Performance enhancement using a non-uniform vertical electric field and polymer networks for in-plane switching of multi-pretilt, vertically aligned liquid crystal devices

A simple and reproducible alignment method for fabricating vertically aligned (VA) liquid crystal (LC) cells with a multi-pretilt structure is developed. A non-uniform vertical electric field is employed in the LC/monomer mixed cells during the photocuring process, and two pretilt domains with a functional small pretilt angle (∼1.6°) in the stabilized VA LC/polymer cells are achieved. The enhanced electro-optical performance of the cell driven by an in-plane switching field is demonstrated. Compared to the pure cell, the 2 wt.% pretilt angle cell shows 36%, 64%, and 76% improvement in the optical switch, the gray-level rise time, and the gray-level fall time responses, respectively, which are obtained at a low driving voltage (≤12  V). When applied to LC devices, the proposed method not only effectively benefits the LC molecular alignment, but it also significantly boosts the electro-optical performance.

Implication of polymorphisms in DNA repair genes with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

We explored the association between 4 XRCC1 (Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln) and XPD (Asp312Asn and Lys751Gln) polymorphisms with the development and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 218 cases with HCC and 277 healthy controls were included in the study. Genotyping of the XRCC1 (Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln) and XPD (Asp312Asn and Lys751Gln) polymorphisms was performed in a 384-well plate format on the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. We found that individuals with the XRCC1 399AA genotype had a higher risk of HCC compared with the GG genotype (odds ratio, OR = 1.85, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.03-3.23). Similarly, individuals carrying the XPD 751GG genotype showed a greatly increased risk of HCC (OR = 2.97, 95%CI = 126- 7.38). Cox regression analysis showed that individuals carrying XPD 751Gln/Gln genotypes had a 0.30-fold increased risk of death from HCC. These results suggest that polymorphisms in XRCC1 and XPD may have functional significance in HCC.

Use of hyperbaric oxygen on flaps and grafts in China: analysis of studies in the past 20 years

In China, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) has been widely applied in the treatment of ischemia/hypoxia related diseases including decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, diabetic foot ulcer and others. Wounds after skin grafts are an indication for HBO2 therapy in the Chinese Guideline for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the available studies on the application of HBO2 in the management of skin flaps. The mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of HBO2 were summarized, and therapeutic aspects in the HBO2 therapy of skin flaps in China were also described. Finally, some important issues influencing the therapeutic efficacy and further systemic reviews are proposed. Our findings may help to improve the quality of future studies in this field and to more rationally apply HBO2 therapy in patients receiving skin grafting procedures.

The routine value of anogenital distance as an anthropometric measurement in newborns

OBJECTIVE

Anogenital distance (AGD) is a sexually dimorphic trait; AGD is an external marker of sexual differentiation at birth in animals.

STUDY DESIGN

The present study used a prospective, cross-sectional design. Data were collected from newborn infants that were delivered at hospital in Bucheon between March and September 2009. The mothers of the infants provided sociodemographic information and obstetric history. The relationships between AGD and other anthropometric measures (i.e., weight, height, and head circumference) were analyzed. Moreover adjusted AGD values were compared with obstetric characteristics, including number of deliveries, abortion history, preterm history, and duration of gestation.

RESULTS

Significant correlations were noted for all anthropometric measures in male and female newborns (p < 0.0001). The adjusted AGD values in males and females were also significantly associated with the duration of gestation (p = 0.0008 and p = 0.0148, respectively). Moreover, the adjusted AGD in female newborns, but not in males, was significantly associated with maternal abortion history (p = 0.0242).

CONCLUSION

The AGD is a valuable anthropometric marker in term infants.

Abstract B169: Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) correlates with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor growth in thyroid cancer cell lines

Hypoxia is essential for microenvironment to induce tumor metastasis. Intratumoural hypoxia, followed by stabilization and activation of the HIF-1α transcription complex, is one of the most important mechanisms that promotes metastasis and thereby, increases tumor aggressiveness. EMT (epithelial to mesenchymal transition), one of the central mechanisms that induces invasion and metastasis of tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of HIF-1α as one of the microenvironmental influences driving metastatic progression by induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition in thyroid cancer. In vitro studies revealed a functionally active HIF-1a pathway in several types of thyroid cells with transcriptional activation observed after hypoxia or overexpression. Knock-down of HIF-1α or overexpression of HIF-1α in thyroid cancer cells suggested that HIF-1α promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastastic phenotypes in follicular thyroid cancer cell lines, especially. HIF-1α increases the expression of Vimentin, N-cadherin, Snail, Slug, Twist, MMP2, VEGF but not E-cadherin. Also, wound healing assay and in vitro migration assays showed that the cell migration ability was increased in a HIF1α- dependent manner. Furthermore, knock-down of HIF-1α leads to decreased tumor growth and regulates the expression of EMT marker genes in thyroid tumor xenograft mouse model. Taken together, these results suggest that the HIF-1 signaling induces EMT and metastasis through the regulation of various EMT regulators in vitro as well as in vivo study.

Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):B169.

Citation Format: YJ Yang, HJ Na, Ws Kim, Jp Bong, Sj Baek, Jw Kim, Jh Park, Dy Shin, Hj Hong, Jh Kwon, Ej Lee, Yw Koh, Ec Choi. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) correlates with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor growth in thyroid cancer cell lines. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B169.

Using biochemical system to improve cinnabar dissolution

In order to evaluate the leaching of cinnabar, a chemobiological reactor system with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans for cinnabar dissolution was investigated. The results demonstrated cinnabar dissolution had relation to bioprocess of A. ferrooxidans and iron concentration tightly. The optimal dilution rate and iron concentration were 0.4/h and 2-3 g/L in chemobiological reactor. The process may be contributed to the indirect catalyzing of ferric iron generated with A. ferrooxidans and direct adherence oxidation function. This research shows the new microbiological technique may be a feasible and economical method in application.

Research progress of triptolide-loaded nanoparticles delivery systems

Triptolide is one of the major active components of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (TWHf), which has been reported to be effective in the treatment of patients with a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis. However, its clinical use is restricted due to its scarce water solubility and some toxic effects. In order to find innovative ways for administering triptolide and alleviating its disadvantages, the novel types of delivery systems have been developed. This paper reviews the studies of triptolide- loaded nano drug delivery systems (NDDS) in our group during the past three years. The preparation, characterization, pharmacology and toxicity of triptolide-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles, microemulsions and polymeric nanoparticles were investigated. The results indicated that the NDDS presented more powerful activity and a lower toxicity in comparison with common drug carrier.

Electric-field control of nonvolatile magnetization in Co40Fe40B20/Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))(0.7)Ti(0.3)O3 structure at room temperature

We report a large and nonvolatile bipolar-electric-field-controlled magnetization at room temperature in a Co(40)Fe(40)B(20)/Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))(0.7)Ti(0.3)O(3) structure, which exhibits an electric-field-controlled looplike magnetization. Investigations on the ferroelectric domains and crystal structures with in situ electric fields reveal that the effect is related to the combined action of 109° ferroelastic domain switching and the absence of magnetocrystalline anisotropy in Co(40)Fe(40)B(20). This work provides a route to realize large and nonvolatile magnetoelectric coupling at room temperature and is significant for applications.

Photoconduction mechanism of oxygen sensitization in InN nanowires

The photoconduction (PC) mechanism in indium nitride (InN) nanowires (NWs) has been investigated via environment-, temperature-, and power-dependent measurements. The adsorbed oxygen-induced modulation of the surface state is proposed to be the leading factor in the long lifetime or high gain transport and in sensitizing photocurrent generation in the InN NWs. The electron trapping effect by adsorbed oxygen can be verified by the increased activation energy from 33 ± 4 (in vacuum) to 58 ± 2 meV (in oxygen). The observed supralinear power dependence of photocurrent also suggests the presence of acceptor states that influence the carrier recombination behavior and compensate the thermal carriers in the InN NWs. The potential influence of native oxide on the molecule-sensitive PC in this nitride nanomaterial is also inferred.

Mechanisms of L-DOPA-induced cytotoxicity in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells: implication of oxidative stress-related kinases and cyclic AMP

L-DOPA therapy for Parkinson's disease has a double-edge effect on nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons: L-DOPA increases the intracellular level of dopamine, but it induces neuron cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner. To investigate the molecular signaling mechanisms that underlie the concentration-dependent effects of L-DOPA on cell viability, the activities of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and apoptotic enzymes were measured in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells in the presence of a low concentration (20 muM) and high concentrations (100-200 muM) of L-DOPA. At the low concentration, L-DOPA was not cytotoxic and its presence increased the activities of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, p38 MAPK, BadSer112, Bcl-2, and caspase-12. At the high concentrations, L-DOPA was cytotoxic and stimulated the activities of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)1/2, BadSer155, caspase-12 and caspase-3. The increased levels of ERK1/2 and BadSer155 in the presence of high concentrations of L-DOPA did not protect against L-DOPA-mediated cytotoxicity. In addition, the levels of L-type Ca(2+) channel-sensitive intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) and Ca(2+) were elevated in the presence of L-DOPA, and the increase in the levels of intracellular cAMP may also play a role in cellular viability, since cAMP levels and cytotoxicity increased in parallel with L-DOPA concentrations and the addition of forskolin in the medium increased cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that, at a low and non-toxic concentration, L-DOPA may promote cell survival by increasing the activities of ERK1/2, BadSer112 and Bcl-2, while, at high concentrations, L-DOPA activates the caspase-3 cell death enzyme through the JNK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways as well as endoplasmic reticulum stress that activates caspase-12. Intracellular cAMP levels may also play a role here. The results may lead to an effective therapy for Parkinson's disease.

Single crystalline film on glass for thin film solar cells

A simple Ge-on-glass metal-oxide-semiconductor solar cell has been demonstrated by wafer bonding and smart-cut. Since single crystalline Ge is directly bonded on glass, the crystalline substrate is not necessary. The metal-oxide-semiconductor structure can be easily fabricated without n and p dopant diffusion or implantation. The reason for low efficiency is discussed, and then the optimized structures are designed by simulation. An outstanding enhancement on efficiency can be achieved with the Si/Ge/Si structure. The best performance can be achieved by optimization of the position of the Ge layer, the thickness of the Ge layer, and the number of the Ge layers. The efficiency of the thin film Si/Ge/Si solar cell with single layer of 30-nm-thick Ge outside the depletion region reaches 15.9%, as compared to the control Si sample of 11.8%. Based on the simulation and technologies, high efficiency thin film solar cells can be demonstrated in the future.

Carvedilol reduces myocardial no-reflow by decreasing endothelin-1 via activation of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel

It has been verified that carvedilol can attenuate myocardial no-reflow. However, the effects of carvedilol on adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel and endothelin-1 (ET-1) are unknown. Forty mini-swines were randomized into 5 study groups: 8 control, 8 carvedilol pretreatment, 8 glibenclamide (KATP channel blocker)-treated, 8 carvedilol and glibenclamide-pre-treated and 8 sham-operated. An acute myocardial infarction(AMI) and reperfusion model was created with a three-hour occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by one-hour reperfusion. Compared with the control group, carvedilol significantly decreased the area of no-reflow (myocardial contrast echocardiography: from 78.5±4.5% to 24.9±4.1%, pathological means: from 82.3±1.9% to 25.8±4.3% of ligation area, respectively; all p < 0.01) and reduced necrosis size from 98.5±1.3% to 74.4±4.7% of ligation area, p < 0.05). It also decreased plasma ET-1 and myocardial tissue ET-1. However, glibenclamide abrogated the protective effect of carvedilol. The beneficial effect of carvedilol on myocardial no-reflow could be due to its effect on ET-1 via the activation of the KATP channel.

Sirolimus-based immunosuppressive therapy in liver transplant recipient with tacrolimus-related chronic renal insufficiency

BACKGROUND

While providing potent immunosuppression for liver transplant recipients, calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) exhibit nephrotoxicity as a major side effect. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of conversion from CNI to sirolimus (SRL) among liver transplant recipients with CNI-induced chronic nephrotoxicity.

METHODS

Between January 2004 and June 2005, we performed conversion in 16 recipients after a median period of 8.5 months after liver transplantation. The indication for conversion was CNI-related nephrotoxicity with a serum creatinine (sCr) value >132.6 umol/L. Renal function was measured before and after conversion to SRL. Clinical and laboratory data related to the clinical course of the patients were recorded to investigate the safety and efficacy of conversion.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients were converted to SRL after developing nephrotoxicity. Their renal function improved gradually after conversion. The levels of sCr decreased significantly within the first 30 days (164.1 +/- 12.48 micromol/L to 130.1 +/- 5.573 micromol/L), and over the next 60 days after conversion (97.86 +/- 11.69 micromol/L to 90.7 +/- 8.95 micromol/L) (P < .01). Similarly, the mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increased significantly during the same period. Four recipients experienced hypercholesterolemia, 1 with ankle edema, and 1 with acute rejection. The median follow-up was 2.4 years. No patient discontinued SRL due to side effects. No patient needed dialysis or kidney transplantation during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

SRL is a safe, effective replacement agent as primary immunosuppressive therapy following withdrawal of CNIs in liver transplant recipients with CNI-induced chronic nephrotoxicity.

Preliminary research on abating rat testicle toxicity due to triptolide after oral polymer nanoparticle delivery

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of triptolide (TP) on male rats after oral polymer nanoparticle delivery (TP-loaded poly(D,L-lactic acid) nanoparticles, TP-PLA-NPs). Free TP and TP-PLA-NPs were administered orally at doses of 0.2 and 0.6 mg/kg for 15 days and rats were sacrified at end of the dosage period. All rat testes were weighed, fructose content and activity of acid phosphatase (ACP) were assayed, and testis tissues were observed histopathologically. Testis weight, testis index, ACP activity, and fructose content of the treated animals were lower than those of the control group. Moreover, ACP activity and fructose content were markedly decreased for free TP of 0.6 mg/kg in comparison to the same dose of TP-PLA-NPs. Obvious pathological changes were not observed for a dose of 0.2 mg/kg free TP and TPPLA-NPs at the end of 15 days. At a dose of 0.6 mg/kg, however, free TP caused more serious damage to the testes than TP-PLA-NPs. These results revealed that TP-PLA-NPs might decrease the testis toxicity of TP because TP was slowly released from polymer nanoparticles. Further research on this mechanism of abated toxicity is in progress.

Hyperbaric oxygen induces endogenous neural stem cells to proliferate and differentiate in hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Studies suggest that after brain injury, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) is neuroprotective by stimulating cell proliferation. We examine whether HBO2 promotes neural stem cells (NSC) to proliferate and differentiate in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) rats.

METHODS

Seven-day-old rat pups were subjected to unilateral carotid artery ligation followed by 2 hours of hypoxia (8% O2). HBO2 was administered (2 ATA (atmospheres absolutes), once daily for 7 days) within 3 hours after HI. The proliferating neural stem cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and dentate gyrus (DG) were dynamically examined by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU)/nestin immunofluorescence. Nestin protein was detected by western blot analysis at various time points (from 6 hours to 14 days) after HI. The migrating NSC were examined by BrdU/doublecortin (DCX) immunofluorescence 7 and 14 days after HI. The phenotype of the newborn cells was identified by BrdU/beta-tubulin, BrdU/ glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and BrdU/O4 (oligodendrocyte marker) immunofluorescence. Myelin basic protein (MBP) was examined by immunohistochemistry and pathological changes of the brain tissue were detected 28 days after HI.

RESULTS

In neonatal HI rats treated with HBO2, the proliferation of endogenous NSC was observed in the SVZ and DG. Cell numbers peaked 7 days after HI and proliferating NSC migrated to the cerebral cortex at 14 d after HI. Twenty-eight days after HI, an increase in newly generated neurons, oligodendrocytes and MBP was observed in the HBO2 group compared to the untreated and HI-treated rats.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that HBO2 treatment may promote neurogenesis of the endogenous NSC in neonatal HI rats, contributing to repair of the injured brain.

Post-marketing surveillance study of the efficacy and safety of vardenafil among patients with erectile dysfunction in primary care

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of vardenafil in primary care, we undertook a post-marketing surveillance study in 384 men with erectile dysfunction (ED), enrolled by 22 family physicians in Korea, from July 2004 to August 2005. Of the 384 patients enrolled, 343 (89.3%) returned for efficacy assessment and safety evaluation. Among the latter, 279 patients (81.3%) reported that their erectile function improved, 292 (92.1%) showed enhanced IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function)-5 scores and 265 (77.9%) responded that they were 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with vardenafil treatment. The most frequent reason for patient satisfaction with vardenafil was erectile potency (62.4%), followed by safety (42.4%), rapid onset (35.3%), adequate duration of efficacy (28.5%) and easy administration (25.9%). A total of 23 adverse events were observed in 18 patients, with the most frequent being hot flushes (3.2%), followed by headache (1.2%), nasal congestion (0.6%), color vision disturbance (0.3%), dizziness (0.3%), dry mouth (0.3%), dyspepsia (0.3%), nausea (0.3%) and diarrhea (0.3%). Only one patient discontinued vardenafil as a direct result of an adverse event. These results suggest that vardenafil prescribed by primary care physicians improved erectile function and was well tolerated by patients with ED.

[Preparation of monoclonal antibodies against West Nile virus envelope protein domain.]

BACKGROUND

To prepare monoclonal antibodies against West Nile virus (WNV) envelope protein domain.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were immunized with recombinant antigen of West Nile virus envelope protein domain, and the spleen cells of the mice were used to prepare the monoclonal antibodies (McAb) by hybridoma technique.

RESULTS

Three hybridoma cell strains secreting McAbs against WNV envelope protein domain, designated as 4F7, 6H3 and 8E4, respectively, were obtained and were identified by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), they belonged to IgG1, IgG1 and Ig2a, respectively. Two epitopes of envelope protein domain were determined, among them, 4F7 and 6H3 were against the same epitope and 8E4 to another one.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of indirect ELISA, Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence experiment indicated that these three McAbs were specific for West Nile virus envelope protein domain and did not cross-react with Japanese encephalitis virus and other viruses, so they can be used for specific detection of West Nile virus.

Tetraspanin CD9 regulates invasion during mouse embryo implantation

The expression of tetraspanin CD9 was found on blastocysts in mice and endometrium epithelial cells in human and bovine. However, it remains unknown how CD9 is involved in the precise dialogue between embryo and uterus during early pregnancy. This study was designed to investigate the functional roles of CD9 in the embryo implantation with monoclonal antibody against CD9 protein (anti-CD9 mAb) and antisense oligonucleotide against CD9 gene (AS-CD9). Our results showed that intrauterine injection of anti-CD9 mAb on day 4 of pregnancy significantly increased the number of embryos implanted (7.24+/-0.39 versus 4.04+/-0.38). In vitro, anti-CD9 mAb or AS-CD9 significantly enhanced embryo-outgrowth ability on the monolayer of uterus epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. However, the attachment of blastocysts to epithelial cells was unaffected. Furthermore, we found that anti-CD9 mAb or AS-CD9 stimulated matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) production of blastocysts on Fibronectin. LY294002, a specific inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, was able to counteract the effect of anti-CD9 mAb and AS-CD9 on outgrowth ability and production of MMP-2. Our results indicated that CD9 played a role of inhibiting embryo implantation. CD9 was able to impair embryo invasion and the production of MMP-2 through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling pathway.

Impact of an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome on a hospital in Taiwan, ROC

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To estimate the impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in early 2003 on a tertiary care hospital in Taiwan, ROC.

METHODS

The study estimated the utilisation of resources related to infection control, SARS related medical services, and routine medical services, and SARS related medical outcomes at National Cheng Kung University Hospital (NCKUH) from 25 March to 16 June 2003 through a cross sectional survey of hospital records.

RESULTS

A mean of 5100 persons per day (95%CI 4580 to 5610) underwent fever screening at the outpatient and emergency department (ED) entrances to the hospital, of which 35 per day (95% CI 30 to 40) were referred for further evaluation for suspected or probable SARS. ED isolation surge capacity was created via 12 new beds outside the ED: eight for SARS assessment, three for patients awaiting in hospital bed assignment, and one for resuscitation. A total of 382 patients were fully evaluated for suspected or probable SARS outside the ED, of which 27 were admitted. The mean numbers of outpatient clinic patient visits, ED visits, ED trauma patient visits, ED admissions, hospital admissions, and operative procedures decreased during the outbreak. Thirty eight patients were hospitalised with suspected SARS, of which three received the final diagnosis of probable SARS. Two patients with probable SARS died. No cases of nosocomial SARS transmission occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

This SARS outbreak was associated with substantial use of hospital and ED resources aimed at infection control, comparatively less use of resources related to the medical care of patients with suspected or probable SARS, and decreased use of routine medical services.

Serum lysophosphatidic acid concentrations measured by dot immunogold filtration assay in patients with acute myocardial infarction

In this study the relation between lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and myocardial infarction was investigated, the typical and simplified methods for measuring serum LPA concentration by dot immunogold filtration assay (DIFA) based on a polyclonal antibody to LPA were developed, and serum LPA concentrations were measured in 31 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 12 controls (blood donors) by DIFA. Serum LPA levels were raised more than twofold 8 h after the onset of AMI. Maximal elevation (10.43 mg/L) was found at 48-72 h following onset and remained higher than the control concentration (1.66 mg/L) 7 days after AMI. The rise in serum LPA concentration in AMI patients suggests that LPA might be involved in AMI-related pathophysiology in the cardiovascular system. The simplified DIFA developed in the present study for measuring serum LPA concentration is convenient and highly sensitive.

Confirmation and refinement of a genetic locus for disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP1) at 12q23.2-24.1

BACKGROUND

Our previous study has identified two loci for disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP), but the genes responsible are still unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To narrow down the candidate regions and to assess candidate genes.

METHODS

A genome-wide scan and linkage analysis were carried out in a newly collected five-generation Chinese family with DSAP. In addition, six candidate genes were screened for possible DSAP-associated mutations.

RESULTS

DSAP in this family was associated with chromosome 12q. Fine mapping and haplotype construction refined the DSAP1 locus to a 4.4-cM interval. No disease-associated mutation was detected in CRY1, C4ST1, TXNRD1, HCF2, CMKLR1 or KIAA0789 genes.

CONCLUSIONS

The DSAP1 locus was localized to a 4.4-cM interval at chromosome 12q23.2-24.1. CRY1, C4ST1, TXNRD1, HCF2, CMKLR1 and KIAA0789 genes were not associated with DSAP1.

Potential of adenoviral p53 gene therapy and irradiation for the treatment of malignant gliomas

We investigated the combined effects of p53 gene transfer and irradiation and its still unclear interaction mechanism in human gliomas. Four human glioma cell lines expressing mutant type p53 (U373 and A172) and wild-type p53 (D54MG and EFC-2) were transfected by adenoviral vectors bearing p53 gene at 50 multiplicity of infection. Two days after transfection, cells were irradiated (3, 6, and 9 Gy). The cytotoxicity was evaluated by clonogenic assay. The quantitative analysis of apoptosis and cell cycle analysis were performed using flow cytometry. Irradiation combined with adenoviral p53 transfection significantly increased cytotoxicity, which was additive in cell lines with wild-type p53 and more than additive in cell lines with mutant p53. The combination of two modalities increased the apoptotic population by 14% in A172 cells and 20% in D54 MG cells, which were the sum of apoptosis from each modality. Adenoviral p53 transfection increased the G1 phase fraction and concomitant decrease of radioresistant S phase fraction in A172 and D54MG cells. Our study demonstrated that p53 gene transfer combined with irradiation increased absolute cytotoxicity in human glioma cells used in this experiment. The interaction mechanism for increased cytotoxicity involved, in part, increased apoptosis and change of cell cycle profile.