Evaluation of fixation stability using different targets with the MP1 microperimeter

The aim of this study was to evaluate fixation stability using two different fixation targets with the Nidek MP1 microperimeter. Twenty-nine healthy subjects with a mean age of 26.53 ± 7.35 years and visual acuity ≥0.0 logMAR were enrolled in this study. Fifty-eight eyes of 29 patients without ophthalmic and/or systemic disease underwent a fixation test with the MP1 microperimeter. Fixation stability related to a red cross (central) and/or a red circle (pericentral) target was quantified using either Fujii classification or by calculating the bivariate contour ellipse area (BCEA). For statistical analysis, BCEA values were converted into their logarithms (logBCEA) and all data obtained were analyzed using paired Student's t test. The inclination values of the axis of BCEA were analyzed with Chi squared test. The mean values of logBCEA and the mean values of the major and minor axis of the ellipses related to the cross and the circle fixation target were significantly different (68.2 %, p = 0.00; 95.4 %, p = 0.00; 99.6 %, p = 0.00, respectively) for each BCEA standard deviation. Fixation was significantly less stable for the pericentral fixation target in normal subjects, indicating an advantage for central fixation targets. These results are of particular interest when evaluation of changes in fixation is needed.

Constraints on cosmic strings from the LIGO-Virgo gravitational-wave detectors

Cosmic strings can give rise to a large variety of interesting astrophysical phenomena. Among them, powerful bursts of gravitational waves (GWs) produced by cusps are a promising observational signature. In this Letter we present a search for GWs from cosmic string cusps in data collected by the LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave detectors between 2005 and 2010, with over 625 days of live time. We find no evidence of GW signals from cosmic strings. From this result, we derive new constraints on cosmic string parameters, which complement and improve existing limits from previous searches for a stochastic background of GWs from cosmic microwave background measurements and pulsar timing data. In particular, if the size of loops is given by the gravitational backreaction scale, we place upper limits on the string tension Gμ below 10(-8) in some regions of the cosmic string parameter space.

Molecular profiling of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm reveals a unique pattern and suggests selective sensitivity to NF-kB pathway inhibition

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare disease of controversial origin recently recognized as a neoplasm deriving from plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). Nevertheless, it remains an orphan tumor with obscure biology and dismal prognosis. To better understand the pathobiology of BPDCN and discover new targets for effective therapies, the gene expression profile (GEP) of 25 BPDCN samples was analyzed and compared with that of pDCs, their postulated normal counterpart. Validation was performed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), whereas functional experiments were carried out ex vivo. For the first time at the molecular level, we definitely recognized the cellular derivation of BPDCN that proved to originate from the myeloid lineage and in particular, from resting pDCs. Furthermore, thanks to an integrated bioinformatic approach we discovered aberrant activation of the NF-kB pathway and suggested it as a novel therapeutic target. We tested the efficacy of anti-NF-kB-treatment on the BPDCN cell line CAL-1, and successfully demonstrated by GEP and IHC the molecular shutoff of the NF-kB pathway. In conclusion, we identified a molecular signature representative of the transcriptional abnormalities of BPDCN and developed a cellular model proposing a novel therapeutic approach in the setting of this otherwise incurable disease.

Unusual endotracheal and breast metastasis from renal clear cell carcinoma: a case report

We report a case of a woman affected by a metastatic renal clear cell carcinoma who showed unusual metastasis into the trachea and in the right breast 17 years and 21 years after nephrectomy respectively. Two endotracheal metastasis were identified during rigid bronchoscophy and were treated with endotracheal electro-surgery. Solitary metastasis in the right breast was identified by a mammography that revealed a dense mass of 1.5 cm at lower outer quadrant and she underwent to a right breast quadrantectomy. Histological examination showed a clear cell renal carcinoma metastasis as for the trachea as for the breast mass.

186 BOVINE AMNIOTIC FLUID MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS CHARACTERIZATION AFTER CULTURE IN VITRO

In recent years, fetal adnexa and fluids have been recognised as important sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). The aim of this study was to characterise cell populations of bovine amniotic fluid, studying phenotypic characterisation, RNA expression, and differentiation potential of samples after in vitro culture for different lengths of time following trypsinization and expansion (passage). Amniotic fluid samples were recovered at the slaughterhouse from 25 pregnant cows and harvested cells were cultured in DMEM-TCM199 (1 : 1) plus 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) in 5% CO2 at 38.5°C. At passages P3 and P7, a sample for each of the 4 population found was characterised. Immunophenotypic characterisation was performed for MSC (CD90, CD105, CD44) and haematopoietic (CD14, CD34) markers by flow cytometry (FACS). Immunocytochemistry (ICC) was performed for Oct4, SSEA4, and α-SMA and the ratio between positive cells and total nuclei was evaluated. Gene expression profile was analysed by RT–PCR for pluripotency markers (Oct4, Nanog, Sox2). At the same passages chondrogenic, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation were induced and evaluated morphologically and cytologically using, respectively, Alcian blue to identify cartilage matrix, Von Kossa for extracellular calcium deposition, and Oil Red O for intracellular lipid droplets. Cell population appeared heterogeneous and we could identify 2 main cell types: round (R) and spindle-shaped (S) cells. Each isolated sample was classified into one of the following 4 types depending on percentages of R or S cells: prevalence of S-cells (S), prevalence of R-cells (R), and samples showing both morphologies with ~10% of S-cells (S10) or 40% S-cells (S40). S-cells percentage decreased with passages in S10 and S40. After FACS, all lines were positive for CD90, CD105, CD44, and CD34 and negative for CD14 both at P3 and at P7. After ICC, Oct4 was negative in all samples analysed, few S cells stained for SSEA4 (8%) at P3 but increased at P7 to 22%; R, S10, and S40 did not express SSEA4 both at P3 and at P7. α-SMA was expressed in all samples at P3 (9.4% S; 0.9% R; 2.5% S10; 27% S40) but not at P7 (27.5% S; 0% R; 0% S10; 0% S40). After RT–PCR analyses, Oct4 was negative in all samples; at P3, Nanog was clearly positive in S-cells, weak in S40, and negative in R and S10, but all samples turned negative at P7. Sox2 was weakly expressed (S) or not expressed (S10, S40, R) at P3 and it was negative in all cells at P7. Only S showed high differentiation potential into all 3 lineages at both P3 and P7, R had the lowest differentiation potential, whereas S10 and S40 were intermediate at both end points. In conclusion, bovine amniotic fluid showed heterogeneous cell populations and S-type had the characteristics of MSCs. S10 and S40 showed more MSC markers at P3, when S cells were still present, and this aspect suggests that S population is the presumptive MSC one. Although prevalent, R-type showed only some MSC characteristics. Further studies are under way to improve S-type isolation, purification, and culture, and to determine the lifespan of these cell types. This work was supported by grant PRIN2009.

Insomnia as a predictor of high-lethality suicide attempts

INTRODUCTION

Research has demonstrated that patients with insomnia are at an increased risk of experiencing suicidal ideation and/or making a suicide attempt.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relation between insomnia and suicidal behaviour.

AIMS

To examine factors associated with a diagnosis of insomnia in patients admitted to an Emergency Department (ED) and assessed by the psychiatrist in charge.

METHODS

Participants were 843 patients consecutively admitted to the ED of Sant'Andrea Hospital in Rome, between January 2010 and December 2011. All patients admitted were referred to a psychiatrist. A clinical interview based on the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and a semi-structured interview was conducted. Patients were asked about 'ongoing' suicidal ideation or plans for suicide.

RESULTS

Forty-eight percent of patients received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD), major depressive disorder (MDD) or an anxiety disorder; whereas, 17.1% were diagnosed with Schizophrenia or other non-affective psychosis. Patients with insomnia (compared to patients without insomnia) more frequently had a diagnosis of BD (23.9% vs. 12.4%) or MDD (13.3% vs. 9.5%; p < 0.001). Moreover, patients with insomnia less frequently had attempted suicide in the past 24 h (5.3% vs. 9.5%; p < 0.05) as compared with other patients, but those patients with insomnia who attempted suicide more frequently used a violent method (64.3% vs. 23.6%; p < 0.01) compared to other suicide attempters.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results do not support an association between insomnia and suicidal behaviour. However, suicide attempters with insomnia more frequently used violent methods, and this phenomenon should be taken into serious consideration by clinicians.

Targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its therapeutic potential

B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-pre ALL) is a malignant disorder characterized by the abnormal proliferation of B-cell progenitors. The prognosis of B-pre ALL has improved in pediatric patients, but the outcome is much less successful in adults. Constitutive activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) network is a feature of B-pre ALL, where it strongly influences cell growth and survival. RAD001, a selective mTORC1 inhibitor, has been shown to be cytotoxic against many types of cancer including hematological malignancies. To investigate whether mTORC1 could represent a target in the therapy of B-pre ALL, we treated cell lines and adult patient primary cells with RAD001. We documented that RAD001 decreased cell viability, induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and caused apoptosis in B-pre ALL cell lines. Autophagy was also induced, which was important for the RAD001 cytotoxic effect, as downregulation of Beclin-1 reduced drug cytotoxicity. RAD001 strongly synergized with the novel allosteric Akt inhibitor MK-2206 in both cell lines and patient samples. Similar results were obtained with the combination CCI-779 plus GSK 690693. These findings point out that mTORC1 inhibitors, either as a single agent or in combination with Akt inhibitors, could represent a potential therapeutic innovative strategy in B-pre ALL.

Abstract P1-01-25: Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer: The approach in day surgery under local anaesthesia for quality-of-life and significant cost reduction

Background: Sentinel lymph node biospy (SLNB) is widely used in the management of breast cancer patients without axillary metastases or inflammatory breast cancer (IBC).

Methods: From Jan. 1st 2006 through Dic. 31st 2011 we performed 302 SLNB at St. M. Goretti Hospital. Mammary carcinoma was diagnosed as malignant by aspiration citology and/or biospy. In all cases with positive citology or biospy, we performed quadrantectomy and SLNB at the same time. All patients underwent pre-operative lymphoscintigraphy with intradermal pericicatritial and/or periareola injection of 12–15 MBq 99Tc colloidal albumin particles 50–80 nm size range, in 0,2 ml saline solution. We never used vital blue dye. All patients underwent surgical treatment 3–12 h. later. We performed SLNB and quadrantectomy in day surgery (DS) and local anaesthesia (LA) with 2% of Carbocaine. Axillary incision was 3–4 cm. This study was approved by an ethics committee, was discussed with all patients and informed consent was obtained.

Purpose of the study is to investigate the approach in DS under LA for quality of life and significant cost reduction.

Results: Six patients underwent pre-operative lymphoscintigraphy the radiotracer did not show any sentinel lymph node (SLN), in five cases we performed axillary dissection (AD). In one case of young patient who had previously been treated with chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, negative positron emission tomography (PET), we performed quadrantectomy without AD. In three cases the axilla was positive. In four cases of multifocal (MF) and two of multicentric (MC) invasive breast cancer, the SLN was identified in axilla and SLNB was perfomed. SLNB in MF and MC tumors was similar to unifocal cancers. Only one case of MC cancer the SLN was positive. Six patients classified T4b according to AJCC, were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC). The axilla was negative to ultrasound (US), PET and citology. After completion of NC, lymphatic mapping was able to identify SLN and we performed SLNB. In these patients SLN was negative. In two cases of male cancer the axilla was negative to clinical examination, in both cases SLN was positive for macrometastases. Six cases showed axillary isolated tumor cells (ITC). Eighteen micrometastases. Thirty-two macrometastases. In two case of negative SLN there was a positive second palpable lymph node. One case showed a double SLN in the axilla and internal mammary chain, only the internal mammary lymph node was positive.

The SLN identification rate was 99%. After surgery we distributed a questionnaire to the patients about the acceptability of this approach.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-01-25.

Instability of higher-order optical vortices analyzed with a multi-pinhole interferometer

Higher-order optical vortices are inherently unstable in the sense that they tend to split up in a series of vortices with unity charge. We demonstrate this vortex-splitting phenomenon in beams produced with holograms and spatial light modulators and discuss its generic and practically unavoidable nature. To analyze the splitting phenomena in detail, we use a multi-pinhole interferometer to map the combined amplitude and phase profile of the optical field. This technique, which is based on the analysis of the far-field interference pattern observed behind an opaque screen perforated with multiple pinholes, turns out to be very robust and can among others be used to study very 'dark' regions of electromagnetic fields. Furthermore, the vortex splitting provides an ultra-sensitive measurement method of unwanted scattering from holograms and other phase-changing optical elements.

Cytotoxic activity of the novel Akt inhibitor, MK-2206, in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive neoplastic disorder arising from T-cell progenitors. T-ALL accounts for 15% of newly diagnosed ALL cases in children and 25% in adults. Although the prognosis of T-ALL has improved, due to the use of polychemotherapy schemes, the outcome of relapsed/chemoresistant T-ALL cases is still poor. A signaling pathway that is frequently upregulated in T-ALL, is the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mTOR network. To explore whether Akt could represent a target for therapeutic intervention in T-ALL, we evaluated the effects of the novel allosteric Akt inhibitor, MK-2206, on a panel of human T-ALL cell lines and primary cells from T-ALL patients. MK-2206 decreased T-ALL cell line viability by blocking leukemic cells in the G(0)/G(1) phase of the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. MK-2206 also induced autophagy, as demonstrated by an increase in the 14-kDa form of LC3A/B. Western blotting analysis documented a concentration-dependent dephosphorylation of Akt and its downstream targets, GSK-3α/β and FOXO3A, in response to MK-2206. MK-2206 was cytotoxic to primary T-ALL cells and induced apoptosis in a T-ALL patient cell subset (CD34(+)/CD4(-)/CD7(-)), which is enriched in leukemia-initiating cells. Taken together, our findings indicate that Akt inhibition may represent a potential therapeutic strategy in T-ALL.

Directional limits on persistent gravitational waves using LIGO S5 science data

The gravitational-wave (GW) sky may include nearby pointlike sources as well as stochastic backgrounds. We perform two directional searches for persistent GWs using data from the LIGO S5 science run: one optimized for pointlike sources and one for arbitrary extended sources. Finding no evidence to support the detection of GWs, we present 90% confidence level (C.L.) upper-limit maps of GW strain power with typical values between 2-20×10(-50)  strain(2) Hz(-1) and 5-35×10(-49)  strain(2) Hz(-1) sr(-1) for pointlike and extended sources, respectively. The latter result is the first of its kind. We also set 90% C.L. limits on the narrow-band root-mean-square GW strain from interesting targets including Sco X-1, SN 1987A and the Galactic center as low as ≈7×10(-25) in the most sensitive frequency range near 160 Hz.

AMP-dependent kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 signaling in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: therapeutic implications

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) serine/threonine kinase is the catalytic subunit of two multi-protein complexes, referred to as mTORC1 and mTORC2. Signaling downstream of mTORC1 has a critical role in leukemic cell biology by controlling mRNA translation of genes involved in both cell survival and proliferation. mTORC1 activity can be downmodulated by upregulating the liver kinase B1/AMP-activated protein kinase (LKB1/AMPK) pathway. Here, we have explored the therapeutic potential of the anti-diabetic drug, metformin (an LKB1/AMPK activator), against both T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cell lines and primary samples from T-ALL patients displaying mTORC1 activation. Metformin affected T-ALL cell viability by inducing autophagy and apoptosis. However, it was much less toxic against proliferating CD4(+) T-lymphocytes from healthy donors. Western blot analysis demonstrated dephosphorylation of mTORC1 downstream targets. Unlike rapamycin, we found a marked inhibition of mRNA translation in T-ALL cells treated with metformin. Remarkably, metformin targeted the side population of T-ALL cell lines as well as a putative leukemia-initiating cell subpopulation (CD34(+)/CD7(-)/CD4(-)) in patient samples. In conclusion, metformin displayed a remarkable anti-leukemic activity, which emphasizes future development of LKB1/AMPK activators as clinical candidates for therapy in T-ALL.

A state observer for the Virgo inverted pendulum

We report an application of Kalman filtering to the inverted pendulum (IP) of the Virgo gravitational wave interferometer. Using subspace method system identification techniques, we calculated a linear mechanical model of Virgo IP from experimental transfer functions. We then developed a Kalman filter, based on the obtained state space representation, that estimates from open loop time domain data, the state variables of the system. This allows the observation (and eventually control) of every resonance mode of the IP mechanical structure independently.