GaN nanowire functionalized with atomic layer deposition techniques for enhanced immobilization of biomolecules

We report the use of atomic layer deposition (ALD) coating as a nanobiosensor functionalization strategy for enhanced surface immobilization that may enable higher detection sensitivity. Three kinds of ALD coating films, Al(2)O(3), TiO(2), and SiO(2), were grown on the gallium nitride nanowire (GaN NW) surfaces and characterized with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and vacuum Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results from HRTEM showed that the thicknesses of ALD-Al(2)O(3), ALD-TiO(2) and ALD-SiO(2) coatings were 4-5 nm, 5-6 nm, and 12-14 nm, respectively. Results from FTIR showed that the OH contents of these coatings were, respectively, ∼6.9, ∼7.4, and ∼9.3 times that of piranha-treated GaN NW. Furthermore, to compare protein attachments on the different surfaces, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-biotin was grafted on the OH-functionalized GaN NW surfaces through active Si-Cl functional groups. Streptavidin protein molecules were then attached to the biotin ends via specific binding. The immobilized streptavidin molecules were examined with scanning electron microscopy, HRTEM, and fluorescent imaging. Results from HRTEM and energy-dispersive X-ray revealed that the nitrogen concentrations on the three ALD coatings were significantly higher than that on the piranha-treated surface. Results from fluorescent imaging further showed that the protein attachments on the Al(2)O(3), TiO(2), and SiO(2) ALD coatings were, respectively, 6.4, 7.8, and 9.8 times that of piranha-treated surface. This study demonstrates that ALD coating can be used as a functionalization strategy for nanobiosensors because it is capable of creating functional groups with much higher density compared to widely used acid modifications, and among the three ALD coatings, ALD-SiO(2) yielded the most promising results in OH content and protein attachment.

Induction of subcutaneous adipose proliferation by olanzapine in rodents

Weight gain induced by atypical antipsychotics causes a serious health concern in the treatment of schizophrenic patients. In the present study chronic treatment of female Wistar rats with olanzapine caused weight gain, but limited effect on food intake. A dramatic drug-induced morphological change of the subcutaneous adipose tissue was observed, i.e. development of a pinkish coloration with the appearance of a "fish egg"-like texture. Histological examination revealed a massive increase in the proliferation of undifferentiated adipocytes. Such proliferation was detected as early as the third day after olanzapine treatment. The changes progressed in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The proliferation of adipose tissue was detected in rats treated with olanzapine independent of increases in weight gain. Protein profiles of the adipose tissue were also altered by olanzapine. These results suggest that olanzapine-induced weight gain may be not solely due to an effect on behavioural satiety. The potential involvement of adipose neuronal input and proliferation are discussed.

Hsa-miR-9 methylation status is associated with cancer development and metastatic recurrence in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma

The long-term prognosis for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is dramatically altered by the development of metastatic recurrence. However, there are very few indicators that can predict which patient will develop a recurrence. MicroRNAs regulate many cellular processes and have been shown to be associated with cancer development and recurrence. More recently it has been shown that microRNA genes can be epigenetically modified in cancer, resulting in aberrant silencing of microRNA genes with tumor suppressor functions. In this study, we show that two genes encoding for hsa-miR-9 are significantly hypermethylated in ccRCC tumors compared with adjacent normal tissues (P-value <0.001 for both miR-9-1 and miR-9-3) resulting in decreased expression, and that the methylation of these genes was more significant in DNA obtained from the primary tumor for patients who developed a recurrence (P-value: 0.012 and 0.009 for miR-9-1 and miR-9-3, respectively) than in tumors from nonrecurrent patients. Furthermore, methylation of miR-9-3 was significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence (hazard ratio: 5.85, 95% confidence intervals: 1.30-26.35) and high methylation levels of either miR-9-1 or miR-9-3 resulted in a significant, nearly 30-month decrease in recurrence-free survival time (P-value: 0.034 and 0.007 for miR-9-1 and miR-9-3, respectively). Our results demonstrate that hsa-miR-9 is involved in the development of ccRCC while also having a role in the development of metastatic recurrence.

Association of TBX21 gene haplotypes in a Chinese population with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

T-cell-specific T-box transcription factor (T-bet) is a member of the T-box family of transcription factors regulating type 1 T-helper (Th1) cell development and is thought to be linked with several autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether T-bet gene (TBX21) polymorphisms or its haplotypes are associated with SLE in a Chinese population.

METHODS

The study included 248 cases with SLE and 261 gender- and age-matched healthy controls. The polymorphisms T-1993C (rs4794067) and T-1514C (rs17250932) in the TBX21 promoter were identified by a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay.

RESULTS

The frequency of both the -1993T and the -1514T allele were significantly higher in SLE patients than in controls. By haplotype analysis, there was significantly decreased frequency of the haplotype at positions -1993C/-1514C in the case group compared with the control group (p = 0.0002). Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that individuals with CC/CC haplotype homozygotes had a decreased susceptibility to SLE [p = 0.0004, odds ratio (OR) 0.316, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.167-0.599].

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the -1993C/-1514C haplotype may be a protective factor for genetic susceptibility to SLE in the Chinese population.

N0539 Phase II Trial of Fulvstrant and Bevacizumab in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer Previously Treated with an Aromatase Inhibitor: A North Central Cancer Treatment Group Trial

Background: Treatment of aromatase refractory metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is difficult and challenging. Estrogen receptor (ER) resistance causes enhanced expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).Several studies have shown that the ER interacts with the VEGF pathway and is an important mechanism of resistance. Therefore we embarked on a phase II study of fulvestrant, a complete ER suppressor and bevacizumab, a well studied VEGF monoclonal antibody in aromatase refractory MBC patients. Methods: A single stage phase II study with an interim analysis of fulvestrant and bevacizumab was conducted with these objectives: 6 month progression-free survival rate (PFS), tumor response, toxicity, and overall survival. Regimen: fulvestrant 250 mg day1 and 15 (cycle 1) then day 1 (cycle 2 and beyond) and bevacizumab 10mg/kg days 1 and 15 of each 4 weeks is a cycle. Results: At the time of interim analysis, 11/20 evaluable patients achieved 3-month progression-free survival status while remaining on treatment for at least 3 months, not meeting the protocol specified efficacy requirements and thus halting accrual. 36 patients were enrolled from September 2007-December 2008; 33 patients were evaluable. Number of prior metastatic chemotherapy regimens: 0 in 26 patients and 1 in 7 patients. 22 (67%) patients received prior hormonal therapy in the metastatic setting. 18 (55%) had measurable disease. A median of 6 cycles (range 1-19) were administered. 12/33 evaluable patients (95% CI:20-55%) achieved 6-month progression-free survival status while remaining on treatment for a least 6 months. Among 18 patients with measurable disease, 2 (11%) patients CI:1.4-35%) had a confirmed tumor reponse (both PR). Additionally, 2 patients had stable disease for greater than 6 months, for a clinical benefit rate of 22%. Median follow up was 8.5 months (range 1.7-17.5 months). Median progression-free survival was 6.2 months (95% CI:5.4-10.1 months). The 6 -month overall survival rate was 84.8% (95% CI 73.5-98%). The median dose level administered was 250 mg for fulvestrant and 10 mg/kg for bevacizumab for cycles 1-19. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) were hypertension 2 (6%), headache pain 2 (6%), and confusion 2 (6%). There was 1 grade 5 central nervous system hemorrhage. 13 (39%) patients experienced a grade 3 non-hematologic AE and 4 (12%) experience a grade 4+ non-hematologic AE. Conclusion: Fulvestrant/bevacizumab is safe and tolerable. Although this regimen did not meet its statistical endpoint, 22% of evaluable patients with aromatase refractory diesease achieved clinical benefit with minimal toxicity.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 4096.

Regulatory polymorphisms in the IL-10 gene promoter and HBV-related acute liver failure in the Chinese population

Recent reports indicated that high levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10) contribute to the monocytes paralysis and poor clinical outcome in acute liver failure (ALF). Polymorphisms in the promoter region of IL-10 affect IL-10 production and confer susceptibility to inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the possible association of the three polymorphisms (A-1082G, T-819C, A-592C) in the IL-10 gene promoter with the susceptibility to hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related ALF in a Chinese population. The IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms were genotyped in 414 unrelated healthy blood donors, 367 asymptomatic HBV carriers and 345 HBV-related ALF patients. Functional analyses were conducted to verify the biological significances of the associated genetic variations. The allele frequencies of IL-10-592C and -819C were significantly higher in HBV-related ALF patients than in blood donors and asymptomatic HBV carriers. Logistic regression analysis and stratification analysis with adjustment for age and sex indicated that the polymorphisms of A-592C and T-819C were associated with susceptibility to HBV-related ALF (P = 6.9 x 10(-7)), and the -1082A-819C-592C haplotype in the IL-10 gene promoter were associated with an increased susceptibility to ALF in HBV carriers (dominant model, P = 0.0002, odds ratio = 1.60, 95% CI 1.25-2.07). Functional analyses showed that the A-592C polymorphism is a nuclear proteins binding site, and the disease susceptible -592C allele had a higher transcription activity compared with -592A allele. This study emphasizes the importance of IL-10 in the pathophysiology of HBV-related ALF on the population level.

N0337: Phase II study of capecitabine in combination with vinorelbine and trastuzumab for the first or second treatment of HER2+ metastatic breast cancer

1020

Background: Trastuzumab-containing regimes have dramatically improved outcome of patients with HER2+ breast cancer. Efforts to improve efficacy and tolerability of combination regimens with this monoclonal antibody are important for patient care. Thus, we conducted a multi-institutional phase II study of a triplet combination in patients eligible to receive either first- or second-line treatment for HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Methods: A phase II study designed to test that the true confirmed response rate (CRR) was at most 45% versus a true CRR of at least 65% was done (March 2005-June 2008). This design required that at least 25/45 confirmed responses in evaluable patients for the treatment to be considered promising. Patients received capecitabine 825 mg/m2 po (days 1–14), vinorelbine intravenously (IV) 25 mg/m2 days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks and trastuzumab IV 8mg/kg day 1, week 1, and then 6 mg/kg q 3 weeks. Tissue and blood have been collected for future studies on biomarkers. Results: 47 women were accrued, one patient cancelled participation prior to receiving any study drug, and another had a major protocol violation. 45 patients were evaluable and 30 (67%) achieved a confirmed response, (26 patients, 58% had a confirmed partial response and 4 patients, 9% had a confrimed complete response). Median progression free survival was 11.3 months (95% CI 8.4–23.2 months), median overall survival was 27.2 months (95% CI: 26.6-NA months), and among the 30 responders, the median duration of response time was 15.5 months (95% 7.7–26.1 months). The most common grade 3 events include neutropenia 61%, fatigue 13%, skin reaction-hand-foot 11%, and leukopenia 11%. Alopecia was not noted with this regimen. Conclusions: This triplet combination is effective, safe, and is promising in patients with HER2+ MBC. A phase III study should be conducted to compare the best doublet with this triplet combination whether this would lead to better clinical outcomes.

[Table: see text]

A single institution experience with neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) with irinotecan (I) and cisplatin (C) in locally advanced esophageal carcinoma (LAEC)

e15619

Background: Multimodal therapy is considered standard for LAEC with cisplatin and 5FU-based CRT being commonly used, though with significant toxicity. Novel agents are needed to improve pathologic response (pCR) which predicts for better prognosis. We analyzed our experience with CRT using I + C in LAEC. Methods: LAEC patients (PTS) who underwent surgery preceded by CRT with I + C were identified from the Roswell Park tumor registry. Treatment consisted of Day 1,8 of C 30mg/m2 and I 65mg/m2in a 21 day cycle. PTS concurrently received 45–50.4 Gy radiation in1.8Gy fractions. Data retrieved included toxicity, pCR rate and survival. Results: 44 eligible PTS, median age 61 yr, 43 males and 1 female. Histology included adenocarcinoma (n=38), squamous cell (n=4), mixed (n=2); 12 PTS had signet-ring cell features. 29 PTS had poorly differentiated tumors. Clinical stage was II (n=5), III (n=24), IVa(n=6), IVb(n=1), not available (n=8). ECOG PS was 0 (n=34) and 1 (n=10). Most common toxicities observed were fatigue (n=24), diarrhea (n=19), vomiting (n=15), hematologic (n=11), constipation (n=11) and neurologic (n=7). Dose delay or reduction was required in 10 PTS, usually from hematologic toxicity. Of these,1 week delay in 45% and 2 weeks in 36%; 1 PT discontinued treatment due to toxicity. There was no CRT-related mortality. 2 PTS died post-operatively (anastamotic leak and sepsis). Dyphagia improved in 33/35 (94%) PTS following CRT. All PTS underwent R0 resection and pCR rate was 25% (11/44). 15 PTS have experienced recurrence. The median disease-free and overall survival is 24 months and 34 months, respectively; 3-yr overall survival is 46%. Available pre- and post-CRT FDG uptake on PET imaging in 28 PTS did not correlate with pCR status (p=0.77). Conclusions: Neo-adjuvant CRT with I + C has modest efficacy in the treatment of LAEC and can be given safely in the out-patient setting. PTS should be monitored closely for toxicity, specifically diarrhea that requires prompt intervention. Efficacy results appear better than those reported in ECOG 1201. This regimen is being evaluated in CALGB 80302 and results are awaited.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Capecitabine (C), oxaliplatin (OXP), and radiation (RT) in resectable esophagus cancer (EC): A phase II trial with gene expression profiling (GEP)

e15543

Background: Novel chemotherapy regimens in combination with RT aim to improve the pathologic complete response (pCR) in EC. Following our dose-finding phase I study, the present phase II neo-adjuvant (NA) EC trial was designed to examine the pCR rate using C, OXP and RT, with secondary end-points of evaluating toxicity, quality of life, and GEP of tumor tissue for correlation to therapeutic response. Methods: EC patients (PTS) with stages II-IVa, adequate organ function and performance status (ECOG 0–1) were eligible. Treatment consisted of OXP, 85mg/m2 iv on days 1, 15 and 29, C (oral or enteral tube) 625 mg/m2 bid on days of RT, and 50.4 Gy RT (3-D conformal) in 28 fractions, followed by an esophagectomy (E) 4–6 weeks later. 2 cycles of OXP + C were administered post-operatively. GEP using Agilent microarrays was conducted on primary tumor tissue pre-treatment (Rx), day (D) 17 and at E; > 50% viable tumor cells were required. Results: 20 PTS have been enrolled (17 male, 3 female); median age 59.5 yrs; 17 adenocarcinomas & 3 squamous-cell cancers. Clinical stage: II (3), III (13) and IVa (4). 18 PTS have completed NA therapy; Grade 4 toxicity includes anemia (1), lymphopenia (2); grade 3 toxicity includes esophagitis (1), pneumonia (1), wound infection (1), anastomotic leak (2), esophageal fistula (1), bowel obstruction (1), fatigue (1), hyperbilirubinemia (1), elevated ALT, AST (1 & 2, respectively), hypoalbuminemia (3), OXP hypersensitivity (2) & leucopenia (1). One PT died > 60d post- operatively secondary to infection. 15 PTS have undergone an E with 3 pCR (20%). Analysis on pre-Rx GEP on 17 PTS revealed a distinct pattern for pCR PTS with 325 over-expressed and 79 under-expressed genes. Ongoing functional analysis will characterize GEP changes in 1) pCR PTS pre-Rx & at D17, 2) pCR & non-pCR PTS pre-Rx, and 3) by histology. Validation will be performed via RT-PCR. Accrual to the trial continues. Conclusions: C, OXP & RT appears to be a tolerable and efficacious NA regimen for EC. The exploratory GEP analysis may provide insight on predicting response to NA therapy. Acknowledgement: The study was approved and funded by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) from general research support provided by Roche Laboratories, Inc.

[Table: see text]

Restructuring public–private partnership in student housing

This paper presents the historical development of public–private partnership models in student housing in higher education institutes. It focuses on the rationale for the changes largely in terms of the circuits of capital, where each round of investment in student housing is accompanied by changing financing structures to respond to the new investment environment. Traditionally, student housing was often considered as part of social housing but increasingly, universities are looking to the private sector to finance, build, operate and transfer these facilities to release limited university funds for priority areas such as research and teaching. The risks for lenders and private sector developers as well as the varied ways in which such housing is financed are considered.

Self-assembling peptide nanofiber as potential substrates in islet transplantation

Hypoxia and reoxygenation (H/R)-induced damage often happens soon after islets are transplantation. The process of islet isolation and purification causes the rapid onset of hypoxia. We sought to develop a functional scaffold to sustain the structure and function of islets as well as to recover some of the surface molecules damaged during isolation, seeking to improve islet transplantation outcomes. Self-assembling peptide nanofiber (SAPNF), a new type of substrate has been shown to be an excellent biological material for neuronal cell culture and tissue engineering in animals. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of SAPNF on damage to rat islets. Freshly prepared rat islets from male Sprague-Dawley rats were seeded in plates coated with (SAPNF-treated group) or without (control group) SAPNF. The islets were then divided into two groups culture under normoxia for 7 days versus exposure to hypoxia (< 1% O2) for 6 hours followed by reoxygenation for 24 hours. The results showed that SAPNF exhibited improving effects on viability and function of cultured islets, protecting the one from H/R-induced damage. In both groups, the stimulation index of SAPNF-treated groups were about two times the controls. SAPNF treatment decreased apoptotic rates of islet cells. These results suggested the usefulness of SAPNF to maintain the viability and function of rat pancreatic islets. SAPNF may be a potential scaffold for clinical islet transplantation.

Cloning, sequencing, and analysis of the full-length CDNA of rhesus monkey factor IX

OBJECTIVE

Coagulation factor IX (FIX) is a vitamin K-dependent serine protease, which plays a key role in the coagulation cascade. The rhesus monkey may be an indispensable substitute for humans in research of pig-to-human xenotransplantation, due to its close relationship. But the coagulation function concordance between rhesus monkey and human is unknown. In this study, we cloned the full-length cDNA of rhesus monkey FIX (rFIX) to investigate the genomic backgrounds of the coagulation systems.

METHOD

We cloned the full-length cDNA from the cDNA library of rhesus monkey liver tissue. Polymerase chain reaction was used to screen the positive clones. Based on a partial sequence obtained by cDNA library screening and a homologous sequence from the database, we designed a second pair of primers to obtain the full sequence. For further analysis of rFIX, we used several online ExPASy Proteomic tools.

RESULT

We obtained the full-length cDNA of rFIX, which has 2668 nucleotides, predicting an open reading frame of 1383 nucleotides corresponding to 461 amino acids. The deduced protein sequence indicated functional domains of signal peptide, Gla, two epidermal growth factor, and trypsin-like serine protease, which were consisted with those of human FIX (hFIX). Sequence alignments showed that rFIX is highly homologous to hFIX with nucleotide identity of 96% and amino acid identity of 97%.

CONCLUSION

We have report herein the full-length cDNA of rFIX. The high homology between rhesus monkey and human coagulation factor ensure the reliability and feasibility of rhesus monkey as a recipient in studies on coagulation disorders in xenotransplantation.

Biologic features and treatment outcome of secondary acute lymphoblastic leukemia--a review of 101 cases

BACKGROUND

Secondary acute lymphoblastic leukemia (sALL) is a rare disease and its biologic features are not well characterized.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We describe a cohort of seven patients and discuss 94 additional cases from the literature for whom biological parameters were described. Cases with incomplete data were excluded.

RESULTS

Hodgkin's disease (HD) was more common in the 18-59 age group while breast and prostate cancers were prevalent only in the >or=18-year-old patients. The time interval to develop sALL was similar among all age groups but was significantly longer for HD and neuroblastoma primary diagnoses and sALL with complex karyotype. T-cell immunophenotype was more common in the <18 age group. Complete remission was infrequent in the >or=60 age group. The overall survival was poor for all sALL regardless of age, primary diagnoses, cytogenetic subgroups, or immunophenotype. Allogeneic transplantation most probably represents the only chance of cure.

CONCLUSION

Better identification of prognostic factors to prevent the occurrence of sALL is indicated.