Elliptic flow of charged particles in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[S(NN)] = 2.76 TeV

We report the first measurement of charged particle elliptic flow in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[S(NN)] =2.76 TeV with the ALICE detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The measurement is performed in the central pseudorapidity region (|η|<0.8) and transverse momentum range 0.2<p t<5.0 GeV/c. The elliptic flow signal v₂, measured using the 4-particle correlation method, averaged over transverse momentum and pseudorapidity is 0.087 ± 0.002(stat) ± 0.003(syst) in the 40%-50% centrality class. The differential elliptic flow v₂ p t reaches a maximum of 0.2 near p t =3 GeV/c. Compared to RHIC Au-Au collisions at sqrt[S(NN)] 200 GeV, the elliptic flow increases by about 30%. Some hydrodynamic model predictions which include viscous corrections are in agreement with the observed increase.

Charged-particle multiplicity density at midrapidity in central Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[S(NN)] = 2.76 TeV

The first measurement of the charged-particle multiplicity density at midrapidity in Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair √ S NN = 2.76 TeV is presented. For an event sample corresponding to the most central 5% of the hadronic cross section, the pseudorapidity density of primary charged particles at midrapidity is 1584 ± 4(stat) ± 76(syst), which corresponds to 8.3 ± 0.4(syst) per participating nucleon pair. This represents an increase of about a factor 1.9 relative to pp collisions at similar collision energies, and about a factor 2.2 to central Au-Au collisions at √ S NN = 2.76 TeV. This measurement provides the first experimental constraint for models of nucleus-nucleus collisions at LHC energies.

Abstract 1376: Antiangiogenic properties of the peptide CIGB-300

CK2 is a highly conserved protein serine/threonine kinase that is ubiquitously distributed in eukaryotes, constitutively active and has been implicated in multiple cellular functions, as well as in tumorigenesis and transformation. Elevated CK2 activity has been associated with the malignant transformation of several tissues and is associated with aggressive tumor behavior. Previously, we have described a peptide CIGB-300 (also named P15-Tat) targeting the acidic phophorylation domain of the CK2 substrates. Different groups around the world have tried to manipulate this biochemical event by targeting the ATP-binding site of CK2 or its gene transcription using antisense oligonucleotides. Otherwise, CIGB-300 peptide was developed following the innovative approach of targeting the phosphoaceptor site on the CK2 substrates rather than the enzyme per se. We demonstrated that CIGB-300 induced apoptosis on tumor cells and tumor regression when injected directly into solid tumors or by systemic administration in mice.

In this work we have evaluated the CIGB-300 peptide on the angiogenic process, both in vitro and in vivo. We have focused in the exploration of CIGB-300 properties to inhibit proliferation, tube formation and RNA pattern expression on endothelial cells (HUVEC). Likewise we used the chicken chorioallatoic membrane (CAM) assay as a model in vivo to asses the CIGB-300 activity on angiogenesis. Others authors have studied the role of different CK2 inhibitors on angiogenesis finding that CK2 is involved in endothelial cell proliferation, survival, migration and tube formation. Intraperitoneally administered CK2 inhibitors significantly reduced preretinal neovascularization in a mouse model of proliferative retinopathy. Solid tumors require the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) to grow. Tumor angiogenesis utilizes at least some of the angiogenic signalling pathways that are required during vascular development. Tumor angiogenesis has become an important target for antitumor therapy, with most current therapies aimed at blocking the VEGF pathway. However, not all tumors are responsive to VEGF blockers, and some of them that are responsive initially may become resistant during the course of treatment, thus there is a need to explore other angiogenesis signalling pathways.

In this paper we have examined the antiangiogenic properties of CIGB-300 peptide in vitro and in vivo. The data suggests that CK2 is involved in angiogenic processes and CIGB-300 could act as promising antiangiogenic inhibitor.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1376.

A novel c.592-4_c.592-3delTT mutation in DGUOK gene causes exon skipping

Deoxyguanosine kinase (DGUOK) catalyzes the first step of the mitochondrial deoxypurine salvage pathway, the phosphorylation of purine deoxyribonucleosides. Mutations in the DGUOK gene have been linked to inherited mtDNA depletion syndromes, neonatal liver failure, nystagmus, and hypotonia. Previously, we reported the first case of a heterozygous unclassified c.592-4_c.592-3delTT alteration in a patient with DGUOK deficiency without the demonstration of its pathogenicity (Dimmock et al., 2008). This alteration was predicted to cause aberrant splicing based upon two computer algorithms. We now report a homozygous c.592-4_c.592-3delTT mutation found in two affected siblings of asymptomatic consanguineous parents. The proband presented with symptoms of idiopathic hepatitis, liver dysfunction, nystagmus, and retinal blindness. This individual died at 6months of age due to liver failure. This individual's affected sibling presented similarly and has remarkable elevations of tyrosine, methionine, and alanine. Many organic acids were elevated in urine, including lactic acid, Krebs cycle intermediates, and para-hydroxy compounds; ketone bodies were also present. RNA studies support aberrant splicing. Sequencing of cDNA detected exon 5 skipping in the two affected siblings, but not in the normal control. These results indicate that the homozygous c.592-4_c.592-3delTT is deleterious and responsible for the DGUOK deficiency. The parents were subsequently confirmed to be carriers of this mutation. In summary, we have demonstrated that c.592-4_c.592-3delTT is a pathogenic splice acceptor site mutation leading to DGUOK deficiency.

Prognostic impact of additional extended surgical procedures in advanced-stage primary ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Treatment of advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma includes radical cytoreductive surgery, which aims at removing all visible tumor tissue followed by platinum and paclitaxel chemotherapy. Complete tumor resection may require extended surgical procedures. This paper reports on the prognostic impact of extensive surgery and surgical morbidity in patients with advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma.

METHODS

Patients with ovarian carcinoma [Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique (FIGO) stage IIIB-IV] undergoing primary surgery in our tertiary gynecologic oncology unit between 1997 and 2007 were eligible for this study. The impact of established prognostic factors and the interaction with extent of surgical procedures on survival were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 267 patients aged between 29 and 88 years (median 64 years) were eligible for this study. Overall survival time was improved in patients who underwent complete tumor resection [hazard ratio (HR) 3.61 (1.91-6.61), P < 0.001]. No significant survival difference was observed between completely operated patients in whom extended or standard surgical procedures were applied [HR 1.37 (0.70-2.69), P = 0.358], and severe surgical complications were found to be equally distributed between the two patient groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results may encourage the application of extended surgical procedures in patients who would otherwise be rendered incompletely debulked after primary cytoreduction. We could demonstrate an impact of complete tumor resection on patient prognosis and this was not traded off for extensive additional surgical morbidity.

Quality of life in multiple sclerosis is associated with lesion burden and brain volume measures

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is reduced in multiple sclerosis (MS). It is unclear whether HRQOL is associated with white matter lesion burden or measures of brain atrophy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional baseline analysis of 507 patients with MS in a prospective cohort study at the University of California, San Francisco was performed. Multivariate linear regression models were used to determine whether MRI measures were associated with the Emotional Well-Being and Thinking/Fatigue subscale scores of the Functional Assessment in Multiple Sclerosis, a validated HRQOL measure in MS. The difference in each MRI metric associated with a minimal clinically important difference in each HRQOL subscale was calculated.

RESULTS

Higher T1 lesion load (15 mL; p = 0.024), normalized T1 lesion volume (20 mL; p = 0.016), or T2 lesion load (25 mL; p = 0.028) was associated with worse scores for Emotional Well-Being. Meaningfully lower scores on this subscale were correlated with lower normalized gray matter volume (118 mL; p = 0.037). Reduced Thinking/Fatigue scores were associated with higher normalized T1 lesion volume (21 mL; p = 0.024), or T2 lesion load (22 mL; p = 0.010) and with lower normalized gray matter (87 mL; p = 0.004), white matter (85 mL; p = 0.025), or brain parenchymal (98 mL; p = 0.001) volume.

CONCLUSIONS

Aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in multiple sclerosis are associated with MRI evidence of white matter lesions and brain atrophy. These findings strengthen the argument for the use of HRQOL outcome measures in trials and suggest that lesion burden on conventional MRI is important for HRQOL.

Detection of locally advanced breast cancer in the I-SPY TRIAL (CALGB 150007/150012, ACRIN 6657) in the interval between routine screening

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Background: It is assumed that most locally advanced breast cancers (LABC) could be detected at an earlier stage with routine screening. However, LABCs may present between screens as interval cancers (IC). ICs present at an earlier age, with higher grade, larger size, and are associated with lower survival, compared to screen-detected cancers (SDC), and comprise 17% of cancers from population-based screening programs. We evaluated the screening history in patients with LABCs from the I SPY TRIAL, to determine the frequency of screening and ICs. Methods: Of 221 pts enrolled in the I-SPY TRIAL, a multisite neoadjuvant study for women with LABCs > 3cm in size, screening history and presentation were retrospectively collected for 154. Two groups, screened (S), defined as a mammogram within 2 years, or non screened (NS), previous mammogram more than 2 years prior, were evaluated (Table). The frequency of ICs at 1 and 2 years was determined in S pts. Frequency of mammographically occult (MO) tumors was determined for all. Results: Of the total, 99 (64%) and 55 (36%) were NS and S, respectively. Mean tumor size for all pts was 6.7cm. Only 11 (20%) of S pts were SDCs and 44 (80%) were ICs, with 24 (63%) diagnosed within 1 year and 14 (37%) between 1 and 2 yrs of their last normal mammogram. 24 (24%) NS patients were younger than the recommended screening age of 40; in the remaining 75 pts, 9 (12%) were MO. Only 20% of IC tumors were MO. ICs were of higher grade (44% vs 11% grade III), and tumor size (7.0cm vs 4.4cm) than their SDC counterparts. 80% of cancers detected in I SPY were NKI70 gene test poor prognosis. Relationship to breast density and subtype is currently being assessed. Conclusions: Women presenting with LABCs have a high likelihood (80%) of an IC. This suggests that the growth rate of LABCs precludes early detection by conventional screening. Understanding the biology of ICs will be important to develop better strategies for prevention and early detection.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

MRI tumor volume for predicting response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer: Findings from ACRIN 6657/CALGB 150007

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Background: American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) trial 6657, the imaging component of the I-SPY trial (CALGB 150007/150012), is testing MRI for predicting response to treatment and stratifying risk-of-recurrence in patients with locally-advanced breast cancer. We report preliminary results evaluating MRI for prediction of pathologic response. Methods: Women with ≥3 cm invasive breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) with anthracycline-cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by a taxane (T) were enrolled from May 2002 to March 2006. MRI was performed prior to NACT (t1), after 1 cycle AC (t2), between AC and T (t3), and following T prior to surgery (t4). MRI tumor size assessments included longest diameter (MRLD) and tumor volume (MRVol). Clinical size (clinsize) and mammographic longest diameter (MGLD) were also recorded. Linear dimension was measured by the radiologist for MGLD and MRLD; MRVol was calculated by computer using signal enhancement ratio (SER) thresholds. Change in clinical and MRI variables at t2 were compared for ability to predict pathologic complete response (pCR). Results: 237 patients were enrolled at 9 institutions. 216 patients with complete imaging were analyzed. Of tumor size measurements at t4, MRVol showed the strongest correlation with pathsize among clinsize (r = 0.44), MGLD (ns), MRLD (r = 0.28) and MRVol (r = 0.61). Early change in MRVol measured at t2 was the only variable predictive of pCR among clinsize (p = 0.14, 0.15), MRLD (p = 0.40, 0.07), MRVol (p = 0.02, 0.01) and peak SER (p = 0.53, 0.72) in univariate and multivariate logistic regression, respectively. Conclusions: Tumor response measured volumetrically by MRI is a stronger and earlier predictor of pathologic response after NACT than clinical exam or tumor diameter. This work is funded by NIH/ACRIN U01 CA79778; CALGB CA31946, CA33601; NCI SPORE CA58207.

[Table: see text]

Genotype-Phenotype correlations in multiple sclerosis: HLA genes influence disease severity inferred by 1HMR spectroscopy and MRI measures

Genetic susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1*1501 allele. Here we show a clear association between DRB1*1501 carrier status and four domains of disease severity in an investigation of genotype-phenotype associations in 505 robust, clinically well characterized MS patients evaluated cross-sectionally: (i) a reduction in the N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) concentration within normal appearing white matter (NAWM) via (1)HMR spectroscopy (P = 0.025), (ii) an increase in the volume of white matter (WM) lesions utilizing conventional anatomical MRI techniques (1,127 mm(3); P = 0.031), (iii) a reduction in normalized brain parenchymal volume (nBPV) (P = 0.023), and (iv) impairments in cognitive function as measured by the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT-3) performance (Mean Z Score: DRB1*1501+: 0.110 versus DRB1*1501-: 0.048; P = 0.004). In addition, DRB1*1501+ patients had significantly more women (74% versus 63%; P = 0.009) and a younger mean age at disease onset (32.4 years versus 34.3 years; P = 0.025). Our findings suggest that DRB1*1501 increases disease severity in MS by facilitating the development of more T2-foci, thereby increasing the potential for irreversible axonal compromise and subsequent neuronal degeneration, as suggested by the reduction of NAA concentrations in NAWM, ultimately leading to a decline in brain volume. These structural aberrations may explain the significant differences in cognitive performance observed between DRB1*1501 groups. The overall goal of a deep phenotypic approach to MS is to develop an array of meaningful biomarkers to monitor the course of the disease, predict future disease behaviour, determine when treatment is necessary, and perhaps to more effectively recommend an available therapeutic intervention.