Effect of AbGn-7, a glycotope-specific monoclonal antibody, on apoptosis in colon cancer cells and tumor growth in xenograft models

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Background: While clinical benefit against colorectal cancer has been observed with therapeutic monoclonal antibodies such as bevacizumab, cetuximab and panituzumab, the death rate of advanced colorectal cancer remains high that warrants further development of more potent therapeutics. Methods: A cell-based immunization approach was used to generate monoclonal antibodies against targets expressed on human colorectal cancer cells. A chimeric monoclonal antibody, AbGn-7, was selected and evaluated for the potential clinical use to treat colorectal cancer. Results: Expression of AbGn-7 antigen: Carbohydrate competition assay demonstrated that AbGn-7 recognizes a Lewis-A-like carbohydrate antigen (AbGn-7 antigen). Immunohistochemical studies showed that AbGn-7 antigen is expressed in colorectal cancer tissue. No significant binding could be detected in non-tumor tissues except in the epithelia of GI track. Effector function of AbGn-7: AbGn-7 triggered dose-dependent apoptosis in COLO 205 colon cancer cell. In addition, AbGn-7 elicited potent complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular mechanism of apoptosis induced by AbGn-7: Tunel assay, PARP cleavage assay as well as caspase inhibitor studies demonstrated that AbGn-7 induced apoptosis in COLO 205 colon cancer cells via a caspase-independent pathway. Xenograft study: AbGn-7 alone, or in combination with 5FU-Leucovorin, effectively inhibited the growth of COLO 205 xenograft in SCID mice and prolonged their survival. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that AbGn-7 is a potential candidate for effective treatment of colorectal cancer.

[Table: see text]

Phase IIb trial of fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and paclitaxel (POF) compared with fluorouracil, feucovorin, and irinotecan (IF) as first-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer (AGC)

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Background: Primary results of POF as 1st and 2nd line treatment for AGC have been presented at ASCO 2007 and 2008. We report here data on the feasibility and the toxicity of POF versus IF(Dank, et al, ASCO 2005) in 1st line treatment of AGC. Methods: Patients with previously untreated, advanced, unresectable, and histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the gastric or gastroesophageal junction were randomly assigned to POF or IF regiment. Treatment was continued until disease progressed, unacceptable toxicity, or patient choice. Results: 25 patients were entered in this study between March 2007 and July 2007: 13 in the POF group and 12 in the IF group. The median patient age was 55 years (range, 36 to 67 years), 18 were males and 7 were females. No complete response was observed. The response rate was 62.5% (POF) and 33.3% (IF) respectively. At a median follow-up of 285 days, 7(POF) versus 6(IF) patients were still alive. Hematological toxicity was the most frequent toxicity in both groups. Grade 3 to 4 neutropenia were 38.5% (POF) versus 8.3% (IF). Diarrhea was found 0% and 8.3% in POF and IF group respectively. No grade 3 peripheral neurotoxicity was observed. Conclusions: Compared with IF regiment, POF could also be used as first-line treatment for AGC with acceptable safety profile, good efficacy, and more encouraging results.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Nutrition and children's respiratory health in Guangzhou, China

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of nutrition in children's respiratory health in subjects participating in a study on air pollution and respiratory health.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

METHODS

The relationships between consumption of fresh fruit, vegetables and milk and pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, FEV(1)) and respiratory symptoms (phlegm with cold, phlegm without cold, cough with cold, and cough without cold) were examined in 2228 children (age 10.07+/-0.86 years) in Guangzhou, China.

RESULTS

A positive association was found between consumption of leafy vegetables and lung function in children. Subjects with the highest consumption of leafy vegetables had significant higher FEV(1) values than subjects who ate leafy vegetables less than once per week (1.68 l vs 1.56 l; P=0.047). Children with high consumption of fresh fruit and milk had higher lung function values than children with low consumption, although the differences were not statistically significant. Milk consumption was a protective factor for phlegm with cold, cough with cold, and cough without cold [odds ratio (OR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.97; OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.36-0.79; OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.92, respectively, in the highest intake group]. Consumption of vegetables was a protective factor for cough with cold (P for trend=0.003) and cough without cold (P for trend=0.028). Consumption of fresh fruit was marginally associated with reduced prevalence of respiratory symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that dietary nutrients are important protective factors for children's respiratory health. Following-up these children may provide more evidence to confirm these associations.

Results of semimonthly 5-florouracil/leucovorin combined with paclitaxel and oxaliplatin in treatment of advanced gastric cancer (AGC)

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Background: At present there is still no standard chemotherapy regimen for AGC, the progress of AGC exhibits a pessimistic result with a median survival of less than 9 months. The purpose of this trial was designed to enhance the treatment efficacy for AGC by using semimonthly FU/LV combined with paclitaxel and oxaliplatin. Methods: Patients chosen with histologically proven diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction, locally advanced (i.e., unresectable) or metastatic and measurable disease. The chemotherapy regimen was comprised of a 3-hour infusion of 135 mg/m2 of paclitaxel followed by oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 and LV 400 mg/m2, administered simultaneously as a 2-hour infusion, then continued a 46-hour infusion of FU 2.4 g/m2 using an ambulatory pump. Treatment was continued until disease progressed, unacceptable toxicity, or patient choice. The primary endpoint was response rate. Results: Twenty-seven patients were enrolled onto this study in our center between September 19, 2005 and December 25, 2006. The median patient age was 51 years (range, 28 to 66 years), 21 were males and 6 were females. All patients received the chemotherapy between at least two cycles and maximum eight cycles with a median of three. Four CRs of 27 enrolled patients, fifteen PRs and eight SDs were observed. Nineteen patients were chemonaive within enrolled patients: Four CRs, eleven PRs. At a median follow-up of 8.7 months, the median survival was 6.8 months. Frequent grade 3 to 4 toxicities were: neutropenia (37.0%), stomatitis (7.4%), nausea (7.4%), vomiting (7.4%), hepatic dysfunction (3.7%), paresthesia (18.5%). No treatment-related death occurred. Conclusion: Semimonthly FU/LV combined with paclitaxel and oxaliplatin appears to be of well efficacy and is well tolerated in patients with AGC. Currently, this regimen is being tested in the phase III trial involving patients with AGC on the basis of well result.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Selective method for the analysis of perchlorate in drinking waters at nanogram per liter levels, using two-dimensional ion chromatography with suppressed conductivity detection

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) collected drinking water occurrence data for perchlorate in the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Regulation (UCMR 1; 2001-2005) using EPA Method 314.0. To address the interest in increasing sensitivity and selectivity for the analysis of perchlorate, three new methods, EPA Methods 314.1, 331.0 and 332.0, were subsequently published by EPA for the analysis of perchlorate in drinking water. In 2006, an automated two-dimensional ion chromatography (2D-IC) method for measuring perchlorate with suppressed conductivity detection was developed. Two-dimensional IC is essentially an automated "heart-cutting", column concentration and matrix elimination technique. In the first dimension, a large sample volume is injected onto a first separation column and the separated matrix ions are diverted to waste while the analyte(s) of interest are selectively cut, trapped and concentrated in a concentrator column. In the second dimension, the contents from the concentrator column are eluted onto a second analytical column for separation and quantitation of the analyte(s) of interest. Incorporation of two columns with different affinities for the analyte(s) in a single analysis can provide comparable selectivity and superior sensitivity to a method using second column confirmation in a second separate analysis step. Use of this approach led to the development of a new, highly sensitive and selective 2D-IC, suppressed conductivity method with a Lowest Concentration Minimum Reporting Level (LCMRL) of 55 ng/L for perchlorate in drinking water samples. This new method has comparable sensitivity and selectivity and is simpler and more economical than IC-mass spectrometric (MS) or IC-MS-MS techniques. The method is now being prepared for publication as EPA Method 314.2.

Improving spatial signal homogeneity in MR 2D chemical shift imaging using outer volume saturation bands

Many endeavors of improving chemical shift imaging (CSI) techniques have been made during last two decades. Good examples of two-dimensional CSI and three-dimensional CSI can be found in the literature. However, clinical CSI using available sequences is still not satisfactory. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of outer volume saturation bands on signal homogeneity in MR 2D chemical shift imaging. The 2D CSI scans were acquired using a point resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) CSI sequence on a phantom filled with brain metabolites. A single PRESS volume of interest was prescribed graphically. The acquisition matrix was 18x18 phase encodings over a 24-cm FOV. Identical acquisitions were obtained with and without outer-volume saturation bands. After initial acquisition was obtained, four more acquisitions were repeated for both studies with and without saturation bands. Identical five groups of voxels were compared for both studies. Standard deviations of metabolite ratios were calculated in each group for both studies. Spectra obtained without outer-volume saturation bands showed signal to noise gradient with higher concentration of signal within voxels at the center of the volume of interest. Outer volume saturation bands reduced this gradient. In general, standard deviations of metabolite ratios with saturation bands were smaller than those without saturation bands. Improved spatial homogeneity of spectra in voxels of CSI with saturation bands was obtained. Outer-volume saturation bands improve spatial signal homogeneity of chemical shift imaging.

The value of detecting anti-VZV IgG antibody in CSF to diagnose VZV vasculopathy

BACKGROUND

Factors that may obscure the diagnosis of varicella zoster virus (VZV) vasculopathy include the absence of rash before TIAs or stroke as well as similar clinical features and imaging, angiographic, and CSF abnormalities to those of other vasculopathies. Diagnosis relies on virologic confirmation that detects VZV DNA, anti-VZV IgG antibody, or both in the CSF.

METHODS

We reviewed our current 14 cases of patients diagnosed with VZV vasculopathy based on combined clinical, imaging, angiographic, or CSF abnormalities. All CSFs must have been tested for VZV DNA by PCR and for anti-VZV IgG antibody by enzyme immunoassay and found to be positive for either or both. Of the 14 subjects, 8 had a history of recent zoster, whereas 6 had no history of zoster rash before developing vasculopathy.

RESULTS

All 14 subjects (100%) had anti-VZV IgG antibody in their CSF, whereas only 4 (28%) had VZV DNA. The detection of anti-VZV IgG antibody in CSF was a more sensitive indicator of VZV vasculopathy than detection of VZV DNA (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In varicella zoster virus (VZV) vasculopathy, the diagnostic value of detecting anti-VZV IgG antibody in CSF is greater than that of detecting VZV DNA. Although a positive PCR for VZV DNA in CSF is helpful, a negative PCR does not exclude the diagnosis of VZV vasculopathy. Only when the CSF is negative for both VZV DNA and anti-VZV IgG antibody can the diagnosis of VZV vasculopathy be excluded.

Elevated HIV seroprevalence and risk behavior among Ugandan TB suspects: implications for HIV testing and prevention

OBJECTIVES

Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is recommended for persons treated for tuberculosis (TB). Opportunities to diagnose HIV may be missed by limiting HIV testing to only persons diagnosed with TB. Among TB suspects in Uganda, we determined HIV prevalence, risk behaviors, and willingness to refer family for VCT.

METHODS

Consenting adult patients presenting for evaluation at a referral TB clinic received same-day VCT. TB diagnosis data were abstracted from clinical records.

RESULTS

Among 665 eligible patients, 565 (85%) consented to VCT. Among these, 238 (42%) were HIV-positive. Of the HIV-infected patients, 37% had received a non-TB diagnosis. HIV seroprevalence was higher in patients with a non-TB diagnosis (49%) than those diagnosed with TB (39%) (P = 0.02). Fewer than 6% of HIV-infected patients reported always using condoms with sexual partners. The majority of patients (86%) reported being 'very willing' to refer family members for VCT.

CONCLUSIONS

Over 35% of HIV-infected cases in our population would have been undetected if HIV testing was limited to cases with diagnosed TB. The high HIV seroprevalence in both TB and non-TB cases merits HIV testing for all patients evaluated at TB clinics. HIV-infected TB suspects reporting high-risk behavior are at risk for HIV transmission, and should receive risk-reduction counseling.

[Energy accumulation and caloric value in yield-forming process of different rice cultivars]

Based on the determination of dry matter and caloric value, this paper studied the characteristics of energy accumulation and the dynamics of caloric value in the yield-forming process of rice cultivars Shanyou 63 ( three-line hybrid rice) , Liangyou 2186 (two-line hybrid rice) , and IR64 (conventional rice). The results showed that at fully grain-maturing stage, the amount of dry matter in Shanyou 63, Liangyou 2186 and IR64 was 1926. 38 g x m(2), 1933.80 g x m(-2) and 1842.30 g x m(-2), and that of accumulated energy was 31,137.05 kJ x m(-2) 31 060.63 kJ x m(-2) and 30 454.89 kJ x m(-2) , respectively, showing no significant difference among the cultivars. In the process of grain filling, the apparent transformation ratio of energy in Shanyou 63, Liangyou 2186 and IR64 was about 38. 95% , 28. 38% and 32. 66% , respectively, implying that the energy flow in Shanyou 63 and IR 64 was smoother than that in Liangyou 2186, and the output of energy from stem to the sink of grain was blocked in Liangyou 2186. The ratio of energy partitioning to the sink of grain was 53. 03% , 46. 43% and 50. 11% for Shanyou 63, Liangyou 2186 and IR64, respectively, showing the energy partitioning heterosis in three-line hybrid rice Shanyou 63. As for the caloric value, it had no significant difference among the three cultivars, but decreased in the order of leaf> grain > sheath > stem > root, ranging from 16.81-17.25 kJ x g(-1) , 15.89-16.54 kJ x g (-1) 14.33-15.49 kJ x g(-1) , 14.23-15.15 kJ x g , and 11.51-13.25 kJ x g(-1), respectively. It was also shown that there was a significant positive correlation of caloric value with carbon content, chlorophyll a content, and nitrogen content in rice plant, with the determination coefficient R(2) being 0.609, 0.471 and 0.485, respectively.

A large noncoding RNA is a marker for murine hepatocellular carcinomas and a spectrum of human carcinomas

Tumor markers can facilitate understanding molecular cell biology of neoplasia and provide potential targets for the diagnosis and insight for intervention. We here identify a novel murine gene, hepcarcin (hcn), encoding a 7-kb mRNA-like transcript. The gene appears to be the murine ortholog of the human alpha gene, that is, MALAT-1. The gene and homologs lack credible open reading frames, consistent with a highly conserved large noncoding RNA (ncRNA). In all nodules of procarcinogen-induced murine hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and human HCCs, expression was markedly elevated compared to the uninvolved liver. Quantitative analyses indicated a 6-7-fold increased RNA level in HCCs versus uninvolved liver, advancing this as a molecule of interest. This ncRNA was overexpressed in all five non-hepatic human carcinomas analysed, consistent with a potential marker for neoplastic cells and potential participant in the molecular cell biology of neoplasia.

Induction of IRF-3 and IRF-7 phosphorylation following activation of the RIG-I pathway

The induction of type I interferon (IFN) and the development of the innate antiviral response are mediated by the activation of interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-3 and IRF-7 under the control of the non-canonical kinases TBK-1 and IKKepsilon. The initial sensing of infection by RNA viruses is mediated by the cytoplasmic, retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG-I), via a Toll-like receptor (TLR) independent signaling pathway. In the present study, we identify key residues involved in IRF-3 and IRF-7 phosphorylation using TAP-tag purification of TBK-1 and IKKepsilon proteins. Based on the identification of an extended sequence motif--SxSxxxS--common to both IRF-3 and IRF-7, an IRF-7 pSer477/479 phosphospecific antibody was generated. Virus infection, TBK-1/IKKepsilon expression or co-expression of different signaling adaptors such as RIG-I, MAVS and TRIF, all stimulated pSer477/479 phosphorylation. Furthermore, the newly identified adaptor of the RIG-I pathway (MAVS/IPS-1/VISA/Cardif) was able to induce IRF and NF-kappaB dependent promoter activity as efficiently as the constitutively active form of RIG-I (DeltaRIG-I). Co-expression of the NS3/4A protease activity of hepatitis C virus however blocked MAVS-mediated gene activation in a dose dependent manner. These studies link RIG-I sensing of viral RNA to downstream kinase signaling and phosphorylation of IRF-3 and IRF-7 via the MAVS/IPS/VISA/Cardif adaptor.

[Chemical components of root exudates from allelopathic rice accession PI312777 seedlings]

In this study, allelopathic rice accession PI312777 seedlings were grown on a paddy soil under near natural condition, and their root exudates were collected by using circulation method, with the solution collected from no seedlings- planted soil as the control. The ether extracts of the root exudates and soil solution were detected by GC-MS, and identified with the mass spectral database of NIST and WILEY Library. The results showed that there were 36 compounds in the rice root exudates, including 9 terpenoids (peak area 10.97%), 8 phenols or quinones (5.87%), 6 esters (10.68%), 3 aldehydes or ketones (1.44%), 4 heterocycles (68.04%), 2 alcohols (1.23%), 2 ethers (0.57%), and 2 others (1.20%). A distinctly similar structure was observed among the terpenoids and among the phenols or quinones. In the soil solution, 39 compounds were detected, and 7 of them were the same of the root exudates. The difference of the compounds in rice root exudates and soil solution, and the possible allelopathic mechanisms of these compounds were discussed in this paper.

An integrated microfluidic device for influenza and other genetic analyses

An integrated microfluidic device capable of performing a variety of genetic assays has been developed as a step towards building systems for widespread dissemination. The device integrates fluidic and thermal components such as heaters, temperature sensors, and addressable valves to control two nanoliter reactors in series followed by an electrophoretic separation. This combination of components is suitable for a variety of genetic analyses. As an example, we have successfully identified sequence-specific hemagglutinin A subtype for the A/LA/1/87 strain of influenza virus. The device uses a compact design and mass production technologies, making it an attractive platform for a variety of widely disseminated applications.

Zero-Filling Interpolation Processing Technique Can Efficiently Suppress Segmental Stenosis Artifact on Small Arteries of Anatomical Phantoms

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the zero-filling interpolation processing (ZIP) technique for contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA). Phantoms of arteries were made with different lumen diameters. Gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional MR angiography was performed on a GE 1.5T scanner. The parameters of FSPGR pulse sequence were: flip angle 30°, TR 6ms, TE 1.4ms, bandwidth 31.25 kHz, slice thickness 1.2 mm, matrix 256×256. The sequence parameters were kept constant for the studies, whereas four selections were chosen: 1) with ZIP1024 and ZIP×4 techniques; 2) only with ZIP1024 technique; 3) only with ZIP×4 technique; 4) without ZIP technique. For image quality evaluation, MR maximum intensity projection (MIP) images were created. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was measured on MIP images. Vessel edge was determined using full width at half maximum (FWHM) for lumen diameter calculation and results were compared with the actual lumen diameter. The distinctness of the vessel edge and the artifacts on the phantoms were compared for all sequences. Three experienced radiologists made consensus evaluation. The FWHM results of lumen measurements for all the sequences with ZIP techniques were more accurate than that of the sequence without ZIP technique in all phantoms, no matter what the size of the artery. The vessel edge with ZIP1024 technique was more distinct. However, the highest average SNR was obtained with the sequence without ZIP technique. The segmental stenosis artifacts on small artery of phantoms were only efficiently suppressed with the ZIP×4 technique. ZIP technique is excellent for CE-MRA to obtain high quality MR angiography. It not only can improve the spatial resolution and the distinctness of the vessel edge on CE-MRA, but can also efficiently suppress segmental stenosis artifact on small arteries of phantoms.

An exceptionally bright flare from SGR 1806–20 and the origins of short-duration γ-ray bursts

Soft-gamma-ray repeaters (SGRs) are galactic X-ray stars that emit numerous short-duration (about 0.1 s) bursts of hard X-rays during sporadic active periods. They are thought to be magnetars: strongly magnetized neutron stars with emissions powered by the dissipation of magnetic energy. Here we report the detection of a long (380 s) giant flare from SGR 1806-20, which was much more luminous than any previous transient event observed in our Galaxy. (In the first 0.2 s, the flare released as much energy as the Sun radiates in a quarter of a million years.) Its power can be explained by a catastrophic instability involving global crust failure and magnetic reconnection on a magnetar, with possible large-scale untwisting of magnetic field lines outside the star. From a great distance this event would appear to be a short-duration, hard-spectrum cosmic gamma-ray burst. At least a significant fraction of the mysterious short-duration gamma-ray bursts may therefore come from extragalactic magnetars.

Experiment studies of iodinated oil nanometer ferrofluid retention in rabbit liver

To study possibility for iodinated oil nanometer ferrofluid retention in rabbit liver. 131I- iodinated oil nanometer ferrofluid were injected into liver right lobe through portal vein in 5 rabbits... - calibrate meter showed continuous.. counts in the region injected. Then the relative metabolic parameters were calculated. Left lobe livers, right lobe livers and lungs of the rabbits were examined in pathology, and the right lobe livers were examined by electron microscope. Five rabbits injected purely 131Iiodinated oil were designated as control group. Single metabolic mode was found in the rabbits in nanometer ferrofluid group. The biological half-life of 131I- iodinated oil nanometer ferrofluid was not different from control group's slow metabolic portion. But control group's rapid metabolic portion were eliminated in a higher speed, range from 8% to 44%. More damage was found in nanometer ferrofluid group's right lobe livers. 131I- iodinated oil nanometer ferrofluid possess the opportunity of local retention in human body and further study is worthwhile.