Effect of steam explosion pretreatment on the anaerobic digestion of rice straw

Steam explosion pretreatment on the anaerobic digestion of rice straw.

-1195 A/G promoter variants of the cyclooxygenase-2 gene increases the risk of pain occurrence in endometriotic women

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between -1195 A/G polymorphism in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene and the risk of pain occurrence in women with endometriosis (EM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

-1195 A/G polymorphism in the promoter region of COX-2 gene was analyzed in 32 EM patients with pain, 28 EM patients without pain, and 29 healthy controls in a Chinese population using a PCR-RFLP assay.

RESULTS

AA homozygote carriers and A allelic frequencies for -1195 A/G polymorphism in COX-2 gene were significantly increased in EM patients compared with the healthy controls (p < 0.001). In addition, further subgroup analysis revealed that the AA genotype and A allele of the -1195 A/G variant were present at a significantly higher frequency in the severe pain group than those in the mild and moderate pain groups. Compared with the controls, the risk of developing EM was 2.86-fold higher in individuals with -1195 AA containing the haplotype, and the risk of developing pain was 2.33-fold higher in EM patients with -1195 AA containing the haplotype.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the -1195 A/G on the promoter region of COX-2 gene may increase the risk of pain occurrence in EM women, possibly by affecting the rate of gene expression, especially in patients with the pain phenotype.

MicroRNA-215 functions as a tumor suppressor and directly targets ZEB2 in human pancreatic cancer

It has been shown that microRNA-215 (miR-215) is dysregulated in several human malignancies, and this correlates with tumor progression. However, its expression and function in pancreatic cancer is still unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of miR-215 on pancreatic cancer formation and progression. Using quantitative RT-PCR, we detected miR-215 expression in pancreatic cancer cell lines and primary tumor tissues. The association of miR-215 expression with clinicopathological factors and prognosis was also analyzed. We then observed the effects of miR-215 on the biological behavior of pancreatic cancer cells. Lastly, the potential regulatory function of miR-215 on ZEB2 expression was investigated. miR-215 expression levels were significantly downregulated in pancreatic cancer samples and cell lines. Decreased miR-215 expression was significantly associated with large tumor size, advanced TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, vessel invasion, and lower overall survival. Multivariate regression analysis corroborated that downregulation of miR-215 was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor. Overexpression of miR-215 inhibited pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration; promoted cell apoptosis in vitro; and suppressed tumorigenicity in vivo. Further, ZEB2 was confirmed as a direct target of miR-215 by using a luciferase reporter assay. These findings indicate that miR-215 may act as a tumor suppressor in pancreatic cancer cells, and could serve as a novel therapeutic target for miR-based therapy.

Mutation analysis of four Chinese families with pure hereditary spastic paraplegia: pseudo- X-linked dominant inheritance and male lethality due to a novel ATL1 mutation

We studied four Chinese families with pure hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) to investigate the clinical features and associated genetic mutations. Linkage analysis was performed for all families to map the disease locus onto autosomal chromosomes, and related loci involved in HSP on the X chromosome were also examined. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing was used to detect gene mutations. To confirm the influence of a splice-site mutation on mRNA, we used reverse transcription-PCR and direct sequencing. Linkage analysis and ATL1 gene sequencing of amniocytes were performed for prenatal genetic diagnosis. One missense variant (c.1517T>A) and a splice-site mutation (c.1245+1G>A) in SPAST, and two missense variants (c.715C>T, c.1204T>G) in ATL1 were identified. The c.1245+1G>A mutation caused a deletion of exon 9 in the SPAST gene. Prenatal genetic diagnosis showed that fetus did not carry the ALT1 c.1204T>G mutation. Follow-up was maintained for 5 years, and the negative result was confirmed by evidence of a healthy growing boy. We identified two novel mutations and two previously reported mutations in SPAST and ATL1, respectively. The family with the ATL1 c.1204T>G mutation exhibited male-lethality, female infancy-onset, and pseudo- X-linked dominant transmission, which had never been previously reported for HSP. Characteristic facial features were also noticed. The boy on whom prenatal gene diagnosis was performed is healthy and without unusual facies, suggesting that the c.1204T>G mutation might be related to these features. The results extend the genetic spectrum of HSP and suggest that linkage analysis remains a powerful tool in gene discovery studies.

Note: Upgrade of electron cyclotron emission imaging system and preliminary results on HL-2A tokamak

The electron cyclotron emission imaging system on the HL-2A tokamak has been upgraded to 24 (poloidally) × 16 (radially) channels based on the previous 24 × 8 array. The measurement region can be flexibly shifted due to the independence of the two local oscillator sources, and the field of view can be adjusted easily by changing the position of the zoom lenses. The temporal resolution is about 2.5 μs and the achievable spatial resolution is 1 cm. After laboratory calibration, it was installed on HL-2A tokamak in 2014, and the local 2D mode structures of MHD activities were obtained for the first time.

IL-17A and IL-17F polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk: a meta-analysis

We conducted a meta-analysis of eligible studies to estimate the association between gastric cancer risk and rs2275913G>A IL-17A and rs763780T>C IL-17F polymorphisms. We searched the relevant studies in both Chinese and English through PubMed, the Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE up to January 1, 2014, including 3939 cases and 5407 controls. Seven eligible case-control studies were selected, including seven studies on rs2275913G>A IL-17A and four studies on rs763780T>C IL-17F. The rs2275913 AG [odds ratio (OR) = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.04-2.15] and GG (OR = 1.40, 95%CI = 1.00-1.96) genotypes were significantly associated with increased risk of gastric cancer compared with the AA genotype. The rs763780 TC (OR = 1.47, 95%CI = 1.32-1.64) and TT (OR = 1.49, 95%CI = 1.11-1.99) gen-otypes can influence gastric cancer risk. Subgroup analysis showed that rs2275913 GG (OR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.05-1.73) and rs763780 TC (OR= 1.44, 95%CI = 1.20-1.75) genotypes were not significantly associated with increased risk of gastric cancer in Japanese populations. Our meta-analysis is the first to indicate that the rs2275913G>A and rs763780T>C polymor-phisms are risk factors for gastric cancer development.

Inflammatory Responses, Spirometry, and Quality of Life in Subjects With Bronchiectasis Exacerbations

BACKGROUND

Bronchiectasis exacerbations are critical events characterized by worsened symptoms and signs (ie, cough frequency, sputum volume, malaise).

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to examine variations in airway and systemic inflammation, spirometry, and quality of life during steady state, bronchiectasis exacerbations, and convalescence (1 week following a 2-week antibiotic treatment) to determine whether potentially pathogenic microorganisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were associated with poorer conditions during bronchiectasis exacerbations.

METHODS

Peripheral blood and sputum were sampled to detect inflammatory mediators and bacterial densities. Spirometry and quality of life (St George Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ]) were assessed during the 3 stages.

RESULTS

Forty-eight subjects with bronchiectasis (43.2 ± 14.2 y of age) were analyzed. No notable differences in species and density of potentially pathogenic microorganisms were found during bronchiectasis exacerbations. Except for CXCL8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), serum inflammation was heightened during bronchiectasis exacerbations and recovered during convalescence. Even though sputum TNF-α was markedly higher during bronchiectasis exacerbations and remained heightened during convalescence, the variations in miscellaneous sputum markers were unremarkable. Bronchiectasis exacerbations were associated with notably higher SGRQ symptom and total scores, which recovered during convalescence. FVC, FEV1, and maximum mid-expiratory flow worsened during bronchiectasis exacerbations (median change from baseline of -2.2%, -0.8%, and -1.3%) and recovered during convalescence (median change from baseline of 0.6%, 0.7%, and -0.7%). Compared with no bacterial isolation, potentially pathogenic microorganism or P. aeruginosa isolation at baseline did not result in poorer clinical condition during bronchiectasis exacerbations.

CONCLUSIONS

Bronchiectasis exacerbations are characterized by heightened inflammatory responses and poorer quality of life and spirometry, but not by increased bacterial density, which applies for subjects with and without potentially pathogenic microorganism isolation when clinically stable. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT01761214.).

Gate-controlled generation of optical pulse trains using individual carbon nanotubes

In single-walled carbon nanotubes, electron–hole pairs form tightly bound excitons because of limited screening. These excitons display a variety of interactions and processes that could be exploited for applications in nanoscale photonics and optoelectronics. Here we report on optical pulse-train generation from individual air-suspended carbon nanotubes under an application of square-wave gate voltages. Electrostatically induced carrier accumulation quenches photoluminescence, while a voltage sign reversal purges those carriers, resetting the nanotubes to become luminescent temporarily. Frequency-domain measurements reveal photoluminescence recovery with characteristic frequencies that increase with excitation laser power, showing that photoexcited carriers provide a self-limiting mechanism for pulsed emission. Time-resolved measurements directly confirm the presence of an optical pulse train synchronized to the gate voltage signal, and flexible control over pulse timing and duration is also demonstrated. These results identify an unconventional route for optical pulse generation and electrical-to-optical signal conversion, opening up new prospects for controlling light at the nanoscale.

The photocurrent and luminescence of carbon nanotubes is governed by excitonic processes with diverse uses in nano-photonics. Here, Jiang et al. generate optical pulses from individual air-suspended carbon nanotubes under an application of square-wave gate voltages with control over pulse timing and duration.

Folic acid inhibits tau phosphorylation through regulation of PP2A methylation in SH-SY5Y cells

OBJECTIVES

Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), which are composed of intracellular filamentous aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, are one of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Because tau phosphorylation is regulated by phosphatases, abnormal metabolism of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) has been proposed to be a contributing factor to the disease process.

RESULTS

To determine the function of folic acid on tau phosphorylation, an in vitro model of human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) were exposed to folic acid (0-40 μmol/L) for 96 h, in the presence or absence of the phosphoesterase inhibitor okadaic acid (OA) (10 nmol/L) for 9 h. The data of western blot showed tau phosphorylation at the Ser396 site in OA-incubated SH-SY5Y cells was inhibited by folic acid in a concentration-dependent manner, with the folic acid concentration of 40 μmol/L providing maximal inhibition. Folic acid can downregulate tau protein phosphorylation by inhibiting the demethylation reactions of PP2A. High folic acid concentrations (20 and 40 μmol/L) increased SAM:SAH ratios and cell viability.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, we can speculate that folate deficiency may be a cause of PP2A deregulation, which can in turn lead to expression of the abnormal hyperphosphorylated form of tau.

Trial of LVDP regimen (L-asparaginase, etoposide, dexamethasone, and cisplatin, followed by radiotherapy) as first-line treatment for newly diagnosed, stage III/IV extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma

Stage III/IV extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma (ENKL) has a poor response and poor survival. Given the sensitivity of ENKL to radiotherapy and the fact that there is no consensus on standard chemotherapy, we conducted a clinical trial of LVDP regimen, combining LVDP chemotherapy (containing etoposide, dexamethasone, L-asparaginase, and cisplatin), followed by radiotherapy as a consolidation therapy regimen, for newly diagnosed patients with stage III/IV ENKL to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this regimen. The primary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR) and survival [overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS)] at 1 or 2 years, while the secondary endpoints were toxicity and adverse effects. In total, 18 patients were enrolled in this trial from July 2010 to September 2013. The mean completed cycles of chemotherapy was 4.04 (range 1-8 cycles), and the ORR was 50 %. During a mean follow-up of 21.8 months (range 2-51 months), the 1-year OS and PFS rates were 72.2 and 50.0 %, respectively, the 2-year OS and PFS rates were 33.3 and 22.2 %, respectively, and the median OS and PFS were 23.0 and 10.5 months, respectively. Severe adverse effects during therapy included six cases of grade 3/4 bone marrow suppression and one case of grade 3 transaminase increase. Sex, eastern cancer oncology group, performance status, Korean Prognostic Index, International Prognostic index, and bone marrow infiltration may influence the prognosis of advanced-stage ENKL.

Toll-like receptor-mediated immune responses are attenuated in the presence of high levels of hepatitis B virus surface antigen

It has been recently shown that Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling in murine nonparenchymal liver cells (NPCs) is suppressed in the presence of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). It is not clear, however, whether this is also relevant for the adaptive immune responses and how this effect is mediated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients and controls were stimulated by TLR ligands in the absence or presence of autologous serum. Interestingly, TLR-mediated cytokine expression (Interleukin-6 and -10) as well as TLR3-induced interferon (IFN) expression in PBMCs of HBV patients was significantly higher than in the healthy volunteers, showing a negative correlation with the levels of HBsAg. In addition, TLR3-mediated IFN-γ production was inhibited in the presence of HBV-containing serum. To mechanistically analyse this observation, murine Kupffer cells (KCs) and sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) were stimulated with TLR3 ligands in the presence or absence of HBsAg. Mixed lymphocyte reactions were performed to study T-cell activation induced by TLR-stimulated NPCs. Gene expression of cytokines and TLR3 was analysed by quantitative rt-PCR, and activation of transcription factors was assessed by Western blot or reporter gene assays. TLR-induced expression of interferon γ, interferon sensitive genes and proinflammatory cytokines in murine KCs and LSECs was efficiently suppressed in the presence of HBsAg, whereas the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines was enhanced. Activation of NFκB, IRF-3 and MAPKs in these liver cells was potently suppressed by HBsAg. T-cell activation mediated through TLR3-stimulated KCs or LSECs was suppressed by HBsAg which could be reverted by anti-IL-10 antibodies. These findings may, at least in part, explain how HBV evades innate and adaptive immune responses to maintain a persistent infection.

Toll-like receptor-mediated immune responses are attenuated in the presence of high levels of hepatitis B virus surface antigen

It has been recently shown that Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling in murine nonparenchymal liver cells (NPCs) is suppressed in the presence of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). It is not clear, however, whether this is also relevant for the adaptive immune responses and how this effect is mediated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients and controls were stimulated by TLR ligands in the absence or presence of autologous serum. Interestingly, TLR-mediated cytokine expression (Interleukin-6 and -10) as well as TLR3-induced interferon (IFN) expression in PBMCs of HBV patients was significantly higher than in the healthy volunteers, showing a negative correlation with the levels of HBsAg. In addition, TLR3-mediated IFN-γ production was inhibited in the presence of HBV-containing serum. To mechanistically analyse this observation, murine Kupffer cells (KCs) and sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) were stimulated with TLR3 ligands in the presence or absence of HBsAg. Mixed lymphocyte reactions were performed to study T-cell activation induced by TLR-stimulated NPCs. Gene expression of cytokines and TLR3 was analysed by quantitative rt-PCR, and activation of transcription factors was assessed by Western blot or reporter gene assays. TLR-induced expression of interferon γ, interferon sensitive genes and proinflammatory cytokines in murine KCs and LSECs was efficiently suppressed in the presence of HBsAg, whereas the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines was enhanced. Activation of NFκB, IRF-3 and MAPKs in these liver cells was potently suppressed by HBsAg. T-cell activation mediated through TLR3-stimulated KCs or LSECs was suppressed by HBsAg which could be reverted by anti-IL-10 antibodies. These findings may, at least in part, explain how HBV evades innate and adaptive immune responses to maintain a persistent infection.

Diagnostics for energetic particle studies on the HL-2A tokamak

About 13 kinds of diagnostics for energetic particle physics studied on the HuanLiuqi-2A (commonly referred to as HL-2A) tokamak are described in this paper. Their measurement ranges, resolutions, and arrangement are presented. Three under-construction diagnostics including imaging fast ion D-alpha, scintillator matrix (for hard X-ray detection), and bundle fission chamber are described in detail.

Identification of Malassezia species in the facial lesions of Chinese seborrhoeic dermatitis patients based on DNA sequencing

The genus Malassezia is important in the aetiology of facial seborrhoeic dermatitis (FSD), which is the most common clinical type. The purpose of this study was to analyse the distribution of Malassezia species in the facial lesions of Chinese seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD) patients and healthy individuals. Sixty-four isolates of Malassezia were isolated from FSD patients and 60 isolates from healthy individuals. Sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was used to identify the isolates. The most frequently identified Malassezia species associated with FSD was M. furfur (76.56%), followed by M. sympodialis (12.50%) and M. japonica (9.38%). The most frequently isolated species in healthy individuals were M. furfur (61.67%), followed by M. sympodialis (25.00%), M. japonica (6.67%), M. globosa (3.33%), and M. obtusa (3.33%). Overall, our study revealed that while M. furfur is the predominant Malassezia species in Chinese SD patients, there is no significant difference in the distribution of Malassezia species between Chinese SD patients and healthy individuals.

Characteristic features of the adenomatoid odontogenic tumour on cone beam CT

OBJECTIVES

To illustrate characteristic features of adenomatoid odontogenic tumour (AOT) on CBCT.

METHODS

The archived CBCT and panoramic radiographs of eight patients histopathologically diagnosed as AOT were analysed. The radiographic features displayed on both radiographic images were carefully described and compared.

RESULTS

All eight AOT cases presented as unilocular and well-demarcated lesions on both CBCT and panoramic images. CBCT images displayed three-dimensional interpretation of AOT lesions, especially the detailed intralesional radiopacities. Numerous discrete radiopaque foci scattered in the lesion with evident contrast to the radiolucent background could be considered as one of the characteristic features of AOT on CBCT.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with panoramic radiography, CBCT seems to possess better potential in diagnosing AOT.

Synchronization of time-delayed chemically coupled burst-spiking neurons with correlated noises

Synchronization of two time-delayed chemically coupled neurons with burst-spiking states is studied. Different from the previous study by N. Buric et al. (Phys. Rev. E 78, 036211 (2008)), it is found that exactly synchronous burst-spiking dynamics can occur for small coupling strengths and time delays. The results are confirmed by common time delays and non-equal time delays. When common noise is added to the two neurons, synchronization is enhanced as noise strength is increased. But the results are different for larger time delay and smaller time delay. When noises are correlated, it is found that only strong noises with large correlation coefficient can induce exact synchronization. Even one percent of independent noises can influence synchronization much.

Calibration of a 32 channel electron cyclotron emission radiometer on the HL-2A tokamak

A novel 32-channel electron cyclotron emission radiometer has been designed and tested for the measurement of electron temperature profiles on the HL-2A tokamak. This system is based on the intermediate frequency filter detection technique, and has the features of wide working frequency range and high spatial resolution. Two relative calibration methods have been investigated: sweeping the toroidal magnetic field and hopping the output frequency of the local oscillator. Preliminary results show that both methods can ensure reasonable profiles.

MicroRNA-155 controls Toll-like receptor 3- and hepatitis C virus-induced immune responses in the liver

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) establishes persistent infections despite strong activation of the innate immune system through TLR3 and other sensors. Therefore, we analysed regulatory mechanisms of TLR3-induced immune responses in nonparenchymal liver cells (NPCs). Effects of Interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and immunoregulatory miR-155 on poly I:C-activated murine (C57BL/6) Kupffer cells (KC) and sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) were assessed in vitro. NPCs were assayed for inflammatory and antiviral cytokines and T-cell (Balb/c)-activating factors. Gene expression of miR-155, IL-10, TGF-β and interferon sensitive genes (ISGs) in biopsies of patients with HCV was determined by qrt-PCR. TLR3-induced antiviral activity in murine NPCs was potently suppressed by IL-10 and TGF-β which correlated with decreased TLR3 expression and inhibition of NF-κB and IRF-3 activation. T-cell activation, induced by TLR3-activated NPCs, was also suppressed by IL-10 and TGF-β, which was associated with a down-regulation of CD80 and CD86. Pretreatment with IL-10 or TGF-β suppressed TLR3-induced miR-155 expression, which itself positively regulated poly I:C-mediated immune responses, thus counteracting IL-10 or TGF-β-induced immunosuppression. In addition, hepatic expression of miR-155 was elevated in chronically infected patients with HCV, was associated with an IL-28B SNP (rs12979860) and was inversely correlated with HCV serum load and ISG expression levels. As miR-155 is a key regulator of anti-inflammatory mechanisms that control innate and adaptive hepatic immune responses during HCV infection, miR-155 based therapies may represent a novel mechanism to control HCV in the future.

Development of frequency modulated continuous wave reflectometer for electron density profile measurement on the HL-2A tokamak

The frequency modulated continuous wave reflectometer was developed for the first time on the HL-2A tokamak. The system utilizes a voltage controlled oscillator and an active multiplier for broadband coverage and detects as heterodyne mode. Three reflectometers have been installed and operated in extraordinary mode polarization on HL-2A to measure density profiles at low field side, covering the Q-band (33-50 GHz), V-band (50-75 GHz), and W-band (75-110 GHz). For density profile reconstruction from the phase shift of the probing wave, a corrected phase unwrapping method is introduced in this article. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated. The density profile behavior of a fast plasma event is presented and it demonstrates the capability of the reflectometer. These diagnostics will be contributed to the routine density profile measurements and the plasma physics study on HL-2A.

Superposed pulse amplitude modulation for visible light communication

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel modulation scheme called superposed pulse amplitude modulation (SPAM) which is low-cost, insensitive to non-linearity of light emitting diode (LED). Multiple optical pulses transmit parallelly from different spatial position in the LED array and overlap linearly in free space to realize SPAM. With LED arrangement, the experimental results show that using the modulation we proposed the data rate of 120 Mbit/s with BER 1 × 10(-3) can be achieved with an optical blue filter and RC post-equalization.

Abstract P2-09-21: Teriflunomide, an immunomodulatory drug, exerts anticancer activity in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells via modulation of multiple cell signal pathways

Background: Breast cancer is the most diagnosed female cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a special subtype, defined as breast cancer lacking estrogen, progesterone and HER-2 receptors, showed clinically aggressive features and was associated with poor prognosis. TNBC is resistant to endocrine or HER-2 targeted therapies, and only conventional chemotherapeutic regimens were accepted as the treatment guidelines. Therefore, searching for novel pharmaceutical agents for TNBC is urgent and a hot spot in present clinical research. Teriflunomide, an orally available immunomodulatory drug, approved for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) by FDA, has demonstrated the potential application in cancer therapy, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), prostate cancer and melanoma. Therefore, we assessed the therapeutic value of teriflunomide in TNBC cells.

Methodology/Principal Findings: In this study, we showed that teriflunomide treatment resulted in a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of proliferation in three TNBC cell lines: MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and BT549. Meanwhile, the agent could also induce loss of clonogenic survival in dose-dependent fashion in TNBC cells. The analysis of cell cycle distribution by flow cytometry revealed that teriflunomide for 48 h entrapped TNBC cells in S-phase with concomitant reduction in both G1- and G2/M-phase. Furthermore, by Annexin-V/PI staining, we showed high doses of teriflunomide for 2 days led to significant necrosis and minor apoptosis in TNBC cells. Additionally, the effect of teriflunomide on TNBC cell migration and invasion was also tested using Boyden chamber assays. Short-term treatment of teriflunomide decreased the cell motility and invasiveness considerably in a concentration-dependent manner. When evaluated for underlying mechanisms, teriflunomide was found to modulate multiple cell signaling pathways in three TNBC cell lines. First, teriflunomide inhibited expression of proteins linked to cell proliferation, such as cyclin D1 and c-Myc. Second, teriflumomide delayed cell cycle transition by up-regulating cyclin A, along with p27 down-regulation and unchanged cyclin B1. Third, teriflunomide regulated the cell survival proteins, such as up-regulation of BAX and down-regulation of Bcl-Xl, by activation of MAPK pathway. Fourth, teriflunomide suppressed the marker signals involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition(EMT) and invasion and inhibited activation of FAK/Src complex. Fifth, teriflunomide down-regulated growth factor receptors involved in TNBC growth maintenance, such as EGFR, IGF1R and FGFR4.

Conclusion/Significance: Teriflunomide, although an anti-inflammatory agent, is a potent inhibitor of TNBC cells through modulation of multiple signaling pathways and may be of therapeutic benefit for TNBC in clinical practice.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-09-21.

Development of electron cyclotron emission imaging system on the HL-2A tokamak

A 2D electron cyclotron emission imaging (ECEI) system has been developed for measurement of electron temperature fluctuations in the HL-2A tokamak. It is comprised of a front-end 24 channel heterodyne imaging array with a tunable RF range spanning 75-110 GHz, and a set of back-end ECEI electronics that together generate 24 × 8 = 192 channel images of the 2nd harmonic X-mode electron cyclotron emission from the HL-2A plasma. The simulated performance of the local oscillator (LO) optics and radio frequency (RF) optics is presented, together with the laboratory characterization results. The Gaussian beams from the LO optics are observed to properly cover the entire detector array. The ECE signals from the plasma are mixed with the LO signal in the array box, then delivered to the electronics system by low-loss microwave cables, and finally to the digitizers. The ECEI system can achieve temporal resolutions of ~μs, and spatial resolutions of 1 cm (radially) and 2 cm (poloidally).

Characterization of statin dose response in electronic medical records

Efforts to define the genetic architecture underlying variable statin response have met with limited success, possibly because previous studies were limited to effect based on a single dose. We leveraged electronic medical records (EMRs) to extract potency (ED50) and efficacy (Emax) of statin dose-response curves and tested them for association with 144 preselected variants. Two large biobanks were used to construct dose-response curves for 2,026 and 2,252 subjects on simvastatin and atorvastatin, respectively. Atorvastatin was more efficacious, was more potent, and demonstrated less interindividual variability than simvastatin. A pharmacodynamic variant emerging from randomized trials (PRDM16) was associated with Emax for both. For atorvastatin, Emax was 51.7 mg/dl in subjects homozygous for the minor allele vs. 75.0 mg/dl for those homozygous for the major allele. We also identified several loci associated with ED50. The extraction of rigorously defined traits from EMRs for pharmacogenetic studies represents a promising approach to further understand the genetic factors contributing to drug response.

Identification of osteoarthritis biomarkers by proteomic analysis of synovial fluid

OBJECTIVE

To use proteomic analysis to identify novel candidate biomarker proteins in synovial fluid for the differential diagnosis of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

Synovial fluid samples were analysed using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS). Data were used to generate an artificial neural network (ANN). The identification of one protein peak was confirmed via Western blotting.

RESULTS

Fluid samples were analysed from 36 patients with osteoarthritis and 24 with rheumatoid arthritis. In total, three protein peaks (mass-to-charge ratio [m/z] 3893, 10,576 and 14,175 Da) were identified as potential biomarkers for osteoarthritis. The ANN differentiated between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis with a sensitivity of 89.4% and a specificity of 91.2%. The protein peak at m/z 10 576 was identified as S100 calcium binding protein A12 (S100A12).

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of SELDI-TOF-MS and ANN identified osteoarthritis biomarkers. SELDI-TOF-MS may be a useful tool in the screening of synovial fluid for osteoarthritis diagnosis.

Modeling and Characterization of the Relationship between Cell Size and Mechanical Behavior of Microcellular PP/Mica Composites

The microcellular foamed polypropylene (PP)/mica composites were prepared through chemical microcellular injection to investigate the relationship between the mechanical behavior and the cell size. The mechanical behavior model of the microcellular foams is built based on the elastic stress/strain field. The mechanical behavior of the microcellular composites coincides well with the theoretical model. Under loading the large and non uniform cells are in a state of plane strain, which leads to low tensile and impact strengths, whereas small and uniform cells are in a state of plane stress, which contributes to the transition from brittle to tough fracture behavior in the microcellular PP/mica composite.

Thrombospondin-1 and transforming growth factor-β1 levels in prolactinoma and their clinical significance

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the roles of angiogenesis, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in invasive and noninvasive prolactinoma.

METHODS

TSP-1 and TGF-β1 protein were examined using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting in 81 prolactinomas. Angiogenesis was assessed by measuring microvessel density via CD34 immunostaining.

RESULTS

Microvessel density was significantly higher in invasive prolactinomas than in noninvasive prolactinomas. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that significantly fewer invasive prolactinomas were positive for TSP-1 compared with noninvasive prolactinomas (17.9% versus 50.0%, respectively), and significantly higher numbers of invasive prolactinomas were positive for TGF-β1 compared with noninvasive prolactinomas (82.1% versus 42.9%, respectively). Microvessel density was significantly lower in TSP-1-positive prolactinomas than in TSP-1-negative prolactinomas, and significantly higher in TGF-β1-positive prolactinomas than in TGF-β1-negative prolactinomas.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest a close relationship between angiogenesis and tumour invasiveness in prolactinoma. TSP-1 and TGF-β1 may play important roles in the progression of prolactinoma, by affecting angiogenesis.