[PARP10 Influences the Proliferation of Colorectal Carcinoma Cells, a Preliminary Study]

PARP10 is an intracellular mono-ADP ribosyltransferase and recent reports suggest that it regulates proliferation of some cell types. However, its effect on the proliferation of colorectal carcinoma cells has not yet been systematically reported. We explored the influence of PARP10 on the proliferation of several colorectal carcinoma cell types and carried out initial studies on the underlying mechanisms. Inhibition of the enzymatic activity of PARP10 led to significantly decreases in proliferative ability in LoVo cells and CT26 cells in vitro and suppressed growth of CT26 tumours in the subaxilliary region in Balb/c mice in vivo. Cell-cycle arrest accompanied these observations. Expression of the nuclear transfer factor β-catenin and it trans-location to the nucleus were also affected and the expression of its associated signal proteins Axin2 and c-Myb were increased and decreased, respectively. We demonstrate that PARP10 promotes proliferation of those colorectal carcinoma cells which express significant levels of PARP10. This promotion is suppressed when the enzymatic activity is inhibited. β-Catenin is likely to be the mediator of the antiproliferative effect.

[Estimating the distribution of COVID-19 incubation period by interval-censored data estimation method]

Objectives: The COVID-19 has been the public health issues of global concern, but the incubation period was still under discussion. This study aimed to estimate the incubation period distribution of COVID-19. Methods: The exposure and onset information of COVID-19 cases were collected from the official information platform of provincial or municipal health commissions. The distribution of COVID-19 incubation period was estimated based on the Log- normal, Gamma and Weibull distribution by interval-censored data estimation method. Results: A total of 109 confirmed cases were collected, with an average age of 39.825 years. The median COVID-19 incubation period based on Log-normal, Gamma, and Weibull distribution were 4.958 (P(25)-P(75): 3.472-7.318) days, 5.083 (P(25)-P(75): 3.511-7.314) days, and 5.695 (P(25)-P(75): 3.675-7.674) days, respectively. Gamma distribution had the largest log-likelihood result. Conclusions: The distribution of COVID-19 incubation period followed the Gamma distribution, and the interval-censored data estimation method can be used to estimate the incubation period distribution.

[Study on the Diet and Hygiene Society]

The establishment of the Diet and Hygiene Society was based on the starting point of improving the diet and health habits of the Chinese people, and soon it was involved in a broader public health field with the changes of the times. Its purpose was to "improve food, research hygiene and avoid illness, so as to achieve longevity" . The society advocated vegetarianism and set up a vegetarian restaurant. It publicized "cutting queue but not changing clothes into western style" , which set off the trend of queue cutting in Shanghai. It participated in the prevention of plague in Shanghai, which has reconciled the conflict between Chinese people and foreign officials and has promoted the independent quarantine of Chinese. Discouraging people from smoking cigarettes was considered beneficial for keeping healthy and reducing the trade deficit.

SAT0421 GUSELKUMAB DEMONSTRATED AN INDEPENDENT TREATMENT EFFECT ON FATIGUE AFTER ADJUSTMENT FOR CLINICAL RESPONSE (ACR20) IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: RESULTS FROM PHASE-3 TRIALS DISCOVER 1 & 2

Background:

DISCOVER 1 and 2 are phase-3 trials of guselkumab (GUS, a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds the p19-subunit of IL-23) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). In both trials, treatment with GUS led to significantly more improvement than placebo (PBO) in the primary endpoint (ACR20) as well as in other measures of arthritis and psoriasis at week (W) 24.1,2

Objectives:

To evaluate the effect of GUS on fatigue in DISC 1 & 2 using the patient reported outcome (PRO) FACIT-Fatigue, which has demonstrated content validity and strong psychometric properties in clinical trials.3

Methods:

DISC 1 & 2 enrolled patients with active PsA, despite nonbiologic DMARDS and/or NSAIDS, who were mostly biologic naïve except for ~30% of patients in DISC 1 who had received 1-2 TNFi. Patients were randomized (1:1:1) in a blinded fashion to subcutaneous GUS 100 mg at W0 and W4 then every (q) 8W, to GUS 100 mg q4W, or to matching PBO. Concomitant treatment with select non-biologic DMARDS, oral corticosteroids, and NSAIDs was allowed. The FACIT-Fatigue is a 13-item PRO instrument assessing fatigue and its impact on daily activities and function over the past seven days, with a total score ranging from 0 to 52, higher score denoting less fatigue. A change of ≥4 points is identified as clinically meaningful.3Change from baseline in FACIT-Fatigue was analyzed using MMRM (Figure). Independence of treatment effect on FACIT-Fatigue from effect on ACR20 was assessed using Mediation Analysis4(Table) to estimate the natural direct effect (NDE) and natural indirect effect (NIE) mediated by ACR20 response.

Results:

At baseline in DISC 1 & 2, the mean FACIT-fatigue scores (SD) were 30.4 (10.4) and 29.7 (9.7), respectively, indicating moderate to severe fatigue. In both DISCOVER 1 & 2 trials, treatment with GUS led to improvements in FACIT-Fatigue scores compared with PBO as early as W8 (Figure). 54%-63% of GUS patients compared with 35%-46% of PBO patients achieved clinically meaningful improvement (≥4 points) in FACIT-Fatigue (P≤0.003). Mediation analysis revealed that the independent treatment effects on fatigue after adjustment for ACR20 response (Natural Direct Effect [NDE], Table) were 12-36% in the q8W GUS dosing group and 69% -70% in the q4W GUS group.

Conclusion:

In 2 phase-3 trials, treatment with GUS of patients with active PsA led to significant improvements compared to PBO in fatigue, including substantial effects on FACIT-Fatigue that were independent of the effects on ACR 20, especially for the q4W dosing group.

References:

[1]Deodhar et al. ACR 2019. Abstract #807. Arthr Rheumatol. 2019;71 S10: 1386

[2]Mease et al. ACR 2019. Abstract # L13. Arthr Rheumatol. 2019;71 S10:5247

[3]Cella et al. Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes. 2019;3:30

[4]Valeri et al. Psychologic Meth. 2013;18:137

Table.

Mediation Analysis of the Effect of ACR 20 Response on Change from Baseline in FACIT-Fatigue Score at Week 24

EffectGUS 100 mg q8W vs. PBOEstimate (95% CI)GUS 100 mg q4W vs. PBOEstimate (95% CI)DISCOVER 1NDE0.36 (-1.7, 2.4)2.60 (0.6, 4.5)*NIE2.75 (1.4, 4.3)*1.20 (0.3, 2.3)*Total Effect3.12 (1.0, 5.2)*3.79 (1.9, 5.4)*Proportion Independent11.7%68.5%Proportion Mediated88.3%31.5%DISCOVER 2NDE1.44 (-0.1, 3.0)2.49 (1.0, 4.1)*NIE2.53 (1.6, 3.6)*1.09 (0.4, 1.9)*Total Effect3.97 (2.4, 5.5)*3.58 (2.1, 5.0)*Proportion Independent36.3%69.7%Proportion Mediated63.7%30.3%

*P vs placebo<0.02

NDE=Natural Direct Effect (effect on FACIT-F beyond effect on ACR20), NIE=Natural Indirect Effect (effect on FACIT-F mediated by ACR20)

Mediation analysis4used linear and logistics regression models with Bootstrapping method

Acknowledgments:

None

Disclosure of Interests:

Philip Helliwell: None declared, Proton Rahman Grant/research support from: Janssen and Novartis, Consultant of: Abbott, AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, and Pfizer., Speakers bureau: Abbott, AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Atul Deodhar Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GSK, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myer Squibb (BMS), Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myer Squibb (BMS), Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Alexa Kollmeier Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Elizabeth C Hsia Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Bei Zhou Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Xiwu Lin Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Chenglong Han Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Philip J Mease Grant/research support from: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – grant/research support, Consultant of: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – consultant, Speakers bureau: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Eli Lilly, Genentech, Janssen, Pfizer, UCB – speakers bureau

Krüppel homologue 1 interacts directly with Hairy and regulates ecdysis in the brown planthopper

Juvenile hormone (JH) plays important roles in the growth and development of insects. JH and its receptor methoprene-tolerant (Met) regulate the expression of transcription factors to control the transcription of downstream genes. The expression of Hairy (Hry) and Krüppel homologue 1 (Kr-h1) is regulated by JH and JH receptors. Hry and Kr-h1 are both crucial in mediating JH signalling. However, whether they interact at the gene level in regulating metamorphosis and whether they interact physically at the protein level remain unknown. We used co-immunoprecipitation, glutathione S-transferase pull-down and RNA interference (RNAi) approaches to study the genetic and biochemical interactions of the two proteins Hry and Kr-h1. The results showed that brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) Hry and Kr-h1 interact directly: Hry binds to the N-terminal of Kr-h1, which includes five zinc-finger domains. The RNAi experiment showed that downregulation of Hry reduced the ratio of ecdysis failure caused by knockdown of Kr-h1, indicating that the downregulation of Hry might mitigate ecdysis failure via the downregulation of Kr-h1. The expression of Hry increased significantly when Kr-h1 was downregulated, whereas it did not change significantly when both were downregulated. Our results suggest that the binding of Hry protein with Kr-h1 prevents the N-terminal five zinc-finger domains from binding with DNA, which in turn inactivates the transcription activator or inhibitor function of Kr-h1. Hry could possibly be used as a target for pesticide applications in the future.

Efficacy of recombinant N- and C-terminal derivative of EmIMP1 against E. maxima infection in chickens

1. Immune mapped protein-1 (IMP1) of E. maxima has been identified as a vaccine antigen candidate for E. maxima infection. 2. In the current study, the N- and C-terminal derivative of EmIMP1 were expressed in E. coli and administered to chickens. The antibody response, cell-mediated immune (CMI) response and the protective efficacy of the protein vaccines against E. maxima challenge were evaluated. 3. The results showed that C-terminal derivative of EmIMP1 vaccination could increase weight gain, reduce enteric lesions, and decrease faecal oocysts shedding. Moreover, the C-terminal derivative of EmIMP1 caused reasonable improvement in serum antibodies and the numbers of IFN-γ producing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), as compared to the control group. 4. This study demonstrated that the C-terminal derivative of EmIMP1 could be used as a potent immunogenic candidate in the development of subunit vaccines against E. maxima infection.

Effect of spinning on the shape and stability of a pendent drop

Assuming that we wish to measure the surface tension between two liquids by running a pendent drop experiment, we present calculations supporting the case for spinning the drop. For bridges, jets, etc., spinning a heavy fluid surrounded by a lighter fluid is strictly destabilizing. But we find that spinning a drop may be stabilizing and, if this is so, it leads to larger critical volumes, volumes where stability is lost, and thus more accurate measurements of surface tension. There are two observable patterns, one symmetric and the other unsymmetric, at the point of instability. The symmetric pattern leads to larger critical volumes. Our aim is to show how spinning can be used to achieve the symmetric pattern.

[Prognosis analysis of 112 cases with Japanese encephalitis in adults]

Objective: To analyze the improvement of clinical symptoms and recovery of neurological function in adult Japanese encephalitis, and study the prognostic factors. Methods: Follow-up was conducted for 112 hospitalized patients with Japanese encephalitis (JE) in adults at the Department of Neurology of three hospitals in Gansu province from July to October 2016, from July to October 2017, 6 months and 1 year after onset, respectively. The neurological functional recovery was evaluated by modified Ranking Scale (mRS).The influencing factors were analyzed by logistic regression model. Results: Among the 112 adult patients with JE after 1year follow-up, 57% (64/112) were completely recovered (mRS score=0), and 14%(16/112) had mild neurological dysfunction (mRS score=1 or 2 points), 20% (22/112) had moderate to severe neurological dysfunction (mRS score 3 to 5), and 9% (10/112) died. In 102 survivors, decreased consciousness were fully recovered (100%), 75% of the mental and behavior disorders, 64% of cognitive/memory impairment, 71% of language function disorder, 61% of paralysis, 73% of extrapyramidal symptoms were fully recovered, and 92% of the seizures were controlled. Comparison of clinical data of initial on-set between good prognosis group (mRS score≤2, 80 cases) and poor prognosis group (mRS score>2, 32 cases) showed that initial clinical manifestation with seizures, consciousness (GCS score), cerebrospinal fluid pressure, and lesion of MRI involved in midbrain had statistically significant differences (all P<0.05) . Multivariate analysis demonstrated that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure>250 mmH(2)O and lesion of midbrain in MRI were independent risk factors of poor prognosis in adult patients with JE. Conclusion: JE is an acute and infectious viral encephalitis of the central nervous system with high disability and mortality. Most patients were completely recovered, and some had neurological sequelae. CSF pressure>250 mmH(2)O and lesion of midbrain in MRI are independent risk factors for poor prognosis.

Transinguinal preperitoneal repair of giant inguinoscrotal hernias using Kugel mesh

INTRODUCTION

Giant inguinoscrotal hernias are rarely encountered in clinical settings, and their repair is technically challenging. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of transinguinal preperitoneal repair (TIPP) of giant inguinoscrotal hernias using Kugel mesh.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 9 patients with 11 giant inguinoscrotal hernias who underwent TIPP repair using Kugel mesh between December 2008 and January 2019. Demographics and perioperative and postoperative data were collected, and the operative experience was summarized.

RESULTS

The patients underwent a successful repair procedure with simultaneous omentectomy but without resection of the other abdominal organs. The median operation time was 120min, the median intraoperative blood loss was 75mL and the median defect area was 72 cm². The median duration for diet restoration was 4 days, and the median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days. The drainage tube placed in the preperitoneal space was removed after a median duration of 5 days, and the drainage tube placed in the distal hernia sac was removed after a median duration of 6 days. Three patients suffered from a postoperative increase in intra-abdominal pressure, while one patient deteriorated into abdominal compartment syndrome accompanied by respiratory dysfunction. No haematomas, seromas, incisional or mesh infections, recurrence or chronic pain occurred during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

TIPP repair using Kugel mesh is a feasible and effective method for giant inguinoscrotal hernias.

Handgrip Strength and Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) Test are Predictors of Short-Term Mortality among Elderly in a Population-Based Cohort in Singapore

OBJECTIVES

Asian studies on how physical tests predict short-term mortality in elderly are scarce. We assessed handgrip strength and timed-up-and-go (TUG) as such predictors among elderly Chinese in Singapore.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Community-dwelling Chinese elderly in Singapore.

PARTICIPANTS

We used data from 13,789 subjects in the prospective, population-based Singapore Chinese Health Study, who had a mean age of 74 (range 63 to 97) years at time of measurements.

MEASUREMENTS

Subjects underwent assessment for handgrip strength and TUG. They were followed for mortality via linkage with nationwide death registry through 2018.

RESULTS

In multivariable analyses, handgrip strength was inversely associated with risk of mortality in a dose-dependent manner: the hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] comparing extreme quartiles was 2.05 (1.44-2.90) (Ptrend<0.001). TUG was positively associated with mortality in a stepwise manner: the HR (95% CI) comparing extreme quartiles was 3.08 (2.17-4.38) (Ptrend<0.001). Compared to those with stronger handgrip and faster TUG, participants who either had weaker handgrip or slower TUG had a significant 1.59 to 2.11 fold increase in risk of mortality; while the HR (95% CI) for those who had both weaker handgrip and slower TUG was 3.93 (3.06-5.05). In time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, adding handgrip strength and TUG time to a Cox model containing sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and body measurements significantly improved the area under the curve for the prediction of mortality from 0.5 to 2 years (P≤0.001).

CONCLUSION

Among elderly in a Chinese population, handgrip strength and TUG test were strong and independent predictors of short-term mortality.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Governing the Loss of Muscle Function in Elderly Sarcopenia Patients: A longitudinal Study in China with 4 Years of Follow-Up

OBJECTIVES

Data regarding the occurrence of risk factors that promote the loss of muscle mass, strength and function in sarcopenia patients in elderly Chinese patients are sparse. Here, we investigated the alterations in muscle mass, function and strength in those with sarcopenia over a 4-year period. We further evaluated the risk factors leading to a loss of grip strength, gait speed and skeletal muscle mass index in sarcopenia patients.

DESIGN

A face-to-face cross-sectional survey.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

The study population consisted of 560 Chinese aged over 59 years.

MEASUREMENTS

Study recordings took places over a four-year period from 2014. Muscle mass was assessed through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) performed on an Inbody720, Biospace. Hand-grip strength and 6 m walking speed were used as measurements of muscle strength and function. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria (AWGS).

RESULTS

In total, 474 of the elderly residents completed the follow-up. The rates of decreased ASMI, grip strength, and gait speed in the sarcopenia patients increased over the 4-year period. Following multivariate analysis, age was identified as the main risk factor for all the observed decrease, gender was specifically related to the loss of ASMI, stroke was a risk factor for gait speed and sarcopenia. A high BMI was a risk factor for a low gait speed but was protective for a loss of skeletal muscle mass and sarcopenia.

CONCLUSIONS

Age leads to a decline in muscle strength and function. In elderly Chinese patients with sarcopenia, the rates of reduced grip strength, gait-speed and sarcopenia increased. A high BMI was protective against the decline in muscle mass and sarcopenia, but represented a risk factor for low gait speed. Stoke was identified to cause a loss of gait speed in sarcopenia patients.

CKB1 regulates expression of ribosomal protein L10 family gene and plays a role in UV-B response

Plastid casein kinase 2 (CK2), which is a major Ser/Thr-specific enzyme in higher organisms, plays an essential role in plant development and diverse abiotic stresses. CKB1 is a regulatory subunit beta of CK2. To expand our understand of functions of the CKB1 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana, protein changes among wild-type (WT) and CKB1 gain- and loss-of-function mutants were compared. Proteins extracted from the CKB1 knockout mutant and overexpressing mutant were compared with Col-0 plants using 2D-PAGE. Proteins regulated by CKB1 were identified with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF), and its transcript was verified by qRT-PCR. Bioinformatics analysis, including gene ontology and protein-protein interaction analysis, were employed. The results of mass spectra and bioinformatics analysis suggest that CKB1 may have functions in regulation of the ribosomal protein L10 (RPL10) family and is involved in ultraviolet-B (UV-B) response. Furthermore, qRT-PCR verification showed CKB1 expression was up-regulated by UV-B stress. The expression levels of five genes in the RPL10 family were reduced in the ckb1 T-DNA insertion mutants, whereas they increased in the CKB1 overexpressing mutants under both normal conditions and UV-B treatment. In conclusion, CKB1 has important functions in UV-B radiation stress. Our study implies that CKB1 positively regulates UV-B radiation stress signalling, possibly through modulating expression of the RPL10 family.

Adjuvant sunitinib in patients with high-risk renal cell carcinoma: safety, therapy management, and patient-reported outcomes in the S-TRAC trial

Background

Adjuvant sunitinib has significantly improved disease-free survival versus placebo in patients with renal cell carcinoma at high risk of recurrence post-nephrectomy (hazard ratio 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.59–0.98; two-sided P = 0.03). We report safety, therapy management, and patient-reported outcomes for patients receiving sunitinib and placebo in the S-TRAC trial.

Patients and methods

Patients were stratified by the University of California, Los Angeles Integrated Staging System and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score, and randomized (1 : 1) to receive sunitinib (50 mg/day) or placebo. Single dose reductions to 37.5 mg, dose delays, and dose interruptions were used to manage adverse events (AEs). Patients’ health-related quality of life, including key symptoms typically associated with sunitinib, were evaluated with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30).

Results

Patients maintained treatment for 9.5 (mean, SD 4.4) and 10.3 (mean, SD 3.7) months in the sunitinib and placebo arms, respectively. In the sunitinib arm, key AEs occurred ∼1 month (median) after start of treatment and resolved within ∼3.5 weeks (median). Many (40.6%) AEs leading to permanent discontinuation were grade 1/2, and most (87.2%) resolved or were resolving by 28 days after last treatment. Patients taking sunitinib showed a significantly lower EORTC QLQ-C30 overall health status score versus placebo, although this reduction was not clinically meaningful. Patients reported symptoms typically related to sunitinib treatment with diarrhea and loss of appetite showing clinically meaningful increases.

Conclusions

In S-TRAC, AEs were predictable, manageable, and reversible via dose interruptions, dose reductions, and/or standard supportive medical therapy. Patients on sunitinib did report increased symptoms and reduced HRQoL, but these changes were generally not clinically meaningful, apart from appetite loss and diarrhea, and were expected in the context of known sunitinib effects.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00375674.

[Spatial distribution of cancer-related burden in Guangzhou from 2010 to 2013]

Objective: To evaluate the burden and to describe the characteristics of spatial distribution caused by malignant tumors among different administrative areas in Guangzhou from 2010- 2013. Methods: Based on data from the Cancer Registry system and population in Guangzhou in 2010- 2013, disability-adjusted life year (DALY) was assessed on the disease burden of cancer, in accordance with the method used in the Global Burden of Disease study. Results: The crude incidence rates of cancer appeared as 256.22/10(5) in 2010-2011 and 270.04/10(5) in 2012-2013, with the crude mortality rates as 143.17/10(5) and 148.01/10(5), respectively, in Guangzhou. Cancers caused 606 238.95 DALYs in 2010-2011 and 623 763.80 DALYs in 2012-2013 for both sexes and 37.63 and 37.81 person year per 1 000 persons, with the standardized DALY rates as 34.51‰, 34.00‰ respectively. Three administrative districts (Yuexiu, Haizhu and Liwan) were with the largest disease burden of cancers that accounted for 45% of the DALYs for the whole Conghua district, with liver cancer was the leading cancer on DALYs, and tracheal, bronchus and lung cancer ranked the first in the other districts. Conclusions: In Guangzhou, disease burden caused by cancers was both prominently seen in the newly developed urban area and the old districts. It remains an arduous task to continue programs on control and prevention of cancers in this city.

[The study of AAV9 expression in cochleae of mice at different ages]

Objective: To determine the extent of transfection and expression of adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 9 (AAV9) in the cochleae of mice at different ages. Methods: AAV9-green fluorescent protein (GFP) was inoculated into the cochlea of mice via the round window membrane (RWM) or through cochleostomy at different ages. Four groups were divided according to ages and injection sites: P1SM group, AAV9-GFP was delivered to the scala media by cochleostomy at postnatal day 1; P1RW group, AAV9-GFP was delivered to the scala tympani via RWM at postnatal day 1; P9RW group: AAV9-GFP was injected through RWM at postnatal day 9; and P30RW group, adult mice (P30) were injected through RWM. GFP expression in cochlear whole mount was analyzed and auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests were conducted one month after virus injection (for each animal, only left cochlea was injected and the right side was used as a control). GraphPad Prism 5 statistical software was used for data analysis. Results: All of inner hair cells (IHCs) and most of outer hair cells (OHCs) were transfected via two approaches at P1 injection. There was no significant difference in ABR threshold between injected ears and untreated ears (P>0.05). All of the IHCs and parts of OHCs (69% in apical turn) were transfected via RWM at P9. The strongest GFP expression was observed near the apical turn. Cochlear inoculation via RWM at P30 led to transgene expression in only IHCs. The ABR threshold of injected ears in P9RW group and P30RW group was significantly higher than that of contralateral ears (P<0.01). Conclusions: AAV9 can be highly expressed in the inner and outer hair cells of the cochlea and hearing sensitivity can be preserved if virus injections are performed in neonatal mice. After AAV9 is transfected into the inner ear of adult mice, it is only expressed in the inner hair cells, which leads to the increase of the ABR response threshold of mice. Transfection efficiency is significant higher in neonate mice than in P9 and adult mice.

4965Non-transcriptional disruption of Ca2+i homeostasis and Cx43 function in the right ventricle precedes overt arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy in PKP2-deficient mice

Background

Plakophilin-2 (PKP2) is classically defined as a protein of the desmosome, an intercellular adhesion structure that also acts as a signaling hub to maintain structural and electrical homeostasis. Mutations in PKP2 associate with most cases of gene-positive arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). A better understanding of PKP2 cardiac biology can help elucidate the mechanisms underlying arrhythmic and cardiomyopathic events that occur consequent to its mutation. Here we sought to captureearly molecular/cellular events that can act as nascent substrates for subsequent arrhythmic/cardiomyopathic phenotypes.

Methods

We used multiple quantitative imaging modalities, as well as biochemical and high-resolution mass spectrometry methods to study the functional/structural properties of cells/tissues derived from cardiomyocyte-specific, tamoxifen-activated, PKP2 knockout mice (“PKP2cKO”). Studies were carried out 14 days post-tamoxifen injection, a time point preceding an overt electrical or structural phenotype.Myocytes from right or left ventricular free wall were studied separately, to detect functional/structural asymmetries.

Results

Most properties of PKP2cKO left ventricular (LV) myocytes were not different from control; in contrast, PKP2cKO right ventricular (RV) myocytes showed increased amplitude and duration of Ca2+transients, increased frequency of spontaneous Ca2+release events, increased [Ca2+] in the cytoplasm and sarcoplasmic reticulum compartments, and dynamic Ca2+accumulation in mitochondria. In addition, RyR2 in RV presented enhanced sensitivity to Ca2+and preferential phosphorylation in a domain known to modulate Ca2+gating. RNAseq at 14 days post-TAM showed no relevant difference in transcript abundance between RV and LV, neither in control nor in PKP2cKO cells, suggesting that in the earliest stage, [Ca2+]i dysfunction is not transcriptional. Rather, we found an RV-predominant increase in membrane permeability that can permit Ca2+entry into the cell. Cx43 ablation mitigated the increase in membrane permeability, the accumulation of cytoplasmic Ca2+and the early stages of RV dysfunction.

Conclusions

Loss of PKP2 creates an RV-predominant arrhythmogenic substrate (Ca2+ dysregulation) that precedes the cardiomyopathy and that is, at least in part, mediated by a Cx43-dependent membrane conduit. Given that asymmetric Ca2+ dysregulation precedes the cardiomyopathic stage, we speculate that abnormal Ca2+ handling in RV myocytes can be a trigger for gross structural changes observed at a later stage.

Optimization of Dietary Zinc Requirement for Broiler Breeder Hens of Chinese Yellow-Feathered Chicken

Simple Summary

China is the second-largest global producer of chicken meat, almost half of which is from the Chinese yellow-feathered breed; a systematic program has been initiated to improve its feeding standards. This study evaluated the optimal requirement of dietary zinc for maximal egg production, egg quality, tibial quality, and antioxidant indices of laying broiler breeders. The results revealed several beneficial effects of supplementary zinc on egg production, feed conversion ratio, yolk zinc content, tibial quality and the antioxidant indices in the serum, liver and ovary. The optimal zinc requirement was estimated based on a regression model.

Abstract

This study aimed to establish the optimal dietary zinc requirement of Chinese yellow-feathered Lingnan broiler breeders. A total of 576 breeder hens aged 58 weeks were randomly assigned to six treatments, each with 6 replicates of 16 birds (n = 96/treatment). The hens were fed either a basal diet (22.81 mg/kg Zn) or the same basal diet supplemented with additional 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 mg Zn/kg up to 65 weeks of age. Compared to the results of birds fed the basal diet (22.81 mg Zn/kg), the dietary supplementation with additional Zn (mg/kg) showed higher egg laying rate (at 48–120 mg), EM (at 96 mg/kg), yolk Zn content (at 24–120 mg/kg), fertility (at 48–120 mg/kg), hatchability (at 48–96 mg/kg), tibial breaking strength (at 24–48 mg/kg), tibial ash content (at 48 mg/kg), serum CuZnSOD activity (at 72 mg/kg) and T-AOC (at 48 mg/kg), and ovarian CuZnSOD and GSH-Px activities (at 96–120 mg/kg), and lower FCR (at 96 mg/kg). The regression model showed that the optimal supplemental Zn for maximal egg laying rate, yolk Zn content, fertility, and hatchability of Chinese yellow-feathered broiler breeders aged 58 to 65 weeks were 71.09, 92.34, 94.44 and 98.65 mg/kg diet, respectively.

Impacts of Graded Levels of Metabolizable Energy on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Slow-Growing Yellow-Feathered Male Chickens

A dose-response study was conducted to investigate the metabolizable energy (ME) requirement for Lingnan chickens from 9 to 15 weeks of age. One thousand two hundred 8-week-old slow-growing yellow-feathered male chickens were allotted to five dietary ME levels (2805, 2897, 2997, 3095 and 3236 kcal/kg). The results revealed that the daily metabolizable energy intake increased (p < 0.01), whereas the feed intake and feed:gain ratio decreased linearly (p < 0.01) with the increment in dietary ME level. The final body weight and daily gain of the highest ME treatment tended (p > 0.05) to be greater than those obtained with the lower ME levels. The fat content in breast muscle showed a quadratic response (p < 0.05) to the increase in dietary energy level. The shear force values of breast muscle in the 2897, 3095 and 3236 kcal/kg treatments were lower (p < 0.05) than those of the 2997 kcal/kg treatment. In conclusion, among the tested ME levels, 3095 kcal/kg was adequate for feed intake, shear force, and plasma uric acid, and 3236 kcal/kg tended to increase the body weight, body gain, and feed conversion ratio of Lingnan males between 9 and 15 weeks of age; further studies are still required for testing higher levels.

[Method for developing mouse model of endometrios is based on estrogen-releasing thermo-sensitive hydrogel system]

Objective: This study will explore and optimize the conditions for the construction of the mouse model of endometriosis using the estrogen-releasing thermo-sensitive hydrogel system. Methods: (1) The mice were injected subcutaneously with a gradient concentration of estrogen-releasing thermo-sensitive hydrogel systems, and the blood estrogen concentration was measured 3 days later. And then we draw the curve between mouse blood estrogen concentration and thermo-sensitive hydrogel systems concentration, selecting the most appropriate concentration of estrogen-releasing thermo-sensitive hydrogel systems. (2) To explore the release pattern of estrogen-releasing thermo-sensitive hydrogel system, the mice were injected subcutaneously with the optimal concentration of estrogen-releasing thermo-sensitive hydrogel system, and the blood estrogen concentration was measured on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 10th day respectively. (3) We transplanted uteruses from donor mice into the abdominal cavities of recipient mice. The recipient mice were divided into three groups named a, b, and c. Group a was intraperitoneally injected with PBS everyday after transplantation, and group b was intraperitoneally injected with estrogen solution everyday after transplantation. And estrogen-releasing thermo-sensitive hydrogel systems mentioned above were injected subcutaneously to group c once a week. Mice were killed 21 days later to observe the success rate of the endometriosis models. Results: (1) The concentration of estrogen in mice was linear with the concentration of estrogenin the estrogen-releasing thermo-sensitive hydrogel systems. And 0.8 mg/ml was the most appropriate concentration of the estrogen-releasing thermo-sensitive hydrogel system. (2) The thermo- sensitive hydrogel systems including 0.8 mg/ml estrogen can release estrogen in mice for 7 days and can achieve effective blood estrogen concentration. (3) All mice in group a, b, and c survived. All mice in group b and c showed ectopic cysts, and no cyst was observed in group a. Conclusions: The construction of the mouse model of endometriosis requires exogenous estrogen. We have found that the novelestrogen-releasing thermo-sensitive hydrogel systems can slowly release estrogen after subcutaneously injection in mice, and the value of the subcutaneously injection of estrogen-releasing thermo-sensitive hydrogel system (0.8 mg/ml) per week to the construction of the mouse model is certain.The estrogen-releasing thermo-sensitive hydrogel system has high application value and is worthy of promotion.

[Health-related quality of life and health-adjusted life expectancy among patients with chronic non-communicable diseases, in Guangdong province]

Objective: To estimate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) which were associated with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in people from Guangdong province of China. Methods: Data on both NCDs prevalence and EuroQol-5 Dimensions-3 Levels measured HRQOL were gathered from the Fifth National Health Survey in Guangdong province, 2013. Logistic regression model and multiple linear regression model were employed to explore the impact of NCDs on HRQOL. Life expectancy (LE) and HALE were used to evaluate the comprehensive impact of chronic diseases on population health. Results: A total of 68 550 inhabitants were included in the analysis. Graded logistic regression showed that the impact of chronic diseases on all dimensions of quality of life was statistically significant after adjusting for social demographic characteristics. The greatest health impact was on the pain/discomfort health dimension [OR=4.48 (95%CI:4.20-4.77)], followed by anxiety/depression[OR=3.95 (95%CI: 3.62- 4.31)], daily activities [OR=3.69 (95%CI: 3.37-4.04)], mobility [OR=3.63 (95%CI: 3.34-3.94)]and ability on self-care [OR=3.30 (95%CI: 2.98-3.66)]. Losses of LE and HALE caused by NCDs were 12.7 and 14.6 years respectively while the overall expected gain was 3.8 years in HALE, when NCDs were taken away. Conclusions: Our data showed that NCDs had shortened the healthy life span of patients through reducing the HRQOL and also causing heavy disease burden on both patients with NCDs and the communities. Health-care related policies on NCDs need to be developed, for the elderly, in particular.

Surgical treatment of type III temporomandibular joint ankylosis with a lateral arthroplasty while retaining the medially displaced condyle

INTRODUCTION

We discuss our findings on the retention of the medially displaced residual condyle during the treatment of type III temporomandibular joint ankylosis, as well as the postoperative results observed during follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two patients with type III temporomandibular joint ankylosis that met the inclusion criteria of the study were included as subjects. The morphological integrity of the medially displaced residual condyle was verified in all of the participating patients through the use of cone beam computed tomography. The duration of the ankylosis ranged from 2 to 12 years. The maximum length that patients were able to open their mouths ranged from 6 mm to 14 mm. The surgical treatments used in this report included the separation of bony fusions between the condyle and the glenoid fossa, resection of the ankylosed sites, preservation of the displaced condyles in their medial position and suturing the remains of the disc to its typical position or taking the temporalis myofascial flap instead. The long-term results were evaluated by computed tomography and clinical follow-up examinations.

RESULTS

Three-year postoperative follow-up examinations were performed for all of the patients included in this study. No recurrences were observed in the patients who adhered to the postoperative therapeutic advice. Patients had an average maximal mouth opening distance of 34.50 ± 5.75 mm as recorded during the final follow-up examination.

CONCLUSIONS

The released medially residual condyle can still function normally in temporomandibular joint movement and without reankylosis after a bone fusion resection. The displaced condyle should thus be preserved instead of being removed during the treatment of type III temporomandibular joint ankylosis.

[Influencing factors of protein energy wasting in maintenance hemodialysis patients]

Objective: To analyze the influencing factors of protein energy wasting (PEW) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in eleven hemodialysis centers of Guizhou province between June and August 2018. Clinical data, physical parameters, body composition data and laboratory values of MHD patients were collected. Analysis of variance was used to assess the impact of the indicators on the prevalence of PEW. Factor analysis was carried out after further classifing the factors into several common factors, and logistic regression was used to analyze the impact of common factors on PEW. Results: The results of univariate analysis showed that somatic cell mass, lean weight, fat content, body mass index (BMI), grip strength, leg circumference, hip circumference, waist circumference, midpoint circumference of upper arm, triceps skin fold thickness, hemoglobin, albumin, prealbumin, serum calcium, phosphorus, serum magnesium, creatinine, parathyroid hormone were the influential factors of PEW (all P<0.05). Factor analysis indicated that the above indicators can be classified into five common factors. Logistic regression model showed that with the increase of the prevalence of PEW, the scores of common factors decreased, the absolute value of regression coefficient beta in sequence, was common factor 2 (β=-2.258, P<0.001), common factor 4 (β=-1.589, P<0.001), common factor 1 (β=-1.144, P=0.001) and common factor 3 (β=-0.740, P=0.016). Conclusion: The reduction of fat content, anemia, hypoproteinemia, disorder of calcium and phosphorus metabolism were important factors influencing PEW.

Bioaccessibility in daily diet and bioavailability in vitro of aflatoxins from maize after cooking

Bioavailability is not a constant percentage of a contaminant in food but is affected by many factors, such as food type, treatment, diet structure and interaction with other compounds. To evaluate these influences, we measured the bioaccessibility of aflatoxins from nine naturally polluted maize samples, collected from southeast China, using an in vitro digestion model, and analysed the intestinal transport of aflatoxins by a Caco-2 cell model. Steam cooking treatment could reduce the aflatoxin levels in maize bread. The degradation rates of aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G1, and aflatoxin G2 ranged from 24.9±3.2 to 33.9±3.5%, 27.0±2.0 to 39.0±1.8%, 27.9±7.9 to 34.4±8.2% and 25.6±3.6 to 37.2±6.5%, respectively. As a result, the bioaccessibility of aflatoxins determined by an in vitro digestion model (41.5-63.3%) was much lower than the previously reported 80%. Edible oil could increase the bioaccessibility of aflatoxin, whereas lettuce would decrease the exposure amount from maize. With a Caco-2 cell model, the apparent permeability coefficient exceeding 10-5 cm/s indicated that there is high absorption of aflatoxins in the human body, while the intestinal transport can be effectively restrained in the presence of chlorophyll.

[Relationship between impaired myocardial untwisting and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with autoimmune diseases]

Objective: To observe the relationship between impaired myocardial untwisting and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with autoimmune diseases (AD). Methods: In this retrospective study, 95 AD patients (27 males, (38.6±14.2) years old) were enrolled as AD group and 71 gender and age matched healthy subjects (24 males, (37.6±12.2) years old) were enrolled as control group, all underwent transthoracic echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) in our hospital between January 2014 and June 2018. Left ventricular untwisting and diastolic function parameters were measured. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify related factors of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in AD patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the diagnosis value of untwisting parameters for left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in AD patients. Results: Compared with control group, left ventricular ejection fraction was lower (58(47, 66)% vs. 67 (62, 71) %, P<0.001), E/e' was higher (10.78 (7.28, 13.65) vs. 6.30 (5.55, 7.25) , P<0.001), isovolumic relaxation time was longer (73.5 (56.5, 88.0) ms vs. 62.0 (58.0, 68.5) ms, P<0.001),and untwist slope during isovolumic relaxation period (USIR) was lower (31.92 (14.09, 54.92) °/s vs. 59.90 (40.09, 87.18) °/s, P<0.001) in AD group than in control group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed heart rate (OR=0.885, 95%CI 0.840-0.931, P<0.001), E/e' (OR=0.655, 95%CI 0.537-0.798, P<0.001) and USIR (OR=0.986, 95%CI 0.974-0.998, P=0.020) were independently related with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in AD patients. ROC curve showed that area under the curve (AUC) was 0.919 (P<0.001), sensitivity was 87.6%, and specificity was 88.7%, when combining the heart rate, E/e', and USIR as assessment parameters for the diagnosis of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in AD patients at a cutoff of 0.51. Conclusions: Impairment of myocardial untwisting indicates the presence of early stage left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in AD patients. USIR may be a sensitive parameter to evaluate early stage left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in AD patients.

Morphologic Evolution and Coordinated Development of the Fetal Lateral Ventricles in the Second and Third Trimesters

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Few investigators have studied the lateral ventricle formation related to the development of the calcarine sulcus. Our purpose was to establish the relationship between the lateral ventricles and the calcarine sulcus in the second and third trimesters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fetal brain MR imaging (3T and 7T) was performed in 84 fetuses at 14-35 gestational weeks. The lateral ventricles and calcarine sulcus were 3D-reconstructed, and quantitative measurements were obtained.

RESULTS

The lateral ventricle volume decreases slowly at 14-23 gestational weeks and then increases rapidly at 24-35 gestational weeks. The depth and length of the calcarine sulcus develop with the increase in gestational weeks, leading to be squeezed in the lateral ventricle posterior horn. A linear correlation occurs between the calcarine sulcus length and posterior horn length: Right-length = 2.4204 (L_PH) - 27.5706, Left-length = 2.0939 (L_PH) - 23.4099.

CONCLUSIONS

The variation of lateral ventricle volume evolved from a slow to rapid increase at 14-35 gestational weeks. The shrinkage in the lateral ventricle posterior horn is accompanied by the development of the calcarine sulcus, resulting in a better linear correlation between the calcarine sulcus length and the posterior horn length. The present results are valuable in elucidating the evolution of lateral ventricle development and provide clues for the diagnosis of lateral ventricle abnormalities in the prenatal examination.

[Rosuvastatin protects acute myocardial infarction rats through autophagy regulation via AMPK signaling]

Objective: To investigate the effects of rosuvastatin (RSV)on autophagy and apoptosis of myocardial cells in rats with acute myocardial infarction. Methods: SD rats were divided into control (Sham group), acute myocardial infarction model rats (AMI group), AMI rats treated by RSV with the dose of 5 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1) (RSV group), AMI rats treated by RSV and AMPK inhibitor Compound C at the same time (RSV+ CC group)(n=8) based on simple random sampling methods.Rat myocardial cell line H9c2 was divided into control group, Hypoxia group, Hypoxia+ RSV group, Hypoxia+ RSV+ Compound C group, Hypoxia+ AICAR (AMPK activator)group.After 6 weeks, the rats were examined by hemodynamics, and pathological observation of myocardial tissue by HE staining was also carried out.RT-PCR/Western blot were used to detect the expression of Beclin1, p62, BAX and Bcl-2 mRNA or protein of different groups in vivo and in vitro.Western blot was used to detect the expression of mTOR and AMPK protein and phosphorylation in cardiac tissue of each group. Results: In this study, the rat model of acute myocardial infarction was successfully prepared.Compared with the AMI group, the myocardium inflammation in the RSV group was alleviated, the LVMI decreased significantly, LVSP increased significantly, LVEDP decreased significantly, HR decreased significantly, the absolute value of dP/dTmax and -dP/dTmax increased significantly.The levels of Beclin1 and Bcl-2 mRNA were significantly up-regulated from 0.43 to 2.01 and 0.30 to 0.72, the expression of p62 and BAX mRNA decreased in half, the phosphorylation level of AMPK was significantly up-regulated, and the level of mTOR phosphorylation significantly reduced(P<0.05). These changes were antagonized by AMPK inhibitors in RSV+ CC group.In vitro experiments showed that, after RSV intervening, the levels of Beclin1 and Bcl-2 mRNA and protein in the myocardial cells of Hypoxia group significantly increased in triple, while the expressions of p62 and BAX mRNA and protein significantly decreased above a half.The above changes were consistent with those of the AMPK activator group and were antagonized by Compound C. Conclusion: RSV can effectively promote autophagy and decrease apoptosis in rat heart after myocardial infarction through AMPK/mTOR pathway.

[Meta-analysis on safety and efficacy of dual antiplatelet therapy combining with proton pump inhibitors for patients after percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To analyze the impact of dual antiplatelet (DAPT) therapy combining with or without proton pump inhibitors (PPI) on the main outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant literature and the references obtained from these sources were retrieved manually from inception till September 2017. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established follow the Cochrane review standard. A total of 977 literatures were included, 193 duplicates were excluded, 74 reviews, case reports, letters and systematic reviews were excluded, 667 literatures were excluded after reading the title and abstract, 34 literatures were excluded due to non-randomized control studies and unrelated outcome indicators, and 9 literatures were finally included with a total of 16 589 patients. RevMan 5.3 software was used to compare the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), cardiogenic death, recurrent myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, all-cause death, stent thrombosis, stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding and gastrointestinal events in patients with DAPT combining with or without PPI after PCI. Results: MACE was observed in 8 out of the 9 included literatures, and the results showed that MACE occurred in 561 out of 6 282 patients receiving DAPT combining with PPI therapy and in 951 out of 9 632 patients using DAPT alone (OR=1.15, 95%CI 0.88-1.51, P>0.05). Cardiogenic death was observed in 7 out of the 9 included literatures, and the results showed that cardiogenic death occurred in 172 out of 6 453 patients receiving DAPT combining with PPI treatment and in 321 out of the 9 839 patients using DAPT alone (OR=0.97, 95%CI 0.80-1.18, P>0.05). Recurrent myocardial infarction was observed in 7 out of the 9 included literatures, the results showed 416 out of 6 282 cases in DAPT combining with PPI therapy group experienced recurrent myocardial infarction and 691 out of 9 632 cases in DAPT group experienced recurrent myocardial infarction (OR=1.01, 95%CI 0.89-1.16, P>0.05). Four out of 9 literatures observed revascularization. The results showed that revascularization was performed in 64 out of 2 173 patients receiving DAPT combining with PPI therapy and in 105 out of the 2 770 patients using DAPT alone (OR=1.33, 95%CI 0.55-3.24, P>0.05). All-cause death was observed in 7 out of the 9 included literatures, and the results showed that all-cause death occurred in 172 out of the 6 453 patients in DAPT combining with PPI therapy group and in 321 out of the 9 839 patients using DAPT alone (OR=0.97, 95%CI 0.80-1.18, P>0.05). Three out of the 9 included articles observed stent thrombosis, and the results showed that stent thrombosis occurred in 99 out of 2 997 patients receiving DAPT combining with PPI therapy and in 245 out of the 6 198 patients treated with DAPT (OR=1.07, 95%CI 0.83-1.37, P>0.05). Stroke was observed in 2 out of the 9 included literatures. The results showed that stroke occurred in 5 out of 2 019 patients receiving DAPT combining with PPI therapy, and in 4 out of the 2 033 patients treated with DAPT (OR=1.00, 95%CI 0.29-3.49, P>0.05). Gastrointestinal bleeding was observed in 6 out of the 9 included literatures. The results showed that gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in 26 out of 3 517 patients receiving DAPT combined with PPI therapy, and in 93 out of the 3 506 patients treated with DAPT, gastrointestinal bleeding was significantly lower in the DAPT combining with PPI group than DAPT alone group (OR=0.27, 95%CI 0.17-0.41, P<0.01). Gastrointestinal events were reported in 6 out of the 9 included articles. Similarly, gastrointestinal events were observed in 51 out of 3 517 patients receiving DAPT combined with PPI therapy, and in 190 out of the 3 506 patients treated with DAPT alone, the incidence of gastrointestinal events in the DAPT combined with PPI group was significantly lower than DAPT alone group (OR=0.24, 95%CI 0.14-0.42, P<0.01). Conclusions: The incidence of MACE, cardiogenic death, recurrent myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, all-cause death, stent thrombosis and stroke are not affected by DAPT combined with PPI therapy after PCI, while the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding and gastrointestinal events could be reduced by adding PPI to DAPT in patients undergoing PCI.

Antidepressant medication exposure and 5-HT1A autoreceptor binding in major depressive disorder

OBJECTIVE

We have previously reported higher brain serotonin 1A (5-HT_1A ) autoreceptor binding in antidepressant-naïve patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) compared with healthy volunteers, and a decrease in binding in MDD after selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment. This SSRI effect is also present in rodents administered SSRIs chronically. We therefore sought to determine the duration of antidepressant medication effects on 5-HT_1A receptor binding after medication discontinuation.

METHODS

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with the 5-HT_1A receptor radioligand [¹¹ C]WAY-100635 was performed in 66 individuals with current DSM-IV MDD to examine relationships between 5-HT_1A binding and time since most recent antidepressant treatment. All subjects were medication-free for at least 2 weeks prior to scanning. Thirty-two additional MDD comparison subjects were antidepressant naïve.

RESULTS

No differences in [¹¹ C]WAY-100635 binding were observed between antidepressant naïve and antidepressant exposed MDD groups in 13 a priori cortical and subcortical regions of interest, including raphe autoreceptors, assessed simultaneously in linear mixed effects models. Furthermore, [¹¹ C]WAY-100635 binding did not correlate with time off antidepressants in the antidepressant exposed patients considering these ROIs. The same results were observed when effects of treatment discontinuation of any psychotropic medication used to treat their depression was examined.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that any antidepressant-associated downregulation of 5-HT_1A autoreceptor binding reverses within 2 weeks of medication discontinuation. Since this effect is hypothesized to mediate the antidepressant action of SSRIs, and perhaps other antidepressants, it suggests that patients who need ongoing treatment may relapse rapidly when medication is discontinued. Moreover, 2 weeks appears to be a sufficiently long washout of antidepressant medications for a reliable measure of illness-related binding levels.

Abstract P4-04-11: A small amount of primary breast cancer shows high tumor mutation burden that may benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy

Background: Targeted therapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is a major breakthrough in cancer treatment in the last decade. ICIs like PD1 or PD-L1 antibodies have been shown to be quite effective in cancer like melanoma. However, in most other tumor types including breast cancer, the situation is not as optimistic. Only a small percentage of those patients respond to ICIs therapy. This highlights the importance of identifying biomarkers to predict which patients may benefit from such treatment. Tumor Mutation Burden (TMB) has been shown to be a sensitive marker for ICI treatment. This study is to investigate whether TBM could be used as a biomarker for breast cancer treatment.

Methods: We reviewed next generation sequencing studies of breast cancer. Two such studies with raw data provided were included in our analysis. One study entitled METABRIC performed targeted sequencing of 173 cancer-related genes in around 2500 primary breast cancer tissues. The other study was from TCGA breast cancer project, which performed Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) of around 1000 primary breast cancer samples. Mutation data were downloaded from public data deposit. The number of mutations per sample was calculated. TBM was calculated by divide the coverage in million base pair from that of the total mutation counts.

Results: In METABRIC study, 17272 mutations were identified in 2369 samples, with a median of 7 mutations per sample (95% CI: 6 ˜ 7). The median TMB of METABRIC dataset was 5.8 SNVs/Mb (95% CI: 5 ˜ 5.8). Totally 30 out 2369 (1.3%) samples had a TMB equal or large than 20 SNVs/Mb. In another cohort from TCGA breast cancer study using WES technology, 90172 mutations were identified in 977 samples, with a median of 44 mutations per sample (95% CI: 39 ˜ 50). The median TMB was 1 SNVs/Mb (95% CI: 0.9 ˜ 1.1). Totally 13 out 977 (1.3%) samples had a TMB equal or large than 20 SNVs/Mb.

Conclusions: Breast cancer shows middle to low mutation burden compared to other cancer types. Around 1.3% of breast cancer has quite high TMB of at least 20 SNVs/Mb, which may be qualified for immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy. Our study indicates that TMB may be incorporated as a standard test for late stage breast cancer patients in the clinical practice.

Keywords: Breast cancer, Tumor Mutation Burden, Whole exome sequencing, Targeted sequencing, Immune checkpoint

Citation Format: Wang J, Chen W, Jiang Z, Lin X, Qin T, Yang X, Liu T, Hu H, Li Z, Xie D, Yao H, Song E. A small amount of primary breast cancer shows high tumor mutation burden that may benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-04-11.

A sea change in our view of overturning in the subpolar North Atlantic

To provide an observational basis for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections of a slowing Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC) in the 21st century, the Overturning in the Subpolar North Atlantic Program (OSNAP) observing system was launched in the summer of 2014. The first 21-month record reveals a highly variable overturning circulation responsible for the majority of the heat and freshwater transport across the OSNAP line. In a departure from the prevailing view that changes in deep water formation in the Labrador Sea dominate MOC variability, these results suggest that the conversion of warm, salty, shallow Atlantic waters into colder, fresher, deep waters that move southward in the Irminger and Iceland basins is largely responsible for overturning and its variability in the subpolar basin.

63 Bovine embryo-secreted microRNA-30c negatively regulates cell cycle progression through downregulation of CDK12

Identifying microRNA (miRNA) differentially secreted by intermediate (cleaved between 26.6-31.4 hpi) and slow cleaving bovine embryos (cleaved after 31.4 hpi), investigating how they influence embryo development and consequently if they can be used as biomarkers for bovine embryo development. MicroRNA collected from conditioned media (CM) of 167 individually cultured embryos were sequenced on an Illumina Miseq (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA) after small RNA library construction with the Tailormix v2 kit (SeqMatic, Fremont, CA, USA) and compared with miRBase, using cow as primary organism, to identify known miRNA in all samples. To predict potential novel miRNA, the sequences were aligned against the annotated cow genome (GCA_000003055.3), structurally analysed, and compared with all other mammalian data in miRBase. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to validate miRNA sequencing results. Apoptosis staining was performed for functional analysis of the differentially expressed miRNA-30c (miR-30c). Luciferase reporter assay, Western blotting, and quantitative RT-PCR were used to validate one of the predicted target genes of miR-30c, CDK12. The DNA content analysis using propidium iodide staining followed by flow cytometry and a water-soluble tetrazolium-1 proliferation assay were performed together with ELISA to assess the effect of miR-30c on cell progression. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to assess mRNA levels of DNA damage response (DDR) genes. In total, 114 known and 180 potentially novel miRNA were found in bovine embryo CM. Seven differentially expressed miRNA were identified in the CM from embryos with different cleavage patterns and different quality: miR-30c, miR-10b, and miR-novel-66 were differentially expressed between slow and intermediate developing embryos; miR-10b, miR-novel-113, miR-novel-44, miR-novel-45, and miR-novel-139 were differentially expressed between blastocysts and degenerate embryos. We further focused on functional analysis of miR-30c. Exogeneous delivery of miR-30c mimics to cultured embryos resulted in an increased cell apoptosis. Additionally, transfer of miR-30c mimics to Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells (MDBK) reduced cell cycle progression/cell proliferation, while inhibition of miR-30c resulted in the opposite. In addition, knockdown of CDK12 caused significant decreases in mRNA levels of DDR genes BRCA1, FANCD2, FANCI, and ATR. These data were derived from 3 independent experiments and were considered significant with a P-value&lt;0.05. In vitro-cultured bovine embryos secrete miRNA in the culture medium depending on their developmental capacity. One of these miRNA, miR-30c, increases bovine embryo apoptosis when exogeneously delivered. In addition, miR-30c directly targets and down-regulates CDK12, indicating the possibility that delivery of miR-30c mimics influences cell cycle progression by inhibiting DDR pathways through regulating CDK12. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of secreted miRNA participation in intercellular communication.