ALBERT

Description: P2X7 is a purinergic receptor-channel; its activation by ATP elicits a broad set of cellular actions, from apoptosis to signals for survival. Here, P2X7 expression and function was studied in human ovarian carcinoma (OCA) cells, and biopsies from non-cancerous and cancer patients were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Ovarian surface epithelium in healthy tissue expressed P2X7 at a high level that was maintained throughout the cancer. The cell lines SKOV-3 and CAOV-3 were used to investigate P2X7 functions in OCA. In SKOV-3 cells, selective stimulation of P2X7 by 2′(3′)-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl) adenosine-5′-triphosphate (BzATP) induced a dose-dependent increase of intracellular Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) but not cell death. Instead, BzATP increased the levels of phosphorylated ERK and AKT (pERK and pAKT), with an EC 50 of 44 ± 2 and 1.27 ± 0.5 μM, respectively; 10 μM BzATP evoked a maximum effect within 15 min that lasted for 120 min. Interestingly, basal levels of pERK and pAKT were decreased in the presence of apyrase in the medium, strongly suggesting an endogenous, ATP-mediated phenomenon. Accordingly: (i) mechanically stimulated cells generated a [Ca 2+ ] i increase that was abolished by apyrase; (ii) apyrase induced a decrease in culture viability, as measured by the MTS assay for mitochondrial activity; (iii) incubation with 10 μM AZ10606120, a specific P2X7 antagonist and transfection with the dominant negative P2X7 mutant E496A, both reduced cell viability to 70.1 ± 8.9% and to 76.5 ± 5%, respectively, of control cultures. These observations suggested that P2X7 activity was auto-induced through ATP efflux; this increased pERK and pAKT levels that generated a positive feedback on cell viability. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Description: Terra Nova, 00, 1–8, 2012 Abstract The subducted North Maghrebian passive margin was exhumed in the Tortonian (11–7 Ma) by an upper-crustal brittle-ductile extensional detachment and brittle low-angle normal faults in a continental subduction transform setting. The Temsamane detachment in the eastern Rif is defined by a ductile shear zone approximately 100-m thick with a low-angle ramp geometry that cuts down into the Temsamane fold-nappe stack. The shear zone shows south-westward kinematics and separates lower-greenschist (≈400 °C) metapelites of the Temsamane units below from the anchizone and diagenetic rocks (〈300–200 °C) of the Ketama-Aknoul units above. To the east, the detachment becomes brittle, branching into a listric-fan that cuts through 10–6 Ma sediments and volcanoclastics in the Tres Forcas cape. Both the North Maghrebian and the South Iberian subducted passive margins were exhumed in the Betic and Rif branches of the Gibraltar arc by SW-directed brittle-ductile detachments during the late Miocene in an oblique collisional setting.

Description: The biophysical features of the Argentinean economy are examined using a social metabolism approach. A material flow analysis (MFA) for this economy was conducted for the period 1970–2009. Results show that Argentina follows a resource-intensive and export-oriented development model with a persistent physical trade deficit. Also, Argentina's terms of trade (the average weight in tonnes of imports that can be purchased through the sale of 1 tonne of exports) show a declining trend in the period of study. Argentina's economy shows a pattern typical of countries whose economies are based primarily on exports. Comparisons between Argentina's metabolic profile and the metabolic profile of other countries in Latin America and of Australia and Spain show that the Argentinean economy presents the same pattern as other Latin American exporting economies, and its terms of trade are opposite to those of industrialized economies.

Description: Microbial biofertilizers are becoming an effective tool for sustainable agriculture by means of the reduction of the use of chemical fertilizers. However, the knowledge of each specific plant–microorganism interaction is essential for a correct application. In this study, we analyzed the in vitro plant-growth-promotion mechanisms of a Rhizobium leguminosarum strain named PEPV16 isolated from Phaseolus vulgaris nodules. This strain was able to produce siderophores and indole acetic acid and to solubilize phosphate. Confocal microscopy showed that this strain was able to colonize the roots of two horticultural crops, Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) and Daucus carota L. (carrot). Strain PEPV16 was also able to promote the plant growth of both plant species increasing the dry matter of shoots and roots of lettuce and carrots, respectively, as well as to increase the uptake of N and P in the edible parts of both plant species. These data confirmed the suitability of Rhizobium as biofertilizer for nonlegumes.

Description: ABSTRACT Maternal care is the main source of signals and stimuli for proper development, growth, and production of adjustment responses to stressful factors. Adverse experiences in childhood are associated with a vulnerability to developing abusive ethanol ingestion via alterations of the response of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Alcoholism causes global brain abnormalities, with the cerebellum being one of the most susceptible areas. We evaluated the effect of maternal separation on the cerebellum structure of male UCh rats. Adult male UChA (low 10% ethanol consumption) and UChB (high 10% ethanol consumption) rats were divided in to four experimental groups: (1) UChA, (2) UChA maternal separation (MS), (3) UChB, and (4) UChB MS. The MS occurred between the 4th and 14th days of age, for 240 min day −1 . Euthanasia was performed at 120 days of age. An image analysis system was used to measure cerebellar cortical height and Purkinje cellular area and height in five rats from each group. The cerebellar sections were stained with antibodies against IGFR-I. MS did not alter the ethanol consumption of UChA and UChB rats. Corticosterone level was significantly higher in UChA MS and UChB MS rats than in UChA and UChB rats. The Purkinje cellular area and height were higher in UChA MS rats. IGFR-I expression was observed in the cortical glomerular area of UChA MS and UChB MS rats. MS altered the Purkinje cells in the cerebella of male UCh rats. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2013 . © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Description: Key Points FOXP1 is downregulated in germinal centers, inversely to BCL6, whereby it regulates a network of genes, half of which are also BCL6 targets. In transgenic mice, constitutive FOXP1 expression impairs GC formation and function, which might contribute to B-cell lymphomagenesis.

Description: Background: The trombopoietin receptor agonists (TRAs) romiplostim and eltrombopag are effective and safe in the treatment of chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). However, when no response is achieved or when adverse events occur with one TRA the value of the sequential use of romiplostim and eltrombopag has not been clearly established. Here we have evaluated the efficacy and tolerance of using eltrombopag after romiplostim in ITP. Methods: Fifty-one primary ITP patients (aged 18 years or more) who had been sequentially treated first with romiplostim and then with eltrombopag in the Spanish Eltrombopag Registry were retrospectively evaluated. In accordance with the usual standards, complete response was defined as a platelet count of 100x109/L and a response as a platelet count of 30x109/L or a count of at least twice the initial (pre-treatment) value. This study was performed in accordance with the standards of the Helsinki declaration and approved by the Hospital Universitario de Burgos Ethics Committee. Results: The median age of our cohort was 49 [range, 18–83] years. There were 32 women and 19 men. According to the standard definition, patients were allocated to newly diagnosed (n=2), persistent (n=5) and chronic (n=44) ITP groups. The median number of therapies prior to administration of eltrombopag was 4 [range, 2–9], including splenectomy (39%), rituximab (33%) and romiplostim (100%). The median duration of romiplostim use before switching to eltrombopag was 12 (IQR 5–21) months. The reasons for switching from the romiplostim to eltrombopag were: lack of efficacy of romiplostim (n=25), patient's preference (n=16), platelet-count fluctuation (n=6), and side-effects (n=4). The initial response rate to eltrombopag was 41/51 (80.5%), including 67% (n=34) of cases with complete remission. After a median follow-up of 13 months with eltrombopag, 39 patients maintained their response. When eltrombopag was used for patients who were refractory to the maximum romiplostim dose the initial response rate of eltrombopag was 25%. However, 83% of patients who relapsed after their initial response to romiplostim responded to eltrombopag. Sixteen romiplostim responders requested their physicians to switch them to eltrombopag because they preferred an oral drug. The efficacy was maintained after switching in all 16 patients. In the platelet-count fluctuation group, the initial response rate was also 100%. All 4 patients who were switched to eltrombopag because they experienced side-effects of romiplostim achieved complete remission with eltrombopag and their adverse events were resolved. 16 / 51 (33%) patients experienced one or more adverse event during treatment with eltrombopag. The frequency of grade 3–4 adverse events during treatment with eltrombopag was 9.8%. Conclusion: The use of eltrombopag after romiplostim for treating ITP is effective and safe. The reason for discontinuing romiplostim was associated with the response to eltrombopag. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Description: Background Bortezomib-based combinations, including alkylating agents (VMP or CyBorD) or immunomodulatory drugs (VTD or RVD) have been established as regimens widely used in newly diagnosed MM patients. Bendamustine is a bifunctional alkylating agent effective in relapsed and/or refractory MM patients, and approved in Europe in combination with prednisone for elderly newly diagnosed MM. Since bendamustine may be more efficient than other alkylators, an attractive possibility would be to explore it in combination with bortezomib and prednisone (BVP) in newly diagnosed MM patients both transplant and non transplant candidates. Patients and Methods 60 newly diagnosed MM patients were included in the trial. The first cycle consisted on bendamustine at 90 mg/m2 given IV on days 1 and 4, in combination with bortezomib at 1,3 mg/m2 given IV on days 1, 4, 8, 11, 22, 25, 29 and 32 and prednisone at 60 mg/m2 given PO on days 1 to 4. In the following cycles, bendamustine was given on days 1 and 8, and bortezomib on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 (weekly schedule), and prednisone as it was previously described. Patients younger than 65 years proceeded to peripheral blood stem cell collection (PBSC) using growth factors alone after 4 cycles; HDT-ASCT was performed after 6 cycles. Patients older than 65 years received up to nine 28-day cycles. Results Between May 2011 and July 2012 enrollment was completed (60 pts). Median age was 61 years (range 38-82; 18 pts ≥65), 67% had ISS stage II/III, and 67% had unfavorable cytogenetics: t(4;14), t(14;16), del 17p or 1q gains by FISH. After a median of 6 cycles (2-9), 75% of patients achieved at least PR, including 16% of sCR, 9% CR and 28% of VGPR. Although the differences were not statistically significant, there was a trend to higher CR rate in the group of patients

Description: Background VMP and Rd are two of the most efficient and widely accepted regimens in the treatment of elderly newly diagnosed MM patients. In order to further improve the outcome of elderly patients, one possibility would be to use regimens including all these drugs simultaneously, but this may result into high toxicity. Alternatively, the use of these regimens (VMP and Rd) in a sequential or alternating scheme could improve the treatment of elderly patients. We hypothesized the alternating scheme would minimize the emergence of resistant clones, and would reduce the cumulative toxicity. In order to test this hypothesis we decided to compare VMP and RD in a sequential vs an alternating scheme. Patients and methods 241 patients were randomized to receive a sequential scheme consisting on 9 cycles of VMP followed by 9 cycles of Rd or the same regimens in an alternating approach (one cycle of VMP alternating with one Rd (half of the patients started by VMP and half by Rd) up to 18 cycles). VMP included the iv administration of bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 twice weekly for 1 six-weeks cycle, followed by once weekly for 8 four-weeks cycles in combination with oral melphalan 9 mg/m2 and prednisone 60 mg/m2 once daily on days 1–4 of each cycle. Rd treatment consisted on lenalidomide 25 mg daily on days 1-21 plus dexamethasone 40 mg weekly. Results 121 patients were allocated to receive the sequential scheme and 120 the alternating regimen. Both arms were well balanced according to the baseline characteristics. 52% patients in the sequential arm and 55% in the alternating and had high risk cytogenetic abnormalities (t(4;14), t(14;16), del17p or 1q gains). After 9 cycles of treatment, in the sequential arm, 35 out of 66 (54%) achieved at least VGPR vs 51 out of 65 patients (78%) in the alternating arm (p=0.002), including sCR/CR rate of 28% vs 38% in the sequential and alternating arms, respectively (p=NS). Seven patients in each arm achieved immunophenotypic CR. Moreover, while four patients progressed in the sequential arm under treatment with VMP, no patients in the alternating scheme developed disease progression during the first 9 cycles, After a median follow up of 12 months, there was a trend for shorter TTP in the sequential as compared with the alternating scheme (18 m-TTP of 83% vs 89% (p=NS)). In terms of OS, 83% of patients in the sequential arm were alive at 18 m versus 93% in the alternating (p=NS). Patients who achieved sCR/CR had a significantly longer 18 m-TTP as compared with patients who didn’t achieve it in both sequential (100% vs 71%; p=0.006) and alternating arms (100% vs 79%; p=0.006) and this translated into a significant benefit in OS. No differences were observed in overall response rates and CR rates in standard and high risk patients. The 18 m-TTP was similar in standard and high risk groups in both sequential (86% vs 81%) and alternating arms (84% vs 94%), noting that 94% of patients receiving the alternating scheme were progression-free at 18 months. Regarding hematologic toxicity, the frequency of G3-4 neutropenia was slightly lower in the sequential than in the alternating arm (16% and 23%) and the same trend was observed for G3-4 thrombocytopenia (16% vs 20%). Concerning non-hematologic toxicity, 5% and 4% of the patients in the sequential and alternating arms developed G3-4 infections, respectively; the rate of G3-4 skin rash was 4% in the sequential and 3% in the alternating arm; 4% of patients in the sequential arm developed G3-4 peripheral neuropathy and 3% in the sequential arm. The rate of grade 3-4 thrombotic events was 2% in both arms. Nevertheless, the detailed evaluation of the toxicity will be done at the completion of the trial when all patients will have received the same amount of drugs in either a sequential or an alternating scheme (at the present time, 42 patients in the sequential arm were not yet at risk for the development of lenalidomide-related side effects). Conclusions The administration of melphalan, bortezomib, lenalidomide and steroids in elderly MM patients in a sequential or alternating scheme is feasible. Although longer follow-up is necessary, the alternating scheme may be superior in terms of response rate and outcome, as result of the early exposure of the plasma cell to different agents. Toxicity profile is acceptable. Aparently both schemes of therapy seems to overcome the poor prognosis of high risk cytogenetic. Disclosures: Mateos: Janssen, Celgene: Honoraria. Off Label Use: Lenalidomide plus dexamethasone is not approved for newly diagnosed MM patients. Ocio:Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Array Biopharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding. San Miguel:Janssen, Celgene: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees.