Survivin in Brain Tumors: An Attractive Target for Immunotherapy

Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins gene family, was recently shown to be expressed by tumors originating from different cell lineages. There are also cumulative evidences that spontaneous immune response against survivin derived epitopes may occur. Here, using RT-PCR, Western-blot analysis and immunohistochemistry, we show that survivin is widely expressed by gliomas, meningiomas and schwannomas, both in vitro and in vivo. These data indicate that survivin may serve as an attractive target for immunotherapies designed for brain tumors.     

5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase common mutations, folate status and plasma homocysteine in healthy French adults of the Supplementation en Vitamines et Mineraux Antioxydants (SU.VI.MAX) cohort

The 677cytosine mutation identified in the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene has been frequently associated with an elevated plasma homocysteine concentration. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of this MTHFR common mutation on plasma and erythrocyte folate (RCF) and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations in healthy French adults. A cohort of 291 subjects living in the Paris area and participating in the Supplementation en Vitamines et Mineraux Antioxydants (SU.VI.MAX) study were analysed to assess the impact of MTHFR polymorphism 677C-->T on folate status and plasma tHcy concentration. The frequency of the mutant homozygote for 677C-->T polymorphism (677TT genotype) in the present cohort was 16.8%. There were significant differences in plasma tHcy between 677CC, 677CT and 677TT genotype groups. The RCF concentrations were significantly different between each genotype, the lowest levels being associated with the 677TT genotype. When segregated by gender, no differences in tHcy between homozygous 677TT, heterozygous 677CT and wild-type 677CC genotype groups in women were observed. The fasting tHcy in women was unrelated to the 677C-->T mutation. However, tHcy was significantly increased in men with the homozygous 677TT genotype. We also analysed the possible implication of a second new MTHFR polymorphism (1298A-->C) in subjects with mild hyperhomocysteinaemia (4th quartile of homocysteinaemia; tHcy >11.1 micromol/l). The polymorphism 1298A-->C did not have a notable effect on tHcy or on the RCF levels. Our observations confirm a relatively high frequency of the 677TT genotype in the French population. Women with this genotype did not show the same increase in tHcy observed in men. In the present study dietary folate intake was not measured. Thus, the interaction of dietary folate with the MTHFR genotype in the French population needs further study.     

Estrogenic and antiproliferative activities on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells by flavonoids

The interaction between the estrogen receptor and a variety of flavonoids was studied in the presence or absence of estradiol using a stably-transfected human breast cancer cell line (MVLN). On the other hand, flavonoids were evaluated for their effects on proliferation in estrogen-dependent (MCF-7) and independent (MDA-MB231) human breast cancer cells. We established a relationship structure-activity and determined regions and/or substituents essential for estrogenic or antiestrogenic activities. In contrast, we did not find the same relationship for cell proliferation. Among all flavonoids used, only 7-methoxyflavanone and 7,8-dihydroxyflavone at high concentrations (50 μM) possess antiestrogenic and antiproliferative activities. These results suggest that two hydroxyls (in positions 7 and 8) or 7-methoxy substituents are essential for the antiestrogenic activity of flavonoids. However, it seems that flavonoids at high concentrations exert their antiproliferative activity through other estrogen receptor-independent mechanisms.     

Caloric and rotatory chair test results in patients with Ménière's disease.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether an association exists between the parameters of the caloric and rotatory chair tests in patients with unilateral Ménière's disease. METHODS: Patients with unilateral Ménière's disease (n = 100) were subjected to the caloric and the rotatory chair test (sinusoidal harmonic acceleration and impulsive tests) on the same day. Canal paresis and directional preponderance were assessed in the caloric test, and different variables were measured in the rotatory chair test based on the existence of abnormal parameters in the vestibulo-ocular reflex at two or three consecutive frequencies of those tested and on the time constant of the vestibulo-ocular reflex. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A prospective study was conducted at a University hospital. RESULTS: An abnormal result in the caloric test was obtained from 73% of the patients. In the rotatory chair test, the most frequent abnormal findings involved increases in the normal phase lead at 2 consecutive frequencies tested (23%). There was a stronger association between an abnormal result in phase, gain, and/or symmetry at three adjacent frequencies and a pathological result in the caloric test. CONCLUSION: Very few of the criteria used to define the caloric and rotatory chair tests seem to be associated. This confirms previous knowledge that both tests examine vestibulo-ocular reflex by different ways. Only when vestibular dysfunction is severe enough (manifested by the finding of an abnormal result in at least three consecutive frequencies in the rotatory chair test), the caloric test is also found to be abnormal.     

Richter’s hernia occurring through a 5-mm laparoscopy sheath incision

We report a case of postoperative Richter’s hernia presenting through a 5-mm sheath incision. A 58-year-old woman having undergone laparoscopic hysterectomy 8 days before presented with severe left abdominal pain, nausea and light-headedness. The hypothesis of a sigmoid volvulus was suggested based on peroperative rectum and sigmoid release, the X-ray finding, and pain evolution. A secondary laparoscopic procedure allowed both diagnosis of a Richter’s hernia through a 5-mm sheath incision and surgical repair of the hernia. The use of this sheath during the laparoscopic vagina suture caused extension of the wound. Large 5-mm sheath defect sufficient for a Richter’s hernia can be created by multiple passes with small instruments and require surgical closure at the end of laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is useful in cases of postoperative complications, particularly when other complementary examinations are less informative.     

Circulating tumor DNA predicts efficacy of a dual AKT/p70S6K inhibitor (LY2780301) plus paclitaxel in metastatic breast cancer: plasma analysis of the TAKTIC phase IB/II study

The phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is frequently activated in HER2‐negative breast cancer and may play a role in taxane resistance. The phase IB/II TAKTIC trial ({"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT01980277","term_id":"NCT01980277"}}NCT01980277) has shown that combining a dual AKT and p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) inhibitor (LY2780301) taken orally with weekly paclitaxel in HER2‐negative advanced breast cancer is feasible, with preliminary evidence of efficacy. We wanted to explore whether circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) may be a surrogate marker of treatment efficacy in this setting. Serial plasma samples were collected and cell‐free DNA was sequenced using low‐coverage whole‐genome sequencing, and analysis was completed with droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for some patients with driver mutations. Baseline tumor fraction (TF) and TF after 7 weeks on treatment were compared to progression‐free survival (PFS) and the overall response rate. We also explored circulating copy number alterations associated with treatment failure. Of the 51 patients enrolled in the TAKTIC trial, at least one plasma sample was available for 44 cases (96 timepoints). All patients with tumor TP53, PI3KCA, or AKT1 mutations harbored at least one of these alterations in plasma. TF at inclusion was correlated with PFS (6m‐PFS was 92% for ctDNAneg patients vs 68% for ctDNApos cases; hazard ratio [HR] = 3.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.34–8.90], P = 0.007). ctDNA status at week 7 was not correlated with prognosis. Even though most circulating copy number alterations were conserved at disease progression, some genomic regions of interest were altered in post‐progression samples. In conclusion, ctDNA detection at baseline was associated with shorter PFS in patients included in the TAKTIC trial. Plasma‐based copy number analysis may help to identify alterations involved in resistance to treatment.     

Structural Study of Sulfur-Added Carbon Nanohorns

In the past few decades, nanostructured carbons (NCs) have been investigated for their interesting properties, which are attractive for a wide range of applications in electronic devices, energy systems, sensors, and support materials. One approach to improving the properties of NCs is to dope them with various heteroatoms. This work describes the synthesis and study of sulfur-added carbon nanohorns (S-CNH). Synthesis of S-CNH was carried out by modified chemical vapor deposition (m-CVD) using toluene and thiophene as carbon and sulfur sources, respectively. Some parameters such as the temperature of synthesis and carrier gas flow rates were modified to determine their effect on the properties of S-CNH. High-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy analysis showed the presence of hollow horn-type carbon nanostructures with lengths between 1 to 3 µm and, diameters that are in the range of 50 to 200 nm. Two types of carbon layers were observed, with rough outer layers and smooth inner layers. The surface textural properties are attributed to the defects induced by the sulfur intercalated into the lattice or bonded with the carbon. The XRD patterns and X-ray microanalysis studies show that iron serves as the seed for carbon nanohorn growth and iron sulfide is formed during synthesis.     

Alternative Materials from Agro-Industry for Wood Panel Manufacturing—A Review

The growing demand for wood-based panels for buildings and furniture and the increasing worldwide concern for reducing the pressure on forest resources require alternatives to wood raw materials. The agricultural industry not only can provide raw materials from non-wood plants but also numerous residues and side streams. This review supplies an overview of the availability, chemical composition, and fiber characteristics of non-wood lignocellulosic materials and agricultural residues, i.e., grow care residues, harvest residues, and process residues, and their relevance for use in wood panel manufacturing. During the crop harvest, there are millions of tons of residues in the form of stalks, among other things. Usually, these are only available seasonally without using storage capacity. Process residues, on the other hand, can be taken from ongoing production and processed further. Fiber characteristics and chemical composition affect the panel properties. Alternatives to wood with long fibers and high cellulose content offer sufficient mechanical strength in different panel types. In general, the addition of wood substitutes up to approximately 30% provides panels with the required strength properties. However, other parameters must be considered, such as pressing temperature, adhesive type, press levels, and pretreatments of the raw material. The search for new raw materials for wood panels should focus on availability throughout the year, the corresponding chemical requirements and market competition. Panel type and production process can be adapted to different raw materials to fit niche products.     

Nutritional Assessment and Interventions in Elective Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: a Detailed Review and Guide to Management

Purpose of Review8.5 to 50% of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients are reported to have preoperative malnutrition. The narrative review identifies the relationship between preoperative malnutrition for TJA patients and postoperative outcomes as well as the use of perioperative nutritional intervention to improve postoperative complications.Recent FindingsBiochemical/laboratory, anthropometric, and clinical measures have been widely used to identify preoperative nutritional deficiency. Specifically, serum albumin is the most prevalent used marker in TJA because it has been proven to be correlated with protein-energy malnutrition due to the surgical stress response. However, there remains a sustained incidence of preoperative malnutrition in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients due to a lack of agreement among the available nutritional screening tools and utilization of isolated laboratory, anthropometric, and clinical variables. Previous investigations have also suggested preoperative malnutrition to be a prognostic indicator of complications in general, cardiac, vascular, and orthopaedic surgery specialties.SummarySerum albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, and total lymphocyte count (TLC) can be used to identify at-risk patients. It is important to employ these markers in the preoperative setting because malnourished TKA and THA patients have shown to have worse postoperative outcomes including prolonged length, increased reoperation rates, increased infection rates, and increased mortality rates. Although benefits from high-protein and high-anti-inflammatory diets have been exhibited, additional research is needed to confirm the use of perioperative nutritional intervention as an appropriate treatment for preoperative TJA patients.