| Adoptive Immunotherapy for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Using T Cells Simultaneously Targeted to Tumor and Tumor-Associated Macrophages |
Nov 2012 |
16 pages |
| Authors:
John Maher; KING'S COLL LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM)
|
 | The hypothesis underlying this synergistic partnership award was that immunotherapy of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing T-cells would be potentiated if simultaneous targeting of tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) was achieved. To test this hypothesis, we initially engineered T-cells to express CARs with specificity for MUC1 (expressed by tumor cells) and CSF-1R (expressed both by tumor cells and TAM). In-vitro experiments demonstrated some efficacy of ... |
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| Preclinical Studies of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Astrocyte Transplantation in ALS |
Oct 2012 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
Nicholas J Maragakis; Hongjun Song; JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV BALTIMORE MD SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
|
| We have made substantial progress in obtaining skin biopsies with subsequent fibroblast cultures of a number of sporadic ALS, familial ALS, and control subjects in the last year. We have created numerous iPS cell lines from these patient samples and have characterized their long-term differentiation into astroglia. We now have data from the in vivo transplantation of these astroglial progenitors into rat spinal cords. We have characterized several control and ... |
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| Evaluation of Androgen Receptor Function in Prostate Cancer Prognosis and Therapeutic Stratification |
Oct 2012 |
15 pages |
| Authors:
Albert Dobi; JACKSON (HENRY M) FOUNDATION BETHESDA MD
|
| Initially prostate cancer development is driven by the male hormone androgen through the androgen receptor, however, in some patients androgen receptor becomes dysfunctional at late stages of tumorigenesis. Early knowledge of the androgen receptor dysfunctions, what would make prostate tumors refractory to routine androgen ablation therapy, should help in patient stratification for other emerging therapeutic strategies. We proposed a novel approach for evaluating potential dysfunctions of the androgen receptor by ... |
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| Structure and Function of the Splice Variants of TMPRSS2-ERG, a Prevalent Genomic Alteration in Prostate Cancer |
Sep 2012 |
85 pages |
| Authors:
Shiv Srivastava; HENRY M JACKSON FOUNDATION ROCKVILLE MD
|
| We hypothesized that specific ERG splice forms in TMPRSS2-ERG fusion transcripts are selectively expressed in CaP cells and are functionally relevant in CaP. The specific aims of this study were to characterize full length sequences of TMPRSS2-ERG transcripts; to quantitatively evaluate selected TMPRSS2-ERG variants in CaP specimens and their prognostic features; and to defined the functional significance of specific splice variants of the rearranged ERG locus in CaP. We have ... |
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| Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP)-specific Quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Assay for Analyzing Competition and Emergence of the Military Hypersporulating Strains of Bacillus Atrophaeous var. Globigii |
Sep 2012 |
28 pages |
| Authors:
Doncho V Zhelev; Christopher Dupuis; Suelynn Ren; Anna Le; Mia Hunt; Henry Gibbons; ARMY RESEARCH LAB ADELPHI MD SENSORS AND ELECTRON DEVICES DIRECTORATE
|
| The utility of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for detecting phenotype-specific subpopulations is increasing with the increased understanding of the role of SNPs in adaptation. Based on the recently identification of the Spo0FH101R mutation as phenotype-defining for the hypersporulating military strains of B. atrophaeus, we are developing an assay to detect and quantify hypersporulating military strains of Bacillus atrophaeus var globigii (BG) from mixed cultures with ancestral low spore yield Bacillus ... |
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| Development of a Novel Microfluidic Platform for Multiple Sclerosis Study |
01 Aug 2012 |
6 pages |
| Authors:
In H Yang; JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV BALTIMORE MD
|
| Neural stem cells (NSC) are multipotent cells isolated from striatal tissue and the subventricular zone, which is one of a few neurogenic areas in the adult brain. Evidence suggests that NSC proliferation and differentiation occur under physiological conditions and can be enhanced in certain pathological conditions following neural damage. However, the communication between soluble factors of inflammatory T cells and NSCs that affect the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs remain ... |
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| Interinstrument Variability and Validation Study for the XMX/2L-MIL Biological Air Sampler |
13 Jul 2012 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Jon E Black; Casey W Cooper; SCHOOL OF AEROSPACE MEDICINE WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB OH
|
| The interinstrument variability of the XMX/2L-MIL (XMX) biological air sampler was controlled by operating it with a fixed final nozzle orientation. Three XMXs were operated in a 12-m3 aerosol test chamber (ATC) in which a Bacillus globigii (Bg) aerosol was uniformly distributed for 18 experimental trials. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the XMX results and had an Fvalue of 0.36, compared to the F-critical of 3.22 for ... |
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| Human Neural Cell-Based Biosensor |
05 Jul 2012 |
4 pages |
| Authors:
Steven L Stice; Jamie Chilton; ARUNA BIOMEDICAL INC ATHENS GA
|
| The purpose of this project is to develop in vitro, cell based biosensors for environmental toxins. By using ArunA s neural cell lines derived from both human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), our goal is to provide a human neural cell based biosensor that is a more biologically relevant model of human physiology. This report focused on the differentiation of hESC- and hiPSC-derived neural ... |
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| Diarrhea Outbreak During U.S. Military Training In El Salvador |
Jul 2012 |
10 pages |
| Authors:
Matthew R Kasper; Andres G Lescano; Carmen Lucas; Duncan Gilles; Brian J Biese; Gary Stolovitz; Erik J Reaves; NAVAL MEDICAL RESEARCH INST DETACHMENT LIMA (PERU)
|
| Infectious diarrhea remains a major risk to deployed military units worldwide in addition to their impact on travelers and populations living in the developing world. This report describes an outbreak of diarrheal illness in the U.S. military's 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade deployed in San Vicente, El Salvador during a training and humanitarian assistance mission. An outbreak investigation team from U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit - Six conducted an epidemiologic survey ... |
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| Interaction of Synuclein and Inflammation in Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration |
Jul 2012 |
8 pages |
| Authors:
Serge Przedborski; Vernice Jackson-Lewis; COLUMBIA UNIV NEW YORK
|
| Parkinson Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease of our aged population behind Alzheimer s Disease. Epidemiological, animal and cell culture studies have shown that inflammation is a part of the PD morphological picture. It has been suggested that -synuclein (a major component of the Lewy bodies present within dopamine neurons of the PD substantia nigra {SN}) is responsible for the observed inflammatory response in the PD brain. ... |
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| Breast Cancer Tissue Bioreactor for Direct Interrogation and Observation of Response to Antitumor Therapies |
Jul 2012 |
65 pages |
| Authors:
Lisa McCawley; VANDERBILT UNIV MEDICAL CENTER ATLANTA GA
|
| Tumor tissue is made up of tumor cells and other surrounding cell types in its microenvironment. This diseased tissue frequently exists in specialized tumor microenvironment such as being less oxygenated and more acidic than healthy tissue. These states profoundly impact anti-tumor drug efficacy. For disease diagnosis, a tumor is frequently biopsied. We believe that if we can maintain a biopsied portion of the tumor tissue in a similar tumor microenvironment, ... |
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| Response of Human Prostate Tissue to Hypofractionated Ionizing Radiation |
May 2012 |
23 pages |
| Authors:
Thomas C Sroka; ARIZONA UNIV TUCSON
|
| The aim of this proposal was to determine the differences in radiobiological response of human prostate tissue to conventional and hypofractionated radiotherapy. Specifically, this proposal characterized the predominant DNA damage response pathway from human prostatectomy specimens in response to a conventional or hypofractionated dose of ionizing radiation. We demonstrate that normal prostate tissue and prostate cancer can be cultured ex vivo using a dynamic culture system and used to study ... |
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| Novel Role of Merlin Tumor Suppressor in Autophagy and its Implication in Treating NF2-Associated Tumors |
Apr 2012 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Toshifumi Tomoda; Jr Jhung Donald; Yuki Hirota; CITY OF HOPE BECKMAN RESEARCH INST DUARTE CA
|
| The overall goal of the proposed research is to elucidate the novel function of Merlin in autophagy, a cellular catabolic pathway implicated in tumorigenesis, and to control the Merlin-mediated tumorigenesis by modulating cellular autophagy. We have recently demonstrated that Merlin binds an autophagy regulator protein, and that loss of Merlin leads to attenuated autophagy as well as enhanced hypoxia or metabolic stress in the three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment in culture, a ... |
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| The Role of Rho GTPases in Breast Cancer Migration and Invasion |
Apr 2012 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Jeffery Smith; SLOAN-KETTERING INST FOR CANCER RESEARCH NEW YORK
|
| Rho-family GTPases are the major regulators of the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton. Regulators of the GTPases include GEFs and GAPs, which control activation and deactivation, respectively, of this family of molecular switches. This study explores the role of the GEF Tiam2 in breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion, which was initially discovered using a siRNA screen in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Protein expression studies are performed using a panel of ... |
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| Comparative Analysis of Two Biological Warfare Air Samplers Using Live Surrogate Agents |
Mar 2012 |
85 pages |
| Authors:
James C Enderby; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
|
| The United States Air Force has several high-volume biological air samplers, including the XMX/2L-MIL and the Biocapture 650. Limited information is available on either in terms of its collection of viruses and bacteria. However, previous research on the XMX/2L-MIL has determined that modifications to the secondary flow rate and the use of a virus preserving collection media may provide improved virus collection rates. In this thesis, these modifications were investigated ... |
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| Characterisation of a Cell Culture System for Investigating Nerve Agent Neurotoxicology. Part 1 |
Mar 2012 |
47 pages |
| Authors:
Georgina Thompson; Justine Lewis; David Mawdsley; DEFENCE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ORGANISATION VICTORIA (AUSTRALIA) HUMAN PROTECTION AND PERFORMANCE DIV
|
| Neuroblastoma cell lines NB41A3 and SH-SY5Y were evaluated as an in vitro model system for studying organophosphorus (OP) chemical toxicity in central nervous system (CNS) cell lineages. Optimal culturing conditions, neuronal differentiation protocols and appropriate cholinergic gene expression were confirmed. The presence of muscarinic receptors and acetylcholinesterase activity was determined. Importantly, differential acetylcholinesterase inhibition by OP chemicals was demonstrated in live cells. This work has developed expertise in neuronal cell ... |
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| The ZNF217 Breast Cancer Oncogene Amplified at 20q13: A Potential Marker for Invasiveness |
Mar 2012 |
16 pages |
| Authors:
Jeffrey P Gregg; Sheryl R Krig; CALIFORNIA UNIV DAVIS
|
| ZNF217 is found amplified at the 20q13.2 locus in 20% of breast tumors. We will explore ZNF217 over-expression as a surrogate marker for 20q13 amplification and a potential biomarker for prediction of invasive potential and metastatic disease. To examine overlap for ZNF217 amplification at 20q13 and ZNF217 overexpression, paraffin-embedded breast tissue samples have been requested and will be screened using aCGH to identify 100 samples that are 20q13-amplified. The ZNF217 ... |
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| Production Methods for a Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapeutic as a Medical Defense Countermeasure |
Feb 2012 |
26 pages |
| Authors:
Timothy R Varney; Christopher M Bowens; Jr Eaton Erik B; III Lehman John G; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF CHEMICAL DEFENSE ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD
|
| The application of cellular therapies to treat battlefield injuries offers a novel and promising approach to address longstanding challenges in the repair of tissue damage with regard to both structural and functional improvement. The results of currently published investigations describing mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) efficacy in a variety of injury models demonstrate the unique qualities of this reparative cell population to adapt to the requirements of the damaged tissue in ... |
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| C4St-1 and Chondroitin Sulfate in Stromal Control of wht Signaling in Breast Cancer |
Feb 2012 |
10 pages |
| Authors:
Michael Kluppel; CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL HOSPITAL CHICAGO IL
|
| Molecules of the tumor microenvironment play a critical role in tumor progression 1-4. The proteoglycan chondroitin sulfate, and chondroitin sulfotransferase genes controlling its sulfation fine structure, has been suggested to play critical roles in many aspects of health and disease 5-10; however, its role in breast cancer progression are not well understood. We investigated a novel chondroitin sulfate-based mechanism of tumor-stromal communication and regulation of the canonical Wnt pathway in ... |
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| Emerging Infectious Disease Surveillance in Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Naval Area Medical Research Unit 2 |
22 Jan 2012 |
35 pages |
| Authors:
Sophal Ear; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
|
| ciEmerging infectious diseases (EIDs) pose international security threats because of their potential to inflict harm upon humans, crops, livestock, health infrastructure, and economies. The following questions stimulated the research described in this paper: What infrastructure is necessary to enable EID surveillance in developing countries? What cultural, political, and economic challenges stand in the way of setting up such infrastructure? And are there general principles that might guide engagement with developing ... |
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| Assessment of Regenerative Capacity in the Dolphin |
10 Oct 2011 |
15 pages |
| Authors:
Jeffrey M Catania; Robert J Harman; VET-STEM INC POWAY CA
|
| Described herein is the technical information pertaining to Year 2 of a multi-year effort to determine and characterize the use of adipose (fat)-derived stem cells in the treatment of epidermal (skin) wounds. Adipose tissue was successfully harvested from the nuchal fat pad of six Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins via liposuction; cells released during the digestion of the adipose tissue were analyzed for cytology, assayed for the total number of colony-forming cells, ... |
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| Preclinical Studies of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Astrocyte Transplantation in ALS |
Oct 2011 |
8 pages |
| Authors:
Nicholas J Maragakis; Hongjun Song; JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV BALTIMORE MD SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
|
| We have made substantial progress in obtaining skin biopsies with subsequent fibroblast cultures of a number of sporadic ALS, familial ALS, and control subjects in the last year. We have collected a variety of ALS phenotypes including slow progressing ALS, primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), lower motor neuron only ALS (LMN), ALS with frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD) and appropriate controls (Total of approximately 85 subjects collected to date). In addition, we have ... |
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| Channeling Nanoparticles for Detection and Targeted Treatment of Breast Cancerous Lesions |
Oct 2011 |
21 pages |
| Authors:
Sophie Lelievre; PURDUE UNIV LAFAYETTE IN
|
| In order to implement the use of nanotools for detection and treatment inside breast channels it is critical to develop cell culture methods that mimic the mammary ductal system characterized by branched channels with decreasing lumen sizes. Here we report the first mimicry of branched mammary ducts. The branched system was first designed using soft lithography and PDMS as the molded material and then using acrylic support to permit round ... |
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| Role of PTP1B in HER2 Signaling in Breast Cancer |
Oct 2011 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Sayanti Saha; AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH PHILADELPHIA PA
|
| The receptor tyrosine kinase HER2/ ErbB2 is overexpressed in about 25% of all breast cancers, and presents an attractive therapeutic target. However, drug resistance is a significant clinical problem with current ErbB2-targeted therapies. The development of novel therapeutic strategies demands knowledge of ErbB2 receptor cross-talk with other signaling pathways. Recent reports have shown that Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) plays a positive role in ErbB2-induced breast cancer in vitroand in ... |
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| Development and Translation of a Tissue- Engineered Disc in a Preclinical Rodent Model |
Oct 2011 |
12 pages |
| Authors:
Nader Hebela; Dawn Elliott; Robert Mauck; PHILADELPHIA RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION PA
|
| Disc injury through trauma, vibration loading, or mechanical overload, and the resulting disc degeneration in response to these insults over time are tremendous problems affecting the active and veteran military population. Current treatment options fail to restore disc structure and mechanical function. Our goal in this proposal is to develop methodologies for the engineering and implanting of a functional biologic disc replacement. Significant progress has been made in the last ... |
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| Defining the Dormant Tumor Microenvironment for Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment |
Sep 2011 |
36 pages |
| Authors:
Pepper Schedin; COLORADO UNIV AURORA CO SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
|
| Tamoxifen and parity induce ECM remodeling resulting in microenvironments that are anticipated to be inhibitory to breast cancer progression. Given the technical difficulties in studying tumor cell dormancy in the context of secondary lesions, we propose to use suppression at the primary site as a model for breast cancer dormancy. Aims: 1) Identify ECM proteins of the quiescent mammary gland. 2) Determine whether a reconstituted tumor suppressive ECM causes tumor ... |
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| Identification of the Microtubule-Inhibitor Activated Bcl-xL Kinase: A Regulator of Breast Cancer Cell Chemosensitivity to Taxol |
Aug 2011 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
David Terrano; ARKANSAS UNIV AT LITTLE ROCK MEDICAL CENTER
|
| This predoctoral fellowship supported research on apoptotic signaling in response to key breast cancer chemotherapeutics, microtubule inhibitor (MTI). The funding also supported educational activities that trained the Principal Investigator (PI) as a physician-scientist. MTIs are the most actively used agents for metastatic and adjuvant breast cancer therapy, yet their use is limited by resistance and side effects. MTIs activate a kinase that phosphorylates and inactivates Bcl-xL, an anti-apoptotic protein that ... |
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| Adoptive Immunotherapy for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Using T Cells Simultaneously Targeted to Tumor and Tumor-Associated Macrophages |
Jul 2011 |
17 pages |
| Authors:
John Maher; KINGS COLL LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM)
|
| Adoptive T-cell immunotherapy represents an exciting advance, pioneered for hematologic malignancies and metastatic melanoma. To translate this technology to epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC), chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) may be used to re-target T-cell specificity against native tumor antigens. The hypothesis underlying this synergistic partnership award is that CAR-based immunotherapy of EOC will be more effective if simultaneous targeting of tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) is achieved. Initially, we set ... |
|
| Use of Predatory Prokaryotes to Control Drug-Resistant Bacteria and Microbial Biofilms Associated with Burn and Wound Infections |
JUN 2011 |
163 pages |
| Authors:
Daniel Kadouri; UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY OF NEW JERSEY NEWARK
|
| Disease-causing microorganisms that have become resistant to drug therapy are an increasing cause of burns and wound infections. Bdellovibrio and Micavibrio are Gram-negative obligatory predators that feed on other Gram-negative bacteria. The focus of the study was to evaluate the potential application of predatory bacteria (Pb) to control human pathogens most associated with war-related infections. Our findings demonstrated that Pb are able to attack many of the pathogens tested, including ... |
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| Preclinical Testing of Combination Therapy for Malignant Tumors Arising from Neurofibromas |
Jun 2011 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Gregory Riggins; JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV BALTIMORE MD
|
| About one half of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (MPNSTs) arise in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 patients (NF1). Currently, these tumors present very poor clinical prognosis, and despite efforts to find better chemotherapy, there has been little impact on overall patient survival. The extent of surgical resection is the best prognostic factor for these tumors. Our goal is to identify new combination of receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors that are effective in ... |
|
| Targeting the Reactive Stroma Niche in Prostate Cancer |
Apr 2011 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
David Rowley; BAYLOR COLL OF MEDICINE HOUSTON TX
|
| Rate of prostate cancer progression is affected by the reactive stroma microenvironment. Our previous studies have shown that reactive stroma is regulated by TGF-beta pathways. The objectives of the proposed research is to assess the origin/ Ontogeny of reactive stroma in cancer and fundamental mechanisms of recruitment/activation in prostate cancer. To date, we have addressed studies proposed for each Task. We have developed an in vivo matrix trapping approach to ... |
|
| The Role Of Rho GTPases In Breast Cancer Migration And Invasion |
Apr 2011 |
6 pages |
| Authors:
Jeffery Smith; SLOAN-KETTERING INST FOR CANCER RESEARCH NEW YORK
|
| Rho-family GTPases are the major regulators of the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton. Regulators of the GTPases include GEFs and GAPs, which control activation and deactivation, respectively, of this family of molecular switches. This study explores the role of the GEF Tiam2 in breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion, which was initially discovered using a siRNA screen in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Protein expression studies are performed using a panel of ... |
|
| The Impact of Prostate Cancer Treatment-Related Symptoms on Low-Income Latino Couples |
Mar 2011 |
292 pages |
| Authors:
Sally L Maliski; CALIFORNIA UNIV LOS ANGELES
|
| Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer among men in the United States, and Latinos are the most rapidly growing minority in the United States. Even when prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated early, there are a number of side effects that can have an impact on men's quality of life including erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and a diminished desire for sexual relations. Because of these treatment side effects, ... |
|
| Modulation of Stem Cell Differentiation and Myostatin as an Approach to Counteract Fibrosis in Muscle Dystrophy and Regeneration after Injury |
Mar 2011 |
58 pages |
| Authors:
Nestor Gonzalez-Cadavid; CHARLES R DREW UNIV OF MEDICINE AND SCIENCE LOS ANGELES CA
|
| In Year 4 the in vivo studies to determine the relative capacity of the wild type muscle derived stem cells (WT MDSC) and their counterparts lacking myostatin obtained from the mouse with genetic inactivation of myostatin (Mst KO MDSC), to repair the notexin-injured gastrocnemius in aged mdx mice, were completed. These aged mice show exacerbated bouts of necrosis and lipofibrotic degeneration that mimic a mild form of Duchenne s muscular ... |
|
| Examination of Knock Out Mutants for Sensitivity to Phloroglucinol |
Feb 2011 |
5 pages |
| Authors:
Karen M Frost; DRATHS CORP OKEMOS MI
|
| Progress relates to Deliverable # 1: Identification of the proteins involved in export of phloroglucinol and determination of whether overexpression of these proteins increases the concentration and yield of microbe-synthesized phloroglucinol. Using transcriptome analysis, candidate genes were identified that may be involved in the export of phloroglucinol from the inside of the Escherichia coli catalyst to the culture medium. Gene expression in non-phloroglucinol synthesizing E. coli W3110 serA(DE3)/pBCl.l46 was compared ... |
|
| Isolation and Characterization of Orientia tsutsugamushi from Rodents Captured following a Scrub Typhus Outbreak at a Military Training Base, Bothong District, Chonburi Province, Central Thailand |
Jan 2011 |
10 pages |
| Authors:
Wuttikon Rodkvamtook; Toon Ruang-areerate; Jariyanart Gaywee; Allen L Richards; Pimmada Jeamwattanalert; Dharadhida Bodhidatta; Noppadon Sangjun; Anchana Prasartvit; Araya Jatisatienr; Chaiwat Jatisatienr; NAVAL MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTER SILVER SPRING MD RICKETTSIAL DISEASES DEPT
|
| Orientia tsutsugamushi, an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium, is the causative agent of scrub typhus, a vector-borne disease transmitted by infected chiggers (trombiculid mite larvae). In 2002, an outbreak of scrub typhus occurred among Royal Thai Army troops during the annual field training at a military base in Bothong district Chonburi province, central Thailand. This report describes the outbreak investigation including its transmission cycle. Results showed that 33.9% of 174 trained ... |
|
| Prostate Cancer Evaluation: Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Enzyme-Activated Proton MRI Contrast Agents |
OCT 2010 |
31 pages |
| Authors:
Jian-Xin Yu; TEXAS UNIV SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL SCHOOL AT DALLAS
|
| The lacZ gene encoding E. coli beta-gal has already been recognized as the most commonly used reporter system in cancer gene therapy. Moreover, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has been identified as an ideal antigenic target in prostate cancer. We propose to develop a novel class of Gd(III)-based MRI contrast agents for in vivo detection of beta-gal or PSMA activity. This new concept of the Gd(III)-based MRI contrast agents is composed ... |
|
| Interaction of Synuclein and Inflammation in Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration |
Jul 2010 |
16 pages |
| Authors:
Serge Przedborski; COLUMBIA UNIV NEW YORK
|
| Parkinson Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease of our aged population behind Alzheimer s Disease. Epidemiological, animal and cell culture studies have shown that inflammation is a part of the PD morphological picture. It has been suggested that -synuclein (a major component of the Lewy bodies present within dopamine neurons of the PD substantia nigra {SN}) is responsible for the observed inflammatory response in the PD brain. ... |
|
| Defining the Role of Integrin Alpha 11 in Wound Healing and Fibrosis |
SEP 2009 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Ruth M. Baxter; BIOSTAR WEST MORGAN HILL CA
|
| Integrin alpha 11 (Itga11) is the most recently identified integrin subunit and may be required for the activation of fibroblasts during wound healing and fibrotic disease. To investigate the role of Itga11 in fibroblast behavior we are using cells derived from mice that are genetically null for this gene. We have found that fibroblasts lacking Itga11 (KO) repair a scratch in a confluent monolayer faster than their normal (Het) counterparts, ... |
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| Demonstration of a Sample Preparation Method for Biological Detection Based on a Novel Membrane Fractionation Technology |
31 DEC 2008 |
|
| Authors:
Andrew Page; Pam Murowchick; ALBURTYLAB INC DREXEL MO
|
| L WI funding has been obtained to gather proof-of-concept data for passing DNA from lysed bacteria through a membrane and for concentrating DNA in the concentrator cell. AlburtyLab has data showing high efficiency ( ~99%) for passing Bovine serum albumin through an appropriate membrane and data showing high efficiency (~60%) for concentrating 0.03 )liD microspheres with the system. Data showing similar efficiencies for DNA would significantly improve the quality of ... |
|
| Functional Analysis of BORIS, a Novel DNA Binding Protein |
APR 2008 |
12 pages |
| Authors:
Paul Yaswen; CALIFORNIA UNIV BERKELEY
|
| BORIS (cT6FL) is a paralog of tbe gene encoding CTCF, a multifunctional DNA binding protein that utilizes different sets of zinc fingers to mediate distinct gene regulatory functions, including those involved in cell growth regulation. Unlike CTCF the expression of BORIS is normally restricted to specific cells in testes (the only cells where CTCF is not expressed) where it may play a role in reprogramming the methylation pattern of male ... |
|
| CD4+ Th1 HER2-Specific T Cells as a Novel Treatment for HER2-Overexpressing Breast Cancer |
OCT 2007 |
14 pages |
| Authors:
Vy P. Lai; WASHINGTON UNIV SEATTLE
|
| During the last research period, we have made significant progress in the development of our mouse neu-reactive T cell lines. First, we have confirmed the key CD4+ neu peptides (p101 and p373) most effective at priming T cell responses. Of the peptide-specific T cell lines tested, only p101- and p373- T cells induced both peptide- and protein-specific responses. In preliminary studies involving adjuvants, GMCSF was highly effective for use with ... |
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| Identification of Serine Proteinases Involved in Breast Cancer Progression |
01 SEP 2007 |
8 pages |
| Authors:
Evette Radisky; MAYO CLINIC JACKSONVILLE FL
|
| The objective of the grant was to identify serine proteinases (a) upregulated in malignant breast epithelial T4-2 cells, and (b) for which specific inhibition by RNA interference (RNAi) results in suppression of the malignant phenotype, as assessed in three-dimensional culture assays. We successfully identified five serine proteinases significantly upregulated in T4-2 cells: mesotrypsin, prostasin, transmembrane protease serine 3 (TMPRSS3), neurotrypsin, and matriptase-1. Among these, inhibition of mesotrypsin expression in T4-2 ... |
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| Barriers to Therapy: A Novel 3-D Model to Study the Effect of Tumor Interstitial Pressure on Endocrine-Resistant Breast Cancer |
JUL 2007 |
18 pages |
| Authors:
Catherine Klapperich; Jennifer Rosen; TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIV MA
|
| The breast cancer microenvironment poses a formidable barrier to effective therapy. The pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying treatment resistance in breast cancer are not known; in part this is due to the lack of a suitable, well-characterized model. Our purpose was to develop a 3D breast cancer culture system capable of reproducing the tumor microenvironment. We cultured MCF-7, a human breast cancer cell line, under three conditions: on polystyrene, on a two-dimensional ... |
|
| Development of Methodology to Maintain Primary Cultures of Normal and Malignant Human Prostatic Epithelial Cells in Vivo |
FEB 2006 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Donna M. Peehl; STANFORD UNIV CA
|
| Our objective is to develop a realistic preclinical model of prostate cancer by developing methodology that supports the survival, growth and differentiation of primary cultures of prostate cells in mice. During year I, we focused on the method of implantation and the implantation site as the most critical elements in achieving this goal. In light of increasing evidence that stem cells are the only cells in cancers that have potential ... |
|
| Genetic Analysis of DNA Repair Deficiency in Novel Non-Tumor Adjacent and Tumor Cell Lines Suggests a New Paradigm of Breast Cancer Etiology |
OCT 2005 |
19 pages |
| Authors:
Jean J. Latimer; MAGEE-WOMEN'S HOSPITAL PITTSBURGH PA
|
| We have found that 75% of our NTA primary cultures (n= 42) and cell lines manifest the same deficiency of Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER) as the matching tumor culture. This subpopulation of breast cancers indicates that the loss of NER preceded the final mutations that led to full blown transformation. This hypothesis is in stark contrast to the hypothesis that cancer essentially arises in a vacuum and the NTA tissue ... |
|
| Roles of Osteonectin in Breast Cancer Metastasis to Bone |
14 SEP 2005 |
21 pages |
| Authors:
Dianalee A. Campo; PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV UNIVERSITY PARK
|
| The focus of this study is to gain insight into the role(s) of osteonectin in the preferential metastasis of breast cancer cells to bone. Osteonectin was isolated from conditioned media of several cell lines including breast cancer (MDA-MB-435, MDA-MB-468), osteoblasts (hFOB1.19), non-neoplastic breast epithelial (hTERT-HME1), and vascular endothelial cells isolated from bone biopsies (HBME-1). Analysis of translational and post-translational properties of osteonectin from these five sources revealed that a unique ... |
|
| Self-Disinfection and Decontaminating Interior Surfaces Based on Photocatalytic Titania/Easy-Release Coatings |
17 AUG 2005 |
8 pages |
| Authors:
Robert E. Baier; Christopher M. Izzo; Paul J. Nicotera; STATE UNIV OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO DEPT OF BIOCHEMISTRY
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| We have demonstrated that easy-release qualities imparted by thin methyl-terminated silane coatings, when combined with catalytic disinfection by titanium dioxide particles embedded in or superficially attached to duct-liner fiberglass surfaces and coated fiberglass-based architectural fabrics, can improve the sanitary performance of HVAC air-handling systems. This project evaluated the application of such coatings/particles to duct-wall fiberglass surfaces and coated fibrous glass compositions. The surface modified materials were placed in a HEPA-filtered ... |
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| Competitive Guidance Cues Affect Fibroblast Cell Alignment: Electric Fields vs. Contact Guidance |
13 JUL 2005 |
6 pages |
| Authors:
Iain R. Gibson; Colin D. McCaig; ABERDEEN UNIV (UNITED KINGDOM)
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| When bovine ligament fibroblast cells were cultured on parallel micro-grooved surfaces, they aligned their long axes parallel to the groove direction. This alignment was dependent on the groove depth, with increasing groove depth increasing guided cell alignment. When cells were cultured in a physiological dc electric field (EF) on non-grooved, flat surfaces, the cells aligned in response to the EF, with their long axes perpendicular to the EF vector. This ... |
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| Determining the Function of the fps/fes Proto-oncogene in Breast Development and Malignancy |
JUN 2005 |
14 pages |
| Authors:
Peter F. Truesdell; QUEEN'S UNIV KINGSTON (ONTARIO)
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| The fps/fes proto-oncogene encodes a 92 kDa protein tyrosine kinase. To understand the physiological function of Fps we have generated a knockout mouse line that lacks Fps expression. Fps-knockout female mice produce litters that gain weight more slowly than wildtype mice, and develop breast tumors more quickly than wildtype mice. These data suggest that Fps participates in regulating, mammary gland development and tumorigenesis. To address these hypotheses we are examining ... |
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CULTURES(BIOLOGY)
