Association of a novel SNP in the ASIP gene with skin color in black-bone chicken

The agouti signaling protein gene (ASIP) is a widely studied pigmentation gene that plays an important role in melanin synthesis. To determine the variety of ASIP expression in the Muchuan Black-Bone chicken, we examined genetic variation in the ASIP promoter region. A single nucleotide polymorphism (c.-1826A>T) was found to be associated with the skin color (dorsal and subalar) of black-bone chicken. Individuals with TT and AT genotypes had higher ASIP mRNA levels in the skin than did those with the AA genotype (P < 0.01). In addition, individuals with the TT genotype had higher ASIP mRNA levels than did those with the AT genotype (P < 0.05). Expression of melanogenesis-related genes (melanocortin 1 receptor and tyrosinase genes) was higher in the skin of chickens with the TT and AT genotypes than in those with the AA genotype (P < 0.01). A luciferase assay showed that promoter activity was higher in chickens with the TT genotype than in those with the AA genotype. Putative transcription factor prediction suggested that the c.-1826A>T mutation might shift the promoter binding affinity with differential transcription factors. In summary, we identified a novel mutation in the ASIP gene promoter that may affect chicken skin color by altering ASIP transcriptional activity.

A light and electron microscopy study of the yak placentome

Background and Materials and methods: In order to clarify and reveal the morphological characteristics of yak placentomes, placentomes obtained from 151 to 180 days of pregnant yaks were observed using light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Results: The results indicated that sessile, dome-shaped yak placentomes seemed to have a relatively complex villous-crypt architecture pattern. There was a straight maternal plate beneath the placentome. Plentiful uterine glands and a dense cellular layer were present in the endometrium lamina propria close to the maternal plate. Trophoblast giant cells appeared to have similar ultrastructure features to these in other ruminants, including abundant mitochondria, an extensive array of rough endoplasmic reticulum, advanced Golgi complex and many specific secretory granules. Trophoblast giant cells could also secrete neutral and acid glycoconjugates. Furthermore, numerous glycoconjugates were distributed in the connective zones between mononuclear trophoblast cells and crypt epithelial cells as well as in maternal connective tissues. Mononucleate trophoblast cells, which had abundant microvilli that interdigitated with the corresponding microvilli arising from the crypt epithelial cells, had numerous mitochondria and vesicles, but there were no glycoconjugates. Conclusions: The morphological structures of yak placentomes were similar to those of other bovid genera; however, certain differences were observed. These findings might provide morphological evidence for evolutionary relationships between different bovid genera.

Abstract P6-17-03: 24 months results from a double-blind, randomized phase III trial comparing the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant then adjuvant trastuzumab and its biosimilar candidate CT-P6 in HER2 positive early breast cancer (EBC)

Background CT-P6 is a proposed biosimilar to reference trastuzumab (RTZ). A double-blind, randomized, phase III trial showed similar efficacy and safety for CT-P6 and RTZ in HER2 positive EBC (NCT02162667). The primary endpoint, pathological complete response rate was within the predefined margin to demonstrate similarity (Lancet Oncol 2017). Safety and efficacy at 1 year (ESMO 2017), and cardiac toxicity at a median of 19 months (SABCS 2017) were similar between the two treatment groups. Here we report updated disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and cardiac toxicity data with a median follow-up of 2 years.

Methods A total of 549 patients with HER2 positive EBC were randomized to receive CT-P6 (n=271) or RTZ (n=278) in combination with docetaxel (Cycles 1-4) and 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (Cycles 5-8). CT-P6 or RTZ was administered at 8 mg/kg (Cycle 1 only) followed by 6 mg/kg every 3 weeks. After surgery, patients received CT-P6 or RTZ monotherapy then entered the follow-up period up to 3 year of last patient enrollment. Time to event analyses were performed using Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier methods.

Results A total of 528 patients (259/271 in CT-P6 and 269/278 in RTZ) entered the follow-up period after completing therapy. The median follow-up duration was over 27 months. The number of DFS events (32 [12.4%] in CT-P6 and 26 [10.0%] in RTZ) and OS events (14 [5.2%] in CT-P6 and 12 [4.3%] in RTZ) were comparable in the ITT set. Additionally, DFS and OS were similar between CT-P6 group and RTZ group in both the per-protocol set (PPS) and the ITT set. In the ITT set, the proportion of 2-year DFS (95% CI) was 86% (80% – 90%) in CT-P6 and 90% (85% – 93%) in RTZ. The proportion of 2-year OS was 97% (93% – 98%) in CT-P6 and 98% (96% – 99%) in RTZ. Median DFS and OS have not been reached. After 1-year treatment, no new cases of heart failure were reported during the follow-up period. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was similar in both groups (mean LVEF, more than 60%).

Table 1.Summary of Long Term Efficacy Endpoints PPSITT set CT-P6 (n=248)Reference Trastuzumab (n=256)CT-P6 (n=258)Reference Trastuzumab (n=261)Proportion of DFS1 year (95% CI)0.95 (0.91 – 0.97)0.96 (0.93 – 0.98)0.95 (0.91 – 0.97)0.96 (0.93 – 0.98)2 years (95% CI)0.86 (0.80 – 0.90)0.90 (0.85 – 0.93)0.86 (0.80 – 0.90)0.90 (0.85 – 0.93)p-value0.33240.3085 CT-P6 (n=248)Reference Trastuzumab (n=256)CT-P6 (n=271)Reference Trastuzumab (n=278)Proportion of OS1 year (95% CI)1.00 (1.00 – 1.00)1.00 (0.97 – 1.00)0.99 (0.97 – 1.00)0.99 (0.97 – 1.00)2 year (95% CI)0.97 (0.94 – 0.99)0.98 (0.96 – 0.99)0.97 (0.93 – 0.98)0.98 (0.96 – 0.99)3 year (95% CI)0.94 (0.88 – 0.97)0.93 (0.86 – 0.96)0.92 (0.86 – 0.96)0.93 (0.87 – 0.96)p-value0.93290.5057

Conclusions The efficacy and cardiac toxicity profile between CT-P6 and RTZ in EBC patients were consistent with published data. Time to event analyses as secondary efficacy endpoints supported the similarity for the two study drugs. CT-P6 was consistently well tolerated with a similar cardiotoxicity profile to that of RTZ through long duration of follow-up.

Citation Format: Esteva FJ, Lee S, Yu S, Kim M, Kim N, Stebbing J. 24 months results from a double-blind, randomized phase III trial comparing the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant then adjuvant trastuzumab and its biosimilar candidate CT-P6 in HER2 positive early breast cancer (EBC) [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 P6-17-03.

Two Dy(III) Single-Molecule Magnets with Their Performance Tuned by Schiff Base Ligands

To develop new lanthanide single-molecule magnets (SMMs), two new complexes of [Dy₂(MeOH)₂(HL¹)₂(NO₃)₂]·2MeOH (1) and [Dy₆(μ₃-OH)₂(L²)₂(HL²)₂(H₂L²)₂Cl₂(EtOH)₂]Cl₂·3EtOH·CH₃CN (2) were obtained by reacting Dy(NO)₃·6H₂O with 3-amino-1,2-propanediol in the presence of 2-hydroxynaphthaldehyde for 1 and by reacting DyCl₃·6H₂O with 1,1-di(hydroxymethyl)ethylamine in the presence of 2-hydroxynaphthaldehyde for 2, respectively, in which the Schiff base ligands of 3-(((2-hydroxynaphthaen-1-yl)methylene)amino)-propane-1,2-diol (H₃L¹) and 2-(β-naphthalideneamino)-2-(hydroxylmethyl)-1-propanol (H₃L²) were in situ formed. The two Dy(III) ions in 1 are linked by two O_alkoxy atoms of two (HL¹)^2- ligands to build a dinuclear skeleton. Complex 2 presents a nearly planar hexanuclear skeleton constructed from four edge-shared triangular Dy₃ units with the two peripheral Dy₃ units consolidated by two μ₃-O bridges and the two central Dy₃ units consolidated by one μ₃-O bridge. Obviously, they exhibit a different topological arrangement resulting from the linkage of the Schiff base ligands. Both of them are typical SMMs under zero dc fields, with a U_eff/ k_B value of 34 K for 1 and 40 K for 2, respectively. Multiple processes are involved in the relaxation processes of 1 and 2. The different SMM performances of the two titled complexes reveal a tuning effect of Schiff base ligands through tuning the coordination environments and topological arrangements of dysprosium(III) ions, which is supported by the theoretical calculations.

Two mononuclear dysprosium(iii) complexes with their slow magnetic relaxation behaviors tuned by coordination geometry

We report here two field-induced single-ion magnets of Dy(iii), which present octahedral and pentagonal–bipyramidal coordination geometries, respectively, with their magnetic performances tuned by the coordination geometries of Dy(iii).

Three Dy(iii) single-ion magnets bearing the tropolone ligand: structure, magnetic properties and theoretical elucidation

Three Dy(iii) SIMs bearing the tropolone ligand are reported here with the tuning effect on their performances by ancillary ligands revealed via experimental magnetic investigations and theoretical calculations.

Distinct functions of CXCR3+ and CCR4+CD4+ T-cells accumulated in human tuberculosis pleural fluid

BACKGROUND

Chemokine receptors and their ligands play a prominent role in regulating leucocyte migration. In the local milieu of inflammation, a high concentration of chemokines can recruit different chemokine receptor-expressing lymphocytes.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the distinct immunological functions of CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3⁺) and CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4⁺) cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4⁺) T-cells accumulated in human tuberculosis (TB) pleural fluid after tuberculous antigen stimulation.

METHODS

Mononuclear cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy donors, cord blood and TB pleural fluid, and expression of CXCR3 and CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4), cytokines and cytolytic molecules by CD4⁺ T-cells with or without stimulation were analysed using fluorescence-activated cell sorting.

RESULTS

CXCR3 and CCR4 expression on CD4⁺ T-cells from pleural fluid mononuclear cells (PFMCs) was significantly higher than in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). T-cell receptor signalling resulted in the upregulation of CXCR3 and CCR4 expression on CD4⁺ T-cells from cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) and PBMCs in a time-dependent manner, but not from PFMCs. After stimulation with Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens, CXCR3⁺CCR4^-CD4⁺ T-cells were dominated by multifunctional T-helper 1 cells; however, CXCR3⁺CCR4⁺CD4⁺ T-cells exhibited cytotoxicity and degranulation by expressing granzyme B, perforin, CD107a/b and tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that CXCR3 or CCR4 expression on CD4⁺ T-cells had different biological activities against tuberculous infection, and could be a potential marker for the diagnosis of TB.

[Clavien-Dindo classification and influencing factors analysis of complications after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy]

Objective: To semi-quantify the postoperative complications occurred after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD) using Clavien-Dindo score, thereafter exploring its impact factors. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, the clinical data of 124 patients who had undergone LPD for periampullary tumor from June 2016 to June 2017 at Department of Biliary Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology were collected.Malignancy was confirmed based on postoperative pathological reports.Postoperative complications were semi-quantitated using Clavien-Dindo score.Multivariable logistic regression model was applied to explore the factors related to severe complications(Clavien-Dindo Ⅲb-Ⅴ). Results: Of the 124 patients, there were 64 males(51.6%) and 60 females(48.4%), with age of 57 years(range, 23-82 years). In total, postoperative complications occurred in 30 patients(24.2%). Among the 30 patients, 4 patients suffered Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅰ, 18 patients(14.5%) suffered Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅱ, 6 patients(4.8%) suffered Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅲa, 1 patient(0.1%) suffered Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅳb, and 1 patient(0.1%) suffered Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅴ.Intraabdominal hemorrhage occurred in 8 patients, pancreatic fistula was found in 10 patients(7 patients had biochemical leakage and 3 of them had grade B pancreatic fistula), both biliary fistula and gastrointestinal fistula were found in 1 patient.Abdominal infection occurred in 10 patients, both liver failure and renal failure occurred in one patient.Moreover, arrhythmia was found in two patients, and mortality occurred in one patient.Five patients suffered multiple complications.Univariable analysis showed that postoperative complications were associated with body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA) score, intraoperative blood transfusion, and pancreatic texture(P<0.05). In multivariable logistic regression, ASA grade Ⅲ, intraoperative blood transfusion, and pancreatic softness were independently related to postoperative complications after LPD(P<0.05). Conclusions: Clavien-Dindo score is feasible to be applied in management of patients with LPD.ASA score, texture of pancreas, and intraoperative blood transfusion were independently associated with postoperative complications.

Five alternative splicing variants of the TYR gene and their different roles in melanogenesis in the Muchuan black-boned chicken

1. The TYR gene encodes tyrosinase, a multifunctional enzyme that is essential for melanin biosynthesis in melanocytes. This experiment involved the cloning and characterisation of the TYR gene in chicken. Five alternative splice variants were identified in the black feather bulb and designated as TYR-AS1, TYR-AS2, TYR-AS3, TYR-AS4 and TYR-AS5. 2. Among the 11 chicken tissues examined, the feather bulb, comb and skin showed higher levels of all TYR variants. All TYR variants were expressed at significantly different levels in black and white feather bulbs (P < 0.05) and may be involved in melanin formation in plumage. Only TYR-AS1, which plays an important role in muscle melanogenesis, was significantly differentially expressed between black and white muscle (P < 0.01). All TYR variants were expressed at significantly different levels in black and white skin (P < 0.01). 3. The mRNA expression levels of the 5 variants were closely associated with skin melanogenesis in the chicken. These findings provide new clues to the molecular mechanism of melanin formation in the Muchuan black-boned chicken.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate selectively activates vagal afferent C-fiber subtype in guinea pig esophagus

BACKGROUND

Activation and sensitization of visceral afferent nerves by inflammatory mediators play important roles in visceral nociception. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a lipid with intracellular and extracellular functions. Extracellularly, it can act as an autacoid via interactions with S1P receptors. The present study aims to determine the effect of S1P on esophageal vagal afferent nerve functions.

METHODS

Extracellular single-unit recordings were performed in ex vivo guinea pig esophageal-vagal preparations. The action potentials (APs) evoked by mechanical distension and chemical perfusions applied to the vagal afferent nerve endings in the esophagus were recorded at their intact neuronal cell bodies in either nodose or jugular ganglia. The effects of S1P and its receptor subtype agonists on vagal afferents were recorded and compared. The expression of S1P receptors (S1PR1-3) in esophageal-labeled vagal nodose and jugular neurons was studied by single-cell RT-PCR.

KEY RESULTS

Sphingosine-1-phosphate evoked AP discharges in almost all esophageal jugular but not nodose C-fibers without changing their responses to esophageal distension. Esophageal-labeled vagal nodose and jugular neurons highly expressed transcripts of S1PR1 and S1PR3. Agonists of S1PR1 and S1PR3 each partially mimicked S1P-induced effect in jugular C-fibers, suggesting that these receptors may contribute partially to S1P-induced activation effect on esophageal jugular C-fiber subtype.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

These data, for the first time, demonstrated a selective activation effect of S1P on vagal afferent nerve subtype in the gastrointestinal tract. This may help to better understand its role in visceral inflammatory nociception.

A Collaborative Data Collection Scheme Based on Optimal Clustering for Wireless Sensor Networks

In recent years, energy-efficient data collection has evolved into the core problem in the resource-constrained Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). Different from existing data collection models in WSNs, we propose a collaborative data collection scheme based on optimal clustering to collect the sensed data in an energy-efficient and load-balanced manner. After dividing the data collection process into the intra-cluster data collection step and the inter-cluster data collection step, we model the optimal clustering problem as a separable convex optimization problem and solve it to obtain the analytical solutions of the optimal clustering size and the optimal data transmission radius. Then, we design a Cluster Heads (CHs)-linking algorithm based on the pseudo Hilbert curve to build a CH chain with the goal of collecting the compressed sensed data among CHs in an accumulative way. Furthermore, we also design a distributed cluster-constructing algorithm to construct the clusters around the virtual CHs in a distributed manner. The experimental results show that the proposed method not only reduces the total energy consumption and prolongs the network lifetime, but also effectively balances the distribution of energy consumption among CHs. By comparing it o the existing compression-based and non-compression-based data collection schemes, the average reductions of energy consumption are 17.9% and 67.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the average network lifetime extends no less than 20-times under the same comparison.

Waist-hip ratio as a predictor of myocardial infarction risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Several studies have identified that obesity and being overweight can increase the risk of developing myocardial infarction (MI). However, the predictive value of the central obesity index, that is, the waist-hip ratio (WHR), regarding MI risk remains unclear. This study aimed to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of WHR as a predictor of MI incidence.

METHODS

This study used relevant keywords and MeSH terms to identify studies of MI risk and WHR from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases in November 2017.

RESULTS

We conducted a meta-analysis of 12 case-control studies in 14 eligible trials and further explored whether the predictive value of WHR on MI risk varies according to sex. The results showed that a high WHR increased MI risk (pooled odds ratio [OR] 2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.02-3.39, P < 0.00001) and that elevated WHR is more strongly predictive of MI in women than in men (pooled OR 4.63, 95% CI 3.28-6.53 in women; pooled OR 2.71, 95% CI 2.15-3.41 in men).

CONCLUSIONS

MI is significantly associated with increased WHR, with a stronger association among women.

A case of metastatic cutaneous melanoma to the liver

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) with liver lesions is uncommon in Asia and found in only 14-20% of all cases. Here, we report the case of a 70-year-old male patient with cutaneous melanoma with metastases to the liver. Computerized tomography (CT) revealed multiple hepatic cystic lesions, and hepatic puncture biopsy was used for definitive diagnostics. The primary lesion was found on the patient’s scalp. We briefly reviewed the literature to summarize the recent progress in diagnosis and treatment of metastatic cutaneous melanoma. Examination of pathology data is still considered the gold standard of diagnosis, while imaging is used to detect metastases, assess the stage of disease and monitor the patients. Metastasectomy, whenever possible, may benefit most patients. Systemic therapies remain the mainstay of the treatment, with some important breakthroughs reported in the recent years. New treatments, such as adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation, are still in the early stages.

Effects of high pressure on the ferromagnetism and in-plane electrical transport of (Ba0.904K0.096)(Zn0.805Mn0.195)2As2 single crystal

Pressure technique is an effective way to modify magnetic properties of diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS). Based on single crystal, in-plane electrical transport properties of a new generation DMS (Ba_0.904K_0.096)(Zn_0.805Mn_0.195)₂As₂ have been measured with hydrostatic pressure up to 1.8 GPa. Magnetic properties of the single crystal sample are effectively tuned by pressure. Upon compression, the in-plane resistivity initially decreases but then increases when pressure is higher than 1.2 GPa. First principle calculations suggest that decrease of the resistivity is due to enhancement of density of state at Femi energy while increase of the resistivity under higher pressure is caused by distorted MnAs₄ tetrahedra. We reveal that the configuration of the MnAs₄ tetrahedra and strength of interlayer As-As bonding are of importance to ferromagnetic coupling of (Ba,K)(Zn,Mn)₂As₂.

Gene cloning and difference analysis of vitellogenin in Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes)

Neoseiulus barkeri (HUGHES) is the natural enemy of spider mites, whiteflies and thrips. Screening for chemically-resistant predatory mites is a practical way to balance the contradiction between the pesticide using and biological control. In this study, the number of eggs laid by fenpropathrin-susceptible and resistant strains of N. barkeri was compared. Additionally, we cloned three N. barkeri vitellogenin (Vg) genes and used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to quantify Vg expression in susceptible and resistant strains. The total number of eggs significantly increased in the fenpropathrin-resistant strain. The full-length cDNA cloning of three N. barkeri Vg genes (NbVg1, NbVg2 and NbVg3) revealed that the open reading frames of NbVg1, NbVg2 and NbVg3 were 5571, 5532 and 4728 bp, encoding 1856, 1843 and 1575 amino acids, respectively. The three N. barkeri Vg possessed the Vitellogenin-N domain (or lipoprotein N-terminal domain (LPD_N)), von Willebrand factor type D domain (VWD) and the domain with unknown function 1943 (DUF1943). The NbVg1 and NbVg2 expression levels were significantly higher in the resistant strain than in the susceptible strain, while the NbVg3 expression level was lower in the resistant strain. Thus, we speculate that the increased number of eggs laid by the fenpropathrin-resistant strain of N. barkeri may be a consequence of changes in Vg gene expression.

Abstract PD3-08: A randomized phase II trial of pyrotinib plus capecitabine versus lapatinib plus capecitabine in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer previously treated with taxanes, anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab

Background:Pyrotinib is an oral, irreversible pan-ErbB receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with activity against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) / HER1, HER2, and HER4. Lapatinib in combination with capecitabine is one of the standards of care for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who have received prior taxanes, anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab.

Methods: We conducted an open label, multicenter, randomized phase II trial to comparatively evaluate efficacy and safety of pyrotinib + capecitabine (PC) or lapatinib + capecitabine (LC) in women with HER2-positive MBC. Key eligibility criteria included prior treatment with taxanes, anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab, ≤2 prior chemotherapies for metastatic disease, no CNS metastases, and no prior treatment with HER2 targeted TKI. Eligible patients were randomized 1:1 to PC Arm (P 400 mg QD D1–21 + C 1000 mg/m2BID D1–14, 21-D cycle) or LC Arm (L 1250 mg QD D1–21 + C 1000 mg/m2BID D1–14, 21-D cycle). The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) as assessed by investigator, and secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), time to progression (TTP), duration of response (DoR), overall survival (OS), and safety.

Results: Between May 2015 and Mar 2016, 128 patients (65 in PC arm and 63 in LC arm) were enrolled in this study. Median age was 48 years (range 25-70), ECOG performance status was 0 (53.9%) or 1 (46.1%), 62.5% had hormone receptor-positive disease, 76.6% had visceral disease and 53.9% had received prior trastuzumab in (neo)adjuvant and/or mestastatic setting. Baseline characteristics were well balanced in two arms. Median follow-up time was 15.0 months. ORR was 78.5% in PC arm and 57.1% in LC arm (p=0.01), Median PFS was 18.1 months in PC arm and 7.0 months in LC arm (hazard ratio 0.363; 95% CI 0.228, 0.579; p&lt;0.0001), PFS benefit in PC arm compared to LC arm was observed irrespective of prior trastuzumab or not. Treatment related Grade 3-4 toxicities occurred in &gt;2% patients in PC arm vs LC arm included hand-foot syndrome (21.5% vs 19.0%), diarrhea (13.8% vs 4.8%), decreased neutrophil (7.7% vs 1.6%), decreased WBC (6.2% vs 1.6%), vomiting (4.6% vs 0%), increased AST (3.1% vs 1.6%), decreased hemoglobin (3.1% vs 1.6%), increased total bilirubin (0% vs 4.8%) and increased conjugated bilirubin (0% vs 3.2%).

Conclusions: In women with HER2-positive MBC previously treated with taxanes, anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab, pyrotinib + capecitabine yield statistically significant better PFS and ORR than lapatinib + capecitabine in this randomized phase II trial. Phase III study is ongoing to validate this finding.

Citation Format: Xu B, Ma F, Ouyang Q, Li W, Jiang Z, Tong Z, Liu Y, Li H, Yu S, Feng J, Wang S, Hu X, Zhu X, Zou J. A randomized phase II trial of pyrotinib plus capecitabine versus lapatinib plus capecitabine in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer previously treated with taxanes, anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD3-08.

Effects of Coupled Plasma Filtration Adsorption on Immune Function of Patients with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

Objective

To investigate the effects of coupled plasma filtration adsorption (CPFA) on the immune function of patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).

Methods

This study was a prospective, pilot, before-and-after self-crossover, clinical trial. Seven patients diagnosed with MODS and severe infection were randomly allocated to both 10 hours of CPFA and 10 hours of high-volume hemofiltration (HVHF) with a 12-hour interval and in random order. Serum concentrations of 7 cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2 (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) were measured during each treatment. The HLA-DR expression by the blood monocytes and the TNF-α production by the patients’ blood (both spontaneous and lipopolysaccharide stimulated) were tested before and after the treatment. TNF-α production of normal human monocytes (THP-1 cells) incubated in vitro with the patient plasma was also measured.

Results

During CPFA, the fall in serum TNF-α and rise in serum IL-1Ra coincided with the rise in ratios of sTNFR2/TNF-α and IL-1Ra/IL-1β (p<0.05), which were different from those seen within HVHF (p<0.05). HLA-DR expression increased after CPFA (84.32% ± 4.63% vs. 73.65% ± 11.52%, p=0.037), but there was no change after HVHF (p>0.05). Spontaneous and lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α production increased over time with CPFA (p=0.038, p=0.034, respectively), but did not change with HVHF (p>0.05). Patient plasma suppressed the production of TNF-α by cultured normal monocytes. This effect decreased over time with CPFA (p=0.041), but there was no effect with HVHF (p>0.05).

Conclusions

CPFA was superior to HVHF in increasing the ratios of antiinflammatory to proinflammatory mediators, improving antigen presentation ability, and restoring leukocyte responsiveness. These findings suggest a potential role for CPFA in the treatment of MODS.

Amyloid β causes excitation/inhibition imbalance through dopamine receptor 1-dependent disruption of fast-spiking GABAergic input in anterior cingulate cortex

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. At the early stages of AD development, the soluble β-amyloid (Aβ) induces synaptic dysfunction, perturbs the excitation/inhibition balance of neural circuitries, and in turn alters the normal neural network activity leading to cognitive decline, but the underlying mechanisms are not well established. Here by using whole-cell recordings in acute mouse brain slices, we found that 50 nM Aβ induces hyperexcitability of excitatory pyramidal cells in the cingulate cortex, one of the most vulnerable areas in AD, via depressing inhibitory synaptic transmission. Furthermore, by simultaneously recording multiple cells, we discovered that the inhibitory innervation of pyramidal cells from fast-spiking (FS) interneurons instead of non-FS interneurons is dramatically disrupted by Aβ, and perturbation of the presynaptic inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release underlies this inhibitory input disruption. Finally, we identified the increased dopamine action on dopamine D1 receptor of FS interneurons as a key pathological factor that contributes to GABAergic input perturbation and excitation/inhibition imbalance caused by Aβ. Thus, we conclude that the dopamine receptor 1-dependent disruption of FS GABAergic inhibitory input plays a critical role in Aβ-induced excitation/inhibition imbalance in anterior cingulate cortex.

Cost-effective peri-operative pain management: assuring a happy patient after total knee arthroplasty

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal regimen for the management of pain following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by comparing the outcomes and cost-effectiveness of different protocols implemented at a large, urban, academic medical centre.

Patients and Methods

Between September 2013 and September 2015, we used a series of modifications to our standard regimen for the management of pain after TKA. In May 2014, there was a department-wide transition from protocols focused on femoral nerve blocks (FNB) to periarticular injections of liposomal bupivacaine. In February 2015, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) was removed from the protocol while continuing liposomal bupivacaine injections. Quality measures and hospital costs were compared between the three protocols.

Results

The cohort being treated with PCA-less liposomal bupivacaine injections had a significantly higher percentage of patients who were discharged to their home (p = 0.010) and a significantly shorter length of stay (p < 0.001). Patient-reported Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores relating to pain being “well-controlled” and “overall pain management” also favoured this cohort (p = 0.214 and p = 0.463, respectively), in which cost was significantly lower compared with the other two cohorts (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

The replacement of FNBs injections and the removal of PCAs, both of which are known to be associated with high rates of adverse outcomes, and the addition of liposomal bupivacaine periarticular injections to a multimodal pain regimen, led to improvements in many quality measures, HCAHPS pain scores, and cost-effectiveness.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B(1 Supple A):55–61.

Osteochondral Interface Stiffening in Mandibular Condylar Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is associated with dental biomechanics. A major change during OA progression is the ossification of the osteochondral interface. This study investigated the formation, radiological detectability, and mechanical property of the osteochondral interface at an early stage, the pathogenesis significance of which in OA progression is of clinical interest and remains elusive for the TMJ. Unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC) was performed on 6-wk-old rats as we previously reported. TMJs were harvested at 4, 12, and 20 wk. The progression of TMJ OA was evaluated using a modified Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score system. Osteochondral interface was investigated by quantifying the thickness via von Kossa staining of histological slices and in vivo calcium deposition by calcein injection. Tissue ossification was imaged by micro-computed tomography (CT). Mechanical properties were measured at nanoscale using dynamic indentation. Time-dependent TMJ cartilage lesions were elicited by UAC treatment. Geometric change of the condyle head and increased value of the OARSI score were evident in UAC TMJs. At the osteochondral interface, there was not only enhanced deep-zone cartilage calcification but also calcium deposition at the osseous boundary. The thickness, density, and stiffness of the osteochondral interface were all significantly increased. The enhanced ossification of the osteochondral interface is a joint outcome of the aberrant deeper cartilage calcification at the superior region and promoted formation of subchondral cortical bone at the inferior region. The micro-CT detectable ossification from an early stage thus is of diagnostic significance. Although the environment of the cartilage and subchondral bone could be changed due to the stiffness of the interface, whether or not the stiffened interface would accelerate OA progress remains to be confirmed. With that evidence, the osteochondral interface could be a new diagnostic and therapeutic target of the mechanically initiated OA in the TMJ.

Heterometallic hexanuclear Ni4M2 (M = Dy, Y) complexes: structure and single-molecule magnet for the Dy(iii) derivative

We report here a 3d–4f heterometallic hexanuclear Ni₄Dy₂ single-molecule magnet with an S-shaped double-pocket skeleton.

[Clinical analysis of cervical lymph node metastasis of cN0 maxillary malignant tumor]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the cervical lymphatic metastasis rates of clinically negative neck lymph node (cN0) maxillary malignant tumors, to compare the cervical lymphatic metastasis rates of the various pathological types, and to provide the reference for the treatment of the neck of the patients with cN0 maxillary malignant tumor.

METHODS

The clinical data of 277 cases with cN0 maxillary malignant tumor, treated in the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from 1990 to 2010, were reviewed. The cervical lymph node metastasis and the related clinical information were recorded. The clinical information including histopathology type of the tumors, tumor grade, primary site and TNM staging, as well as other demographic and clinical data, were retrieved from the electronic medical record system (EMRS) of the hospital. The pathogenesis of cervical lymph node metastasis in maxillary malignant tumors of different histopathological types, and the factors related to lymph node metastasis of upper cervical malignancy were analyzed by SPSS 19.0 statistical software.

RESULTS

The overall cervical lymph node metastasis rate of the 277 patients with cN0 maxillary malignant tumor was 15.5% (43/277). Maxillary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) had a strong cervical lymph node metastasis tendency and the rate was 33.0%. The overall metastatic rate of adenocarcinoma was 7.6% lower than that of SCC, and the occurrence of cervical lymph node metastasis time was relatively late, but the metastasis rate of highly malignant grade salivary gland carcinoma was significantly higher than that of intermediate and low grade carcinoma (P=0.037). The metastatic rates of some highly malignant cN0 salivary gland carcinomas including adenocarcinoma, not other specified, high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), and salivary duct carcinoma were exceeded 15%, while the metastasis rates of adenoid cystic carcinoma and myoepithelial carcinoma were lower. The metastasis rate of the sarcomas was very low with the rate of 4.9%.

CONCLUSION

Selective neck dissection (SND) is recommended for cN0 maxillary SCC and feasible for some highly malignant cN0 salivary gland carcinomas including adenocarcinoma, not other specified, high-grade MEC, salivary duct carcinoma. The neck can be closely observed for the patients with maxillary sarcoma.

Emerging technologies for home-based semen analysis

With about 70 million cases of infertility worldwide, half of which are caused by male factors, sperm analysis is critical to determine male fertility potential. Conventional semen analysis methods involve complex and manual inspection with a microscope, and these methods are labor intensive and can take several days. Due to unavailability of rapid, convenient, and user-friendly semen analysis tools, many men do not seek medical evaluation, especially in resource-constrained settings. Furthermore, as conventional methods have to be conducted in the laboratories, many men are unwilling to be tested as a result of social stigma in certain regions of the world. One solution can be found in at-home sperm analysis, which allows men to test their semen without the hassle of going to and paying for a clinic. Herein, we examine current at-home sperm analysis technologies and compare them to the traditional laboratory-based methods. In addition, we discuss emerging sperm analysis approaches and describe their limitations and future directions.

Imaging spectroscopy of solar radio burst fine structures

Solar radio observations provide a unique diagnostic of the outer solar atmosphere. However, the inhomogeneous turbulent corona strongly affects the propagation of the emitted radio waves, so decoupling the intrinsic properties of the emitting source from the effects of radio wave propagation has long been a major challenge in solar physics. Here we report quantitative spatial and frequency characterization of solar radio burst fine structures observed with the Low Frequency Array, an instrument with high-time resolution that also permits imaging at scales much shorter than those corresponding to radio wave propagation in the corona. The observations demonstrate that radio wave propagation effects, and not the properties of the intrinsic emission source, dominate the observed spatial characteristics of radio burst images. These results permit more accurate estimates of source brightness temperatures, and open opportunities for quantitative study of the mechanisms that create the turbulent coronal medium through which the emitted radiation propagates.

Radio observations of the solar atmosphere provide a unique view on the non-thermal processes in the outer atmosphere. Here the authors use LOFAR observations to demonstrate that the observed radio burst characteristics are dominated by propagation effects rather than underlying emission variations.

Single Crystal Growth and Spin Polarization Measurements of Diluted Magnetic Semiconductor (BaK)(ZnMn)2As2

Recently a new diluted magnetic semiconductor, (Ba,K)(Zn,Mn)2As2 (BZA), with high Curie temperature was discovered, showing an independent spin and charge-doping mechanism. This makes BZA a promising material for spintronics devices. We report the successful growth of a BZA single crystal for the first time in this study. An Andreev reflection junction, which can be used to evaluate spin polarization, was fabricated based on the BZA single crystal. A 66% spin polarization of the BZA single crystal was obtained by Andreev reflection spectroscopy analysis.

Expression and localisation of FSHR, GHR and LHR in different tissues and reproductive organs of female yaks

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the expression and localisation of fol-licle stimulating hormone receptor/growth hormone receptor/luteinising hormone receptor (FSHR/GHR/LHR) in different tissues and examine the regulatory effects of FSHR/GHR/LHR in the reproductive organs of female yaks during luteal phase.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry assays were utilised to analyse the expression and localisation of FSHR/GHR/LHR in different tissues on female yaks.

RESULTS

The qRT-PCR results showed that the mRNA expressions of FSHR/GHR/ /LHR were significantly different in the non-reproductive organs (p < 0.01); the highest expression level was observed in the kidney, cerebellum and lung, whereas the lower expression level was observed in the liver and spleen. Im-munohistochemistry assay results showed that FSHR/GHR/LHR were located in kidney tubules, Purkinje cells, cerebellar medulla, alveolar cells and hepato-cytes. In addition, the expression levels of FSHR and GHR were considerably higher than LHR in the reproductive organs of female yaks during luteal phase (p < 0.01). FSHR/GHR/LHR were located in cardiac muscle cells, cerebellar medulla, and theca cell lining of reproductive organs. Furthermore, the expression level of FSHR was higher than those of GHR and LHR in all examined tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, the expression and localisation of FSHR/GHR/LHR possibly helped to evaluate the effects of them in tissue specific expression on female yaks, investigate the function and mechanism of FSHR/GHR/LHR in the reproductive organs of female yaks during luteal phase. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 2: 301-309).

Genetic variation in the MITF promoter affects skin colour and transcriptional activity in black-boned chickens

1. Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) plays a pivotal role in melanocyte development by regulating the transcription of major pigmentation enzymes (e.g. TYR, TYRP1 and DCT). A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), c.-638T>C, was identified in the MITF promoter, and genotyping of a population (n = 426) revealed that SNP c.-638T>C was associated with skin colour in black-boned chickens. 2. Individuals with genotypes CC and TC exhibited greater MTIF expression than those with genotype TT. Luciferase assays also revealed that genotype CC and TC promoters had higher activity levels than genotype TT. Expression of melanogenesis-related gene (TYR) was higher in the skin of chickens with the CC and CT genotype compared to TT chickens (P < 0.05). 3. Transcription factor-binding site analyses showed that the c.-638C allele contains a putative binding site for transcription factor sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 2, aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator, transcription factor binding to IGHM enhancer 3 and upstream transcription factor 2. In contrast, the c.-638T allele contains binding sites for Sp3 transcription factor and Krüppel-like factor 1. 4. It was concluded that MITF promoter polymorphisms affected chicken skin colour. SNP c.-638T>C could be used for the marker-assisted selection of skin colour in black-boned chicken breeding.