CTA may be used as an alternative to DSA as a first-line imaging technique in patients with SAH.

A 3D Static Heart Model From a MSCT Data Set

Dynamic Computed Tomography (CT) imaging aims to access the kinetics of the moving organs. In cardiac imaging, the interest lies in the possibility of obtaining anatomic and functional information on the heart and the coronaries during the same examination. However, segmentation, reconstruction and registration algorithms need to be developed for diagnostic purposes. We propose thus to built a 3D heart model from Multi-slice Spiral Computed Tomography (MSCT) dynamic sequences to facilitate the evaluation of these algorithms. The model building relies on semi-automatic segmentation techniques based on deformable models such as Fast Marching and active contours. Shape-based interpolation and Marching Cube algorithms are then used for the 3D surface reconstruction.

Estimation and Removal of Physiological Noise from Undersampled Multi-slice fMRI data in Image Space

The signal variations induced by respiration and cardiac motion decrease the statistical significance in functional MRI data analysis. Significant components of these fluctuations are aliased into the activation spectrum in standard multi-slice imaging protocols. A method of estimation and removal physiological noise in image space is reported. Based on reordering the data from slice ordering to time ordering, the aliased physiological information is available in multi-slice magnitude images. Then physiological noise can be estimated and removed adaptively using signal projecting technique with the actual functional signal preserved.

Femtosecond population inversion and stimulated emission of dense Dirac fermions in graphene

We show that strongly photoexcited graphene monolayers with 35 fs pulses quasi-instantaneously build up a broadband, inverted Dirac fermion population. Optical gain emerges and directly manifests itself via a negative conductivity at the near-infrared region for the first 200 fs, where stimulated emission completely compensates absorption loss in the graphene layer. Our experiment-theory comparison with two distinct electron and hole chemical potentials reproduce absorption saturation and gain at 40 fs, revealing, particularly, the evolution of the transient state from a hot classical gas to a dense quantum fluid with increasing the photoexcitation.

Baculovirus expression and antigenic characterization of classical swine fever virus E2 proteins

Genes encoding a major structural glycoprotein, E2, of classical swine fever viruses (CSFV) Brescia (subgroup 1.2), Paderborn (subgroup 2.1) and Kanagawa (subgroup 3.4) were constructed by removing the transmembrane domain and adding a C-terminal 6 histidine (His) tag. All the E2 constructs were efficiently expressed in a baculovirus system as 53-kDa glycosylated proteins that were identified in Western blots by their reaction with anti-His and CSFV-specific antibodies. These proteins were used as ELISA antigens to confirm the existence of an antigenic relationship between the viruses using group-specific polyclonal antisera. Antigenic differences were identified by Western blot and ELISA reactivity of the E2 proteins with a panel of monoclonal antibodies. Specifically, one monoclonal antibody (WH303) reacted with all three proteins, two monoclonal antibodies (M1660 and M1665) reacted with only the Brescia E2 protein, and three monoclonal antibodies (M1654, M1664 and M1669) reacted equally well with only Brescia and Kanagawa E2 proteins. Therefore, antibody reactivity profiles, established using recombinant E2 proteins, could be used to quickly identify novel CSFV strains as illustrated in this report with only a limited number of monoclonal antibodies. These proteins could also have added utility in the production of monoclonal antibodies and as critical reagents in diagnostic assays.

Efficient doping and energy transfer from ZnO to Eu3+ ions in Eu(3+)-doped ZnO nanocrystals

Successful doping of Eu3+ ions into ZnO nanocrystals has been realized by using a low temperature wet chemical doping technique. The substitution of Eu3+ for Zn2+ is shown to be dominant in the Eu-doped ZnO nanocrystals by analyzing the X-ray diffraction patterns, transmission electron microscopy images, Raman and selectively excited photoluminescence spectra. Measurement of the luminescence from the samples shows that the excited ZnO transfers the excited energy efficiently to the doped Eu3+ ions, giving rise to efficient emission at red spectral region. The red emission quantum yield is measured to be 31% at room temperature. The temperature dependence of photoluminescence and the photoluminescence excitation spectra have also been investigated, showing strong energy coupling between the ZnO host and Eu3+ ions through free and bound excitons. The result indicates that Eu3+ ion-doped ZnO nanocrystals are promising light-conversion materials and have potential application in highly distinguishable emissive flat panel display and LED backlights.

Potential role of soluble B7-H3 in liver immunopathogenesis during chronic HBV infection

Immune-mediated mechanisms have been implicated in liver pathogenesis and subsequent progression in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Costimulatory molecules, the important regulators of immune responses, participate in the regulation of liver pathology in HBV infection. However, the role of B7-H3 (CD276, a new member of B7 family) in this process has not been investigated. In this study, we detected abundant soluble B7-H3 (sB7-H3) in the plasma of patients with chronic HBV infections. The increase of the plasma B7-H3 was associated with the progression of liver cirrhosis and accompanied by decreased expression of B7-H3 on hepatocytes. The identification analysis suggests that the plasma B7-H3 might be derived from the membrane-bound B7-H3 on hepatocytes. A functional study showed that immobilized (4Ig) B7-H3Ig fusion protein could inhibit TCR-induced proliferation and IFN-γ secretion of T cells, which could be partially blocked by soluble B7-H3flag fusion protein. These results suggest that the reduced expression of B7-H3 in the livers might temper the inhibition of T-cell responses mediated by B7-H3 expressed on hepatocytes and thus promote the hepatic inflammation and hepatitis progression in the chronic HBV-infected patients.

The Caenorhabditis elegans GARP complex contains the conserved Vps51 subunit and is required to maintain lysosomal morphology

Functional characterization of the Golgi-associated retrograde protein (GARP) complex in Caenorhabditis elegans has led to the identification of the conserved metazoan Vps51 subunit. It is found that GARP mutants lead to abnormal lysosomal morphology, GARP subunits interact with a distinct set of Golgi SNAREs, and GARP and GOG complexes show functional overlap.

In yeast the Golgi-associated retrograde protein (GARP) complex is required for tethering of endosome-derived transport vesicles to the late Golgi. It consists of four subunits—Vps51p, Vps52p, Vps53p, and Vps54p—and shares similarities with other multimeric tethering complexes, such as the conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) and the exocyst complex. Here we report the functional characterization of the GARP complex in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Furthermore, we identified the C. elegans Vps51 subunit, which is conserved in all eukaryotes. GARP mutants are viable but show lysosomal defects. We show that GARP subunits bind specific sets of Golgi SNAREs within the yeast two-hybrid system. This suggests that the C. elegans GARP complex also facilitates tethering as well as SNARE complex assembly at the Golgi. The GARP and COG tethering complexes may have overlapping functions for retrograde endosome-to-Golgi retrieval, since loss of both complexes leads to a synthetic lethal phenotype.

Assessment of cardiac diastolic dysfunction in HIV-infected people without cardiovascular symptoms in China

This study assessed cardiac diastolic dysfunction (DD) in HIV-infected subjects without cardiovascular symptoms in China. Eighty-four HIV-infected patients without cardiovascular symptoms were recruited and compared with 30 HIV-negative control subjects. Cardiac DD was evaluated using echocardiography including tissue Doppler imaging. DD was detected in 47.6% of AIDS patients and 42.8% of HIV-positive patients, which was significantly higher than in HIV-negative controls. After logistic regression analysis, HIV infection was independently correlated with cardiac DD (P < 0.05). Among HIV-positive subjects, logistic regression analysis showed that zidovudine exposure was associated with higher prevalence of DD (P < 0.05). Asymptomatic cardiac DD was observed frequently in HIV-infected subjects. HIV infection itself and zidovudine exposure were correlated with a higher prevalence of cardiac DD.

Irrigation, organic matter addition, and tarping as methods of reducing emissions of methyl iodide from agricultural soil

Methyl iodide (MeI) is increasingly being used as a highly effective alternative to the soil fumigant methyl bromide. Due to its volatile and toxic nature, MeI draws wide attention on its potential atmospheric emission following field fumigation treatment. Using soil columns that make it possible to determine emissions and gas phase distribution of soil fumigants, we studied MeI behavior in two soils differing in organic matter content. Additionally, the effectiveness of surface irrigation and tarping with virtually impermeable film (VIF) was assessed. In the lower organic matter, bare soil (control), emissions of MeI were rapid and high (83% of total). Although the peak emission flux was reduced by irrigation, the total loss was very similar to the control (82%). Tarping with VIF dramatically reduced emissions (0.04% total emissions). In the higher organic matter soil, degradation rate of MeI was increased around 4-fold, leading to a significant reduction in emissions (63% total emissions). The work suggests that surface tarping with VIF would be highly effective as an emissions reduction strategy and would also result in the maintenance of high soil gas concentrations (important for pest control). Ripping of the tarp after two weeks led to an immediate spike release of MeI, but, even so, the flux rate at this time was almost 20 times lower than the peak flux rate in the control. Even with tarp ripping, the total emission loss from the VIF treatment remained low (6%).

1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin emissions following simulated drip irrigation to raised beds under plastic films

Using laboratory soil chambers a nonscaled representation of an agricultural raised bed was constructed. For a sandy loam soil, 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and chloropicrin (CP) were applied at 5 cm depth with an excess of water (simulated drip irrigation). Application was made under both high density polyethylene (HDPE) and virtually impermeable film (VIF) covering the soil bed (the furrow was left uncovered). Soil gas distribution of the fumigants, together with emissions into the headspace above the bed, sidewall and furrow were determined over time. Total emissions from the HDPE treatment were cis 1,3-D 28%, trans 1,3-D 24%, and CP 8%. Due to its lower permeability, the values for VIF were 13%, 7%, and 1.5%, respectively. With HDPE, the majority (86-93%) of the emissions occurred from the bed, while for VIF the majority (92-99%) of the emissions was from the furrow. Compared to a range of literature values for shank injection, the use of drip application appears to offer a benefit in reducing 1,3-D and CP emissions. However, the most meaningful comparison is with our previous data for simulated shank injection where the same soil was covered (completely) with the same plastic films (1). In this comparison, only 1,3-D emissions under HDPE were lower with drip application; 1,3-D emissions under VIF and CP emissions under both films were greater with the drip application.

Activating killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors 3DS1 and 2DS1 protect against developing the severe form of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

The polymorphic killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) control natural killer (NK) cell response against viral infection and tumor transformation. Here we investigated if select KIR genes are associated with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), a rare disease of the larynx and upper airway caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV)-6/11. DNA from 66 RRP patients and 195 healthy controls were characterized for KIR and HLA gene polymorphism. Patients lacking activating KIR genes 3DS1 and 2DS1 were more common in severe RRP compared with mild-moderate RRP (78.8% vs 48.5%, p = 0.019). Further, patients carrying any of the known susceptible HLA-DRB1/DQB1 alleles were more frequently negative for KIR3DS1 (p = 0.006), KIR2DS1 (p = 0.003) or KIR2DS5 (p = 0.004) compared with controls carrying any of these HLA allotypes. Nearly 80% of the patients with severe disease were missing the protective HLA-DQB1*0602 allele as well as both KIR3DS1 and KIR2DS1 genes. Phenotyping of papilloma-infiltrating mononuclear-cells revealed an elevated numbers of NK cells and CD57(+)CD4(+) T cells in KIR3DS1(-)KIR2DS1(-) patients compared with patients carrying either one or both of these KIRs. Our data suggest that NK cells expressing activating receptors KIR3DS1 and KIR2DS1 may be necessary to trigger an effective early immune response against HPV-infected targets to establish resistance to RRP development.

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors in HLA-B27-associated acute anterior uveitis, with and without axial spondyloarthropathy

PURPOSE

To determine associations between polymorphic genes that encode KIRs and their HLA class I ligands in patients with HLA-B27-associated acute anterior uveitis (AAU), with and without axial spondyloarthropathy (axial SpA).

METHODS

Molecular DNA typing methods were used to define the frequencies of variable KIR genes and their relevant HLA class I ligands in HLA-B27(+) (B27(+)) Caucasian subjects with AAU and 429 healthy Caucasian control subjects. The patients were evaluated for axial SpA based on their histories using published criteria.

RESULTS

Of 143 Caucasian subjects with AAU, 71 (49.6%) had features of axial SpA. The only difference between cases and controls in KIR gene frequencies was a trend toward fewer activating KIRs in subjects with AAU with axial SpA, which reached statistical significance for 2DS5 (P = 0.025, corrected P [P(c)] = 0.05; odds ratio [OR], 0.48; 95% CI, 0.25-0.90). The 3DL1+Bw4(T80) combination implicated in weak inhibition was more frequent in subjects with AAU than in control subjects (P = 2.73 x 10(-28), P(c) = 8.2 x 10(-27); OR, 13.5; 95% CI, 7.73-23.68). The 2DL1+HLA-C2 combination was decreased in subjects with axial SpA compared with subjects with AAU without axial SpA (P = 0.022; P(c) = NS; OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.21-0.88).

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence was found of a role for KIR-HLA combinations that trigger weaker inhibition in subjects with AAU. Furthermore, there was a trend toward fewer KIR3DS1, -2DS1, and -2DS5 in AAU patients with axial SpA, which have been implicated in NK cell activation. HLA-B27(+) without KIR2DS3 (and -2DS1 and -3DS1) may fail to trigger an early NK cell response to clear antigenic stimuli, which may in part contribute to disease pathogenesis.

Craniopharyngiomas in the posterior fossa: a rare subgroup, diagnosis, management and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Craniopharyngiomas with predominant pars in the posterior fossa are very rare and extremely overlooked. The clinical features, diagnosis and management are different from their sellar/suprasellar counterparts. The purpose of this study was to explore the differing characteristics of posterior fossa craniopharyngiomas.

METHODS

Seven patients with pathologically proven craniopharyngiomas located in the posterior fossa were retrospectively investigated. The clinical data and radiographic findings were presented and analysed.

RESULTS

The primary presentations included headache, diplopia, ataxia and hearing loss. All tumours were located in the retrochiasmatic area, and five of seven displayed a retroinfundibulum growth pattern. The predominant components of the tumours were located in the unilateral cerebellopontine angle (CPA) in six cases, and the bilateral CPA in one case. Total tumour resection was accomplished in five patients. There were transient cranial nerve deficits in three patients, and CSF leakage in one patient. Six patients fully recovered to normal conditions, but one patient had tumour regrowth and had to undergo a secondary resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Posterior fossa craniopharyngiomas are rare and may be considered an independent subgroup of classifications. Tumours arising from the sellar region and extending to the posterior fossa present with their own unusual set of characteristics. These tumours can be radically and safely removed with a combined supra- and intratentorial approach.

Absence of KIR2DS3, a receptor implicated in NK cell activation is associated with pulmonary sarcoidosis (136.23)

By interacting with certain HLA class I molecules, the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) control the function of NK cells that trigger early immune response against infection and tumors. To determine whether certain KIR and HLA genes are associated with pulmonary sarcoidosis (PS), a chronic inflammatory disease characterized with pulmonary granuloma, we have characterized KIR and HLA genes in 149 PS patients and 186 healthy controls. There was a significant decrease in the frequencies of KIR2DL2 (56.4% vs. 71.5%, P = 0.0041; 95% CI, 0.33-0.81, OR = 0.52), 2DL5 (61.7% vs. 76.3%, P = 0.0041; 95% CI, 0.31-0.80, OR = 0.50) and 2DS3 (28.2% vs. 45.2%, P = 0.0015; 95% CI, 0.30-0.75, OR = 0.48) in PS compared to controls. Interestingly, these three KIR genes 2DL2, 2DL5 and 2DS3 are closely linked together in the cetromeric half of the KIR gene complex, and thus any of these KIRs or other linked loci may contribute to the risk for PS. Particularly, the decrease in activating receptor KIR2DS3 in PS is consistent with the clinical anergy and diminished cellular immunity evidenced in PS. The individuals missing KIR2DS3 may fail triggering early NK cell response to clear antigenic stimuli, which may contribute granulomas formation. This study offers new insights into the molecular mechanisms of granuloma formation in sarcoidosis and provides a framework for developing new therapeutic strategies. This work was supported by UCLA Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine to RR.

Observation of anomalous spin segregation in a trapped Fermi gas

We report the observation of spin segregation, i.e., time-dependent separation of the spin density profiles of two spin states, in a trapped, coherently prepared Fermi gas of 6Li with a magnetically tunable scattering length a12 close to zero. For |a12| approximately = 5 bohr, as the cloud profiles evolve, the measured difference in the densities at the cloud center increases in 200 ms from 0 to approximately = 60% of the initial mean density and changes sign with a12. The data are in disagreement in both amplitude and temporal evolution with a spin-wave theory for a Fermi gas. In contrast, for a Bose gas, an analogous theory has successfully described previous observations of spin segregation. The observed segregated atomic density profiles are far from equilibrium, yet they persist for approximately = 5 s, long compared to the axial trapping period of 6.9 ms. We find the zero crossing in a12=0, where spin segregation ceases, at 527.5+/-0.2 G.

Isolation and partial molecular characterization of heat-stable growth factor from human placenta

A heat-stable growth factor has been purified to homogeneity from human placenta. Purification procedure involved extraction with acidic medium, precipitation using ethanol, DE-52 ion-exchange chromatography, and reversed-phase HPLC. The purified preparation has been named human placental growth factor-1 (HPGF-1), which simulates the proliferation of some cell lines, such as human amniotic cell, mouse marrow tumor cell, and mouse fibroblast cell. The growth factor has an approximate molecular weight of 1 900. It is a glycopeptide which contains a polypeptide chain consisting of 10 amino acid residues with molecular weight of 1 195. The N-terminal residue of the polypeptide chain part is phenylalanine. The molecular weight of non-peptide part is 682. The isoelectric point of the growth factor is pI 6.8.

Combination of CsA, MTX and low-dose, short-course mycophenolate mofetil for GVHD prophylaxis

In an effort to reduce the incidence and severity of acute GVHD (aGVHD), we have developed a new prophylaxis regimen combining cyclosporine and MTX with a short 30-day course of low-dose (500 mg per day) mycophenolate mofetil. This regimen was studied prospectively 100 patients undergoing HLA-matched and 1-antigen-mismatched allogeneic peripheral blood SCT from related donors. The cumulative incidence of aGVHD was 16% (grades II-IV (9.5%) and grades III-IV (1%)). The cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD (cGVHD) was 53% with 28% extensive cGVHD. The cumulative incidence of transplant-related mortality at 100 days and 3 years were 6 and 13%. The estimated probabilities of disease-free survival at 3 years in standard- and high-risk patients were 77 and 30%, respectively (P<0.0001). The estimated probabilities of overall survival at 3 years in standard- and high-risk patients were 77 and 37%, respectively (P<0.0001). These data show a substantial decrease in the risk of developing aGVHD without an increase in relapse or any adverse impact on survival in standard-risk patients.

Torsional ultrasound modality for hard nucleus phacoemulsification cataract extraction

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of phacoemulsification using torsional modality with different parameter settings for hard nucleus cataract extraction.

DESIGN

A prospective, randomised clinical study.

METHODS

A clinical practice study conducted at the Cataract Service, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun-Yat-Sen University, and Guangzhou. One eye each from 198 consecutive patients with cataract density grade IV according to the Emery-Little system classification system, requiring phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation, was included. Eyes were randomly assigned to the Linear Torsional combined with Ultrasound power group (Linear Tor+US group, n = 66), 100% Fixed Torsional group (Fixed Tor group, n = 65) and conventional Ultrasound burst group (US group, n = 67). All surgeries were performed by a single experienced surgeon and outcomes evaluated by another surgeon masked to treatment. Intraoperative parameters were Ultrasound Time (UST), Cumulative Dissipated Energy (CDE) and surgical complications. Patients were examined on post-op days 1, 7 and 30. Postoperative outcomes were final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), average central and incisional corneal thickness and central endothelial cell counts.

RESULTS

The mean UST was lower in the Fixed Tor group than in the US group and in the Lin US+Tor group (p0.01), greater average central corneal and incisional thickness on days 1, 7 (p0.01), and higher average corneal endothelial cell losses on day 7 and 30 days (p

CONCLUSIONS

Torsional combined with ultrasound power or high fixed torsional amplitude can yield more effective hard nucleus phacoemulsification than conventional ultrasound modality.

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MESH Headings

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Cornea/pathology
• Endothelium, Corneal/pathology
• Female
• Humans
• Lens Nucleus, Crystalline/surgery
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Phacoemulsification/methods
• Prospective Studies
• Tomography, Optical Coherence
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultrasonic Therapy/methods
• Visual Acuity

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Production, characterization and assay application of a purified, baculovirus-expressed, serogroup specific bluetongue virus antigen

The predominant serodiagnostic assay used in many countries to detect bluetongue virus (BTV) infections is a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) which employs two critical reagents: a cell culture-derived BTV antigen and group-specific monoclonal antibody (Mab). Ongoing difficulties have been reported by laboratories in the production and quality control of the native antigen reagent which relies on the presence of adequate molar quantities and appropriate presentation of the major BTV core protein VP7. To address this important issue, a recombinant baculovirus was constructed containing a cDNA copy of genome segment 7 of BTV serotype 11 and used to infect insect cells which, in turn, expressed high levels of theVP7 protein with an estimated molecular mass of 39 kDa. In its purified form, this recombinant protein could be detected by group-specific Mabs designated 3.17.A3 and 8A3B.6 produced against BTV serotypes 1 and 17, respectively, as well as by polyclonal bovine antibodies raised against North American and South African BTV serotypes. No reactivity was observed by Western blot analysis with these two Mabs suggesting that the common antigenic determinants, on the BTV VP7 protein, were mainly conformational. It was interesting to note that the purified recombinant VP7 protein demonstrated a greater degree of reactivity with Mab 8A3B.6 compared to that exhibited with Mab 3.17.A3 when evaluated in an ELISA. Due to its antigenic similarity to the native antigen, the recombinant protein was found to be a suitable replacement for use in a c-ELISA to detect BTV-specific antibodies with the added advantage that it could be consistently produced and was, therefore, amenable to quality control testing for purity, stability and other standards.

Traumatic carotid cavernous fistula concomitant with pseudoaneurysm in the sphenoid sinus

SUMMARY

This study was designed to elucidate the generating mechanism, diagnosis and treatment of traumatic carotid cavernous fistula (tCCF) concomitant with pseudoaneurysm in the sphenoid sinus. Six cases of tCCF concomitant with pseudoaneurysm in the sphenoid sinus were analyzed in this study. Clinical history, neurological examination, CT and MRI scans, pre- and postembolization cerebral angiograms and follow-up data were included. All patients presented with massive epistaxis and symptoms of tCCF. The pseudoaneurysms and fistulas were occluded with detachable balloons, and preservation of the parent artery in two cases. One patient also had indirect carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) on the contralateral side embolized by transfacial vein approach with microcoils. Complete symptom resolution was achieved in all cases, without procedure related complications. During the follow-up period all patients returned to work. Falling from a high speed motorcycle without wearing a helmet may be one of the main causes of this disease. The site of impact during the accident mostly localizes in the frontal and lateral of the orbit. Intracavernous sinus hypertension of tCCF combining with fracture of the lateral wall of the sphenoid may lead to the formation of a pseudoaneurysm in the sphenoid sinus. MRI scan is very helpful in the diagnosis of this disease before the patient receives angiography. Detachable balloon occlusion of the pseudoaneurysm and fistula is a safe and efficient treatment.

Combination of KIR and HLA gene variants augments the risk of developing birdshot chorioretinopathy in HLA-A*29-positive individuals

Birdshot chorioretinopathy (BCR), a chronic ocular inflammatory disease with characteristic choroidal lymphocytic infiltrates, has been strongly associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A29. Although HLA-A29 occurs frequently in all populations, BCR affects only a small percentage of HLA-A29-positive Caucasians, indicating additional susceptibility factors for BCR. Discovery of HLA class I-specific killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) led to a series of epidemiological studies implicating KIR-HLA gene combinations in disease. Here, we characterized KIR-HLA pairs in BCR patients and controls carrying HLA-A*29 as well as controls lacking HLA-A*29. KIR-HLA pairs implicated for weak inhibition (KIR2DL2/3+HLA-C1 and KIR3DL1+HLA-Bw4(T80)) in combination with activating KIR genes associated with autoimmunity (KIR2DS2, 2DS3 and 2DS4) augment the risk of developing BCR in HLA-A*29-positive individuals. The reciprocal association of strong inhibitory pairs (KIR3DL1+HLA-Bw4(I80) and KIR2DL1+HLA-C2) in combination with those implicated in protection from infection (KIR3DS1+HLA-Bw4(I80) and KIR2DS1+HLA-C2) was observed in HLA-A*29-negative controls. These results suggest that a profound effect of KIR2DS2/S3/S4 in the absence of strong inhibition may enhance the activation of natural killer cells and T-cell subsets against intraocular self-antigens, thereby contributing to pathogenesis of BCR.

Wavelet domain Bayesian method for high noise level PET image reconstruction

In this paper, a new maximum a posterior(MAP) method for PET image reconstruction defined in wavelet domain is proposed. Compared to the conventional MAP methods with Markov Random Field (MRF) prior models, the proposed method, named WD-MAP method, has better performance in characterize both local and global feature of reconstructed image due to the wavelet transform. Wavelet packet decomposition strategy is applied to further improve the reconstruction quality. The convergence speed of WD-MAP method is accelerated by adopting conjugate gradient(CG) technique. Simulated experiment suggests that the proposed method offers competitive performance in PET image reconstruction.

Stress-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in dry eye and ocular surface disease

Inflammation is recognized as a key component in the pathogenesis of dry eye and a variety of ocular surface diseases. Stress-activated protein kinases have been identified as pathways signaling ocular surface stresses, such as increased tear film osmolarity and ultraviolet light exposure. Activation of these stress pathways results in transcription of stress related genes, including inflammatory cytokines (e.g. interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), such as MMP-9. Treatment of osmo-stressed cultured corneal epithelia with inhibitors of the stress associated kinase c-jun N-terminal kinases was found to decrease production of MMPs by these cells. These findings suggest that SAPKs may be key therapeutic targets for dry eye and ocular surface diseases.

Protective effect of glutathione against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and mortality in rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate protective effect of glutathione (GSH) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and mortality in rats.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally (i. p.) with GSH (40 mg/kg) 30 min prior to LPS injection (20 mg/kg). Animal survival rate and the production of nitric oxide in serum were measured. Morphology of lung was observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Western blotting was used to assess the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the phosphorylation of p38 in rat peritoneal macrophages.

RESULTS

GSH significantly decreased LPS-induced mortality, inhibited serum NO production and eliminated lung histological injury. Furthermore, GSH inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins and the phosphorylation of p38 in LPS-stimulated rat peritoneal macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that GSH suppressed LPS-induced systemic inflammatory response in rats and p38 MAPK signal pathway was involved in this process.

Chain-terminating natural mutations affect the function of activating KIR receptors 3DS1 and 2DS3

To determine the nucleotide polymorphism of activating killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (aKIR) 3DS1 and 2DS3, we developed a novel direct-sequencing method and analyzed DNA samples of 175 KIR3DS1(+) individuals and 72 KIR2DS3(+) individuals from the white population. The putative ligand-binding extracellular immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains of these aKIR receptors are highly conserved, a scenario contrary to inhibitory KIRs that recognize polymorphic human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules. Null alleles 3DS1*049N and 2DS3*003N that do not express cell-surface receptors were discovered, and they occur commonly in whites (3DS1*049N = 2%; 2DS3*003N = 0.8%). Sequence-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detecting these null alleles is negative with DNA from nonwhite subjects, suggesting that these null alleles are specific to whites and probably originated after the colonization of modern humans in Europe.

Hyperosmolarity-induced apoptosis in human corneal epithelial cells is mediated by cytochrome c and MAPK pathways

PURPOSE

To study whether hyperosmolarity induces apoptosis in human corneal epithelial cells through cytochrome c-mediated death pathways and by activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs).

METHODS

Primary human corneal epithelial cells cultured in normal osmolar media (312 mOsM) were switched to hyperosmolar media (450, 500, and 550 mOsM) by adding 70, 90, and 120 mM NaCl, respectively, with or without the c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SB202190 or the extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor PD98059. Apoptosis was assessed by the ApopTag In Situ Oligo Ligation (ISOL) assay. Confocal microscopy was used to detect cytochrome c and active caspase-3. Total RNA was extracted and subjected to reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for apoptosis-associated genes. Western blots were performed on cell extracts for the apoptogenic molecules cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO, and phospho-JNK and ERK.

RESULTS

ISOL-positive apoptotic cells significantly increased from 3.3 +/- 1.6% in control medium to 11.4 +/- 5.8%, 18.9 +/- 4.8%, and 43.9 +/- 8.8% in 70, 90, and 120 mM NaCl added media, respectively. The 90 mM NaCl high saline medium notably increased release of cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO from mitochondria; activated caspase-3, JNK and ERK; stimulated mRNA expression of interleukin-1-converting enzyme and Bax; and reduced Bcl2 expression. SB202190 and PD98059 significantly suppressed hyperosmolarity-induced JNK/ERK activation and ISOL-positive cells. In addition, PD98059 inhibited the release of cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO from mitochondria.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that hyperosmolarity induces apoptosis of human corneal epithelial cells through a cytochrome c-mediated death pathway, which may be mediated by JNK and ERK MAPK signaling pathways.

A novel Bacillus thuringiensis strain LLB6, isolated from bryophytes, and its new cry2Ac-type gene

AIMS

To isolate and characterize the novel Bacillus thuringiensis strains from bryophytes collected from Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province of China, and identify new B. thuringiensis strains and toxins active against mosquitoes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twelve novel B. thuringiensis strains were isolated from 76 bryophyte samples. According to the results of this preliminary screening, LLB6 was the most toxic to Aedes albopictus. Then phase-contrast as well as scanning electron microscopy, bioassays, cloning, sequencing and expression were performed to characterize the novel isolate LLB6 and its new gene cry2Ac5.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacillus thuringiensis occurred naturally on bryophytes. LLB6 isolated from Physcomitrium japonicum was toxic to A. albopictus. A new cry2Ac5 gene of LLB6 was detected, cloned and expressed successfully. Bioassays on A. albopictus showed that the expressed Cry2Ac5 was also toxic to the third instar larvae.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first report of B. thuringiensis strains isolated from bryophytes. It represents a specific source of new B. thuringiensis strains and is of great importance for the knowledge of the ecology of B. thuringiensis. Novel LLB6 harboring the new gene cry2Ac5 and its expressed Cry2Ac5 protein revealed activity against A. albopictus and became a new member of B. thuringiensis toxins.