The effect of ulinastatin on acute kidney injury in patients undergoing off-pump cardiac bypass surgery

BACKGROUND

Ulinastatin, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant trypsin inhibitor, has shown potential in mitigating acute kidney injury (AKI) and reducing serum creatinine levels after various surgeries. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effects of ulinastatin on AKI in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery.

METHODS

We hypothesized that the administration of ulinastatin could prevent AKI in OPCAB. Electrical medical records were reviewed to identify OPCAB patients between January 2015 and June 2020. The utilization of ulinastatin was randomly determined and applied during this period. Acute kidney injury was defined according to the KDIGO guideline, and its incidence was compared between the ulinastatin administration group and the control group. To investigate the effect of ulinastatin on renal function, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate propensity scores for each group.

RESULTS

A total 454 OPCAB were performed, and after following inclusion and exclusion process, 100 patients were identified in the ulinastatin group and 303 patients in the control group. Using 1:2 propensity score matching, we analyzed 100 and 200 patients in the ulinastatin and control groups. The incidence of AKI was similar between the groups (2.5% for the control group, 2.0% for the ulinastatin group, p > 0.999). However, the serum creatinine value on the first post-operative day were significantly lower in the ulinastatin group compared to the control group (0.774 ± 0.179 mg/dL vs 0.823 ± 0.216 mg/dL, P = 0.040), while no significant differences were observed for the other time points (P > 0.05). The length of ICU stay day was significantly shorter in the ulinastatin group (2.91 ± 2.81 day vs 5.22 ± 7.45 day, respectively, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Ulinastatin did not have a significant effect on the incidence of AKI; it demonstrated the ability to reduce post-operative serum creatine levels at first post-operative day and shorten the length of ICU stay.

Postoperative evaluation of modified abductor pollicis longus suspensionplasty using two anchors: Preliminary results

Among the various surgical treatments for basal joint arthritis, we modified abductor pollicis longus (APL) suspensionplasty by using two anchors. We hypothesized that this modification would prevent not only subsidence but also lateral migration of the first metacarpal. Thirteen thumbs that underwent APL suspensionplasty were investigated. Mean follow-up was 25 months (range, 12-69 months). Clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Progression of subsidence (trapezial space) and lateral migration of the first metacarpal were investigated sequentially and with the thumb abducted or adducted against stress in a specifically designed mold. Clinical improvement was assessed by decrease in QuickDASH score (from 49.6 to 19.7). The immediate postoperative trapezial space decreased significantly by 39% (p = 0.003), and lateral migration was improved significantly by 14% (p = 0.007). At final follow-up, subsidence and lateral migration had not significantly progressed (p = 0.059 and 0.278, respectively). Under stress, the trapezial space ratio decreased significantly with the thumb in abduction (from 0.63 to 0.59, p = 0.011). APL suspensionplasty using two anchors in patients with basal joint arthritis maintained the position of the first metacarpal bone, and especially lateral subluxation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Tumor immune microenvironment is influenced by frameshift mutations and tumor mutational burden in gastric cancer

PURPOSE

Immunoscore can effectively predict prognosis in patients with colon cancer; however, its clinical application is limited. We modified the Immunoscore and created a tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) classification system for gastric carcinoma. Unlike previous studies that used small sample sizes or focused on particular immune-cell subtypes, our simplified system enables pathologists to classify gastric carcinomas intuitively using H&E-stained sections.

METHODS

Samples from 326 patients with advanced gastric carcinoma were reviewed and analyzed by pathologists using simple determination and digital image analysis. Comprehensive results of cancer-panel sequencing, Epstein-Barr‒virus (EBV) status, and PD-L1, HER2, ATM, PTEN, MET, FGFR2, and EGFR immunohistochemistry were evaluated with respect to the TIM class.

RESULTS

The TIM was classified as "hot" (n = 22), "immunosuppressed" (n = 178), "excluded" (n = 83), or "cold" (n = 43). TIM category was significantly associated with numbers of frameshift mutations (P < 0.001) and high tumor mutational burden (P < 0.004), and predicted overall survival. It was also significantly associated with age, histological type, degree of fibrosis, PD-L1 expression, loss of ATM and PTEN expression (P < 0.001), sex, EBV positivity, and HER2 overexpression (P < 0.04). "Hot" tumors were frequent in PD-L1 expressing and EBV-positive samples, and in those with ATM and PTEN loss. "Excluded" tumors were frequent in HER2-positive cases, whereas "cold" tumors were more frequent in younger patients with poorly cohesive histology and high fibrosis levels.

CONCLUSIONS

TIM classification system for gastric carcinoma has prognostic significance and results in classes that are associated with molecular characteristics.

Prognosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma in relation to preoperative subclinical hypothyroidism

INTRODUCTION

It has been established that thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulates the growth and development of thyroid malignancy, and a higher serum TSH level is associated with the incidence of thyroid cancer and an advanced tumour stage. This study aimed to evaluate the association of preoperative subclinical hypothyroidism with the prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

METHODS

A total of 466 patients who underwent surgery for PTC between December 2006 and June 2009 were enrolled. Among them, 44 patients had subclinical hypothyroidism, while 422 did not have subclinical hypothyroidism, as diagnosed using the preoperative thyroid function test. We compared the recurrence rate and association with clinicopathological features in the two groups.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 46.9 years (17-74 years). There were 420 female and 46 male patients. The median follow-up duration was 81.4 months. There were no statistical differences between the two groups with respect to age, sex, tumour size, extrathyroidal extension, multifocality, lymph node metastasis, TNM stages, recurrence and disease-free survival, despite a significant difference in the average TSH concentrations of the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that preoperative subclinical hypothyroidism was not associated with tumour aggressiveness and recurrence in PTC.

A comparative evaluation of recarbonated CaCO3 derived from limestone under oxy-fuel circulating fluidized bed conditions

SO₂ emissions from coal-fired boilers are air pollutants and a source of acid rain, causing extensive environmental pollution. Limestone (CaCO₃) is a Ca-based sorbent which is injected into circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers, where it combines with SO₂ to produce calcium sulfate (CaSO₄). As a result, SO₂ emissions from a power plant are reduced. In this study, CaCO₃ addition was proposed and the desulfurization efficiency improved. The direct desulfurization reaction is dominant in a commercial CFB boiler due to the high CO₂ partial pressure, but CaO is formed at a fast reaction rate by calcination in the high temperature or in the low CO₂ partial pressure region. When CaO remains in the loop seal, it is exposed to a high CO₂ partial pressure condition moving through the recirculation section for an extended period and re-injected into the furnace as recarbonated CaCO₃. To analyze the direct desulfurization reaction kinetics, a shrink core model in which the reaction proceeds inside the particle was adopted. Surface observations through FE-SEM of CaSO₄ produced by the 180 minute long desulfurization experiment using TGA suggest that the CaSO₄ crystal growth rate increased after the pre-treatment (recarbonation) of limestone. Recarbonation lowered the limestone crystallinity, causing a faster reaction. The CaCO₃ recarbonation increased the Ca utilization by more than 20% when the direct desulfurization reaction occurred. The TGA experiments show that recarbonation contributes to CaSO₄ conversion. Increasing the desulfurization efficiency using recarbonation can reduce the fixed investment and operating costs of oxy-fuel CFB plants because only desulfurization in the furnace is able to meet SO₂ emission regulations or lower the flue gas desulfurization (FGD) dependence. Accordingly, the desulfurization conversions of recarbonated CaCO₃ and limestone were compared in this study. Morphological changes in the limestone were also evaluated using XRD, FE-SEM, and other analysis methods.

Efficacy and safety findings from DREAM: a phase III study of DHP107 (oral paclitaxel) versus i.v. paclitaxel in patients with advanced gastric cancer after failure of first-line chemotherapy

Background

Paclitaxel is currently only available as an intravenous (i.v.) formulation. DHP107 is a novel oral formulation of lipid ingredients and paclitaxel. DHP107 demonstrated comparable efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics to i.v. paclitaxel as a second-line therapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). DREAM is a multicenter, open-label, prospective, randomized phase III study of patients with histologically/cytologically confirmed, unresectable/recurrent AGC after first-line therapy failure.

Methods and materials

Patients were randomized 1 : 1 to DHP107 (200 mg/m2 orally twice daily days 1, 8, 15 every 4 weeks) or i.v. paclitaxel (175 mg/m2 day 1 every 3 weeks). Patients were stratified by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, disease status, and prior treatment; response was assessed (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) every 6 weeks. Primary end point: non-inferiority of progression-free survival (PFS); secondary end points: overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and safety. For the efficacy analysis, sequential tests for non-inferiority were carried out, first with a non-inferiority margin of 1.48, then with a margin of 1.25.

Results

Baseline characteristics were balanced in the 236 randomized patients (n = 118 per arm). Median PFS (per-protocol) was 3.0 (95% CI 1.7-4.0) months for DHP107 and 2.6 (95% CI 1.8-2.8) months for paclitaxel (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.85; 95% CI 0.64-1.13). A sensitivity analysis on PFS using independent central review showed similar results (HR = 0.93; 95% CI 0.70-1.24). Median OS (full analysis set) was 9.7 (95% CI 7.1 - 11.5) months for DHP107 versus 8.9 (95% CI 7.1-12.2) months for paclitaxel (HR = 1.04; 95% CI 0.76-1.41). ORR was 17.8% for DHP107 (CR 4.2%; PR 13.6%) versus 25.4% for paclitaxel (CR 3.4%; PR 22.0%). Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mucositis were more common with DHP107; peripheral neuropathy was more common with paclitaxel. There were only few Grade≥3 adverse events, most commonly neutropenia (42% versus 53%); febrile neutropenia was reported infrequently (5.9% versus 2.5%). No hypersensitivity reactions occurred with DHP107 (paclitaxel 2.5%).

Conclusions

DHP107 as a second-line treatment of AGC was non-inferior to paclitaxel for PFS; other efficacy and safety parameters were comparable. DHP107 is the first oral paclitaxel with proven efficacy/safety for the treatment of AGC.

ClinicalTrials.gov

NCT01839773.

Classification pattern and step-by-step procedure for cartilage grafts with silicone implants for nasal tip plasty in Asians

Dorsal augmentation using silicone and tip plasty with autogenous cartilage is commonly performed in Asians. No study has investigated the classification pattern and step-by-step procedure for tip plasty using silicone implants. Therefore, this study classified cartilage grafts using silicone implants in Asians and developed a step-by-step procedure for their implementation. The study included 39 patients who had undergone augmentation rhinoplasty with a silicone implant combined with a conchal cartilage graft as a shield, an onlay graft, or both. We classified the implant-conchal cartilage complex into two main types (edge and no-edge types). In the edge type, the shield graft tip was located 1-2 mm above the silicone implant or onlay graft. In the no-edge type, it was located at the same level as the silicone implant or onlay graft. Each type was classified into three groups depending on the number of onlay grafts: group I, 0; group II, 1; and group III, ≥2. The cartilage complex was placed on the dorsum. The conchal cartilages were harvested through a post-auricular incision while preserving the radix helicis as cartilage bars. The donor site was closed primarily without a tie-over dressing. Of the 39 patients, 35 were satisfied with the outcome. Three revision operations for implant displacement and one revision for a patient who changed her dorsal height preference were performed. No donor site morbidity occurred. This method may be safe and reliable, with minimal morbidity associated with graft harvesting for tip plasty in Asians.

Abstract P6-17-17: Pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel for HER2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer in the neoadjuvant setting: Efficacy and safety analysis of a randomized phase III study in Asian patients (PEONY)

Background

Pertuzumab and trastuzumab (P and H; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, CH) bind to distinct HER2 subdomains and have complementary modes of anticancer activity in HER2-positive breast cancer (BC). A global Phase II study (NeoSphere) reported that neoadjuvant treatment with P+H+docetaxel (D) significantly increased breast pathologic complete response (bpCR) vs H+D in patients (pts) with early/locally advanced/inflammatory HER2-positive BC (Gianni et al. Lancet Oncol 2012). PEONY (NCT02586025), a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase III trial conducted in an Asian population (mainland China, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand), primarily compared the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of P+H+D vs placebo (Pla)+H+D in the neoadjuvant setting. We present data from the primary analysis.

Methods

Pts with centrally confirmed HER2-positive early (T2–3, N0–1)/locally advanced (T2–3, N2 or N3; T4, any N) BC were randomized 2:1 to 4 cycles of P+H+D or Pla+H+D every 3 weeks, before surgery: P, 840 mg loading/420 mg maintenance doses (or Pla); H, 8 mg/kg loading/6 mg/kg maintenance; D, 75 mg/m2. Post-surgery, pts received 3 cycles of fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide followed by 13 cycles of P+H or Pla+H for up to 1 year (total of 17 HER2-targeted therapy cycles). The primary endpoint was total pCR rate (tpCR; absence of any residual invasive cancer in the breast and lymph nodes [ypT0/is, ypN0]) assessed by independent review committee (IRC) when pts completed surgery with a tpCR assessment. Missing/invalid assessments were considered residual disease.

Results

A total of 329 pts were randomized: 219 to P, 110 to Pla. Baseline characteristics were well balanced. Most pts had early BC (69.6%) and were from mainland China (79.3%). In the intention-to-treat population, the tpCR rate by IRC was 39.3% in the P arm and 21.8% in the Pla arm; a clinically and statistically significant difference of 17.5% (95% CI 6.9–28.0; p=0.0014). The local pathologist-assessed tpCR rates were 39.3% and 20.9%, respectively. A consistent treatment benefit of P vs Pla was observed in subgroups. Incidences of grade ≥3 adverse events (Aes) were 48.6% in the P arm and 41.8% in the Pla arm. Of the most common grade 3 Aes (≥3% of pts), neutropenia was higher in the P arm (38.1% vs 32.7%). Of the most common any-grade Aes (≥5%), diarrhea was higher in the P arm (38.5% vs 16.4%). No heart failure (New York Heart Association Functional Classification III or IV) or significant left ventricular ejection fraction decline events (≥10 percentage points from baseline and to &lt;50%) were observed during neoadjuvant therapy.

Conclusions

PEONY met its primary endpoint: P+H+D resulted in a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in the tpCR rate by IRC vs Pla+H+D for the neoadjuvant treatment of HER2-positive early/locally advanced BC in Asian pts. Safety data were in line with the known P safety profile and generally comparable between treatment arms. Results were similar to NeoSphere, and confirm that P+H+D provides superior anticancer activity to H+D alone.

Citation Format: Shao Z, Pang D, Yang H, Li W, Wang S, Cui S, Liao N, Wang Y, Wang C, Chang Y-C, Wang H, Kang SY, Jiang Z, Li J, Zhou J, Althaus B, Mao Y, Eng-Wong J. Pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel for HER2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer in the neoadjuvant setting: Efficacy and safety analysis of a randomized phase III study in Asian patients (PEONY) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-17-17.

A Compressed-Sensing Based Blind Deconvolution Method for Image Deblurring in Dental Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

In cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), reconstructed images are inherently degraded, restricting its image performance, due mainly to imperfections in the imaging process resulting from detector resolution, noise, X-ray tube's focal spot, and reconstruction procedure as well. Thus, the recovery of CBCT images from their degraded version is essential for improving image quality. In this study, we investigated a compressed-sensing (CS)-based blind deconvolution method to solve the blurring problem in CBCT where both the image to be recovered and the blur kernel (or point-spread function) of the imaging system are simultaneously recursively identified. We implemented the proposed algorithm and performed a systematic simulation and experiment to demonstrate the feasibility of using the algorithm for image deblurring in dental CBCT. In the experiment, we used a commercially available dental CBCT system that consisted of an X-ray tube, which was operated at 90 kV_p and 5 mA, and a CMOS flat-panel detector with a 200-μm pixel size. The image characteristics were quantitatively investigated in terms of the image intensity, the root-mean-square error, the contrast-to-noise ratio, and the noise power spectrum. The results indicate that our proposed method effectively reduced the image blur in dental CBCT, excluding repetitious measurement of the system's blur kernel.

Stylet angulation for routine endotracheal intubation with McGrath videolaryngoscope

BACKGROUND

The McGrath videolaryngoscope (VL) provides excellent laryngoscopic views, but directing an endotracheal tube can be difficult, and thus the routine use of a stylet is recommended. The goal of this study is to determine the appropriate angle (60° vs 90°) of the stylet when using the McGrath VL by comparing the time to intubation (TTI).

METHODS

One hundred and forty patients aged 19 to 70 years (American Society of Anesthesiologists classification I or II) who required tracheal intubation for elective surgery were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups, at the 60° angle (n = 70) or the 90° angle (n = 70). Anesthesia was induced with propofol, fentanyl, and rocuronium. The primary outcome was TTI assessed by a blind observer. Glottic grade, use of optimal external laryngeal manipulation, failed intubation at first attempt, ease of intubation, and severity of oropharyngeal bleeding were also recorded.

RESULTS

The mean TTI was significantly shorter in the 60° group than in the 90° group (29.3 ± 6.4 vs 32.5 ± 9.4 s, P = 0.022). The glottic grade and degree of intubation difficulty were not significantly different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

When intubating the patients with the McGrath videolaryngoscope, the 60° angled stylet allowed for faster orotracheal intubation than did the 90° angled stylet.

A randomized, multi-center, open-label, phase III study of once-per-cycle DA-3031, a pegylated G-CSF, in comparison with daily filgrastim in patients receiving TAC chemotherapy for breast cancer

PURPOSE

This multi-center, randomized, phase III study was conducted to demonstrate the non-inferiority of DA-3031 compared with daily filgrastim in patients during the first cycle of chemotherapy for breast cancer in terms of the duration of severe neutropenia (DSN).

METHODS

Seventy-four patients with breast cancer who were receiving combination chemotherapy with docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (TAC) were enrolled. All participants were randomized to receive either daily subcutaneous injections of filgrastim 100 μg/m²/day for up to 10 days or a single subcutaneous injection of DA-3031 at fixed doses of 6 mg on day 2 of each chemotherapy cycle.

RESULTS

The mean duration of grade 4 (G4) neutropenia in cycle 1 was 2.08 ± 0.85 days for the filgrastim group and 2.28 ± 1.14 days for the DA-3031 group. The difference between groups was 0.2 ± 1.10 days (95 % confidence interval (CI) = -0.26, 0.66), which supported non-inferiority. No statistically significant differences were observed in nadir absolute neutrophil count (ANC) (154.34/mm³ and 161.75/mm³ for the filgrastim and DA-3031 groups, respectively; P = 0.8414) or in time to ANC recovery (10.03 ± 0.75 and 9.83 ± 1.56 days in the filgrastim and DA-3031 groups, respectively; P = 0.0611) during cycle 1. Serious AEs occurred in six (15.8 %) patients receiving filgrastim and in ten (27.8 %) patients receiving DA-3031; however, none was determined to be related to the study drug.

CONCLUSIONS

DA-3031 and daily filgrastim are similar in regard to DSN and safety in breast cancer patients receiving TAC chemotherapy.

Chemical and genetic diversity of high-seed-yield sorghum (Sorghum bicolor M.) germplasms

This study evaluated the chemical and genetic diversity of high-seed-yield sorghum germplasms from Korea, the United States, and South Africa. We identified significant differences in the chemical contents of whole plants at the heading stage in all cultivars, including differences in crude protein, fat, fiber, ash, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, mineral, and fatty acid contents. Our results suggest that Banwoldang is the most appropriate cultivar for roughage because of its high protein yield. We identified significant differences in the tannin, flavonoid, amylose, mineral, crude fat, fatty acid, and 3-deoxyanthocyanin contents in the whole grain from all cultivars, but not in the mineral or crude fat contents. Tannin levels were generally low. IS645 contained the highest levels of flavonoids and linolenic acid compounds, and Moktak had the highest amylose and deoxyanthocyanidin content in the grain. To assess genetic diversity, we used 10 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer sets to identify 38 alleles with 3-8 alleles per locus. Based on phylogenetic analysis of the SSR markers, the sorghum cultivars were divided into three major groups. Comparison of clusters based on chemical compositions with those based on SSRs showed that the groups formed by the three native Korean cultivars clustered similarly in molecular dendrograms. Association analysis was conducted for the 10 SSR marker; 48 chemical and growth traits were present for two marker traits (seed color and whole plant fatty acid content) with significant marker-trait associations. These markers could be used to select sorghum cultivars for breeding programs.

[Clinical features and prognosis of CD20-positive classical Hodgkin lymphoma]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis of CD20-positive classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL).

METHODS

Data from CHL patients with CD20 immunohistochemical staining result who were treated in Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between September 2007 and March 2014 were reviewed. The relationship of CD20 expression in Reed-Sternberg(R-S)cells with CHL subtypes, clinical characteristics, and prognosis were analyzed. Fisher test was used to analyze the differences between groups and Kaplan-Meier for survival analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 263 patients were included in this study. Among the 263 patients, 74 (28.1%) were CD20-postitive. CD20-positive cases showed significantly higher proportions of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection-related, mixed cellularity, and lymphocyte-rich CHL subtypes compared with CD20-negeative patients [52.8% (28/53) vs 19.0% (22/116), 37.9% (25/66) vs 31.6% (54/171), 22.7% (15/66) vs 3.5% (6/171), all P<0.05]. Univariate analysis identified EBV infection, age (≥ 40 years, especially ≥ 60 years), and Ⅲ-Ⅳ stage were correlated with reduced 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (PFS: 70.3 vs 87.7%, 79.2% vs 89.8%, 56.8% vs 91.5%, 70.4% vs 93.2%; OS: 81.0% vs 100%, 92.1% vs 99.4%, 75.4% vs 99.2%, 90.3% vs 100%; all P<0.05); and CD20-positive and not receiving local radiotherapy were associated with reduced PFS (79.7% vs 90.6%, 68.8% vs 90.6%, both P<0.05), not with OS (92.4% vs 98.3%, 94.0% vs 99.4%, both P>0.05). Patients positive in both CD20 expression and EBV-encoded small RNAs (EBER) showed low PFS.

CONCLUSIONS

CD20 expression in R-S cells in CHL may be closed related with EBV infection. EBV infection is associated with unfavorable prognosis. The effect of CD20-postitive on prognosis may be mediated by the prognostic effect of EBV infection.

Role of peripheral sigma-1 receptors in ischaemic pain: Potential interactions with ASIC and P2X receptors

BACKGROUND

The role of peripheral sigma-1 receptors (Sig-1Rs) in normal nociception and in pathologically induced pain conditions has not been thoroughly investigated. Since there is mounting evidence that Sig-1Rs modulate ischaemia-induced pathological conditions, we investigated the role of Sig-1Rs in ischaemia-induced mechanical allodynia (MA) and addressed their possible interaction with acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) and P2X receptors at the ischaemic site.

METHODS

We used a rodent model of hindlimb thrombus-induced ischaemic pain (TIIP) to investigate their role. Western blot was performed to observe changes in Sig-1R expression in peripheral nervous tissues. MA was measured after intraplantar (i.pl.) injections of antagonists for the Sig-1, ASIC and P2X receptors in TIIP rats or agonists of each receptor in naïve rats.

RESULTS

Sig-1R expression significantly increased in skin, sciatic nerve and dorsal root ganglia at 3 days post-TIIP surgery. I.pl. injections of the Sig-1R antagonist, BD-1047 on post-operative days 0-3 significantly attenuated the development of MA during the induction phase, but had no effect on MA when given during the maintenance phase (days 3-6 post-surgery). BD-1047 synergistically increased amiloride (an ASICs blocker)- and TNP-ATP (a P2X antagonist)-induced analgesic effects in TIIP rats. In naïve rats, i.pl. injection of Sig-1R agonist PRE-084 alone did not produce MA; but it did induce MA when co-administered with either an acidic pH solution or a sub-effective dose of αβmeATP.

CONCLUSION

Peripheral Sig-1Rs contribute to the induction of ischaemia-induced MA via facilitation of ASICs and P2X receptors. Thus, peripheral Sig-1Rs represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of ischaemic pain.

Influence of Incorporated Pt-Fe2O3 Core-Shell Nanoparticles on the Resistive Switching Characteristics of ZnO Thin Film

The resistance-switching characteristics of metal oxides have attracted great interest for the non-volatile memory applications such as resistive random access memory. A basic resistive random access memory device has a metal/insulator/metal structure, and its memory effect is achieved by applying voltage to change the resistance of the insulating layer. One of the promising candidates for explaining the resistance-switching mechanism is the formation and rupture of nanoscale conductive filaments. However, this model has an issue that needs to be addressed: the wide distribution of switching voltage due to randomly formed filaments. Therefore, some researchers have reported a decrease in switching voltage distribution and an increase in switching stability by incorporating nanoparticles into the insulating layer. In this study, we investigated influence of incorporated Pt-Fe2O3 core-shell nanoparticles on the resistive switching characteristics of ZnO thin films. Devices were fabricated on SiO2 wafers. A 100-nm-thick Cr layer was used as the bottom electrode. A 50-nm-thick ZnO layer was deposited using the sputtering method, and Pt-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were deposited on it by the dip coating method. A 50-nm-thick ZnO layer was then deposited again. A top Cr electrode (size: 100 μm x 100 μm) was deposited using a shadow mask and sputtering system. All the devices showed bipolar resistance-switching behavior that is observed in Cr/ZnO/Cr structures. However, the on/off voltage was dramatically lowered by incorporating nanoparticles into the insulating layer when compared with that of the devices without nanoparticles. In addition, the switching stability of the devices was improved upon the incorporation of nanoparticles. On the basis of these results, we can conclude that Pt-Fe2O3 nanoparticles may be used to enhance the resistance switching properties of ZnO thin films by incorporating them into the films.

σ1 receptors activate astrocytes via p38 MAPK phosphorylation leading to the development of mechanical allodynia in a mouse model of neuropathic pain

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Spinal astrocytes have emerged as important mechanistic contributors to the genesis of mechanical allodynia (MA) in neuropathic pain. We recently demonstrated that the spinal sigma non-opioid intracellular receptor 1 (σ1 receptor) modulates p38 MAPK phosphorylation (p-p38), which plays a critical role in the induction of MA in neuropathic rats. However, the histological and physiological relationships among σ1, p-p38 and astrocyte activation is unclear.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We investigated: (i) the precise location of σ1 receptors and p-p38 in spinal dorsal horn; (ii) whether the inhibition of σ1 receptors or p38 modulates chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced astrocyte activation; and (iii) whether this modulation of astrocyte activity is associated with MA development in CCI mice.

KEY RESULTS

The expression of σ1 receptors was significantly increased in astrocytes on day 3 following CCI surgery. Sustained intrathecal treatment with the σ1 antagonist, BD-1047, attenuated CCI-induced increase in GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes, and the treatment combined with fluorocitrate, an astrocyte metabolic inhibitor, synergistically reduced the development of MA, but not thermal hyperalgesia. The number of p-p38-ir astrocytes and neurons, but not microglia was significantly increased. Interestingly, intrathecal BD-1047 attenuated the expression of p-p38 selectively in astrocytes but not in neurons. Moreover, intrathecal treatment with a p38 inhibitor attenuated the GFAP expression, and this treatment combined with fluorocitrate synergistically blocked the induction of MA.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Spinal σ1 receptors are localized in astrocytes and blockade of σ1 receptors inhibits the pathological activation of astrocytes via modulation of p-p38, which ultimately prevents the development of MA in neuropathic mice.

Abstract P6-05-17: A study of investigating biologic markers of anti-tumor effects of zoledronic acid and taxane-based chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer in bone: A prospective, multi-center, non-randomized study (BEAT-ZO) (KCSG BR10-13)

Introduction

Currently the predictive factors for taxane(T)-zoledronic acid(ZA) combination therapy in breast cancer patient with bone metastasis have not been established except tumor biology. The aim of this study is to investigate potential biologic markers of anti-tumor effects of and T-ZA for metastatic breast cancer(MBC) in bone.

Methods

Patients(pts) with MBC in bone being treated with docetaxel or paclitaxel based chemotherapy and ZA for the first time in metastatic setting were enrolled. Blood samples were collected serially at baseline, after 2 cycles to examine markers for angiogenesis(VEGF, VEGFR2, FGF-2, PDGF-AA), immune modulation (IL-2, IFN-γ, MCP-2, IL-10, TGF-β, IL-12, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-6) and apoptosis (TRAIL).

Results

Of enrolled total 58 pts, 31 pts (median age 49; ECOG 0-1 96.8%; menopause 58.1%; invasive ductal carcinoma 92.9%; ER-(+) 77.4%; HER2-(+) 35.5%; visceral metastasis 35.5%) were included in this preliminary analysis.

Fifteen pts received docetaxel-based chemotherapy and the remainder were treated with paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. Median 6 (range: 1 – 23) cycles per pt were administered. In per-protocol analysis, overall RR was 55.6% [95% CI: 37.3 – 72.4]. After the median follow-up of 13.67 months(mo.), median PFS was 9.13 mths [95% CI: 3.25 – 15.02]. Osteonecrosis of the jaw was reported in only one patient (3.2%).

In the baseline biomarker analysis, the pts with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) showed significantly higher VEGF level than hormone (+) or HER-2 (+) pts (518.7 vs 151.6 and 179.2 pg/ml, p = 0.041). Median baseline TRAIL was significantly higher in the postmenopausal women than the premenopausal women (52.0 vs 32.0 pg/ml, p = 0.038).

For the group as a whole, there was a borderline significant reduction in median serum MCP-2 level (41.4 to 34.1 pg/ml, p = 0.066) and an increasing tendency in median serum TRAIL level (44.7 to 54.5 pg/ml, p = 0.080) after 2 cycles of treatment. Median percentage reduction in serum VEGF in the TNBC group was -50.0% compared with +37.7% in others (p = 0.099). Median changes in MCP-2 was -36.4% in hormone (+) group compared with +7.6% in others (p = 0.008).

The pts who were progression free at 6 mths showed significant increase in median TNF-α after 2cycles of treatment, while the pts who experienced disease progression within 6 mths showed significant decrease in TNF-α level (p = 0.028) and there was a similar tendency in TRAIL level (p = 0.157).

The pts with increase of serum TNF-α or TRAIL levels from baseline showed significant improvement of PFS comparing the pts with no change or decrease of TNF-α and TRAIL levels (13.3 vs 5.93 mths, p = 0.012).

We are planning to perform additional analysis. The significance of serum TGF-β level on prognosis and the data of the remainder will be presented on the poster.

Conclusion

In this study, baseline levels and changes of biomarkers suggest potentially relevant interactions between menopausal status, tumor biology and treatment. Especially, TNF-α and TRAIL may be potential early marker for zoledronic acid and taxane-based chemotherapy for MBC in bone. Larger studies are needed to validate these complex interactions.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P6-05-17.

Suppression of adrenal gland-derived epinephrine enhances the corticosterone-induced antinociceptive effect in the mouse formalin test

BACKGROUND

There is both clinical and experimental evidence to support the application of corticosterone in the management of inflammation and pain. Corticosterone has been used to treat painful inflammatory diseases and can produce antinociceptive effects. Epinephrine is synthesized from norepinephrine by the enzyme phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) and works as an endogenous adrenoceptor ligand secreted peripherally by the adrenal medulla. It is currently unclear whether corticosterone's antinociceptive effect is associated with the modulation of peripheral epinephrine.

METHODS

We first determined whether exogenous corticosterone treatment actually produced an antinociceptive effect in a formalin-induced pain model, and then examined whether this corticosterone-induced antinociceptive effect was altered by suppression of adrenal-derived epinephrine, using the following three suppression methods: (1) inhibition of the PNMT enzyme; (2) blocking peripheral epinephrine receptors; and (3) adrenalectomy.

RESULTS

Exogenous treatment with corticosterone at a high dose (50 mg/kg), but not at lower doses (5, 25 mg/kg), significantly reduced pain responses in the late phase. Moreover, injection of 2,3-dichloro-a-methylbenzylamine, a PNMT enzyme inhibitor, (10 mg/kg) before corticosterone treatment caused a leftward shift in the dose-response curve for corticosterone and injection of propranolol (5 mg/kg), but not phentolamine, also shifted the dose-response curve to the left during the late phase. Chemical sympathectomy with 6-hydroxydopamine had no effect on corticosterone-induced antinociceptive effect, but injection of a low dose of corticosterone produced an antinociceptive effect in adrenalectomized animals.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that suppression of epinephrine, derived from adrenal gland, enhances the antinociceptive effect of exogenous corticosterone treatment in an inflammatory pain model.

Character comparison of abdomen-derived and eyelid-derived mesenchymal stem cells

OBJECTIVES

While most human adipose tissues, such as those located in the abdomen, hip and thigh, are of mesodermal origin, adipose tissues located in the face are of ectodermal origin. The present study has compared stem cell-related features of abdomen-derived adult stem cells (A-ASCs) with those of eyelid-derived adult stem cells (E-ASCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adipose tissue-derived cells were maintained in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS. Before passage 6, cells were analysed using FACS, immunocytochemistry and quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). To examine multi-differentiational potential, early passage ASCs were cultivated in each of a commercial Stempro(®) Differentiation kit.

RESULTS

Unlike fibroblast-like morphology of A-ASCs, E-ASCs had bipolar morphology. Both types of cell exhibited similar surface antigens, and neuronal cell-related genes and proteins. However, there were differences in mRNA expression levels of CD90 and CD146; neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and nuclear receptor-related protein 1 (Nurr1) were different between the two cell types. There was no difference in multi-differentiational potential between 3 E-ASCs lines, however, E-ASCs had higher expression levels of chondrocyte-related genes compared to A-ASCs. These cells underwent senescence and maintained normal karyotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although isolated from similar adipose tissues, both types of cells displayed many contrasting characteristics. Understanding defining phenotypes of such cells is useful for making suitable choices in differing clinical indications.

A randomized, multi-center, open-label, phase II study of once-per-cycle DA-3031, a biosimilar pegylated G-CSF, compared with daily filgrastim in patients receiving TAC chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer

BACKGROUNDS

A pegylated form of recombinant granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) was developed for prophylactic use in breast cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-per-cycle DA-3031 in patients receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

METHODS

A total of 61 patients receiving docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (TAC) chemotherapy were randomized in cycle 1 to receive daily injections of filgrastim (100 μg/m(2)) or a single subcutaneous injection of pegylated filgrastim DA-3031 at a dose of either 3.6 mg or 6 mg.

RESULTS

The mean duration of grade 4 neutropenia in cycle 1 was comparable among the treatment groups (2.48, 2.20, and 2.05 days for filgrastim, DA-3031 3.6 mg and 6 mg, respectively; P=0.275). No statistically significant differences were observed in the incidence of febrile neutropenia between the treatment groups (9.5 %, 15.0 %, and 5.0 % for filgrastim, DA-3031 3.6 mg and 6 mg, respectively; P=0.681) in cycle 1. The incidences of adverse events attributable to G-CSF were similar among the treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Fixed doses of 3.6 mg or 6 mg DA-3031 have an efficacy comparable to that of daily injections of filgrastim in ameliorating grade 4 neutropenia in patients receiving TAC chemotherapy.

Deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance investigation of the effects of proteins and polypeptides on hydrocarbon chain order in model membrane systems

Deuterium Fourier-transform nuclear magnetic resonance spectra have been obtained of 1-myristoyl 2-(14,14,14-trideutero)myristoyl phosphatidylcholine bilayers at 34.1 MHz by using the quadrupole echo pulse technique. Thereby, we have investigated the effects upon the deuterated dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine bilayers of the following proteins and polypeptides: gramicidin A, bacteriophage f1 coat protein, beef brain myelin proteolipid apoprotein, cytochrome b(5), and cytochrome c oxidase (ferrocytochrome c:oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.9.3.1). Above T(c), the transition temperature between the gel and liquid crystal phases, the quadrupole splitting of the deuterium-labeled methyl group is reduced or collapsed in the presence of protein or polypeptide. No evidence has been found for ordered "boundary lipid." Below T(c), the spectra show that the hydrocarbon chains are prevented from crystallizing by the protein (or polypeptide) incorporated in the membrane. Similar disordering effects above T(c) are also seen when an unsaturated lipid, 1-(16,16,16-trideutero)palmitoyl 2-palmitoleyl phosphatidylcholine is complexed with cytochrome oxidase.

Three point method to characterize low-pressure electronegative discharges using electrostatic probe

Electrostatic probe measurements for low-pressure inductively coupled SF(6) plasmas are performed. From the current-voltage (I-V) curves of probe, the saturation currents of the positive ions and electrons and the electron temperature are measured. The electronegativity and the negative ion density are deduced by using the ratios of these parameters at three adjacent pressure points. The positive ion density is calculated by the orbital-motion-limited theory, and the electron temperatures are given either by the slope of the I-V curves or by the electron energy distribution function with the second derivative of I-V curves. The variations in the charged species density with pressure and power are investigated.

The origin of the triploid in Paragonimus westermani on the basis of variable regions in the mitochondrial DNA

Triploid, parthenogenetic forms of the lungfluke, Paragonimus westermani, occur in Japan, Korea and China. The origin(s) of triploidy has been debated over the years. Sequences of two regions in the mitochondrial DNA, i.e. partial lrRNA (16S), and a portion of the non-coding region, were obtained from natural populations of P. westermani. All triploid individuals (Japan, Korea, China) and a single tetraploid individual (China) had identical sequences in the 16S region studied. Some sequence variation was observed among diploids, with those from Taiwan being distinct from the remainder. Both neighbour joining and parsimony trees using the 16S region placed diploid individuals from southwestern Japan close to the triploids and the tetraploid. The fragment amplified from the mitochondrial non-coding region showed dimorphism. One form (type A) consisted of 239 bp comprising two identical tracts of 70 bp separated by a tract of 93 bp. The second form (Type B) consisted of only a single 70 bp tract. All diploid individuals from Taiwan, China and Korea possessed type A, while those from Japan were polymorphic; individuals from Oita and Hyogo had type B, those from Chiba had type A, but both types were found in Mie. On the other hand, all of the triploid individuals and two tetraploid individuals possessed type B. Both the form present in the non-coding region and the 16S sequence suggest an affinity between a south-eastern group of diploid populations in Japan and the triploid form. A possible mechanism responsible for the origin of the triploid is discussed.

Comparative study on biologic and immunologic characteristics of the pancreas islet cell between 24 degrees C and 37 degrees C culture in the rat

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of culture at 24 degrees C on cell viability, cellular function, immunogenicity, and cytokine profiles of rat pancreatic islets. Pancreatic islets were isolated from Lewis rats and cultured at either 24 degrees C or 37 degrees C for 14 days. Islet recovery was counted as islet equivalents; islet viability was examined with fluorescent vital staining. Islet function was measured with a glucose stimulation test. Annexin V, and MHC class I and II expression were measured using flow cytometric assay for apoptosis and immunogenicity, respectively. Lymphocyte cell proliferation was examined with WST-1 proliferation assay. Cytokine profiles were analyzed with quantitative real time RT-PCR. All these parameters were measured on 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 culture days after islet isolation. Islet recovery was higher in islets cultured at 24 degrees C than 37 degrees C without a change in viability. Insulin secretion after glucose stimulation was more effective in 24 degrees C culture conditions. Decreased apoptotic cell death was demonstrated in 24 degrees C cultured islets. Both MHC class I and II expression on islets and lymphocyte proliferation upon coculture with islets were less prominent in 24 degrees C cultured islets. TNF-alpha expression was lower in islets cultured at 24 degrees C than in islets cultured at 37 degrees C. Both IL-1beta and IL-10 cytokine expressions were similar under both culture conditions. This study demonstrated that cell recovery and function are increased in islets cultured at 24 degrees C than those at 37 degrees C with decreased antigenicity and proinflammatory cytokine expression.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer: prognostic significance of low expression of bax

A randomized trial has demonstrated that concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is superior to radiotherapy (RT) alone in locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Our study comprise 35 patients with locally advanced NPC (stage I: 1, II: 12, III: 7, IV: 15) with 1 cycle of induction chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil 1,000 mg/m(2)/day and cisplatin 20 mg/m(2)/day, days 1- 4) followed by concurrent CRT starting on day 22. Concurrent CRT consisted of RT (70 Gy/35 fractions for 7 weeks) with cisplatin 20 mg/m(2)/day for 4 days on weeks 1, 4, 7 of RT. Complete response (CR) was achieved in 33 patients (94%). Four-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of all patients were 57% and 65%, respectively. In analysis of prognostic factors, low expression of bax was the most significant independent predictor of poor prognosis in both PFS (p=0.002) and OS (p=0.008). In conclusion, the outcome of patients treated with this combined therapeutical modality appears to be comparable with that of Intergroup 0099 trial with high CR rate. Low expression of bax was significantly associated with poor PFS and OS.

Corticospinal disinhibition in paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the underlying mechanism responsible for paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD).

METHODS

We performed a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) study in 12 drug-naïve patients with PKD and 10 healthy volunteers. TMS parameters included resting motor threshold, recruitment curve of motor evoked potential amplitudes, short intracortical inhibition and facilitation, long intracortical inhibition (LICI), and silent period. We also measured compound muscle action potential.

RESULTS

LICI, representing GABA-mediated inhibition, was significantly reduced in the patients (P = 0.033), while results for all other TMS parameters tested were comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

These results suggest that a specific type of corticospinal inhibitory mechanism is impaired in patients with PKD.

Metal removal from wastewater by bacterial sorption: kinetics and competition studies

Biosorption has distinct advantages such as high efficiency and cost-effectiveness for removal of metal ions from wastewater. However, most studies of bacterial biosorption have focused on the removal of a single metal ion from aqueous solutions, even though natural water and wastewater rarely contain only one kind of heavy metal. This study investigated competitive biosorption of Co2+, Ni2+ and Cr3+ in different combinations at various concentrations under conditions of co-existence in a synthetic wastewater system utilizing the gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In a binary system with Co2+ and Ni2+, the presence of the same concentration of dissolved Ni2+ led to a significant decrease in the amount of Co2+ adsorbed onto cells when compared with a single Co2+ system in which Ni2+ was absent. This result is most likely due to the similar competitive affinity of these equivalent cations for sorption sites located on the cells of the bacterium. However, the presence of Cr3+ with either Co2+ or Ni2+ led to a strong reduction in the uptake of each of these bivalent ions by cells, whereas Cr3+ adsorption was unhindered. Cr3+ also significantly inhibited the adsorption of both Co2+ and Ni2+ onto cells in a ternary system involving Co2+-Ni2+-Cr3+, with the order of preferential metal uptake being Cr3+ > Co2+ approximately Ni2+. Removal efficiency of the heavy metals reached 100 % at low concentrations ([Cr3+]=[Co2+]=[Ni2+=20 microM) in a multi-metal system. The results of this study indicate that pre-determination of co-existing heavy metals in wastewater and examination of their competition for the sorption sites of biosorbents are required for the efficient removal of inorganic toxicants utilizing biosorption processes.

A 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein gene of Spirometra erinacei plerocercoid induced by chemical and physiological stresses

To adapt to different environmental conditions between poikilothermic and homeothermic hosts, the plerocercoid of Spirometra erinacei (sparganum) might express a variety of biologically active molecules. We have identified a 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein of the sparganum (SpGrp78) by differential display of mRNA, employing RNAs each from sparganum adjusted at 9 degrees C and 37 degrees C. A full-length cDNA of 2148 bp encodes for a protein of 651 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 71 610 Da and shares molecular characteristics with heat-shock protein 70, including a putative ATP binding site, signal peptide cleavage site and endoplasmic reticulum retention signal. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that SpGrp78 was mostly related to those of Echinococcus multilocularis and E. granulosus. Expression of SpGrp78 mRNA increased approximately 7-fold by inhibition of glycosylation by tunicamycin, 2-fold by temperature-shift from 9 degrees C to 37 degrees C and slightly by pH-shift to 4.0 or 5.5. These results suggested that induction of SpGrp78 mRNA is related to the functional role of SpGrp78 as a molecular chaperone when the parasite adapts to a new host environment.

Development of AFLP-derived STS markers for the selection of 5-methyltryptophan-resistant rice mutants

To increase the specific free amino acid content in the japonica rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar Donganbyeo, mutant cell lines resistant to growth inhibition by 5-methyltryptophan (5MT) were selected from embryo-cultured callus irradiated with 50 Gy gamma-rays. Four 5MT-resistant homozygous M4 lines, MRI-40, MRI-116, MRII-8, and MRII-12, were obtained. The mean content of nine free essential amino acids were 70.1, 72.5, 31.7, and 35.4% greater than the original variety in these four mutant lines, respectively. For AFLP analysis, 8 EcoRI (+2) and 8 MseI (+3) primers used in 45 primer combinations generated a total of 3,684 bands with a mean of 82 bands, of which 361 (9.8%) were clearly polymorphic with the control cultivar, the four 5MT-resistant mutants, and five sensitive lines. The lines were grouped into three clusters through cluster analysis using unweighted pair grouping method of averages. The 36 polymorphic PCR products present only in the four homozygous 5MT-resistant lines were cloned and sequenced, and 10 of these sequenced products were converted into sequence tagged site (STS) markers. These STS primer sets were designated OSMR1-OSMR10. Six STS primer sets (OSMR1, OSMR2, OSMR3, OSMR4, OSMR5, and OSMR6) generated a single monomorphic PCR product identical in size to the original AFLP fragments. The broad applicability of these STS markers for the screening of 5MT resistance was evaluated with seven putative 5MT-resistant M2 plants (PM-1 to PM-7). Four STS markers (OSMR1, OSMR2, OSMR4, and OSMR5) out of six STS primer sets were revealed as polymorphic products between the control cultivar and the seven M2 plants. These markers can be utilized for the fine selection of 5MT resistance in rice, and this PCR-screening technique is less time-consuming, less labor-intensive, and more accurate and reliable than selection based solely on phenotypic evaluation involving soaking in 5MT solutions.

Integrating qualitative and quantitative methods: comparing HIV-related risk behaviors among Puerto Rican drug users in Puerto Rico and New York

A dual site project was conducted to assess determinants of injection and sex-related risk behaviors among Puerto Rican drug users. The project focused on injection drug users and crack smokers, and was conducted in East Harlem, NY and Bayamón, PR in 1996-2000. Qualitative methods included ethnographic mapping, focus groups, in-depth interviews, and observations. A survey component (East Harlem, n = 800; Bayamón, n = 400) was also conducted. Procedures to ensure integration of methodologies and comparability of data were developed. This paper describes the qualitative and survey methods used, and presents the comparative HIV risk behaviors. The integration of the two methodologies served multiple functions: each component identified issues to be addressed in the other, enhanced cross-site comparability of data, and assisted in interpretation of findings. The survey data showed high levels of risk behaviors in both communities, with significantly higher levels of risk reported in Bayamón. Conducting studies of similar ethnic groups in different communities provides opportunities to examine diverse sources of influence on risk behaviors. The integration of qualitative and quantitative methods can enhance comparability and understanding of findings, particularly when there are differences in behaviors between communities.

Antigenic profile and localization of Clonorchis sinensis proteins in the course of infection

In the course of Clonorchis sinensis infection, antigens presented to the hosts may be in a close relation to growth of the fluke. The antigenic proteins stimulating IgG antibody production were chronologically identified by immunoblot and localized by immunohistochemical staining. In the early stage of infection until 12 weeks post-infection (PI), antigens were proteins with molecular mass larger than 34 kDa which were derived from the tegument, testes and intrauterine eggs. After 20 weeks PI, antigens recognized were 29, 27 and 26 kDa proteins from the intestine, excretory bladder and reproductive organs. It is suggested that the tegumental proteins are the most potent antigens and the excretory-secretory proteins with middle molecular mass of 26-45 kDa contribute to the high level production of antibodies after 20 weeks of the C. sinensis infection.

Antiviral activities of extracts isolated from Terminalis chebula Retz., Sanguisorba officinalis L., Rubus coreanus Miq. and Rheum palmatum L. against hepatitis B virus

The antiviral effects of aqueous extracts of Terminalis chebula Retz., Sanguisorba officinalis L., Rubus coreanus Miq. and Rheum palmatum L. were examined by a cell culture system using a hepatitis B virus (HBV) producing cell line, HepG2 2.2.15. The extracts were assayed for the inhibition of HBV multiplication by measurement of HBV DNA and surface antigen (HBsAg) levels in the extracellular medium of HepG2 2.2.15 cells after an 8-day treatment. All extracts decreased the levels of extracellular HBV virion DNA at concentrations ranging from 64 to 128 microg/mL and inhibited the secretion of HBsAg dose dependently. Of the four tested plants, Terminalis chebula exhibited the most prominent anti-HBV activities.

Cystatin capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for serodiagnosis of human clonorchiasis and profile of captured antigenic protein of Clonorchis sinensis

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with crude extracts of adult Clonorchis sinensis has been reported to have a high degree of sensitivity with a moderate degree of specificity for the serodiagnosis of clonorchiasis. The cystatin capture ELISA was investigated for its usefulness for the serodiagnosis of human clonorchiasis. Cystatin bound specifically to cysteine proteinases in crude extracts of adult C. sinensis worms, and its binding capacity was not hindered competitively by the other proteinase inhibitors tested. The cystatin capture ELISA for clonorchiasis showed a higher degree of specificity than the conventional ELISA, which produced some cross-reactivities to sera from patients with cysticercosis, sparganosis, and opisthorchiasis. Immunoglobulin G antibodies to C. sinensis cysteine proteinases were produced in experimental rabbits at week 3, and their levels increased rapidly and remained at a plateau after 8 weeks of infection. Of the proteins from the C. sinensis crude extract captured with cystatin, seven proteins were reactive with the serum from patients with clonorchiasis. The cystatin capture ELISA is indicated to be a sensitive and highly specific immunodiagnostic assay for serodiagnosis of human clonorchiasis.

Residential status and HIV risk behaviors among Puerto Rican drug injectors in New York and Puerto Rico

This article investigates the association between residential status and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors among island and New York Puerto Rican injection drug users (IDUs). We assigned 561 subjects from New York City and 312 from Puerto Rico to five residential status categories: living in parent's home, living in own home, living in other's home, living in temporary housing (hotel, single-room occupancy [SRO] hotels), and homeless (living in streets/shelters). Dependent variables included injection- and sex-related risk behaviors (sharing syringes, sharing other injection paraphernalia, shooting gallery use, and having paid sex). Chi square, t tests, and multivariate logistic analysis tests were performed separately by site. About one-quarter of the sample in each site was homeless. Island Puerto Ricans were more likely to live with their parents (44% vs. 12%, p < .001), and more New York IDUs lived in their own home (30% vs. 14%, p < .001). In New York, gallery use and paid sex were associated with living in other's home, living in parent's home, and being homeless. Sharing paraphernalia was related to living in other's home, living in temporary housing, and being homeless. In Puerto Rico, having paid sex was associated with homelessness. High-risk behaviors were more likely among homeless IDUs in both sites. Programs to provide housing and target outreach and other prevention programs for homeless IDUs would be helpful in reducing HIV risk.

Between-city variation in frequency of injection among Puerto Rican injection drug users: East Harlem, New York, and Bayamon, Puerto Rico

Frequency of injection has been consistently found to be higher among Puerto Rican Injection drug users (IDUs) than among other groups of IDUs. Several explanations have been suggested, but an empirical explanation has yet to be presented. This study compares the frequency of injection of Puerto Rican IDUs in East Harlem, New York, with that of IDUs in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Study subjects comprised 521 Puerto Rican IDUs from East Harlem and 303 IDUs from Bayamon. The mean frequency of injection among IDUs in East Harlem was 2.8, the corresponding mean in Bayamon was 5.4. Younger IDUs reported a higher number of daily injection episodes than older IDUs, and the IDU group in Bayamon was 5 years younger than the group in East Harlem. The drug use variables accounted for a greater portion of the between-city difference than the demographic and psychosocial variables. Use of noninjected drugs, as well as the use of prescribed methadone, were found to be associated with a lower number of daily injections. Conversely, injection of cocaine, injection of cocaine mixed with heroin ("speedball"), and injection of larger amounts of drug solution were found to be associated with a higher number of daily injections.

Coumarins isolated from Angelica gigas inhibit acetylcholinesterase: structure-activity relationships

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity-guided fractionation of Angelica gigas led to isolation and identification of a new coumarin, peucedanone (12), and isolation of 11 known coumarins. Among them, decursinol (1) represented the highest inhibitory activity toward AChE in vitro. The correlation of the inhibitory activities of the coumarins toward AChE with their chemical structures was studied.

Development of an ELISA for the detection of the residues of the insecticide imidacloprid in agricultural and environmental samples

A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the chloronicotinyl insecticide imidacloprid was developed using a polyclonal antibody produced against a hapten conjugated through the imidazolidine to keyhole limpet hemocyanin. In the standard curve of imidacloprid, an IC(50) of 17.3 ng/mL was obtained using a competitive heterologous system at pH 10. Very low cross-reactivity was found for some structurally related compounds including the insecticide thiacloprid. The high cross-reactivity with a metabolite containing the carbonyl group in the imidazolidine moiety suggests the involvement of its polarity and stereochemical fitness in forming the antibody--antigen complex. The effects of various assay conditions, including organic solvents, detergent content, salt concentration, and pH on the sensitivity were evaluated. High-performance liquid chromatography was run for comparison to validate the ELISA with fortified water samples, the correlation being 0.997-0.998 (n = 15) with a slope of 1.10--1.38. The ELISA turned out to be a convenient tool for monitoring imidacloprid residues in agricultural and environmental samples.

Clonorchis sinensis: molecular cloning and characterization of 28-kDa glutathione S-transferase

A 28-kDa glutathione S-transferase (Cs28GST) was purified from a Clonorchis sinensis cytosolic fraction through anion-exchange and glutathione-affinity column chromatographies. A monoclonal antibody raised against Cs28GST reacted specifically to the C. sinensis antigen among trematode proteins. A putative peptide of 212 amino residues deduced from a cDNA clone appeared homologous with 28-kDa GST of trematodes, and its secondary structural elements predicted a GSH-binding site. Recombinant Cs28GST showed GST enzyme activity with CDNB substrate and was sensitive to the model inhibitors. The recombinant Cs28GST was antigenically indistinguishable from the native form and was recognized specifically by C. sinensis-infected human sera. The Cs28GST was localized in the tegument and underlying mesenchymal tissues. It is suggested that Cs28GST may play significant physiological roles against bioreactive molecules and be a useful reagent for serodiagnosis of clonorchiasis.

Molecular cloning and characterization of an antigenic protein with a repeating region from Clonorchis sinensis

In the course of immunoscreening of Clonorchis sinensis cDNA library, a cDNA CsRP12 containing a tandem repeat was isolated. The cDNA CsRP12 encodes two putative peptides of open reading frames (ORFs) 1 and 2 (CsRP12-1 and -2). The repetitive region is composed of 15 repeats of 10 amino acids. Of the two putative peptides, CsRP12-1 was proline-rich and found to have homologues in several organisms. Recombinant proteins of the putative peptides were bacterially produced and purified by an affinity chromatography. Recombinant CsRP12-1 protein was recognized by sera of clonorchiasis patients and experimental rabbits, but recombinant CsRP12-2 was not. One of the putative peptide, CsRP12-1, is designated CsPRA, proline-rich antigen of C. sinensis. Both the C-termini of CsRP12-1 and -2 were bacterially produced and analysed to show no antigenicity. Recombinant CsPRA protein showed high sensitivity and specificity. In experimental rabbits, IgG antibodies to CsPRA was produced between 4 and 8 weeks after the infection and decreased thereafter over one year. These results indicate that CsPRA is equivalent to a natural protein and a useful antigenic protein for serodiagnosis of human clonorchiasis.

Trends in HIV seroprevalence and needle sharing among Puerto Rican drug injectors in Puerto Rico and New York: 1992-1999

This study assessed trends in HIV seroprevalence and needle-sharing behaviors among Puerto Rican injection drug users (IDUs) in Puerto Rico and New York. Data from two studies of IDUs conducted from 1992 through 1995 and 1998 through 1999 in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and East Harlem, New York, were examined to assess trends over this period. Separate analyses were conducted for IDUs who were current crack smokers. Significant decreasing trends in seroprevalence were found among IDUs in the New York and Puerto Rico samples (p <.001). Significant decreasing trends in receptive and distributive needle sharing were found in the New York sample, and a significant decline in receptive sharing was found in the Puerto Rico sample. Overall, higher levels of needle-sharing behaviors were reported in Puerto Rico compared with New York. Decreasing trends in needle sharing and seroprevalence in both communities are an encouraging finding. Ongoing epidemiologic studies to monitor the epidemic and continued prevention efforts to help maintain or further these declines are needed, particularly to address the higher rates of needle sharing in Puerto Rico.

Cyclosporine impairs the guanylyl cyclase activity of the natriuretic peptide receptor in the glomerulus

In order to elucidate the involvement of the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and its receptor (natriuretic peptide receptor; NPR) system in cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity, we investigated the cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced changes in characteristics of the NPR/guanylyl cyclase system in the glomerulus and inner medulla of the rat kidney. CsA was administered intramuscularly to rats for 2 weeks (CsA group). Particulate guanylyl cyclase activity was measured in glomerular and inner medullary membranes. For receptor characteristics, quantitative in vitro receptor autoradiography was performed. The guanylyl cyclase activity in the glomerulus from the CsA group was attenuated compared with that from the control. However, the activity in the inner medulla was not affected by CsA treatment. Direct application of CsA to normal glomerular membrane completely abolished the ANP-induced guanylyl cyclase activation. Binding studies, using(125)I-ANP, revealed that B(max)was decreased in the CsA group, while K(d)was not affected in the glomerulus. However, in the inner medulla, neither B(max)nor K(d)was affected by CsA treatment. CsA did not displace the(125)I-ANP bindings to NPRs in the normal rat kidney. Local tissue ANP as well as plasma ANP concentration in both groups was not significantly different. These results indicate that CsA impairs the guanylyl cyclase activity mainly in the glomerulus by the decrease in NPR population and/or by direct inhibition, suggesting that the ANP/NPR system might be involved in CsA-induced nephrotoxicity.