Therapeutic Potential of a Novel Lytic Phage, vB_EclM_ECLFM1, against Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacter cloacae

The global rise of multidrug-resistant Enterobacter cloacae strains, especially those that are resistant to carbapenems and produce metallo-β-lactamases, poses a critical challenge in clinical settings owing to limited treatment options. While bacteriophages show promise in treating these infections, their use is hindered by scarce resources and insufficient genomic data. In this study, we isolated ECLFM1, a novel E. cloacae phage, from sewage water using a carbapenem-resistant clinical strain as the host. ECLFM1 exhibited rapid adsorption and a 15-min latent period, with a burst size of approximately 75 PFU/infected cell. Its genome, spanning 172,036 bp, was characterized and identified as a member of Karamvirus. In therapeutic applications, owing to a high multiplicity of infection, ECLFM1 showed increased survival in zebrafish infected with E. cloacae. This study highlights ECLFM1's potential as a candidate for controlling clinical E. cloacae infections, which would help address challenges in treating multidrug-resistant strains and contribute to the development of alternative treatments.

Preconditioning of exosomes derived from human olfactory ensheathing cells improved motor coordination and balance in an SCA3/MJD mouse model: A new therapeutic approach

Exosome therapy is a novel trend in regeneration medicine. However, identifying a suitable biomarker that can associate the therapeutic efficacy of exosomes with SCA3/MJD is essential. In this study, parental cells were preconditioned with butylidenephthalide (Bdph) for exosome preparation to evaluate the therapeutic effect of SCA3/MJD. The therapeutic agent hsa-miRNA-6780-5p was enriched up to 98-fold in exosomes derived from butylidenephthalide (Bdph)-preconditioned human olfactory ensheathing cells (hOECs) compared with that in naïve hOECs exosomes. The particle sizes of exosomes derived from naïve hOECs and those derived from hOECs preconditioned with Bdph were approximately 113.0 ± 3.5 nm and 128.9 ± 0.7 nm, respectively. A liposome system was used to demonstrate the role of hsa-miRNA-6780-5p, wherein hsa-miRNA-6780-5p was found to enhance autophagy and inhibit the expression of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) disease proteins with the polyglutamine (polyQ) tract. Exosomes with enriched hsa-miRNA-6780-5p were further applied to HEK-293-84Q cells, leading to decreased expression of polyQ and increased autophagy. The results were reversed when 3MA, an autophagy inhibitor, was added to the cells treated with hsa-miRNA-6780-5p-enriched exosomes, indicating that the decreased polyQ expression was modulated via autophagy. SCA3 mice showed improved motor coordination behavior when they intracranially received exosomes enriched with hsa-miRNA-6780-5p. SCA3 mouse cerebellar tissues treated with hsa-miRNA-6780-5p-enriched exosomes showed decreased expression of polyQ and increased expression of LC3II/I, an autophagy marker. In conclusion, our findings can serve as a basis for developing an alternative therapeutic strategy for SCA3 disease treatment using miRNA-enriched exosomes derived from chemically preconditioned cells.

Therapeutic effect and anti-biofilm ability assessment of a novel phage, phiPA1-3, against carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Multiple drug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa commonly causes severe hospital-acquired infections. The gradual emergence of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa has recently gained attention. A wide array of P. aeruginosa-mediated pathogenic mechanisms, including its biofilm-forming ability, limits the use of effective antimicrobial treatments against it. In the present study, we isolated and characterized the phenotypic, biological, and genomic characteristics of a bacteriophage, vB_PaP_phiPA1-3 (phiPA1-3). Biofilm eradication and phage rescue from bacterial infections were assessed to demonstrate the efficacy of the application potential. Host range spectrum analysis revealed that phiPA1-3 is a moderate host range phage that infects 20% of the clinically isolated strains of P. aeruginosa tested, including carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA). The phage exhibited stability at pH 7.0 and 9.0, with significantly reduced viability below pH 5.0 and beyond pH 9.0. phiPA1-3 is a lytic phage with a burst size of 619 plaque-forming units/infected cell at 37 °C and can effectively lyse bacteria in a multiplicity of infection-dependent manner. The genome size of phiPA1-3 was found to be 73,402 bp, with a G+C content of 54.7%, containing 93 open reading frames, of which 62 were annotated as hypothetical proteins and the remaining 31 had known functions. The phage possesses several proteins similar to those found in N4-like phages, including three types of RNA polymerases. This study concluded that phiPA1-3 belongs to the N4-like Schitoviridae family, can potentially eradicate P. aeruginosa biofilms, and thus, serve as a valuable tool for controlling CRPA infections.

Characterization of a novel and active temperate phage vB_AbaM_ABMM1 with antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii infection

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen that significantly causes hospital-acquired infections. Due to its multidrug resistance, treating infections caused by this pathogen is challenging. Recently, phages have gained attention as a potential alternative to antibiotics in treating bacterial infections. While lytic phages are preferred in therapy, the use of temperate phages for this purpose has received less attention. This study characterized a novel temperate phage vB_AbaM_ABMM1 (ABMM1) with antibacterial activity toward A. baumannii. ABMM1 adsorbs quickly, has short latent periods, and is relatively stable at various temperatures and neutral pH. ABMM1 has an icosahedral head and a contractile tail. It has a 75,731 kb circular permuted dsDNA genome containing 86 gene products with 37.3% G + C content and a mosaic arrangement typical of temperate phages. Genomic analysis confirmed that ABMM1 does not have antibiotic-resistance genes or virulence-related factors. The packaging strategy was predicted in silico, suggesting that ABMM1 represents a headful phage. Only truncated ABMM1 prophage was detected and has similarity in the genome of several A. baumannii strains. Despite its ability to integrate into the host chromosome, the high MOI of ABMM1 (MOI 10) effectively killed the host bacterial cells and reduced the fatality rate of bacterial infection in the zebrafish model. These findings indicate that ABMM1 can be an alternative treatment for A. baumannii infection.

Recent developments in detection and therapeutic approaches for antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections

Owing to the widespread emergence and proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the therapeutic benefits of antibiotics have been reduced. In addition, the ongoing evolution of multidrug-resistant pathogens poses a challenge for the scientific community to develop sensitive analytical methods and innovative antimicrobial agents for the detection and treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infections. In this review, we have described the antibiotic resistance mechanisms that occur in bacteria and summarized the recent developments in detection strategies for monitoring drug resistance using different diagnostic methods in three aspects, including electrostatic attraction, chemical reaction, and probe-free analysis. Additionally, to understand the effective inhibition of drug-resistant bacterial growth by recent nano-antibiotics, the underlying antimicrobial mechanisms and efficacy of biogenic silver nanoparticles and antimicrobial peptides, which have shown promise, and the rationale, design, and potential improvements to these methods are also highlighted in this review. Finally, the primary challenges and future trends in the rational design of facile sensing platforms and novel antibacterial agents against superbugs are discussed.

Smaller bladder capacity and stronger bladder contractility in patients with ketamine cystitis are associated with elevated TRPV1 and TRPV4

Stronger contractility and smaller bladder capacity are common symptoms in ketamine cystitis (KC). This study investigates the association between expression levels of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V (TRPV) proteins and the clinical characteristics of KC. Bladder tissues were obtained from 24 patients with KC and four asymptomatic control subjects. Video urodynamic parameters were obtained before surgical procedures. The TRPV proteins were investigated by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence staining, and immunohistochemistry. The Pearson test was used to associate the expression levels of TRPV proteins with clinical characteristics of KC. The expression level of TRPV1 and TRPV4 was significantly higher in the severe KC bladders than in mild KC or control bladders. The TRPV1 proteins were localized in all urothelial cell layers, and TRPV4 was located in the basal cells and lamina propria. The expression of TRPV1 was negatively associated with maximal bladder capacity (r = − 0.66, P = 0.01). The expression of TRPV4 was positively associated with the velocity of detrusor pressure rise to the maximum flow rate (r = 0.53, P = 0.01). These observations suggest smaller bladder capacity and stronger contractility in KC are associated with an elevated expression of TRPV1 and TRPV4, respectively.

Expression of L-amino acid oxidase of Trichoderma harzianum in tobacco confers resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Botrytis cinerea

L-amino acid oxidase (ThLAAO) secreted by Trichoderma harzianum ETS323 is a flavoenzyme with antimicrobial characteristics. In this study, we transformed the ThLAAO gene into tobacco to elucidate whether ThLAAO can activate defense mechanisms and confer resistance against phytopathogens. Transgenic tobacco overexpressing ThLAAO showed enhanced resistance against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Botrytis cinerea and activated the expression of defense-related genes and the genes involved in salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene biosynthesis accompanied by substantial accumulation of H2O2 in chloroplasts, cytosol around chloroplasts, and cell membranes of transgenic tobacco. Scavenge of H2O2 with ascorbic acid abolished disease resistance against B. cinerea infection and decreased the expression of defense-related genes. ThLAAO-FITC application on tobacco protoplast or overexpression of ThLAAO-GFP in tobacco revealed the localization of ThLAAO in chloroplasts. Chlorophyll a/b binding protein (CAB) was isolated through ThLAAO-ConA affinity chromatography. The pull down assay results confirmed ThLAAO-CAB binding. Application of ThLAAO-Cy5.5 on cabbage roots promptly translocated to the leaves. Treatment of ThLAAO on cabbage roots induces systemic resistance against B. cinerea. Overall, these results demonstrate that ThLAAO may target chloroplast and activate defense mechanisms via H2O2 signaling to confer resistance against S. sclerotiorum and B. cinerea.

PKCδ mediates mitochondrial ROS generation and oxidation of HSP60 to relieve RKIP inhibition on MAPK pathway for HCC progression

Both protein kinase C (PKC) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well-known signaling messengers cross-talking with each other to activate mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) for progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanisms are not well elucidated. Especially, whether mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) is involved and how it triggers MAPK signaling are intriguing. In this study, we found mtROS generation and phosphorylation of MAPKs were mediated by PKCδ in HCCs treated with the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), one of the chaperones in mitochondria was the major protein oxidized in TPA-treated HCCs. Moreover, depletion of HSP60 or expression of HSP60 cysteine mutant prevented TPA-induced phosphorylation of MAPKs. To delineate how HSP60 mediated MAPK activation, the role of Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP), a negative regulator of MAPK, was investigated. TPA dissociated RKIP from HSP60 in both mitochondria and cytosol, concurrently with translocation of HSP60 and MAPK from mitochondria to cytosol, which was associated with robust phosphorylation of MAPKs in the cytosol. Moreover, TPA induced opposite phenotypical changes of HCCs, G1 cell cycle arrest, and cell migration, which were prevented by mtROS scavengers and depletion of PKCδ and HSP60. Consistently, TPA increased the migration-related genes, hydrogen peroxide inducible clone5, matrix metalloproteinase-1/3, lamininγ2, and suppressed the cell cycle regulator cyclin E1 (CCNE1) via PKCδ/mtROS/HSP60/MAPK-axis. Finally, c-jun and c-fos were required for TPA-induced expression of the migration-related genes and a novel microRNA, miR-6134, was responsible for TPA-induced suppression of CCNE1. In conclusion, PKCδ cross-talked with mtROS to trigger HSP60 oxidation for release of RKIP to activate MAPK, regulating gene expression for migration, and G1 cell cycle arrest in HCC. Targeted therapy aiming at key players like PKCδ, RKIP, and HSP60 is promising for preventing HCC progression.

Characterisation of the complete mitochondrial genome, genetic diversity and maternal origin of Huainan Partridge chicken

1. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the complete mitochondrial genome, genetic diversity and maternal origin of Huainan Partridge chicken (HPC).2. One complete mitochondrial genome and 37 complete D-loop regions of HPC were sequenced. Moreover, 400 mitochondrial genome D-loop sequences of Chinese native chicken were downloaded from the National Centre for Biotechnology Information database.3. The complete HPC genome was 16,785 bp in size, including 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes and one non-coding control region. The haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of HPC were 0.964, and 0.00615, respectively. Twenty-three variable sites defining 22 haplotypes were identified, and the 22 haplotypes were distributed into three haplogroups (A, B, and C).4. In conclusion, HPC has a typical vertebrate mitochondrial genome, relatively high haplotype diversity, relatively low nucleotide diversity, and potentially three maternal lineages. HPC showed considerable genetic information exchange with Southwest Chinese chicken populations and had not admixed with European commercial breeds in the course of domestication.

Liposome Consolidated with Cyclodextrin Provides Prolonged Drug Retention Resulting in Increased Drug Bioavailability in Brain

Although butylidenephthalide (BP) is an efficient anticancer drug, its poor bioavailability renders it ineffective for treating drug-resistant brain tumors. However, this problem is overcome through the use of noninvasive delivery systems, including intranasal administration. Herein, the bioavailability, drug stability, and encapsulation efficiency (EE, up to 95%) of BP were improved by using cyclodextrin-encapsulated BP in liposomal formulations (CDD1). The physical properties and EE of the CDD1 system were investigated via dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity was examined via MTT assay, and the cellular uptake was observed using fluorescence microscopy. The CDD1 system persisted for over 8 h in tumor cells, which was a considerable improvement in the retention of the BP-containing cyclodextrin or the BP-containing liposomes, thereby indicating a higher BP content in CDD1. Nanoscale CDD1 formulations were administered intranasally to nude mice that had been intracranially implanted with temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma multiforme cells, resulting in increased median survival time. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed that drug biodistribution via intranasal delivery increased the accumulation of BP 10-fold compared to oral delivery methods. Therefore, BP/cyclodextrin/liposomal formulations have potential clinical applications for treating drug-resistant brain tumors.

[Comparative analysis of serum glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in patients with bipolar depressive disorder and major depression disorder]

Objective: To investigate the difference of serum glutamate (Glu) and gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels between depressive patients and bipolar disorder patients with depressive episodes. Methods: From May 2018 to March 2019, forty-seven patients with depression (depression group) and 45 patients with bipolar depressive episode (bipolar depression group) were selected from the department of psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, and 41 healthy controls (healthy control group) were simultaneously recruited from the community. The subjects' depression and anxiety were assessed by 17 items of Hamilton depression scale (HAMD-17) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). The serum levels of Glu, GABA and Glu decarboxylase (GAD) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . Results: The serum Glu level ( (36±7) mg/L, (37±7) mg/L vs (28±4) mg/L, F=10.97, P<0.01) and Glu/GABA ratio (5.77±0.35, 8.18±0.24 vs 3.35±0.33, F=37.68, P<0.01) in depression and bipolar depression groups were higher than those of healthy control group, while the GABA level ((6.1±0.7) μmol/L,(4.1±0.8) μmol/L vs (8.1±1.2) μmol/L, F=21.61, P<0.01) and GAD ((31±6) U/L, (31±6) U/L vs (35±6) U/L, F=5.61, P<0.01) were lower than those of healthy control group. The level of serum GABA in bipolar depression group was lower than that in depression group. However, Glu/GABA was higher in bipolar depression group than that in depression group (P<0.01). The level of serum GABA in depression group was negatively correlated with HAMD sleep disorder factor (r=-0.46, P=0.01). Conclusions: Both depression and bipolar depression have abnormal levels of Glu, GABA neurotransmitters and imbalance between Glu and GABA in peripheral blood circulation. Moreover, these abnormalities are more obvious in patients with bipolar depression.

Selective Determination of Arbutin in Cosmetic Products Through Online Derivatization Followed by Disposable Electrochemical Sensor

An online derivatization followed by a disposable electrochemical sensor was used for the determination of arbutin (AR) in cosmetic products. The AR was chemically oxidized by MnO2 and subsequently reduced at inexpensive screen-printed carbon electrodes using a low detection potential which improved the selectivity of the method. The effects of various parameters, such as solution pH, detection potential, and flow rate of the mobile phase, were studied in detail. Under optimal conditions [pH 1.6 (0.1 M H3PO4), detection potential 0.0 V (versus Ag/AgCl), flow rate 0.6 mL/min], the linear range for AR was 0.1–1500 ppm (r2 = 0.999) with LOD of 30.06 ppb (S/N = 3). The practical application of the proposed method was demonstrated by the determination of arbutin concentration in commercial cosmetic products.

Determination of Thioglycolic Acid in Hair-Waving Products by Disposable Electrochemical Sensor Coupled with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

A disposable electrochemical sensor coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed for the determination of thioglycolic acid (TGA) in commercial hair-waving products. The quantitative determination of TGA was first investigated by using a preanodized () screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). Because of the electrocatalytic effect of the SPCE, the peak potential (Epa) was shifted less positively as the current magnitude increased. HPLC was used in this study to eliminate interference from the matrix of real samples. The effects of various parameters, such as preanodization potential, preanodization time, solution pH, detection potential, and mobile phase, were studied in detail. Under optimized conditions, the linear range for TGA is up to 20 ppm, correlation coefficient (r2) 0.998, with a detection limit of 0.042 ppm (signal-to-noise ratio 3). The practical application of the proposed method was demonstrated by the determination of TGA concentration in commercial hair-waving products.

[3 + 2] cycloaddition of azido-bridged molybdenum(ii) complex with nitriles and alkynes

The azido-bridged molybdenum complex [N(CH₃)₄][(μ_1,1-N₃)₃{Mo(η³-C₃H₅)(CO)₂}₂], 1, was synthesized and its reactions with unsaturated nitriles and alkynes were investigated. The isolated [3 + 2] cycloaddition products were the N(2), N(3) bound tetrazolate complexes [N(CH₃)₄][(μ_1,1-N₃)₂(μ-N₄C{R}-κ²N²:N³){Mo(η³-C₃H₅)(CO)₂}₂] (R = C(CN)C(CN)₂ (2), C₆H₄NO₂, (3)) and [N(CH₃)₄][(μ-N₄C{R}-κ²N²:N³)₂(μ_1,1-N₃){Mo(η³-C₃H₅)(CO)₂}₂] (R = C(CN)C(CN)₂ (4), C₆H₄NO₂ (5)), and the N(1), N(2) bound triazolate complexes [N(CH₃)₄][(μ-N₃C₂{R}₂-κ²N¹:N²)(μ_1,1-N₃)₂{Mo(η³-C₃H₅)(CO)₂}₂] (R = CO₂CH₃ (6) and R = CO₂CH₂CH₃ (7). The reactivity of these cycloaddition reactions could be determined by the electronic properties of both metal azide and dipolarophile. In the reaction of 1 with nitriles, at most two bridging azido groups can participate in the cycloaddition reactions and elevated temperature is required for the preparations of 3 and 5. In the case of alkynes, only one azido group is active for the reaction. These complexes are fluxional in solution, and isomers were found in 3 and 5. The molecular structures of the above complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, which reveals a distorted octahedral geometry around each molybdenum atom, and the two metal atoms are connected through three bridging ligands. The formation of these heterocycles demonstrated the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction could also be applied to the less electron-rich azido-bridged molybdenum complex.

Whole-transcriptome sequencing of knee joint cartilage from osteoarthritis patients

Objectives

The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive understanding of alterations in messenger RNAs (mRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in cartilage affected by osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

The expression profiles of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in OA cartilage were assessed using whole-transcriptome sequencing. Bioinformatics analyses included prediction and reannotation of novel lncRNAs and circRNAs, their classification, and their placement into subgroups. Gene ontology and pathway analysis were performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), and differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs). We focused on the overlap of DEGs and targets of DELs previously identified in seven high-throughput studies. The top ten DELs were verified by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in articular chondrocytes, both in vitro and in vivo.

Results

In total, 739 mRNAs, 1152 lncRNAs, and 42 circRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in OA cartilage tissue. Among these, we identified 18 overlapping DEGs and targets of DELs, and the top ten DELs were screened by expression profile analysis as candidate OA-related genes. WISP2, ATF3, and CHI3L1 were significantly increased in both normal versus OA tissues and normal versus interleukin (IL)-1β-induced OA-like cell models, while ADAM12, PRELP, and ASPN were shown to be significantly decreased. Among the identified DELs, we observed higher expression of ENST00000453554 and MSTRG.99593.3, and lower expression of MSTRG.44186.2 and NONHSAT186094.1 in normal versus OA cells and tissues.

Conclusion

This study revealed expression patterns of coding and noncoding RNAs in OA cartilage, which added sets of genes and noncoding RNAs to the list of candidate diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents for OA patients.

Cite this article: H. Li, H. H. Yang, Z. G. Sun, H. B. Tang, J. K. Min. Whole-transcriptome sequencing of knee joint cartilage from osteoarthritis patients. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:290–303. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.87.BJR-2018-0297.R1.

DVM students report higher psychological distress than the Australian public, medical students, junior medical officers and practicing veterinarians

AIM

To measure the stress levels of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students at the University of Sydney using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) questionnaire.

METHODS

DVM students in years 1 to 4 were surveyed in semester 2 of 2018. The voluntary online survey consisted of 6 demographic questions and the K10 scale, a standardised measure of stress commonly used in Australia by medical practitioners for evaluation and referral to mental health professionals. Academic year cohorts were compared to identify differences in stress levels. Cohorts were compared to published K10 scores from various populations including the Australian public, medical students, practicing veterinarians, and Junior Medical Officers (JMOs).

RESULTS

The response rate was 54.4% (n = 237). DVM students experienced a higher level of psychological distress (mean 24, median 23, range 10-50) than the Australian population (mean 14.5, median 13, range 10-50), medical students (mean 18.4, median 16, range 10-50), practicing veterinarians (mean 16.7, median 15.5, range 10-30), and JMOs (mean 18.1, median 16, range 10-50). Female students (median 23) had a significantly higher level of psychological distress compared to male students (median 18) (p = 0.0005). International students (median 23) had a higher level of psychological stress than domestic students (median 22) (p = 0.0488). Different year cohorts, age range, work hours, and exercise were not associated with difference in stress levels.

CONCLUSION

Based on higher levels of stress in DVM students than that of the general population, practicing veterinarians, JMOs and medical students, there is an urgent need for evidence-based interventions to target stress in DVM students.

[Predictive study on recurrence of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps by tissue eosinophils and sinus CT]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between postoperative recurrence and clinical parameters in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and to study predicitve value of total scores of eosinophils (EOS) and sinus CT for postoperative recurrence. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 264 patients with CRSwNP who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from June 2013 to December 2015 was performed. The patient was subjected to a visual analogue scale (VAS) score, a skin prick test, a peripheral blood cell count, a sinus CT score, and a nasal polyp EOS count. All patients underwent endoscopic surgery and were followed up for at least 2 years. The demographic characteristics of the nasal polyps recurrence group and the non-recurrence group were compared with other clinical indicators. Quantitative data were compared by t test or Mann-Whitney U test, qualitative data were compared by chi-square test, and Logistic regression analysis was used for Logistic regression analysis. The risk factors for recurrence were assessed. The best cut-off value was determined by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The predictive value of the parameters was determined by area under curve (AUC). The difference was statistically significant at P<0.05. Results: The recurrence rate of the study patients was 43.56% (115/264). Sex, olfactory VAS score, total sinus CT score, peripheral blood neutrophil ratio, peripheral blood EOS absolute value and proportion, and tissue EOS absolute value and proportion were associated with postoperative recurrence of nasal polyps (χ(2)=5.241, t=-3.146, t=-7.441, χ(2)=180.617, t=-5.313, χ(2)=100.067, t=-7.471, χ(2)=258.916, all P<0.05), and the tissue EOS ratio and total sinus CT scores have higher predictive value for recurrence of nasal polyps (AUC values were 0.793, 0.767, respectively, all P<0.001). With the EOS ratio of nasal polyps >0.032, the sensitivity of predicting recurrence was 83.48%, the specificity was 56.38%. With the total score of sinus CT>15, the sensitivity of predicting recurrence was 51.30% and the specificity was 87.25%. The combined sensitivity of predictive recurrence was 92.00% and the specificity was 49.20%. Conclusion: The percentage of EOS in nasal polyps and the total score of sinus CT in patients with CRSwNP have better predictive diagnostic value for recurrence of nasal polyps.

[Evaluation of efficacy of 1 year after completing the 2-year specific sublingual immunotherapy treatment course in allergic rhinitis]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of treatment at 1 year after completing the 2-year specific sublingual immunotherapy in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods: A retrospective analysis of 124 patients with AR who were allergic to dust mite and treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University since 2012 was performed. All patients achieved sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for 2 years and had a regular follow-up over 1 year. Efficacy evaluation index such as VAS score, total nasal symptom score and total medication score were compared between the time of SLIT for 2 years, and 1 year after termination of SLIT. Paired t test was used for the comparison of scores. Results: Compared with those before treatment, the VAS score, total nasal symptom score and total medication score at the time of SLIT for 2 years were significantly decreased in all patients with AR [(9.40±5.96) vs (24.78±6.36), (4.53±2.06) vs (9.51±2.02), (0.42±0.87) vs (3.02±0.41), t value was 17.627, 24.600, 5.331, respectively, all P<0.01]. Compared with 2 years SLIT treatment, VAS score and total nasal symptom score were significantly increased than 1 year after termination of immunotherapy [(12.52±6.92) vs (9.40±5.96), (5.30±2.36) vs (4.53±2.06), t=5.199, 3.744, respectively, all P<0.01], but the total medication score showed no significant difference [(0.34±0.84) vs (0.42±0.87), t=-1.043, P>0.05]. Conclusions: The symptoms after 2 years SLIT in patients with AR have been well controlled. One year after the termination of SLIT, there is a certain rebound in symptoms, 2 years SLIT may not be the ideal treatment cycle for AR.

[Clinical characteristics and whole exon sequence study of a Chinese family with autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy]

Objective: To explore the genetic characteristics in a Chinese family with autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy (ADLTE) and analyze the correlation between genotype and phenotype. Methods: The natural history, clinical data and peripheral blood sample were collected in all patients and two healthy members of this ADLTE family. Whole exon sequence (WES) analysis strategy was used to explore the underlying mutations. Possible causative genetic variation was further confirmed by direct PCR and Sanger sequencing. The genotype-phenotype features were compared with previously reported cases. Results: A novel pathogenetic LGI1 frameshift mutation p.T134fs was identified in this study. The clinical phenotype was different from reported. Conclusion: This study reports a pathogenic LGI1 mutation in a Chinese ADLTE family for the first time, which suggests that LGI1 is a new genetic abnormality of ADLTE in Chinese.

[Epidemiologic characteristics and risk factors for congenital hypothyroidism from 1989 to 2014 in Beijing]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the epidemiologic characteristics and risk factors for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in Beijing between the years 1989 and 2014.

METHODS

Information on neonatal screening, and diagnoses and treatment of CH from 1989 to 2014 were obtained from the database of the Beijing Neonatal Screening Center. The screening parameter was thyroid-stimulating hormone (thyrotropin; TSH), which was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) from 1989 to 1995, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from 1996 to 2003, and time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (DELFIA(®)) from 2004 to 2014. The cutoff value of each screening method was set as the international standard for the corresponding years (20 mIU/L from 1989 to 1995 and 10 mIU/L from 1996 to 2014). CH was diagnosed using "The Technical Specification of Diagnosis and Treatment of Phenylketonuria and Congenital Hypothyroidism" , published in 2010 by the Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China. Data on live birth infants were obtained from Beijing obstetric quality reports. The incidence of CH using different screening methods was compared, and trends in annual incidence were analyzed. To exclude the influence of different screening methods, data from the years 2004 to 2014 were used to identify the risk factors for CH.

RESULTS

Between 1989 and 2014, the incidence of CH in Beijing was 36.7 per 100 000 individuals, with permanent CH (PCH) and transient CH (TCH) having incidences of 16.4 per 100 000 and 15.9 per 100 000, respectively. The annual incidence of CH increased from 11.2 per 100 000 in 1989 to 51.0 per 100 000 in 2014 (χ(2)=119.02, P<0.001), with PCH increasing from 5.6 to 16.0 per 100 000 (χ(2)=34.38, P<0.001) and TCH increasing from 5.6 to 13.0 per 100 000 (χ(2)=26.93, P<0.001). Among the PCH cases, 70.44% (255/362) were thyroid dysgenesis or ectopic glands, while the other 29.56% (107/362) were dyshormonogenesis. Between 2004 and 2014, the incidence of CH in females (51.7/100 000) was higher than in males (37.0/100 000), and it was higher in post-term (334.5/100 000) and preterm births (77.8/100 000) than that in term births (41.4/100 000). It was also higher in the low birth weight (87.7/100 000) than the normal (42.4/100 000) and high birth weight (42.6/100 000) populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Between 1989 and 2014, there was a tendency towards an increase in the overall incidence of CH, and the incidence of both PCH and TCH in Beijing. Female sex, preterm birth, older gestational age, low birth weight, and preterm birth were risk factors affecting the incidence of CH in Beijing.

Excavatolide B inhibits nonsmall cell lung cancer proliferation by altering peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma expression and PTEN/AKT/NF-Kβ expression

Marine organisms are proven to be rich source of secondary metabolites that can be used to treat various diseases. Excavatolide B (Exc.B), the most abundant metabolite was found in the marine coral Briareum excavatum exhibits cytotoxic effects against lung cancer cell. Treatment of the A549 cells with Exc.B significantly reduced its cell viability and induced cell cycle arrest at subG1 phase in a dose- and time-dependent manner, respectively. Apoptosis induction by Exc.B was further confirmed by decreased pro-caspase 3 expressions and increased proteolytic cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) expression. Furthermore, Exc.B increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and also decreased the antioxidant enzymes such as, Catalase, GPx, SOD, GST, and GSH. The proteomic analysis data revealed that total thirty six proteins were altered by Exc.B. STRING database showed that most of the altered proteins have no interaction between each other. Based on these data, KSR1, RuVBL2, PPAR-γ, and Tenascin X proteins were chosen to validate the 2DE data by Western blotting. Additional experiments demonstrated that Exc.B induced PTEN expression and inhibited pAKT and NF-kB expression. These results provide a novel insight into mechanisms underlying the inhibition of A549 cells growth by excavatolide B. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 290-301, 2017.

The putative involvement of actin-binding proteins and cytoskeleton proteins in pathological mechanisms of ketamine cystitis-Revealed by a prospective pilot study using proteomic approaches

PURPOSE

Ketamine-induced cystitis (KC) among chronic ketamine young abusers has increased dramatically and it has brought attention for Urologists. The underlying pathophysiological mechanism(s) of KC is still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to elucidate the possible pathophysiological mechanism(s) of KC through proteomic techniques.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Bladder tissues are obtained from seven patients with KC, seven patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, and five control subjects who underwent video-urodynamic study followed by augmentation enterocystoplasty to increase bladder capacity. 2DE/MS/MS-based approach, functional classifications, and network analyses are used for proteomic and bioinformatics analyses and protein validation is carried out by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Among the proteins identified, bioinformatics analyses revealed that several actin binding related proteins such as cofilin-1, myosin light polypeptide 9, filamin A, gelsolin, lamin A are involved in the apoptosis. Besides, the contractile proteins and cytoskeleton proteins such as myosin light polypeptide 9, filamin A, and calponin are found downregulated in KC bladders.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Increased apoptosis in KC might be mediated by actin-binding proteins and a Ca²⁺ -activated protease. Rapid detrusor contraction in KC might be induced by contractile proteins and cytoskeleton proteins.

[The 452th case: rash, hypotension, abdominal pain and headache]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized with multiple organ involvements. Acute acalculous cholecystitis(AAC) is an extremely rare manifestation of digestive system involvement in SLE. We reported a case of 32-year-old woman who complained skin rashes for two weeks and stomachache and oliguria for one day. She had rashes at onset, and developed fever, stomachache, hypotension and headache. Physical examination at admission indicated blood pressure 76/47 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), heart rate 107 beats/min, warm acra. Murphy's sign was positive. Ultrasound suggested the enlarged gallbladder with surrounding hypoecho band yet no biliary calculi were found. A diagnosis of SLE was made, characteristic with distributive shock at the onset and AAC, complicated with neuropsychiatric lupus and lupus nephritis. She had an acute and severe course of disease, which had been relieved after treatment of high dose glucocorticoid and immunosuppressants. This case arouses clinicians to pay more attention to AAC as a rare form of disease flare in SLE. Early diagnosis of AAC is crucial to a favorable prognosis and in avoid of abdominal surgery.

Abstract P5-08-20: Breast cancer patient survival prediction based on the signature derived from DNA methylation and mRNA expression

We analyzed a subset in the TCGA breast cancer data set for the samples with both expression and methylation assays. We first used the three Immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers for ER, PR and HER2 to find methylation sites that showed significant association to the IHC markers with Bonferroni adjustments. We obtained 2616 methylation sites in 2148 genes in the union of these significant methylation sites. On the other hand, based on the gene expression of samples, we selected top one percent most variable genes (179 genes). Intersection of the 2616 methylation markers with the 179 genes resulted in 58 methylation markers in 43 genes. We found 339 samples which have both expression and methylation data from which we can compute the correlation between the expression of a gene and the methylation of a marker in this gene. We defined a methylation expression index (MEI) which was a weighted sum of the expression of the 43 genes using the negative Spearman correlations as the weights. The expression index was applied in the survival analysis in three independent data sets GSE6532, NKI and METABRIC using Kaplan-Meier method and found the significant difference between the patient groups with high and low MEI index. Compared to the signature derived from the first principal component, the MEI gave better survival prediction across different data sets. We used Cox proportional hazards regression model to evaluate the hazard ratio of the MEI with adjustment of the other variables including age, grade, tumor size, ER and node and found HR=1.58 for the MEI with 95% confidence interval [1.06, 2.35].

Citation Format: Yang HH, Lee MP. Breast cancer patient survival prediction based on the signature derived from DNA methylation and mRNA expression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-08-20.

Transcriptional regulation of the iac locus from Acinetobacter baumannii by the phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid

The iac locus is involved in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) catabolism in Acinetobacter baumannii. Nine structural genes of iac are transcribed in the same direction, whereas iacR, which encodes a MarR-type transcriptional regulator, is transcribed in the opposite direction. The IacA protein, which is encoded by the second structural gene of the iac locus, is expressed in an IAA-dependent manner. Here, we characterized gene expression from this locus in wild type A. baumannii and in an iacR mutant; this revealed that the iacH promoter is negatively regulated by IacR. The transcriptional site of iacH was determined by using 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends; one IacR-binding site was identified between positions -35 and +28 of the iacH promoter. Sequence analysis and an electrophoretic mobility shift assay indicated that recombinant IacR binds specifically to a sequence with dyad symmetry in the iacR-iacH overlapping promoters in the absence of IAA. In addition, a two-plasmid expression system in Escherichia coli showed that IAA probably serves as a ligand that binds to IacR and releases it from the iacH promoter, thereby allowing RNA polymerase to transcribe iac. Thus, iac is expressed in order to promote IAA degradation, whereas free IacR is required for iac repression. We conclude that IacR serves as a key regulator of IAA degradation in A. baumannii in the rhizosphere. These results provide new insights into the possible role of A. baumannii in the environment.

Antrodia cinnamomea profoundly exalted the reversion of activated hepatic stellate cells by the alteration of cellular proteins

The direct modulation of Antrodia cinnamomea (AC) on the prominent role of liver fibrosis-hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in situ remains unclear. Firstly, the administration of A. cinnamomea mycelial extract (ACME) could improve liver morphology and histological changes including collagen formation and GPT activity in the liver of thioacetamide (TAA)-injured rats. The morphology and fatty acid restore of TAA-induced HSCs (THSCs) returned to the non-chemical induced HSCs (NHSCs) type as measured by immunofluorescence and Oil Red O staining. PPARγ was upregulated associated with the lowering of α-SMA protein in NHSC-ACME. ACME inhibited the MMP-2 activity in NHSCs by gelatin Zymography. After LC-MS/MS, the cytoskeleton (tubulin, lamin A) and heat shock protein 8 in NHSC-ACME, and guanylate kinase, brain-specific kinase, SG-II and p55 proteins were downregulated in THSC-ACME. Whereas MHC class II, SMC6 protein, and phospholipase D were upregulated in NHSC-ACME. Furthermore, PKG-1 was downregulated in NHSC-ACME and upregulated in THSC-ACME. SG-II and p55 proteins were downregulated in NHSC-ACME and THSC-ACME by Western blotting. Taken together, the beneficial effect of A. cinnamomea on the induction of HSC cellular proteins is potentially applied as an alternative and complementary medicine for the prevention and amelioration of a liver injury.

Characterization of a novel resistance-related deoxycytidine deaminase from Brassica oleracea var. capitata

Brassica oleracea deoxycytidine deaminase (BoDCD), a deoxycytidine deaminase (DCD, EC 3.5.4.14) enzyme, is known to play an important role in the Trichoderma harzianum ETS 323 mediated resistance mechanism in young leaves of B. oleracea var. capitata during Rhizoctonia solani infection. BoDCD potentially neutralizes cytotoxic products of host lipoxygenase activity, and thereby BoDCD restricts the hypersensitivity-related programmed cell death induced in plants during the initial stages of infection. To determine the biochemical characteristics and to partially elucidate the designated functional properties of BoDCD, the enzyme was cloned into an Escherichia coli expression system, and its potential to neutralize the toxic analogues of 2'-deoxycytidine (dC) was examined. BoDCD transformants of E. coli cells were found to be resistant to 2'-deoxycytidine analogues at all of the concentrations tested. The BoDCD enzyme was also overexpressed as a histidine-tagged protein and purified using nickel chelating affinity chromatography. The molecular weight of BoDCD was determined to be 20.8 kDa as visualized by SDS-PAGE. The substrate specificity and other kinetic properties show that BoDCD is more active in neutralizing cytotoxic cytosine β-d-arabinofuranoside than in deaminating 2'-deoxycytinde to 2'-deoxyuridine in nucleic acids or in metabolizing cytidine to uridine. The optimal temperature and pH of the enzyme were 27 °C and 7.5. The Km and Vmax values of BoDCD were, respectively, 91.3 μM and 1.475 mM for its natural substrate 2'-deoxycytidine and 63 μM and 2.072 mM for cytosine β-d-arabinofuranoside. The phenomenon of neutralization of cytotoxic dC analogues by BoDCD is discussed in detail on the basis of enzyme biochemical properties.

Syntheses and structures of Zr4 tetrahedral clusters containing direct Zr-Zr bonds: the missing cluster in the series Zr(n) (n = 2-6)

The reduction of [(μ(2)-H)( μ(3)-H)(Cp*ZrCl)](4) by excess Na/Hg led to the isolation of the mixed-valence Zr(III)/Zr(IV) Zr(4) cluster [(μ(2)-H)(8)(μ(2)-Cl)(2)(Cp*Zr)(4)], 1, and the Zr(II)/Zr(III) Zr(4) cluster [(μ(2)-H)(6)(Cp*Zr)(4)], 2. The proton NMR data supports the diamagnetic property of both clusters in solution and the solid state structure of each cluster revealed a distorted tetrahedral skeleton comprised of four Zr atoms and the presence of direct Zr-Zr bonds. The hydride-bridged Zr-Zr bond distances are in the range of 3.0516(6)-3.0585(6) Å in 1 and 3.0525(13)-3.0864(13) Å in 2. The chloride-bridged Zr-Zr distances in 1 are 3.5514(6) and 3.5643(6) Å. The existence of Zr-Zr bonds in both clusters was further confirmed by DFT calculations. 1 and 2 represent the first examples of Zr(4) tetrahedrons containing direct Zr-Zr bonds.

Depletion of albumin and immunoglobulin G from human serum using epitope-imprinted polymers as artificial antibodies

Serum is a readily available source for noninvasive studies in clinical research, but it contains abundant proteins such as albumin and immunoglobulin G that can hinder the presence of low-abundant proteins as well as decrease sample loading capacity of analytical methods. Therefore, depletion of these two proteins is required to observe low-abundance serum proteins. Molecularly imprinted polymers are template-induced artificial antibodies with the ability to recognize and selectively bind the target molecule. In this study, artificial albumin and immunoglobulin G antibodies were developed by using two epitopes of human serum albumin and immunoglobulin G as templates. Acrylic acid, acrylamide, and N-acryl tyramine were the corresponding monomers; N,N'-ethylene bisacrylamide served as a cross-linker, and cellulosic fibers were used as a supporting matrix. The adsorption capacity of these artificial antibodies was 15.2 mg, 10 mg, and 15 μL per gram for human serum albumin, immunoglobulin G, and human serum, respectively. The dissociation constant (Kd ) of these artificial antibodies toward the human serum albumin and immunoglobulin G was 1 μM and 0.6 μM, respectively. The biomimetic properties of these artificial antibodies, coupled with their economical and rapid production, high specificity and their reusability, make them attractive for protein separation and analysis.

Trichoderma harzianum ETS 323-mediated resistance in Brassica oleracea var. capitata to Rhizoctonia solani involves the novel expression of a glutathione S-transferase and a deoxycytidine deaminase

Plant interactions with microbial biocontrol agents are used as experimental models to understand resistance-related molecular adaptations of plants. In a hydroponic three-way interaction study, a novel Trichoderma harzianum ETS 323 mediated mechanism was found to induce resistance to Rhizoctonia solani infection in Brassica oleracea var. capitata plantlets. The R. solani challenge on leaves initiate an increase in lipoxygenase activity and associated hypersensitive tissue damage with characteristic "programmed cell death" that facilitate the infection. However, B. oleracea plantlets whose roots were briefly (6 h) colonized by T. harzianum ETS 323 developed resistance to R. solani infection through a significant reduction of the host hypersensitive tissue damage. The resistance developed in the distal leaf tissue was associated with the expression of a H(2)O(2)-inducible glutathione S-transferase (BoGST), which scavenges cytotoxic reactive electrophiles, and of a deoxycytidine deaminase (BoDCD), which modulates the host molecular expression and potentially neutralizes the DNA adducts and maintains DNA integrity. The cDNAs of BoGST and BoDCD were cloned and sequenced; their expressions were verified by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis and were found to be transcriptionally activated during the three-way interaction.

Determination of proteins at nanogram levels by a resonance light-scattering technique with tetra-substituted sulphonated aluminum phthalocyanine

This is the first report on the determination of proteins with tetra-substituted sulphonated aluminum phthalocyanine (AlS(4)Pc) by resonance light-scattering (RLS). At pH 3.0, the weak RLS of AlS(4)Pc can be enhanced by the addition of proteins. Based on this, a novel quantitative method has been developed for the determination of proteins in aqueous solutions. Under optimal conditions, the linear ranges of the calibration curves were 0.050-2.0 mug ml(-1) for both human serum albumin (HSA) and human r-IgG. The detection limits were 12.7 ng ml(-1) for HSA and 16.1 ng ml(-1) for human r-IgG. The method has been applied to the analysis of total protein in human serum samples collected from the hospital and the results were in good agreement with those reported by the hospital, which indicates that the method presented here is not only sensitive, simple, but also reliable and suitable for practical applications.

Selective determination of arbutin in cosmetic products through online derivatization followed by disposable electrochemical sensor

An online derivatization followed by a disposable electrochemical sensor was used for the determination of arbutin (AR) in cosmetic products. The AR was chemically oxidized by MnO2 and subsequently reduced at inexpensive screen-printed carbon electrodes using a low detection potential which improved the selectivity of the method. The effects of various parameters, such as solution pH, detection potential, and flow rate of the mobile phase, were studied in detail. Under optimal conditions [pH 1.6 (0.1 M H3PO4), detection potential 0.0 V (versus Ag/AgCl), flow rate 0.6 mL/min], the linear range for AR was 0.1-1500 ppm (r2 = 0.999) with LOD of 30.06 ppb (S/N = 3). The practical application of the proposed method was demonstrated by the determination of arbutin concentration in commercial cosmetic products.

Activation of NAG-1 via JNK signaling revealed an isochaihulactone-triggered cell death in human LNCaP prostate cancer cells

Background

We explored the mechanisms of cell death induced by isochaihulactone treatment in LNCaP cells.

Methods

LNCaP cells were treated with isochaihulactone and growth inhibition was assessed. Cell cycle profiles after isochaihulactone treatment were determined by flow cytometry. Expression levels of cell cycle regulatory proteins, caspase 9, caspase 3, and PARP were determined after isochaihulactone treatment. Signaling pathway was verified by inhibitors pre-treatment. Expression levels of early growth response gene 1 (EGR-1) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene 1 (NAG-1) were determined to investigate their role in LNCaP cell death. NAG-1 expression was knocked down by si-NAG-1 siRNA transfection. Rate of cell death and proliferation were obtained by MTT assay.

Results

Isochaihulactone caused cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in LNCaP cells, which was correlated with an increase of p53 and p21 levels and downregulation of the checkpoint proteins cdc25c, cyclin B1, and cdc2. Bcl-2 phosphorylation and caspase activation were also observed. Isochaihulactone induced phosphorylation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), and JNK inhibitor partially reduced isochaihulactone-induced cell death. Isochaihulactone also induced the expressions of EGR-1 and NAG-1. Expression of NAG-1 was reduced by JNK inhibitor, and knocking down of NAG-1 inhibited isochaihulactone-induced cell death.

Conclusions

Isochaihulactone apparently induces G2/M cell cycle arrest via downregulation of cyclin B1 and cdc2, and induces cellular death by upregulation of NAG-1 via JNK activation in LNCaP cells.

Abstract P3-04-04: Novel Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Signatures of Primary Breast Tumor Subtypes

Background: Gene expression signatures can be used to classify breast tumor tissues into distinct categories: luminal, “basal”, and HER2 subtypes, which have distinct clinical prognoses. Since gene expression is largely determined at the level of epigenetic modification, we hypothesize that DNA methylation signatures may also be used to classify breast tumor subtypes and possibly to define new cancer subtypes; thus, such epigenetic signatures can complement gene expression signatures for a better understanding of breast tumorigenesis and in turn, may lead to improvement in clinical diagnosis.

Material and Methods: We used antibodies to 5-methylcytosine to immunoprecipitate DNA enriched for methylation by means of the MeDIP method on 66 breast primary tumors. Then we analyzed the MeDIP-derived DNA by means of the Affymetrix 500K SNP array. We normalized DNA methylation data from the 66 tumors using a modified quantile normalization procedure. The data were generated in two phases, phase 1 consisting of 42 tumors and phase 2 containing 24 tumors, data from the latter being reserved for validation purposes. We concentrated DNA methylation analysis on the SNPs that are located within promoter regions, defined here as +/− 2 kb flanking the transcription start site (TSS), and within CpG islands, since methylation in these regions is especially relevant for gene expression regulation. We searched for DNA methylation signatures that show distinct patterns among tumors with different clinical phenotypes such as histological grade and lymph node involvement. Results: We identified one DNA methylation signature consists of 78 genes that separated the tumors with high grade from those with low-mid grade; we found another DNA methylation signature consists of 42 genes that separated the tumors with lymph node positive status from those with lymph node negative status. We were able to validate these signatures using methylation data obtained from an independent set of 24 tumors. The performance of the signature for predicting lymph node status in the testing samples showed accuracy of 83%, sensitivity of 70%, and specificity of 90%.

Discussion: We have identified DNA methylation signatures that could classify breast tumor subtypes and correlate with clinical phenotypes. We are investigating whether such epigenetic signatures can complement gene expression signatures for a better understanding of breast tumorigenesis and for application in clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-04-04.

The influence of complete coronary revascularization on long-term outcomes in patients with multivessel coronary heart disease undergoing successful percutaneous coronary intervention

The influence of complete revascularization (CR) compared with incomplete revascularization (ICR) on long-term outcomes was assessed in patients with multivessel coronary heart disease undergoing successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A retrospective analysis of the clinical data, lesion type and PCI data was carried out in 324 patients with multivessel coronary heart disease (CR group, 99 patients; ICR group, 225 patients). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were recorded at follow-up (mean +/- SD follow-up interval, 18 +/- 7.1 months). There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups at follow-up, although the CR group showed a non-significant tendency to a higher incidence of non-fatal myocardial infarction, cardiac death, repeated revascularization and MACE compared with the ICR group. In conclusion, the long-term prognosis for ICR was not inferior to that for CR in patients with multivessel coronary heart disease undergoing successful PCI.

Effects of serum on phagocytic activity and proteomic analysis of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) serum after acute osmotic stress

The objective of the study was to analyze the effect of serum from freshwater (FW) exposed tilapia or from 25 ppt seawater (SW) exposed tilapia on the ability to mediate the phagocytic activity of tilapia phagocytes. To analyze the phagocytic activity, head kidney (HK) and spleen leukocytes were tested in 300 or 500 mOsm medium using three different treatment groups (a) control, (b) addition of 25% serum from freshwater (FW) exposed tilapia, and (c) addition of 25% of serum from 25 ppt seawater (SW) exposed tilapia. HK leukocytes cultured in 300 and 500 mOsm media for 4 h showed an increase of phagocytic ability in the control group as compared to the addition of serum from either FW or SW exposed tilapia. HK leukocytes exposed to 500 mOsm medium showed a higher phagocytic ability than those leukocytes exposed to 300 mOsm medium in each corresponding group. Concurrently, spleen leukocytes in the control group showed a higher phagocytic ability than those leukocytes with the addition of serum from FW or SW exposed tilapia. As compared to spleen leukocytes cultured in 300 mOsm medium, leukocytes cultured in 500 mOsm medium showed an increase of phagocytic ability within their respective group. To further investigate the observed phenomenon, 2D-gel electrophoresis was performed for analyzing the differentially expressed proteins in serum that was thought to influence the phagocytic ability. Up-regulated serum proteins in SW exposed tilapia contained complement C3 protein, NADH dehydrogenase (Ubiquinone) Fe-S protein 3, Mg(2+)-dependent neutral sphingomyelinase, Semaphorins, and Caspase 3. Taken together these results suggest that addition of serum decreased the phagocytic activity in HK and spleen leukocytes in vitro, furthermore, induced proteins semaphorin, complement C3, Mg(2+)-dependent neutral sphingomyelinase, and Caspase 3 are up-regulated in the serum, which might have decreased the phagocytic activity upon exposure to hyperosmotic solutions.