Abstract book Wetenschapsdag v r i j d a g 5 m a a r t 2 010 W e t e n s c h a p s d a g V C W 2 01 0 Foto: Digidaan Vaste Commissie voor de Wetenschapsbeoefening (VCW) Omslag Abstract boek 2010.indd 1 22-02-2010 16:09:24 Omslag Abstract boek 2010.indd 2 22-02-2010 16:09:24 Abstract book Wetenschapsdag vrijdag 5 maart 2010 12:00 - 17:30 uur VUmc Amstelzaal, Foyer & Waver Vaste Commissie voor de Wetenschapsbeoefening (VCW) Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 3 4 Inhoudsopgave Pag. 6 Voorwoord Pag. 7 Programma VUmc Wetenschapsdag 2010 Pag. 8 VCW-leden Abstracts Pag. 9CCA/V-ICI: Cancer Center Amsterdam, VUmc Institute for Cancer and Immunology Pag. 56 Emgo+: Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine Pag. 88 ICaR-VU: Institute for Cardiovascular Research VU Pag. 118 MOVE Pag. 122 NCA: Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam Index Pag. 152 Namen van de onderzoekers per onderzoeksinstituut, titel van het onderzoek Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 5 Voorwoord Voor het vierde achtereenvolgende jaar organiseert de VCW de VUmc Wetenschapsdag. Onderzoekers krijgen de kans om een tipje op te lichten van het onderzoek waar ze mee bezig zijn. En die kans wordt met beide handen aangegrepen. Dit jaar hebben we een recordaantal van ruim 140 abstracts mogen ontvangen, meer dan een verdubbeling ten opzichte van de eerste wetenschapsdag in 2007! Met trots presenteert de VCW deze bundeling van (een groot deel van) het onderzoek dat binnen de onderzoeksinstituten, de VU en het VU medisch centrum plaatsvindt. Het is een hele klus om alle abstracts in korte tijd te lezen en om uit al dit hoogstaand werk abstracts te nomineren voor een prijs. Daarom is dit jaar de hulp ingeroepen van de onderzoeksinstituten die een voorselectie hebben gemaakt. Het is te meer moeilijk omdat het voor de auteurs ook lastig blijkt hun werk buiten de eigen discipline begrijpelijk te presenteren. Dat hopen we in de toekomst nog te kunnen verbeteren. Veel succes met uw onderzoek. We hopen dat het bijdraagt aan de handhaving van de positie van het VUmc in de nationale CWTS ranking, waarin we al enkele jaren ‘slechts één ander UMC voor ons hebben’, zoals de voorzitter van de raad van bestuur het onlangs uitdrukte. Namens de Vaste Commissie voor de Wetenschapsbeoefening Prof. dr. M.A. Blankenstein, voorzitter 6 Programma VUmc Wetenschapsdag Vrijdag 5 maart 2010 van 12.00 –18.00 uur VUmc Amstelzaal, Foyer & Waver 12.00 – 13.00 uur Posterpresentatie & lunch 13.00 – 13.05 uur Opening door prof. dr. V.W.M. van Hinsbergh 13.05 – 13.30 uurDr. Jolanda van der Velden, afdeling Fysiologie/ICaR-VU; ‘A translational approach to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy’ 13.30 – 14.00 uur Prof. dr. Allard van der Beek, afdeling Sociale Geneeskunde/ EMGO+; ‘Werk & Gezondheid: Uitdagingen in Onderzoek’ 14.00 – 15.00 uur Voordrachten door genomineerden: 14.00 – 14.20 uurMichiel Pegtel; ‘Viral miRNAs expressed in B cells are delivered to- and act in recipient cells; evidence for functional miRNA transfer via exosomes’ 14.20 – 14.40 uur Willem de Haan; ‘Functional brain networks and dementia’ 14.40 – 15.00 uurRinske Nijland (MSc); ‘Presence of finger extension and shoulder abduction within 72 hours post-stroke predicts functional recovery’ 15.00 – 15.30 uur Theepauze 15.30 – 16.10 uur Voordrachten door genomineerden: 15.30 – 15.50 uurJacqueline Vink; ‘A pathway analysis of genome-wide association results reveals the importance of inflammation in Major Depressive Disorder’ 15.50 – 16.10 uurM. Wijdenes-Pijl; ‘Impact of communicating familial risk of diabetes on illness perceptions and self-reported behavioural outcomes: a randomized controlled trial’ 16.10 – 16.50 uur Prof. dr. P.T. Cohen-Kettenis, afdeling Medische Psychologie; ‘Over zijn zijn en haar zijn: 25 jaar onderzoek naar genderdysforie’ 16.50 – 17.05 uurUitreiking Vumc Wetenschapsprijzen: drie beste abstracts 17.05 – 17.15 uur Uitreiking VUmc Posterprijs: de beste poster 17.15 – 18.00 uur Borrel Informatie over de selectieprocedure De onderzoeksinstituten hebben voorafgaand aan de Wetenschapsdag 2010 ieder drie abstracts voorgedragen aan de Vaste Commissie voor de Wetenschapsbeoefening (VCW). Uit deze selectie heeft de VCW vijf onderzoekers de kans geboden om het betreffende onderzoek te presenteren op de Wetenschapsdag. De betreffende abstracts zijn te herkennen aan de toevoeging op het nummer bij het posterbord. Deze vijf presentaties worden door de jury, bestaande uit VCW-leden, beoordeeld en hieruit worden de beste drie beloond met een geldprijs. Tevens wordt op de Wetenschapsdag de beste poster geselecteerd door de jury en beloond met een geldprijs. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 7 VCW leden Prof. dr. M.A. Blankenstein (voorzitter) [email protected] Klinische Chemie Prof. dr. J. van Dieën [email protected] Bewegingswetenschappen, MOVE Dr. M.L. Drent [email protected] Endocrinologie Prof. dr. A.J.G. Horrevoets [email protected] Moleculaire Celbiologie en Immunologie Prof. dr. R.J.A. van Moorselaar [email protected] Urologie Prof. dr. P.J.F. Snijders [email protected] Moleculaire Pathologie, CCA/V-ICI Prof. dr. F.J. Snoek [email protected] Medische psychologie Prof. dr. B.M.J. Uitdehaag [email protected] Epidemiologie Prof. dr. ir. R. de Vet [email protected] EMGO+ E. Dijkstra (secretaris) [email protected] 8 CCA/V-ICI 1. FANCM phosphorylation in response to camptothecin Sheba Agarwal, Jurgen Steltenpool, Martin Rooimans, Anneke Oostra, Hans Joenje, Johan de Winter. Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Several FA proteins, most notably FANCD2, are modified either in response to DNA damaging agents or in S phase. FANCM, a member of the FA core complex, is also modified. Recently the FANCM-deficient patient cell line (EUFA867) was shown to be sensitive to camptothecin: a topoI inhibitor that causes replication blockage. In this study, we investigated FANCM modification in response to camptothecin. Methods We have used wild type lymphoblasts and HeLa cells. FANCM was immunoprecipitated from the cell lysates and modification was visible as a band-shift on Western blot analysis. We also utilized fluorescence affinity cell sorting, immunofluorescence and siRNA depletion experiments. Results As with MMC, FANCM is phosphorylated in response to camptothecin. FANCM phosphorylation is absolutely dependent on FAAP24. FANCM is phosphorylated as early as 1 hour after camptothecin treatment. While phosphorylation is maintained up to 24 hours with 5 µM camptothecin, modification of FANCM disappears after 3 hours with 20 µM camptothecin. However, FANCD2 mono-ubiquitination is induced around 8 hours post treatment, suggesting that FANCM phosphorylation is not directly coupled to FANCD2 modification. In contrast to previous studies, cells treated with 20 µM are stalled in S phase, but they do not show FANCM phosphorylation. Camptothecin-treated cells elicit a dose-dependent DNA damage response suggesting that at high concentrations of camptothecin, the phophorylation of FANCM is dispensable and the damage is possibly repaired by homologous recombination. Conclusions The ubiquitination of FANCD2 is not directly coupled to FANCM phosphorylation. We hypothesize that there is a threshold of damage for FANCM phosphorylation response, beyond which FANCM is either dephosphorylated or degraded. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 9 CCA/V-ICI 2. 6 -Thioguanine is an effective and tolerable rescue drug in the treatment of ulcerative colitis D.P. van Asseldonk1, B. Jharap1, N.K.H. de Boer1, D.J. Kuik2, B.D. Westerveld3, F.J.G.M. Kubben4, M.G.V.M. Russel5, A.A. van Bodegraven1 C.J. Mulder1. 1 Department of Pathology and 2 Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 3 Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Isala Clinics, Zwolle 4 Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam 5 Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Twente Medical Spectrum, Enschede. Introduction 6-Mercaptopurine and its pro-drug azathioprine are important in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Unfortunately, a substantial number of patients withdraws these conventional thiopurines due to intolerance or resistance. 6-Thioguanine (6-TG) may be an appropriate secondline drug in the treatment of UC. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of 6-TG in UC patients. Methods A retrospective cohort study of IBD patients using 6-TG after failing conventional thiopurine therapy was conducted. All UC patients who initiated 6-TG therapy between 2001 and 2007 were included in the analysis. Clinical efficacy and tolerability was assessed after a minimum of one months and compared with baseline. Results Fifty-three patients, of whom three were lost to follow-up, received 6-TG. Of the remaining fifty patients, 27 were male. The mean daily 6-TG dose was 19.9 mg (SD 2.4). The median treatment duration was 25 months (1.2-73.8). Overall, after a median treatment duration of 13 months, an amelioration of endoscopically assessed mucosal inflammation was seen (P=0.047). Eleven (22%) of the fifty patients eventually withdrew 6-TG therapy due to resistance (n=7) and adverse events (n=4). Ultrasonography (n=30) showed hepatosplenomegaly (HSM) in one patient. Liver biopsy analysis (n=18) revealed no nodular regenerative hyperplasia. Conclusions In UC patients intolerant of or resistant to conventional thiopurines, 6-TG seems an effective rescue drug which may induce mucosal repair. Moreover, 6-TG is well-tolerated by the majority of these patients and seems to be safe. 10 CCA/V-ICI 3. Liver histology of IBD patients who are treated with 6-thioguanine due to failure of conventional thiopurines reveals very few cases of nodular regenerative hyperplasia D.P. van Asseldonk1, B. Jharap1, N.K.H. de Boer1, P.E. Zondervan2, E. Bloemena3, G. den Hartog4, B.D. Westerveld5, J.J. Kolkman6, L.G.J.B. Engels7, A.A. van Bodegraven1, C.J. Mulder1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center,Rotterdam Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Isala Clinics, Zwolle Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Twente Medical Spectrum, Enschede Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Orbis Medical Center, Sittard. Introduction 6-Thioguanine (6-TG) has been proposed as a rescue drug in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to assess short-term hepatotoxicity of 6-TG therapy in a large population of IBD patients previously failing conventional thiopurine therapy. Methods A prospective multi-center cohort study was performed, including IBD patients treated with 6-TG in an aimed dose of 0.3mg/kg for at least six months, who underwent a liver biopsy. The liver specimens were stained with H&E, trichrome and reticuline. Results From 99 patients with a mean age of 43.8 years (SD 12.0) 99 liver biopsy specimens were obtained. Sixty-one patients (62%) had Crohn’s disease and 38 (38%) had ulcerative colitis. Except for two patients, all were pretreated with azathioprine and/or 6-mercaptopurine. The mean 6-TG dose was 0.28mg/kg (SD 0.07) and the median 6-TG treatment duration to the first liver biopsy, was 25 months (range 6-65). Liver histology revealed no abnormalities in 51 specimens (51.5%); mild steatosis in 14 (14.1%); mild fibrosis in 3 (3.0%); severe steatosis in 2 (2.0%); steatohepatitis in 2 (2.0%) sinus dilatation in 8 (8.1%); cholangitis/PSC in 4 (4.0%); aspecific regeneration in 11 (11.1%) and nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) in 4 (4.0%). Conclusions This large, prospective study reveals very few cases of NRH (4%) in a specific IBD population who had been failing conventional thiopurine therapy and were subsequently treated with 6-TG. Aspecific findings with unknown clinical implications were observed in about half of the patients. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 11 CCA/V-ICI 4. O ccurrence of menarche, regularity of menstrual cycles, and amenorrhoea in a cohort of childhood cancer survivors: a pilot study M.H. van den Berg1, A. Overbeek1, F.E. van Leeuwen2, C.B. Lambalk3, G.J. Kaspers1, E. van Dulmen-den Broeder1. 1 Department of Paediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Department of Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Objective To evaluate the effects of treatment of childhood cancer on the occurrence of menarche, regularity of menstrual cycles, and amenorrhoea in a cohort of female childhood cancer survivors (CCS). Patients and methods The study cohort consists of female 5-year CCSs treated at VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam for any type of childhood cancer, and an age-matched control group consisting of sisters of CCSs. Data of 72 survivors and 72 controls regarding menarche and irregularity of menstrual cycles were obtained by questionnaire. Furthermore, in order to specifically evaluate the effect of treatment on age at menarche, this outcome was also evaluated in a subgroup of CCSs that was diagnosed and treated before menarche (n=47). Results At time of study median (IQR) age of CCSs and controls was 26.3 (10.2) and 26.1 (10.2) years respectively. Age at diagnosis was 8.3 (10.7) years. Oral contraceptives were used by 54% of CCS and 64% of controls. These differences, as well as the differences in education level and marital status, between CCSs and controls were not statistically significant. Seven CCSs (10%) and one control (1%) reported never to have reached menarche (p=0.03). No significant difference between CCSs who were treated before menarche and controls was found regarding age at menarche. Oligomenorrhoea (cycle ≥ 36 days) was significantly more frequently present in survivors (20% vs. 7%, p = 0.04). Prolonged cessation of menses (> 12 months) for reasons other than pregnancy, lactation, or nonstop use of hormonal contraceptives was reported by two survivors and none of the controls. Conclusion Damage to the reproductive system seems to occur more in CCSs compared to controls. Menarche was more frequently absent in CCSs compared to controls and treatment appeared to result in more irregular cycles. However, treatment does not seem to delay menarche. In a nationwide study, which is currently being performed, the afore-mentioned outcomes will be re-evaluated in a larger study population and in relation to treatment history. 12 CCA/V-ICI 5. Q uality of life in motion: a combined physical exercise and psychosocial intervention program for childhood cancer patients K.I. Braam1, E.M. van Dijk2, E. van Dulmen-den Broeder1, M.A. Veening1, P.J.M. Helders3, G. Sinnema4, M. Bierings5, J. Huisman2, T. Takken3, G.J.L. Kaspers1. 1 2 3 4 Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology Department of Medical Psychology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Department of Pediatric Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology Department of Medical Psychology, 5Department of Pediatric Immunology and Hematology, Wilhelmina’s Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht. Introduction Both during and after treatment, the level of physical fitness has shown to be reduced in childhood cancer patients (CCP), leading to physical inactivity, obesity, fatigue, poor skeletal and/or mental health, and ultimately to a compromised Health-related Quality Of Life (HrQOL). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated physical exercise and psychosocial training program, implemented during or following treatment to improve physical fitness of CCP. Secondary outcomes are fatigue, body composition, daily physical activity, depression, HrQOL, and self-perception. Potential applications: In addition to, or shortly after standard care, this intervention may improve both physical and mental health outcomes of CCP. Methods Childhood cancer patients (8-18 years) are eligible to participate in this multi-center trial, during or within the first year following chemo- and/or radiotherapy treatment. Exclusion criteria are: bone marrow transplantation and/or growth hormone use, motor inability to perform exercises, and/or mental retardation. One hundred patients will be randomized to either the intervention, or the control group. Groups are stratified by: cancer, age group, and study-inclusion phase. The intervention consists of an integrated physical and psychosocial training program (12-weeks) and a booster session, whereas the control group receives care-as-usual. Physical performance tests, blood tests, a DEXA scan and questionnaires will be performed on four occasions: at baseline, after 12 to 14 weeks, 6 to 9 months from baseline and 12 months from baseline. Until now twelve patients have been enrolled into the trial. This study is financially supported by the Dutch Cancer Society (VU2009-4305). Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 13 CCA/V-ICI 6. C CL27 stimulates the secretion of cytokines involved in granulation tissue formation L.J. van den Broek1, K.L. Kroeze1, M. Breetveld1, S.C. Sampat1, R.J. Scheper2, S. Gibbs1. 1 Department of Dermatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction The function of CCL27 in wound healing is partly unknown. CCL27 is expressed in the basal layer of the epidermis and up regulated in wounds. Our results show a significant increase of CCL27 in burn wound fluid compared excision wound fluid. The incidence of hypertrophic scars after burn injury is high compared to excision wounds. A function for CCL27 in this process is imaginable. The goal of this research is to study the role of CCL27 in wound healing. Methods The expression of CCR10, the receptor for CCL27, is determined on keratinocytes, endothelial cells (HMVEC), granulocytes, monocytes en stem cells derived from the dermis (DSC) and adipose tissue (ASC) using flow cytometry. The effect of CCL27 on these cells is studied. We studied the migration potential and the secretion of cytokines involved in granulation tissue formation (Il-6, IL-8, CXCL1, CCL2, CCL5 en CCL20). Results All cell types studied express the receptor CCR10. CCL27 is only a chemo-attractant for keratinocytes. Interestingly, CCL27 stimulates monocytes and ASCs to secrete cytokines involved in granulation tissue formation. CCL27 has no effect on the production of these cytokines by granulocytes, HMVECs en DSCs. Notably CCL27 seems to have a positive effect on the survival of HMVECs. Conclusions Our results show a potential novel role for CCL27 in skin wound healing. CCL27 is a chemoattractant for keratinocytes and therefore may stimulate re-epithelization. CCL27 is able to increase the secretion of cytokines involved in granulation tissue formation and therefore may indirectly be involved in scar formation. 14 CCA/V-ICI 7. C andidate driver genes in focal chromosomal aberrations of stage II colon cancer R.P.M. Brosens1,4*, J.C. Haan2*, B. Carvalho2, F. Rustenburg2, H. Grabsch3, A.F. Engel4, M.A. Cuesta1, M. Flens5, G.A. Meijer2, B. Ylstra2. *These authors contributed equally to this work 1 2 3 4 5 Department of Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands Pathology and Tumour Biology, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, UK Department of Surgery, Zaans Medical Centre, Zaandam, The Netherlands Department of Pathology, Zaans Medical Centre, Zaandam, The Netherlands. Introduction Forty percent of all colon cancer patients are stage II, 25% of which will relapse and die of their disease. As in many cancers, colon carcinomas harbour large chromosomal aberrations. However, looking at these alterations it is difficult to pinpoint actual cancer genes. Chromosomal copy number aberrations of 3Mb or smaller in size, so called focal aberrations, are a recently discovered, common phenomenon in cancer. Inherent to their limited size, focal aberrations harbour one or very few genes only. The aim of this study was to identify recurrent focal chromosomal aberrations and candidate driver genes in a well defined series of stage II colon cancers and assess their potential clinical value. Methods Aberrations were analyzed for 38 formalin fixed paraffin embedded colon cancer samples using matched normal mucosa as a reference by oligo array comparative genomic hybridization. Validation of focal aberrations and identification of candidate genes were done using publicly available copy number and mutation data of colorectal cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and glioblastomas. In total, we identified 81 focal chromosomal aberrations harbouring 177 candidate genes. Results The focal amplifications identified seem to be highly colon cancer specific and overlapped with previously identified focal amplifications in colorectal cancer, but not with cancers from other sites. In contrast, identified focal deletions seem to be less tumour type specific and overlapped also with focal deletions previously identified in cancers from other sites. The focal deletions detected are significantly enriched for cancer genes and genes frequently mutated in colorectal cancer. A list of focal aberrations and candidate cancer driver genes is presented. Loss of 5q34 and gain of 13q22.1 were identified as independent prognostic factors of patient survival in this series of patients. Conclusions Focal chromosomal copy number aberrations in stage II colon cancer seem biologically important, are enriched in cancer genes which contribute to and drive the process of colorectal cancer development. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 15 CCA/V-ICI 8. IS-pro: high throughput fingerprinting of the intestinal microbiome Dries Budding1, Matthijs Grasman2, Ad van Bodegraven2, Paul Savelkoul1. 1 Medical Microbiology & Infection control, VU University Medical Menter 2 Gastro-enterology & Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Large scale sequencing efforts have offered many new insights into the gut microbiota in health and disease and have generated many hypotheses as to potential causal relationships. The complex and expensive nature of these techniques, however, restricts implementation to a small number of highly specialized laboratories and limits research to small sample numbers. We have developed a novel high-throughput bacterial profiling method, IS-pro. This PCR-based method combines highly specific species identification with instant taxonomic classification at the phylum level. Phylum sorting is of great value, as shifts associated with diseased states can best be identified at this taxonomic level and even unknown species can be classified. The highthroughput nature of the technique makes IS-pro suitable not only for use in research efforts, but also as a routine clinical tool in diagnostics and follow up. Methods The discriminatory potential of IS-pro was calculated with an in silico database of 342 bacterial species. In-vitro validation was performed with monocultures and mixes of cultured bacteria. Finally, we performed in vivo validation with 100 colonic mucosal biopsies of 20 healthy individuals obtained from 5 locations throughout the colon: Caecum, hepatic flexure, splenic flexure, sigmoid and rectum. Results In silico evaluation showed that IS-pro can theoretically discriminate >50.000 bacterial species. In vitro testing showed lower detection limit to be 10 bacteria/_l. No interactions were found between species belonging to the same phylum, nor were interactions found between the different phyla. In vivo validation on duplicate samples showed excellent reproducibility of IS-pro. A high level of correlation of mucosal samples throughout the colon was identified by IS-pro, corresponding well with current knowledge and further underlining the reproducibility of the technique. Conclusions IS-pro has a very high discriminatory potential, and is well suited for analysis of the complex microbiota of the human gut. Because of its simplicity, IS-pro can be performed in general clinical microbiological laboratories and can make analysis of the human intestinal microbiota broadly accessible to clinical practitioners. 16 CCA/V-ICI 9. P rospective screening for speech and swallowing problems in head and neck cancer patients via a touch screen computer assisted data collection system Ingrid C. Cnossen SLP MSc1, Remco de Bree MD PhD1, Rico N. Rinkel SLP MD1, Derek H.F. Rietveld MD2, Jan Buter MD3, Johannes A. Langendijk MD PhD4, C. René Leemans MD PhD1, Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw SLP PhD1. 1 2 3 4 Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Department of Radiation Oncology Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen/University of Groningen, Groningen. Introduction Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) patients often have to deal with side-effects of treatment, such as pain, fatigue, dry mouth, speech and swallowing problems, negatively affecting health-related quality of life. It is estimated that 34% - 71% of HNSCC patients have speech and swallowing problems after treatment (after surgery and / or chemoradiation treatment). We investigated prospectively the prevalence of speech and swallowing problems in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) from baseline (before attending the oncology clinic) to follow-up via a newly developed touch screen computer system (OncoQuest), which is linked to the hospital patient information system. Methods The EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35 health related quality of life questionnaires (including Speech and Swallowing subscales) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were completed by 55 HNSCC patients via OncoQuest, a touch screen computer-assisted data collection system before their first visit and during follow-up. The patient group consisted of 38 males and 17 females (mean age 63 years). Median time since diagnosis at follow-up was four months. Tumor site included larynx / hypopharynx (n=22), oral / oropharynx (n=18), and other (n=15). Tumor stage included stage I (n=20), II (n=13), III (n=13), and IV (n=9). Patients were treated by surgery (n=9), radiotherapy (n=22), surgery and radiotherapy (n=9), or chemoradiation (n=15). Results No swallowing or speech problems at baseline or follow-up were noted in 22% (swallowing) and 18% (speech) of the patients; 47% (swallowing) and 22% (speech) had normal scores at baseline and developed problems at follow-up; 4% had swallowing and 13% had speech problems at baseline and returned to normal scores at follow-up; and 27% (swallowing) and 47% (speech) had persistent problems from baseline to follow-up. Speech and swallowing problems were related to tumour stage (more swallowing problems in higher stage) and site (more speech problems in laryngeal cancer), and affected global quality of life and emotional well-being (HADS score). Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 17 CCA/V-ICI Conclusion Speech and swallowing problems in HNSCC patients are common and have a significant impact on quality of life and emotional well-being. Identifying speech and swallowing complaints through routine screening with the use of OncoQuest improves early detection and may enable adequate referral to speech and swallowing rehabilitation. 18 CCA/V-ICI 10. Secretion of virulence factors by pathogenic mycobacteria: how do type VII secretion systems recognize their substrates? Maria H. Daleke1, Roy Ummels1, Alessandro Cascioferro2, Riccardo Manganelli2, Wilbert Bitter1. 1D epartment of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2 Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Padua, Padua, Italy. Introduction Pathogenic mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. marinum secrete virulence factors via a new secretion system, called type VII secretion. One of these type VII secretion systems, ESX-5, secretes members of the unique PE and PPE protein families. How these proteins are recognized by the ESX-5 secretion machinery is not understood. However, since some PE and PPE proteins have been implied in mycobacterial virulence, it is crucial to understand how they are secreted to be able to design intervention strategies. We therefore aim our research at identifying the ESX-5 secretion signal. Methods Multiple deletions were made in genes encoding PE and PPE proteins known to be secreted by ESX-5, and the effect on secretion was analyzed in both wild-type M. marinum and in an ESX-5 mutant. Results We show that deletion of the N-terminal domain of PE proteins abolishes ESX-5 dependent secretion. Moreover, the PE domain alone is already sufficient to allow secretion by ESX-5. Interestingly, deletion of the conserved N-terminus of a PPE family member also resulted in abolished secretion, suggesting a similar role for the PPE domain in targeting these proteins to the ESX-5 machinery. Conclusions Our data suggest that the conserved PE and PPE domains share a common function, targeting PE and PPE proteins to the ESX-5 secretion system, respectively. Small deletions and point mutations in the PE and PPE domains are currently being generated to identify the ESX-5 secretion signal. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 19 CCA/V-ICI 11. S plit course concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy in anal cancer: a single-institution experience Judi N.A. van Diessen¹, Otto W.M. Meijer¹, Epie Boven². 1 Department of Radiation Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Department of Clinical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Including a treatment break in definitive chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer could be considered suboptimal on radiobiological grounds. We analyzed our results with respect to tumor control and treatment toxicity. Methods From January 1990 to June 2008, 62 patients were treated with 2 cycles of combined 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), Mitomycin-C (MMC) and radiotherapy (RT), delivered by split course containing a gap of 4 weeks with an overall treatment time of 58 days. Tumors were staged as T1 in 3.2%, T2 in 46.8%, T3 in 27.4%and T4 in 22.6%. The majority (72.6%) was N0. Pelvis and elective inguinal lymph nodes received 24 Gy. The primary tumor and involved nodes were boosted to a total dose of 48 Gy. Results Median follow-up was 37 months (range 1-165); eighteen patients (29%) experienced residual or relapsed disease; mainly occurring within the first 2 years. Univariate analysis revealed a significant influence of N-stage on locoregional control; no correlation was seen with gender, T- and N- stage and stage grouping. Five-year local control and LRC rates were 77.6% and 79.2%. Five-year overall survival, disease-free survival and colostomy-free survival were 75.5%, 70.0% and 68.6%. Treatment was well tolerated, also in the elderly. Grade 3/4 acute skin and GI toxicity was experienced in both 3.2% of the patients. Hematologic toxicity, specifically grade 3/4 thrombopenia and leucopenia was seen in 12.9% and 8.1%. Fecal incontinence, an important late side effect, was not seen. Conclusion Split course chemoradiotherapy reveals good locoregional control without compromising anal function. 20 CCA/V-ICI 12. M ultiple ligands in the mycobacterial cell envelope determine the interaction between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the C-type lectin DC-SIGN Nicole Driessen1, Jeroen Geurtsen1, Jeroen den Dunnen2, Roy Ummels1, Janneke Maaskant1, Theo Geijtenbeek2, Wilbert Bitter1, Christina Vandenbroucke-Grauls1, Ben Appelmelk1. 1 Dept. of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control 2 Dept. of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction DC-SIGN is a mannose-binding C-type lectin and the major receptor for Mycobacterium tuberculosis present on dendritic cells (DCs). It is also expressed on alveolar macrophages, but only upon M. tuberculosis infection. The interaction of M. tuberculosis with DC-SIGN influences the outcome of the immune response. In recent years, a variety of mycobacterial ligands for DC-SIGN have been identified. These include the glycolipids mannose-capped lipoarabinomannan (ManLAM) and phosphatidylinositol hexamannoside (PIM6). Here, we investigated the interaction of DC-SIGN with these latter two glycolipids. Our aim was to find out how these molecules contribute to the interaction between Mycobacterium and DC-SIGN. Methods Purified ManLAM, PIM6, and related glycolipids were coated on beads and examined for their binding to DCs and to a Raji cell line expressing DC-SIGN using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Next, mutant strains in M. bovis BCG were created which do not produce ManLAM or PIM6 or neither of these. The mutant strains were studied for their binding to DC-SIGN. Results Our results demonstrate that DC-SIGN has a high affinity for ManLAM and PIM6, but not for less mannosylated structures. Strikingly, the mutant strains, even the double knockout which neither synthesizes ManLAM nor PIM6, did not bind less to DC-SIGN and dendritic cells as compared to the parent strain. Conclusion Mycobacterial ManLAM and PIM6 are both DC-SIGN ligands. Nevertheless, ManLAM and PIM6 do not dominate the Mycobacterium-DC-SIGN interaction. Hence, other mycobacterial ligands, such as mannosylated proteins and/or α-glucan, probably also play a role. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 21 CCA/V-ICI 13. M ir-21 as Determinant of Gemcitabine Resistance in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma A. Erozencil1, E. Giovannetti1,2, N. Funel2, M. Del Chiaro2, G.J. Peters1. 1 Dept. Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, the Netherlands 2 University of Pisa, Italy. Introduction Mir-21 was reported to be overexpressed and contribute to invasion and gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether mir-21 expression was associated with the overall survival (OS) of PDAC patients treated with gemcitabine and provide mechanistic insights for new therapeutic targets. Methods Mir-21 expression was evaluated in pancreatic cells (7 PDAC cell lines, 7 primary PDAC cultures, fibroblasts and a normal pancreatic ductal cell line) and 30 laser-microdissected PDAC tissues by quamtitative PCR. The role of mir-21 on the pharmacological effects of gemcitabine was studied in cells transfected with a specific mir-21 precursor (pre-mir). Modulation of apoptosis and Akt activation was analyzed by Annexin V and ELISA assays. Inhibitors of PI3K and mTOR (LY204002 and rapamycin) were used to test whether modulation of these signalling pathways affected molecular mechanisms activated by mir-21 and gemcitabine activity. Results Patients with lower mir-21 expression had a significantly longer OS than patients with high mir-21 levels (19 vs. 13 months; p=0.016). Mir-21 expression in the primary cultures correlated with expression in their respective tissues, and with gemcitabine resistance in all the PDAC cells. The treatment with gemcitabine resulted in a significant increase of mir-21 expression, ranging from 2 to 19-fold in 13 PDAC cell lines. Pre-mir21 transfection significantly decreased apoptosis induction by gemcitabine in 2 selected PDAC cell lines (LPC028 and LPC067), while metalloproteinase-2/-9, and VEGF expression were up-regulated. Addition of inhibitors of PI3K (LY294002) and mTOR (rapamycin) resulted in a decrease of phospho-AKT and overcame pre-mir21 induced resistance in LPC006 and LPC028. Conclusions Mir-21 expression correlates with OS in PDAC patients. Furthermore, mir-21 contributes to chemoresistance in PDAC cells by modulation of apoptosis and Akt phosphorylation. Mir-21 may have an important role in the development of new targeted combinations against PDAC. 22 CCA/V-ICI 14. S entinel node biopsy and ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology in the detection of occult lymph node metastases in oral and oropharyngeal cancer Géke B. Flach1, Elisabeth Bloemena2,6, Annelies van Schie3, Otto S. Hoekstra3, Jonas A. Castelijns4, Isaac van der Waal5,6, C. René Leemans1, Remco de Bree1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Pathology Nuclear Medicine and PET-research Radiology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Oral Pathology VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Oral Pathology, VU University Medical Center and Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Amsterdam. Introduction Management of the clinically N0 neck in patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer remains controversial. In patients scheduled for transoral excision, the choice is between elective neck dissection and watchful waiting. A reliable diagnostic technique in the detection of occult lymph node metastases will reduce the risk of both, over- and undertreatment. Currently the most reliable method is ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology (USgFNAC). However, in multi-institutional studies the sensitivity is variable (42-73%). Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) might be more sensitive. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of SNB in oral and oropharyngeal cancer and to compare SNB with USgFNAC in the detection of occult lymph node metastases. Methods Patients scheduled for transoral excision of a T1-T2 oral or oropharyngeal carcinoma and a clinically N0 neck were included. All patients underwent both diagnostic examinations, USgFNAC and SNB. If lymph node metastases were detected the patients underwent a neck dissection. The reference standard was 6 months of follow-up. Results Forty-five patients were included. Tumors were located on the lateral tongue (22), floor of mouth (17), inferior alveolar process (3), cheek (2) and the soft palate (1). With USgFNAC in 2 patients lymph node metastases were detected, in 35 patients cytology was tumor-negative and in 8 patients no FNAC was performed. The SN could be harvested in 44 patients. SNB showed metastases in 9 patients. In 1 patient the SN was tumor-negative, but another excised lymph node showed a metastasis. Of the 35 metastases-free patients, 1 developed a delayed lymph node metastasis after 3 months of follow-up. The sensitivity of USgFNAC was 0.18 (2/11) and of SNB was 0.82 (9/11). Conclusions SNB is feasible in oral and oropharyngeal carcinomas. In the detection of occult lymph node metastases SNB is more sensitive as compared to USgFNAC. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 23 CCA/V-ICI 15. T he novel proteasome inhibitor 5-Amino-8Hydroxyquinole (5AHQ) overcomes Bortezomib resistance in malignant hematological cell line models harboring mutations in the PSMB5 gene Niels E. Franke1, Johan van Meerloo1, Linda Slot1, Xiaoming Li3, Tabitha E Wood3, Katarina Vojtekova1, Sue Ellen Verbrugge2, Gertjan L. Kaspers1, Robert A. Batey4, Aaron D. Schimmer3, Gerrit Jansen2, Jacqueline Cloos1. 1 2 3 4 Pediatric Oncology/Hematology Rheumatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Princess Margaret Hospital/Ontario Cancer Institute Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. Introduction A significant proportion of patients show acquired resistance to the proteasome inhibitor Bortezomib (BTZ, Velcade®), which inhibits the catalytic ß5 subunit of the proteasome. The aim of our current study was to further elucidate the molecular basis of BTZ resistance in hematologicical cell line models and investigate whether the resistant phenotype could be overcome by the second generation proteasome inhibitor 5-amino-8-hydroxyquinole (5AHQ), which inhibits the non-catalytic α7 subunit of the proteasome (Li et al. ASH 2008). Methods Previously we reported the development a model system of three different BTZ-resistant cell lines, including acute myeloid leukemia; THP-1 (Oerlemans & Franke et al. Blood 2008), T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia; CCRF-CEM-C7 and multiple myeloma; RPMI-8226 cell line (Franke et al. ASH 2008) after chronic exposure to stepwise increasing concentrations of BTZ. We determined sensitivity to 5AHQ using a 4-day cytotoxicity assay (MTT) in our modelsystem. Results Cells were initially selected for growth at 7 nM BTZ to acquire low levels of BTZ resistance (2-3 fold higher IC50 concentrations) and subsequently challenged to concentrations of BTZ up to 500 nM to provoke higher resistance levels. Sequencing of the PSMB5 gene, encoding for the ß5 proteasome subunit, revealed a series of mutations in individual BTZ-resistant subclones all residing within the BTZ binding pocket. Strikingly, all BTZ-resistant selectants retained parental cell line sensitivity towards 5AHQ. Conclusions Together, these data indicate that in vitro selection of low and high levels of BTZ resistance in three hematological cell lines provokes multiple mutations in the PSMB5 gene, leading to amino acid substitutions at key positions in BTZ binding pocket of the proteasome ß5 subunit. 5AHQ can bypass this mode of BTZ resistance, which supports further preclinical development of this drug and its analogues. This study is supported by VUmc - Stichting Translational Research (STR) and The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (ZonMw), The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research through funding from the Ministry of Research and Innovation, Province of Ontario. 24 CCA/V-ICI 16. C yanovirin: a novel way to prevent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection? Jeroen Geurtsen1, Nicole Driessen1, Bas Gillisen1, Janneke Maaskant1, Simone Vink1, Astrid van der Sar1, Christina Vandenbroucke-Grauls1, and Ben Appelmelk1. 1D epartment of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Cyanovirin (CV-N) is a mannose-binding lectin that efficiently blocks HIV-1 infection. It does so by interacting with the viral surface and block target-cell entry via C-type lectins. Like HIV-1, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, i.e. the causative agent of human tuberculosis, expresses a large number of mannosylated surface structures and uses C-type lectins to gain cell access. This suggests that CV-N, in analogy with its ability to block HIV-1, may also block M. tuberculosis infection. Here we provide evidence that CV-N indeed exhibits this activity. This is the first report on a compound that simultaneously inhibits M. tuberculosis and HIV-1 infection. Methods Binding of CV-N to mycobacteria was investigated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and Western blotting. The ability of CV-N to block the interaction of mycobacteria with C-type lectins was determined using ELISA and in whole-cell binding assays. The influence of CV-N on infection was determined in in vitro infection assays and in a zebrafish infection model. Results Our results demonstrate that CV-N efficiently interacts with M. tuberculosis. We identify the glycolipid lipoarabinomannan as its major ligand and show that CV-N successfully competes with C-type lectins DC-SIGN and mannose receptor for binding. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CV-N inhibits mycobacterial infections both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions CV-N and CV-N-like molecules form an interesting class of compounds that may be used to combat both HIV-1 and M. tuberculosis. Furthermore, these findings indicate that a vaccine directed against surface-exposed mannose-containing (lipo)glycans, e.g. lipoarabinomannan, may allow for the development of a sterilizing tuberculosis vaccine. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 25 CCA/V-ICI 17. E fficacy of voice therapy in patients after treatment of early glottic cancer Christine D.L. van Gogh, M.D.1, Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw, S.L.P., Ph.D.1, Rico N.P.M. Rinkel, M.D.1, M. Diana de Bruin, S.L.P., M.A.1, Johannes A. Langendijk, M.D., Ph.D.2, Dirk J. Kuik, M.Sc.3, Hans F. Mahieu, M.D., Ph.D.4 1D epartment of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Groningen Medical Center, Groningen 3 Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 4 Voice Clinic, dept. Otorhinolaryngology, Meander Medical Centre, Amersfoort. Introduction After treatment of early glottic cancer a considerable number of patients end up with voice problems interfering with daily life activities. The purpose of this randomized and controlled study is to assess the efficacy of voice therapy in these patients. Methods Of 177 patients, 6 to 120 months after treatment of early glottic cancer, 70 patients (40%) suffered from voice impairment based on a 5-item screening questionnaire. About 60% of these 70 patients were not interested in participating in the study. Twenty-three patients, willing to participate, were randomly assigned to a voice therapy group (n=12) or a control group (n=11). Multidimensional voice analysis (self-reported Voice Handicap Index (VHI), acoustic and perceptual voice quality analysis, videolaryngostroboscopy, and Voice Range Profile (VRP)) was conducted twice: before and after voice therapy or with 3 months in between for the controls. Results Statistical analysis of the difference scores (post- minus pre-measurement), showed significant voice improvement after voice therapy on the total VHI-score, percent jitter and noise to harmonics ratio in the voice signal and on the perceptual rating of vocal fry. Conclusions Voice therapy proved to be effective in patients with voice problems after treatment of early glottic cancer. Improvement was not only noticed by the patients (VHI) but was also confirmed by objective voice parameters. 26 CCA/V-ICI 18. Personalized therapy in recurrent colorectal cancer Jeroen A.C.M. Goos1,2, Remond J.A. Fijneman1, Albert A. Geldof2, Gerrit A. Meijer1, Otto S. Hoekstra2. 1 Dept. of Pathology 2 Dept. of Nuclear Medicine & PET Research, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam. Introduction In The Netherlands every day 13 people die as a consequence of metastases of colorectal cancer (CRC), of which the vast majority (± 70%) is located in the liver. Selection of patients eligible for liver resection usually is performed by positron emission tomography (PET). Aims 1) Identify novel biomarkers for CRC liver metastases and subsequently develop suitable tracers for PET imaging. 2) Validate 18FLT, an existing PET tracer, for its prognostic relevance in patients with CRC liver metastases. Methods 1) Immunohistochemical analysis is performed on tissue microarrays (TMAs) containing both primary CRC and metastatic specimens, followed by correlation of biomarker expression to patient survival data. Promising biomarkers will be used to develop suitable PET tracers against by assessment of radiochemistry. Newly developed tracers will be validated in in vitro and in vivo models. 2) The prognostic relevance of 18FLT will be validated prospectively in a multicenter cohort clinical trial. Results The biomarker studies reveals to what extent (novel) biomarkers in primary CRC (preferably linked to drug targets) are correlated to their expression in CRCLMs, allowing molecular diagnosis of the primary tumor to predict image-ability (and potential drug-ability) of CRCLMs. In parallel, this study reveals the added prognostic value of 18FLT PET compared to the “gold standard” 18FDG PET. Conclusion This study contributes to the improvement of personalized therapy for patients with recurrent CRC and CRCLMs by validating the prognostic relevance of 18FLT PET and other (newly developed) PET tracers. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 27 CCA/V-ICI 19. E pstein Barr virus genome elimination by small molecules as treatment for EBV-driven lymphomas and carcinomas Astrid Greijer1, Iwan de Esch2, Sabine Fleig1, Jalenka van Wijk1, Rob Leurs2, Jaap Middeldorp1. 1 Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Division of Medical Chemistry FEW, Chemistry, VU, Amsterdam. Introduction Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human herpesvirus causal for several types of lymphoma and carcinoma. EBV associated tumors are aggressive and current therapies are not adequate. Our study aims to develop a new therapy for deleting the EBV genome from tumor cells, thereby eliminating their tumorigenic character. Maintenance of the viral genome is dependent on the viral EBNA1 protein, which acts as a glue between the viral DNA and host chromosomes. This essential interaction is a potent target for therapeutic intervention, which may be achieved by special designed small molecules. Methods Structure-Based Drug Design (SBDD) and Fragment-Based Drug Discovery (FBDD) approaches using the crystal structure of the EBNA1/ ori-P DNA complex revealed specific small molecules. The candidate small molecules were functionally tested in screens analyzing EBNA1/ori-P DNA complex formation by high throughput ELISA and a bandshift assay (EMSA). Eradication of the EBV genome was analyzed in a cell model system in which GFP intensity correlates with the quantity of the viral genome. Results Our preliminary studies testing 20 lead compounds already revealed two unique candidate compounds proved to be effective in disrupting the EBNA1/ori-P complex. Analysis of these molecules in a cell culture model shows a gradual loss of the EBV episome. Conclusions This multidisciplinary approach proved a good basis for further design and optimization of new small molecule drugs. This new therapy will specifically decrease the EBV-driven tumour growth while circumventing major side effects. In addition, changes in behaviour of tumour cells having lost the EBV genome, will aid to understanding EBV-driven oncogenesis. 28 CCA/V-ICI 20. PI3K signalling in HPV mediated transformation F.E. Henken, P.J.F. Snijders, C.J.L.M. Meijer, R.D.M. Steenbergen. Department of Pathology, Unit of Molecular Pathology VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Several observations suggest that the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) signalling pathway might be involved in high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV)-mediated cervical carcinogenesis. For example, gain of a chromosome 3q locus harbouring the PIK3CA gene (encoding the active subunit of PI3K), as well as PIK3CA overexpression, is common in cervical carcinomas. However, there is no functional evidence to support an active role of PI3K signalling in HPV-mediated transformation. Methods To analyse the functional role of the PI3K signalling, we used a longitudinal in vitro model of primary keratinocytes transfected with full length hrHPV mimicking the consecutive stages of hrHPV-induced malignant transformation. Results Different passages of hrHPV-transfected human keratinocytes representing an immortal (passage 40-50) and subsequent anchorage independent phenotype (passage 100-120), respectively, were tested for activation of the PI3K pathway by analysing phosphorylation of downstream effector PKB/AKT. Phosphorylation of PKB/AKT increased with passage. Upon treatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 PKB/AKT phosphorylation was strongly reduced at both stages of transformation. Functionally, treatment of cells with LY294002 reduced proliferation and in late passage cells also the capacity of cells to form colonies in soft agar as well as cellular migration. The same phenotypic effects were seen upon siRNA-mediated silencing of PIK3CA, whereas PIK3CA overexpression showed the reverse. Finally inhibition of PI3K also resulted in reduced differentiation of keratinocytes on organotypic raft cultures. Conclusions The present data indicate that the activation of the PI3K/PKB pathway, regulated by PIK3CA, plays a prominent functional role in HPV-induced cervical carcinogenesis. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 29 CCA/V-ICI 21. A norectal function evaluation in 600 patients: difference between fecal incontinent continent patients and determination of predictive factors for fecal incontinence T.J. Lam1, D.J. Kuik2, R.J.F. Felt-Bersma1. 1 Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Aim 1. To investigate the diagnostic potential of anorectal function tests in patients with fecal incontinence (FI) compared to patients without FI. 2. To conduct a model in order to determine predicting factors for FI. Methods Between 2003-2009, all third referral patients were evaluated according to our anorectal function protocol including anorectal manometry (ARM) and anal endosonography (EUS). ARM includes for instance maximal basal pressure (MBP), maximal squeeze pressure (MSP), sphincter length (SL), rectal sensitivity (first sensation, urge and maximal tolerable volume (MTV)). EUS detects internal (ISD) and external (ESD) sphincter defects. Results In total, 285(48%) patients of the 600 evaluated patients, had complaints of FI. Males and females were analyzed separately. Incontinent and continent patients showed an overlap in tests results. Females with FI had more watery stool, a lower MBP (39 vs 53mmHg; P<0.001) and MSP (29 vs 40mmHg; P<0.001), a shorter SL (3.0 vs 3.2cm; P=0.01), a lower MTV (184 vs 215ml; P<0.001), and more sphincter defects (53% vs 49%) which was mainly due to combined ISD/ESD (17% vs 7%; P=0.01). Males with FI had a lower MBP (45 vs 55mmHg; P=0.03) and MSP (43 vs 65mmHg; P=0.02). Six predictors were identified by logistic regression analysis and included patient’s age, stool consistency, MBP, MSP, MTV and combined ISD/ESD. The area under the ROC-curve was 0.84. When probability was >0.4, FI was predicted with sensitivity of 86% and negative predictive value of 82%. Conclusion Incontinent and continent patients have an overlap in ARM and EUS. Female patients with FI have a lower MBP and MSP, a shorter SL, a lower MTV and more often watery stool. Male patients with FI have a lower MSP. Our predictor model shows a relatively high sensitivity and NPV for predicting FI in females. 30 CCA/V-ICI 22. W arsaw breakage syndrome, a novel cohesinopathy associated with mutations in the XPD helicase family member DDX11/ChlR1 Petra van der Lelij1, Krystyna H. Chrzanowska2, Barbara C. Godthelp3, Martin A. Rooimans1, Anneke B. Oostra1, Markus Stumm4, Ma_gorzata Z. Zdzienicka5, Hans Joenje1 and Johan P. de Winter1. 1 2 3 4 5 Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Department of Medical Genetics, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland Department of Toxicogenetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands Institute of Human Genetics, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Germany Department of Molecular Cell Genetics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland. Introduction The iron-sulfur-containing DNA helicases XPD, FANCJ, DDX11, and RTEL represent a small subclass of superfamily 2 helicases. XPD and FANCJ have been connected to the genetic instability syndromes xeroderma pigmentosum and Fanconi anemia. Here we report a human individual suspected to suffer from a chromosomal instability syndrome. Cells derived from the patient showed defects in sister chromatid cohesion, a phenotype not common for genetic instability syndromes, but specific for the ‘cohesinopathy’ Roberts syndrome. Methods Based upon the extreme cohesion defects in the cells of this patient, a candidate gene approach was used, in which we investigated the expression of a whole set of proteins involved in sister chromatid cohesion. Results By Western blot analysis, an extremely low expression of the helicase DDX11 was detected in the patient cells. Mutational analysis showed biallelic mutations in the DDX11 gene. Conclusions Defective DDX11 is associated with a unique cellular phenotype in which features of Fanconi anemia (drug-induced chromosomal breakage) and Roberts syndrome (sister chromatid cohesion defects) co-exist. The DDX11 deficient patient represents a novel cohesinopathy, next to Cornelia de Lange and Roberts syndrome, and shows that DDX11 functions at the interface between DNA repair and sister chromatid cohesion. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 31 CCA/V-ICI 23. F unctional identification of genes and/or signalling pathways involved in chemoradiation resistance in head and neck cancer Sanne Martens-de Kemp1, Arjen Brink1, Ida van der Meulen2, Joop Kuik3, Boudewijn Braakhuis1, Victor van Beusechem2, Ruud Brakenhoff1. 1 Dept. Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery 2 Dept. Medical Oncology 3 Dept Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are increasingly treated with chemoradiation, but cure rates are low. Currently, there are no strong response predictors that allow personalized treatment. We performed a functional genetic siRNA screen to identify genes that can be used to predict upfront which tumors are likely to be eradicated by chemoradiation. Methods A suitable HNSCC cell line was reverse transfected with a genome-wide library of short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), followed by cisplatin (IC20 and IC80) or mock treatment. Genes influencing cellular response to cisplatin were identified by comparing cell viability between the different conditions. The screen was carried out in duplicate and data were analyzed by Z-score calculation. Results Scrambled siRNAs and siRNAs targeting genes known to influence cell viability or cisplatin sensitivity were included as controls, and gave the expected results. We found 246 siRNAs that appeared to influence cisplatin response significantly. Some of these siRNAs target genes are already known to cause sensitivity to cisplatin, indicating the reliability of the experimental setup. We also obtained a list of 80 genes that influenced basic cell viability of HNSCC cells, independent of cisplatin. Conclusions By specifically knocking down all human genes in HNSCC cells, we obtained an unbiased list of 246 candidate genes that seem to influence the cellular response to cisplatin. Refined statistical analysis combined with bioinformatics, the exclusion of off-target effects, as well as confirmation of the hits in multiple cell lines are needed to validate these results. 32 CCA/V-ICI 24. Molecular classification of familial breast cancer Maarten Massink, Hanne Meijers, Quinten Waisfisz. Department of Clinical Genetics, section Oncogenetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death in women world-wide. In the western world about one in eight women develop breast cancer, accounting for one third of total cancer incidence in woman. About ten percent of breast cancer cases cluster in families. At present only 15-20% of these familial breast cancers have been elucidated and are due to highly penetrant germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The identification of these genes has greatly affected the clinical management of families with clustering of breast cancer, and has led to improvements in the prospects of women at very high risk. The identification of novel breast cancer susceptibility genes by means of conventional genome-wide linkage analysis in multiple case families has been proven difficult. However, gene expression and genomic differences between hereditary and sporadic breast tumours have been reported. Research data suggests that mutations in the BRCA1/BRCA2 genes lead to different somatic alterations in the genomes that progress through a specific developmental pathway leading to cancer. These differences could give clues for further research targeted at defining tumour markers that can be used as predictors and classifiers or in the drug target finding process. Methods In this study a unique series of BRCA1/BRCA2 related breast cancers will be compared with breast cancers from families found negative for mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 and sporadic cases. This will be done using SNP arrays for copy number and LOH analysis and gene expression microarrays. The correlation of these data will allow for molecular classification and identification of distinct classes of non-BRCA1/BRCA2 breast cancers and guide new searches for causative breast cancer susceptibility genes. Also the possibilities for devising molecular classifiers for BRCA1 breast cancers, as reported in literature, will be extensively studied. Results/Conclusions Preliminary results suggest that the underlying ‘intrinsic ’subtype of breast cancer, as shown by Perou et al., have a greater impact on tumour phenotype than mutation status. Since BRCA1 tumours largely cluster to one of these subtypes, this should be accounted for when searching for BRCA1 specific classifiers. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 33 CCA/V-ICI 25. P rospective evaluation of quality of life in long term oral and oropharyngeal cancer survivors and the need for supportive care Inge M. Oskam, M.D.1, Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw, Ph.D.1, Neil Aaronson, Ph.D.2, Dirk J. Kuik, M.Sc.3, Remco de Bree, M.D.1, Ph.D., Rietveld, M.D.4, Johannes A. Langendijk M.D., Ph.D.5, C. René Leemans, M.D., Ph.D.1 1D epartment of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 3 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 4 Department of Radiation Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 5 Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen. Introduction To evaluate long term (8-11 years) changes in health related quality of life (HRQOL) in oral/ oropharyngeal cancer survivors and their need for and use of supportive care. Methods Between 1999 and 2001, 80 advanced oral or oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with freeflap reconstruction and postoperative radiotherapy were included in a prospective study of whom 27 patients were long term (8-11 year) survivors. HRQOL of 26 patients was assessed by the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires at 4 points in time, pretreatment (baseline), and at 6 months, 12 months, and 8-11 years follow up. A study specific questionnaire was developed to evaluate the need for and use of allied health services, peer contact, psychosocial care and complementary care. Results Several aspects of HRQOL were significantly (p<0.05) deteriorated at long term follow up compared to baseline or short term follow up in the first year after treatment: social functioning, global quality of life, swallowing, coughing, feeling ill, problems with teeth, opening mouth, dry mouth, sexuality, constipation and speech. During treatment patients most frequently needed a dental hygienist (77%), a, physical therapist (73%), a speech therapist (42%), a dietician (38%) and a special diet (62%). Eight to eleven years after treatment the need for and use of supportive care was less. Most frequently patients still needed a dental hygienist (46%) and a physical therapist (23%). Conclusions To our knowledge this is the first paper that prospectively describes HRQOL in a homogeneous patient group with a follow up of more than eight years. A significant worse HRQOL was seen at 8-11 years follow up compared to pre-treatment levels. Head and neck specific symptoms deteriorated persistently during time. 34 CCA/V-ICI 26. R elationships, pregnancies and childwish in childhood cancer survivors: a pilot study A. Overbeek1, M.H. van den Berg1, F.E. van Leeuwen2, C.B. Lambalk3, G.J. Kaspers1, E. van Dulmen-den Broeder1. 1 Department of Paediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center 2 Department of Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Childhood cancer and its treatment may have an enormous impact on psychological and social development. Previous research shows that cancer survivors have a lower educational and employment status than age-matched peers and achieve fewer milestones in social and psychosexual development. Additionally, survivors are less likely to marry and to have offspring. Methods The study cohort consists of 5-year survivors of childhood cancer treated at VU University Medical Center for any type of cancer and an age-matched group of sibling controls. Data are collected by means of a questionnaire and include information on relationships, wish to have children, and pregnancies. To date data collection has been completed for 72 survivors and 72 age-matched controls. Results Median age at diagnosis was 8.3 (0-17) years. At time of study survivors and controls were aged 26.3 (18-46) and 26.1 (18-45) years, respectively. Educational level was similar in both groups. Significantly less CCS were in a committed relationship and the rate of virginity was significantly higher compared to controls. The percentage of CCS who were either pregnant or already had a child at time of study was significantly lower compared to the control group. Of those survivors and controls who did not yet have a child at time of study, 36% versus 2.5% indicated they did not have a wish to have children. After excluding CCS and controls who were not in a committed relationship at time of study, there was no significant difference in the wish to have children. Conclusions This pilot study shows that CCS are less likely to be in a committed relationship, to have had sexual intercourse and to have been pregnant compared to sibling controls. Additionally, a childwish seems to be less common in CCS compared to controls. In a nationwide studya, which is currently being performed, all these outcomes will be re-evaluated in a larger study population and in relation to treatment history. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 35 CCA/V-ICI 27. V iral miRNAs expressed in B cells are delivered toand act in recipient cells; evidence for functional miRNA transfer via exosomes D. Michiel Pegtel1, Thomas Würdinger3,5, Kat Cosmopoulos2, David A. Thorley-Lawson2, Monique van Eijndhoven1, Erik Hopmans1, Tanja D. de Gruijl4, Jelle L. Lindenberg4, and Jaap M. Middeldorp1. 1D epartment of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2 Department of Pathology, Jaharis Building, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA 3 Neuro-oncology Research Group, Department of Neurosurgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 4 Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam,The Netherlands 5 Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical school, Boston,USA. Introduction Non-coding regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) of cellular- and viral origin control gene expression by repressing the translation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) into protein. Surprisingly, viral miRNAs are present in secreted vesicles from infected B cells known as exosomes which are present in both human sera and culture media. This suggests a novel function for miRNAs outside the cells in which they were produced. Methods To investigate whether transferred EBV-miRNAs can act in uninfected recipient cells, we mimicked miRNA transference through exosomes using a novel co-culture model in vitro, luciferase miRNAbased reporter assays and quantitative mature-miRNA multiplex RT-PCR. Results We demonstrate that EBV-encoded miRNAs are secreted in large amounts by infected B cells through exosomes. The released exosomes are efficiently internalized by neighboring recipient cells, including primary monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDC). To further investigate whether miRNA-mediated gene silencing may have a role in inter-cellular communication, we designed reporter-assays in which we express full-length 3’-UTR luciferase target constructs in recipient cells. Accumulation of EBV-miRNA copy numbers in MoDC upon exosome transfer was measured by quantitative RT-PCR and lead to a dose-dependent, miRNA-mediated repression of specific EBV-miRNA target genes, including CXCL11/ITAC, an immuno-regulatory gene commonly downregulated in primary EBV-associated lymphomas. Finally, we demonstrate that Epstein Barr virus (EBV) BART-miRNAs are expressed by infected circulating B cells in humans and also present in relevant amounts in circulating non-infected non-B cells. 36 CCA/V-ICI Conclusions Collectively, our studies show that primary MoDCs, upon exosome internalization transport exosome-associated exogenous viral miRNAs to the cellular compartments that mediate miRNA-dependent gene silencing. Thus, viral miRNAs may exploit a novel miRNA-mediated communication pathway between human lymphocytes and monocytes. This work is funded by a NWO-Veni grant awarded to D. Michiel Pegtel Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 37 CCA/V-ICI 28. T runcating TP53 mutations have prognostic significance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma Marlon van der Plas¹, Ruud H. Brakenhoff1, Dirk J. Kuik2, Marijke Buijze1, Elisabeth Bloemena3,4, Peter J.F. Snijders4, C. René Leemans1, Boudewijn J.M. Braakhuis1. 1 Department of Otolaryngology/Head-Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 3 Department of Maxillofacial Surgery/Oral Pathology, Academic Center of Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA) 4 Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction TP53 is a key gene in cellular homeostasis and is frequently mutated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). There is a variety of TP53 mutations, each of which may have its own biological and clinical consequences. Aim of the study was to assess the prognostic significance of TP53 mutations in HNSCC and to identify the most relevant mutation category. Methods The TP53 mutation status was investigated in 141 consecutive HNSCC with known HPV-status and this was correlated with overall and progression-free survival. Patients were treated by surgery followed by radiotherapy on indication. Four mutation classifications were investigated. Results A TP53 mutation was found in 88 (62.4%) of the carcinomas and was not associated with overall survival (Hazard ratio (HR) 1.65 with 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.89 and 3.07, p=0.113). Patients with a mutation resulting into a truncated protein (N=36), had a significantly worse overall survival (HR: 2.54 [1.28 - 5.05] p=0.008), as compared with wild type TP53. A missense (i.e. non-truncating) mutation did not effect prognosis as compared to wild type TP53 (overall survival HR: 1.15 [0.56 - 2.36] p=0.704). Other ways of classification (disruptive vs. non-disruptive, hotspot vs. non-hotspot and DNA-binding vs. non-DNA-binding) were less discriminative and HPV-status was confounding in these associations. Conclusions Truncating mutations in the TP53 gene are an important independent predictor for a poor prognosis of HNSCC patients primarily treated by surgery followed by radiotherapy on indication. A loss of function mutation leads to a more aggressive type of disease. 38 CCA/V-ICI 29. Treatment of Osteosarcoma Lung Metastases J. Posthuma de Boer1, M. N. Helder1, V.W. van Beusechem2, G.J.L. Kaspers3, B.J. van Royen1. 1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 3 Department of Pediatric Oncology/Haematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor in children and adolescents. It has a worldwide incidence of 4 per million, with a peak incidence at the age 15-19 years. This type of tumor has a high tendency to systemic spread; more than 60% of all patients develop metastatic disease. Approximately 80% of all metastases arise in the lungs. Despite aggressive multi-agent treatment regimens there is a high mortality rate in patients with distant metastases. The overall 5-year survival rate is 65%. For patients with recurrent or spread disease, the survival rates are around 20%. Metastatic disease is less sensitive to chemotherapeutic treatment. Over the last two decades there has been little improvement in survival rates for patients with osteosarcoma. There is a necessity for novel treatment modalities. The aim of this study is to enhance the treatment of osteosarcoma lung metastases. Methods siRNA (kinase) screen: Screen 800 kinases for their effect on cell death after treatment with doxorubicin. Identify kinases in osteosarcoma cells that influence the sensitivity of OS to doxorubicin. If you can target molecules that cause insensitivity to chemotherapy, you sensitise OS cell to chemotherapy, and enhance the cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin. This could lead to better outcome rates or perhaps dose reduction of doxorubicin which gives serious adverse effects. Surface proteomics: Define surface molecules and secretory molecules specific for metastasising osteosarcoma cells. Asses their use as target for targeted (gene) therapy, or as a therapeutic target itself. Mouse model for human OS lung metastases in nude mice: Upon tail vein injection with human OS cells with high metastasising potential, lung tumors will develop after 7 weeks. Mice are sacrificed after 10 weeks. This model provides a good validation tool for in vitro results. By stably transducing metastasising OS cells with a fLuc.MC construct, these cells will omit photons upon administration with D-luciferin, allowing for Bioluminescence imaging of the tumors in mice and real-time follow up of tumor burden and possible therapeutic effects. Conclusions In vitro and In vivo experiments are ongoing. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 39 CCA/V-ICI 30. S tructured life review using autobiographical retrieval practice in depressed palliative head and neck and lung cancer patients Irene Riepma1,2, Bas Steunenberg1, Remco de Bree2, Rene Leemans2, Annemarie Beckers3, Egbert Smit3, Pim Cuijpers1, Michiel van den Brekel4, Ernst Bohlmeijer5, Vincent Willemsen6, Irma Verdonck- de Leeuw1,2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center Department of Pulmonary Diseases, VU University Medical Center Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute Department of Mental Health, University Twente Ingeborg Douwes Centrum, Center for Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam. Introduction Incurable ill cancer patients often experience feelings of depression and emotional distress. In clinical practice there is an urgent need for evidence based interventions. The goal of this study is to assess effectiveness of a structured life review protocol in palliative cancer patients. Methods 150 head and neck or lung cancer patients with depressive symptoms who are treated without curative intent, will be randomized into an intervention group, receiving the Life Review Therapy (4 sessions in the home situation of the patient), and a control group (waiting list). The Life Review therapy focuses on retrieving positive memories from the past and generating a coherent and meaningful autobiography. This enables re-evaluation of life events and reconstruction of the story of life, including the diagnosis of incurable cancer. Outcome measures include specificity of autobiographical memory, depression, emotional distress, and quality of life. Results A pilot study is ongoing. Preliminary findings indicate that structured screening of quality of life in clinical practice and prompt referral is needed to include patients timely. Patients and also their partners appreciate the intervention targeting depressed feelings of the patient, indicating that patients as well as their partners may benefit. Conclusions Based on the pilot study, the intervention protocol will be optimalized. OncoQuest (a touch screen computer system) will be used to screen for depressive symptoms in clinical practice. Outcome measures will be extended to assess emotional distress and quality of life of patients’ relatives as well. The randomized controlled trial will start in April 2010. 40 CCA/V-ICI 31. D evelopment of a genome wide screen to identify genes involved in modulating p53 transcriptional activity in lung cancer Ellen Siebring-van Olst1, E.F. Smit1, V.W. van Beusechem2. 1 Department of Pulmonary Diseases, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Lung cancer remains the major cause of cancer related deaths throughout the world. Therapeutic options are limited. Cisplatin, a DNA-damaging agent, is the cornerstone in the treatment of advanced non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet is effective in only 30% of these patients. p53, a well known tumor suppressor protein, is involved in both DNA-repair and apoptosis. Loss of p53 is associated with an adverse clinical outcome. In this project, we hypothesize that up regulating p53 activity will render NSCLC more sensitive to treatment and thus favor clinical outcome. We aim to identify genes that modulate p53 activity by a functional genomics approach using RNAi technology. For this, a new assay has to be developed. Methods Choice of cell line: A549 (adenocarcinoma of the lung) with a luciferase p53 activity reporter. Functional genomics: the Human siGenome SMARTpool library consisting of siRNA’s against 21.000 gene transcripts and the CCA RIFOL screening facility will be used. Results A suitable home made luciferase reagent and protocol have been developed for use in a genome wide screening setting. The luciferase assay shows satisfying stability for more than two hours. Both up- and down regulation of p53 activity in A549 are readily detectable by this assay. Conclusions An in-house developed screening method will identify modulators of p53 activity in A549. Hits will be validated and effect on chemosensitivity will be assessed in a variety of NSCLC cell lines. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 41 41 CCA/V-ICI 32. H igh aldehyde dehydrogenase activity is general marker for normal hematopoietic stem cells but not leukemic stem cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Gerrit-Jan Schuurhuis, Lisa Min, Monique Terwijn, Angele Kelder, Sander Snel, Gert Ossenkoppele, Linda Smit. Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Only a minority of cells, the leukemic stem cells (LSCs), within Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) are typically responsible for tumor growth and maintenance. Many patients experience a relapse after therapy which originates mainly from the outgrowth of therapy resistant LSC. Therefore, eradication of the LSCs is necessary to cure leukemia. Both the normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and LSCs co-exist in the bone marrow (BM) of leukaemia patients and therefore success of an anti-stem-cell strategy relies on specific induction of LSC death while sparing the normal HSC. In AML, apart from the CD34+CD38- and the side population (SP) compartment, the high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity compartment contains the LSCs. ALDH is a detoxifying enzyme responsible for the oxidation of intracellular aldehydes. High ALDH activity results in resistance to alkylating agents such as the active derivatives of cyclophosphamide. Results We have previously shown that CD34+CD38- and SP LSCs can be identified and discriminated from HSCs using stem cell-associated cell surface markers, including C-type lectin-like molecules (CLL-1), lineage markers, such as CD7, CD19, and CD56 and recently cell size characteristics as measured by flow cytometry. Here we have analyzed ALDH activity in normal HSCs and LSCs, both present within the same BM, in 23 AML patient samples. In 7 AML cases, a high SSCloALDHbr cell population was identified (>5%). We show that in 9 BM AML samples, defined as CD34min (ie <1% CD34+ cells, in which the CD34+CD38- cells are all normal HSC), the ALDH activity is lower in the LSC then in the HSC. In 9 BM AML patients, defined as CD34+ and with both normal and leukemic CD34+CD38- present, we show that the marker positive CD34+CD38- LSCs have lower ALDH activity then the marker negative CD34+CD38- HSCs. Altogether, we show that a common feature of all AML cases is that the HSCs that co-exist with LSC in the BM of AML patients have a higher ALDH activity as compared to their malignant counterparts. Conclusion In conclusion, high ALDH activity is an unique marker of normal HSC within the AML BM at diagnosis. Consequently, AML patients with high ALDH activity in the normal HSC might benefit from treatment with alkylating agents such as mafosfamide, whereby the difference between the ALDH activity in LSC and HSC defines the therapeutic window. At present, drugs, known to be dependent on low ALDH for proper activity, are tested for their LSC specific killing while sparing the normal HSC. 42 CCA/V-ICI 33. M ethylation of WNT/_-catenin pathway regulators in cervical carcinomas S. Snellenberg, W.F. van der Meide, C.J.L.M. Meijer, P.J.F. Snijders, R.D.M. Steenbergen. Department of Pathology, VU University Medical center, Amsterdam. Introduction The incidence of adenocarcinoma (AdCA) in relation to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix has increased during the last half century. Particularly AdCA and its precursor lesion, adenocarcinoma in situ (ACIS), are frequently missed in current screening programs. High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing improves early detection of ACIS/AdCA. However, only a fraction of hrHPV positive women have or will develop ACIS/AdCA, therefore additional ACIS/ AdCA specific biomarkers are needed. Present results show that (epi)genetic signatures differ between SCC and AdCA. This opens possibilities for novel biomarkers enabling specific detection of ACIS/AdCA in hrHPV positive women. Since aberrant activation of the Wnt/_-catenin signaling pathway is common in human AdCAs and promoter methylation can be reliably detected in cervical scrapes, we analysed potential methylation events in the Wnt/_-catenin pathway. Method Five negative modulators of the Wnt/_-catenin pathway (DKK3, SFRP2, SFRP4, APC and WNT5A) were tested for DNA methylation in AdCA using methylation specific PCR (MSP). DKK3 and SFRP2 were further evaluated using quantitative MSP (qMSP) on hrHPV positive cervical biopsies showing the following histologies: SCC (n=20), AdCA (n=50), ACIS (n=22) and normal biopsies (n=21). Results The frequency of DKK3 and SFRP2 methylation was significantly higher in AdCA compared to SCCs (each 84% vs. 25%; p£0.001). In ACIS, frequency of DKK3 and SFRP2 methylation were 41% and 45%, respectively. In comparison, DKK3 and SFRP2 methylation was only detected in 10% and 0%, respectively, of normal biopsies. Conclusion Promoter methylation of DKK3 and SFRP2 is specifically associated with cervical AdCA and may thereby contribute to a biomarker panel for the early detection of ACIS and AdCA in hrHPV positive women. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 43 CCA/V-ICI 34. F ingerprinting the human gut microbiome: evaluation of a Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP) kit on human gastrointestinal biopsies D. Soeltan-Kaersenhout1, Adriaan A. van Bodegraven2, P.H.M. Savelkoul1*. 1 Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control 2 Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Shifts in microbial composition of the human gut are thought to play a causal role in the development and sustenance of intestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colon cancer. Because of the limitations of culture techniques, molecular methods have become the prime choice for obtaining a rapid view of the diversity of the microbial composition of the human gut. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) is a molecular fingerprinting method for characterization of complex microbial communities. In this study, the performance of a recently developed T-RFLP kit was evaluated on human colon biopsies. The kit provides a PCR mix which amplifies the 16S rRNA gene with two different fluorescently labelled primers (FAM/NED). After amplification, an endonuclease mixture containing MspI and HinPI1 is added to each PCR vial. Subsequently, the molecular weight of the labelled terminal restriction fragments is retrieved in an automated DNA sequencer. In theory, each species will produce a unique combination of a FAM and a NED peak in the resulting electropherogram. The sensitivity of the kit was determined by analysis of a dilution series of quantified bacterial cultures of three common inhabitants of the human gut: Bacteroides vulgatus, Bifidobacterium adolescentis & Escherichia coli. In addition, a total of 100 mucosal colon biopsies from 20 healthy individuals were tested. Duplicate DNA samples were analyzed to examine the reproducibility of the patterns. The sensitivity of the kit proved to be 1,000 colony forming units per microliter (CFU/uL) for E. coli and 100 CFU/uL for B. vulgatus. At a concentration of 100,000 CFU/uL for B. adolescentis, the FAM-labelled fragment alone was barely detected. Subsequent primer sequence alignment showed suboptimal priming of the reverse primer with Bifidobacterium spp. Human intestinal biopsy sample profiles were highly reproducible (approximately 95%). Intra- and interindividual differences were found and comparable to previous results obtained with our in-house T-RFLP test. However, the sensitivity of the kit is not very high with a maximum of 100 CFU/uL for B. vulgatus. Moreover, the poor detection of Bifidobacterium spp. is not favourable considering the proposed importance of this genus in health and disease of the human gut. This should be improved before the T-RFLP kit is suited for testing human gastrointestinal samples. In general, the ready-to-use T-RFLP kit allows for a rapid and simple way to obtain T-RFLP profiles. This is of importance for high throughput analyses in a clinical setting. *corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] 44 CCA/V-ICI 35. T wo sides of a coin; bacterial and host genes involved in granuloma formation Esther J.M. Stoop1, Fredericke Hannes1, Annemarie H. Meijer2, Christina M.J.E. VandenbrouckeGrauls1, Wilber Bitter1 and Astrid M. van der Sar1. 1D epartment of Medical Microbiology and Infection control, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden. Introduction Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis, which is characterized by granuloma formation. Despite decades of investigation, it is still not exactly known how mycobacteria establish infection. The currently used live vaccine strain has delayed granuloma formation. This is due to a partial deletion of the ESX1 region; a genetic locus encoding a secretion system responsible for secretion of virulence proteins. Unfortunately, the efficacy of the vaccine does not reach 100%. Our aim is to identify mycobacterial genes involved in granuloma formation. Methods In this study, we make use of the Mycobacterium marinum - zebrafish model. M. marinum is closely related to M. tuberculosis and causes fish tuberculosis. We are screening a random mutant library of M. marinum in order to identify mutants impaired in granuloma formation. Additionally, a micro-array study was performed on zebrafish infected with either wild-type bacteria or a granuloma mutant, in order to identify zebrafish genes that are upregulated upon mycobacterial granuloma formation. Results Upon screening 200 mutants, we identified four mutants with reduced granuloma formation. Two of the four mutants have a mutation in ESX1 related genes. Interestingly, the other two mutants are not ESX1 related. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that matrix metallo protease 13 (MMP13) is specifically upregulated when granulomas are formed. Conclusion Our zebrafish embryo screen identifies bacterial genes necessary for granuloma formation. Besides ESX1 related genes, which we expected, we have found new genes that are involved in granuloma formation. Furthermore, we investigate zebrafish genes that are upregulated upon granuloma formation and the possibility to use these genes as markers in our granuloma studies. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 45 CCA/V-ICI 36. M icroRNA profiling for reducing colorectal cancer death by improving early diagnosis Lisette Timmer1, Anne Bolijn1, Edwin Cuppen2, Gerrit Meijer1 and Begoña Diosdado1. 1 Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Hubrecht Institute, Utrecht. Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in the Western world. Better understanding of the molecular biology of CRC and development of a screening test based on biomarkers that are directly shed from the tumor into stool will make it possible to reduce the high number of CRC-related deaths. Recently, a novel class of non-coding RNAs called microRNAs (miRNAs) have shown to be master regulators of central mechanisms of tumorigenesis. Besides their biological importance, their potential in diagnostics and therapeutics has become evident. In CRC, although differentially expressed miRNAs have been identified, their causative role in CRC adenoma to carcinoma progression has not been elucidated. In addition, miRNAs may provide new biomarkers for early detection of CRC. Aim To investigate the contribution of miRNAs in colorectal adenoma to carcinoma progression in order to develop a small RNA based stool test for early detection of CRC. Methods Differentially expressed miRNAs between adenomas and carcinomas will be obtained using miRNAs expression microarrays. Further DNA copy number changes and epigenetic changes will be correlated to their expression and a miRNA library will be used to determine their contribution to the pathogenesis of the disease. Last, a predictive classifier based on the miRNA expression signatures, which can discriminate between colorectal adenomas and carcinomas, will be determined. Preliminary results We have identified the expression of 117 differentially expressed (p<0.05) miRNAs during adenoma to carcinoma progression. The identification of the cause of their altered expression and their target genes lead us to unravel that the expression of the miRNA cluster miR-17-92 is associated to DNA copy number gain of 13q during colorectal adenoma to carcinoma progression. Last, we already found a predictive classifier that distinguished 41 small non-coding RNA molecules, which can predict whether a colorectal tumor is an adenoma or a carcinoma. Further validation of these results has been started. 46 CCA/V-ICI 37. D ifferences in FIT results between screening and referred colorectal cancer patients are explained by differences in tissue tumor stage S.T. van Turenhout1, L.G.M. van Rossum2, F.A. Oort1, R.J.F. Laheij2, A.F. van Rijn3, P. Fockens3, G.A. Meijer4, J.B.M.J. Jansen2, E. Dekker3 and C.J.J. Mulder1. 1 2 3 4 Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Studying immunochemical faecal occult blood tests (FITs) in patients referred for colonoscopy compared with average-risk subjects in screening studies, has the important advantage that colonoscopy is performed in all subjects. Although (some) outcome measures might be overestimated in referral populations with higher prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC), we hypothesise that differences can be explained by differences in tumour stage distribution. Methods This study aimed to compare quantitative FIT results according to tissue tumour stage in a referral population and a screening population. Between June 2006 and February 2007 a population-based screening study randomly assigned individuals to perform a FIT (OC-Sensor®). This was also used in a prospective study started in patients referred for elective colonoscopy. Cases with FIT values ≥50ng/ml were compared. Differences in log(FIT values) per T-stage between the two groups were analysed with the t-test and logistic regression analysis. Results 94 CRC patients were included: 28 screening cases (64% male; mean age 63, SD 6.4) and 66 referral cases (45% male; mean age 67, SD 9.2). The overall average log(FIT value) was significantly higher in the referral population (613ng/ml (6.5) vs 767ng/ml). According to T-stage, no significant difference in log(FIT values) existed between both populations (p=0.98 (T1), p=0.50 (T2) and p=0.22 (T3+T4)). Conclusion This study suggests that population differences in performance of the FIT mainly result from differences in tumour stage distribution. Therefore, studies on FIT performance in referral populations are valuable at least until screening data are available. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 47 CCA/V-ICI 38. P erformance of an integrated risk profile for selection of high risk individuals for colorectal cancer screening S.T. van Turenhout1, I. Stegeman2,3, F.A. Oort1, B.S. Ferket2, C.K. van Kalken2, G.A. Meijer4, R.A. Kraaijenhagen2, C.J.J. Mulder1. 1 2 3 4 Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam NDDO Institute for Prevention and Early Diagnostics (NIPED), Amsterdam Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Background Screening by fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) can decrease colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality, but the positive predictive value (PPV) for advanced neoplasia (AN) is low. It would probably be more effective to include an individual CRC risk profile. A multiple disease risk profiling program including CRC screening, the PreventionCompass (PC), is evaluated for PPV of AN. Methods CRC risk profiling was offered to participants of the PC (50-75 years old). The probability for advanced neoplasia (AN) was calculated based on an immunochemical fecal occult blood test (FIT) and different risk factors: first degree relative with CRC, calcium intake, smoking, alcohol, BMI, physical activity, history of IBD, previous colonoscopies, use of aspirin or NSAIDs. Individuals with FIT results ≥50 ng/ml were included, and PPV of FIT and risk factors was compared to FIT screening only. Results 1,699 participants completed CRC risk profiling, and 166 (10%) were referred for colonoscopy. Complete data were available for 129 referred subjects at time of analysis. 110 (85%) of this subgroup underwent colonoscopy. PPV for AN was 31% (n=34; PPV for CRC 5%, PPV for advanced adenoma 25%). The PPV for AN in FIT positive participants with none or low levels of risk factors (18%) was significantly lower (p=0.008), compared to FIT positive participants with high levels of risk factors (47%). The OR for AN in the last group was 4.13 compared to the first group (p= 0.011). Conclusion In a screening program, including a CRC risk profile in addition to FIT can significantly increase the PPV for advanced neoplasm’s. 48 CCA/V-ICI 39. B aseline RANKL: OPG ratio and markers of bone and cartilage degradation predict annual radiological progression over 11 years in rheumatoid arthritis Lilian H.D. van Tuyl1, Alexandre E. Voskuyl1, Maarten Boers1, Piet Geusens2, Robert B.M. Landewe2, Ben A.C. Dijkmans1, Willem F. Lems1. 1 VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 University Medical Center Maastricht, Maastricht. Introduction Traditional predictors of radiological progression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are mostly markers of inflammation. We investigated to what extent baseline measurements of the ratio of receptoractivator of nuclear-factor-_B-ligand (RANKL) / osteoprotegerin (OPG) and C-terminal cross linking of type-I and type-II (CTX-I and CTX-II) in addition to traditional markers of disease severity, could predict annual radiological progression. Method A cohort of 155 early, active RA patients was followed for 11 years. Urine was sampled at baseline and after 3 months from start of treatment and analyzed for CTX-I and CTX-II. Baseline serum samples were analyzed for RANKL and OPG. A digital database of frequent radiographs and baseline measures of traditional markers of disease severity were available. Individual annual progression rates were calculated and used as outcome variable. Multiple linear regression analyses identified the strongest predictors. Results In multivariable analyses the RANKL:OPG-ratio and CTX-I or CTX-II proved to be independent predictors of annual radiological damage over 11 years. The prediction of annual radiological progression was strongest when the RANKL:OPG-ratio and CTX-I or CTX-II were evaluated in the same model (36 to 39% explained variance). Adding the effect of treatment at 3 months to the baseline models improved the predictive ability of the models up to 46%. Conclusion Unfavorable baseline levels of the RANKL:OPG-ratio as well as CTX-I (markers of bone resorption) and CTX-II (a marker of predominantly cartilage degradation) in patients with early, active, untreated RA are strong independent predictors of rapid and persistent damage progression over 11 years follow up. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 49 CCA/V-ICI 40. M easurement of [11C]docetaxel uptake and tumour perfusion in lung cancer using PET-CT Astrid A. van der Veldt1, Mark Lubberink1, Emile F.I. Comans1, Henri N.J.M. Greuter1, Robert C. Schuit1, Arthur van Lingen1, S. Nafees F. Rizvi1, Martien P.J. Mooijer1, Anneloes Y. Rijnders1, Albert D. Windhorst1, Egbert F. Smit2, N. Harry Hendrikse1, Adriaan A. Lammertsma1. 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Research 2 Department of Pulmonology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Although docetaxel has anti-tumour activity in lung cancer (LC), a number of patients does not benefit from this treatment due to tumour resistance. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows for quantification of [11C]docetaxel kinetics. Imaging of [11C]docetaxel may be useful for personalized treatment planning. The purpose of the present study was to assess [11C]docetaxel uptake in LC and to investigate whether it was related to tumour perfusion. Methods Fourteen patients with advanced LC underwent dynamic PET-CT scans with [11C]docetaxel (60 min) and H215O (10 min). Lesions were delineated on the CT scan and projected onto the dynamic PET frames. [11C]docetaxel uptake in tumours was quantified using the net influx rate (Ki). Tumour perfusion was quantified by applying the standard single tissue compartment model to the H215O data. Results In total, 24 lesions were defined, including primary tumours and metastases. Clearance of [11C] docetaxel from plasma was rapid and later PET frames suffered from high liver uptake. Therefore, only the first 10 min of data were used for further analysis. The median net influx rate of [11C] docetaxel was 0.009 min-1 (range, 0-0.022). The inter-and intra-individual variability of [11C] docetaxel uptake was high. [11C]docetaxel uptake was highly correlated with tumour perfusion (Pearson’s correlation coefficient, p<0.001). Conclusions Measurement of [11C]docetaxel uptake in LC is feasible. The inter-lesion variability of [11C] docetaxel uptake may reflect differential sensitivity to docetaxel treatment. [11C]docetaxel uptake depends on tumour perfusion, suggesting that combination therapy consisting of docetaxel and antiangiogenic agents may affect docetaxel delivery to tumours which could have therapeutic implications. 50 CCA/V-ICI 41. Methylation pattern of high risk flat lesions in CRC Quirinus J.M. Voorham1, Beatriz Carvalho1, Angela J. Spiertz2, Nicole C.T. van Grieken1, Sarah Derks2, Heike I. Grabsch3, Bjørn Rembacken4, Martin Kliment5, Adriaan P. de Bruïne2, Chris J. Mulder6, Manon van Engeland2, Gerrit A. Meijer1 1 2 3 4 5 6 Dept of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Dept of Pathology, University Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands Pathology and Tumour Biology, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, UK Centre for Digestive Diseases, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK Gastroenterology, Hospital Vitkovice, Ostrava, Czech Republic Dept of Gastroenterology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Introduction Flat colorectal adenomas are considered to have a different molecular pathogenesis than regular polypoid-shaped lesions and are associated with more aggressive clinical behaviour. In CRC development methylation is an early event, but little is known about promoter hypermethylation in flat lesions. The Aim of this study is to analyze the methylation status of 10 CRC-related genes in flat lesions and compare this to established methylation patterns of polypoid lesions. Methods 86 FFPE flat adenomas, (classified according to the Paris classification) and 17 flat carcinomas were analysed. Promoter methylation status of 10 genes (O6MGMT, hMLH1, APC, p14ARF, p16INK4A, RASSF1A, GATA-4, GATA-5, CHFR and HLTF) was studied by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Results The methylation frequency of these genes in flat adenomas was comparable to that observed in polypoid adenomas except for GATA-5 (P=0.001) which was significantly less frequent methylated in flat adenomas. For the flat carcinomas the promoter region of CHFR was less frequently methylation compared to polypoid carcinomas (P=0.01). Conclusions For these 10 genes methylation status was similar for flat and polypoid lesions, except for lower promoter methylation of GATA-4 in flat adenomas and CHFR in flat carcinomas. This is consistent with methylation being an early event in pathogenesis of both flat and polypoid colorectal carcinomas. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 51 CCA/V-ICI 42. IFN signature determines responder statua on B cell depletion in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients Saskia Vosslamber1, Hennie Raterman2, Tineke v.d. PouwKraan, Michael T. Nurmohamed3, Willem F. Lems2, Ben A.C. Dijkmans2, Alexandre Voskuyl2, Cor Verweij1. 1 Department of Pathology 2 Department of Rheumatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction B cells are supposed to play an important role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Accordingly, rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD20, effectively depletes B cells ameliorates disease although a subset of patients don’t respond. We aimed to identify biomarkers and biological processes underlying non-responsiveness. Therefore, the effect of rituximab on gene-expression levels in peripheral blood (PB) was studied. Methods RNA was isolated from PB samples collected from 13 RA patients before, three and six months after start of treatment. Gene-expression profiling was performed using Illumina HumanHT 12-vs bead chips. Additional, RNA was isolated from PB collected before start of treatment in a second cohort of 10 RS patients. Gene expression levels of a selection of type-I IFN-response genes (IRG) were measured using Fluidigm technology, a Taqman realtime PCR-based multiplex array. Clinical responder status was determined after three and six months by change in disease activity score (∆DAS28). Results Pharmacogenomics revealed 16 B-cell related genes that were significantly down-regulated after three months in all patients. Subsequent analysis of expression profiles of patients ranked by increasing ∆DAS after six months learned that a good response (∆DAS28>1.2) is observed for patients with a low expression level of IRG at baseline (P=0.0065). An increase in IRG-expression was observed only for good responders (∆DAS28>1.2), whereas no induction or decrease was found for non-responders. Classifying patients based on baseline IRG profile (IRGhigh or IRGlow) showed that all IRGhigh classified patients (100%) have a ∆DAS28<1.2 whereas 87.5% of the IRGlow classified patients have a ∆DAS28>1.2. Same positive predictive value of IRGhigh classification was observed in a second cohort of 10 RA patients. Conclusions The IFN response gene signature at baseline is associated with responder status upon B cell depletion therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. 52 CCA/V-ICI 43. IRF5 genetics predicts clinical responsiveness to IFN-ß in Multiple Sclerosis Saskia Vosslamber1, Laura van der Voort2, Roel Heijmans1, Bart Crusius1, Bernard Uitdehaag2, Joep Killestein2, Chris H. Polman2, Cornelis L. Verweij1. 1 Dept. of Pathology 2 Dept. of Neurology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Interferon-_ (IFN-_) treatment is beneficial for a majority of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) patients. However, a significant proportion of patients show poor clinical response. In the search for predictive biomarkers, we previously showed that type-I IFN activity at start of treatment correlates with pharmacological response (PhR). Genetic variation in IRF5, a transcription factor involved in regulation of type_I IFN activity, was shown to be associated with heterogeneous PhR. We hypothesize that genetic variation in IRF5 may predict clinical responsiveness to IFN-_ treatment in RRMS patients. Methods RNA and DNA were isolated from peripheral blood (PB) from 30 RRMS patients (test cohort) before and during IFN-_ treatment. DNA was also isolated from PB of 176 additional patients. Gene expression of a set of IFN response genes was measured using Taqman Low Density Arrays. PhR was determined as the ratio of gene expression during and before treatment. IRF5 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs2004640 and rs4728142 were determined in all patients. Change in number of T2 lesions on MRI during treatment was used as readout for clinical responsiveness in the test cohort and time to first relapse as a surrogate marker for IFN-_ responsiveness in the validation cohort. Results Respectively nine and five patients of the test cohort were homozygous for the risk allele of rs2004640 or rs4728142. All those patients (100%) developed new T2 lesions during IFN-_ treatment. For rs2004640 we found that development of new T2 lesions reached statistical significance (p=0.024). Moreover, number of annualized T2 lesions was also higher (p=0.020). This finding was supported by a low pharmacological response in these patients. In the additional cohort, time to first relapse was significant shorter for patients homozygous for the risk allele of rs2004640 (p=0.030) or rs4728142 (p=0.067). Conclusions IRF5 polymorphisms are associated with the development of new T2 lesions and the shorter time to first relapse during IFN-ß treatment. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 53 CCA/V-ICI 44. Q uantitative proteomics of genetic mouse models for human breast cancer: identification of BRCA1associated proteins involved in DNA-repair Marc.O. Warmoes1, Janneke Jaspers2, Maarten P.G. Massink3, Thang Pham1, Sander Piersma1, Epie Boven1, Hanne Meijers-Heijboer3, Quinten Waisfisz3, Jos Jonkers2, Connie R. Jimenez1. 1O ncoproteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 NKI, Molecular Biology, Amsterdam 3 Department Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women in the western world. The outcome of breast cancer would be strongly improved if patients could be diagnosed and treated early. This especially holds for patients with hereditary breast cancer. The aim of this study is to identify novel protein biomarkers for early diagnosis of BRCA1 deficient breast cancer and for drug sensitivity. Methods We used in-depth proteome profiling of tumor tissues of mouse breast cancer models to identify BRCA1-associated proteins. To this end, we analyzed tumor tissue lysates from a panel of genetic mouse models that develop BRCA1 proficient and deficient mammary cancers. Total tumor tissue lysates were fractionated using SDS-PAGE followed by tryptic in-gel digestion, nanoLC-MS/MS and database searching. Normalized spectral counting was used for protein quantification and beta binomial statistics to discover significantly regulated proteins. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was used to support data interpretation. Results The total dataset contained 3836 identified proteins of which 804 were significantly regulated between the BRCA1 deficient and proficient groups (p<0.05), including proteins previously implicated in BRCA1 breast cancer. Pathway analysis revealed that many up-regulated proteins were involved in DNA-repair. Integration with transcriptomics data obtained for a series of human genetic and sporadic breast cancer tissues indicated a large overlap of BRCA1 protein and RNA candidates. Moreover, the BRCA1-associated mouse proteins could almost perfectly classify human basal BRCA1 tumors. Currently, selected candidates are being followed up using immunohistochemical staining of a set of human BRCA1 deficient and sporadic tumors. Conclusions We conclude that proteomics of genetic mouse models for genetic breast cancer is a powerful strategy to discover novel candidate BRCA1 DNA-repair-deficiency proteins with human relevance. Further validation studies are required to investigate whether these candidates are robust biomarkers for early detection of BRCA1 tumors and whether they are also indicative for sensitivity to PARP inhibition in non-BRCA1-deficient-tumors. 54 CCA/V-ICI 45. M ycobacteria deficient for the type VII secretion system ESX-5 are hypervirulent in zebrafish E.M. Weerdenburg1, A.M. Abdallah2, N. N. van der Wel2, W. Bitter1, A.M. van der Sar1. 1D epartment of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam. Introduction Mycobacteria contain specialized protein secretion systems encoded by ESX loci. One of these secretion systems, ESX-5, is conserved in pathogenic mycobacterial species and responsible for the secretion of PE and PPE proteins. In macrophage studies using the pathogenic mycobacterial species M. marinum, ESX-5 has been found to play a role in mycobacterial spread, induction of cell death and the suppression of inflammatory cytokine release. Methods To investigate the role of ESX-5 in vivo, we infected zebrafish embryos and adult zebrafish with M. marinum wildtype and ESX-5 mutant strains. Mycobacterial growth, granuloma formation and survival of zebrafish were evaluated. Results In zebrafish embryos, the ESX-5 mutant strain was attenuated in growth compared to the wildtype strain. In addition, the ESX-5 mutant strain was slightly attenuated in its capacity to induce granuloma formation. In adult zebrafish however, a dramatically different outcome of the infections was observed. Fish infected with the ESX-5 mutant strain showed reduced survival, early onset of granulomas, and enhanced bacterial growth compared to fish infected with the wildtype strain. Conclusion Although the ESX-5 mutant strain of M. marinum is attenuated in macrophages and zebrafish embryos, it is hypervirulent in adult zebrafish. In contrast to adult zebrafish, embryos lack an adaptive immune system. It is therefore possible that proteins secreted by ESX-5 play a role in modulation of the adaptive immune system. Taken together, our infection studies in zebrafish embryos and adult zebrafish indicate an important role for ESX-5 in the virulence of M. marinum. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 55 EMGO+ 46. E ffect of medication review and cognitive behaviour treatment by community pharmacists of patients discharged from the hospital on drug related problems and compliance Abeer Ahmad1, Jacqueline Hugtenburg1, Laura M.C. Welschen2 , Jacqueline Dekker3, Giel Nijpels2. 1D epartment of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Department of General Practice and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 3 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Drug related problems ( DRPs), like contra-indications, interactions and adverse drug reactions are common among elderly patients who are discharged from the hospital. Causes are prescription errors and non-compliance. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of medication review and cognitive behaviour treatment of discharged patients by community pharmacists to minimize DRPs. Methods Community pharmacists will be randomized into a control and intervention group. 342 Patients, aged over 60 years, discharged from the hospital using five or more prescription drugs will be asked to participate in the study. The control group will receive usual care according to the Dutch Pharmacy Standard. The medication of patients randomised to the intervention group will be reviewed by the community pharmacist with use of the national guidelines for the treatment of diseases. Pharmacy technicians will counsel patients at home at baseline and at 1,3,6,9 and 12 months, using Cognitive Behaviour Treatment. The outcome measures are the difference in occurrence of DRPs between intervention and control group and adherence with drug use. Results The results will be expected at the end of March 2010 Conclusions It is expected that combining medication review and Cognitive Behaviour Treatment may decrease DRP and improve compliance. 56 EMGO+ 47. C are for stroke in long term care facilities in the Netherlands Suzanne van Almenkerk, MSc, Miranda G. Dik, PhD, Cees M.P.M. Hertogh, MD, Prof, Martin Smalbrugge, MD, PhD, Jan A. Eefsting, MD, Prof. Institute for research in Extramural Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Department of Nursing Home Medicine, Amsterdam. Introduction Forty percent of nursing home residents has stroke as the main cause of dependency. Currently, the care offered to them focuses mainly on physical disabilities, although many of them also suffer from cognitive, emotional and/or behavioural changes. In addition, they may also need assistance with regard to the planning and decision making concerning their care and (medical) treatment. The main objective of this project is to develop guidelines for a care and treatment program for stroke patients who are living in nursing homes. Methods The care and treatment program will be based on two parts of the study. First, the functioning of the residents will be explored in several domains (physical, cognitive, emotional, social and communicative). Also current care and treatment will be described, especially with regard to medical decision making and use of restraints. The relation to patient characteristics and other determinants will be examined, as well the evaluation of the patient’s capacity. For this quantitative part of the study observation lists were filled out by nursing assistants and nursing home physicians. 17 nursing homes agreed to participate and 275 patients were included. Second, the needs for care will be studied from the perspective of the patient, the family and the professional. There will be a focus on the need for information and the participation in medical decision-making. The results will be compared to current care and treatment to discover ‘unmet needs’. For this qualitative part of the study a selection of 14 patients and their formal and informal caregivers was interviewed on their (un)met needs. Concept guidelines, based on the data analysis will be presented to a multidisciplinary panel of experts. Results Data collection was completed in 2009. The data will be analyzed in 2010. Conclusions Not yet available. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 57 EMGO+ 48. C lient Participation in Elderly Care: Residents Improving the Meals Vivianne Baur1, Tineke Abma2 1 Department of Medical Humanities, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Department of Medical Humanities, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction In institutional elderly care, client councils exist as a formal structure for clients to participate in policy planning and practice improvements within the organization. However, our recent research has shown that client councils experience a lack of influence. Therefore, our current interactive research projects focus on innovative forms of client participation in which dialogue and partnership between residents, managers and employees in residential care homes is central. The project we present here concerns a group of seven female residents who became partners of managers and employees in improving the meals. Methods We used the interactive and participative research methodology of responsive evaluation. The four steps of responsive evaluation we followed are; 1) creating good social conditions with stakeholders, 2) generating issues of all stakeholder groups, 3) homogeneous dialogues amongst residents and 4) heterogeneous dialogue between the residents, managers and employees. Responsive evaluation has a strong link with action research, since stakeholders work together on practice improvements (improving meals). Results Through the systematic and responsive facilitation of dialogue and action, a learning process was enhanced in this organization. These residents developed a sense of relational empowerment: they gained trust that they stood strong together and that they were able to improve the meals, not only for themselves but also for the other residents. Managers and employees learned that the experiential knowledge of residents can be a guide for practice improvements and they learned how they can work together with residents as partners. Conclusions This research shows how this kind of client participation can be a catalyst for a culture change from supply-driven care to dialogical and participative care and services in the context of long term institutional elderly care. Enhancing client participation thus means that residents, employees and managers become partners in joint practice improvements. 58 EMGO+ 49. B ody composition as determinant of thrombin generation in plasma – The Hoorn Study Hanneke J.B.H. Beijers1, Isabel Ferreira2,3,4, Henri M. Spronk4,5, Bert Bravenboer1, Jacqueline M. Dekker6, Giel. Nijpels6, Hugo ten Cate2,4,6 and Coen D.A. Stehouwer2,4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Department of Medicine, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven Department of Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, MUMC+ Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, MUMC+ Laboratory for Clinical Thrombosis and Haemostasis, MUMC+, Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Obesity is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), which might be partially explained by a prothrombotic state. The extent to which different regions of body fat and lean masses contribute to a prothombotic state are unknown, however. We have therefore investigated, in a populationbased cohort, the association between body composition and thrombin generation in plasma. In addition, we evaluated the role of low-grade inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)) as potential explanatory mechanism of any such associations. Methods We studied 588 individuals (mean age 69.7±6.5 years, 300 women) in whom total and regional body composition were assessed by means of whole body dual-energy absorptiometry. Thrombin generation was measured using the Calibrated Automated Thrombogram, a method which generates a thrombin generation curve that mimics the overall plasma coagulability when a thrombogenic stimulus appears. The area under this curve is the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and represents the total amount of active thrombin formed after activation of the coagulation cascade. Data were analyzed with multiple linear regression models in men and women separately. Results After adjustment for age, prior CVD, glucose metabolism and smoking status, total body fat % was positively associated with ETP in women (standardized regression coefficient (ß): 0.20 (95%CI: 0.09; 0.32)), but not in men (-0.02 (-0.15; 0.11)). Detailed analyses of regional body composition in women showed that trunk (0.23 (0.05; 0.40)) but not peripheral fat mass (-0.02 (-0.18; 0.15)) was adversely associated with ETP, whereas there was a trend towards an inverse, and thus protective, association between peripheral lean mass and ETP (-0.12 (-0.25; 0.01)). The strength of the associations between total body fat % or trunk fat mass and ETP were attenuated when further adjusted for hsCRP (0.13 (0.01; 0.26) and 0.10 (-0.04; 0.23) respectively). Conclusions Obesity, in particular central obesity, is associated with higher levels of thrombin generation in elderly women, but not in men, and this association is partially explained by obesity-related low-grade inflammation. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 59 EMGO+ 50. A dvance directives for euthanasia in dementia: what is their feasibility in practice? Marike E. de Boer1, Cees M.P.M. Hertogh1, Rose-Marie Dröes2, Cees Jonker1, Jan Eefsting1. 1 Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Department of Nursing Home Medicine, Amsterdam 2 Department of Psychiatry/Alzheimer Center, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Advance directives are developed as a way of allowing people to give directions for future care and medical decisions in cases of incompetence. Since the new euthanasia law (2002) euthanasia based upon an advance directive for euthanasia (ADE) in cases of dementia is possible as long as also the other requirements of due care are met by the physician. As data is limited, our study aimed at investigating their use and feasibility in daily practice. Methods 434 nursing home physicians completed a survey about the use of advance directives their experiences in treating people with dementia who had an ADE. Based upon the presented cases additional interviews were conducted with 12 physicians and 9 relatives. Results Although physicians and relatives have positive attitudes towards advance directives in general, compliance with ADE’s is very rare, suggesting hesitation to perform euthanasia in cases of dementia. Arguments for this hesitancy can be found in the specific (ethical) dilemma’s which the execution of these requests generates in practice for both physicians and relatives. Conclusions Although the enactment of the Dutch euthanasia law allows for euthanasia in incompetent patients with dementia based on an ADE, in practice this has not lead to obvious changes in compliance with ADEs of patients with advanced dementia in comparison to data from before 2002. In view of the explanations given for the reticent attitudes of physicians, questions can be raised regarding the feasibility of ADEs of people with dementia in the role they have currently been adjudged. 60 EMGO+ 51. C omorbidity and risk indicators of alcohol use disorders among persons with anxiety and/or depressive disorders Lynn Boschloo1,2, Nicole Vogelangs1,2, Johannes H. Smit1,2, Wim van den Brink3, Dick J. Veltman Aartjan T.F Beekman1,2, Brenda WJH Penninx1,2,4,5. 1 2 3 4 5 , 1,3 Department of Psychiatry and EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center Academic Medical Center University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden. Introduction This study examines comorbidity and risk indicators of alcohol use disorders among anxious and/or depressed persons, also considering temporal sequencing of disorders. Methods Baseline data from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA) were used, including 2329 persons with lifetime anxiety (social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia) and/or depressive (major depressive disorder, dysthymia) disorder and 652 controls. Lifetime diagnoses of alcohol abuse and dependence were established, as well as information about socio-demographic, vulnerability, addiction-related and anxiety/depressionrelated characteristics. Temporal sequencing of disorders was established retrospectively, using age of onset. Results Of persons with combined anxiety/depression 20.3% showed alcohol dependence versus 5.5% of controls. Prevalence of alcohol abuse was similar across groups (±12%). Independent risk indicators of alcohol dependence among anxious and/or depressed persons were male gender, vulnerability factors (family history of alcohol dependence or anxiety/depression, openness to experience, low conscientiousness, being single, and childhood trauma), addiction-related factors (smoking, illicit drug use) and early anxiety/depression onset. Persons with secondary alcohol dependence were more neurotic, more often single and lonelier, while persons with primary alcohol dependence were more often male and more extravert. Conclusions Alcohol dependence, but not abuse, is more prevalent in anxious and/or depressed persons. Persons with comorbid alcohol dependence constitute a distinct subgroup of anxious and/ or depressed persons, characterized by addiction-related habits and vulnerability. However, considerable variation in characteristics exists depending on temporal sequencing of disorders. This knowledge may improve identification and treatment of those anxious and/or depressed patients who are additionally suffering from alcohol dependence. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 61 EMGO+ 52. P atient participation in end-of-life decision-making: design of a study L. Brom1, H.R.W. Pasman1, M.L Rurup1, G.A.M Widdershoven, B.D. Onwuteaka-Philipsen1. 1D epartment of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center 2 Department of Medical Humanities, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU Medical Center. Introduction Several decision-making models on patient participation exist. The shared decision-making model is often considered ideal. However, results of empirical studies have given rise to the question whether this model is the most suitable in all situations or in all patient groups. Aim of this study is which decision-making models for patient participation can be recognized in practice in end-oflife decision-making and how appropriate these models are for different patient groups. Methods This qualitative prospective study will start with patients who suffer from Glioblastoma Multiforme (glial brain tumour) in whom it has to be decided whether or not to start a (second line) treatment aimed at prolonging life. Observations and in-depth interviews will be used to study patient participation and patient-physician communication. Observations will give insight into actual communication; in-depth interviews into experiences and preferences. The first interview with patients will take place previous to a non-treatment decision, in order to investigate patient’s preference concerning participation in non-treatment decisions (e.g. active, shared, passive). Patient and physician will be interviewed separately after a non-treatment decision to discuss perceived participation in decision-making. Patients will be followed in time to get insight in preferences in decision-making and if these preferences change in course of an illness trajectory. Based on first data analyses regarding brain tumour patients, other patient groups in whom non-treatment decisions have to be made will be studied. Results Not available yet, data collection will start March 2010. Conclusion Not available yet. 62 EMGO+ 53. Need for ethics support Linda Dauwerse, Tineke Abma, Bert Molewijk, Guy Widdershoven. Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, VU University Medical Center. Introduction Starting from the assumption that ethics is inherent to care, we investigated the need for ethics support in the Netherlands. This is important because there are several initiatives in the field of ethics support, but it is unknown to what extent these initiatives meet the needs of different stakeholders. Publications about the need for clinical ethics support are scarce. The aim of this article is to stimulate the development of a positive critical attitude for ethics support and to tune research literature and clinical activities to the needs of different stakeholders. Methods An emergent mixed methods design was used in which quantitative and qualitative methods complemented each other. All Dutch intramural health care institutions (N = 2137) with a diversity of sectors, were included. Concrete activities were: questionnaires directed to board members (BM) and people within the institution which are specifically involved with ethics (BI), heterogeneous focusgroups and open interviews. Results In general BM show there is a need for an integrated structure of ethics support (68%) because ethics is inherent to care and ethics support helps to realize important organizational goals. On the other hand there is no need for a separate service for ethics support and existing other structures should be used (32%). Likewise, BI indicate there is no real need for ethics consultants (81%) and ethics committees (71%), which are more separate structures of ethics support. Only 18% without ethics consultant misses it and for ethics committees this percentage is 32%. Explanations show that these kind of structures often are isolated and they do not stimulate integral responsibility. Moral deliberation is an integrated structure of ethics support and 43% of the health care institutions (HCI) without moral deliberation misses it. Furthermore, 41% of the BI depict a need for moral deliberation because it is a dynamic way to make ethical issues more explicit. It is notable that many of the HCI with a specific structure of ethics support, do not label this structure as important. Explanations show that they are not that important because they are unknown and there are many other structures which operate as ethics support such as individuals (e.g. pastoral care, trusts persons) and groups (e.g. multidisciplinary team meetings). Specific for moral deliberation in that it is sometimes not that important (yet) because it is still developing. Conclusions The need for ethics support is multidimensional and illustrated by several considerations. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 63 EMGO+ 54. T he Imagination method; A new approach for caregivers of people with Dementia in nursing homes A.M. van Dijk, R.M. Dröes, J.C.M. van Weert. Department of Psychiatry/Alzheimer Center, EMGO, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam & Amsterdam School of Communication Research UvA. Background The Imagination method, developed by Theater Veder, is being implemented on a large scale in nursing homes with residents with dementia. Caregivers are trained in the use of theatrical stimuli in combination with elements of proven care methods, such as Reminiscence and Validation Therapy. The purpose is to stimulate the reciprocity in care relations of caregivers and persons with dementia (PwD’s) and to enhance the personal identity and self-esteem of people with dementia by activating their long term memory. Methods Phase 1: Definition of the Imagination method based on participant observation and literature study. Phase 2: Process-evaluation of the implementation by means of interviews with key figures (e.g. managers, nurse assistents, activity therapists). Phase 3: Impact of the Imagination method on people with dementia and caregivers: - 70 PwD’s receiving an Imagination method-activity will be compared with 70 PwD’s receiving a usual (reminiscence) activity. Three measures will take place: (1) pretest; (2) during the activity (3) posttest. Different aspects of behavior and quality of life will be measured. - Caregivers and volunteers who have been trained will be interviewed regarding job satisfaction and attitude towards PwD’s and the applicability and usefulness of the Imagination method. Results Based on systematic participant observation, a detailed description was made of the Imagination method. The process-evaluation of the implementation resulted in an inventory of facilitators and barriers of implementation of the Imagination method. Conclusion Preliminary studie results of phase 1 and 2 are presented. Study results of the impact study (phase 3) are expected in December 2010. This project is funded by the transition program in long term care from the Ministry of public Health, Welfare and Sports. 64 EMGO+ 55. E xploring the association between chronic diseases, multimorbidity and comorbidity and self-rated health in the older population Henrike Galenkamp1, Arjan W. Braam2,4, Martijn Huisman1,2,3, Dorly J.H. Deeg1,2. 1 E MGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Department of Psychiatry 3 Department of Sociology, VU University, Amsterdam 4 Altrecht Mental Health Care, Department of Emergency Psychiatry, Utrecht. Introduction Research has shown that self-rated health is a strong predictor of mortality. Considering the high prevalence of multimorbidity in the older population, we investigated the impact of chronic diseases, multimorbidity (i.e. the occurrence of more than one disease) and comorbidity (i.e. the occurrence of diseases together with a specific disease) on self-rated health. Methods Cross-sectional data were used from 2,046 men and women, aged 57-97 years, who participated in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA). We assessed the presence of chronic nonspecific lung disease (CNSLD), cardiac disease, peripheral atherosclerosis, stroke, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, and cancer. SRH was measured with the question ‘How is your health in general?’ which included five response categories. For the analyses, linear regression models were used. Results Independent effects on SRH were of quite similar magnitude: CNSLD: 0.37 (95% CI: 0.27-0.47), cardiac disease: 0.38 (0.30-0.46), peripheral atherosclerosis: 0.43 (0.31-0.56), diabetes: 0.41 (0.30-0.51), stroke: 0.39 (0.26-0.53), arthritis: 0.42 (0.35-0.49), and cancer: 0.26 (0.16-0.36). Cancer showed the smallest impact on SRH. Having one, two, three, four, or more diseases led to cumulative increases in SRH (i.e. worsening health) of 0.40 (95% CI: 0.31-0.49), 0.79 (0.69-.0.89), 1.14 (1.02-1.25), 1.35 (1.19-1.51) and 1.90 (1.65-2.14), respectively. There were no substantial differences between the diseases with respect to the relative impact of comorbidity (number of other diseases). Conclusions These results suggest that SRH is to some extent sensitive to the complexity of health problems, as the number of diseases has a negative impact on SRH, regardless of the type of disease. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 65 EMGO+ 56. H ealth under construction: short- and long term effects of a lifestyle intervention for construction workers with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease Iris Groeneveld1, 2, Karin Proper1, 2, Allard van der Beek1, 2, Vincent Hildebrandt2, Willem van Mechelen1, 2. 1D epartment of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Body@Work, Research Centre Physical Activity, Work and Health, TNO-VUmc, Amsterdam. Introduction More than 60% of male construction workers in the Netherlands are overweight or obese and more than a quarter is at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a motivational interviewing-based lifestyle intervention for construction workers at risk for CVD. Methods 816 Male construction workers with an elevated CVD risk were individually randomized into the intervention or control group. The 6-month intervention consisted of three face-to-face and four telephone contacts with an occupational health professional, in which personal determinants and barriers for behavior change were discussed in the style of motivational interviewing. Participants chose to aim at either energy balance or smoking behavior. The control group received usual care. At 6 and 12 months, physical activity, dietary intake and smoking were assessed by means of a questionnaire. In addition, body weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, and HbA1c were measured according to a standardized protocol. In order to determine the intervention effects, linear and logistic regression analyses were performed in both the energy balance and the smoking subgroup. Results The intervention had a statistically significant effect on fruit intake at 6 months (β =1.7, 95% CI 0.6; 2.9), and on snack intake at 6 (β =-1.9, 95% CI -3.7; -0.02) and 12 months (β =-1.9, 95% CI -3.6; -0.3). Smoking was also significantly favorably influenced by the intervention (OR=0.3, 95% CI 0.1; 0.7). As a result of the intervention, body weight was lost at 6 months (β =-1.9, 95% CI -2.6; -1.2); a statistically significant effect that was sustained until 12 months (β -1.8, 95% CI -2.6; -1.1). Conclusions This lifestyle intervention was effective in lowering CVD risk. Implementation in the occupational health setting is therefore recommended. 66 EMGO+ 57. A n individually-based lifestyle intervention for workers at risk for cardiovascular disease: a process evaluation Iris Groeneveld, Karin Proper, Saida Absalah, Allard van der Beek, Willem van Mechelen. Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction In the Health under Construction Study, 27 occupational health professionals (counselors) performed a six-month motivational interviewing-based lifestyle intervention for construction workers. The intervention was aimed at changing dietary, physical activity, and smoking behavior, and thereby lowering cardiovascular disease risk. The purpose of this process evaluation was to evaluate the counselors’ adherence to the intervention protocol, their competence, and the associations between adherence, competence and body weight at follow up. Methods With respect to adherence to the intervention protocol, the number of counseling sessions and the prescribed items discussed in the first session were registered by the counselors. The adherence to motivational interviewing was determined by expert scoring of 19 audio-taped fragments. Counselors’ competence in listening, supporting, motivating, and informing was rated by both participants and counselors. Associations between adherence, competence, and body weight at follow-up were determined by linear regression analyses. Results Two-thirds of all participants attended five or more sessions, and 38.5% attended all seven sessions. In 90.2% of all cases, the counselor discussed all four prescribed items in the first session. Adherence to motivational interviewing was concluded from only one audio-taped fragment. 86.3 percent of all participants agreed with the counselor being competent. Neither counselors’ competence, nor number of sessions or items discussed, was significantly associated with body weight loss. Conclusions Performing five sessions and discussing four prescribed items was feasible for the counselors, whereas adhering to motivational interviewing was not. Still, participants were positive about the counselors’ competence and willing to attend the counseling sessions. Investigators are encouraged to report the evaluation of their intervention process, in order to improve future lifestyle interventions in research or in practice. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 67 EMGO+ 58. T ype 2 diabetes changes the association between pulse pressure and incident chronic kidney disease – the AusDiab study Katja van den Hurk1, Dianna J. Magliano2, Marjan Alssema1, Markus P. Schlaich2, Robert C. Atkins2, Anne T. Reutens2, Giel Nijpels3, Jacqueline M. Dekker1, Jonathan E. Shaw2. 1D epartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia 3 Department of General Practice and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research. Background Pulse pressure (PP) is increasingly recognised as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and it predicts CVD mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), but not in those without T2DM. We examined whether PP was also differently associated with incident CKD, for individuals with as compared to without T2DM. Furthermore, we investigated whether PP was stronger associated with CKD than was systolic (SBP) or diastolic (DBP) blood pressure. Methods We included 5554 participants of the national, population based Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab, 47% male, 5.8% T2DM) who took part in the 5-year follow-up and had a glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 ml/min and no microalbuminuria at baseline. Associations of baseline PP, SBP and DBP with 5-year incident CKD (stage 3-5=eGFR <60 ml/min) were stratified for T2DM status and adjusted for baseline age, sex, eGFR and use of hypertension medication. We also restricted analyses to those with SBP>140 mmHg to examine the OR of CKD in participants with an above or below mean DBP (70 mmHg) or high or low PP (80 mmHg), with complementary adjustment for SBP. Results He adjusted OR (95% CI) per SD difference of baseline PP was 1.29 (1.09-1.53) in non-T2DM, and significantly stronger (p for interaction <0.10) in T2DM 1.94 (1.14-3.29). Further adjustments for mean arterial pressure, heart rate, prior CVD, glucose or lipid levels, use of lipid or glucose lowering medication, BMI, salt or alcohol intake, or exercise time did not alter the results. SBP, but not DBP, showed similar associations as for PP with CKD: OR for non-T2DM 1.26 (1.071.50), and for T2DM 1.64 (0.97-2.76). In T2DM, SBP and DBP interact (p=0.088), and within those with high SBP, the OR for CKD was 5.25 (1.35-20.36) with a below mean DBP and 11.04 (2.1756.26) with a high PP. Conclusions We conclude that PP is associated with 5-year incident CKD. This association is stronger with the presence of T2DM. Both PP and SBP are strong predictors of CKD risk. In T2DM however, having a low DBP on top of a high SBP significantly increased CKD risk independent of SBP, which indicates that PP might better predict incident CKD in T2DM patients. This work was funded by the Diabetes Research Foundation grant no. 2005.00.010, the EMGO+ travel grant, and the EFSD Albert Renold Fellowship. 68 EMGO+ 59. A bdominal obesity, television viewing time and prospective declines in exercise over five years for men and women: the AusDiab study Jeroen Lakerveld, MSc1, David W. Dunstan, PhD2,3,4,5, Sandra Bot, PhD1,6, J. Salmon, PhD2,3, Jacqueline Dekker, PhD6, Giel Nijpels, PhD1, Neville Owen, PhD2,4. 1D epartment of General Practice and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands 2 Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3 School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia 4 The University of Queensland, School of Population Health, Cancer Prevention Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia, 5 Vario Health Institute, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia, 6 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Purpose To examine the prospective associations of abdominal obesity status and television (TV) viewing time with five-year reductions in exercise levels for men and women. METHODS: We used data from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab), a population-based cohort study with measures collected at baseline in 1999-2000 and at follow-up in 2004-2005. Abdominal obesity status was determined by objectively-measured waist circumference, and TV viewing time and exercise level were assessed using established interviewer-administered questionnaires. In data from 2 544 men and 3 174 women aged ≥25 years, odds ratios (ORs) of 5-year reductions from sufficient to insufficient or no physical activity, and from insufficient to no activity were estimated with logistic regression. We adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. Results/Findings The adjusted ORs of reducing exercise levels from baseline to the follow-up survey was 1.44 (1.13 – 1.84) and 1.56 (1.25 – 1.98) for obese men and women, respectively, compared to those with a normal waist circumference. Women, but not men, with higher levels of TV viewing time had higher risk of reducing their exercise levels (OR 1.52; 1.05 – 2.22), independent of waistcircumference status. Conclusions Abdominal obesity is associated prospectively with reductions in exercise level, and prolonged TV viewing time can have an additional adverse influence for women. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 69 EMGO+ 60. P revalence of Undernutrition in Dutch Hospital Outpatients Eva Leistra1, Floor Neelemaat1, Anja Evers2, Myriam van Zandvoort3, Peter Weijs1, Marian van Bokhorst-de van der Schueren1, Marjolein Visser4, Hinke Kruizenga1. 1 2 3 4 Nutrition and Dietetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Dutch Malnutrition Steering Group, Amsterdam Nutrition and Dietetics, Leids University Medical Center, Leiden Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University, Amsterdam. Introduction The prevalence of undernutrition in hospital inpatients is high. Early detection and treatment in the hospital outpatient clinic may help to reduce this problem. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of undernutrition in hospital outpatients in the Netherlands and to determine high risk departments. Methods This cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in 9 Dutch hospitals. Patients who visited the outpatient clinic on one of the study days in the period March-May 2008 received a short questionnaire and height and weight were measured. Patients were classified as severely undernourished (BMI<18.5 kg/m2 and/or unintentional weight loss ≥5% in the last month or ≥10% in the last six months), moderately undernourished (5-10% unintentional weight loss in the last six months) or not undernourished. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used to determine prevalence and high-risk departments. Results A total of 2288 patients (47.5% male; mean age 56.5±16.3 years) from 23 different outpatient departments were included in the study, of which 5% were severely undernourished and 2% were moderately undernourished. The prevalence of severe undernutrition was highest in the outpatient departments of oral maxillofacial surgery (17%), oncology (10%), rehabilitation (8%), gastroenterology (7%) and pulmonology (7%). Undernutrition in general (both moderate and severe) was significantly higher in the departments of oral maxillofacial surgery (OR 2.66 (1.007.04)) and oncology (OR 2.66 (1.60-4.42)) compared to the other departments. Only 17% of severely undernourished and 4% of moderately undernourished patients reported to receive dietetic treatment. Conclusions The prevalence of undernutrition in hospital outpatients is generally low but largely undertreated. Future screening and treatment should focus on high risk departments. 70 EMGO+ 61. S creening on undernutrition is mandatory in Dutch hospitals Eva Leistra1, Anja Evers1, Jan Maarten van den Berg2, Ellen van der Heijden1, Chris Mulder1, Annette de Bruijne-Dobben2, Hinke Kruizenga1. 1 Dutch Malnutrition Steering Group, Amsterdam 2 Health Care Inspectorate, Utrecht. Introduction In the past years, the Dutch Malnutrition Steering Group (DMG) gained attention for the problem of disease related undernutrition in The Netherlands. Between 2006 and 2009 DMG performed an implementation project on early detection and treatment of undernutrition in hospitals. The implementation objectives of this project were adapted by the Health Care Inspectorate (HCI) as part of the Performance Indicators for Risk Steering Supervision. Aim of this study was to evaluate the results of 2007 and 2008. Methods As of 2007 Dutch hospitals annually have to report on the percentage of patients screened on undernutrition at hospital admission to the HCI. In addition, as of 2008 hospitals annually have to report on undernutrition treatment on 4 measure days (expressed as percentage of undernourished patients with a protein intake of 1.2-1.5 g/kg on the fourth day of admission). Results of 2007 and 2008 are presented. Results In 2007, 81 out of 100 hospitals reported to have implemented systematic screening before or during 2007, of which 72 hospitals reported on undernutrition screening. In 2008, 96 out of 100 hospitals reported on screening and 58 hospitals reported on treatment undernutrition. The number of patients reported about increased between 2007 (n=316,767) and 2008 (n=793,901). Mean percentage of patients screened at admission was 54% (± 27.5) in 2007 and 56% (± 25.5) in 2008, and respectively 19% (± 10.5) and 17% (± 8.4) of patients were screened as severely undernourished. Respectively 11 hospitals (15%) and 19 hospitals (20%) reported a screening percentage of over 80%. While the number of hospitals reporting on undernutrition treatment increased during the four trimesters of 2008, percentage of patients with adequate protein intake decreased. Conclusions Screening and treatment of undernutrition have become mandatory performance indicators in Dutch hospital care. A substantial increase in hospitals and patients reported about and a slight increase in percentage of screening is observed between 2007 and 2008. Expected is that these numbers and percentage patients with adequate treatment will further increase in the next years. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 71 EMGO+ 62. T reating Moroccan and Turkish migrants with depression and anxiety disorders Annelies van Loon1, Anneke van Schaik1, Jack Dekker2, Aartjan Beekman1,3, Jochanan Huijser2. 1 GGZinGeest, Amsterdam 2 Arkin Academy, Arkin Mental Health Institute, Amsterdam 3 Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Since the sixties of the last century, many people from Morocco and Turkey have migrated into the Netherlands. In the last decade, Moroccan and Turkish patients have found their way to organizations for mental health care. However, they often drop-out from treatment. Problems in the communication with therapists and different expectations regarding treatment seem to be causal factors for the early drop-out from therapy. Courses have been developed for training cultural competence of therapists. Yet, the effectiveness of increased cultural competence of therapists in reducing drop-out from treatment has not been studied. Methods A randomized clinical trial will be performed. Turkish and Moroccan adult patients who are referred to an outpatient clinic for mood and anxiety disorders will be randomly assigned to mental health workers who are trained in a cultural module and to those who are not. Intervention: The therapists wil be trained in the Cultural Formulation and in techniques bridging the (cultural) gaps between them and their Turkish and Moroccan patients. The study inclusion will start in january 2010. The target number of participants is 150 patients, 75 for each group. Measures: Drop-out from treatment is the primary outcome measure. Secundary outcome measures: no-show, treatment modalities offered, patients perspective of care, severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms and general functioning. Results and conclusions The study will give an answer to the question whether increasing cultural competence of therapists reduces drop-out from treatment in Moroccan and Turkish out-patients with depressive and anxiety disorders . Funding: Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (ZonMw). 72 EMGO+ 63. D ementelCoach: effect of telephone coaching on carers of community dwelling people with dementia L.D. Van Mierlo1, H.G. Van der Roest12, F.J.M. Meiland¹, R.M. Dröes12. 1V U University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Alzheimer Center, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Amsterdam 2 VU University Medical Center, Department of Nursing Home Medicine, Alzheimer Center, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Amsterdam. Introduction Taking care of community dwelling people with dementia is often a burdensome task for informal carers. Though a lot of effective support services are available, many carers do not use them. In the region Amersfoort/Leusden (NL) a new intervention is started to provide emotional, social and practical support by telephone coaching. The project is called DementelCoach. This study evaluates the impact of this new intervention on informal carers and the trained telecoaches. Methods The telephone coaching is offered to informal carers once in every two to three weeks during a period of 20 weeks. A pretest-posttest control group design is used to evaluate the study. Three groups are compared: a group who receives telephone coaching, a group who receives telephone coaching and day care and a group who receives day care only. To gain insight into the effectiveness of the Dementelcoach intervention, the effect of coaching on the burden and health problems of the informal caregivers will be investigated. To gain insight in the effect of the intervention (including the training) on the professional carers, work satisfaction, work experience and self-esteem are investigated. Finally, the content of the telephone coaching will be investigated. Results Preliminary study results will be presented. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 73 EMGO+ 64. E ffects of hearing impairment on psychosocial health, need for recovery after work, and health care use and costs in adults aged between 18-70 years: results from an internet-based national survey on hearing J. Nachtegaal, J.M. Festen, S.E. Kramer. Department of ENT/Audiology, EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction To gain more insight into the effects of hearing impairment among adults (18-70 yrs) on various aspects of life, the National Longitudinal Study on Hearing (NL-SH), was set up. Methods Both normally hearing and hearing-impaired persons are participating. Hearing status is measured using an Internet speech-in-noise test. Information about psychosocial health, work situation, and health care use were collected by means of questionnaires. The first study addressed the association between hearing status and psychosocial health (N= 1511). Next, the relationship between hearing status and need for recovery after work among working participants (N=926) was studied. Finally, health care use and health care costs of normally hearing and hearing-impaired people were compared (N=1295). Results Significant adverse associations between hearing status and the variables distress, somatisation, depression, and loneliness were found. Different age groups exhibited different associations. Also, a significant association between hearing status and need for recovery was found, poorer hearing leading to a higher need for recovery. Additionally, poorer hearing increased the odds for risky levels of need for recovery. Finally, hearing-impaired people had significantly more contacts with primary, secondary, and occupational health care than normally hearing people during a 7-months period. Comparison of health care costs displayed a similar pattern. However, when hearing-related contacts were excluded from the analyses, differences were not statistically significant anymore. Conclusion The NL-SH increases the insight into the effects from hearing impairment in adults younger than 70. Adverse associations with psychosocial health, need for recovery, overall health care use and costs were found. 74 EMGO+ 65. N eurobiological correlates of disruptive behaviour disorder in a normal population; differences between boys and girls E Platje, LMC Nauta-Jansen, RRJM Vermeiren, ThAH Doreleijers, PAC van Lier, T Frijns, JM Koot and W Meeus. Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Disruptive behaviour disorders (DBD) are thought to be related to hypo-activity of the HPA-axis and it’s end product cortisol. Low cortisol levels may lead to fearlessness and/or sensation seeking, which could in turn lead to antisocial behaviour. Results on HPA axis activity in DBD however are inconsistent, particularly in normal population samples. Explanations for this inconsistency may be the low prevalence of DBD in such samples and the heterogeneity of DBD. Also, little is known about possible sex differences. This study therefore aims to investigate the relation between cortisol and disruptive behaviour in a normal population sample, with over-sampling of high-risk boys and girls. Participants were 219 boys and 153 girls, with a mean age of 14,0 (±0,5) years, of whom half was at high risk of developing DBD (TRF T-score ≥60). Disruptive behaviour was assessed as a DBD diagnosis (DSM-IV) and as aggression and delinquency (CBCL and YSR). The Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) was measured in saliva. A decreased CAR was found in DBD girls, but not in DBD boys, as compared to control girls and boys. Aggressive behaviour in girls (CBCL) was related to a decreased CAR, whereas delinquency in both boys and girls (CBCL) was related to an increased CAR. The relation between disruptive behaviour and cortisol is dependant on sex and type of disruptive behaviour. Longitudinal studies on behaviour and neurobiology should provide further insight in sex differences in mechanisms underlying the development of DBD. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 75 EMGO+ 66. T he short-term influence of age at retirement on self-perceived health Kelly J. Rijs1, R. Cozijnsen2, D.J.H. Deeg3. 1 L ongitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, EMGO-Institute of Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Department of Sociology, VU University Amsterdam 3 Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, EMGO-Institute of Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Because of the ongoing public debate about increasing the age at retirement, it is important to determine the health consequences of age at retirement. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of age at retirement on change in self-perceived health during the retirement transition. Methods Subjects were 200 persons from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA), who retired between ages 55 and 64 years. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to test the effect of age at retirement on change in self-perceived health. Health, demographical, socio-psychological, job, and retirement characteristics were tested for confounding and effect modification. Results It was found that persons with a higher age at retirement were more likely to experience a decrease in self-perceived health during the retirement transition, compared to an unchanged self-perceived health. Possible buffers are a high level of education and high self-esteem. No effect was found for persons who retired more than two years ago. These effects were independent of confounders. Conclusions The results contribute to our understanding of the health consequences of age at retirement. We conclude that persons retiring at a higher age are more likely to experience a decrease in SPH, which might lead to higher health care costs. 76 EMGO+ 67. S tereotyping of patients’ communication behaviour by physicians: a qualitative study H. Jolanda van Rijssen1,2, Antonius J.M. Schellart1,2, Marianne Berkhof1,2, Johannes R. Anema1,2, Allard J. van der Beek1,2. 1D epartment of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Research Center for Insurance Medicine, collaboration between AMC-UWV-VUmc-UMCG, Amsterdam. Introduction The objectives of this paper were to qualitatively explore: (1) the origins of stereotypes to classify claimants with regard to their way of communicating; (2) the content of those stereotypes; (3) the advantages and disadvantages of stereotyping; and (4) how physicians minimise undesired influences of stereotypes. Methods Data were collected in three focus group meetings with physicians performing medical disability assessments of sick-listed employees (i.e. claimants). Data were qualitatively analysed in four steps along the lines of the grounded theory and the principle of constant comparison using Atlas.ti. Results 22 Dutch social insurance physicians participated. Most physicians reported that they use classifications of claimants to adapt their communication behaviour. The discussion revealed that physicians’ stereotypes originate from information in claimants’ files and first impressions. Regarding stereotype content, physicians seemed to compare claimants to the stereotype of the ‘perfect claimant’, who takes up little time and provides unambiguous information. The main advantages of classifying were that it provides a framework for the assessment interview and it is interesting to check if the stereotype is right. Disadvantages were that stereotypes often prove incorrect and they do not give the complete picture. Physicians try to minimise undesired influences of stereotypes by being aware of counter transference, very formal assessments, and showing compassion. Conclusions Physicians adapt their communication style to the degree of ‘perfectness’ of the claimant’s communication, but they try to minimise the influence of stereotypes in claimant interviews. It is recommended to address this issue in communication skills training. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 77 EMGO+ 68. D esign of the Double Blind, Randomized Intervention study in Kids (DRINK study) on the effect of sugary drinks on body weight and fat mass Janne C. de Ruyter, Margreet R. Olthof, Martijn B. Katan. Department of Health Sciences, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Amsterdam. Background It is widely thought that intake of liquid sugars does not cause satiation and is not compensated by reduced caloric intake from other foods. Therefore sugar-sweetened beverages are thought to be particularly fattening. However, trial evidence is inconclusive because previous studies were too small and not blinded. Hence outcomes may have been determined by effects of behavioural cues and expectations on food intake rather than by physiological mechanisms. Objective Effect of replacing beverages with sugar by sugar-free alternatives on body weight and fat mass in children in a double-blind trial. Design Individually randomized, double blind, controlled trial in free-living school children. Setting and subjects 641 healthy children aged 5-10 years at eight schools in the Zaanstreek, Purmerend en Haarlem were randomized, stratified for school, body mass index, age and gender. Children were only included if they already habitually drank sugary drinks. Interventions We designed, tested and produced custom-made lemonades containing 10% sugar and equivalent lemonades with sweeteners. Both were produced in 4 flavours. Individually labelled cans are delivered to the schools (bi) weekly and consumed daily during the morning break at school, or at home during weekends and holidays. Children receive one 250 mL can per day of sugary or sugar-free lemonade for 18 months. Outcomes We assess Z-score of body mass index for age and fat mass from four skinfolds, bioelectrical impedance and waist circumference at 0, 6, 12 and 18 months. Funding ZonMw, Nederlandse Hartstichting, and KNAW. No industry funding. 78 EMGO+ 69. C ompetence in mental health care: philosophical theory and medical practice Andrea Ruissen. Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Patient competence or (decision-making) capacity is a complex concept. In international literature there is no consensus about the meaning of the word. There is however agreement about some boundary conditions and assessment criteria, and about the moral dimension of the concept. This study aims to investigate what competence means for the patient, his family and his healthcare workers. It aims to combine philosophical analysis and empirical research. Already some research has been performed on competence in patient groups with cognitive problems, such as persons with dementia or psychosis. We chose to study the people with an obsessive compulsive disorder. They have less evident problems in decision-making, but do regularly avoid health care. To study above issues, we will use responsive methodology, combining semi-structured individual interviews, focus group interviews and literature research. In the first project medical doctors in obsessive compulsive disorder outpatients clinics will be recruited, who doubt the competence of one of their patients. Interviews will be held with the doctor, patient, family and a paramedic. In the second project focus groups will be organized with stakeholders. Qualitative methods will be used to analyse the data from those projects. In the third project a guideline for assessing competence in mental health care will be designed. The projects will be alternated with philosophical, medical and juridical literature research. The structure of the project as a whole implies a constant and structured interaction between theory and practice. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 79 EMGO+ 70. T he development of a lifestyle intervention in order to improve older workers’ vitality by using the Intervention Mapping Protocol Jorien E. Strijk1, Karin I. Proper1, Allard J. van der Beek1, Willem van Mechelen1. Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a lifestyle intervention to improve older workers’ vitality. Methods Using the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol, a lifestyle intervention was developed based on information obtained from 1) literature 2) a short lifestyle questionnaire which was aimed at indentifying main lifestyle problems, and 3) in total 5 focus group (FG) interviews among 36 older workers (aged 45+ years) which were aimed at identifying: a) key determinants of lifestyle behaviour b) definition of vitality and, c) ideas about how vitality can be improved by lifestyle. Based on literature and FG interviews, vitality consist of both mental (mental health, well-being and positive emotions) and physical factors (good health and freedom from fatigue). Lifestyle problems identified were: Insufficient levels of leisure time physical activity, sedentary behaviour and not eating the daily recommended amount of fruit and vegetables. Vitality can be stimulated by a lifestyle intervention aimed at improving: 1) mental factors of vitality by relaxation exercises (yoga), 2) physical factors of vitality by improve health related by increasing aerobic fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility and 3) both mental and physical factors by increasing intakes of fruit by providing free fruit at the workplace. Results The lifestyle intervention will consist of 1) three visits to a Personal Vitality Coach (PVC) combined with 2) Vitality Exercise Programme (VEP), and 3) free fruit at the workplace. Conclusion The lifestyle intervention will be evaluated in a RCT among 450 older workers of two major academic hospitals in the Netherlands. 80 EMGO+ 71. A ssociations between VO2max and vitality in older workers: the Vital@Work Study Jorien E. Strijk, Linda Klaver, Allard J. van der Beek, Willem van Mechelen, Karin I. Proper. Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Background Vitality is closely related to health and is characterised by perceived energy level, fatigue and feeling fit. These subjective factors can be stimulated by physical activity. Since vigorous physical activity is strongly related to one’s aerobic fitness (VO2max), it is supposed that VO2max is also related to vitality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between vitality and VO2max in older workers. Methods Participants (n=427) were aged 45 years and over and worked for at least 16 hours a week at a large hospital in the Netherlands. VO2max was estimated at baseline using the 2-km UKK walk test. Vitality was measured by both the UWES Vitality Scale and the RAND-36 Vitality Scale. Associations were analysed using linear regression analyses. Significance level was defined as p<0.05. Results Linear regression models, adjusted for age, showed a significant association between VO2max and vitality measured with the RAND-36 Vitality Scale (β = 0.446; 95% CI: 0.220-0.673). There was no significant association between VO2max and vitality measured with the UWES (β = -0.005; 95% CI:-0.019 – 0.008), after adjusting for age, gender and chronic diseases. Conclusions There was an association between VO2max and vitality measured by the RAND-36 Vitality Scale, but there was no association between VO2max and vitality measured by the UWES Vitality Scale. These results suggest that the two measurements of vitality (i.e. UWES and RAND-36) measure different constructs of vitality: e.g. a mental component (UWES Vitality Scale) and a physical component (RAND-36 Vitality Scale). These findings deserve further exploration in future research. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 81 EMGO+ 72. T he development of an occupational health guideline to improve workers’ physical activity and dietary behaviour in order to prevent weight gain L.M. Verweij1,2, K.I. Proper1,2, A. Weel3, C.J.T. Hulshof3, W. van Mechelen1,2. 1D epartment of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Body@Work, TNO-VUmc, Research Center on Physical Activity, Work and Health, Amsterdam 3 Netherlands Society of Occupational Medicine (NVAB), Utrecht. Purpose The prevalence of overweight and obesity has reached epidemic proportions, also in the Netherlands. Weight gain prevention interventions have shown to be feasible within the occupational health services, but are hardly being implemented by occupational physicians (OPs) due to a lack of methods and materials. The aim of this study is to 1) develop, 2) evaluate, and 3) implement a weight gain prevention guideline to be used by OPs. Methods Following the standard template of the Netherlands Society of Occupational Medicine (NVAB) and using the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol, a draft guideline was developed based on 1) literature, 2) face-to-face interviews with four employers on their current lifestyle policy, and feasibility of the draft guideline, 3) five focus group interviews among 33 employees on conditions and barriers to participate, 4) input from an external project group consisting of 8 OPs and lifestyle experts, and 5) input from 15 independent lifestyle experts. Results Based on all sources mentioned above, the developed guideline consists of clear cut recommendations for OPs to 1) advise employers to promote employees’ physical activity and diet and 2) counsel employees to adopt a physically active and healthy diet behaviour. Tools to implement recommendations consist of a minimal intervention strategy to counsel employees, and a scan to assess the obesogenic environment. Conclusion The guideline is now being evaluated in a RCT among 20 OPs and 500 employees. If proven effective, this weight gain prevention guideline will be implemented on a larger scale within the occupational health services in the Netherlands. 82 EMGO+ 73. D ignity for nursing home patients: design of the study Mariska Vlug1, Mette Rurup1, Roeline Pasman1, Dick Willems2, Martien Muller3, Bregje Onwuteaka-Philipsen1 1D epartment of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research; VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Department of Nursing Home Medicine, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research; VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 3 Department of General Practice, Division Clinical Methods and Public Health; Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Introduction Preserving dignity is frequently mentioned by patients when considering the end of life and is a central goal in palliative care. An empirical model of dignity has been developed in terminally ill cancer patients, but it is unclear whether this model is appropriate for other patient groups. The aim of this study is to further develop the dignity model in the nursing home setting by assessing which factors are especially relevant to dignity in this setting. Methods 30 nursing home patients from 4 nursing homes in the Netherlands, who are recently admitted to a nursing home will be followed using in-depth interviews. They will be interviewed every 6 months, over a maximum period of 4 years. Questions will focus on what constitutes dignity for the patients in relation to their health and the care given. In the follow-up interviews the focus will be on changes in the situation of patients and the relation with perceived dignity. If a patient has become incompetent or has deceased, a relative will be interviewed. For each patient a nursing home physician and nurse will be interviewed 3 months after admission and shortly after the patient has deceased. It will be assessed which themes of the dignity model are especially influential in perceived personal dignity (over time) of nursing home patients. Results Not available yet, data collection will start April 2010. Conclusions Not available yet. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 83 EMGO+ 74. T he relationship between heart rate and cortisol levels and re-offending in delinquent male adolescents M. de Vries-Bouw1, A. Popma1, L.M.C. Nauta-Jansen1, R. Vermeiren1,2, Th.A.H. Doreleijers.1 1 VU University Medical Center Amsterdam/De Bascule, Duivendrecht 2 LUMC, Leiden. Introduction Longitudinal research on the relation between decreased (re)activity of neurobiological stress factors (i.e. heart rate, cortisol) and the persistence of juvenile delinquency is scarce, and results are rather inconsistent. Therefore, the present prospective longitudinal study aims to advance existing knowledge by examining in delinquent male adolescents whether heart rate and cortisol were related to the persistence of delinquent behavior. Methods Participants were 112 boys (mean age 13,7 years) attending a delinquency diversion program after committing a minor offense. Heart rate and salivary cortisol were measured at initial assessment in resting conditions and in response to a standardized public speaking task. Official registered re-offending was examined after 5-year follow-up. Results An overall re-offending rate of 68% and a violent re-offending rate of 48% were found. A significant correlation (r = -,306) between lower stress-induced heart rate levels and the frequency of overall re-offending was found, the correlation with violent re-offending (r = -,193) was statistically non-significant. No correlations were found between resting heart rate or cortisol levels (basal and responsive) and re-offending. Discussion Neurobiological stress factors in resting conditions have limited value for predicting persistent delinquent behavior. However, heart rate responsivity to stress, but not cortisol, does relate to re-offending. This study is the first that found evidence for reactive heart rate to be related to future antisocial behavior, but this finding needs further exploration. Cortisol might be more specific to certain particular types of antisocial behavior, like reactive aggression. 84 EMGO+ 75. Impact of communicating familial risk of diabetes on illness perceptions and self-reported behavioural outcomes: a randomized controlled trial M. Wijdenes-Pijl1,2, D.R.M. Timmermans1,2, L. Claassen1,2, A.C.J.W. Janssens3, G. Nijpels1,4, J.M. Dekker2, T.M. Marteau5, L. Henneman1,2. 1D epartment of Public and Occupational Health, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2 EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 3 Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands 4 Department of General Practice, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 5 Psychology and Genetics Research Group, King’s College, London, United Kingdom Purpose Family history is an important risk factor for diabetes type 2, reflecting genetic predisposition, shared environment and common behaviour. The aim in this study was to assess the potential effectiveness of communicating familial risk of diabetes on illness perceptions and self-reported behavioural outcomes Methods Individuals with a positive family history of diabetes were randomized to receive risk information based on familial and general risk factors (n=59) or general risk factors alone (n=59). The information was provided during a personal consultation. behavioural intentions, self-reported behaviours (diet, physical activity), causal beliefs, perceived consequences of diabetes, personal control over preventing diabetes, and perceived susceptibility were assessed using questionnaires (at baseline, 1-week- and 3-months follow-up). Results Compared to those receiving information based on general risk factors alone, those receiving information on familial risk perceived heredity to be a more important cause of diabetes (p<0.01) at 1-week follow-up, and perceived greater control over preventing diabetes (p<0.05). Although at 1-week follow-up there were no differences in intentions to change behaviour between the two groups, at 3-months follow-up the intervention group reported having eaten more healthily (p=0.01). Conclusions Communicating familial risks of developing diabetes increased personal control and thus did not result in fatalism. Although the intervention did not influence intentions to change behaviour, there was some evidence to suggest that it might increase healthy behaviour. More research is needed to confirm these findings in a larger sample, using objective measures of health-related behaviours. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 85 EMGO+ 76. L ower appendicular skeletal muscle mass, appendicular fat mass and trunk fat mass and mortality in community-dwelling older men and women Hanneke Wijnhoven1, Marieke Snijder2, Marian van Bokhorst-de van der Schueren3, Dorly Deeg4, Marjolein Visser1,4. 1D epartment of Health Sciences and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University, Amsterdam 2 Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 3 Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 4 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction The increased mortality risk at low body mass index is well established for older persons. It is, however, unclear which underlying body mass components explain this elevated mortality risk. Therefore, we examined associations of lower levels of appendicular skeletal muscle mass (MM), appendicular fat mass (FM) and trunk FM determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry with 12-year all-cause mortality in community-dwelling older men and women. Methods Data were used of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, a random population-based cohort study (55-85 years) in the Netherlands. 477 community-dwelling persons ≥65 years of the second examination round in 1995-96 were included and followed until 2007 for their vital status. Results Twelve-year mortality rates were 133/242 (55%) in men and 92/235 (39%) in women. In men, lower appendicular skeletal MM, lower appendicular FM and lower trunk FM were associated with a higher mortality risk after adjustment height and age, although statistically significant for appendicular skeletal MM only. Below the point were the mortality hazard started to increase, the hazard ratio (HR) per one unit SD decrease was 1.58, 95% CI 1.04-2.52. In women, lower appendicular FM and lower trunk FM, but not lower appendicular skeletal MM, were associated with a higher mortality risk. After adjustment for height and age, only the association with trunk FM was statistically significant (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.02-2.53). Adjustment for weight change in the previous 3 years attenuated these associations. Conclusions In community-dwelling older persons, in men low levels of appendicular skeletal MM and in women low levels of trunk FM are found to be associated with an increased mortality risk. Future studies are needed to confirm or falsify these findings. 86 EMGO+ 77. A ssistive technology as an alternative to physical restraints in nursing homes for people with dementia Drs. S.A. Zwijsen1, drs. S. te Boekhorst1, prof. dr. C.M.P.M. Hertogh1, prof. dr. A.L Francke2. 1D epartmentof nursing home medicine, Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 The Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht. Introduction Assistive technology (AT) is proposed as an alternative to physical restraints in nursing home care for people with dementia. The number of nursing homes implementing assistive technology is steadily rising. However, research on usability and effectivity is lacking. Methods Residents, proxies and professional caregivers of seven nursing homes were involved in this study. Interviews and focus group discussions were held with professional caregivers and proxies of residents to examine the experiences and opinions regarding restraint use and AT. Data on quality of life and functioning of residents with AT or physical restraints was provided by their professional caregivers in three measurements. Professional caregivers also filled in a questionnaire on their own vision on AT, job satisfaction and moral distress. Results The term restraint is ambiguous to caregivers; their view on the restraining qualities of a intervention differs from the legal definition. This discrepancy creates difficulties when implementing policy to reduce physical restraint use. Moreover, AT was used supplementary to existing measures rather than as an alternative. Technical shortcomings and organisational difficulties are other impeding factors when aiming at substituting physical restraints with assistive technology. The quantitative data are not yet fully analysed. Therefore, there are no results on the effectivity of AT use yet. Conclusion AT wasn’t used as an alternative to restraints. A better supported and more useable description of restraints and a better considered policy on AT use could lead to AT use as an alternative to restraints instead of just supplementary to existing measures. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 87 ICaR-VU 78. P lasma albumin and transferrin levels mark pulmonary permeability and lung injury in hypovolemic patients with or at risk for ARDS Jurjan Aman1, M. van der Heijden1,2, A. van Lingen3, A.R.J. Girbes2, G.P. van Nieuw Amerongen1, V.W.M. van Hinsbergh1, A.B.J. Groeneveld2. Departments of 1 Physiology, 2 Intensive Care 3 Nuclear Medicine, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Pulmonary vascular permeability plays a key role in the pathophysiology of acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Since increased pulmonary permeability induces protein-rich fluid extravasation, we evaluated the predictive values of plasma protein levels for pulmonary vascular permeability and ARDS. Methods This study included 83 mechanically ventilated, hypovolemic patients with or at risk for ARDS. Pulmonary vascular permeability was studied by the 67Gallium-transferrin pulmonary leak index (PLI). ARDS was diagnosed according to the American European Consensus Conference (AECC) criteria and the Lung Injury Score (LIS). Before and after fluid loading, we measured plasma albumin and transferrin levels, and determined the PLI, the AECC diagnosis and the LIS. Results Plasma albumin and transferrin levels were lower in patients with ARDS than in patients without. They inversely related to the PLI (standardized regression coefficient (src) -0.30 for albumin, -0.30 for transferrin) and the LIS (src -0.21 for albumin), irrespective of sepsis and fluid loading. Plasma albumin and transferrin levels had negative predictive values of 90-98% for elevated pulmonary vascular permeability and ARDS according to AECC and LIS. Conclusions In critically ill patients with presumed hypovolemia, decreased plasma levels of albumin and transferrin parallel increased pulmonary vascular permeability and lung injury irrespective of underlying disease and fluid status. Because of high negative predictive values, normal albumin and transferrin levels may help to exclude ARDS. (NHS grants 2003T3201 & 2003T032, ECCRN 2007 Levi Montalcini Award) 88 ICaR-VU 79. V alidation of ultrastructural analysis of mitochondrial deposits in cardiomyocytes as a method of detecting early acute myocardial infarction in humans Mark P.V. Begieneman1,2,3, Frank R.W. van de Goot1,2,3, Jan Fritz1, Rence Rozendaal1, Paul A.J. Krijnen1,3, Hans W.M. Niessen1,3,4. Departments of 1 Pathology and 4 Cardiac Surgery, 3 ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam and 2 Dutch Forensic Institute, The Hague. Introduction At a macroscopic level acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can be identified using an LDH staining method. LDH decoloration does occur 3 hours after onset of AMI. In ischemic hearts ultrastructural changes occur in the mitochondria, including formation of small osmiophilic amorphous densities (deposits). In the present study ultrastructural analysis of mitochondrial as a method for the detection of early AMI was evaluated. Methods In 24 AMI patients and 6 controls electron microscopical analysis was perform-ed in the right and left ventricle of the heart of infarcted patients and non-infarcted controls. LDH staining was done to indicate AMI, when no decolori-sation was found, AMI was clinically diagnosed by ECG. In AMI heart tissue was sampled from suspect areas related to corresponding atherosclerotic changed coronary arteries at risk and/or signs of older infarctions (replacement fibrosis). Results In the infarction area of patients with a LDH diagnosed AMI the percentage of positive mitochondria was significantly higher compared to corresponding heart tissue in control patients (64±2% vs 48±2%, p<0.000, factor 1.33) and compared to non-infarcted areas (right ventricle) within these AMI patients (64±2% vs 50±2%, p<0.000, factor 1.28). Also in patients with a clinically diagnosed AMI but no LDH decoloration, a significant higher percentage of positive mitochondria was found in the left ventricle compared to controls (61±2% vs 48±2%, p<0.000, factor 1.27) and non-infarcted areas (right ventricle) (61±2% vs 41±2%, p<0.000, factor 1.47). In 8 out of 11 (73%) patients the positive predictive was 89.47%, meaning that in 89.47% of the cases the finding absolutely indicates AMI. Conclusions Electron microscopical changes in mitochondria can be used for the diagnosis of AMI less than 3 hours old when LDH staining is negative. However, in approximately 25% of the patients with an infarction of less than 3 hours old we could not detect ultrastructural evidence for myocardial infarction. When using this method it is recommended to take samples from non-infarcted tissue from the same patient to indicate the “background” signal caused by autolysis level. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 89 ICaR-VU 80. A ltered myocardial substrate metabolism is associated with myocardial dysfunction in early diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats: studies using positron emission tomography Charissa E. van den Brom1,2, Marc C. Huisman3, Ronald Vlasblom1,2, Nicky M. Boontje2, Suzanne Duijst1,2, Mark Lubberink3, Carla F.M. Molthoff3, Adriaan A. Lammertsma3, Jolanda van der Velden2, Christa Boer4, D. Margriet Ouwens5, Michaela Diamant1. Departments of 1 Internal Medicine/Diabetes Center, 2 Physiology, 3 Nuclear Medicine & PET Research, 4 Anesthesiology, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, 5 Department of Molecular Cell Biology, LUMC, Leiden. Background In vitro data suggest that changes in myocardial substrate metabolism may contribute to impaired myocardial function in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). The purpose of the present study was to study in a rat model of early DCM, in vivo changes in myocardial substrate metabolism and their association with myocardial function. Methods Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and Zucker lean (ZL) rats underwent echocardio-graphy followed by [11C]palmitate positron emission tomography (PET) under fasting, and [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxyD-glucose PET under hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp conditions. Left ventricular tissue was used for morphometric and molecular analyses. Results PET data showed a 66% decrease in insulin-mediated myocardial glucose utilization and a 41% increase in fatty acid (FA) oxidation in ZDF vs. ZL rats (both p<0.05). Echocardiography showed diastolic and systolic dysfunction in ZDF vs. ZL rats. Myocardial functional changes were significantly associated with whole-body insulin sensitivity and decreased myocardial glucose utilization. ZDF hearts showed a 68% decrease in glucose transporter-4 mRNA expression (p<0.05), a 22% decrease in glucose transporter-4 protein expression (p=0.10), unchanged levels of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-4 protein expression, a 57% decreased phosphorylation of AMP activated protein kinase alfa1/2 (p<0.05) and a 2.4-fold increased abundance of the FA transporter CD36 to the sarcolemma (p<0.01) vs. ZL hearts, which are compatible with changes in substrate metabolism. Finally, in ZDF vs. ZL hearts a 2.4-fold reduced insulin-mediated phosphorylation of Akt was found (p<0.05). Conclusion Using PET and echocardiography, we found increases in myocardial FA oxidation with a concomitant decrease of insulin-mediated myocardial glucose utilization in early DCM. In addition, the latter was associated with impaired myocardial function. These in vivo data expand previous in vitro findings showing that early alterations in myocardial substrate metabolism contribute to myocardial dysfunction. 90 ICaR-VU 81. T he development of hypertrophy in familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is related to myocardial fibrosis: medium term follow-up in genotyped hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutation carriers without prior hypertrophy Wessel P. Brouwer1,5, Tjeerd Germans1, A.J. Houweling2, I. Christiaans4, J. van der Velden3, A.A.M Wilde4,5, Albert C. van Rossum1,5. 1 2 3 4 5 epartment of Cardiology D Department of Cardiogenetics Department of Physiology, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam Interuniversity Cardiology Institute of the Netherlands (ICIN), Utrecht. Introduction Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease characterized by the development of left ventricular hypertrophy and is associated with heart failure, onset of atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrythmias. In this study, we monitored the development of hypertrophy in genotyped HCM patients without hypertrophy and aimed to identify risk factors for the development of hypertrophy. Therefore we used cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods Nineteen HCM carriers (14 MyBPC mutations and 5 TPM1 mutations) were included in the study (age 42±14 years, 5 male). CMR cine and Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE) imaging was performed at baseline and after 29±9 months to determine LV mass, maximal wall thickness (using short-axis images) and the amount of myocardial fibrosis. Data were compared with a paired Student’s T-test. A P-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results LV mass showed a non-significant decline from 101±23 g to 96±19 g during follow-up, while maximal wall thickness tended to increase from 12±2.7 mm to 12.6±2.9 mm (P = ns). Three MyBPC carriers, already displaying LGE at baseline, developed HCM phenotype (>15mm wall thickness) during follow-up. Also, the amount of LGE tended to increase (1.17 ± 1.5 g vs 1.98 ± 1.51 g). Conclusions In this study, LV mass tended to remain constant during follow-up. However, a subset of three MyBPC carriers made a transition towards HCM phenotype, which was concomitant with the presence of LGE. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 91 ICaR-VU 82. P ulse rate variability corresponds with heart rate variability in the evaluation of autonomic function C.S.E. Bulte, S.W.M. Keet, S.A. Loer, C. Boer, R.A. Bouwman. Department of Anesthesiology, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Autonomic function is assessed by determining heart rate variability (HRV) from R-R intervals obtained with an ECG. These measurements are however sensitive to perioperative environmental disturbances such as movement artifacts and electrical interference due to diathermy. We hypothesized that pulse rate variability (PRV) derived from continuous blood pressure measurements may provide a feasible alternative for HRV obtained with ECG. Methods In healthy male subjects HRV and PRV were recorded simultaneously using an ECG monitor and a plethysmography-based blood pressure measurement device (Nexfin, BMEYE, the Netherlands). Spectral analysis was used to calculate the power in three frequency bands: very-low-frequency (VLF; 0-0.04 Hz), low-frequency (LF; 0.04-0.12 Hz) and high-frequency (HF; 0.12-0.40 Hz). Correlation and level of agreement between ECG and Nexfin were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plots. Results Eighteen subjects aged 24±5 years were included. Correlation coefficients between HRV and PRV were 0.998 in the VLF and LF band and 0.993 in the HF band (all P<0.01). The bias, limits of agreement (LOA) and percentage errors are shown in the table below. Bias±SD (ms2) LOA (ms2) Error (%) VLF -12±34 -80 to 56 3 LF -5±76 -154 to 145 9 HF -348±509 -1345 to 650 29 Conclusions Our data show that PRV derived from non-invasive blood pressure waveforms corresponds well with traditional HRV derived from ECG. These results indicate that under standard conditions blood pressure waveforms may replace HRV in the evaluation of autonomic function. 92 ICaR-VU 83. M ulti drug resistance protein expression on adipose tissue derived stem cells A. van Dijk1, B. Naaijkens1, W.J.F.M. Jurgens2, R. Oerlemans3, G. Scheffer1, J. Aznou1, M. Brouwer1, F.C. Visser4, G.J. Schuurhuis5, F.J. van Milligen1, H.W.M. Niessen1,6. Depts. of 1 Pathology 2 Plastic surgery 3 Rheumatology 4 Cardiology 5 Hematology and 6 Cardiac Surgery, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction The efflux of Hoechst dye, which is caused by the presence of Multi drug resistance (MDR) proteins, is a characteristic of stem cells. However, only little research has been done to investigate the expression of MDR proteins in adipose tissue derived stem cells (ASC). In this study, we therefore investigated the expression and activity of MDR proteins in ASC. Since expression of these proteins might protect the cells in harmful conditions, we further studied whether these proteins protected ASC during ischemia. Methods BCRP, MRP-1, MRP-4 en PGP protein expression was investigated over time (passage 2-6) using both western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining of cytospin slides. Activity of the proteins was investigated by FACS analysis of MDR protein specific substrate extrusion. Ischemia was mimicked using metabolic inhibition. Results Protein expression of BCRP, MRP-1 and MRP-4, but not of PGP, was shown on ASC. This expression was found to decrease during culture. Furthermore, ischemia induced protein expression of these proteins. It was also shown using a substrate extrusion assay that the MDR proteins indeed were functionally active. Finally, it was shown that BCRP protects ASC for ischemia, namely when the BCRP protein is blocked, more stem cells die after 1 hour of ischemia. Conclusion ASC express BCRP, MRP-1 and MRP-4 protein, however expression decreases during culture. MDR proteins protect stem cells in harmful environments like ischemia. Therefore, transplantation of ASC in ischemic environments like myocardial infarctions, is optimal when expression of these proteins are high, thus in early passage. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 93 ICaR-VU 84. D ifferentially methylated region in intron 1 of STOX1 explains parent-of-origin effect seen in preeclampsia linkage analysis Marie van Dijk, Cees Oudejans. Department of Clinical Chemistry, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction The 10q22 chromosomal region with genomic linkage to pre-eclampsia shows a parent-of-origin effect with maternal transmission. By studying the methylation status of the CpG island within the STOX1 promoter region, we and others have been unable to identify a differentially methylated region (DMR) explaining this parent-of-origin effect. Recently, in intron 2 of stox1 in mice, a tissue-specific DMR has been identified. Furthermore, in human lymphoblastoid cells a differential allelic expression ratio was detected for STOX1 SNPs. Both of these studies indicate the existence of a DMR in humans leading to differential expression, and potentially explain the parent-oforigin effect observed. Methods By computational analysis a region within intron 1 of the STOX1 gene was identified as a potential CpG island. This was confirmed using CT-converted DNA of buffycoat samples as a source of cells in which differential expression was observed. Normal and androgenetic early placenta samples were tested in the same manner along with term placenta, SGHPL5 cells and adult tissue samples. Results The methylation pattern identified in term placenta and adult tissue is consistent with an imprinted gene in which 50% of the alleles are methylated in tissues expressing STOX1, while 80% of the alleles are methylated in tissue with very low levels of STOX1 expression (liver). In early placenta only 20% of the alleles were methylated, while androgenetic placentas, consisting of paternal alleles only, showed a two-fold increase in methylation. SGHPL5 cells, representing extravillous trophoblasts, were also 50% methylated. This indicates that in early placenta, in contrast to term and adult tissue, only some cell types (extravillous trophoblasts among others), are subject to imprinting. Conclusions This study confirms that the parent-of-origin effect observed in the pre-eclampsia linkage analysis is caused by a DMR within STOX1, leading to cell type-specific imprinting in the early placenta. 94 ICaR-VU 85. S arcomeric function and protein phosphorylation in patients with primary hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy Sabine J. van Dijk, Rozemarije A. Holewijn, Anouk Tebeest, Cris dos Remedios, Ger J.M. Stienen, Jolanda van der Velden. Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by asymmetrical left ventricular wall and septal hypertrophy, while in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) the heart remodels eccentric. Previous studies using recombinant protein and animal models have suggested that HCM is associated with hypercontractility of the sarcomere, while DCM is characterized by hypocontractility. However, these studies lack information on post-translational protein phosphorylation, which may significantly modulate myofilament function. Methods In the present study, we investigated the relation between contractile function and phosphorylation of the β-adrenergic target proteins myosin binding protein C (cMyBP C) and troponin I (cTnI) in explanted HCM (n=8) and DCM (n=5) hearts in comparison to healthy donor hearts (n=8). Results Cardiomyocyte force measurements demonstrated a lower maximal force in HCM (25.3 kN/ m2) than in donor (34.7 kN/m2) and DCM (30.0 kN/m2). Both HCM and DCM displayed a higher Ca2+ sensitivity of force compared to donor (pCa50 5.59; 5.60and 5.54, respectively), which was associated with lower phosphorylation of cMyBP-C and cTnI in both cardiomyopathy groups. Incubation with protein kinase A (PKA), to mimic β adrenergic stimulation, evoked a larger decrease in Ca2+ sensitivity in DCM compared to HCM and donor (ΔpCa50: 0.24 compared to 0.14 and 0.06). After PKA treatment, Ca2+ sensitivity was comparable in HCM and donor and lower in DCM. Conclusions Although Ca2+ sensitivity in both cardiomyopathies was higher compared to donor, the maximal force generating capacity in HCM was reduced, reflecting hypocontractility rather than hypercontractility. In DCM Ca2+ sensitivity was decreased relative to donor and HCM only after β-adrenergic stimulation, indicating that DCM displays hypocontractile characteristics solely after stress. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 95 ICaR-VU 86. A ltered cross-talk between perivascular adipose tissue and resistance arteries in muscle blunts insulin-mediated vasoreactivity in db/db mice R.I. Meijer1,2, W. Bakker1, C.A.F. Alta1, P. Sipkema1, C.D.A. Stehouwer3, E.H. Serne2, Y.M. Smulders2, V.W.M. van Hinsbergh1, E.C. Eringa1. 1 Laboratory for Physiology and 2 Department of Internal Medicine, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 3 Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht. Introduction Obesity is characterized by disturbed vascular insulin signaling which contributes to muscle insulin resistance. We have previously proposed that accumulation of perivascular adipose tissue in muscle impairs insulin-mediated vasoreactivity, and we tested this hypothesis in the current study. The aim was to test the hypotheses that mPAT controls insulin-mediated vasoreactivity through the excretion of adiponectin and activation of AMPK, and that this interaction is blunted in obese, insulin-resistant db/db mice. Methods Responses to insulin of muscle arterioles from lean (C57Bl/6) mice were studied in the pressure myograph in the presence of mPAT of lean or obese, insulin-resistant db/db mice. Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) was used to study the role of AMPK in effects of mPAT. Interaction of mPAT with vasodilator effects of insulin was further investigated by Western blot analysis of AMPK and Akt phosphorylation. Results Db/db mice were obese, insulin-resistant and hyperglycaemic. In muscles of db/db mice, we found a marked increase in mPAT around muscle arterioles, which was accompanied by enlargement of adipocytes. MPAT of lean mice induced insulin-mediated vasodilatation (58+34% at 2 nM of insulin). MPAT of lean mice increased by activated AMPK as indicated by phosphorylation at Thr172, and AMPK inhibition abolished insulin-mediated vasodilatation in the presence of mPAT (4+2% at 2 nM). Moreover, mPAT of lean mice secretes the endogenous AMPK agonist adiponectin which we found in mPAT-conditioned medium. MPAT of db/db mice did not induce insulin-mediated vasodilatation (-5+3 %, P<0.05 vs. mPAT of lean mice), which was accompanied by a blunted secretion of adiponectin (502+115 vs. 178+33, P=0.02). In the presence of mPAT of db/db mice, insulin-mediated activation of Akt in muscle resistance arteries was reduced from 9.7-fold to 5.3-fold (P=0.02). Conclusions MPAT isolated from lean mice controls insulin-mediated vasodilation through activation of AMPK and secretion of adiponectin. Induction of insulin-mediated vasodilatation is blunted in mPAT of db/db mice, which is associated with impairment of adiponectin secretion by mPAT and decreased Akt activation in muscle resistance arteries. This blunted crosstalk between mPAT and muscle resistance arteries likely contributes to reduced delivery of nutrients to muscle in obesity. 96 ICaR-VU 87. P ositive predictive value of computed tomography coronary angiography for detection of significant coronary artery disease and its relationship with plaque composition in clinical practice Jan G.J. Groothuis1, Aernout M. Beek1, Martijn R. Meijerink2, Stijn L. Brinckman1, Martijn W. Heymans3, Cornelis van Kuijk2, Albert C. van Rossum1. Departments of 1 Cardiology 2 Radiology 3 Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Several studies have investigated the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) for detection of significant coronary artery disease (CAD). Although the negative predictive value of CTCA was consistently high, a wide range of positive predictive values (PPV) was reported. Most of these studies were performed in patients already referred for invasive coronary angiography and prevalence of significant CAD was high. Thus, PPV of CTCA in patients that undergo CTCA as part of a clinical diagnostic evaluation remains unclear. This study investigated the PPV of CTCA for the detection of significant CAD in patients with low to intermediate pre-test probability CAD that were referred for non-invasive evaluation of chest pain. Additionally, the relationship between plaque composition and PPV in this patient group was investigated. Methods 181 patients underwent 64-slice CTCA. CTCA was scored per segment as normal, non-obstructive CAD or obstructive CAD (>50% diameter stenosis). Plaque composition was scored per segment as calcified, mixed or non-calcified plaque. All patients with obstructive CAD underwent invasive coronary angiography (CA). Significant CAD was defined as >50% diameter stenosis on CA. Results According to CTCA, 65 (35.9%) patients had obstructive CAD. Of 147 segments with obstructive CAD, 46 (31.3%) comprised calcified, 89 (60.5%) mixed and 12 (8.2%) non-calcified plaque. In 26 (14.4%) patients, significant CAD was found by CA. The PPV for detection of significant CAD per patient and per vessel were 40.0% (95% CI: 30.6-50.2%) and 30.4% (95% CI: 23.9-37.9%), respectively. The PPV per segment of non-calcified plaque (50%) was significantly higher than calcified plaque (17%), p=0.019. Conclusions In patients with low to intermediate probability CAD that are referred for non-invasive evaluation of chest pain, the PPV of CTCA for detection of significant CAD is low. This may be explained by the low prevalence of significant CAD in this patient group. Additionally, in these patients only a small number of obstructive plaques was non-calcified, that had a significantly higher PPV than calcified plaques. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 97 ICaR-VU 88. NOX5 expression in human cardiomyocytes is increased after acute myocardial infarction Nynke E. Hahn1,4, Paul A.J. Krijnen1,4, Tsukasa Kawahara5, René J.P. Musters3,4, Hans W.M. Niessen1,2,4, Christof Meischl1,4. Depts. of 1 Pathology 2 Cardiac Surgery and 3 Physiology 4 ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 5 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA. Introduction Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-based signaling has been shown to play an important role in cardiomyocytes under different (patho)physiological conditions and the family of NADPH oxidases (NOXes) are a known to be a central source of these second messengers. The principal NOXes in the cardiovascular system are NOX1, NOX2 and NOX4. Recently, the calcium-regulated NOX5 has been demonstrated in human blood vessels; however, nothing is known yet about the expression of NOX5 in cardiomyocytes. Because cardiac contraction is highly dependent on intracellular calcium levels and intracellular calcium regulation, we have analyzed the expression of NOX5 in cardiomyocytes. Methods NOX5 expression was analyzed in both isolated bovine and human cardiomyocytes by Western blot and digital imaging microscopy. Furthermore, NOX5 expression in heart tissue samples from patients who had died of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was studied by immunohistochemical analysis. Results In isolated bovine and human cardiomyocytes NOX5 expression was detected. Digital imaging microscopical and immunohistochemical studies demonstrated NOX5 expression at the site of intercalated discs in both bovine and human cardiomyocytes. In patients with AMI a significant increase in NOX5-positive cardiomyocytes was found in the infarcted heart tissue. Conclusion NOX5 is expressed in cardiomyocytes at the site of intercalated discs, and this expression was increased in patients with AMI. Further studies have to elucidate the (patho)physiological significance of these findings. 98 ICaR-VU 89. C hronic treatment with low-dose bisoprolol improves survival and cardiac function in experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension M. Louis Handoko1,2 & Frances S. de Man1, J.J.M. van Ballegoij1,2, I. Schalij2, P.E. Postmus2, W.J. van der Laarse1, J. van der Velden1, N. Westerhof1,2, W.J. Paulus1, A. Vonk-Noordegraaf2. Departments of 1 Physiology and 2 Pulmonology, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH) eventually leads to right heart failure. The use of betablockers in PH is strongly discouraged, because of their negative inotropic and chronotropic effects. However, use of beta-blockers in chronic (left) heart failure is safe and significantly reduces mortality. We investigated whether chronic low-dose treatment with bisoprolol (a selective β1-adrenergic receptor antagonist) has cardiac-specific beneficial effects in experimental PH. Methods Progressive PH in rats was induced by a single injection of monocrotaline (60 mg/kg). Pressuretelemetry in PH-rats revealed that 10 mg/kg bisoprolol was the lowest dose that could blunt heart rate response during daily activity. Ten days after monocrotaline-injection, echocardiography was performed, and PH-rats were randomized for bisoprolol-treatment (oral gavage; n=7/ group). At end-of-study (body mass loss >5%), echocardiography was repeated with additional pressure-volume measurements. Rats were euthanized; heart and lungs were harvested for histomorphological analyses. Results Echocardiography confirmed the PH-status at start of treatment. Bisoprolol delayed disease progression and improved survival (p<0.05). Compared to control, RV systolic pressure and arterial elastance (Ea; measure for vascular resistance) more than tripled in PH. However, RV afterload was unaffected by bisoprolol-treatment. Bisoprolol increased cardiac contractility (Ees) and relaxation (Eed; both p<0.01), and partially restored ventriculo-arterial coupling (Ees/Ea) and cardiac output (both p<0.05). Histology revealed significantly less cardiac fibrosis and less RV myocardial inflammation in bisoprolol-treated PH-rats. Conclusions In experimental PH, treatment with bisoprolol improves survival, ventriculo-arterial coupling and reduces RV diastolic dysfunction. These promising results suggest a therapeutic role for betablockers in PH that warrants further clinical investigation. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 99 ICaR-VU 90. T he reproducibility of non-standardized autonomic function testing in the preoperative assessment screening clinic Sander W.M. Keet, Carolien S.E. Bulte, Christa Boer, R. Arthur Bouwman. Department of Anesthesiology, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Autonomic function testing specifically requires standard environmental test conditions. Consequently, autonomic function testing is difficult to implement in preoperative patient assessment, although its predictive value for peri-operative hemodynamic stability has been suggested. We aimed to compare results of testing under non-standardized and standardized test conditions. Methods Eighteen healthy male subjects (19-34 years) were studied during standard test conditions (08:0010:30 a.m., quiet ambiance, temperature 19-22oC and overnight fasted). Autonomic function was assessed using an ECG-monitor and a continuous non-invasive blood pressure measurement device (Nexfin HD, BMEYE, Amsterdam, the Netherlands). Blood pressure and heart rate responses were measured during deep breathing (E/I-ratio (0.1 Hz)), Valsalva manoeuvre (Valsalva-ratio), sustained handgrip and after standing. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis comprised evaluation of the very low (VLF; 0.0-0.04 Hz), low (LF; 0.04-0.12 Hz) and high frequency band (HF; 0.120.4 Hz) during 5 minutes at rest. All tests were repeated under non-standardized, non-fasted conditions. Results Intra-class correlation (ICC) coefficients were calculated for all autonomic function tests. The ICC for LF and HF were 0.78 (95%CI; 0.43-0.92) and 0.71 (95%CI; 0.36-0.88), respectively, whereas the ICC for VLF was 0.52 (95%CI; 0.08-0.79). The E/I-ratio revealed an ICC of 0.80 (95%CI; 0.530.92), the Valsalva-ratio ICC was 0.62 (95%CI; 0.20-0.84) and the handgrip test had an ICC of 0.61 (95%CI; 0.19-0.85). P<0.05 for all above mentioned ICC values. The ICC of the responses to standing was low. Conclusions We demonstrated in healthy volunteers that the reproducibility for most autonomic function tests under standardized and non-standardized conditions is clinical acceptable. These data suggest that implementation of autonomic function assessment may be feasible in preoperative patient risk assessment. 100 ICaR-VU 91. K LF2-induced actin shear fibres control both alignment to flow and JNK signaling in vascular endothelium Thomas A. Leyen1, Reinier A. Boon1,2, Ruud D. Fontijn1, Joost O. Fledderus2, Josefien M.C. Baggen1, Oscar L. Volger1,2, Geerten P. van Nieuw Amerongen3 and Anton J.G. Horrevoets1. Departments of 1Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology and 3Physiology, VUmc, ICaR-VU, Amsterdam and the 2Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Absence of shear flow at arterial bends and bifurcations induces atherosclerotic lesions. Krüppellike factor 2 (KLF2) is a major effector of the beneficial effects of shear stress on endothelial cells by affecting proteins related the cytoskeleton. We set out to explore the implications of this on anti-inflammatory effects of endothelium. Methods Human HUVEC, microvascular, and arterial endothelium grown on fibronectin-coated coverslips were transduced with KLF2-expressing or anti-KLF2 silencer RNA lentiviral vectors and exposed to arterial levels of flow in IBIDI laminar flow chambers. The cells were fluorescently stained for focal adhesion proteins and analyzed by 3-colour Confocal scanning or Deconvoluting microscopy. Effects on signalling and transcriptome were determined by quantitative Western blotting and real-time PCR. Results Both flow and KLF2-induced specific actin shear fibres are thick cables connected at both ends to focal adhesions running across the basal membrane of the cells. The coinciding changes in focal adhesion complexes regulate actin-structure modulating proteins. KLF2-induced fibers are essential for flow alignment and contain force-generating phosphomyosin. Fibers were formed independent from Rho kinase and quite distinct from conventional stress fibers, but similar to fibers in ex vivo arteries and veins. The presence of actin shear fibres affects the expression of a panel of proinflammatory genes, by suppressing signaling through c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and its target pro-inflammatory transcription factor ATF2. Conclusions KLF2 directs actin architecture through regulation of focal adhesion activity in various endothelial cells, which is essential for its anti-inflammatory effects on endothelium. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 101 ICaR-VU 92. Interventricular synchrony in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension recovers after endarterectomy G.J. Mauritz1, J.T. Marcus2, J. Bosboom2, A. Vonk Noordegraaf1. 1 Depts. of Pulmonology and 2 Physics & Medical Technology, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction In Pulmonary Hypertension, the Right Ventricular (RV) pressure overload induces interventricular mechanical asynchrony which impairs the function of RV and LV. The aim was to assess if in Chronic Thrombo-Embolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) the Left-Right (L-R) mechanical synchrony recovers after removal of the thrombo-emboli out of the pulmonary arteries (endarterectomy). Methods MRI tagging delivers ‘magnetic markers’ to the myocardium, which are detected through the cardiac cycle and register myocardial contraction (fig 1). Nine CTEPH patients underwent MRI myocardial tagging before, and 1 year after endarterectomy. By using Harmonic Phase analysis, myocardial circumferential shortening of LV and RV free wall and the septum were calculated. Results Fig 1: RV and LV in CTEPH Fig 2: Circumferential short- ening before endarterectomy Fig 3: Same patient, after endarterectomy (‘post’) At baseline (fig 2) the RV reaches its peak circumferential shortening later than the septum and the LV. This L-R delay decreased from 95±61 ms at baseline, to 2±47 ms after endarterectomy (p<0.05), as shown in fig 3. Peak RV shortening increased from 12±3 % at baseline, to 16±3% (p<0.05). Cardiac output increased from 3.7±0.9 l/min to 4.8±0.6 l/min (p<0.01). Conclusions After endarterectomy, the L-R synchrony and the RV contractile function are recovering. RV function is influenced by the pulmonary vascular bed. 102 ICaR-VU 93. O nset time of retrograde flow in the pulmonary artery in pulmonary arterial hypertension: an estimator for pulmonary arterial pressure? F. Helderman1,2, G.J. Mauritz1, J.T. Marcus2, K. Andringa2, N. Westerhof1, A. Vonk Noordegraaf1. 1 Departments of Pulmonology and 2 Physics & Medical Technology, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction In the pulmonary artery of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) patients, a 3-dimensional (3D) flow vortex might be detectable from regional retrograde flow in a cross section of the pulmonary artery. The aim of this study was to assess if mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) could be estimated from the onset of retrograde flow in the pulmonary artery using a 2D MRI flow map. Methods In 37 PAH patients and 8 healthy controls, 2D MR phase-contrast velocity quantification was applied in the main pulmonary artery. The onset time of the retrograde flow (Retrograde Onset Time = ROT) as fraction of cardiac cycle time, and cross sectional area (CSA) of the main pulmonary artery were measured. Results Regression analysis revealed an negative association between mPAP and ROT (r=0.74; p<0.001), which means that the larger the mPAP, the earlier starts retrograde flow. A positive association between mPAP and CSA (r=0.68; p<0.001) was found. With cut-off values of 0.38 for ROT, and 626 mm2 for CSA, these variables could predict PAH with both 100% sensitivity, and 75 and 100 % specificity, respectively. Model of the recirculation zone in the pulmonary artery of a PAH patient (b), which explains early retrograde flow and is consistent with a 3D flow vortex. Conclusions Early retrograde flow in PAH is detectable with MRI flow mapping. ROT and CSA are non-invasive estimators for mPAP. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 103 ICaR-VU 94. Microvascular dysfunction in skin and muscle Rick I. Meijer*, Michiel P. de Boer*, Etto C. Eringa, Yvo M. Smulders, Erik H. Serné. *Both authors contributed equally. Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction The microvasculature in the skin has often been used as a representation of systemic microvascular function, using capillary video microscopy. The skin is however not the main site of interest for microvascular function, because of its limited importance in peripheral vascular resistance and insulin mediated capillary recruitment. The microvasculature in the skin is specialised in processes such as heat exchange, making it a distinct vascular bed from the microvasculature in skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle is, in contrast, the most important site for peripheral vascular resistance and insulin mediated capillary recruitment. The microvasculature in skeletal muscle is however hard to image non-invasively. Recently Contrast Enhanced UltraSonography (CEUS) has been applied to examine the microcirculation in skeletal muscle, thus creating a method to study the site of interest with a high resolution and small burden for the participants. A direct comparison between capillary video microscopy and CEUS, to study whether the microcirculation in skin and in skeletal muscle exhibit equal responses to insulin, and thus whether microvascular dysfunction exhibits similar characteristics in skin and skeletal muscle, has never been made. Methods Twenty healthy participants with a BMI ranging from 20-35 kg/m2 will be studied. Participants will undergo capillary video microscopy and CEUS, before, and during euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamping, in a randomised order. Outcomes will be the amount of recruitment with each of the measurements. A Pearson’s correlation coefficient will be performed to study whether the two different sites of the microcirculation exhibit a similar direction of change, and if these changes are correlated. Results Analysis of the data is currently being performed. Preliminary analyses show a good correlation between M-value (insulin-sensitivity) and insulin augmented capillary recruitment using capillary video microscopy as well as CEUS. Conclusions Skin and skeletal muscle exhibit a similar microvascular response to hyperinsulinemia within one subject. 104 ICaR-VU 95. The post-MI mouse heart is hypothyroid Christine J. Pol1, Marian J. Zuidwijk1, Ellen Kaptein2, Alice Muller1, Theo J. Visser2, Dirk J. Duncker2 and Warner S. Simonides1. 1 Laboratory for Physiology, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, 2 Experimental Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3 Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam. Introduction After myocardial infarction (MI), left ventricular (LV) remodelling occurs as a compensatory mechanism. Post-MI remodelling of the LV in mice is associated with induction of the enzyme deiodinase type III (D3), which inactivates thyroid hormone (T3). This suggests that cardiac T3 signalling is impaired. The aim of this study was to explore the time course of D3 induction following MI and analyze the impact on T3 signaling. Methods D3 activity and mRNA expression were determined at 3, 5 or 7 days post-MI in the LV in mice. A plasmid (pT3R) was constructed in which Firefly (FLuc) and Renilla (RLuc) luciferase genes are driven by a T3-responsive and a control promoter. T3-dependent transcription activity was assessed by direct injection of the pT3R in the LV wall of mice during sham or MI operation. Luciferase activities were determined in LV homogenates after two weeks. Results MI and sham surgery induced D3 activity and mRNA expression around 25 fold over baseline at day 3 and remained elevated in MI, but returned to baseline at day 5 in Sham. Compared to sham operated mice, FLuc activity in LV homogenates was significant decreased by 35% in MI operated mice (p=0.002); whereas a minimal infarcted area did not lead to a reduction. Conclusions D3 is transiently increased post-surgery but remains elevated after MI. After a large MI; the D3 induction results in lower cardiac T3-dependent transcription activity. The post-MI heart can be considered hypothyroid since a comparison of euthyroid and hypothyroid mice revealed a decrease of the FLuc activity of 45%. Contact: [email protected] Supported by NHF grant 2006B240. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 105 ICaR-VU 96. T he glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist Exenatide protects against glucocorticoid induced glucose intolerance and islet-cell dysfunction in humans DH van Raalte1, RE van Genugten1, MML Linssen2, DM Ouwens3, M Diamant1. 1 Diabetes Center, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2 Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands 3 Deutsches Diabetes Zentrum, Düsseldorf, Germany Introduction Glucocorticoids (GC) induce glucose intolerance by impairing islet-cell function and insulin sensitivity. To date, no preventive measures exist to mitigate the adverse metabolic effects of GC treatment. The gut hormone glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and its receptor agonists (RA) lower blood glucose by enhancing insulin- and inhibiting glucagon secretion. We hypothesized that GLP-1 RA treatment may prevent GC-induced glucose intolerance. Methods Using a cross-over design, 8 healthy males in random order, received for 2 consecutive days either 1) 80mg oral prednisolone QD and exenatide infusion (PRED+EXE), or 2) 80mg oral PRED QD and saline infusion (PRED+SAL), or 3) oral placebo-PRED QD and saline infusion (PLAC+SAL). On day 1, glucose tolerance was assessed following a standardized-meal-test. On day 2, β-cell function was measured during a combined euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic-hyperglycemic clamp with arginine stimulation. Results PRED+SAL treatment increased postprandial glucose levels (vs. PLAC+SAL, p=0.009), which was prevented by concomitant EXE infusion (PRED+EXE). PRED+SAL decreased 1st-phase glucosestimulated C-peptide secretion and disposition index (DI: 1st phase C-pep secretion multiplied by insulin sensitivity) (vs. PLAC+SAL, p<0.05 and p=0.03 respectively), but did not affect 2nd-phase glucose-stimulated or arginine-stimulated C-peptide secretion. EXE infusion prevented both the PRED-induced reduction in 1st phase C-peptide secretion and DI (vs. PRED+SAL, both p<0.01) and augmented 2nd phase and arginine-stimulated C-peptide secretion. PRED increased postprandial glucagon levels non-significantly (vs. PLAC+SAL, p=0.1), which was attenuated by EXE (vs. PRED+SAL p=0.06). Conclusion In summary, PRED impaired glucose tolerance in healthy humans. Concomitant treatment with the GLP-1RA EXE prevented the harmful effects of PRED on glucose tolerance by improving islet-cell balance. 106 ICaR-VU 97. Pressure-volume loop evaluation of CRT in endstage heart failure. A comparison of patients with a narrow, intermediate and broad QRS complex G.J. de Roest, C.P. Allaart, S.A. Kleijn, J.G.F. Bronzwaer, M.L. Hendriks, C.C. de Cock, A.C. van Rossum. Department of Cardiology, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Background Controversy exists concerning the response to CRT in patients with narrow QRS complexes. Recently, improved acute hemodynamic response has been observed of CRT in patients with narrow QRS complexes, while others found no improvement in peak oxygen consumption after CRT on the long term in these patients. This study therefore evaluates the comprehensive pressure-volume response to CRT in multiple locations, both in patients with and without conduction delay. Methods Sixty-four patients with symptomatic end-stage drug refractory heart failure were included in the present study and were subdivided according QRS duration (1: QRS<120ms (n=16); 2: 120ms≤QRS <150ms (n=18); 3: QRS≥150ms(n=30)). Patients underwent pressure-volume loop evaluation to assess the response to multiple site biventricular pacing. Results During biventricular pacing with LV stimulation in the posterior position CO increased in the narrow QRS group +5% (p=ns) and SW decreased -1% (p=ns). In the intermediate and broad QRS group, CO showed an increase of +39% (p=0.003) and +41% (p=0.004) and SW +42% (p=0.001) and +47%, (p=0.001), respectively. Hemodynamic function deteriorated even more in the ‘narrow’ QRS group during LV anterior pacing site (CO -12%, p=0.050; SW -17%, p=0.009). In contrast, LV anterior pacing in both the intermediate and broad QRS group improved CO and SW, although less than PLRVA (ΔCO -13%; p=0.016 and ΔSW -14%; p=0.003). Conclusions In a large proportion of conventional CRT candidates a clear hemodynamic response to biventricular pacing was observed. In addition, hemodynamic response to CRT in the narrow QRS group is lacking. Moreover when CRT is applied in these patients in the anterior region of the LV, cardiac function is decreased. These findings suggest that applying CRT in the narrow QRS is not appropriate and might even be associated with worsening of heart failure. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 107 ICaR-VU 98. L evel of agreement between the Clauss fibrinogen test and rotational thromboelastometry FIBTEM test in cardiothoracic surgery Johannes W.A. Romijn1, Steven B. Nicia1, Alexander B.A. Vonk2, Albertus Beishuizen3, Christa Boer1. Departments of 1 Anesthesiology 2 Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and 3 Intensive Care Medicine, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Fibrinogen is one of the first coagulation factors that reach a critical level during perioperative bleeding. In cardiac surgery, fibrinogen levels are mainly monitored through routine laboratory tests, although fibrinogen testing using rotational thromboelastometry may be a time saving alterative. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the level of agreement between both tests in the cardiothoracic surgical setting. Methods Citrated blood was drawn from 23 patients undergoing cardiac surgery before cardiopulmonary bypass (pre-CPB), after protamine administration (post-CPB) and at 3 (T=3) and 24 (T=24) hours postoperatively. Blood samples were analyzed by the Clauss test and thromboelastometry fibrinogen test (FIBTEM test; ROTEM Delta, Pentapharm, Germany). Data are represented as mean ± SD. Results Fibrinogen decreased from 3.2±0.7 (pre-CBP) to 1.8±0.4 g/l (post-CPB), and increased above 2 g/l postoperatively. This was paralleled by FIBTEM values of 16.7±5.2 (pre-CBP), 9.7±3.4 (postCBP), 12.4±5.3 (T=3) and 17.6±5.3 mm (T=24). There was a good correlation between the FIBTEM and Claus test for fibrinogen (r=0.81; P<0.001). Using a cut-off value of 2g/l plasma fibrinogen, the specificity and sensitivity of the Clauss test were 31% and 78%, respectively, for post-CPB administration of plasma as source of fibrinogen. The FIBTEM test revealed a specificity of 92% and a sensitivity of 56% as predictor for FFP administration. Conclusion In conclusion, there is a high level of agreement between the Clauss and FIBTEM fibrinogen tests. Our findings suggest that the FIBTEM test provides a time saving alterative for the Clauss test to monitor the functional fibrinogen capacity during cardiothoracic surgery. 108 ICaR-VU 99. Iron deficiency is common in pulmonary arterial hypertensive patients Gerrina Ruiter1,2, Yeun Ying Wong1,2, Ingrid Schalij2, Pieter E. Postmus1, Willem J. van der Laarse2, Anton Vonk-Noordegraaf1. 1 Department of Pulmonology and 2 Department of Physiology, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction In pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), elevated right ventricular (RV) pressure results in adaptation and hypertrophy of the myocardial wall, which in the end causes progressive right heart failure. During the disease, patients become increasingly exercise intolerant and maintaining their physical activity is a major goal in PAH treatment. In left heart failure, iron deficiency is found to be a detrimental factor in exercise performance that can be reversed by iron suppletion. This study was performed to investigate whether iron deficiency is present in the PAH population. Methods All idiopathic PAH patients attending our center between May 2009 and December 2009 were analysed for serum iron status through standard haematology measurements. Iron deficiency was defined as serum ferritin levels below 20 μg/l, serum iron lower than 10 μmol/l, and decreased transferrin saturation. Iron data were correlated with the clinical and hemodynamical status of these patients. Results From 55 idiopathic PAH patients (14 male, 41 female), blood samples were collected. Iron deficiency was found in 19 patients (35%) (4 male, 15 female). Ten of these patients had normal Hb concentration (>8.5 mmol/l in male and >7.5 mmol/l in females). Blood iron parameters were significantly lower in the iron deficient group compared to non-iron deficient PAH patients (p <0.05). Iron deficient patients had reduced six minute walking distances compared to non-iron deficient PAH patients (380m vs 463m, p <0.05). No correlation was found between iron status and NT-proBNP levels. However, a negative correlation was found between serum ferritin levels and NYHA classification (r = – 0.343, p <0.05) and six minute walking distance (6MWD) (r = – 0.342, p <0.05). Conclusions Iron deficiency is a common feature in our population of idiopathic PAH patients (35%). The incidence increases with disease severity and is correlated with a decrease in exercise performance (6MWD). Whether treatment with iron suppletion is beneficial for these patients requires further research. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 109 ICaR-VU 100. B ronchial perfusion in the lungs observed by contrast-enhanced MRI N. Saouti1, A. Vonk Noordegraaf1, M. Ingrisch3, J.T. Marcus2. 1 Department of Pulmonology and 2 Department of Physics & Medical Technology, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 3 Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany. Introduction The aim is to visualize the pulmonary perfusion by the pulmonary and bronchial system separately, using the later contrast arrival time via the bronchial system. Methods Included were 7 patients with whole left or right pulmonary artery atresia, and 6 chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients. 3D dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI with 1 s temporal resolution was applied. Results In the PA atresia patients, only after bolus passage through the left ventricle, thus in the bronchial phase, perfusion started in the obstructed lung. The average onset-time delay between obstructed and open lung was 5.5±1.1 s. A: Pulmonary phase in a CTEPH patient. An obstructed ROI in the right lower lobe, and an open ROI in the left middle lobe are shown. B:Bronchial phase: the obstructed ROI shows bronchial perfusion. C: SI-curves of main Pulmonary Artery (black line) and Aorta (grey). D: SI-curves of open (black) and obstructed (grey) region, as displayed in A and B. The CTEPH patients showed some lung regions with obstructed pulmonary arteries (perfusion image A). Only in the bronchial phase of the contrast bolus passage, perfusion started also in the obstructed lung region (B). The average onset-time delay between obstructed and open lung regions was 5.3±1.9 s. Conclusion Bronchial perfusion in an obstructed lung region can be visualized with DCE-MRI, by using the delayed onset-timing of the perfusion signal. 110 ICaR-VU 101. H igh tidal volume ventilation partly prevents sepsis induced myocardial depression Lonneke Smeding1, R.R. Lamberts2. W.J. van der Laarse2, F.B. Plötz1, M.C.J. Kneyber1, A.B.J. Groeneveld3. 1 Department of Pediatric Intensive Care 2 Department of Physiology and 3 Department of Intensive Care, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Mechanical ventilated patients often require inotropic support. Septic patients frequently have impaired cardiac function and are in need of mechanical ventilation. However, the role of mechanical ventilation (MV) in myocardial depression is not well understood. We hypothesized that MV enhances sepsis-induced myocardial depression. Methods Sepsis was induced in male wistar rats (300±25g) with ip injection of LPS. Healthy and septic rats were randomized to one of three ventilation groups (n=6 per group); (1) non-injurious ventilation (low tidal volume, LTV; 6 ml/kg + 5 cm H2O PEEP), (2) injurious ventilation (high tidal volume, HTV; 19 ml/kg + 5 cm H2O PEEP) and (3) spontaneous breathing. Cardiac output (CO), central venous pressure (CVP) and mean airway pressure were measured in vivo. After 4 hours of ventilation, animals were sacrificed and cardiac function was measured ex vivo in a Langendorff setup. Cardiac wet to dry weight ratios were calculated to identify cardiac edema. Results Cardiac output in vivo was lower during HTV ventilation than during LTV ventilation (p<0.001). CVP did not differ between ventilation strategies while mean airway pressure was higher during HTV ventilation than during LTV ventilation (p<0.001). Ex vivo, cardiac function of septic animals was depressed compared to healthy controls (p<0,001). In septic animals, cardiac function was better in HTV ventilated animals than non ventilated animals (p<0.05). Ventilation lowered cardiac wet/dry ratio (p<0.05). Conclusions In contrast to our hypothesis, MV did not enhance sepsis-induced myocardial depression. High tidal volume ventilation decreases cardiac edema by decreasing transmural pressures for coronary outflow and thereby partly prevents sepsis induced myocardial depression. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 111 ICaR-VU 102. C omparison of noninvasive continuous arterial waveform analysis (nexfin hd) with transthoracic doppler echocardiography for monitoring of cardiac output R.A. Bouwman1, A.G.E van der Spoel1, A.C. Folkers2, A.J. Voogel2, C. Boer1. 1 Department of Anesthesiology, VU University Medical Center, ICaR-VU, Amsterdam 2 Spaarne Ziekenhuis, Department of Cardiology, Hoofddorp. Introduction Non-invasive methods for cardiac output monitoring has become increasingly important to avoid the risk of invasive techniques. The Nexfin HD monitor uses the volume-clamp method of Penaz and the Physiocal criteria of Wesseling et al. and computes cardiac output (CO) from continuous reconstructed brachial artery blood pressure waveforms. In this study, we compared the CO derived from Nexfin blood pressure measurements obtained with the Nexfin with the CO obtained with transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTE). Methods In 33 patients scheduled for routine TTE examination CO was simultaneously measured with Doppler ultrasound and derived from Nexfin HD (BMEYE, Amsterdam, the Netherlands) blood pressure measurements. Correlation and level of agreement between Nexfin and TTE were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plots. Results There was no difference in mean CO measurements derived from the Nexfin and TTE (Nexfin: 5.3 ± 1.4 L/min vs. TTE: 5.8 ± 1.3 L/min, P > 0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficient for Nexfin vs TTE was 0.68 (CI: 0.43 – 0.83, P < 0.0001). Bland-Altman analysis revealed a bias of 0.52 ± 1.1 L/ min and limits of agreement of -1.6 – 2.6 L/min with a percentage error of 38%. Conclusions Considering limits of precision of CO measurements with Doppler echocardiography (±30%), our data show that the agreement between non-invasive cardiac output measurement with the Nexfin and TTE is reasonable. These results may suggest clinical applicability of Nexfin CO measurements and warrant validation in more diverse patients groups under various clinical conditions. 112 ICaR-VU 103. C arotid intima media thickness in rheumatoid arthritis as compared to control cubjects: a meta-analysis Alper M van Sijl1, Mike JL Peters, Dirk L Knol2, Riekie C de Vet2, Miguel A Gonzalez-Gay4, Yvo M Smulders3, Ben AC Dijkmans1, Mike T Nurmohamed1,3. 1 Department of Rheumatology, 2 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, 3 Department of Internal Medicine and EMGO-institute, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 4 Rheumatology Division, Hospital Xeral-Calde, Lugo, Spain. Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) is frequently used to identify populations at elevated cardiovascular risk. A systematic literature search and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate cIMT difference between RA and controls. Methods The literature was screened to identify all available studies comparing cIMT in RA patients and controls. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the overall mean cIMT difference between both groups. Meta-regression was performed to assess the influence of age and the degree of comparability regarding established cardiovascular risk factors on cIMT difference. Potential publication bias was examined by a funnel plot and Egger test. Results From 22 studies, cIMT data was available from 1,384 RA patients and 1,147 controls. In 17 of the studies, RA patients had a statistically significantly greater cIMT. The overall mean cIMT difference was 0.09mm (95%-CI): 0.07-0.11mm). Heterogeneity was observed (I2 72.5%, p<0.001). A likely source of heterogeneity was the difference in cardiovascular risk factors between RA patients and controls at baseline, but not age. The Funnel plot did not show a skewed or asymmetrical shape, which was supported by the Egger’s test (p=0.87). Conclusions Our observations support the current evidence base for an increased cardiovascular burden in RA and support the use of cIMT in observational studies in RA patients. The next step is to determine it’s utility as a surrogate cardiovascular risk marker in RA in prospective studies. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 113 ICaR-VU 104. C oronary microvascular dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is related to contractile dysfunction independent from myocardial Injury: a PET and CMR study Stefan A.J. Timmer1, Tjeerd Germans1, Marco J.W. Götte1, Iris K. Rüssel1, Mark Lubberink2, Jurrien M. ten Berg3, Folkert J. ten Cate4, Adriaan A. Lammertsma2, Paul Knaapen1 and Albert C. van Rossum1. 1 Department of 2 Department of Amsterdam 3 Department of 4 Department of Cardiology and Nuclear Medicine & PET Research, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein Cardiology, Thoraxcenter Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam. Introduction To investigate the spatial relationships between hyperemic myocardial blood flow (hMBF), systolic function, and morphological tissue alterations in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and control subjects. Methods Nineteen patients with HCM were studied with [15O]water PET during rest and adenosine administration to assess myocardial perfusion. CMR was performed to derive delayed contrast enhancement (DCE) images and to calculate contractile function (Ecc) with tissue tagging. Eleven healthy subjects underwent similar PET and CMR scanning protocols and served as a control group. Results In the HCM group, hMBF averaged 2.46 ± 0.91 mL/min/g and mean Ecc was -14.7 ± 3.4%, both being decreased compared to the control group (3.97 ± 1.48 mL/min/g and -17.7 ± 3.2% respectively, both P < 0.001). DCE was only present in HCM patients, averaging 6.2 ± 10.3% of myocardial mass. In the HCM group, Ecc and DCE in the septum (-13.7 ± 3.6% and 10.2 ± 13.6%) significantly differed from the lateral wall (-16.0 ± 2.8% and 2.4 ± 5.9%, both P < 0.001). In general, hMBF and Ecc were reduced in segments displaying DCE, compared to nonenhanced segments (both P < 0.001). In the HCM group, univariate analysis revealed relations of hMBF with Ecc (r=-0.45, P<0.001) and DCE (r = -0.31, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that Ecc was independently related to hMBF (β = -0.37, P < 0.001) and DCE (β = 0.28, P < 0.001). Conclusions In HCM, hyperemic MBF is impaired and related to systolic function, independent from the presence of DCE. When present, DCE reflected a progressed disease state as characterized by an increased perfusion deficit and contractile dysfunction. 114 ICaR-VU 105. H yperemic myocardial blood flow assessment of the right ventricle by supine exercise in PET in PAH patients YY Wong1,3, P Raijmakers2, M Lubberink2, N Westerhof3, A Vonk-Noordegraaf1. 1 Department of Pulmonology 2 Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Research and 3 Department of Physiology, ICaR-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction In pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the use of vasodilatory pharmaceuticals to assess hyperaemic myocardial perfusion using H215O-PET may cause hypotension and pulmonary afterload reduction. Assessment of myocardial perfusion during exercise circumvents these adverse effects and reflects a physiological cardiac response physical activity. We study the feasibility of using a recumbent bike during dynamic PET to induce stress left and right ventricular blood flow (MBF) in PAH patients. Methods PAH patients (n=6) underwent a H215O-PET scan at rest and during supine exercise, at 40% of maximal obtained load on cardiopulmonary exercising test (ranging 13 to 40W). Steady state exercise lasted 10 min during the scan. Flow ratio was the ratio of stress to rest flow. During right heart catheterisation performed within a month prior to PET, pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) was measured in both conditions. Heart rate and systemic blood pressure (BP) were also monitored. Rate pressure product (RPP) was calculated as the product of heart rate during PET and systolic BP or PAP. Results LVFW RVFW LV MBF MBF RPP (ml.min-1.g-1) (beats·mmHg.min-1) Rest 0.89 (0.14) 0.61 (0.14) 7859 (1289) Stress 1.41 (0.40)* 1.25 (0.35)* 14000 (1812) Flow Ratio 1.56 (0.28) 2.11 (0.57) Correlation rest – stress, MBF vs RPP R=0.50, p<0.01 RV RPP 5645 (1313) 11574 (2546) R=0.77, p<0.01 Mean (SD); * p<0.01 (paired-t-test). Conclusions RVFW flow is measured for the first time in PAH. Performing submaximal exercise on recumbent bike during H215O-PET is feasible to assess hyperemic MBF in PAH patients. MBF in both the LV and RV increased significantly during exercise. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between MBF and the RPP in both the LV an RV. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 115 ICaR-VU 106. R elationship between obesity and microvascular function: the Amsterdam growth and health longitudinal study Nienke J. Wijnstok1,2, Trynke Hoekstra1,3, Jos WR. Twisk1,3, Etto C. Eringa4, Yvo M. Smulders2, Erik H. Serné2. 1D epartment of Health Sciences and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam 2 Department of Internal Medicine 3 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and 4 Laboratory of Physiology, ICaR-VU, VUmc, Amsterdam. Introduction Obesity is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), but the mechanisms linking obesity to CVD and DM2 remain unclear. We have previously proposed that microvascular dysfunction in obesity, i.e. decreased vasodilation and capillary recruitment, underlies insulin resistance and hypertension in these subjects. Here we tested the hypothesis that, even within an apparently healthy population, body fatness determines microvascular function. The aim of this study was to investigate whether body fatness is related to microvascular function in a healthy cohort. Methods In 2006, 344 participants of the Amsterdam Growth And Health Longitudinal Study took part in the 9th follow-up. Both microvascular parameters (using nailfold capillaroscopy), and body fatness (obtained with DXA scan) were obtained in 259 participants, 121 men and 138 women. Results Metabolic characteristics (such as cholesterol and triglycerides) of the participants were within the normal range of a healthy population. None of the participants had the metabolic syndrome. The relationship between total body fatness (total fatness) and absolute increase of capillary perfusion after arterial occlusion was non-significant, but showed a positive trend for both men (β=.19) and women (β=.24). The relationship describing the effect of body fat distribution (trunk/total fatness) on microvascular function is again non-significant, but shows a negative trend for men (β=-.21) and women (β=-.14). Analyses with other measures of microvascular function yielded similar results (data not shown). Conclusion In this population, there is no significant relationship between microvascular function and body fatness. Our results do show a negative trend for body fat distribution on microvascular function, confirming negative effects of abdominal obesity. Total body fatness shows no negative effects on the vasculature. 116 ICaR-VU 107. P ancreatic fat content and abdominal fat compartments in relation to beta-cell function in subjects with Impaired glucose metabolism N.J. van der Zijl1, G.H. Goossens2, C.C.M. Moors2, D.H. van Raalte1, P.J. Pouwels1, M.H.A. Muskiet1, E.E. Blaak2, M. Diamant1. 1 VU University Medical Center, ICaR-VU, Amsterdam 2 Maastricht University, Maastricht. Introduction We hypothesized that gradual worsening of the glucometabolic state, i.e. impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), is paralleled by increased fat deposition in the pancreas and declining beta-cell function. Associations of insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function with body fat compartments were assessed. Methods Subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT, n=16), IFG (n=28) and IFG/IGT (n=19) underwent a) MRI for quantification of visceral fat compartments (VAT), b) proton-MR spectroscopy, to assess pancreatic (PFC) and liver (LFC) fat content and c) a combined euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic and hyperglycaemic clamp, with subsequent arginine-stimulation. Results Subjects with IFG (52% males; age 57 ±8 yrs; BMI 28.9 ±4 kg/m2), and IFG/IGT (63% males; age 56 ±6 yrs; BMI 28.5 ±4 kg/m2) were more insulin resistant (P<0.001) compared to NGT (60% males; age 55 ±7 yrs; BMI 27.5 ±3 kg/m2). With worsening of the glucometabolic state, glucosestimulated C-peptide secretion (P<0.03), also after adjustment for insulin sensitivity (disposition index) (P<0.001), deteriorated. PFC increased: 7.6% (2.9-13.4), 12.1% (5.1-17.5), 22.4% (7.3-36.2) P=0.021, for NGT, IFG, and IFG/IGT, respectively. All fat compartments were negatively correlated with insulin sensitivity (PFC (P=0.041), LFC (P<0.001) and VAT (P=0.004)). No significant associations were found between fat compartments and C-peptide secretion. However, the disposition index was inversely correlated with PFC (P<0.05), LFC (P<0.02) and VAT (P<0.03). Conclusions Pancreatic fat content gradually increased with deterioration of the glucometabolic state. Overall inverse correlations of fat compartments with the disposition index might reflect deleterious effects of fatty acid spill-over on beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity in this population. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 117 MOVE 108. T he feasibility of a newly developed portable setup for measuring 3D kinematics of the upper limb in stroke patients Joost van Kordelaar (MSc); Erwin van Wegen (PhD); Gert Kwakkel (PhD). Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction It is largely unknown what is improving in the motor control in stroke patients demonstrating functional recovery of the upper extremity. Although many interventions are aimed at restoring quality of motor control, effects in terms of motor control are poorly investigated. In order to increase our insights into motor recovery after stroke, kinematical studies should be incorporated into clinical trials. The present study investigates the feasibility, reliability and validity of a portable set-up to conduct 3D kinematical measurements on the upper extremity in patients’ own environment of admission. Methods Upper limb kinematics are measured with the subject seated at a table with a height of 76 cm. 3D kinematic data are collected using an electromagnetic movement tracking device (Polhemus Liberty) and according to the ISB recommendations. Systematic and random error in the position and orientation data was determined using a calibration frame and Optotrak data as a golden standard. In addition, it was examined to what extent, the systematic and random errors yielded deviations in the most important outcome measures. Results Systematic errors in position data increased as a function of the distance to the transmitter. However, the sensors stayed relatively close to the transmitter throughout the measurement and, thus, the reliability of the outcome measures remained largely unaffected. Conclusions The present study showed that reliable and valid kinematic measurements can be performed using the proposed portable experimental set-up. Therefore, this set-up may be regarded as a feasible application for clinical trials to assess kinematic changes in motor control. 118 MOVE 109. F orce transmission following tendon transfer in the rat Huub Maas, Peter A. Huijing. Research Institute MOVE, Faculteit Bewegingswetenschappen, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam. Introduction The outcome of tendon transfer surgeries can be surprisingly variable. One of the potential causes of unexpected results is the formation of scar tissue and, consequently, changes in muscular force transmission. The aim of this study was to understand the effects of connective tissue adhesions on force transmission between the transferred flexor carpi ulnaris muscle (FCU) and surrounding tissues. Methods FCU was transferred to the distal tendons of extensor carpi radialis (ECR) muscles in Wistar rats (n = 8). Five weeks postoperatively, force transmission from FCU was evaluated. Supramaximal stimulation of ulnar and median nerves excited all palmar muscles in the antebrachium maximally and simultaneously. Forces exerted at the distal tendons of FCU-ECR, m. palmaris longus (PL) and m. extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) were measured for various distal positions of FCU-ECR. FCU length-force data were collected (1) with minimally disrupted connective tissues, (2) after dissection of the tendon up to the FCU muscle belly, and (3) after partial dissection of FCU muscle belly. Results Length-force characteristics of FCU following tendon transfer to ECR were significantly different from those in FCU muscle of control rats: lower optimal force (1.52 N compared to 3.41 N), higher passive force at optimum length (0.98 N compared to 0.07 N) and a reduced length range between optimum and slack length (3.5 mm compared to 5.0 mm). Passive and active lengthforce characteristics were substantially changed by freeing the FCU-ECR tendon and FCU muscle belly from surrounding tissues. Conclusions Following the tendon transfer, both the muscle belly and tendon of the transferred FCU were linked mechanically to surrounding structures by new layers of connective tissue (‘scar tissue’). These post-surgical adhesions affect the mechanical characteristics of the transferred muscle and, hence, its function during movement. Supported by EU Marie Curie International Reintegration Grant IRG-203846 Email: [email protected] Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 119 MOVE 110. P resence of finger extension and shoulder abduction within 72 hours post-stroke predicts functional recovery Rinske Nijland (MSc)1, Erwin van Wegen (PhD)1, Barbara Harmeling–van der Wel2, Gert Kwakkel (PhD)1. 1 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 2 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Physical Therapy, Erasmus MC University Hospital, Rotterdam. Introduction In acute stroke rehabilitation, early prediction of final outcome is paramount for management decisions like discharge and multidisciplinary intervention planning at stroke units. The aim of the present study was therefore to determine if outcome in terms of upper limb function at 6 months after stroke can be predicted in a hospital stroke unit using clinical parameters measured within 72 hours after stroke. In addition, the effect of time of assessment on the accuracy of prediction was investigated by retesting on days 5 and 9 post stroke. Methods Candidate clinical parameters were measured in 188 stroke patients, within 72 hours and at 5 and 9 days post stroke. Logistic regression analysis was used for model development, to predict upper limb function at 6 months measured with the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). Results Patients with an upper limb motor deficit who exhibit some voluntary extension of the fingers and some abduction of the hemiplegic shoulder on day 2, measured with respectively the FuglMeyer motor assessment the Motricity Index have a probability of 0.98 to regain some dexterity at 6 months, whereas the probability was 0.25 for those without this voluntary motor activity. Sixty percent of patients with some early finger extension achieved full recovery at 6 months in terms of ARAT score. Retesting the model on days 5 and 9 resulted in a gradual decline in probability from 0.25 to 0.14 for those without voluntary motor activity of shoulder abduction and finger extension, whereas the probability remained 0.98 for those with motor activity. Conclusions Based on two simple bedside tests: finger extension, measured with the Fugl-Meyer motor assessment and shoulder abduction, measured with the Motricity Index, functional recovery of the hemiplegic arm at 6 months can be predicted within 72 hours after stroke onset. 120 MOVE 111. B iomechanical and cellular response of goat intervertebral discs to loading in a novel organ culture system C.P.L. Paul, H.A. Zuiderbaan, D.B Zandieh, A.J. van der Veen, T.H. Smit, M.N. Helder, B.J. van Royen, M.M. Mullender. Department of Orthopedics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction: The main function of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is to withstand and transfer high magnitude forces, while maintaining flexibility of the spine. However, the response of the IVD to different dynamic loading conditions is still largely unknown. We developed a novel loaded disc culture system (LDCS) to study the effects of loading on IVD’s over a 7-day culture period. Methods: Fresh IVD’s (L1-5) were harvested under sterile conditions goats obtained from a local abattoir. IVD’s were assigned to one of 6 experimental groups (3-6; figure 1). Discs were cultured and loaded for 7 days in the LDCS, after which IVD stiffness was calculated, cell viability, GAG content Figure 1: Schematic of loading groups: static (3); and gene expression was measured in the nucleus (NP) low dynamic (4); high dynamic (5); high dynamic prolonged (6). One loading cycle lasted 24 hours. and annulus (AF) region. All loading was axial, dynamic loading had a frequency of 1Hz. Results: Fresh discs (1) mean cell viability was 79.4% (NP) and 77.7% (AF). At day seven, cell viability of the unloaded group dropped by half in both regions and the static group (3) showed a drop only in the AF region. Low dynamic load did not influence cell viability, though high dynamic and prolonged high dynamic loading showed increasing cell death (figure 2). GAG content remained unchanged after 7 days for all groups. IVD stiffness depends on load magnitude and no significant changes were observed after 7-days. Relative gene expression analyses revealed no significant changes in any of the loading groups after 7 days. Discussion: Different responses of caprine lumbar IVD’s were observed depending on the applied loading conditions. This study shows that the LDCS together with caprine IVD’s is an excellent comparative model for studies on load induced disc degeneration. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 Figure 2: Mean ± SEM cell viability in NP (left) and AF (right) region of the six experimental groups. All bars indicate significant differences when compared to day 0 or load group, with p<0.05. 121 NCA 112. W axing and waning of neuronal network oscillations Oscar J. Avella Gonzalez1, Ronald van Elburg2, Huibert Mansvelder1, Jaap van Pelt1, Arjen van Ooyen1. 1C omputational Neuroscience Group, Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, CNCR, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam 2 Department of Artificial Intelligence, University of Groningen. Introduction Experimental observations have reported modulation of cortical oscillations, as phases of high synchronization (waxing) followed by periods of reduced synchronization (waning). Although the phenomenon is present in almost all frequency bands, it is still not understood how this is driven. Here we study whether this phenomenon can occur in a network of inhibitory (I) and excitatory (E) cells and what the effect is of external inputs Methods Using the simulation program NEURON, we model a network of Ne excitatory and Ni inhibitory cells such that Ne/Ni=4. The cells have a single compartment and include passive channels and voltage dependent Na+, K+ channels. Synaptic connections are random, projecting GABA synapses from I to I and I to E cells and AMPA synapses from E to E and E to I cells. To stimulate the network, each cell receives a baseline of current and a stream of spikes delivered at random intervals across the simulated period. Results We show that in a stable oscillatory network, waxing and waning occurs without the need for other synaptic mechanisms than the spike generating K+ and Na+ channels (Fig.1). The phenomenon can be modulated by changing the characteristics of the external input, such as number of spikes, mean inter-spike interval, randomness and whether E or I cells receive the external input. A. B. Figure 1. A. Raster plots of E (top) and I (middle) populations, during waxing and waning of a beta oscillation, and firing rate histograms (bottom). B. Wavelet transform of the activity in the E population for the same time period as shown in A. 122 NCA 113. E nhancing structural plasticity after focal brain lesions Markus Butz, Arjen van Ooyen. Neuroinformatics group, Neuroscience Campus VU University Amsterdam. Introduction Lesion-induced cortical remapping has been observed after digit amputation or after focal retinal lesions. Cortical remapping not only involves adaptations in synaptic strengths (synaptic plasticity) but also anatomical changes (structural plasticity) arising from axonal sprouting and spine turnover. The mechanisms that drive structural plasticity are still unclear. Activity and neurons aspiring to maintain homeostasis in activity seem to be crucially involved in ruling structural plasticity. The question that motivates our theoretical modelling study is under which conditions structural plasticity can compensate for a focal lesion and how this compensation process is influenced by stimulations with additional afferent activity. Methods To answer these questions, we used a recurrent network model and cut off the input to a subset of neurons simulating a cortical deafferentation. We implemented activity dependent and homeostatic rules by which model neurons change the number of their axonal terminals or dendritic spines (pre- and postsynaptic elements). Vacant pre- and postsynaptic elements merge and form synapses. The loss of synaptic elements causes the breaking of synapses. Structural change ceases when all neurons have reached homeostasis in electrical activity. Results Structural plasticity can compensate for focal lesions. Interestingly, reorganization depends on both the size of the lesion and the age of the network at the onset of the lesion. Stimulations lead to a transient increase in synapses. An optimal and permanent reorganization is, however, reached when stimulation is interrupted by short pauses (10%-20% of stimulation time). Conclusions Our model makes testable predictions on the optimal timing of therapy to maximize the outcome of the rehabilitation. As lesions of the brain (such as stroke or multiple sclerosis) also cause dramatic changes of the circuitry of the affected anatomic areas, this model has potential impact for designing new concepts in neurological rehabilitation. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 123 NCA 114. E merging synaptic connectivity in simulated networks of outgrowing neurons with realistic morphologies using NETMORPH Jaap van Pelt, Sander de Ridder, Sacha Hoedemaker, Frank Postma, Randal A. Koene, Arjen van Ooyen. Computational Neuroscience Group, Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, CNCR, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam. Introduction Geometry plays an important role in the formation of synaptic connectivity in neuronal networks. Both the spatial distributions of cell types and the detailed morphology of their axonal and dendritic branching patterns critically determine the number and the locations of synaptic connections. This study aims at getting insight in how neuronal morphology impacts on neuronal network connectivity. Methods A computational approach is followed using NETMORPH (Koene et al., 2009) as a simulation tool for the developmental generation of 3D large-scale neuronal networks with realistic neuron morphologies. Neuronal morphogenesis is simulated through the actions of individual growth cones (elongation, branching and turning). Synapses are formed when axonal and dendritic branches come sufficient close to each other. Results Connectivity properties were analysed with emphasis on the small-worldness of the network. All the simulated networks showed small-world connectivity. Euclidean distances from synaptic locations to postsynaptic somata showed realistic distributions. Conclusions Our preliminary findings indicate that realistic neuronal morphologies, simple synapse formation rules and independently outgrowing neurons can already create networks with realistic connectivity patterns and small-world properties. Our study provides insight into the impact of neuronal geometry on network connectivity. Acknowledgment - This work was supported by EU MC-RTN NEURoVERS-it (019247), and BIO-ICT Project SECO (216593). Literature - RA Koene, B Tijms, P van Hees, F Postma, A de Ridder, G Ramakers, J van Pelt, A van Ooyen. NETMORPH: A framework for the stochastic generation of large scale neuronal networks with realistic neuron morphologies. Neuroinformatics 7 (2009) 195-210. 124 NCA 115. T he attention-gated reinforcement learning model (AGREL) can explain experimentally observed changes in tuning curves that follow category learning Lawrence A. Watling1, Huibert Mansvelder1, Pieter R. Roelfsema1,2, Arjen van Ooyen1. 1C omputational Neuroscience Group, Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, CNCR, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam 2 Vision & Cognition Group, Netherlands Institute for Neurosciences, Amsterdam. Introduction Here we propose a new role for cortical feedback connections in learning. Our aim is to understand the neuronal plasticity that underlies animal learning in classification tasks. In the attention-gated reinforcement learning model (AGREL) [1], stimuli are presented to the lowest layer, which represents a sensory area of the cortex. Activity is then propagated to the highest layer, which represents the motor cortex. The network has to choose one out of a number of actions that correspond to the various stimulus categories. This choice is made in the highest layer of the network, where neurons engage in a competition so that one action is selected. A reward is delivered if this action is correct, and no reward is delivered in case of an error. The distinguishing feature of AGREL is that the neurons that win the competition in the motor cortex feed back to lower layers, just as is observed for attentional effects in neurophysiology. The feedback connections allow the network to target the lower level neurons that drove the current output, which in combination with the global reward factor enable the network to selectively enhance connections from neurons that were responsible for the successful behavior. Results In computer simulations of the AGREL model, we show that AGREL is able to closely replicate the experimentally observed changes in tuning curves found in a series of categorization tasks, using face, orientation, motion and animal stimuli. Additionally, we show that the removal of the feedback connections prevents such changes in tuning properties from occurring. Conclusions AGREL is a biologically realistic learning scheme that integrates the role of cortical feedback connections, selective attention, synaptic plasticity, and reward signals into a coherent framework. AGREL is able to explain the experimentally observed changes in tuning curves of cortical cells in a wide variety of learning tasks. [1] Roelfsema, P. & Van Ooyen, A: Attention-gated reinforcement learning of internal representations for classification. Neural Computation, 2005, 17(10), 2176-2214 Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 125 NCA 116. T he olfactory bulb as an initial site of α-synuclein pathology in Parkinson’s disease Wilma D.J. van de Berg1, Angela Ingrassia1, Evelien Huisman1, Salome Zweekhorst1, M. Verhoog1, Annemieke M. Rozemuller2,3, Piet Hoogland1, Henk J. Groenewegen1. 1D epartments of Anatomy & Neurosciences and 2 Pathology, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 3 The Netherlands Brain Bank, Amsterdam. Introduction Patho-anatomical studies suggest that the distribution pattern of α-synuclein-positive Lewy bodies and neurites in Parkinson’s disease is not random but follows a predictable sequence. The olfactory bulb is one of the brain regions revealing α-synuclein pathology in early PD and ‘healthy’ elderly. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pattern of α-synuclein pathology in elderly with α-synuclein pathology in the olfactory bulb. Methods The study population consisted of 95 non-demented and 18 demented elderly, 36 PD, 21 PD with dementia (PDD) and 16 Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) cases of which olfactory bulb tissue, brainstem, limbic and cortical brain regions was available at the Netherlands Brain bank. Prevalence and distribution pattern of α-synuclein pathology was assessed in 12 brain regions and staged according to the guidelines of Braak (2006) and BrainNet Europe Consortium (2009). Results α-Synuclein pathology was present in the olfactory bulb in 24% of the non-demented, 17% of the demented individuals and in all PD, PDD and DLB patients. Among the 97 cases with pathology, 86 were consistent with the progression of pathology described by Braak. Eleven cases could not be classified according to Braak PD staging protocol. In these cases, α-synuclein pathology was confined to the olfactory bulb, limbic brain regions or absent in the dorsal motor nucleus. Conclusions The pattern of progression suggested by Braak is upheld in 89% of cases with α-synuclein pathology in the olfactory bulb. However, our results provide also evidence for alternatives routes of progression in the brain. 126 NCA 117. P roteomic analysis of the locus ceruleus in Parkinson’s disease Karin D. van Dijk1,2, Silvina Fratantoni3, Thang V. Pham3, Sander R. Piersma3, Henk J. Groenewegen1, Henk W. Berendse2, Connie R. Jimenez3, Wilma D.J. van de Berg1. 1 Dept. of Anatomy and Neurosciences 2 Dept. of Neurology, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam 3 OncoProteomics Laboratory of the Dept. of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Parkinson’s disease (PD) is pathologically hallmarked by Lewy bodies composed of abnormal protein aggregates and the loss of catecholaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and locus ceruleus. In this study, we aimed to identify proteins involved in PD pathology and pathogenesis that may serve as future biomarkers enabling a more accurate early diagnosis and/or monitoring of the disease progression. Methods Post-mortem locus ceruleus tissue of 6 PD patients and 6 age- and gender-matched controls was excised and homogenized in sample buffer. Proteins were fractionated using 1D-gelelectrophoresis followed by in-gel tryptic digestion and nanoLC-FTMS. Databases were used for peptide and protein identifications. Locus ceruleus proteomes of PD patients were compared to controls by the number of spectral counts using a beta-binomial model. Results The number of spectral counts was significantly different between PD patients and controls for 87 out of 2495 identified proteins with 33 up-regulated and 54 down-regulated proteins. Sixty out of 87 differentially expressed proteins are implicated in processes that are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of PD. The processes that were most significant to the dataset included oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial dysfunction and alpha-adrenergic signaling. In addition, network analysis suggested a potential pathogenetic role for aminoacyl-tRNAsynthetases. Conclusions and future directions Proteins that were differentially expressed in PD patients compared to controls included proteins involved in known and potentially novel pathogenetic mechanisms. A selection of the differentially expressed proteins will be validated in tissue and cerebrospinal fluid to evaluate whether they may serve as biomarkers for PD. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 127 NCA 118. G ene expression patterns in the olfactory bulb of Parkinson patients Angela Ingrassia1, Anke Dijkstra1, Patrizia Rizzu2, Zoltán Bochdanovits2, Annemieke M. Rozemuller3, Pieter Voorn1, Henk Groenewegen1, Peter Heutink2, Wilma D.J. van de Berg1. Dept. of 1 Anatomy and Neurosciences 2 Clinical Genetics and 3 Pathology, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction The olfactory bulb is one of the first brain structures to reveal α-synuclein pathology in Parkinson Disease (PD). α-synuclein pathology is also present in ~22% of aged “healthy” individuals which may represent the preclinical stage of PD (incidental cases). To unravel pathogenic processes involved in PD, we analyzed gene expression profiles in olfactory bulbs of neuropathologically confirmed PD patients, incidentals, and age- and gendermatched controls. Methods RNAs were isolated from post-mortem olfactory bulb tissue obtained from the Netherlands Brain Bank and hybridized on Affymetrix HG 133 plus 2.0 chip arrays. Sixteen cases (4 controls, 6 incidentals, and 6 PD cases) were analyzed using an ANCOVA test (co-variable: RIN; FDR=0.1) after log2 and quantile normalization, using Partek Genomics Suite software. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software was used for network analysis. Results Gene expression levels were significantly different between PD patients and controls for 1836 genes and between incidentals and controls for 42 genes. These genes most significant to the dataset are involved in DNA replication, protein folding, ion transport, nucleid acid and carbohydrate metabolism. The expression of PARK2 and MAPT was significantly lower in PD patients compared to controls, but not to incidentals. The expression level of others genes associated with monogenic forms of PD, such as UCHL1 and LRRKs was unchanged in PD and incidentals compared to controls. Conclusions Our data show that the expression patterns of a selective number of genes involved in DNA replication, protein folding and ion transport may be already altered in the preclinical stage of PD. 128 NCA 119. Y oung children born small for gestational age (SGA): II. Promising preliminary results derived from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) HMA de Bie1, KJ Oostrom2, J. Jeltes2, M. Boersma3, DJ Veltman4, HA Delemarre-van de Waal5. 1 2 3 4 Department of Paediatric Endocrinology Department of Paediatric Psychology Department of Clinical Neurophysiology Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands and 5 Department of Paediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Amsterdam. Introduction Paediatric brain imaging studies show continued growth and specialization from childhood to adolescence. In children with endocrine abnormalities, aberrant hormone activities may interfere with brain development and subsequently cognition. For instance growth factors are suggested to be important and receptors are found throughout the brain. In this study we focus on brain development and cognition of young children born SGA without postnatal catch up growth. Being born SGA is associated with cognitive impairment. Since short SGA children can be treated with growth hormone (GH), of which the effect on cognition is still under debate. fMRI allows non-invasive assessment of brain functioning and is an exciting tool in neuroscience: It allows us to “watch the brain thinking”. Especially in longitudinal designs combined with neuropsychological tests, it may contribute to better understanding of functional brain maturation. Methods A dummy scanner was built to accustom children to MRI-experiences. To track brain activity associated with declarative memory processes, we designed the Amsterdam visual encoding task (AVET), suitable to children aged 4 to 7 years. Also, a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery including intelligence and memory measures was administered. Actual functional and structural MR-imaging was performed using a 1.5-Tesla sonata MR scanner. Data were analyzed using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM5) software. Results Preliminary fMRI data from 40 out of 44 children (mean age 5.6 years, range 4.1-7.6 years) reveal robust activity of the (para)hippocampal areas during encoding versus baseline. Statistical analyses on differences in brain structure and/or activity between children with and without GH treatment are not yet reliable, due to small numbers. More data are currently gathered in our department. Conclusion Preliminary results provide sufficient evidence that fMRI is a suitable diagnostic procedure for brain maturation, and – eventually - for the evaluation of GH effects in SGA, even if children are still very young. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 129 NCA 120. Y oung children born small for gestational age (SGA): I. A study on brain development, behaviour and cognition J Jeltes1, HMA de Bie2, M Boersma3, J Huisman1, HA Delemarre-van de Waal4, KJ Oostrom1. 1 2 3 Department of Pediatric Psychology Department of Pediatric Endocrinology Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands and 4 Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Amsterdam. Introduction SGA may adversely affect long-term neurodevelopmental outcome. However, given the heterogeneous nature of SGA, the specific subgroups of SGA children most likely to experience cognitive impairment and behavioural difficulties have not been well defined. In this study we focus on children born SGA who do not catch up in height and thus remain short, but in whom there is no growth hormone (GH) deficiency. In these children, GH therapy seems to work not only in terms of catching up growth, but – perchance - also in terms of neurodevelopment through its impact on insulin-like growth factor IGF-I. Design Cognition and behaviour in SGA children (4 to 7 years) is studied, by using a prospective, longitudinal, controlled design. Children are assessed shortly before start of GH-treatment, 1 and 3 years later. Control groups are gender and age matched 1) classmates born appropriate for gestational age (AGA); 2) SGA children choosing not to use GH therapy; and 3) children born SGA with complete catch-up. Both fetal, maternal, placental and demographic factors, and that of undergoing GH treatment are independent factors. Children are recruited from different medical centres across the Netherlands. Methods At each assessment, children undergo neuropsychological assessment as well as functional and structural brain imaging. The neuropsychological assessment battery covers domains of intelligence, learning and memory, attention, visuomotor integration, fine motor skills and academic achievement. At each assessment, parents and teachers fill out behaviour questionnaires. Results So far 12 SGA children who do not catch-up (of whom 11 undergo and 1 choose not to undergo GH therapy); 20 catch-up SGA and 13 healthy AGA’s have been included. Preliminary analyses of neuropsychological data are currently carried out. The outcomes of this study are aimed to facilitate clinical decisions on the important issue of proceeding GH treatment in young children born SGA. 130 NCA 121. C ell-type specific differences in splicing of mutant mtAspRS mRNA Laura van Berge, Stephanie Dooves, Gert C. Scheper, Marjo S. van der Knaap. Department of Pediatrics / Child neurology VU University Medical Centere, Amsterdam. Introduction Leukoencephalopathy with brain stem and spinal cord involvement and elevated lactate (LBSL) was identified in 2003 on the basis of characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) findings. Patients with LBSL suffer from a childhood onset slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia, spasticity and dorsal column dysfunction. Very striking is the involvement of specific motor and sensory tracts in the white matter. The fact that long tracts are affected in LBSL patients suggests that the disease is (partly) due to an axonal defect, but the nature of the defect is unclear. LBSL is caused by mutations in the gene DARS2, which encodes the enzyme mitochondrial aspartyl-tRNA synthetase (mtAspRS). Almost all patients with LBSL have one mutation that affects splicing of the third exon of mtAspRS mRNA, whereas the other mutation varies. It has been suggested that splicing efficiencies differ between neural cells and other cell types. We hypothesize that the splicing could be more “unfortunate” in neural cells, leading to the production of a smaller amount of the normal protein. This could play a role in the selective vulnerability of the white matter in LBSL. Methods To study this hypothesis, we made constructs that upon transfection into cells allow quantification of the splicing efficiency of exon 3. Constructs were made with the wild type sequence and with mutations that are found in patients. These constructs were tested in several cell types of neural and non-neural origin. Results As expected, the mutations that occur in LBSL patients lead to increased skipping of exon 3. The unfavourable effect on splicing was greater in nervous system-derived cells (neuroblastoma, astrocytoma and oligodendrocytoma) than in, for example, kidney- or ovary-derived cells. The effect appeared to be somewhat more pronounced in neuroblastoma cells than in the glial cell types. Conclusions The increased skipping of the third exon of DARS2 in neuroblastoma cells compared to nonneural cells could fit with the hypothesized neuronal / axonal defect in LBSL. Yet unknown changes in neurons and their axons could lead to the involvement of tracts as is seen in this disease. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 131 NCA 122. B rain metabolism measurements using microdialysis in patients undergoing awake craniotomy S.M. Bossers1, S.M. Peerdeman2, A. Schauer1, P. Oedayrajsingh Varma1, J.C. Baaijen2, P.C. De Witt Hamer2, C. Boer1. 1 Depts. of Anesthesiology and 2 Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Anesthesia has profound effects on cerebral blood flow and induces a shift in brain metabolism. Commonly, measurements of brain metabolism are performed by neuroimaging techniques, but these methods are not applicable in the perioperative setting. We therefore measured brain metabolism during awake craniotomy and under propofol anaesthesia using cerebral microdialysis, and particularly focused on alterations in the glycolitic metabolism of the brain. Methods Patients undergoing awake craniotomy who were eligible for microdialysis catheter placement in the area that was going to be resected were included. A microdialysis catheter (CMA, Solna, Sweden) was inserted in the brain insterstitium during surgery. Measurements were performed under anaesthesia and awake craniotomy. Samples were drawn with frequencies between 10 and 60 minutes and changes in lactate, pyruvate, glucose, glycerol and glutamate levels were monitored. Data are represented as mean ± SD or as percentage change. Results In five out of ten included patients measurements were performed in both the awake and asleep phases. During anesthesia, the lactate/pyruvate ratio decreased from 0.04 ± 0.02 (awake) to 0.03 ± 0.02 (asleep). The glucose/lactate ratio however increased by 19% from 0.52 ± 0.28 (awake) to 0.61 ± 0.36 (asleep). Finally, the glucose/pyruvate ratio showed a decrease of 12%. Conclusions Our data show a reduction in brain metabolism after induction of anesthesia as reflected by decreased lactate/pyruvate and glucose/pyruvate ratios. The lowered conversion of pyruvate to lactate may be due to increased oxygen delivery during the sleeping phase, which increases the passage from the glycolitic pathway to the citric acid cycle. This is also reflected by the increased glucose/lactate ratio. Our data point towards metabolic alterations during anesthesia, and future studies should reveal how these changes are related to the depth of anesthesia. 132 NCA 123. A bnormal maturation and function of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in vanishing white matter disease Marianna Bugiani1,2, Ilja Boor1, Nienke Postma1, Barbara van Kollenburg1, Elly Hol3, Gert Scheper1, Steven Goldman4, Marjo van der Knaap1. 1 2 3 4 Department of Pediatrics/Child Neurology and Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA. Introduction Vanishing white matter disease (VWM) is one one the most prevalent childhood leukoencephalopathies. It is caused by mutations in any of the genes encoding the five subunits of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF2B. VWM is characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia and less prominent spastisticy. Typical to VWM are episodes of major neurological deterioration triggered by minor stresses as fever and mild trauma. The episodes of major deterioration correlate pathologically with the appearance and extension of cystic rarefaction and cavitation of the white matter, in which dysmorphic astrocytes and insufficient gliosis are a major feature. Around cavitated areas, hypomyelination and myelin loss coexist with a striking increase in the density of oligodendro-cytes. These findings suggest that a functional impairment and/or a maturation defect of macroglial cells might contribute to the pathogenesis of VWM. Methods Maturation of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the brain of 5 VWM patients was studied using immunohistochemistry, Western blot and microarray analysis, and qPCR. Results We show that astrocytes do proliferate in VWM, but do not reach full maturity and overexpress the delta isoform of the GFAP protein together with the stress protein alpha B-crystallin, a finding that might explain their abnormal morphology and dysfunction. VWM astrocytes also abnormally express the enzyme galactocerebrosidase, which is typical of normal oligodendrocytes. Oligodendrocytes are immature in VWM, and many fail to go beyond the status of progenitors. Conclusions Our data suggest that the myelinogenic program per se is not perturbed in VWM, but expression of myelin proteins is impaired possibly due to an aberrant post-translational control. This combination of findings is not found in controls and other genetic white matter disorders, and thus appears to be specific of WM. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 133 NCA 124. C linical microdialysis of testosterone: preliminary results H.N. Bui1,2, V.L. Wester2, A.C. Heijboer1, M.A. Blankenstein1, W. de Ronde2. 1 Dept of Clinical Chemistry 2 Dept of Endocrinology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction For diagnostic purposes, plasma total-testosterone levels are generally assessed. However, the primary site of action of testosterone is in tissue, evaluation of the distribution of testosterone in tissue and its conversion to other hormones could give enhanced insight into the (patho)physiology. Clinical microdialysis allows for sampling at tissue level based on diffusion. We established such a technique and present its preliminary evaluation. Methods A CMA20 microdialysis probe was continuously perfused with Ringer’s lactate containing 0.6nmol/L D5-testosterone as internal reference. At a flow-rate of 10µL/min, in vitro experiments showed a testosterone recovery of 19%. Tubing was minimized to limit absorption. Microdialysis was performed on the vastus lateralis muscle in two healthy male volunteers for 4h, preceded by 1h for stabilization. A 15min sample interval was used. Additionally, blood and saliva specimens were drawn in each interval. 1h after the onset of dialysis, 100mg testosterone gel was applied to the back skin in an attempt to vary systemic testosterone levels. Testosterone was analyzed using a highly sensitive assay involving derivatization and ID-LC-MS/MS. Results Testosterone profiles in the microdialysis, plasma, and saliva samples from both volunteers were comparable. Testosterone levels increased after cutaneous administration, although this effect was more prominent in saliva (200%) than in microdialysate (70%) and plasma (60%). Conclusions The initial results of clinical microdialysis are promising. Low testosterone levels and increased concentrations after supplementation could be reliably detected. Further research is necessary to thoroughly evaluate the microdialysis procedure. Hopefully, in vivo experiments in the near future will enrich our knowledge about testosterone at the tissue level. 134 NCA 125. R elationship between serum insulin-like growth factor-1 concentration and mortality in an elderly population C.C. van Bunderen1, I.C. van Nieuwpoort1,2, N.M. van Schoor3, D.J.H. Deeg3, P. Lips1,3, M.L. Drent1,2. 1 Department of Endocrinology 2 Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam 3 EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Aging is a natural process associated with various physiologic and endocrine changes. In the last decade, numerous studies have investigated the effect of IGF-1 concentration on aging and several age-related diseases, e.g. cardiovascular disease and cancer. Findings on IGF-1 activity and mortality however are conflicting and controversial. A U-shaped relationship is occasionally hypothesized. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between serum IGF-1 concentration and all-cause mortality in community dwelling older persons. Methods Data were used from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA), an ongoing multidisciplinary cohort study in the general Dutch population of older persons (≥ 65 years). The mortality information was ascertained over 11 years of follow-up. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the association of quintiles of IGF-1 levels and all-cause mortality. Results Overall, there were 633 deaths (268 women and 365 men) in a total of 1273 subjects. A significant association was found between all-cause mortality and IGF-1 concentration in the lowest versus the middle quintile with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.53 (95% CI 1.21-1.94; p<0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders this relation only moderately attenuated, HR 1.28 (95% CI 1.01-1.63; p=0.043). No significant HR was found for all-cause mortality in subjects with IGF-1 concentration in the highest versus the middle quintile, HR 1.17 (95% CI 0.90-1.53; p=0.239). Conclusions These findings suggest that in community dwelling older persons low concentration of IGF-1, even within the normal range, is associated with an increased mortality risk. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 135 NCA 126. S CAP deletion in astrocytes causes startle-induced dystonia, reduced brain size and early lethality Nutabi Camargo1, Rick Dijkhuizen2, Wim Otte2, David H. Gutmann3, August B. Smit1 and Mark H. G. Verheijen1. 1 Dept. Molecular and cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands 2 Image Sciences Institute, UMC Utrecht, The Netherlands 3 Dept. of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri. USA. Introduction The brain is remarkably different in lipid composition than other organs. It is enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and cholesterol; and with 2% of the total body weight the brain contains about a quarter of the total amount of cholesterol in the body. Many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases are associated with disrupted lipid metabolism, e.g. Niemman Pick C and Alzheimer disease. Astrocytes have been shown to play a pivotal role in maturation of neuronal circuitry and in synaptic function by producing and secreting lipids. Here we ask the question what the consequence is of disrupted lipid supply by astrocytes for functioning of the brain. Methods In this study we made use of transgenic mice in which lipid synthesis is compromised in astrocytes as a consequence of the deletion of SCAP (Sterol regulatory element binding proteincleavage activating protein), a protein essential for lipid synthesis. These animals were used to study the role of astrocytes as lipid suppliers to the developing and adult brain. Molecular, histological and behavioural approaches are used to characterize the deficits in these animals and an effort is made in trying to rescue the observed abnormalities. Results We found that SCAP knockout animals show a startle-induced dystonia (hyperekplexia). The number of these events increased with age and correlates with early lethality. In addition, the SCAP mutants had smaller brains. Both grey ad white matters are importantly reduced. Conclusions These results give strong evidence of a pivotal role for astrocyte derived lipids on brain development and function in vivo. Moreover, understanding the molecular mechanisms of lipid production may bring an important tool for treatment of lipid-associated pathologies in the brain. 136 NCA 127. H igh Performance Computing on the GRID at the VUmc Keith S. Cover, Bob W van Dijk. Department of Physics and Medical Technology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Introduction High performance computing (HPC) on the GRID allows hundreds or thousands of data sets, such as MRI scans, to be processed tens or hundreds of times faster by using tens or hundreds of computers in parallel. Currently, a common way to process data in medical research is to develop shell scripts under Linux to process a data set. This same script then needs to be applied to hundreds or thousands of data sets. The cluster computers available to the VUmc are particularly well suited to handling these sorts of problems. Methods While the standard tools for using HPC are available on the clusters, VUmc has developed an application called MirageGRID, that makes it easier for researchers in medicine to use HPC. MirageGRID is built on the JavaGAT GRID middle ware developed by the VU’s computer science department. MirageGRID takes care of many of the complicated steps in HPC such as copying data sets to and from the cluster computers to any point on the internet. It also avoids a complicated job description language in favour of a simple text file listing the job names and parameters. The VUmc has recently installed the neuGRID cluster that can run programs 12 to 100 times faster and has up to 8GB of memory per job. In special cases, the VUmc has access to the DAS3 cluster in the Computer Science Department of the VU University. DAS3 can run data analysis 80 to 320 times faster. In the near future the VUmc plans to install a cluster with up to 32GB of memory available to each job enabling it to run a few jobs requiring large amounts of memory. Plans are also in the works to have the Sara cluster available via MirageGRID. Results Projects using MirageGRID have already resulted in two publications (Sluimer et al. Eur Radiol. 2009; Roosendaal et al. Neuroimage 2009;44:1397) and several other are in the works. Calculations for the two publications took thousands of hours of computation time each but were completed in a weekend. Projects currently using MirageGRID are (1) a reproducibility study of fully automated atrophy measures using 1900 MRI scans (2) synchronisation measures of MEG data from 360 healthy subjects and (3) modelling of radiation doses in radiotherapy. Conclusions With the ever increasing amount of data flowing from medical research, and the ever decreasing cost of computer hardware and, HPC is fast becoming a invaluable tool to medical research. The VUmc is well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities being presented by HPC on the GRID. Contact: [email protected] Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 137 NCA 128. T issue transglutaminase promotes myelination by oligodendrocytes in vitro and in vivo: of therapeutic interest for multiple sclerosis Miriam van Strien1, Wia Baron2, Jan Bauer3, John Bol1, John Breve1, Erik Bakker4, Rob Binnekade1, Benjamin Drukarch1, Anne-Marie van Dam1. 1 2 3 4 VU University Medical Center, Dept. Anatomy & Neurosciences, Amsterdam University Medical Center Groningen, Dept. Membrane Cell Biology, Groningen Center for Brain Research, Dept. Neuroimmunology, Vienna, Austria; Academic Medical Center, Dept. Medical Physics, Amsterdam. Introduction Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory disease resulting in severe disabilities of mainly the sensory and motor systems. A neuropatholo-gical hallmark of MS is the loss of myelin and oligodendrocytes leading to impaired axonal transport. As a mechanism of restoration, spontaneous myelin repair occurs in MS giving rise to so-called shadow plaques. However, this remyelination is only partially successful as most oligodendrocyte progenitor cells remain in an undifferentiated state which results in a failure to generate myelinating oligodendrocytes. Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a multifunction-al enzyme mainly known for its protein crosslinking and GTPase activity. Among other functions, TG2 has been shown to play a role in cell differentiation (e.g. neurons, astrocytes and granulocytes). Moreover, a link between transglutaminase and myelination has been suggested for peripheral Schwann cells. In light of the alleged role in both differentiation and myelination, we hypothesize that TG2 is involved in myelin formation by oligodendrocytes and could thereby stimulate (re)myelination. Methods Rat oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) were cultured in vitro and studied throughout development. Our data shows that TG2 protein and mRNA are dramatically elevated during the early stages of oligodendrocyte development. When TG2 activity is pharmacologically inhibited by cystamine or KCC009, the number of oligodendrocytes producing myelin basic protein as well as the formation of myelin sheets was significantly decreased, indicating that TG2 is involved in regulating oligodendrocyte differentiation and subsequent myelin formation. Additionally, we persued to study the role of TG2 activity in remyelination in vivo. TG2 knockout and wild-type mice were fed with 0.2% cuprizone for 35 days to induce demyelination. Subsequent remyelination of the corpus callosum was studied by proteolipid protein (PLP) in situ hybridization. In addition, motor behaviour of the mice was studied using a Rotarod. Our data showed a clear reduced amount of PLP expressing oligodendrocytes in TG2 knock-out mice compared to wild-type mice during the remyelination phase. Furthermore, TG2 knock-out mice showed impaired recovery of motor performance. Conclusions We conclude that TG2 plays a prominent role in OPC differentiation into myelin forming OLG. Therefore, manipulating TG2 activity may represent an interesting new target for remyelination in demyelinating diseases. 138 NCA 129. P oor impulse control as a risk factor for nicotine dependence L. Diergaarde, T. Pattij, Y. Van Mourik, A.N.M. Schoffelmeer, and T.J. De Vries. Dept. of Anatomy & Neurosciences, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Tobacco prices in the Netherlands have increased substantially over recent years. Nonetheless, approximately 1/3 of the Dutch population continues smoking, indicating that smokers are willing to pay a high price for their addiction. This stresses the importance of research focusing on potential risk factors for nicotine dependence, including impaired impulse control. Recently, we developed a rodent paradigm for studying nicotine consumption (i.e. number of nicotine infusions) as a function of nicotine price (i.e. number of nose pokes responses per nicotine infusion). Employing a behavioural economics approach, we determined whether impaired impulse control underlies an insensitivity of nicotine consumption to price increments. Methods Male rats were trained on a delay discounting task, to measure impulsive decision making. Hereafter, high- and low-impulsive rats were selected and were trained to nose poke for intravenous nicotine. Upon stable self-administration on a fixed ratio 1 (1 nose poke response required for 1 nicotine infusion) schedule , the response requirement was increased every 3rd session. Demand curves, depicting the relationship between the price of nicotine and consumption thereof, were produced using Hursh’ exponential demand equation. Results Nicotine consumption in rats nicely appeared to nicely fit the exponential demand equation, thereby demonstrating the validity of our model. For high-impulsive rats, the decrease in consumption was proportionally less than the increase in price, reflecting inelastic nicotine demand. Conclusions The paradigm employed in this experiment seems well suited for studying nicotine demand in rats. Moreover, we show that poor impulse control precedes an inelastic demand for nicotine, indicating that this behavioural trait represents a risk factor for nicotine dependence. Together, our findings suggest that treating impulsive behaviour in individual smokers, rather than increasing tobacco taxes, may be more effective in reducing smoking rates. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 139 NCA 130. N ew genetic cause of recessive osteogenesis imperfecta and update on classification F.S. Van Dijk1, I.M. Nesbitt2, E.H. Zwikstra1, P.G.J. Nikkels3, S.R. Piersma4, S.A. Fratantoni4, C.R. Jimenez4 , M. Huizer1 , A.C. Morsman2 , M.H.H. van Roij1, M.W. Elting1, J.I.M.L. Verbeke5, L.C.D. Wijnaendts6, N.J. Shaw7, W. Högler7, C. McKeown8, E.A. Sistermans1, A. Dalton2, R.R. van Rijn9, J.M. Cobben10, H. Meijers-Heijboer1, G. Pals11. 1 Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands 2 Sheffield Molecular Genetics Service, Sheffield Children’s Hospital, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom 3 Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands 4 Oncoproteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, the Netherlands 5 Department of Radiology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands 6 Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands 7 Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, United Kingdom 8 West Midlands Regional Genetic Service, Birmingham Women’s Hospital, United Kingdom 9 Department of pediatric radiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands 10 Department of Pediatric genetics, Emma Children Hospital, AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands 11 Center for Connective Tissue Research, Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Introduction Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) can be defined as a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by susceptibility to bone fractures with variable severity and presumed or proven defects in collagen type I biosynthesis. Methods OI is in most cases caused by heterozygous COL1A1/2 mutations. Recently, CRTAP and LEPRE1 mutations have been described to cause autosomal recessive lethal/severe OI. Results We detected PPIB mutations as a third new genetic cause of autosomal recessive severe OI. Details concerning this new genetic cause and the clinical details of the affected individuals will be presented. Conclusions We present PPIB mutations as a new genetic cause of OI and we conclude that differentiation between autosomal dominant OI caused by COL1A1/2 mutations and autosomal recessive OI caused by CRTAP, LEPRE1 and PPIB mutations is not possible based on clinical, histological or biochemical characteristics. In the light of this, we propose a revised classification of OI. 140 NCA 131. D ifferences in RNA quality in human brain structures? Anke Dijkstra, Wilma D. van de Berg. Department of Anatomy & Neurosciences, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam. Introduction Genome-wide microarray techniques on human post-mortem tissue are often used to identify differently expressed genes in several diseases. In these experiments, the quality of the RNA is of utmost importance. Degradation of RNA occurs after death and is likely to be influenced by several factors, such as agonal state. To assess the RNA quality, the RNA Integrity Number (RIN) is the current standard. We hypothesize that some regions of the brain are more susceptible to RNA degradation than others, and therefore that the RIN differs between brain regions. Methods We used post-mortem material from the Netherlands Brainbank (NHB). From 14 cases, we collected structures throughout the brain, and individuals with at least 3 of the 4 structures present were included in our study. The structures are olfactory bulb (OB) medulla oblongata (MO), substantia nigra (SN) and amygdala (AM). After the RNA was isolated, the RIN was determined using Agilent Bioanalyser. We used an ANOVA and Pearson correlation to determine if there was a difference and correlation of RIN between brain structures. Results The RIN of the structures vary between 4.6 and 8.3. Table 1 summarizes the means (M) and standard deviations (SD) of the RIN of the different brain areas. There is no significant difference in RIN between brain structures F(3)=2.03, p=0.13. We have found a significant correlation between MO and AM, r=0.84, p=0.01. Conclusions There are no differences in RIN between the OB, SN, MO and AM. In future research, we will include structures of the diencephalon and neo-cortex in the analysis. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 OB SN MO AM N 9 14 12 10 M 7.13 6.91 6.35 6.72 SD 0.64 0.69 0.71 1.02 Table 1. Mean and standard deviations of Rin between structures. 141 NCA 132. 7 Tesla 3D-FLAIR: high sensitivity in cortical regions in multiple sclerosis W.L. de Graaf1, J. Zwanenburg2, F. Visser2, M.P. Wattjes1, J.Geurts1, P. Pouwels1, C. H. Polman1, F. Barkhof1, P.R. Luijten2, J.A. Castelijns1. 1 VU University Medical Center Amsterdam 2 University Medical Center Utrecht. In Multiple Sclerosis (MS) increasing attention is given to demyelinating aspects in the cortical region of the brain. At 1.5T, cortical lesions are best visualized with Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) and Double Inversion Recovery (DIR) sequences. At higher field, the gain in SNR can be used to increase spatial resolution, which may enhance the sensitivity of these sequences. In this study at 7T, the sensitivity of 3D-MP-FLAIR is compared with PD/T2 and 3D-T1 weighted imaging. Data are compared with 3D-FLAIR, PD/T2, and T1 images of the same 5 MS patients and 5 healthy controls scanned at 3T. Images are evaluated for quality and artefacts. Lesions were scored and classified per location in consensus between a biomedical engineer and a radiologist: peri-ventricular (PV), deep white matter (DWM), juxta-cortical (JC), mixed grey/white matter (type I) and grey matter lesions (type II). Other lesion types were infrequently found but were not used for this comparison. The images at 7T with higher spatial resolution show high contrast between cerebral structures. At 7T FLAIR, the outer cortical layers appear hyper-intense, which cannot be seen at 3T. In the healthy controls in total only two atypical lesions were found, which were visible on all sequences and at both field strengths. Provisional analysis shows a higher sensitivity for lesion detection for all 7T sequences. Especially around the cortex, lesion detection is substantially improved as compared with 3T. Despite the lack in grey/white contrast on some image types, FLAIR,PD/T2 and T1 at ultra-high field increase accuracy and reliability in lesion classification. The higher sensitivity at 7T is particularly seen for cortical lesions, which are smaller than WM lesions. The performed examinations were obtained in clinically feasible scan times. 142 NCA 133. Functional brain networks and dementia Willem de Haan1, Kees Stam2. 1 Dept. Neurology/Alzheimer center, VU University Medical Center, 2 Dept. Clinical Neurophysiology/MEG centre, VU University Medical Center. Introduction Brain functions often seem to be localized to specialized regions. Without an efficient interaction between those different regions, however, we are lost. Our brain is also a very complex, dynamic network that uses synchronization as a method to bind different modalities and achieve a coherent cognitive state. Could it be that the symptoms of dementia are primarily a consequence of the loss of synchronization, and therefore miscommunication between different brain regions or circuits, a so-called ‘disconnection syndrome’? To answer these questions, we apply complex network theory to neuroscience data, and this enables us to focus on interaction between brain regions in health and disease. Methods Electro-encephalography (EEG) and magneto-encephalography (MEG) recordings were performed on awake, alert persons in an eyes-closed no-task condition. Both healthy persons as well as patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Frontotemporal dementia (FTLD) were investigated. Functional brain networks are formed by measuring the interaction between different brain areas. These networks can then be characterized by properties like size, clustering, robustness, synchronizability, and many more. This results in a quantitative and meaningful picture of how (in)efficient functional brain networks are operating. Results Functional brain networks in healthy persons show a so called ‘small world’ network architecture, presumably optimal for efficient information circulation. In AD, the networks becomes more random and chaotic, while in FTLD there seems to be an opposite shift, towards a more rigid and ordered type of network. Conclusions Communication between brain areas is different in dementia. Network analysis is able to demonstrate functional brain network changes in different neurodegenerative disease processes. This approach might become a useful clinical tool for diagnostic, prognostic or monitoring purposes, but could also improve our understanding of the complex coordination of thought processes. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 143 NCA 134. P athology of neurodegenerative diseases: Identifying new disease mechanisms and innovative drug targets Annemieke J.M. Rozemuller, Saskia M. van der Vies, Jeroen J.M. Hoozemans, Rob Veerhuis1, Anna Carrano, Elise S. van Haastert, David Hondius & Marlies Jacobs. Departments of Pathology and 1Clinical Chemistry, VU University Medical Center & Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam. Introduction Neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and prion diseases have a major impact on the growing aging population of our society. These disorders are often characterized by the aggregation and accumulation of misfolded proteins, which are very toxic to cells, especially neurons. In Alzheimer’s disease these protein aggregates are associated with specific disease mechanisms that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease at a very early stage. Methods We search for new innovative drug targets using advanced screening tools such as Genomics, Proteomics and Kinomics. New identified possible drug targets are investigated with immunohistochemical techniques and Western blot analysis using brain tissue derived from different neurodegenerative disorders. New potential drugs or leads are investigated in human brain derived cell cultures obtained after surgery or after autopsy. Results By studying the disease mechanisms that contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s diseases at early stages of the disease process we have gained insight into the role of protein misfolding and protein aggregation, the (disturbed) A_ removal across the blood brain barrier, the aberrant cell cycle control in neurons and the neuroinflammatory response. Conclusions The pathological process in Alzheimer disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, observed after neuropathological examination, starts decades before the onset of clinical signs. Research on early pathological mechanisms using brain tissue and investigating their contribution to neurodegeneration is hence of utmost importance to identify early biomarkers for clinical and pathological diagnosis and for the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment or prevention of neurodegenerative disorders. 144 NCA 135. Identification and functional analysis of a novel splice variant of the creatine transporter gene Joseph D.T. Ndika, Cristina Martinez-Muñoz, Warsha A. Kanhai, Cornelis Jakobs, Gajja S. Salomons. Clinical Chemistry, Metabolic Unit, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Mutations in the X-linked creatine transporter gene (SLC6A8) leads to cerebral creatine deficiency, mental retardation, speech and language delay, autistic-like behaviour and epilepsy. Insight into the mechanism(s) of how the transporter is regulated is largely unknown. Previously we identified a novel splice variant (SLC6A8C) of the creatine transporter gene (SLC6A8) which contains IVS4 and exons 5-13 of SLC6A8, including part of the 3’ UTR. The splice variant is evolutionary conserved and predict a truncated protein identical to the SLC6A8 transporter1. In the present study, we report the identification of an alternatively spliced variant of the SLC6A8C (C) mRNA the SLC6A8Cdel9 (Cdel9) splice variant. Method Identification and expression profiling of del9 were done by RT-PCR and sequencing. Growth curves and creatine uptake assays were performed to investigate function of splice variants. Results Cdel9 corresponds with the C variant, except for a deletion of exon 9 but without a frame shift. Cdel9 mRNA has a different expression pattern to that of the C mRNA. It is not expressed in either primary fibroblasts or other human tissues, but rather in fast-growing cells (e.g. keratinocytes, cancer cells), suggesting an effect on cell cycle progression. Preliminary data show that co-expression of either C or Cdel9 together with SLC6A8 seems to have a cell cycle progression delay in comparison to cells expressing only Cdel9, C, SLC6A8 or co-expressing the C and Cdel9 variants. Hence suggesting a possible regulatory effect of the splice variants on the creatine transporter. Pilot studies in HeLa cells and mouse fibroblasts show higher creatine uptake in cells co-expressing Cdel9 and SLC6A8 compared to those expressing only SLC6A8. Conclusions C and Cdel9 seem to have an effect on cell division, and a possible additional role of the Cdel9 splice variant in the regulation of creatine uptake by the creatine transporter. Currently to substantiate these findings Phoenix cells are now being used to produce ecotropic retroviruses, allowing stable (co)transfections and expression of either splice variant together with SLC6A8 in 3T3 Swiss mouse fibroblasts. Reference: Martinez-Muñoz et al. (2008) Gene 418: 53-59 Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 145 NCA 136. G enetic correlations of brain lesion distribution in Multiple Sclerosis - a candidate gene study M.H. Sombekke1, M.M. Vellinga1, B.M.J. Uitdehaag1, D. Tejedor2, D. Arteta2, A. Martínez2, F. Barkhof1, C.H. Polman1, J.J.G. Geurts1, H. Vrenken1. 1M S Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2 Progenika Biopharma, S.A., Derio, Spain. Introduction In multiple sclerosis (MS), the total volume of brain lesions and their anatomical distribution are highly variable. Elucidating this variability may contribute to understanding clinical heterogeneity in MS. We hypothesized that spatial distribution may reveal immunological patterns of inflammation driven by genetic predisposition. The aim of this study was to investigate relations between candidate genes and lesion distribution in MS. Material and Methods In 208 patients we related genotypes in 69 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to the spatial distribution of T2 brain lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at either 1.0 or 1.5 Tesla. Lesions were manually outlined and binary lesion masks were produced and registered to a common space. Using the Randomise software, the lesion masks were then related to genotype using a voxel-wise nonparametric General Linear Model approach, followed by clusterwise analysis. For genotyping we used a DNA-chip that contains a set of genes previously published in relationship to different phenotypes of MS. Results 11 SNPs showed significant clusters of increased or decreased lesion probability for one of the genotypes in several, predominantly periventricular brain regions. When statistically controlling for the effects of total lesion volume only rs2227139, located within MHC class II region, retained its clusters of significantly increased lesion probability for the heterozygote genotype compared to the other two genotypes. Conclusion Several associations between genotypes of selected SNPs and altered lesion probability were found. Rs2227139 in the MHC class II gene complex is associated with a asymmetrical preferential periventricular lesion location, retaining significance even after correction for total lesion load. 146 NCA 137. Irreversible active-site inhibition of tissue transglutaminase prevents cross-linking of α-synuclein in a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease Robin Verhaar, Cornelis A. M. Jongenelen, Anne-Marie van Dam, Micha M. M. Wilhelmus, Benjamin Drukarch. Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative syndrom characterized by the degeneration of catecholaminergic neurons in the brain. Another major hallmark of the disease is the presence of amyloidogenic depositions called Lewy Bodies, which primarily consist of aggregated α-synuclein. This protein is ubiquitously expressed in neurons and has an important role in vesicle transport in the presynaps. The intrinsically disordered conformation of _-synuclein, however, makes it prone to aggregation, resulting in cellular toxicity. Therefore, factors that stimulate α-synuclein aggregation are primary targets for the development of disease modifying therapies. Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) is an enzyme implicated in α-synuclein aggregation. tTG catalyzes the formation of covalent ε-(γ-glutamyl)lysine isopeptide and (γ-glutamyl)polyamine bonds, which promote protein aggregation. Recently, several peptidergic irreversible active-site inhibitors have been developed that selectively block tTG activity. In this study, our aim was to investigate whether tTG inhibition could modulate α-synuclein aggregation. Results Using differentiated wild-type and α-synuclein overexpressing SH-SY5Y cells, in parallel experiments, we established the effect of the novel tTG inhibitors Z006, B003 and KCC009 on intracellular tTG activity and α-synuclein aggregation. We found that in contrast to Z006 and B003, KCC009 had no effect on either tTG activity or α-synuclein aggregation. Moreover, this effect of Z006 and B003 on α-synuclein aggregation was observed both following treatment with the calcium ionophore A23187 or the PD mimetic MPP+. Furthermore, using a tTG specific biotinylated substrate and activation of tTG with A23871 and MPP+, intra- and intermolecular cross-linking of α-synuclein was found in cells, which was blocked by co-incubation with Z006 or B003, but not by KCC009. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that in a cellular context, α-synuclein is a substrate for tTG and that (some) tTG blockers inhibit tTG mediated cross-linking and aggregation of α-synuclein. Therefore we conclude that tTG is a promising target for pharmacological intervention in α-synuclein aggregation in PD and that cellular models may help to identify candidate drugs. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 147 NCA 138. A pathway analysis of genome-wide association results reveals the importance of inflammation in Major Depressive Disorder Jacqueline M. Vink1,2, Christel M. Middeldorp1,2,3, Jan H. Smit2,4,5, Frans G. Zitman6, Harold Snieder7, Nicole Vogelzangs4,5, Patrick Sullivan8, Jouke Jan Hottenga1,2, Gonneke Willemsen1,5, Dorret I. Boomsma1,2,5, Brenda Penninx2,4,5,6,7, Eco J.C. de Geus1,2,5. 1 2 3 4 5 Department of Biological Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands De Bascule, Academic Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Department of Psychiatry VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 6 Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands 7 Unit of Genetic Epidemiology & Bioinformatics, Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands 8 Departments of Genetics, Psychiatry & Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA. Introduction The genetic variants in the biological pathways contributing to major depressive disorder (MDD) remain to be elucidated. Methods The present study used genome-wide SNP data in 1738 patients with clinical MDD and 1802 control subjects to select 685 genes that showed a significant gene-based association with MDD and could be placed in known biological pathways. These pathways were defined within the Ingenuity Knowledge Base according to the extensive literature on shared gene ontology, co-expression of genes and protein-protein interaction. Results Pathway analysis suggested an overrepresentation of MDD genes in gene networks involved in inflammation. Specifically, the genome-wide association results were enriched for genes interacting with TNFα. Conclusions The findings support the cytokine hypothesis of depression and suggest that genetic variation in inflammatory networks plays a role in the risk for MDD. The findings may also help explain part of the well documented co-morbidity of MDD to somatic diseases 148 NCA 139. A ccumulation of tissue transglutaminase and calreticulin positive secretory-like granules in melanized neurons in Parkinson’s disease Micha M.M. Wilhelmus1, Robin Verhaar1, John G.J.M. Bol1, Cornelis A.M. Jongenelen1, René J.P. Musters2, Jeroen J.M. Hoozemans3, Benjamin Drukarch1. 1 Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, NCA, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam 2 Department of Physiology, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, and 3 Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam. Introduction Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by degeneration of melanized neurons in the brain. Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) is a calcium-dependent enzyme that is assumed to modulate cell survival and apoptotic pathways depending on the type of stress(or) and cellular location of tTG. Details about the cellular location of tTG in PD, however are scant. Therefore, we aimed to study the cellular location of tTG in neuronal cells upon PD-associated cell stress. Methods We used immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence in both a Parkinsonian cell system, based on exposure of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells to the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), and on paraffin embedded, well-characterized, human brain tissue. Results We observed a granular staining pattern for tTG, only present in melanized neurons in PD brains. Similar tTG-positive granules were observed in MPP+-treated cells, which also contained endoplasmic reticulum (ER) associated proteins, in particular calreticulin, protein disulphide isomerase (PDI), Erp57, phosphatidylinositol-3 receptor 1 (IP3R1), and fibronectin, and were present in cells showing no signs of apoptosis. We confirmed these findings in the tTG-positive granules in melanized neurons in PD brains. Conclusions We conclude that the colocalization of tTG with the protein folding machinery suggests a so far unrecognized role of this protein with protein quality control, at least under pathological conditions. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 149 NCA 140. A n important role for mesolimbic mu-opioid receptors in amphetamine-induced inhibitory control deficits Joost Wiskerke, Dustin Schetters, Inge van Es, Yvar van Mourik, Bjornar R.O. den Hollander, Anton N.M. Schoffelmeer, Tommy Pattij. Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Introduction It is well known that addictive substances such as amphetamine acutely affect impulsive behavior in both animals and humans. This phenomenon is known to depend critically on enhanced mesolimbic dopamine transmission, but the exact neuronal mechanisms remain largely unknown. Therefore, we here aimed at studying the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the effects of amphetamine in two rat models of impulsivity, the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT) and the delayed reward task (DRT), which provide measures of respectively inhibitory control and impulsive choice. We specifically tested the role of the endogenous opioid system in amphetamine-induced impulsivity as there is ample evidence indicating an important role for this neurotransmitter system in the behavioral and neurochemical effects of amphetamine. Methods Separate groups of male Wistar rats were trained in either a 5-CSRTT or a DRT. Upon stable baseline performance in these tasks, the effects of different opioid ligands on amphetamineinduced impulsivity were assessed using within-subjects designs. Compounds were either injected systemically or infused intracranially. Results Amphetamine-induced decrements in inhibitory control, but not amphetamine-induced decreases in impulsive choice, could dose-dependently be attenuated by pre-treatment with the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone and not with selective delta- or kappa-opioid receptor antagonists. This indicates that particularly mu-opioid receptors are involved in these effects. Naloxone also completely prevented inhibitory control deficits induced by GBR-12909, a selective dopamine transporter inhibitor, suggesting an important role for a ‘mu-opioid-dopamine’ interaction in amphetamine-induced impulsivity. Intracranial infusion experiments subsequently indicated involvement of at least mu-receptors in the nucleus accumbens shell and ventral tegmental area, but not the nucleus accumbens core. Conclusions Together, these results indicate an important role for mesolimbic mu-opioid receptors in amphetamine-induced decrements in inhibitory control. 150 NCA 141. L abel-free brain imaging in vivo with cellular resolution using third-harmonic generation microscopy Stefan Witte1,3, Adrian Negrean1,2,3, Hans Lodder2,3, Guilherme Testa Silva2,3, Christiaan de Kock2,3, Huib Mansvelder2,3, Marloes Groot1,3. 1Biophysics, Laser Center Vrije Universiteit 2 Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research 3 Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam. Introduction Laser-based imaging is an attractive tool for medical diagnostics, as it allows tissue screening with cellular resolution through a noninvasive ‘optical biopsy’ without cutting away tissue. Twophoton microscopy is a well-established 3D-imaging technique, but requires fluorescent dyes to provide image contrast. This leads to complications with toxicity, dye diffusion, and bleaching. Here we demonstrate that a technique known as optical third-harmonic generation (THG) enables high-resolution deep-tissue imaging without external contrast agents. Since THG is sensitive to discontinuities, THG microscopy provides an intrinsic probe of tissue structure. Methods We use a multi-photon laser-scanning microscope, which we customized for THG imaging. In addition, electrophysiology equipment is employed for whole-cell patch clamp recordings. Imaging experiments are performed both on acute mouse brain slices and on living anesthetized mice. Results THG microscopy provides ‘shadow contrast’ images, where the somata of neurons appear as dark shadows in a highly structured THG background (Figure 1). Backward detection (essential for in vivo imaging) is facilitated through backscattering of the produced THG photons by the tissue. Subcellular resolution imaging has been achieved down to a depth of 350 µm in acute mouse brain slices, as well as in living anesthetized mice. A patchclamp pipette is clearly visible in the THG image (Fig. 1), enabling dye-free targeted patching at >200 µm depths. Figure 1: THG image of a patched neuron. Conclusions THG microscopy is found to be a powerful and versatile tool for brain imaging, with excellent prospects for optical biopsies, as well as for laser-guided microsurgery and tissue manipulation. Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 151 Index Per onderzoeksinstituut op alfabetische volgorde van de naam van de onderzoeker Nr. Naam onderzoeker abstract CCA/V-ICI 1 Agarwal, S. 2 Asseldonk, D.P. van Titel abstract FANCM phosphorylation in response to camptothecin 6-Thioguanine is an effective and tolerable rescue drug in the treatment of ulcerative colitis 3 Asseldonk, D.P. vanLiver histology of IBD patients who are treated with 6-thioguanine due to failure of conventional thiopurines reveals very few cases of nodular regenerative hyperplasia 4 Berg, M.H. van denOccurrence of menarche, regularity of menstrual cycles, and amenorrhoea in a cohort of childhood cancer survivors: a pilot study 5 Braam, K.I.Quality of life in motion: a combined physical exercise and psychosocial intervention program for childhood cancer patients 6 Broek, L.I. van den CCL27 stimulates the secretion of cytokines involved in granulation tissue formation 7 Budding, D.IS-pro: high throughput fingerprinting of the intestinal microbiome 8 Cnossen, I.C.Prospective screening for speech and swallowing problems in head and neck cancer patients via a touch screen computer assisted data collection system 9 Daleke, M.H.Secretion of virulence factors by pathogenic mycobacteria: how do type VII secretion systems recognize their substrates? 10 Diessen, J.N.A. vanSplit course concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy in anal cancer: a single-institution experience 11 Driessen, N.Multiple ligands in the mycobacterial cell envelope , determine the interaction between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the C-type lectin DC-SIGN 12 Erozenci, A.Mir-21 as determinant of gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic adenocarcinoma 13 Flach, G.B.Sentinel node biopsy and ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology in the detection of occult lymph node metastases in oral and oropharyngeal cancer 14 Franke, N.E.The novel proteasome inhibitor 5-Amino-8-Hydroxyquinole (5AHQ) overcomes bortezomib resistance in malignant hematological cell line models harboring mutations in the PSMB5 Gene 152 Nr. Naam onderzoeker abstract CCA/V-ICI Titel abstract 15Geurtsen, J.Cyanovirin: a novel way to prevent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection? 16 Gogh, Ch.D.L. vanEfficacy of voice therapy in patients after treatment of early glottic cancer 17 Goos, J.A.C.M. 18 Greijer, A.Epstein Barr virus genome elimination by small molecules as treatment for EBV-driven lymphomas and carcinomas 19 Haan, J.C.Candidate driver genes in focal chromosomal aberrations of stage II colon cance 20 Henken, F.E. 21 Lam, T.J.Anorectal function evaluation in 600 patients: difference between fecal incontinent continent patients and determination of predictive factors for fecal incontinence 22 Lelij, P. van derWarsaw breakage syndrome, a novel cohesinopathy associated with mutations in the XPD helicase family member DDX11/ChlR1 23 Martens-de Kemp, S.Functional identification of genes and/or signalling pathways involved in chemoradiation resistance in head and neck cancer 24 Massink, M. 25 Oskam, I.M.Prospective evaluation of quality of life in long term oral and oropharyngeal cancer survivors and the need for supportive care 26 Overbeek, A.Relationships, pregnancies and childwish in childhood cancer survivors: a pilot study 27 Pegtel, M.D.Viral miRNAs expressed in B cells are delivered to- and act in recipient cells; evidence for functional miRNA transfer via exosomes 28 Plas, M. van derTruncating TP53 mutations have prognostic significance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma 29 Posthuma de Boer, JTreatment of osteosarcoma lung metastases 30 Riepma, I.Structured life review using autobiographical retrieval practice in depressed palliative head and neck and lung cancer patients 31 Siebring-van Olst, E.Development of a genome wide screen to identify genes involved in modulating p53 transcriptional activity in lung cancer Personalized therapy in recurrent colorectal cancer PI3K signalling in HPV mediated transformation Molecular classification of familial breast cancer Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 153 Nr. Naam onderzoeker abstract CCA/V-ICI Titel abstract 32 Smit, L.High aldehyde dehydrogenase activity is general marker for normal hematopoietic stem cells but not leukemic stem cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia 33 Snellenberg, S.Methylation of WNT/_-catenin pathway regulators in cervical carcinomas 34 Soeltan-Kaersenhout, D.Fingerprinting the Human Gut Microbiome: Evaluation of a Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP) Kit on Human Gastrointestinal Biopsies 35 Stoop, E.I.M.Two sides of a coin; bacterial and host genes involved in granuloma formation 36 Timmer, L.MicroRNA profiling for reducing colorectal cancer death by improving early diagnosis 37 Turenhout, S.T. vanDifferences in FIT results between screening and referred colorectal cancer patients are explained by differences in tissue tumor stage 38 Turenhout, S.T. vanPerformance of an integrated risk profile for selection of high risk individuals for colorectal cancer screening 39 Tuyl, L.H.D. vanBaseline RANKL:OPG ratio and markers of bone and cartilage degradation predict annual radiological progression over 11 years in rheumatoid arthritis 40 Veldt, A.A. van derMeasurement of [11C]docetaxel uptake and tumour perfusion in lung cancer using PET-CT 41 Voorham, Q.J.M. 42 Vosslamber, S.IFN signature determines responder statua on B cell depletion in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients 43 Vosslamber, S.IRF5 genetics predicts clinical responsiveness to IFN-_ in Multiple Sclerosis 44 Warmoes, M.O.Quantitative proteomics of genetic mouse models for human breast cancer: identification of BRCA1-associated proteins involved in DNA-repair 45 Weerdenburg, E.M.Mycobacteria deficient for the type VII secretion system ESX-5 are hypervirulent in zebrafish Methylation pattern of high risk flat lesions in CRC 154 Nr. Naam onderzoeker abstract EMGO+ Titel abstract 46 Ahmad, A.Effect of medication review and cognitive behaviour treatment by community pharmacists of patients discharged from the hospital on drug related problems and compliance 47 Almenkerk, S. vanCare for stroke in long term care facilities in the Netherlands 48 Baur, V.E.Client participation in elderly care: residents improving the meals 49 Beijers, H.J.B.H.Body composition as determinant of thrombin generation in plasma – The Hoorn Study 50 Boer, M.E. deAdvance directives for euthanasia in dementia: what is their feasibility in practice? 51 Boschloo, L. Comorbidity and risk indicators of alcohol use disorders among persons with anxiety and/or depressive disorders 52 Brom, L.Patient participation in end-of-life decision-making: design of a study 53 Dauwerse, L. 54 Dijk, A.M. vanThe Imagination method; a new approach for caregivers of people with dementia in nursing homes 55 Galenkamp, H.Exploring the association between chronic diseases, multimorbidity and comorbidity and self-rated health in the older population 56 Groeneveld, I.F.Health under construction: short- and long term effects of a motivational interviewing-based lifestyle intervention for construction workers with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease 57 Groeneveld, I.F.An individually-based lifestyle intervention for workers at risk for cardiovascular disease: a process evaluation 58 Hurk, K. van den Type 2 Diabetes changes the association between pulse pressure and incident chronic kidney disease – The AusDiab Study 59 Lakerveld, J.Abdominal obesity, television viewing time and prospective declines in exercise over five years for men and women: the AusDiab Study 60 Leistra, E. 61 Leistra, E.Screening on undernutrition is mandatory in Dutch hospitals 62 Loon, A. vanTreating Moroccan and Turkish migrants with depression and anxiety disorders Need for ethics support Prevalence of undernutrition in Dutch hospital outpatients Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 155 Nr. Naam onderzoeker abstract EMGO+ Titel abstract 63 Mierlo, L. vanDementelCoach: effect of telephone coaching on carers of community dwelling people with dementia 64 Nachtegaal, J.Effects of hearing impairment on psychosocial health, need for recovery after work, and health care use and costs in adults aged between 18-70 years: results from an internetbased national survey on hearing 65 Platje, E.Neurobiological correlates of disruptive behaviour disorder in a normal population; differences between boys and girls 66 Rijs, K.J.The short-term influence of age at retirement on self-perceived health 67 Rijssen, H.J. vanStereotyping of patients’ communication behaviour by physicians: a qualitative study 68 Ruyter, J.C. deDesign of the Double blind, Randomized Intervention study in Kids (DRINK study) on the effect of sugary drinks on body weight and fat mass 69 Ruissen, A. Competence in mental health care: philosophical theory and medical practice 70 Strijk, J.E.The development of an Lifestyle intervention in order to improve older workers’ vitality by using the Intervention Mapping Protocol 71 Strijk, J.E.Associations between VO2max and vitality in older workers: the Vital@Work Study 72 Verweij, L.M.The development of an occupational health guideline to improve workers’ physical activity and dietary behaviour in order to prevent weight gain 73 Vlug, M.G. 74 Vries-Bouw, M. deThe relationship between heart rate and cortisol levels and re-offending in delinquent male adolescents 75 Wijdenes-Pijl, M.Impact of communicating familial risk of diabetes on illness perceptions and self-reported behavioural outcomes: a randomized controlled trial 76 Wijnhoven, H.Lower appendicular skeletal muscle mass, appendicular fat mass and trunk fat mass and mortality in community-dwelling older men and women 77 Zwijsen, S.Assistive technology as an alternative to physical restraints in nursing homes for people with dementia Dignity for nursing home patients: design of the study 156 Nr. Naam onderzoeker abstract ICaR-VU Titel abstract 78 Aman, J.Plasma albumin and transferrin levels mark pulmonary permeability and lung injury in hypovolemic patients with or at risk for ARDS. 79 Begieneman, M.P.V.Validation of ultrastructural analysis of mitochondrial deposits in cardiomyocytes as a method of detecting early acute myocardial infarction in humans. 80 Brom, Ch.E. van denAltered myocardial substrate metabolism is associated with myocardial dysfunction in early diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats: studies using positron emission tomography. 81 Brouwer, W.P.The development of hypertrophy in familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is related to myocardial fibrosis: medium term follow-up in genotyped hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutation carriers without prior hypertrophy 82 Bulte, C.S.E.Pulse rate variability corresponds with heart rate variability in the evaluation of autonomic function 83 Dijk, A. vanMulti drug resistance protein expression on adipose tissue derived stem cells 84 Dijk, M. vanDifferentially methylated region in intron 1 of STOX1 explains parent-of-origin effect seen in pre-eclampsia linkage analysis 85 Dijk, S.J. vanSarcomeric function and protein phosphorylation in patients with primary hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy 86 Eringa, E.C.Altered cross-talk between perivascular adipose tissue and resistance arteries in muscle blunts insulin-mediated vasoreactivity in db/db mice 87 Groothuis, J.G.J.Positive predictive value of computed tomography coronary angiography for detection of significant coronary artery disease and its relationship with plaque composition in clinical practice 88 Hahn, N.E.NOX5 expression in human cardiomyocytes is increased after acute myocardial infarction 89 Handoko, M.L.Chronic treatment with low-dose bisoprolol improve survival and cardiac function in experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension 90 Keet, S.W.M.The reproducibility of non-standardized autonomic function testing in the preoperative assessment screening clinic 91 Leyen, T.A.KLF2-Induced actin shear fibres control both alignment to flow and JNK signaling in vascular endothelium Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 157 Nr. Naam onderzoeker abstract ICAR VU Titel abstract 92 Marcus, J.T.Interventricular synchrony in chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension recovers after endarterectomy 93 Mauritz, G.J.Onset time of retrograde flow in the pulmonary artery in pulmonary arterial hypertension: an estimator for pulmonary arterial pressure? 94 Meijer, R.I. Microvascular dysfunction in skin and muscle 95 Pol, C.J. The post-MI mouse heart is hypothyroid 96 Raalt, D.H. vanThe glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist exenatide protects against glucocorticoid-induced glucose intolerance and Islet-cell dysfunction in humans 97 Roest, G.J. dePressure-volume loop evaluation of CRT in end-stage heart failure. A comparison of patients with a narrow, intermediate and broad QRS complex 98 Romijn, J.W.A.Level of agreement between the Clauss Fibrinogen Test and Rotational Thromboelastometry FIBTEM tTest in cardiothoracic surgery 99 Ruiter, G.Iron deficiency is common in pulmonary arterial hypertensive patients 100 Saouti, N.Bronchial perfusion in the lungs observed by contrastenhanced MRI 101 Smeding, L.High tidal volume ventilation partly prevents sepsis induced myocardial depression 102 Spoel, A.G.E. van derComparison of noninvasive continuous arterial WaveForm analysis (Nexfin HD) with transthoracic doppler echocardiography for monitoring of cardiac output 103 Sijl, A.M. vanCarotid intima media thickness in Rheumatoid Arthritis as compared to control subjects: a meta-analysis 104 Timmer, S.A.J.Coronary microvascular dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is related to contractile dysfunction independent from myocardial injury: a PET and CMR Study 105 Wong, Y.Y.Hyperemic myocardial blood flow assessment of the right ventricle by supine exercise in PET in PAH Patients 106 Wijnstok, N.J.Relationship between obesity and microvascular function: the Amsterdam growth and health longitudinal study 107 Zijl, N.J. van derPancreatic fat content and abdominal fat compartments in relation to beta-cell function in subjects with impaired glucose metabolism 158 Nr. Naam onderzoeker abstract MOVE Titel abstract 108 van Kordelaar, J.The feasibility of a newly developed portable set-up for measuring 3D kinematics of the upper limb in stroke patients 109 Maas, H. 110 Nijland, R.Presence of finger extension and shoulder abduction within 72 hours post-stroke predicts functional recovery 111 Paul, C.P.L.Biomechanical and cellular response of goat intervertrebral discs to loading in a novel organ culture system Force transmission following tendon transfer in the rat Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 159 Nr. Naam onderzoeker abstract NCA Titel abstract 112 Avella Gonzalez, O.Waxing and waning of neuronal network oscullations 116 Berg, W.D.J. van deThe olfactory bulb as an initial site of a-ynuclein pathology in Parkonson’s disease 121 Berge, L. vanCell-type specific differences in splicing of mutant mtAspRS mRNA 119 Bie, H.M.A. deYoung children born small for gestational age (SGA): II. Promising preliminary results derived from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) 122 Bossers, S.M.Brain metabolism measurements using microdialysis in patients undergoing awake craniotomy 123 Bugiani, M.Abnormal maturation and function of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in vanishing white matter disease 124 Bui, H.N. 125 Bunderen, C.C. vanRelationship between serum insulin-like growth factor-1 concentration and mortality in an elderly population 113 Butz, M. 126 Camargo, N.SCAP deletion in astrocytes causes startle-induced dystonia, reduced brain size and early lethality 127 Cover, K.S. 128 Dam, A-M. vanTissue Transglutaminase promotes myelination by oligodendrocytes in vitro and in vivo: of therapeutic interest for Multiple Sclerosis 129 Diergaarde, L.Poor impulse control as a risk factor for nicotine dependence 130 Dijk, F.S. vanNew genetic cause of recessive osteogenesis imperfecta and update on classification 117 Dijk, K.D. vanProteomic analysis of the locus ceruleus in Parkinson’s disease 131 Dijkstra, A.A. 132 Graaf, W.L. de7 Tesla 3D-FLAIR: high sensitivity in cortical regions in Multiple Sclerosis 133 Haan, W. de 134 Hoozemans, J.J.M.Pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. Identifying new disease mechanisms and innovative drug targets 118 Ingrassia, A.M.T.Gene expression patterns in the olfacotry bulb of Parkinson patients Clinical microdialysis of testosterone: preliminary results Enhancing structural plasticity after focal brain lesions High performance computing on the GRID at the Vumc Differences in RNA quality in human brain structures? Functional brain networks and dementia 160 Nr. Naam onderzoeker abstract NCA Titel abstract 120 Jeltes, J.Young children born small for gestational age (SGA): I. A study on brain development, behaviour and cognition 135 Ndika, J.D.T.Identification and functional analysis of a novel splice variant of the creatine transporter gene 114 Pelt, J. vanEmerging synaptic connectivity in simulated networks of outgrowing neurons with realistic morphologies using NETMORPH 136 Sombekke, M.Genetic correlations of brain lesion distribution in Multiple Sclerosis - a candidate gene study 137 Verhaar, R.Irreversible active-site inhibition of tissue transglutaminase prevents cross-linking of ?-synuclein in a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease 138 Vink, J.M.A pathway analysis of genome-wide association results reveals the importance of inflammation in Major Depressive Disorder 115 Watling, L.A.The Attention-Gated Reinforcement Learning Model can explain experimentally observed changes in tuning curves that follow category learning 139 Wilhelmus, M.M.M.Accumulation of tissue transglutaminase and calreticulin positive secretory-like granules in melanized neurons in Parkinson’s disease 140 Wiskerke, J.An important role for mesolimbic mu-opioid receptors in amphetamine-induced inhibitory control deficits 141 Witte, S.Label-free brain imaging in vivo with cellular resolution using third-harmonic generation microscopy Wet en s ch ap s d ag V C W 2 0 1 0 161 Abstract book Wetenschapsdag v r i j d a g 5 m a a r t 2 010 W e t e n s c h a p s d a g V C W 2 01 0 Foto: Digidaan Vaste Commissie voor de Wetenschapsbeoefening (VCW) Omslag Abstract boek 2010.indd 1 22-02-2010 16:09:24
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