Therapeutic efficacy of a human papillomavirus type 16 E7 bacterial exotoxin fusion protein adjuvanted with CpG or GPI-0100 in a preclinical mouse model for HPV-associated disease

Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is causally linked to the development of several human cancers, including cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. To address the need for a therapeutic vaccine against HPV-associated diseases, here we test and compare the immunogenicity and therapeutic efficacy of a bacterial exotoxin fusion protein covalently linked to the HPV16 E7 oncoprotein adjuvanted with CpG or GPI-0100 in the C3.43 preclinical HPV16-transformed tumor model. We show that TVGV-1 protein vaccine adjuvanted with either CpG or GPI-0100 adjuvant induces a high frequency of E7-specific CD8⁺ T cells, and both adjuvants are able to assist the immune response in inducing polyfunctional cytokine-secreting lytic T cells that show therapeutic efficacy against well-established C3.43 tumors. CpG-adjuvanted TVGV-1 resulted in higher frequencies of IFNγ secreting and degranulating E7-specific T cells compared to GPI-0100-adjuvanted TVGV-1, resulting in marginally increased in vivo efficacy. Despite minor differences in immune response outcomes, we consider both CpG ODN and GPI-0100 to be promising vaccine adjuvants to increase the immunogenicity and therapeutic efficacy of the TVGV-1 protein for HPV16-driven cancers.

Abstract 720: Anti-OX-40 agonist antibody significantly increases therapeutic efficacy of TVGV-1 vaccine for HPV-positive cancers

Background: Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) E7 protein is a potential target antigen for HPV-positive cancers due to its interaction with pRb tumor suppressor protein. The clinical-stage therapeutic vaccine, TVGV-1, comprises of the PE-E7-K3 fusion protein and the adjuvant GPI-0100, has shown therapeutic effect preclinically by stimulating T cell response targeting HPV16 E7 protein. TVGV-1 was well tolerated clinically in more than 30 HPV+ cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) patients. Agonistic antibodies targeting OX40 (CD134) have shown remarkable single agent anti-tumor effect by modulating T cell response surrounding tumor environment, as well as the ability to combine with other immunotherapies in several mouse tumor models. Here we evaluated the synergistic therapeutic potential of TVGV-1 vaccine combined with anti-OX-40 agonist antibody for HPV-positive cancer therapy.

Methods: Therapeutic and immune efficacy of TVGV-1 in combination with anti-OX-40 agonist antibody was tested in E7 antigen expressing TC-1 tumor mouse model. Mice with various treatments were assessed for tumor growth and survival. Peripheral and tumor-infiltrating immune cell profiles with various treatments were also assessed by flow cytometry.

Results: Our results revealed that both the HPV16 E7-specific humoral and cell-mediated immunities solely elicited by TVGV-1 vaccination was synergistically enhanced more than two-fold by concomitant anti-OX-40 agonist antibody treatment. In a TC-1 tumor model, tumor growth and overall survival was not protected by OX-40 antibody treatment alone, and mice was protected with prolonged survival benefit when treated in combination of TVGV-1 and OX-40 antibody. In TC-1 tumor bearing mice, about 10% decrease of peripheral CD3+ T cell was observed upon TC-1 tumor development, and restoration was only observed when mice were treated with combined TVGV-1 and OX-40 antibody. When tumor infiltrating lymphocytes recognizing HPV E7 antigen were prepared from these mice, the amount of tumor-infiltrating mononuclear cells and CD3+ T cells were dramatically increased with combination treatment when compared to control group or to treatment alone groups.

Conclusions: We demonstrated efficacy with combination approach between TVGV-1 vaccine and anti-OX-40 agonistic antibody in a pre-clinically mouse model. This enhanced activity is likely due to modulation of T-cell population in tumor and in periphery. This result will guide to a better design to perform clinical studies in order to obtain better outcome with TVGV-1 cancer vaccine intended for treating HPV E7 bearing tumors.

Citation Format: Yin-Ching Lin, Yi-Tsui Chiu, Yi-Chia Lin, Jiun-Ming Wu, Chien-Hung Chen, Wen-Fang Cheng, Chia-Mao Wu. Anti-OX-40 agonist antibody significantly increases therapeutic efficacy of TVGV-1 vaccine for HPV-positive cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 720.

Controllability of vortex domain structure in ferroelectric nanodot: fruitful domain patterns and transformation paths

Ferroelectric vortex domain structure which exists in low-dimensional ferroelectrics is being intensively researched for future applications in functional nanodevices. Here we demonstrate that adjusting surface charge screening in combination with temperature can provide an efficient way to gain control of vortex domain structure in ferroelectric nanodot. Systematical simulating experiments have been conducted to reveal the stability and evolution mechanisms of domain structure in ferroelectric nanodot under various conditions, including processes of cooling-down/heating-up under different surface charge screening conditions, and increasing/decreasing surface charge screening at different temperatures. Fruitful phase diagrams as functions of surface screening and temperature are presented, together with evolution paths of various domain patterns. Calculations discover up to 25 different kinds of domain patterns and 22 typical evolution paths of phase transitions. The fruitful controllability of vortex domain structure by surface charge screening in combination with temperature should shed light on prospective nanodevice applications of low-dimensional ferroelectric nanostructures.

Cerebral “eThrombosis”: Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Associated with Prolonged Sitting in Front of a Computer

Venous thromboembolism caused by prolonged sitting during air travel has been recognised as economy-class syndrome for more than 30 years. Since 2003, the term “eThrombosis” has been proposed to describe the 21st Century variant of venous thromboembolism associated with immobilisation. We reported a case of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis presenting with severe headache after a prolonged period of sitting for over 12 hours in front of a computer for recreational purpose. We described this case as cerebral “eThrombosis”. Considering the widespread use of computers for many purposes including working, recreation and communications in the present digital era, we would like to put forward that prolonged immobilisation associated with computer use is a possible provoking risk factor of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.

c-Jun-mediated anticancer mechanisms of tylophorine

Tylophorine, a phenanthroindolizidine alkaloid, is the major medicinal constituent of herb Tylophora indica. Tylophorine treatment increased the accumulation of c-Jun protein, a component of activator protein 1 (AP1), in carcinoma cells. An in vitro kinase assay revealed that the resultant c-Jun phosphorylation was primarily mediated via activated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK). Moreover, flow cytometry indicated that ectopically overexpressed c-Jun in conjunction with tylophorine significantly increased the number of carcinoma cells that were arrested at the G1 phase. The tylophorine-mediated downregulation of cyclin A2 protein levels is known to be involved in the primary G1 arrest. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and reporter assays revealed that tylophorine enhanced the c-Jun downregulation of the cyclin A2 promoter activity upon increased binding of c-Jun to the deregulation AP1 site and decreased binding to the upregulation activating transcription factor (ATF) site in the cyclin A2 promoter, thereby reducing cyclin A2 expression. Further, biochemical studies using pharmacological inhibitors and RNA silencing approaches demonstrated that tylophorine-mediated elevation of the c-Jun protein level occurs primarily via two discrete prolonged signaling pathways: (i) the NF-κB/PKCδ_(MKK4)_JNK cascade, which phosphorylates c-Jun and increases its stability by slowing its ubiquitination, and (ii) the PI3K_PDK1_PP2A_eEF2 cascade, which sustains eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) activity and thus c-Jun protein translation. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first to demonstrate the involvement of c-Jun in the anticancer activity of tylophorine and the release of c-Jun translation from a global translational blockade via the PI3K_PDK1_eEF2 signaling cascade.

Constrained Multiple Sequence Alignment Tool Development and Its Application to RNase Family Alignment

In this paper, we design a heuristic algorithm of computing a constrained multiple sequence alignment (CMSA for short) for guaranteeing that the generated alignment satisfies the user-specified constraints that some particular residues should be aligned together. If the number of residues needed to be aligned together is a constant α, then the time-complexity of our CMSA algorithm for aligning K sequences is O(αKn4), where n is the maximum of the lengths of sequences. In addition, we have built up such a CMSA software system and made several experiments on the RNase sequences, which mainly function in catalyzing the degradation of RNA molecules. The resulting alignments illustrate the practicability of our method.

Two novel DAX1 gene mutations in Chinese patients with X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita: clinical, hormonal and genetic analysis

Mutations in the DAX1 gene result in X-linked congenital adrenal hypoplasia (AHC). Affected boys usually present with primary adrenal failure in early infancy or childhood and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) at puberty. This paper describes the clinical, hormonal, radiological, and genetic characteristics of 2 Chinese patients with X-linked AHC. Primary adrenal insufficiency occurred in the 2 patients during their childhood and HH was recognized at puberty. Genomic DNA was extracted from their peripheral blood leukocytes and coding sequence abnormalities of the DAX1 gene were assessed by PCR and direct sequencing analysis. Genetic analysis of the DAX1 gene revealed 2 novel mutations c.572-575 dupGGGC, p.Thr193Gly,fs,205X and c.773- 774 dupCC, p.Ser259Pro,fs,264X in exon 1, causing frameshifts and yeilding premature stop codons at 205 and 264, respectively. This study identifies 2 novel mutations in the DAX1 gene which can further expand the mutation database and benefit patients in the diagnosis and treatment of AHC.

Association of SNPs in exon 2 of the MHC B-F gene with immune traits in two distinct chicken populations: Chinese Beijing-You and White Leghorn

Antibody titers raised for vaccinations against avian influenza (AI) and Newcastle disease (ND) were higher in Chinese Beijing-You (BJY) than in White Leghorn (WL) (P < 0.001), but there was no breed difference in titers for sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Genotyping by PCR-SSCP identified seven haplotypes in WL and 17 in BJY. After sequencing PCR products (35 and 85, respectively), 43 (WL) and 47 (BJY) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found in the 264 bp of exon 2. In WL chickens, significant associations were found with antibody responses to AI (two SNPs), ND (six SNPs), and SRBC (one SNP), while in BJY there was association with responses to ND (two SNPs) and SRBC (two SNPs), but none with AI. These results indicate that the genomic region bearing exon 2 of the major histocompatibility complex B-F gene has significant effects on antibody responses to SRBC and vaccination against AI and ND. Different SNPs affected antibody titers for each of the antigens and they differed between these very distinct breeds.

Effect and mechanism of andrographolide on the recovery of Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptibility to several antibiotics

Effectiveness and mechanism of action of andrographolide on the recovery of Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptibility to antibiotics was investigated. In the presence of andrographolide, the Mueller-Hinton broth dilution method measured minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of ceftazidine, cefpirome, chloramphenicol, L-ofloxacin, kanamycin, imipenem and meropenem. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine mexB mRNA expressions in P. aeruginosa PAO1 strain and MexAB-OprM overexpressing strain. Relative mexB mRNA expression was detected in both strains incubated for 3 and 9 h. When andrographolide-treated groups were compared with controls, the MIC of ceftazidine, cefpirome, L-ofloxacin and meropenem for both strains decreased, and the relative mexB mRNA expression was significantly lower, although between andrographolide groups there were no significant differences. Compared with the inactivated quorum-sensing system, relative amounts of mexB mRNA in the PAO1 strain and MexAB-OprM overexpressing strain in the activated quorum-sensing system increased 10- and 30-fold, respectively. Andrographolide recovered P. aeruginosa susceptibility to antibiotics and reduced the MexAB-OprM efflux pump expression level.

Signal peptide of eosinophil cationic protein upregulates transforming growth factor-alpha expression in human cells

Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a major component of eosinophil granule protein that is used as a clinical bio-marker for asthma and allergic inflammatory diseases. Previously, it has been reported that the signal peptide of human ECP (ECPsp) inhibits the cell growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris), but not mammalian A431 cells. The inhibitory effect is due to the lack of human signal peptide peptidase (hSPP), a protease located on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, in the lower organisms. In this study, we show that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is upregulated by the exogenous ECPsp-eGFP as a result of the increased expression of the transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) at both transcriptional and translational levels in A431 and HL-60 clone 15 cell lines. Furthermore, the N-terminus of ECPsp fragment generated by the cleavage of hSPP (ECPspM1-G17) gives rise to over threefold increase of TGF-alpha protein expression, whereas another ECPsp fragment (ECPspL18-A27) and the hSPP-resistant ECPsp (ECPspG17L) do not show similar effect. Our results indicate that the ECPspM1-G17 plays a crucial role in the upregulation of TGF-alpha, suggesting that the ECPsp not only directs the secretion of mature ECP, but also involves in the autocrine system.

Membrane-bound carboxypeptidase E facilitates the entry of eosinophil cationic protein into neuroendocrine cells

ECP (eosinophil cationic protein) is a major component of eosinophil granule proteins, and is used as a clinical biomarker for asthma and allergic inflammatory disease. ECP has been implicated in damage to the cell membrane of many tissue types, but the mechanism is not well known. In the present study, mECP-eGFP-6H, a recombinant fusion protein containing mature ECP (mECP), enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP) and a His(6) tag (6H), has been expressed, purified and added to GH3 neuroendocrine cells to study the internalization ability of ECP. We found that mECP-eGFP-6H entered into GH3 neuroendocrine cells and inhibited the growth of the cells with an IC(50) of 0.8 microM. By yeast two-hybrid screening and immunoprecipitation, we have identified a specific protein-protein interaction between mECP and CPE (carboxypeptidase E), a well characterized metalloprotease. Further in vivo yeast two-hybrid screening has also revealed that residues 318-387 located in a region of unknown function in mature CPE are indispensable for association with mECP. In addition, the uptake of mECP-eGFP-6H is suppressed by dominant-negative expression of the recycling defect mutant pre-pro-HA-CPE(S471A,E472A) in GH3 cells, suggesting that the entry of mECP-eGFP-6H is associated with the recycling of CPE in GH3 cells. Taken together, we have demonstrated that CPE possesses a novel function to facilitate the entry of ECP to neuroendocrine cells, and such an endocytotic process allows the cytotoxic ECP to inhibit growth of the target cells.

Signal peptide of eosinophil cationic protein is toxic to cells lacking signal peptide peptidase

Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a toxin secreted by activated human eosinophils. The properties of mature ECP have been well studied but those of the signal peptide of ECP (ECPsp) are not clear. In this study, several chimeric proteins containing N-terminal fusion of ECPsp were generated, and introduced into Escherichia coli, Pichia pastoris, and human epidermoid carcinoma cell line A431 to study the function of ECPsp. We found that expression of ECPsp chimeric proteins inhibited the growth of E. coli and P. pastoris but not A431 cells. Primary sequence analysis and in vitro transcription/translation of ECPsp have revealed that it is a potential substrate for human signal peptide peptidase (hSPP), an intramembrane protease located in endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, knockdown of the hSPP mRNA expression in ECPsp-eGFP/A431 cells caused the growth inhibitory effect, whereas complementally expression of hSPP in P. pastoris system rescued the cell growth. Taken together, we have demonstrated that ECPsp is a toxic signal peptide, and expression of hSPP protects the cells from growth inhibition.

Constrained multiple sequence alignment tool development and its application to RNase family alignment

In this paper, we design an algorithm of computing a constrained multiple sequence alignment (CMSA for short) for guaranteeing that the generated alignment satisfies the user-specified constraints that some particular residues should be aligned together. If the number of residues needed to be aligned together is a constant alpha, then the time-complexity of our CMSA algorithm for aligning K sequences is O (alphaKn4), where n is the maximum of the lengths of sequences. In addition, we have build up such a CMSA software system and made several experiments on the RNase sequences, which mainly function in catalyzing the degradation of RNA molecules. The resulting alignments illustrate the practicability of our method.

[Multiple focal cortical dysplasias presenting with intractable epilepsy: case report]

A 14-year-old female, who had intractable epilepsy associated with multiple focal cortical dysplasias (FCD), was reported. She developed intractable epilepsy at the age of 7 and was diagnosed as having frontal lobe epilepsy based on the seizure semiology and interictal EEG. MRI revealed multiple lesions in the right frontal, bilateral occipital and left parietal lobes. EEG demonstrated that ictal discharge was preceded by spike on the right frontal region and FDG-PET showed hypometabolic area in the right frontal lobe. Chronic subdural electrode recordings from the right frontal lobe indicated that ictal onset zone was located around the right frontal lesion, especially frontal tip and base, and these areas including the lesion were resected. Postoperatively, residual seizure was noted although seizure frequency was decreased. It is well known that, postoperatively, satisfactory seizure outcome can be obtained in patients with FCD. However, further investigation in terms of surgical indication and strategies for multiple FCD should be needed.

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha causes an increase in blood-brain barrier permeability during sepsis

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability during sepsis with Escherichia coli or Streptococcus pneumoniae was examined in a mouse model and measured by a circulating beta-galactosidase tracer. The leakage of brain microvascular vessels during sepsis was confirmed by transmission electron microscopic examination of brain tissues stained with horseradish peroxidase. The increase of BBB permeability induced by E. coli and S. pneumoniae, which was maximal at 3 h and 12 h after injection, respectively, was transient because of rapid clearance of the bacteria from the blood. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was stained on microvascular vessels of the brain during sepsis and intravenous injection of recombinant TNF-alpha also increased the BBB permeability. The increase in BBB permeability induced by either E. coli or S. pneumoniae could be inhibited by anti-TNF-alpha antibody. It was concluded that circulating TNF-alpha generated during sepsis induced the increase in BBB permeability.

A novel platelet-rich arterial thrombosis model in rabbits. Simple, reproducible, and dynamic real-time measurement by using double-opposing inverted-sutures model

Though numerous animal thrombosis models have been introduced, an easy, reliable, and reproducible arterial thrombosis model remains a continuing challenge prior to a thrombolytic study. In an effort to evaluate the efficiency of various recombinant thrombolytic agents with specific affinity to activated platelets in vivo, we developed a novel double-opposing inverted-sutures model to create a platelet-rich thrombus in the femoral artery of rabbits. The arteriotomy was done semicircumferentially, and variously sized microsurgical sutures were introduced intraluminally in a double-opposing inverted manner. The animals were divided into three groups according to the double-opposing inverted-sutures used: Group 1 with 10-0 nylon (n=6), Group 2 with 9-0 nylon (n=6), and Group 3 with 8-0 nylon (n=22). The superficial epigastric branch was cannulated with a thin polyethylene (PE) tube for intraarterial administration of the studied thrombolytic agent. The blood flow was continuously measured with a real-time ultrasonic flow meter. Within 2 h of installation of the sutures, there was no thrombus formation in either Group 1 or 2. In Group 3, the thrombosis rate was 91% (20 of 22) under a steady baseline flow (with an average of 12.23+/-2.40 ml/min). It was highly statistically significant with a P-value of .0000743 using Fisher's Exact Test. The averaged time to thrombosis was 21.8+/-9.8 min. The ultrasonic flow meter to record the dynamic real-time measurement of blood flow was a guideline for thrombus formation or dissolution, which was correlated with the morphological findings of stenotic status of the vessel detected by the Doppler sonography. The components of the thrombus were proven to be platelet-rich predominant by histological examination via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To confirm that the double-opposing inverted-sutures model would be useful for a study of thrombolytic agents, we evaluated the effects of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) and streptokinase-human plasminogen (SK-HPlg). The average time to thrombolysis post rt-PA infusion was 16.0+/-8.2 min and that of SK-HPlg was 79.6+/-23.1, which were similar to the previous reports. In conclusion, the novel double-opposing inverted-sutures (8-0 nylon) model provides a simple, reliable, and reproducible platelet-rich arterial thrombosis model with noninvasive and dynamic real-time measurement. It may be applied in assessing the efficiency of the recombinant thrombolytic agents and offers many advantages of an arterial platelet-rich in vivo thrombosis model.

Efficacy of single-bolus vs. frequent low-dose treatment with nitrosourea in experimental gliomas

BACKGROUND

Malignant glioma remains a fatal disease. Continuous or frequent low-dose (FLD) chemotherapy with nitrosoureas reportedly causes fewer side-effects than single-bolus therapy without decreasing the antitumour effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To study the effect of FLD treatment with nimustine (ACNU) in rats with glioma, we intracerebrally inoculated with C6 glioma cells. We began the ACNU treatment 5 or 8 days later (total dose, 25 or 40 mg/kg) i.p. as either one bolus or smaller doses spread over 5 days week.

RESULTS

At a total dose of 25 mg/kg beginning at day 8, survival duration did not differ between untreated controls and the FLD group, while the bolus significantly prolonged survival; the FLD group showed some improvement beyond control survival at 40 mg/kg (each p <0.001). Beginning treatment after 5 rather than 8 days prolonged survival somewhat further.

CONCLUSION

FLD treatment with ACNU is less effective against experimental glioma in rats than bolus treatment.

Computerized medical records in the Department of Veterans Affairs

The VA Medical Center in Washington, DC, was the nexus for a number of computerization projects that were initiated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The culmination of these initiatives is a software package that presents the complete electronic patient record in an easy-to-use graphic user interface. This record combines text data from the legacy data base, diagnostic images from patient procedures, electrocardiograms from a commercial server, an Internet connection, and a hospital web site with pertinent reference information. The information is available in over 1000 places in the hospital and can be accessed remotely using a remote access server. The computerization of the medical record has improved hospital efficiency, has made physician access to patient information more reliable, has opened new opportunities for patient education, and has given healthcare providers more time to care for patients.

Human progesterone receptor shows differential sensitivity to carboxyl group modifying agents when bound to agonist and antagonist ligands

BACKGROUND

Modulation of human uterine progesterone receptor (PR) in relation to its binding to synthetic steroids with known agonist (R5020) and antagonist (triamcinolone acetonide, T.A.) properties was studied in the presence of the specific carboxyl group modifiers, N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) and 1-ethyl-3-carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC).

METHODS

Uterine cytosol was treated with DCCD or EDC. The amounts of total bound were detected using the steroid binding measurements. The formation and transformation of progesterone-receptor complexes (PRc) were analyzed using sedimentation rate analysis.

RESULTS

Our studies show that the modification of the COOH group differentially influences the properties of mammalian PR binding with either R5020 or T.A. DCCD and EDC affect the steroid binding of PR by decreasing the binding sites, not by the changing the affinity.

CONCLUSION

Our studies indicate the importance of the carboxyl group in steroid binding by PR. This implies that both aspartic acid and glutamic acid residues, which have the carboxyl group, may play an important role when PR binds with steroid ligands.

Volatile compounds produced from monosodium glutamate in common food cooking

A mixture of soybean oil and/or water, sugar and/or monosodium glutamate (MSG) was water-boiled or oil-heated at 100, 120, 140, 160, or 170 degrees C, respectively, and volatile compounds produced were isolated by solid-phase microextraction and then identified by GC and GC/MS. Oxidative thermal degradation products of fatty acids (OTDPFA) were the major volatile compounds detected for all water-boiled samples. When MSG and sugar were heated together, 2, 5-dimethyl pyrazine and methyl pyrazine were also detected at or after 160 min heating. Water added in soybean oil increased OTDPFA production. In oil-heated samples of soybean oil alone, soybean oil with MSG, and soybean oil with sugar, OTDPFA were also the major compounds found. The samples containing MSG also produced 2-pyrrolidone, and the samples containing sugar also produced furfural and 5-hydroxy methyl furfural. The samples containing soybean oil, sugar, and MSG produced 23 pyrazines, OTDPFA, and gamma-butyrolactone as the major volatile compounds. The contents of OTDPFA were lower in MSG plus sugar and MSG-added samples, and it is postulated that antioxidant activities were produced in cooking.

Heterodyne interferometer with subatomic periodic nonlinearity

A new, to our knowledge, heterodyne interferometer for differential displacement measurements is presented. It is, in principle, free of periodic nonlinearity. A pair of spatially separated light beams with different frequencies is produced by two acousto-optic modulators, avoiding the main source of periodic nonlinearity in traditional heterodyne interferometers that are based on a Zeeman split laser. In addition, laser beams of the same frequency are used in the measurement and the reference arms, giving the interferometer theoretically perfect immunity from common-mode displacement. We experimentally demonstrated a residual level of periodic nonlinearity of less than 20 pm in amplitude. The remaining periodic error is attributed to unbalanced ghost reflections that drift slowly with time.

[Utilizing the PRECEDE model to predict health examination behavior of the elderly]

Health examination of the elderly in Taiwan, the reported rates of health examination of the elderly were always below 30%. In order to explore the predictors related to the behavior of health examination of the elderly, the PRECEDE model was adopted for this study. Both the 1200 participants and spare samples were recruited from eleven districts of Kaohsiung city. 1193 participants had been completed by home interview. Sample size was based on the distribution of the elderly in the whole city and the stratified sampling method was applied. There was no significant difference after comparing the rates of gender, age, and examination between sample and population. The results showed that seven factors could be used to predict the behavior of health examination of the elderly. In the individual predisposing factors, "numbers of chronic diseases", "knowledge of health examination", "previous health examination", and "health promotion behavior" were related to the behavior of health examination of the elderly. In reinforcing factors, "attitude of family members for health examination", and in enabling factors "the guide and the convenience of health-examined services" also showed significantly affecting examination behavior. Therefore, referring to the improvement to be the examination rate, we can intervene or do something through academic, practical and administrative approaches.

Optimal control of blood pressure can reverse left ventricular hypertrophy in uremic hypertensive hemodialysis patients

We investigated the effects of antihypertensive treatment on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) of long-term hemodialysis patients. In uremic patients, it is still controversial in antihypertensive effect to the regression of LVH. The left ventricular size and function of 39 uremic hypertensive long-term hemodialysis patients (27 men, 12 women, mean age 58.3) was evaluated with M-mode, 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography before, and 12 months after, the start of combined antihypertensive therapy. This therapy included angiotensin II converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers and calcium antagonists. Patients were classified as responders or nonresponders, depending upon whether their systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased by more than 10 mmHg after antihypertensive treatment for 12 months. Before treatment, 36 (92%) patients had LVH and diastolic dysfunction and three (8%) had systolic dysfunction. At the end of 12 months, only 25 (64%) patients had LVH, 30 (77%) had diastolic dysfunction and 2 (5%) had systolic dysfunction. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) also decreased from 203.63 +/- 70.47 g/m2 to 178.57 +/- 67.31 g/m2. LVMI correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) but did not correlate with diastolic blood pressure (DBP). There were 26 responders and 13 non-responders. Among responders, both the SBP (153.91 +/- 13.24 mmHg vs 134.43 +/- 14.21 mmHg, p < 0.01) and DBP (90.39 +/- 7.89 mmHg vs 79.98 +/- 7.35 mmHg, p < 0.01) decreased significantly after antihypertensive therapy. Responders also exhibited progressive regression of LVH (LVMI decreased significantly from 208.52 +/- 72.03 g/m2 to 168.52 +/- 55.53 g/m2, p < 0.05). However, LVH regression was not found in nonresponders (LVMI showed 194.84 +/- 64.36 g/m2 vs 193.66 +/- 77.67 g/m2). We conclude that good control of blood pressure can reverse LVH in hypertensive hemodialysis patients.

Serous cystic neoplasm involving the pancreas and liver: an unusual clinical entity

Serous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas is typically considered to represent a benign pancreatic neoplasm. We present a case where the tumor displayed unusually aggressive behavior with metastatic disease to the liver and pancreatic bed. Although serous cystic neoplasms should be considered a benign lesion and will be cured in most cases by surgical excision, the radiologist should be aware that on occasion they can exhibit aggressive behavior.

Analytical modeling of the periodic nonlinearity in heterodyne interferometry

The periodic nonlinearity that arises from nonideal laser sources and imperfections of optical components limits the accuracy of displacement measurements in heterodyne interferometry at the nanometer level. An analytical approach to investigating the nonlinearity is presented. Frequency mixing, polarization mixing, polarization-frequency mixing, and ghost reflections are all included in this investigation. A general form for the measurement signal, including that of the distortions, is given. The analytical approach is also applicable to homodyne interferometry.

Breast carcinoma metastatic to the esophagus. CT findings with pathologic correlation

The common sites of metastasis from breast carcinoma include local and distant lymph nodes, lung parenchyma, bone, liver and brain. While less common, gastrointestinal carcinoma, involving everything from the tip of the tongue to the rectum, secondary to metastatic breast carcinoma have been reported. Many of these lesions occur years after treatment of the primary breast cancer and they can be confused with a second primary. We present a case of breast cancer metastatic to the esophagus which produced symptoms of progressive dysphagia in a women thirteen years after mastectomy and radiation therapy for breast cancer.

Radiologic evaluation of the acute abdomen in the patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): the role of CT scanning

Abdominal complaints are common in the HIV-infected patient, and the signs and symptoms of disease may be masked by concurrent illness and a weak immune response, making accurate diagnosis difficult. Patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are susceptible to diseases common to the general population; however, their generalized state of immunodeficiency places them at increased risk for many unusual disorders, predominately infectious and neoplastic. Radiologic evaluation, in particular, computed tomography (CT) with its ability to image the entire abdomen and pelvis, plays a crucial role in the prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment of these patients.

Musculoskeletal complications of the patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): CT evaluation

Musculoskeletal disorders are infrequent complications of HIV infection in this country. However, AIDS patients are susceptible to a wide range of musculoskeletal complications, from the common to the otherwise uncommon. The following is a summary of some of the more frequently encountered musculoskeletal manifestations of these disorders within the HIV-positive community and their associated imaging characteristics.

Significance of nm23 mRNA expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma

It has been proposed that nm23-H1, a candidate suppressor gene for metastasis, plays an important role in the metastasis of human tumors. In order to investigate its role in the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 18 matched pairs of tumorous and adjacent nontumorous liver tissues of hepatectomy from patients with HCC were studied by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Further analyses of the nm23-H1 gene were also done. The results of these molecular studies were correlated with the clinicopathologic features of the patients. Nm23-H1 transcript was expressed in all neoplastic and adjacent nontumorous liver tissue. The level of expression, however, did not correlate well with the extension or metastatic potential of the tumors. Instead, in 15 (83.3%) of 18 HCC, nm23-H1 expression was higher in the tumorous tissues, compared with the adjacent nontumorous tissues; and significantly higher levels of nm23-H1 mRNA expression was detected in HCC with poor differentiation (Edmonson classification, III and IV) than those with moderate differentiation (I and II). Southern blot analysis of nm23-H1 gene revealed neither amplification nor loss of heterozygosity of all HCC tissues examined. Direct sequencing of the nm23-H1 gene in all HCC tissues detected no mutations. Our findings suggested that increased nm23-H1 mRNA expression is correlated with HCC tumor progression.

A technique for extracting physiological parameters and the required input function simultaneously from PET image measurements: theory and simulation study

Positron emission tomography (PET) is an important tool for enabling quantification of human brain function. However, quantitative studies using tracer kinetic modeling require the measurement of the tracer time-activity curve in plasma (PTAC) as the model input function. It is widely believed that the insertion of arterial lines and the subsequent collection and processing of the biomedical signal sampled from the arterial blood are not compatible with the practice of clinical PET, as it is invasive and exposes personnel to the risks associated with the handling of patient blood and radiation dose. Therefore, it is of interest to develop practical noninvasive measurement techniques for tracer kinetic modeling with PET. In this paper, a technique is proposed to extract the input function together with the physiological parameters from the brain dynamic images alone. The identifiability of this method is tested rigorously by using Monte Carlo simulation. The results show that the proposed method is able to quantify all the required parameters by using the information obtained from two or more regions of interest (ROI's) with very different dynamics in the PET dynamic images. There is no significant improvement in parameter estimation for the local cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (LCMRGlc) if the number of ROI's are more than three. The proposed method can provide very reliable estimation of LCMRGlc, which is our primary interest in this study.

A substance isolated from Cornus officinalis enhances the motility of human sperm

The effects of a Chinese herb, Cornus officinalis, on the motility of human sperm was studied. An aqueous extract was prepared from the dried fruits of the herb and used in this study. The crude extract at a final concentration of 0.5 microgram/microliter in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) increased sperm motility from 25.8 +/- 7.7% to 42.8 +/- 10.3% (i.e. 68% increase, n = 7), as determined by the computer-aided-sperm-analysis (CASA) method. The crude extract was fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) into four fractions: C1, C2, C3 and C4. Their effects on sperm motility were further studied by CASA. Only the C4 fraction showed substantial stimulatory effects on sperm motility. At a concentration of 5 ng/microliter, C4 increased the sperm motility from 15.7 +/- 3.8% to 34.5 +/- 6.4% (i.e. 120% increase, n = 6) by CASA and from 14.9 +/- 4.3 to 28.5 +/- 8.1 (i.e. 91% increase, n = 8) by transmembrane migration ratio (TMMR) method. This result suggests that C4 is the active component in Cornus officinalis that enhances sperm motility.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulates the expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein in MA-10 mouse cells

We have previously demonstrated that corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) treatment of MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells results in a dose-dependent stimulation of progesterone production. In view of this observation we wished to determine the effects of CRH on the synthesis of the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein in these cells. StAR is a steroidogenic tissue-specific, hormone-induced, rapidly synthesized protein previously shown to be involved in the acute regulation of steroidogenesis, probably by promoting the transfer of cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane and the cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme. Treatment of MA-10 cells with the cAMP analogue dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) resulted in a dose- and time-dependent increase in the levels of StAR protein that reached a maximum at 800 microM dbcAMP and within a time period of 6 h. Further, treatment of MA-10 cells with CRH also resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the synthesis of the StAR protein with a maximal response observed at 1 microM. Slightly different from that observed with dbcAMP, the maximal response to 1 microM CRH was seen at 4 h following stimulation. These results indicate that the observed increase in steroid production in response to CRH in MA-10 Leydig tumor cells is similar to that previously seen with trophic hormone stimulation acting through the cAMP second messenger pathway, and that it occurs as a result of an increase in the synthesis of the StAR protein.

A subpopulation of reactive astrocytes at the immediate site of cerebral cortical injury

We have identified an early-appearing intermediate filament-associated protein (IFAP-70/280 kDa) in radial glia and their immediate derivatives. This IFAP is absent in the adult CNS. In this study, we examined the reexpression of this early glial differentiation trait in rat reactive astrocytes induced by stab injury of the cerebrum. Double-label immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that by 36 h postlesion, IFAP-70/280 kDa was present in a few GFAP-positive astrocytes in the area adjacent to the wound. As the gliotic reaction progressed, the number of IFAP-positive reactive astrocytes increased and by 5-6 days postlesion, IFAP-70/280 kDa was present in most of the hypertrophied astrocytes in tissue immediately adjacent to the wound. By 8 days postlesion, while the number of IFAP-negative reactive astrocytes away from the wound diminished, the IFAP-containing reactive astrocytes close to the wound persisted. Concurrently, they began to change from a stellate form to an elongated shape, with their longitudinal axes radiating from the wound. The immunoreactivity of this IFAP started to diminish at 20 days postlesion, and by 30 days postlesion, it was not observed in the remaining gliotic cells. These results demonstrate that reactive astrocytes induced by stab-wound injury can be divided into two subtypes: persistent IFAP-70/280 kDa-containing cells which are close to the wound in the area of the glial scar and transient IFAP-70/280 kDa-negative cells which are farther from the wound. The reappearance of IFAP-70/280 kDa also suggests that some reactive astrocytes have the capacity to recapitulate early developmental stages.

Transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy for treatment of hyperhidrosis palmaris

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of modified transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy (TES) being used in our institute for treatment of hyperhidrosis palmaris (HP). One hundred and eight cases of HP were treated using TES from June 1991 to June 1992. All underwent TES bilaterally. Palmar temperature was monitored during the operation as an indicator of a successful lesioning of the sympathetic trunk at the T2-level. The ages of the patients ranged from 10 to 61 years. Fifty-one percent of these patients had a positive family history. Seventy-three percent had onset during childhood. Eighty-nine percent had excessive plantar sweating in addition to hyperhidrosis palmaris. The increase in palmar temperature after lesioning the sympathetic trunk was inversely related to the preoperative temperature of the palms (r = 0.81, p < 0.005). Our treatment resulted in improvement of palmar sweating in all of the patients. Decrease of plantar sweating was also noted in 68% of the patients at follow up. No neurological deficits were found. Transient post-operative chest discomfort and compensatory hyperhidrosis (87%) were the most common complications. TES is an effective method for treating patients with HP, with a shorter operation time, fewer hospital days, and a better cosmetic result, as compared with the dorsal approach for thoracic sympathectomy.

[Immune interference of enteroviruses to immune response of TOPV in subtroptical areas]

To study whether enteroviruses interfere with the immunoeffect of TOPV in subtroptical areas, a total number of 188 children were investigated 82 in summer, 106 in winter in two townships of Hui Dong County from 1992 to 1993. The carrier rates of enteroviruses and serum nutralization antibody titres of polio were tested before and after the children were vaccinated with TOPV. Data showed that the GMTs of poliovirus type I, II, III in winter were 2 to 7.1 times as much as those in summer after administration of one and three doses TOPV. Enterovirus carrier rates were 75.6% and 38.8% respectively in summer and winter before vaccination in health children. The GMTs of polio serum antibody in children without enteroviruses was 1.5 to 1.7 times as much as the GMTs of those with enteroviruses, and the difference was statistically significant. Overall, the results demonstrated that enterovirus infection interfered the immune response of vaccinates to TOPV to some extent. It was also suggested that supplemental immunization was the key measure in polio eradication program and should be conducted in winter or spring seasons.

Fluorescein as an easy, low-cost, indirect, or reverse intraoperative marker to rule out perilymph versus local injection

Clear fluid found in the dependent portions of the middle ear (round and oval windows) is generally assumed to be perilymph (PL). However, all clear fluid observed at middle ear exploration is not necessarily PL. PL should be distinguished from local injection. An accumulation of the local injection could be confused with perilymph fistula (PLF) diagnosis. There is no standard way of distinguishing perilymph from local injection, as both are clear, watery fluids. Fluorescein, tagged with a mixture of xylocaine and epinephrine (FLOTAX) was used as the local injection in 10 patients undergoing middle ear exploration for possible PLF.FLOTAX was injected into the vascular strip and ear canal skin in routine fashion. Transtympanic endoscopy and special Zeiss custom fluorescein filters were used to document any accumulation of fluid in the dependent portions of the middle ear and confirm whether any fluorescein (from the FLOTAX) was present. The middle ear was checked both before (endoscopically) and after raising the tympanomeatal flap. After the "local" injection, FLOTAX was observed to accumulate in dependent portions of the middle ear before raising the tympanomeatal flap in six of 10 ears. In the other four ears, FLOTAX slowly seeped into the middle ear cleft after the tympanomeatal flap was elevated and manipulated. Fluorescein can be used as an inexpensive, indirect intraoperative marker or "reverse test" for possible PLF. By eliminating a likely and common offender (local injection), any accumulation or reaccumulation of clear fluid that is not fluorescein tagged may more confidently be identified as possibly perilymph. The use of FLOTAX helps eliminate the confusion between the local injection and potential PLF. It does not in any way eliminate the possibility of other transudates from incisions, allergic reactions, or other manipulation of the tympanomeatal flap or middle ear mucosa.

[Brain abscess as a complication of ear malignancy: a case report]

Ear infection is the most common cause of brain abscess. A suppurative process in the ear has access to the central nervous system by direct extension or through preformed pathways, either developmental, traumatic or pathologic, or by retrograde spread along the thromobophlebitic vein. Squamous cell carcinoma of middle ear or mastoid cavity is a rare disease and often associated with chronic otitis or chronic draining ear. Ear malignancy easily produces the destruction of temporal bone which may serve as a route for coexistent infection spreading into the brain. This paper reports a case of brain abscess occurring in a patient with temporal bone cancer. To the best of our knowledge, no more than three similar cases have been reported in the literature. The authors suggest that if an otogenic brain abscess is concomitant with infection and granulomatous mass in the ear, biopsy should be performed to rule out malignancy.

Glass integrated optics circuit for 1.48/1.55- and 1.30/1.55-µm-wavelength division multiplexing and 1/8 splitting

We demonstrate the integration, in a single glass substrate, of a 1.48/1.55-µm-wavelength multiplexer and a 1.30/1.55-µm-wavelength multiplexer followed by a 1/8 splitter by using potassium- and silver-double-ion-exchange processes. The wavelength multiplexers are based on nonsymmetric three-port Mach-Zehnder interferometers, and symmetrical Y junctions are used for achromatic splitting. The facet-to-facet excess loss in both the 1.48/1.55-µm multiplexer and in the integrated 1.30/1.55-µ m multiplexer and 1/8 splitter is less than 2.7 dB. The device can be used, in connection with an erbium-doped fiber, in future wavelength division multiplexing subscriber networks in which amplification is needed in the 1.55-µm-wavelength region.

Changes of respiratory chain enzyme activities in growing rat muscle mitochondria

The activities of three mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes, namely rotenone sensitive NADH-cytochrome c reductase (NCCR), succinate-cytochrome c reductase (SCCR), and cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) in the extensor digitorum longus muscle were determined in Wistar rats, twenty each, at 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 and 26 weeks of age. The activity of NCCR was extremely low from birth up to 10 weeks of age. The activity of SCCR was stable at 64% to 72% during the first 6 weeks of life and increased to 78% of the adult level at 10 weeks of age. The CCO activity was only 52% of the adult level at 3 weeks of age, increased to 78% to 86% during the next 3 weeks and reached 92% at 10 weeks of age which was not statistically different from the adult level. We conclude that the activities of these 3 respiratory chain enzymes, in muscle mitochondria in rats, were low during development and reached the adult levels at various ages. Before the normal values of these enzyme activities can be established in human pediatric population, age-matched control should be used as the reference value for evaluation of mitochondrial myopathy.

[Hemophilus aphrophilus meningitis: report of one case]

Hemophilus aphrophilus, a gram negative, capnophilic slow growing bacillus, is a rarely recognized pathogen in meningitis and is most frequently seen in patients with either endocarditis or brain abscess. This article reported one case with Hemophilus aphrophilus meningitis. A 10-year-old boy presented at the emergency room with chief complaint of fever for 2 days and sudden onset of loss of consciousness. Hemophilus aphrophilus was isolated from the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Aqueous penicillin and chloramphenicol were given for three weeks. The patient discharged without any sequelae. Three months later, fever and consciousness disturbance were noted again. No pathogen was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid and blood culture this time, but CSF finding was consistent with bacterial meningitis. Aqueous penicillin and chloramphenicol were readministered for 30 days. The patient recovered smoothly. Because the patient had no history of CSF rhinorrhea or hypogammaglobulinemia, recurrence of the bacterial meningitis could be due to incomplete treatment during the first admission. Brain computed tomography (CT) done during the two admissions showed focal cortical enhancement in the fronto-temporo-parietal region. This is presumed to indicate infarction over these regions. The findings of brain CT are in accordance with the development of hemiplegia in the patient. It is still unknown, however, whether Hemophilus aphrophilus meningitis also causes a higher incidence of brain infarction, which was frequently noted in patients with Hemophilus influenzae meningitis.

External ear canal schwannoma: an unusual case report

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of external ear canal schwannoma in the English literature. Several detailed clinical and pathological features were demonstrated. We suggest that if a tender, encapsulated mass is found in the external ear canal, the diagnosis of schwannoma should be taken into consideration.

[Giant cystic hygroma: a case report]

Cystic hygromas are congenital malformations of the lymphatic system appearing as single or multiloculated, fluid-filled cavities found mainly in the neck and axilla region. Antenatal ultrasound examination done in this case showed a suspicious giant cystic mass over the neck and chest area. At birth, the mass turned out to be a rare giant cystic hygroma measuring about 25cm x 26cm covering neck, anterior chest, axilla, proximal right upper limb, upper abdomen and upper back area. Because of some compromise to the infant's breathing, an emergency resection was done, and the infant tolerated the procedure well. Pathology report confirmed the diagnosis.

An experimental model of mitochondrial myopathy: germanium-induced myopathy and coenzyme Q10 administration

In skeletal muscles from rats treated with germanium for 23 weeks, there were numerous ragged-red fibers and cytochrome-c oxidase (COX)-deficient fibers. Biochemically, germanium reduced the enzyme activities in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Rotenone-sensitive NADH-cytochrome-c reductase as well as COX activities were markedly reduced, while succinate-cytochrome-c reductase was less severely, but significantly, affected. The histopathological findings in these muscles were similar to those seen in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, suggesting that germanium-induced myopathy may be a useful experimental model. Coenzyme Q10 administration appeared to be ineffective in preventing this experimental myopathy.

Heterotopic ossification in children with burns: two case reports

Heterotopic ossification is the formation of ectopic bone in soft tissue, and has been reported as a rare complication in pediatric burn patients. At our hospital, two 86% body surface area burn patients developed heterotopic ossification in the shoulder, elbows, distal femur, proximal tibia, fibula, and ribs approximately four months after the burn injury. These two rare and unusual cases are presented documenting the clinical involvement, radiological studies, laboratory data, as well as treatment of their heterotopic ossification. Discussion will focus on the incidence, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of heterotopic ossification in burn patients and how this information relates to the specific diagnosis and management of the complication of heterotopic ossification in the burn child.

A long-standing cystic lymph node metastasis from occult thyroid carcinoma--report of a case

The authors describe a patient with a cervical cystic mass present for 14 years which proved to be a cystic metastasis from a papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland. This is probably the first case report of a long-term lateral cervical cyst caused by an occult thyroid carcinoma.